Showing posts with label blackest night. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blackest night. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Death of Supergirl homage art
So, about a year or so ago I had in mind a post where I would collect all the homages to the Death of Supergirl cover I could find. This post has been sat in my draft page since December 2009. I thought I'd do something about it and actually post the damn thing.
For clarity, here is the original image, from the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi series, issue #7:
For clarity, here is the original image, from the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi series, issue #7:
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Blue Lantern Corps
I'm not finding the time to blgo in detail about things. So let's have some picture spam over the next few days!
I'm a sucker for oaths I really am. And who doesn't need a little hope? The colours are so beautiful in this page too.
I'm a sucker for oaths I really am. And who doesn't need a little hope? The colours are so beautiful in this page too.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Who shall wear the rings?
Thinking back on Blackest Night, I reckon the rings went to some of the wrong people (no shit I hear you cry). So, I'd like to have seen them go to these people:
Orange (Avarice): Lex Luthor. The canon choice works for me.
Yellow (Fear): Scarecrow. As for Lex. The guy peddles in fear, an obvious choice.
Green (Willpower): Hal. Well why not. Superman Red Son: Elseworlds convinced me of his willpower even if the GL comics didn't.
Blue (Hope): Superman. Because, c'mon. he's the foremost icon within the DCU. The symbol of all that is good and all that humanity can strive for. He keeps our egos in check and makes everyone who meets him feel like they can be a better person and make a difference in the world (unless you're a villain, then you're fucked).
Indigo (Compassion): Wonder Woman. As was noted in the blogosphere at the time, Diana's emotions and feelings for the world are centred around compassion, not love. Making her the pink lantern was a supremely sexist choice, made worse by that godawful outfit.
Violet/Pink (Love): Wally West. Because of Linda being his anchor. Those two are, to me, the most perfect example of love within the DCU. More so than the Hawks.
Thsi leaves Red (Rage). Mera didn't really work for me, her transition to Red Lantern felt forced, altho once turned, she made a very good angry vomity hero. I really don't know who I'd pick. If this had all occured back when Kara was new returning to the DCU, she'd have been a good choice. If somewhat ineffective (because I feel that she wasn't trained well enough and would be a loose cannon. Maybe that would make her very effective, I don't know).
Guy got a red ring then was cured, so I don't want to count him.
Other than that I came up with the Hulk. Yeha I know, wrong universe. I'm not too good on DCU villains (other than the rogues who certainly aren't rage filled).
What do you all reckon? If I get enough answers I'll put up a poll.
Orange (Avarice): Lex Luthor. The canon choice works for me.
Yellow (Fear): Scarecrow. As for Lex. The guy peddles in fear, an obvious choice.
Green (Willpower): Hal. Well why not. Superman Red Son: Elseworlds convinced me of his willpower even if the GL comics didn't.
Blue (Hope): Superman. Because, c'mon. he's the foremost icon within the DCU. The symbol of all that is good and all that humanity can strive for. He keeps our egos in check and makes everyone who meets him feel like they can be a better person and make a difference in the world (unless you're a villain, then you're fucked).
Indigo (Compassion): Wonder Woman. As was noted in the blogosphere at the time, Diana's emotions and feelings for the world are centred around compassion, not love. Making her the pink lantern was a supremely sexist choice, made worse by that godawful outfit.
Violet/Pink (Love): Wally West. Because of Linda being his anchor. Those two are, to me, the most perfect example of love within the DCU. More so than the Hawks.
Thsi leaves Red (Rage). Mera didn't really work for me, her transition to Red Lantern felt forced, altho once turned, she made a very good angry vomity hero. I really don't know who I'd pick. If this had all occured back when Kara was new returning to the DCU, she'd have been a good choice. If somewhat ineffective (because I feel that she wasn't trained well enough and would be a loose cannon. Maybe that would make her very effective, I don't know).
Guy got a red ring then was cured, so I don't want to count him.
Other than that I came up with the Hulk. Yeha I know, wrong universe. I'm not too good on DCU villains (other than the rogues who certainly aren't rage filled).
What do you all reckon? If I get enough answers I'll put up a poll.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Blackest Night is over
Boo hoo. Well I got #8, so be warned, thar be spoilers ahead. arr...
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So, this was all quite exciting. Sinestro got chucked out of the White Corps. All the resurrected heroes became White Lanterns and brought Black Hand back to life, then destroyed Nekron. The Anti Monitor is alive again (that'll spell trouble), Maxwell Lord is alive again (and still mind controlling people, which will lead to even more trouble), Arthur and Mera got reunited (and I nearly cried but that's because I have the hangover blues today), and Kendra remembers all her past lives and fell into Carter's arms (won't that mean they are due to die again soon?).
Not everyone has been resurrected tho - Green Arrow, Ice and J'onn J'onzz are back, which is great. Boomer isn't, which makes me sad. I thought he was great as Kara's friend and his character had a lot of promise, especially when we look at what he went through in Blackest Night. I would have really liked to see Gen (half of Firestorm) back but oh no she's still dead. Bah.
I'm happy that Osiris is back but where are Black Adam and Isis? And of course Ralph and Sue aren't there. Not that I am too bothered about them but lots of people, in the DCU and in the fanbase, do care about them. Also, where are Garth and Dolphin? I love Dolphin and didn't feel that we got enough of her when she was around.
I wonder how much the dead ex Black Lanterns remember of their time as corpses? Not much I bet, judging by their reactions (which was very nicely done). I would like to find out but as I won't be buying Brightest Day, the rest of you comics bloggers will just have to keep me up to date.
I'd also like to know what happens to Black Hand. He's been taken away by the Indigo tribe, chained up and looks sort of mind controlled, which doesn't seem very compassionate, but then again maybe this is their way of being compassionate to the rest of the universe. They've never been particularly friendly or supportive of other Lanterns/heroes so these actions of kidnap don't surprise me.
I reread all of Blackest Night this evening, just the main series mind, and came to the conclusion that it reads much better with all the tie ins. The main story is like a brief overview of the events, and while it isn't neccessary to know what's happening in each spin off mini, you will get a deeper enjoyment if you read the tie ins. Without the tie ins it seems rushed and brief. It's also very dependent on having a good knowledge of the DCU and it's history.
What else can I say about this? The fold out splash page thing made me feel like I was fourteen and reading Smash Hits!. There's been some great action figures come out of this event. If I had the money and space I would be buying:
Black Lantern Wonder Woman
Black Lantern Hawkman
Black Lantern Hawkgirl
Black Lantern Aquaman
Black Lantern Martian Manhunter
Indigo Ray Palmer
Red Lantern Mera
White Lantern Wonder Woman? Do you think they'll do one?
But, that would double my action figure collection so is probably a no no. Oh well.
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So, this was all quite exciting. Sinestro got chucked out of the White Corps. All the resurrected heroes became White Lanterns and brought Black Hand back to life, then destroyed Nekron. The Anti Monitor is alive again (that'll spell trouble), Maxwell Lord is alive again (and still mind controlling people, which will lead to even more trouble), Arthur and Mera got reunited (and I nearly cried but that's because I have the hangover blues today), and Kendra remembers all her past lives and fell into Carter's arms (won't that mean they are due to die again soon?).
Not everyone has been resurrected tho - Green Arrow, Ice and J'onn J'onzz are back, which is great. Boomer isn't, which makes me sad. I thought he was great as Kara's friend and his character had a lot of promise, especially when we look at what he went through in Blackest Night. I would have really liked to see Gen (half of Firestorm) back but oh no she's still dead. Bah.
I'm happy that Osiris is back but where are Black Adam and Isis? And of course Ralph and Sue aren't there. Not that I am too bothered about them but lots of people, in the DCU and in the fanbase, do care about them. Also, where are Garth and Dolphin? I love Dolphin and didn't feel that we got enough of her when she was around.
I wonder how much the dead ex Black Lanterns remember of their time as corpses? Not much I bet, judging by their reactions (which was very nicely done). I would like to find out but as I won't be buying Brightest Day, the rest of you comics bloggers will just have to keep me up to date.
I'd also like to know what happens to Black Hand. He's been taken away by the Indigo tribe, chained up and looks sort of mind controlled, which doesn't seem very compassionate, but then again maybe this is their way of being compassionate to the rest of the universe. They've never been particularly friendly or supportive of other Lanterns/heroes so these actions of kidnap don't surprise me.
I reread all of Blackest Night this evening, just the main series mind, and came to the conclusion that it reads much better with all the tie ins. The main story is like a brief overview of the events, and while it isn't neccessary to know what's happening in each spin off mini, you will get a deeper enjoyment if you read the tie ins. Without the tie ins it seems rushed and brief. It's also very dependent on having a good knowledge of the DCU and it's history.
What else can I say about this? The fold out splash page thing made me feel like I was fourteen and reading Smash Hits!. There's been some great action figures come out of this event. If I had the money and space I would be buying:
Black Lantern Wonder Woman
Black Lantern Hawkman
Black Lantern Hawkgirl
Black Lantern Aquaman
Black Lantern Martian Manhunter
Indigo Ray Palmer
Red Lantern Mera
White Lantern Wonder Woman? Do you think they'll do one?
But, that would double my action figure collection so is probably a no no. Oh well.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The best part of last week's GLC?
Zombie refridgerator. Heck yeah! Supergirl was also pretty good, actually no, it was very good. I didn't buy Last Stand of New Krypton but still had no problem following the story. Kara was great, the Legion was good, Conner was fun, Alura is likeable and all in all it was a very good read.
I have also just used Skype for the first time. Colour me impressed. I am astounded that we have the tech to do this. Now, if they can just sort out the time delay/catch up problem and make it an effective method for signers to use I'll be really happy.
I have also just used Skype for the first time. Colour me impressed. I am astounded that we have the tech to do this. Now, if they can just sort out the time delay/catch up problem and make it an effective method for signers to use I'll be really happy.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Blackest Night: JSA #3
Spoilers ahead.
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Well this was a whole lot better than I expected! A fine end to the mini.
The art was off - I wish artists would understand how boobs and boob windows worked. For example, look here. The lady's breasts are big. The window is big, but it is high, not wide, or low. Boob windows that are as low as those seen in this comic will not hold boobs in. They will spill out, even if you have Kryptonian super boobs. Especially if you have Kryptonian super boobs that are somehow pushed up, possibly by an invisible super bra. Push up bras are not very good at keeping you in one place. At leats mine aren't, and I have pretty large boobs. Gaah.
And her costume mysteriously changes to her old non windowed one for one panel.
Aside from that, the colours are nice and the story is good. We open with BL Superman giving us a run down on his life. Then we cut to the present moment and Mr Terrific is building a thunderbolt bomb that will wipe out the Black Lanterns in the area and it's up to the rest of the JSA to delay BL Supes. Unfortunately thsi Kal -L is trying to thrash Power Girl. When she's collapsed, he's ripping through the rest of the JSA like flies. Jesse Quick is running with her father, enjoying having him back, but knowing that it's not really real.
What I loved about this is how the heroes are not fooled anymore. Karen knows that this Supes is not real and she's doing her damndest to stop him. And stop him she does. The rest of the group are all clued up, even Jesse and they all work together to destroy them.
I don't have any scans of this comic, but I did find some scans of the latest Wonder Woman issue, which show just how awesome Power Girl is. She and Wondy are fighting, in America:
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Well this was a whole lot better than I expected! A fine end to the mini.
The art was off - I wish artists would understand how boobs and boob windows worked. For example, look here. The lady's breasts are big. The window is big, but it is high, not wide, or low. Boob windows that are as low as those seen in this comic will not hold boobs in. They will spill out, even if you have Kryptonian super boobs. Especially if you have Kryptonian super boobs that are somehow pushed up, possibly by an invisible super bra. Push up bras are not very good at keeping you in one place. At leats mine aren't, and I have pretty large boobs. Gaah.
And her costume mysteriously changes to her old non windowed one for one panel.
Aside from that, the colours are nice and the story is good. We open with BL Superman giving us a run down on his life. Then we cut to the present moment and Mr Terrific is building a thunderbolt bomb that will wipe out the Black Lanterns in the area and it's up to the rest of the JSA to delay BL Supes. Unfortunately thsi Kal -L is trying to thrash Power Girl. When she's collapsed, he's ripping through the rest of the JSA like flies. Jesse Quick is running with her father, enjoying having him back, but knowing that it's not really real.
What I loved about this is how the heroes are not fooled anymore. Karen knows that this Supes is not real and she's doing her damndest to stop him. And stop him she does. The rest of the group are all clued up, even Jesse and they all work together to destroy them.
I don't have any scans of this comic, but I did find some scans of the latest Wonder Woman issue, which show just how awesome Power Girl is. She and Wondy are fighting, in America:
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Green Arrow: Blackest Night #30
Spoilers ahoy!!
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Holy crop this was good!
First, the cover is a homage to an old cover:
Then...they kill Ollie.
This issue was fantastic. It garners many plus points.
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Holy crop this was good!
First, the cover is a homage to an old cover:
A homage, and gorgeous! on the homage, Ollie is saying 'The blackest night falls from the skies, the darkness grows as all light dies!'
The art inside is equally gorgeous. Except Mia is in her old red costume, and if this is in continuity, where's her black costume? And except for a couple of panels of Dinah, where she looks like shes' had neck broken. And the rest where her boobs look dangerously close to spilling out. (What is with bad boob clothing this week?). Connor's mum also looks black - I thought she was asian. Maybe i'm wrong. And the final shot is one of Dinah's arse.
Black Lantern Ollie is a complete bastard, and not just when he's trying to be. Not remembering Dinah's name but remembering her curves? Sleaze.
And then Connor turns up! Hurrah, I've missed him. And Mia, who proves how awsome she is. she's not distracted, she knows BL Ollie isn't the real him, and she coldly gets on with stopping him. Because what else can she do? Connor is not so focused, neither is Dinah. Connor knocks Ollie's beard and chin off his face!
This issue was fantastic. It garners many plus points.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Comic reviews..
Featuring some fascinating thoughts and spoilers for Superman/Batman # 69, Power Girl #9, Batgirl #6, Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45, Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51, Blackest Night: The Flash # 3.
Supergirl #50 is gonna get her own review.
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Superman/Batman # 69
Taking place in the aftermath of the Our Worlds at War crossover, Superman is very angry in this. Playboy Bruce seems surprised that there are aliens in the universe, which seems a little odd considering this is the DCU we're talking about. You can hardly move for tripping over aliens. This issue is not really about the Supes/Bats relationship, which dissappoints me.
As I wasn't into comics at the time of the Our Worlds at War crossover, I couldn't care less about this story arc. However I'm sure it pleases a lot of fans.
Although it wasn't all bad. The splash page of the tentacled evil Durlan was very pleasing. How I wish I had a scanner show you all. *sigh*
Power Girl #9
I love the art on this. The pencils, the colours - everything is so vibrant, so joyous and fun!* I love that karen is so powerful that bombs, grenades, guns and fire don't bother her in the least. Satanna brought out a sonic boom hammer, and even that wasn't enough to put her down. Then Terra arrives and oh my, doesn't she look really demented.
I'll miss this title.
*except for Satanna's outfit, which is beyond stupid.
Batgirl #6
I feel like I should love this but I just can't - there's soemthing missing and somehow the whole thing just doesn't gel for me. Having said that, there are some very good things - Damian carrying a sword (I can't believe Dick is letting him do this) and Steph doing her best Batman impression in Jordanna' Spence's room. It tickles me when other chars do Batman impressions - I'm specifically thinking of Oliver Queen doing one for Hawkman in Quiver.
Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45
Guy Gardner goes mad with a chainsaw!
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51
Isn't Hal as Parallax an ugly looking bastard? And then he proves his evilness by ripping the Spectre's face off. Nice. Crispus Allen appears to be trapped behind onwe of the Spectre's eyes - I wa snotg expecting that. Nice detailing there.
The Spectre gets filled with rage, and I am ponderign just how scary a Red Lantern Spectre would be. Very scary, judging by the amount of red vomit he can produce.
Parallax is seperated from Hal Jordan. and before Sinestro can claim the entity for himself, Parallax is whisked away gods know where, and then we hear a voiceover from Hector Hammond's cell muttering about how bad it is that 'it' has Parallax. Intriguing. I bet this feeds into Brightest Day.
I want to know what the mysterious crimson entity of anger the Spectre referred to is.
Blackest Night: The Flash # 3
What another great cover!
Supergirl #50 is gonna get her own review.
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Superman/Batman # 69
Taking place in the aftermath of the Our Worlds at War crossover, Superman is very angry in this. Playboy Bruce seems surprised that there are aliens in the universe, which seems a little odd considering this is the DCU we're talking about. You can hardly move for tripping over aliens. This issue is not really about the Supes/Bats relationship, which dissappoints me.
As I wasn't into comics at the time of the Our Worlds at War crossover, I couldn't care less about this story arc. However I'm sure it pleases a lot of fans.
Although it wasn't all bad. The splash page of the tentacled evil Durlan was very pleasing. How I wish I had a scanner show you all. *sigh*
Power Girl #9
I love the art on this. The pencils, the colours - everything is so vibrant, so joyous and fun!* I love that karen is so powerful that bombs, grenades, guns and fire don't bother her in the least. Satanna brought out a sonic boom hammer, and even that wasn't enough to put her down. Then Terra arrives and oh my, doesn't she look really demented.
I'll miss this title.
*except for Satanna's outfit, which is beyond stupid.
Batgirl #6
I feel like I should love this but I just can't - there's soemthing missing and somehow the whole thing just doesn't gel for me. Having said that, there are some very good things - Damian carrying a sword (I can't believe Dick is letting him do this) and Steph doing her best Batman impression in Jordanna' Spence's room. It tickles me when other chars do Batman impressions - I'm specifically thinking of Oliver Queen doing one for Hawkman in Quiver.
Green Lantern Corps: Blackest Night # 45
Guy Gardner goes mad with a chainsaw!
Wonderful cover.
Wel, this issue was a treat and a half for Guy fans. And Kyle fans. And Mogo fans. In fact, this issue will have created a fair few Mogo fans I reckon. A sentient planet is a great idea. The leeches thing? Less so. Still, I greatly enjoyed this issue. But I will not be satisifed until Mogo is facing off against Black Lantern planet Xanshi.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 51
Isn't Hal as Parallax an ugly looking bastard? And then he proves his evilness by ripping the Spectre's face off. Nice. Crispus Allen appears to be trapped behind onwe of the Spectre's eyes - I wa snotg expecting that. Nice detailing there.
The Spectre gets filled with rage, and I am ponderign just how scary a Red Lantern Spectre would be. Very scary, judging by the amount of red vomit he can produce.
Parallax is seperated from Hal Jordan. and before Sinestro can claim the entity for himself, Parallax is whisked away gods know where, and then we hear a voiceover from Hector Hammond's cell muttering about how bad it is that 'it' has Parallax. Intriguing. I bet this feeds into Brightest Day.
I want to know what the mysterious crimson entity of anger the Spectre referred to is.
Blackest Night: The Flash # 3
What another great cover!
Inside, the art is also good, but I don't think it does justice to Bart. It's just not exuberant enough. It works really well for the dark zombie theme of the story, and Kolins did really good work on the Rogues Revenge mini, I just don't like his Bart. However, I did notice on re-reading just how differnetly he draws the villains and the heroes. The Rogues and the Black Lanterns ahev that scratchy screwed up feel, but the Flashes, when not possesed by BL rings, are freshfaced and pure (like the cover), but still remain recognisably as drawn by Kolins. I think this is a great artistic trick.
I'm very disappointed in Boomer's actions. I find it hard to square this Boomer with the one in Supergirl a while back. I can see Boomer getting fucked up by his Dad returning from the dead. I can see this making him confused, angry and hopeful and causing him to agree to feeding sex offenders to his Dad. I can't see him feeding innocents to his Dad.
But aside from that, I thought this was a great mini, and probably the strongest one so far.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Buffy's a fucking superhero!
Yeah I don't hold with not swearing. Spoilers ahead for Superman: World of New Krypton #12 (last one! sob), Red Robin #9 (still so very good), Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3 (some wtfery moments there), The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title) (surprisingly quality), Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32 (this was so written for comics nerds, I loved it).
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Superman: World of New Krypton #12
Oh my lord, this finally finished. I feel all sad now. Once Blackest Night, Flash Rebirth and Cry for Justice is over I'll only be getting 8 titles a month. :o How bizzare. Anyway, onto the review!
We find out who is behind the shootings on New Krypton. The story was going really well until this point. Then it seemed that this guy was made to be the villain purely to test Kal's faith in Kryptonity (like humanity, but with Kryptonians, I'm not sure what the correct grammatical form would be, help me out if you know). It felt rather shoehorned in and wasn't remotely neccessary to the plot. I mean, I know we've now got another link with General Lane established, but we already know he had links on Krypton, and personally, I think Zod's been chatting up Lane anyway.
Given the final cliffhanger is Brainiac coming back and threatening New Krypton, the inclusion of the traitor felt badly delivered and badly handled. A shame, as otherwise I have really enjoyed this series.
Red Robin #9
Oh Timmy! He's happy again! He hugged Kon, he talked about Bart and he has a crush on Tam! Oh i've missed happy Tim, angsty Tim is understandable and wasn't so bad, but it looks like we'll soon have the old team back! :D :D :D Second most enjoyable comic of the week. And crossing over with the next Batgirl issue, so I think I will actually add Batgirl to my pull list. I've missed the last issue but I should be able to get hold of a copy.
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3
Still in a fucking stupid costume, but that doesn't stop her being all serene and majestic. I like Diana. She's very calm when she's taking out the Black Lanterns. So, Di tries to save Mera from the Red ring and they share a glimpse into each other's psyche where it is revealed that Diana actually loves Batman. Hmm. Seems I was wrong when I said she was just being friendly with the kiss. I wonder if she loves Green Arrow too? I have no clue what Mera's big secret is, the art showed us nothing.
The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title)
As I said, surprisingly good. It's Renee vs Shiva vs Black Lanterns. It's always a trreat to see Shiva.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32
Best of the week, by a mile. Buffy gets fucking superpowers! Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and flying like a bird sort of superpowers. No heat vision though, or phasing, or teleportation, or adamantium claws, or solving mysteries (wait that's not a power), or web spinning, or armour building.
Why yes, Xander asked abotu every single one of those. C'mon, admit it, you'd all do the same if a friend of yours got superpowers. Plus, there's a Goonies joke, a Superman movie reference, a Joshua reference (which I really don't understand), and Warren has built a machine from a DC comic! A Simonson deisgn, an X-Men/TT crossover (I think they threw X-Men in for copyright reasons), and they talk about Darkseid. To me, it looks like the machine from the 1st crisis.
Oh and Buffy's got her powers because lots of Slayers who are dying and she's inheriting their strength etc. Which is taken right from the Straczynski Power comics.
So this comic nerd very much enjoyed this issue. It was all about the superhero tropes and it was fantastic. Oh, ansd go read this review for more nerdy squealing.
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Superman: World of New Krypton #12
Oh my lord, this finally finished. I feel all sad now. Once Blackest Night, Flash Rebirth and Cry for Justice is over I'll only be getting 8 titles a month. :o How bizzare. Anyway, onto the review!
We find out who is behind the shootings on New Krypton. The story was going really well until this point. Then it seemed that this guy was made to be the villain purely to test Kal's faith in Kryptonity (like humanity, but with Kryptonians, I'm not sure what the correct grammatical form would be, help me out if you know). It felt rather shoehorned in and wasn't remotely neccessary to the plot. I mean, I know we've now got another link with General Lane established, but we already know he had links on Krypton, and personally, I think Zod's been chatting up Lane anyway.
Given the final cliffhanger is Brainiac coming back and threatening New Krypton, the inclusion of the traitor felt badly delivered and badly handled. A shame, as otherwise I have really enjoyed this series.
Red Robin #9
Oh Timmy! He's happy again! He hugged Kon, he talked about Bart and he has a crush on Tam! Oh i've missed happy Tim, angsty Tim is understandable and wasn't so bad, but it looks like we'll soon have the old team back! :D :D :D Second most enjoyable comic of the week. And crossing over with the next Batgirl issue, so I think I will actually add Batgirl to my pull list. I've missed the last issue but I should be able to get hold of a copy.
Blackest Night: Wonder Woman #3
Still in a fucking stupid costume, but that doesn't stop her being all serene and majestic. I like Diana. She's very calm when she's taking out the Black Lanterns. So, Di tries to save Mera from the Red ring and they share a glimpse into each other's psyche where it is revealed that Diana actually loves Batman. Hmm. Seems I was wrong when I said she was just being friendly with the kiss. I wonder if she loves Green Arrow too? I have no clue what Mera's big secret is, the art showed us nothing.
The Question: Blackest Night #37 (resurrected title)
As I said, surprisingly good. It's Renee vs Shiva vs Black Lanterns. It's always a trreat to see Shiva.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #32
Best of the week, by a mile. Buffy gets fucking superpowers! Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound and flying like a bird sort of superpowers. No heat vision though, or phasing, or teleportation, or adamantium claws, or solving mysteries (wait that's not a power), or web spinning, or armour building.
Why yes, Xander asked abotu every single one of those. C'mon, admit it, you'd all do the same if a friend of yours got superpowers. Plus, there's a Goonies joke, a Superman movie reference, a Joshua reference (which I really don't understand), and Warren has built a machine from a DC comic! A Simonson deisgn, an X-Men/TT crossover (I think they threw X-Men in for copyright reasons), and they talk about Darkseid. To me, it looks like the machine from the 1st crisis.
Oh and Buffy's got her powers because lots of Slayers who are dying and she's inheriting their strength etc. Which is taken right from the Straczynski Power comics.
So this comic nerd very much enjoyed this issue. It was all about the superhero tropes and it was fantastic. Oh, ansd go read this review for more nerdy squealing.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Meanings of the Corps' ring colours
I've been thinking, is there a traditional significance somewhere to green equalling will, blue equalling hope,
orange equalling avarice and indigo equalling compassion?
I understand the link between pink and love, red and rage, yellow and fear and black and death, but I'm not certain of the link for the other colours.
Were green/blue/orange/indigo plucked out of the air and randomley assigned meanings or was it more deliberate than that? Does anyone know?
I'd imagine that green was picked for will purely because back in the 50s (or whenever) someone thought it would make a good costume.
orange equalling avarice and indigo equalling compassion?
I understand the link between pink and love, red and rage, yellow and fear and black and death, but I'm not certain of the link for the other colours.
Were green/blue/orange/indigo plucked out of the air and randomley assigned meanings or was it more deliberate than that? Does anyone know?
I'd imagine that green was picked for will purely because back in the 50s (or whenever) someone thought it would make a good costume.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Flying Death Toys. Perfect.
Spoilers ahead for: Teen Titans #79, Blackest Night: JSA #2, The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title), Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50, Gotham City Sirens #8, World's Finest #4, Cry for Justice #6 and Supergirl #49
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Teen Titans #79
Really crap art. Half the time Static looks female. The dialogue and pacing was weird - sometimes it felt like we were misisng a scene or two. Rose's back up story was ok, but I've read better. On the other hand, it may just be that i was disillusioned due to the mains tory.
I really hope this improves, I love the Teen Titans and don't want to drop the title but so far Henderson's issues have been somewhat underwhelming.
Blackest Night: JSA #2
This isn't one of the better minis. Regarding the art, the faces are good but the bodies are weird and I don't want to think about what they've done to poor Peej's breasts to make them stay in that top. Oh, my world for a scanner.
I think my main problem with this mini is I have no feelings towards most of the characters, and this is a book for people who care about the characters. It's not something for new readers to jump in on. Which is what I am, at least in terms of the JSA. Still, DC are getting my (completist, nerdy) money so I don't really have cause to complain!
The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title)
Love the cover. Love Ray's new costume. I'm really interested in a Corps centred around Compassion and I've been wanting to learn more about them, and I loved the panel of Ray riding a frog (anyone put this up online or seen it anywhere?). We are promised such a lot by the end of the issue, I am, again, left wanting more.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50
Oooh, svenes of violence and carnage! Wonder Woman is still in that fucking ridiculous costume, but at least she's muscled. Can't believe I'm reduced to saying that. Mera is simply wonderful as a Red Lantern. In fact, we get to see all the new Corps deputies and oh are they ever so suited to the roles!
And THEN! It's Hal vs the Spectre. The Spectre tries to eat 2 Guardians.
So THEN! Hal Hammers half the Spectre's face off!
And THEN! Hal merges wiuth Parallax! And we get a lovely 2 page spread of Parallax, all delivered in yellow, of course.
And NOW! It's Parallax vs the Spectre! Woo hoo!
Gotham City Sirens #8
This had a lot in common with the Ivy tale in the Batman 80 Page Giant. I have a lot of sympathy for Ivy. Her motives are of value but unfortunately her methods are, to put it mildly, flawed.
A good issue. Well paced, well told and with good art.
World's Finest #4
Last issue was a bit rubbish, this is now sorted out. We still have Steph and kara, and Kara had a heart tingling scene (to me, anyway) where she yelled at Damian telling him why he shouldn't call people fat. This is because he'd called Steph fat earlier. This makes Kara a), a good friend, and b) a good person. Anyway, if I didn't already have a blog banner, that panel would be it.
Much like Gotham City Sirens, this is well paced, well told and an enjoyable read with some stellar moments - Kara's fat talk and Batman's encounter with 'flying death toys', to be specific. We end with a nice lead in to this year's Krypton crossover. Most of which I won't be buying. The main title I will purchase, but I've just cancelled Action and Adventure Comics, and won't be buying this 3 parter that's coming out shortly. Although I'll probably get the main maxi series.
Because I don't want to end on a down note, I shall talk about Cry for Justice #6 next.
There was a change of artist in this issue, but one who has a very similar style to the regular guy. he draws a very captivating Kara and a ridiculous Zatanna (stockings? please.)
Kara is bright enough to figure out who the villain is, then gets dispatched really easily, much like the rest of the heroes. Donna gets cruxified to the wall by Prometheus, then rips herself off the wall, takes an arrow in the leg, drags herself to Prometheus and proceeds to be the only one who can beat him down and defeat him.
Seeing Donna, a woman, an Amazon and a second leaguer, save the day in such a manner gave me a little (big) thrill.
At the end of the book Robinson acknowledges that his characters have cried Justice! a lot but stops short of an apology. He also claims he has done something new within this mini. I disagree. Reading this issue in particular gave me a sense of deja vu, and reading the series as a whole has reminded me of Justice League Elite.
Supergirl #49
I bloody knew it! Lana is the new Insect Queen! I feel triumphant. In other news, Kara's defeat of the Banshee was handled well and gave her a chance to shine. Overall, this issue flowed better than # 48, and felt, again, like a Kara centric issue. Next issue is #50, and Cliff Chiang is providing pencils for one story! Hurrah!
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Teen Titans #79
Really crap art. Half the time Static looks female. The dialogue and pacing was weird - sometimes it felt like we were misisng a scene or two. Rose's back up story was ok, but I've read better. On the other hand, it may just be that i was disillusioned due to the mains tory.
I really hope this improves, I love the Teen Titans and don't want to drop the title but so far Henderson's issues have been somewhat underwhelming.
Blackest Night: JSA #2
This isn't one of the better minis. Regarding the art, the faces are good but the bodies are weird and I don't want to think about what they've done to poor Peej's breasts to make them stay in that top. Oh, my world for a scanner.
I think my main problem with this mini is I have no feelings towards most of the characters, and this is a book for people who care about the characters. It's not something for new readers to jump in on. Which is what I am, at least in terms of the JSA. Still, DC are getting my (completist, nerdy) money so I don't really have cause to complain!
The Atom and Hawkman: Blackest Night # 46 (resurrected title)
Love the cover. Love Ray's new costume. I'm really interested in a Corps centred around Compassion and I've been wanting to learn more about them, and I loved the panel of Ray riding a frog (anyone put this up online or seen it anywhere?). We are promised such a lot by the end of the issue, I am, again, left wanting more.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night #50
Oooh, svenes of violence and carnage! Wonder Woman is still in that fucking ridiculous costume, but at least she's muscled. Can't believe I'm reduced to saying that. Mera is simply wonderful as a Red Lantern. In fact, we get to see all the new Corps deputies and oh are they ever so suited to the roles!
And THEN! It's Hal vs the Spectre. The Spectre tries to eat 2 Guardians.
So THEN! Hal Hammers half the Spectre's face off!
And THEN! Hal merges wiuth Parallax! And we get a lovely 2 page spread of Parallax, all delivered in yellow, of course.
And NOW! It's Parallax vs the Spectre! Woo hoo!
Gotham City Sirens #8
This had a lot in common with the Ivy tale in the Batman 80 Page Giant. I have a lot of sympathy for Ivy. Her motives are of value but unfortunately her methods are, to put it mildly, flawed.
A good issue. Well paced, well told and with good art.
World's Finest #4
Last issue was a bit rubbish, this is now sorted out. We still have Steph and kara, and Kara had a heart tingling scene (to me, anyway) where she yelled at Damian telling him why he shouldn't call people fat. This is because he'd called Steph fat earlier. This makes Kara a), a good friend, and b) a good person. Anyway, if I didn't already have a blog banner, that panel would be it.
Much like Gotham City Sirens, this is well paced, well told and an enjoyable read with some stellar moments - Kara's fat talk and Batman's encounter with 'flying death toys', to be specific. We end with a nice lead in to this year's Krypton crossover. Most of which I won't be buying. The main title I will purchase, but I've just cancelled Action and Adventure Comics, and won't be buying this 3 parter that's coming out shortly. Although I'll probably get the main maxi series.
Because I don't want to end on a down note, I shall talk about Cry for Justice #6 next.
There was a change of artist in this issue, but one who has a very similar style to the regular guy. he draws a very captivating Kara and a ridiculous Zatanna (stockings? please.)
Kara is bright enough to figure out who the villain is, then gets dispatched really easily, much like the rest of the heroes. Donna gets cruxified to the wall by Prometheus, then rips herself off the wall, takes an arrow in the leg, drags herself to Prometheus and proceeds to be the only one who can beat him down and defeat him.
Seeing Donna, a woman, an Amazon and a second leaguer, save the day in such a manner gave me a little (big) thrill.
At the end of the book Robinson acknowledges that his characters have cried Justice! a lot but stops short of an apology. He also claims he has done something new within this mini. I disagree. Reading this issue in particular gave me a sense of deja vu, and reading the series as a whole has reminded me of Justice League Elite.
Supergirl #49
I bloody knew it! Lana is the new Insect Queen! I feel triumphant. In other news, Kara's defeat of the Banshee was handled well and gave her a chance to shine. Overall, this issue flowed better than # 48, and felt, again, like a Kara centric issue. Next issue is #50, and Cliff Chiang is providing pencils for one story! Hurrah!
Monday, January 25, 2010
So, this turned out to be a tie-in week
Spoilers ahead for GLC: Blackest Night #44, Blackest Night: The Flash #2, Starman: Blackest Night #81 (resurrected title), The Phantom Stranger: Blackest Night #42 (resurrected title), Power Girl #8 (not a tie-in, amazingly), Superman/Batman #68 (Our Worlds at War tie-in).
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GLC: Blackest Night #44
Hoo boy this was fun. Mogo turns up to save the day! I cannot wait until he faces off against zombie Xanshi. Next issue: Guy Gardner faces off against everyone. Oh yes, this is why I buy superhero comics.
Blackest Night: The Flash #2
This is very much a middle issue - we saw the Rogues vs the ex Rogues, with some great scenes between Captain Cold and his sister, and some illuminating (pun intended) panels demonstrating his level of emotion. The other half of the book delat with Barry acquiring the blue ring of hope. He tries to save Bart, and Solovar anf Eobard Thawne turn up to provide extra harrassment. I like that Barry is a member of the Blue Lantern Corps - from what I've read of him in Rebirth and a few other bits and pieces, it does seem to fit his personality quite well. However in the context of DC superheroes, when you say hope to me I still think of Superman first and foremost. Ahh well, this is a good mini and next issue will hopefully resolve everything nicely.
Starman: Blackest Night #81 (resurrected title)
I was definitley dubious about this, given Robinson's recent attempts on Cry for Justice, but I needn't have worried, this turned out well. I've read one other Starman issue which was really very good, and he has kept up the standard here. There's some incredible art, I can't quite work out by who as the credits list the various tasks as Colours, Letters, Layouts and Finishes, yet no penciller or inker. I'm assuming Layouts means pencils and Finishes means Inks (broadly speaking), but I couldn't say that for definite.
I think y'all should buy this issue.
The Phantom Stranger: Blackest Night #42 (resurrected title)
Also pretty good. However it probably won't make much sense if you're not reading other Blackst Night stuff. Zatanna's on the cover but isn't in the book. In fact it is mentioned why she's not there, within the book.
Power Girl #8
Jeez, I know Power Girl is meant to have a big chest, and I know Amanda Connor specialises in doing sexy art, but this cover is ridiculous.
Inside it is good fun, Vartox gets even more sleazy than he was last issue, Karen can't help laughing at the Pregno-Ray and she gets to wear the gorgeous ballgown from the Women of the DCU poster that Adam Hughes did. She even has the earrings in too. Nicely done, Ms Connor, nicely done!
Superman/Batman #68
An Our Worlds at War tie-in. I know, what? Our Worlds at War was a tie in published in 2001. I thought it was mid 90s and had to google to check the date. When I mentioned my surprise at the banner in the comic shop they said it was cos the DCU timeline is all in flux now.
But, you see, I buy Superman/Batman because it's not tied in (or shouldn't be tied in) to regualr DC continuity. I know it brought us Kara back, which is great, but on the whole the other tie in issues have been rubbish. Blackest Night for example - 2 issues of utter crap. Although that might be my disdain for Man-Bat, Solomon fucking Grundy and Bizzarro speaking.
Anyway, I was not remotely excited about this issue. Somehow it surprised me. Despite Batman looking like All Star Goddman Batman and Supes somehow being all gritty (so wrong), it was fairly enjoyable. Not particularly memorable, but enjoyable. There was some retro 70s esque exposition going on which was quite fun.
Over the last few weeks I have also received the following trades - Green Lantern/Green Arrow volumes 1 and 2 (wonderfully funny!), Superman: Last Son (reviewed here) and Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals. The WW book was great, as I knew it would be. Greg Rucka had the golden touch for writing Wondy I think.
I have also ordered Fallen Angel volume 1 (the PAD book which was meant to be Linda Danvers after his Supergirl book was cancelled) and the first Trinity book, by Mat Wagner, not the weekly series. I borrowed this Trinity book years ago and was quietly impressed, so thought it was high time I bought it.
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GLC: Blackest Night #44
Hoo boy this was fun. Mogo turns up to save the day! I cannot wait until he faces off against zombie Xanshi. Next issue: Guy Gardner faces off against everyone. Oh yes, this is why I buy superhero comics.
Blackest Night: The Flash #2
This is very much a middle issue - we saw the Rogues vs the ex Rogues, with some great scenes between Captain Cold and his sister, and some illuminating (pun intended) panels demonstrating his level of emotion. The other half of the book delat with Barry acquiring the blue ring of hope. He tries to save Bart, and Solovar anf Eobard Thawne turn up to provide extra harrassment. I like that Barry is a member of the Blue Lantern Corps - from what I've read of him in Rebirth and a few other bits and pieces, it does seem to fit his personality quite well. However in the context of DC superheroes, when you say hope to me I still think of Superman first and foremost. Ahh well, this is a good mini and next issue will hopefully resolve everything nicely.
Starman: Blackest Night #81 (resurrected title)
I was definitley dubious about this, given Robinson's recent attempts on Cry for Justice, but I needn't have worried, this turned out well. I've read one other Starman issue which was really very good, and he has kept up the standard here. There's some incredible art, I can't quite work out by who as the credits list the various tasks as Colours, Letters, Layouts and Finishes, yet no penciller or inker. I'm assuming Layouts means pencils and Finishes means Inks (broadly speaking), but I couldn't say that for definite.
I think y'all should buy this issue.
The Phantom Stranger: Blackest Night #42 (resurrected title)
Also pretty good. However it probably won't make much sense if you're not reading other Blackst Night stuff. Zatanna's on the cover but isn't in the book. In fact it is mentioned why she's not there, within the book.
Power Girl #8
Jeez, I know Power Girl is meant to have a big chest, and I know Amanda Connor specialises in doing sexy art, but this cover is ridiculous.
Inside it is good fun, Vartox gets even more sleazy than he was last issue, Karen can't help laughing at the Pregno-Ray and she gets to wear the gorgeous ballgown from the Women of the DCU poster that Adam Hughes did. She even has the earrings in too. Nicely done, Ms Connor, nicely done!
Superman/Batman #68
An Our Worlds at War tie-in. I know, what? Our Worlds at War was a tie in published in 2001. I thought it was mid 90s and had to google to check the date. When I mentioned my surprise at the banner in the comic shop they said it was cos the DCU timeline is all in flux now.
But, you see, I buy Superman/Batman because it's not tied in (or shouldn't be tied in) to regualr DC continuity. I know it brought us Kara back, which is great, but on the whole the other tie in issues have been rubbish. Blackest Night for example - 2 issues of utter crap. Although that might be my disdain for Man-Bat, Solomon fucking Grundy and Bizzarro speaking.
Anyway, I was not remotely excited about this issue. Somehow it surprised me. Despite Batman looking like All Star Goddman Batman and Supes somehow being all gritty (so wrong), it was fairly enjoyable. Not particularly memorable, but enjoyable. There was some retro 70s esque exposition going on which was quite fun.
Over the last few weeks I have also received the following trades - Green Lantern/Green Arrow volumes 1 and 2 (wonderfully funny!), Superman: Last Son (reviewed here) and Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals. The WW book was great, as I knew it would be. Greg Rucka had the golden touch for writing Wondy I think.
I have also ordered Fallen Angel volume 1 (the PAD book which was meant to be Linda Danvers after his Supergirl book was cancelled) and the first Trinity book, by Mat Wagner, not the weekly series. I borrowed this Trinity book years ago and was quietly impressed, so thought it was high time I bought it.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Comic review party time
Yes dear readers, it is that time of the week again where I wax lyrical about ther stuff I bought. Sadly this will not include Batgirl #6 as I forgot to pick it up. What a dunce. Anyhow, there will be spoilers ahead for Adventure Comics #6, Action Comics # 885, GA/BC #28, Catwoman: Blackest Night # 83 (resurrected title), The Power of Shazam: Blackest Night #48 (resurrected title) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer #31.
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Adventure Comics #6
OK, the cover has a dinosaur on it. I knew I was gonna like this issue. Lex Luthor is a really manipulative, power obsessed bastard. Superboy finally realises he can stop fretting about his genetic makeup and resolves to just be himself. The art continues to be gorgeous and when Conner met up with Cassie, Tim and Bart at the end I probably gave a little gasp. Manapul draws a beautiful Tim, not such a great Bart, but a great Tim. (Image nicked from James Ashelford's blog)
Nect month is a Blackest NIght tie in, so I'll get that, but from March it's focusing on the Legion of Superheroes, who i don't give a stuff about, so I shall be dropping it. Thsi may cause problems when folloing this years Super family event, but I'll have to cope.
Action Comics # 885
The art in this is sometimes wildly off key and it took several minutes of hard thinking to remember what had happened in this issue. Maybe I should drop it. But then I think that with the Superman crossover coming up, will I understand the main plot is I'm not reading Adventure Comics, Superman and Action Comics?
And then the odd issue of Action really impresses me and I'm sucked back in again.
But then I get an issue like this week's one, where I don't really care about the main story and I certainly coudln't give a stuff about Captain bleeding Atom. I'm pretty certain that I won't be going back and re-reading these issues. Maybe I should drop it.
GA/BC #28
Bad, bad characterisation of Dinah here - her dialogue seemed very strange. We find out more about Cupid's background and see Mia get to be awesome again. But honestly, when isn't she awesome?
Looking back at Cupid's background - the evil government have made her crazy by injecting stuff into her brain via her nose cavity (yes really) and this compound has induced memory loss, given her super strength and increased the levels of the chemical that people feel when they are in love. So essentially they've made a super strong lady who's driven by her hormones. Driven by her hormones to obssess/love/lust after men who she will then attack, fight, kill, rape, abuse or generally take advantage of.
Yeah, that's not trading in sexist steroetypes at all.
DC you suck.
Catwoman: Blackest Night # 83 (resurrected title)
Now this on the other hand, this did not suck at all. This was awesome. Selina has to rescue her sister from the crazy Black Lantern guy who tortured her before, and who Selina susequently killed. Harley and Ivy turned up and came up with a pretty inventive way to dispose of the Black Lantern - a venus fly trap endlessly digesting him. Yum.
Well, I say awesome. It was awesome up till the end when her her sister was turned into Selina's next nemesis. That was a crap outcome. Boring, old and tired.
The Power of Shazam: Blackest Night #48 (resurrected title)
This also rocked. Osiris and his friendly Crocodile mate (last seen in 52) are given Black Lantern rings. Osiris manages to fight off the urges of the Black Lantern (far more effectively than Wonder Woman did, let's be honest), and succeeds in destroying both himself and his crocodile friend.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #31
Again, a good issue. And for once a cover that isn't all about the sexy nakedness. Buffy learns to fly, fins out about Xander and Dawn, is a jekr about it then gets better and combines forces with Willow to defeat the goddesses.
I must take issue with the blurb for next month's issue that states 'Buffy has fucking superpowers'. We know she's got superpowers. She's a damn slayer.
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Adventure Comics #6
OK, the cover has a dinosaur on it. I knew I was gonna like this issue. Lex Luthor is a really manipulative, power obsessed bastard. Superboy finally realises he can stop fretting about his genetic makeup and resolves to just be himself. The art continues to be gorgeous and when Conner met up with Cassie, Tim and Bart at the end I probably gave a little gasp. Manapul draws a beautiful Tim, not such a great Bart, but a great Tim. (Image nicked from James Ashelford's blog)
Nect month is a Blackest NIght tie in, so I'll get that, but from March it's focusing on the Legion of Superheroes, who i don't give a stuff about, so I shall be dropping it. Thsi may cause problems when folloing this years Super family event, but I'll have to cope.
Action Comics # 885
The art in this is sometimes wildly off key and it took several minutes of hard thinking to remember what had happened in this issue. Maybe I should drop it. But then I think that with the Superman crossover coming up, will I understand the main plot is I'm not reading Adventure Comics, Superman and Action Comics?
And then the odd issue of Action really impresses me and I'm sucked back in again.
But then I get an issue like this week's one, where I don't really care about the main story and I certainly coudln't give a stuff about Captain bleeding Atom. I'm pretty certain that I won't be going back and re-reading these issues. Maybe I should drop it.
GA/BC #28
Bad, bad characterisation of Dinah here - her dialogue seemed very strange. We find out more about Cupid's background and see Mia get to be awesome again. But honestly, when isn't she awesome?
Looking back at Cupid's background - the evil government have made her crazy by injecting stuff into her brain via her nose cavity (yes really) and this compound has induced memory loss, given her super strength and increased the levels of the chemical that people feel when they are in love. So essentially they've made a super strong lady who's driven by her hormones. Driven by her hormones to obssess/love/lust after men who she will then attack, fight, kill, rape, abuse or generally take advantage of.
Yeah, that's not trading in sexist steroetypes at all.
DC you suck.
Catwoman: Blackest Night # 83 (resurrected title)
Now this on the other hand, this did not suck at all. This was awesome. Selina has to rescue her sister from the crazy Black Lantern guy who tortured her before, and who Selina susequently killed. Harley and Ivy turned up and came up with a pretty inventive way to dispose of the Black Lantern - a venus fly trap endlessly digesting him. Yum.
Well, I say awesome. It was awesome up till the end when her her sister was turned into Selina's next nemesis. That was a crap outcome. Boring, old and tired.
The Power of Shazam: Blackest Night #48 (resurrected title)
This also rocked. Osiris and his friendly Crocodile mate (last seen in 52) are given Black Lantern rings. Osiris manages to fight off the urges of the Black Lantern (far more effectively than Wonder Woman did, let's be honest), and succeeds in destroying both himself and his crocodile friend.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #31
Again, a good issue. And for once a cover that isn't all about the sexy nakedness. Buffy learns to fly, fins out about Xander and Dawn, is a jekr about it then gets better and combines forces with Willow to defeat the goddesses.
I must take issue with the blurb for next month's issue that states 'Buffy has fucking superpowers'. We know she's got superpowers. She's a damn slayer.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Comics Reviews!
Featuring spoilers for the Batman 80 page giant, Blackest Night Wonder Woman #2, Superman: WONK #11, Suicide Squad: Blackest Night # 67 (resurrected title), Weird Western Tales: Blackest Night # 71 (resurrected title), Red Robin #8.
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Batman 80 page giant
This wasn't quite what I expected. It's a collection of rather unusual stories.
The idea and layout of the cover is fantastic:
Unfortunately Mera's face ruins it for me. In my head that's not what Mera looks like.
This book filled in thsoe moments between Mera taking on Diana, and Diana getting the Star Sapphire ring (in Blackest Night #6). It worked for me. As for the Bruce/Diana smooch - I reckon she's just pleased to see him, and a kiss is far more expressive than a hug. And she's a wee bit stressed anyway.
Superman: WONK #11
Very suggestive cover:
Good issue. Enjoyable and bringing this particular part of the story to an end. I look forward to Krypton: The Last Stand and War of the Supermen.
Suicide Squad: Blackest Night # 67 (resurrected title)
OK, I really don't like reading Simone's individual issues. I'll get Secret Six next month and I'll probably enjoy both together, but individually? I can't be doing with them.
Weird Western Tales: Blackest Night # 71 (resurrected title)
Waste of time. I don't like the Western genre and I care nothing for the characters. Not even the Ray.
Red Robin #8
Ahh, to end on a high note! Loved it :)
We get to see Tim's battle strategy and pretty much just how awesome he is, in everything. Great end to the arc, neatly executed and very smooth. You shoudl all be reading this.
I also bought the Kingdom Come Aquaman figure. A review will be going up shortly. In summary, it's nice looking but has a lot of faults.
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Batman 80 page giant
This wasn't quite what I expected. It's a collection of rather unusual stories.
- The Dick/Damian one was a bit heavy handed and obvious for my tastes.
- Alfred acts like an absolute dick - he must know full well the position he was putting the young woman in, taking her to a fancy do like that, with her prostitute clothes on. He doesn't come across like a good person, he comes across as a controlling, greedy man who likes to believe he is good. I do not want to read about this Alfred.
- The Saint story was good and took a couple of surprising turns.
- Veil in reveiled shows a lot of promise. Although this story was a bit weak - too much of the damsel being saved by the man for me - I'd love to read more about Milicent Mayne.
- The Catwoman story, written by ivory Madison, is why I bought this issue. The art is all photo realistic, which I found unusual, but is good nonetheless, and the story was completely unexpected. An old couple had been hiding underground for the last 40 years, and just come up so the wife could be admitted to hospital. This was touching and well executed.
- Poison Ivy's tale takes it's inspiration from the concept of mother nature and the maiden/mother/crone triumverate. Intriguing.
- Mr Freeze and the Commisioner did nothing for me.
- The final one page story was a nice ending to the collection.
The idea and layout of the cover is fantastic:
Unfortunately Mera's face ruins it for me. In my head that's not what Mera looks like.
This book filled in thsoe moments between Mera taking on Diana, and Diana getting the Star Sapphire ring (in Blackest Night #6). It worked for me. As for the Bruce/Diana smooch - I reckon she's just pleased to see him, and a kiss is far more expressive than a hug. And she's a wee bit stressed anyway.
Superman: WONK #11
Very suggestive cover:
Good issue. Enjoyable and bringing this particular part of the story to an end. I look forward to Krypton: The Last Stand and War of the Supermen.
Suicide Squad: Blackest Night # 67 (resurrected title)
OK, I really don't like reading Simone's individual issues. I'll get Secret Six next month and I'll probably enjoy both together, but individually? I can't be doing with them.
Weird Western Tales: Blackest Night # 71 (resurrected title)
Waste of time. I don't like the Western genre and I care nothing for the characters. Not even the Ray.
Red Robin #8
Ahh, to end on a high note! Loved it :)
We get to see Tim's battle strategy and pretty much just how awesome he is, in everything. Great end to the arc, neatly executed and very smooth. You shoudl all be reading this.
I also bought the Kingdom Come Aquaman figure. A review will be going up shortly. In summary, it's nice looking but has a lot of faults.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Blackest Night as a character study
Whilst reading Blackest Night #6 it occured to me that Geoff Johns is doing excellent work in bringing both less well known, or well used, characters to the forefront. He is also defining and revitalising other characters.
Take Mera for instance. I have read a lot of Aquaman stuf but not much has featured Mera - mostly because the stuff I have read takes place after their son has died and Mera and Arthur have separated. At the start of Blackest Night we see that Mera has the strength, skill and intelligence to outwit Garth, Arthur, their son, and the Aquaguards. Later on she is one of the first to realise that the Black Lanterns feed off emotion and the key to getting away is to have the emotional strength to keep your feelings under tight control. She also knows when it is best to run and when it is best to fight. She is an absolute powerhouse, unafraid of anything and a highly proficient fighter.
The one and only time she has let her emotions show is in Blackest Night #6, where she is fighting Black Lantern Wonder Woman and she finally lets her rage out. I don't know if Mera and Diana have an antagonistic history, but I read this as Mera finally giving vent to her rage at the existence of the Black Lanterns and everything they are trying to achieve.
And remember, that I've got all this from just a few appearances in 6 comic books. the Scarevrow has even less panel time -he featured in Blackest Night #6 for just a few pages that led to him becoming inducted as a member of the Sinestro Corps. Here we are shown the full extent of his psychosis. He is a warped, pained, obsessive and distrubed man. As a villain he has beocme absolutley compelling.
Another underused character that has been brought to prominence is Dove. She has her greatest panel time within the Blackest Night: Titans mini, which is written by J.T.Krul and not Geoff Johns, but I have high hopes that she will be used in the main books. Since their incarnation, this new Hawk and Dove haven't really had a whole lot of appearances in the DCU. As underused characters Johns could do a lot with them, and considering Dove's white light and it's ability to destroy the Black Lanterns I really hope she'll be used in the conclusion of this event.
In a a bizzare coincidence, after I wrote this I saw excerpts of an interview with Geoff Johns over at The Aquaman Shrine. He talks about Mera so head on over and take a peek.
Take Mera for instance. I have read a lot of Aquaman stuf but not much has featured Mera - mostly because the stuff I have read takes place after their son has died and Mera and Arthur have separated. At the start of Blackest Night we see that Mera has the strength, skill and intelligence to outwit Garth, Arthur, their son, and the Aquaguards. Later on she is one of the first to realise that the Black Lanterns feed off emotion and the key to getting away is to have the emotional strength to keep your feelings under tight control. She also knows when it is best to run and when it is best to fight. She is an absolute powerhouse, unafraid of anything and a highly proficient fighter.
The one and only time she has let her emotions show is in Blackest Night #6, where she is fighting Black Lantern Wonder Woman and she finally lets her rage out. I don't know if Mera and Diana have an antagonistic history, but I read this as Mera finally giving vent to her rage at the existence of the Black Lanterns and everything they are trying to achieve.
And remember, that I've got all this from just a few appearances in 6 comic books. the Scarevrow has even less panel time -he featured in Blackest Night #6 for just a few pages that led to him becoming inducted as a member of the Sinestro Corps. Here we are shown the full extent of his psychosis. He is a warped, pained, obsessive and distrubed man. As a villain he has beocme absolutley compelling.
Another underused character that has been brought to prominence is Dove. She has her greatest panel time within the Blackest Night: Titans mini, which is written by J.T.Krul and not Geoff Johns, but I have high hopes that she will be used in the main books. Since their incarnation, this new Hawk and Dove haven't really had a whole lot of appearances in the DCU. As underused characters Johns could do a lot with them, and considering Dove's white light and it's ability to destroy the Black Lanterns I really hope she'll be used in the conclusion of this event.
In a a bizzare coincidence, after I wrote this I saw excerpts of an interview with Geoff Johns over at The Aquaman Shrine. He talks about Mera so head on over and take a peek.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Blackest Night #6 (spoilers)
I think there will be a lot of posts in the blogosphere doing a panel by panel recap of this issue, so I shan't bother. If you need a summary, go check out SallyP's review. This issue was quite short on story as we were given 8 pages of preview covers instead. This works very well as an advert, but I'm not sure I wouldn't have wanted more story. And now we move on to discuss the events and happenings of this latest installment.
I think this whole overarching story is about teamwork as much as anything else and this issue really emphasised this. Last month we saw Sinestro, Atrocitus, Larfleeze, Saint Walker, Indigo, Hal and Carol work together to destroy the Black Lantern Power Battery. They failed, because they represent only a fraction of the whole light.
Ganthet realises this, inducts himself into the Green Lantern Corps (thereby formally and obviously leaving the ineffectual team of Guardians and defecting to where he can do the most good). He instructs each of the above listed individual's power rings to replicate themselves and deputize someone another into their Corps. And so, the core team is expanded and more people will be forced to put aside their differences and work together. We now have Blue Lantern Barry Allen, Yellow Lantern Scarecrow, Orange Lantern Lex Luthor (I cannot see how this will end well), Red Lantern Mera, Indigo Lantern Ray Palmer and Star Sapphire Diana Prince. To join the Sapphires, Diana had to reject membership of the Black Lantern Corps and accept the love of the Sapphires.
The importance of teamwork is also show elsewhere within the story. We have two black power rings chasing Barry Allen and Hal Jordan. Barry uses a green contruct in the form of a chain to keep Hal with him and outrun the black rings. It is illustrative of the deep friendship and trust in each other that Barry acts as he does. It mirrors the events of Flash: Rebirth where Hal fetched Barry as the Black Flash away from the other spedsters, to protect them from Barry's deadly touch. Incidentally, this mini and the Flash: Rebirth mini has demonstrated to me why Barry is such a well loved character. I am now glad he is back in the DCU.
In other examples of teamwork, we have the Atom, Ray Palmer, and Mera inside the Black Lantern rings. Mera has the power and emotional control to fight the Black Lanterns and Ray has the tech to get them out. Once out, Mera continues to act as the muscle and takes on Wonder Woman, enabling Ray to get to the Flash and tell him Deadman's news.
So, now we've gont through all these examples of teamwork you're probably wondering why I bothered. I have always loved team up stories: the trust that gets built, the reliance on others, the knowledge and camaraderie you get with a well functioning team is something that really resonates with me. It makes for an interesting read, and I suppose I am a little envious as well. If only life was that simple, eh? As I cannot be a member of a superpowered team I shall have to settle for reading about them.
I think this whole overarching story is about teamwork as much as anything else and this issue really emphasised this. Last month we saw Sinestro, Atrocitus, Larfleeze, Saint Walker, Indigo, Hal and Carol work together to destroy the Black Lantern Power Battery. They failed, because they represent only a fraction of the whole light.
Ganthet realises this, inducts himself into the Green Lantern Corps (thereby formally and obviously leaving the ineffectual team of Guardians and defecting to where he can do the most good). He instructs each of the above listed individual's power rings to replicate themselves and deputize someone another into their Corps. And so, the core team is expanded and more people will be forced to put aside their differences and work together. We now have Blue Lantern Barry Allen, Yellow Lantern Scarecrow, Orange Lantern Lex Luthor (I cannot see how this will end well), Red Lantern Mera, Indigo Lantern Ray Palmer and Star Sapphire Diana Prince. To join the Sapphires, Diana had to reject membership of the Black Lantern Corps and accept the love of the Sapphires.
The importance of teamwork is also show elsewhere within the story. We have two black power rings chasing Barry Allen and Hal Jordan. Barry uses a green contruct in the form of a chain to keep Hal with him and outrun the black rings. It is illustrative of the deep friendship and trust in each other that Barry acts as he does. It mirrors the events of Flash: Rebirth where Hal fetched Barry as the Black Flash away from the other spedsters, to protect them from Barry's deadly touch. Incidentally, this mini and the Flash: Rebirth mini has demonstrated to me why Barry is such a well loved character. I am now glad he is back in the DCU.
In other examples of teamwork, we have the Atom, Ray Palmer, and Mera inside the Black Lantern rings. Mera has the power and emotional control to fight the Black Lanterns and Ray has the tech to get them out. Once out, Mera continues to act as the muscle and takes on Wonder Woman, enabling Ray to get to the Flash and tell him Deadman's news.
So, now we've gont through all these examples of teamwork you're probably wondering why I bothered. I have always loved team up stories: the trust that gets built, the reliance on others, the knowledge and camaraderie you get with a well functioning team is something that really resonates with me. It makes for an interesting read, and I suppose I am a little envious as well. If only life was that simple, eh? As I cannot be a member of a superpowered team I shall have to settle for reading about them.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Christmas comics!
Not ones that I received for Christmas, for I received none this year, but instead the ones I bought on Christmas eve. There was some comic gift giving in my home this year - I bought the boyfriend a copy of Greg Rucka's Whiteout. I haven't read it but from reviews I'm hoping he'll like it.
I also bought Secret Six - six degrees of devastation. I think I will review that for the New readers.. blog as it is pretty damn good. My only worry is how accessible it is. What do you all think?
Anyway, for this post please be warned of spoilers regarding World's Finest #3, Buffy one shot: Willow, Gotham City Sirens #7, Teen Titans: Blackest Night #78, Green Lantern: Blackest Night #45, Blackest Night: JSA #1.
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World's Finest #3
I fully intended to get the Kara cover but ended up with the Steph one instead. I'll be buggered if I can find an image of the Steph cover online though. At any rate, it's pretty and laid out in a similar fashion.
In this issue, Steph and Kara team up, which you'd think would be enough to make me happy, yet this issue left me a little cold. I think it's the art. I'm just not keen. Kara is muscly but something seems a bit off and I don't know what. I expect this issue will read better when read with the other issues in one go.
Buffy one shot: Willow
Oooh OOO ooh. Sexy cover. Beautifully drawn. It's go bugger all to do with the story, except that both characters are involved, but they don't embrace within the pages. Instead, Willow goes on a magical mystery wicca quest to discover her true power.
She drops her guard and we see what is under the surface, i.e. she;s not so innocent, sweet and naeive as she appears. Sh can be cold, calculating and she has a damn sharp mind. I think that sometimes the writers forget that Willow was one of the most intelligent people in her school.
The letters column is a whole different kettle of fish. So much so, there will be another post taking it apart.
Gotham City Sirens #7
A Christmas issue. Selina raises a glass with Dick, Ivy visit the rainforests and Harley visit her family. Beautiful art and humourous storytelling that caters to the heroines strengths and associations.
Teen Titans: Blackest Night #78
Ravager, Jericho and Deathstroke fight the Black Lanterns. Jericho discovers that they can be killed, if another Black Lantern rips out their hearts. We're actually getting quite a number of ways these revenants can be killed, I wonder if they will all be pulled together for the final Blackest Night main issue? Jericho's life story gets more complicated and the Wilson family dynamic is changed once more.
Mostly this issue made me question where Jericho's body goes when he jumps into someone else. You'd think an empty husk woudl be left, but apparently not. I'd like to read some comic box science explaining how he works.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 49
John Stewart faces off against the undead hordes of Xanshi. He proves very difficult to rile, resulting in realisation of the gameplan and Black Lanterns becoming increasingly frustrated. He then goes off planet to discover that Xanshi has sped through space and is bearing down on earth. As SallyP has mentioned, you'd think this would affect Earth's gravity and suchlike. Mind you, I think Mogo woulId have this affect on Oa, but maybe I don't understand how Oa works.
There's a wee backup feature focusing on Ray, Mera and Black Lantern Jean Loring (wearing a quite frankly ridiculous outfit), in a Black Lantern ring. There we learn how Nekron came to be and see that Deadman is about to enter the fray (again).
Blackest Night: JSA #1
This would have made more sense had I known more about the history of the JSA. As it stands, I only know Power Girl. Peej calls Earth 2 Kal-L her cousin and her uncle, unless I'm misunderstanding of course, and Earth 2 Lois arrive looking her husband.
I'm guessing that by the end of the mini I'll like this.
I also bought Secret Six - six degrees of devastation. I think I will review that for the New readers.. blog as it is pretty damn good. My only worry is how accessible it is. What do you all think?
Anyway, for this post please be warned of spoilers regarding World's Finest #3, Buffy one shot: Willow, Gotham City Sirens #7, Teen Titans: Blackest Night #78, Green Lantern: Blackest Night #45, Blackest Night: JSA #1.
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World's Finest #3
I fully intended to get the Kara cover but ended up with the Steph one instead. I'll be buggered if I can find an image of the Steph cover online though. At any rate, it's pretty and laid out in a similar fashion.
In this issue, Steph and Kara team up, which you'd think would be enough to make me happy, yet this issue left me a little cold. I think it's the art. I'm just not keen. Kara is muscly but something seems a bit off and I don't know what. I expect this issue will read better when read with the other issues in one go.
Buffy one shot: Willow
Oooh OOO ooh. Sexy cover. Beautifully drawn. It's go bugger all to do with the story, except that both characters are involved, but they don't embrace within the pages. Instead, Willow goes on a magical mystery wicca quest to discover her true power.
She drops her guard and we see what is under the surface, i.e. she;s not so innocent, sweet and naeive as she appears. Sh can be cold, calculating and she has a damn sharp mind. I think that sometimes the writers forget that Willow was one of the most intelligent people in her school.
The letters column is a whole different kettle of fish. So much so, there will be another post taking it apart.
Gotham City Sirens #7
A Christmas issue. Selina raises a glass with Dick, Ivy visit the rainforests and Harley visit her family. Beautiful art and humourous storytelling that caters to the heroines strengths and associations.
Teen Titans: Blackest Night #78
Ravager, Jericho and Deathstroke fight the Black Lanterns. Jericho discovers that they can be killed, if another Black Lantern rips out their hearts. We're actually getting quite a number of ways these revenants can be killed, I wonder if they will all be pulled together for the final Blackest Night main issue? Jericho's life story gets more complicated and the Wilson family dynamic is changed once more.
Mostly this issue made me question where Jericho's body goes when he jumps into someone else. You'd think an empty husk woudl be left, but apparently not. I'd like to read some comic box science explaining how he works.
Green Lantern: Blackest Night # 49
John Stewart faces off against the undead hordes of Xanshi. He proves very difficult to rile, resulting in realisation of the gameplan and Black Lanterns becoming increasingly frustrated. He then goes off planet to discover that Xanshi has sped through space and is bearing down on earth. As SallyP has mentioned, you'd think this would affect Earth's gravity and suchlike. Mind you, I think Mogo woulId have this affect on Oa, but maybe I don't understand how Oa works.
There's a wee backup feature focusing on Ray, Mera and Black Lantern Jean Loring (wearing a quite frankly ridiculous outfit), in a Black Lantern ring. There we learn how Nekron came to be and see that Deadman is about to enter the fray (again).
Blackest Night: JSA #1
This would have made more sense had I known more about the history of the JSA. As it stands, I only know Power Girl. Peej calls Earth 2 Kal-L her cousin and her uncle, unless I'm misunderstanding of course, and Earth 2 Lois arrive looking her husband.
I'm guessing that by the end of the mini I'll like this.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Redness and screams and Christmas and hearts and cracktastic fun
Spoilers ahead for Green Lantern Corps # 43, Supergirl # 48, DCU Holiday Special 2009, Superman/Batman: Blackest Night # 67, Power Girl #7.
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Green Lantern Corps # 43
In the aftermath of Kyle's death Guy really doesn't cope very well. Natu pleads with Guy not to succumb to the rage, because Kyle wouldn't want it. Guy replies 'But I do'. Which is a somewhat unusual way to deal with death isn't it? At least, it is unusual in cultural depictions. In real life, the (thankfully) few funerals I've been to there is always the emphasis on what the deceased wants for the living, both immediately and for the future months. Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, the fact is the living are left behind and they are the ones hurting. I'm not one to live your life according to the how the dead would prefer. Honour them, yes, but I can see why Guy reacted he way he did and I think it's perfectly legitimate.
Aside from that, there are plenty of other good moments in this book. If you are in any way interested in Guy Gardener I recommend you pick this issue up.
Supergirl # 48
At last, a Kara centric issue. Some have described this story as rushed and a bit forced. I disagree.
We open with Kara bawling Lana out for not telling her about illness - she goes through self righteous anger, disbelief and fear. Kara is then called away to meet with Inspector Henderson. We get exposition regarding the Silver Banshee and her curse and then we get the cofnrontation. Silver Banshee arrives to reclaim one of the lost treasures that will restore her humanity, and through a series of twists and turns Kara is transformed into a second Silver Banshee. My guess is she has manifested as a sister of the original Banshee. She has a subtly different costume to the original Silver Banshee and it looks great.
I should mention I am a big fan of the Banshee and her outfit. When she's cropped up in previous Supergirl issues I've loved it. Sty35st5ca33, (or stylistically, if you don't have your num lock on), I think the contrasting colours between the Banshee and Supergirl's outfit work really well in any panel or piece of art.
As for the issue, I adored it. As mentioned above it has been a long time since we had an actual Kara story and not a crossover. Add to that the good art and some interesting layout, and this is a winner.
DCU Holiday Special 2009
Overall, this was pretty weak.
Batman has very good boots.
The Wally west story was fun.
The Doom Patrol art was good (pity about the story)
The Deadman story was moving - but only because I'm a schmuck.
I should have liked the Huntress story more, but it was a bit dull.
Everything else was utterly forgettable.
Superman/Batman: Blackest Night # 67
Crap. Solomon Grundy, Man-Bat and Bizzaro are possible my least favourite characters.
I did discover that Man-Bat became so due to an experiment - he was trying to develop a cure for deafness but it somehow backfired. I suppose this could be read as a just punishment but on the whole this angered me. It ties into cultural assumptions that to be deaf is to be incomplete, not whole and that deafness is similiar to a disease that needs curing. Man-Bat was created in 1970 (according to Wikipedia, so it could be wrong), but this view is still prevalent today. It's part of the medical model, wherein able bodies are to be aspired to and all other types of bodies are wrong and something to be fixed.
Ddeaf people don't need your pity. To be Ddeaf is not to be automatically deserving of pity. I know there are Ddeaf folks who would prefer to be hearing, there are also Deaf folks who are proud to be Deaf and wouldn't want to be hearing. To eradicate deafness would be to eradicate all the sign languages of the world and to eradicate Deaf culture, which, incidentally is very different to hearing culture.
Recently the disability activist movement has sprung up, should you be interested in learning more about this topic may I recommend FWDforward - standing for feminists with disabilites forward. It is a new site, launched in October 2009 and is updated several times daily. It has become an excellent resource for disability information and views.
Power Girl #7
Well, wasn't this just cracktastic?
A villain who speaks in the third person, who has travelled from another galaxy to woo Peej and convince her to bear his children. All because a contraceptive bomb was dropped on his city rendering all other inhabitants infertile. He wears thigh high boots, little pants and sort of fluted shoulder pads on his waistcoat. He is convinced of his desirability and sexiness. Need I say more?
I associate Amanda Connor so strongly with this title I forget she doesn't write it. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti do writing duties, Paul Mount does the colouring, John J Hill letters. Credit must go to all of them. This is a great title. Download a preview here.
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Green Lantern Corps # 43
In the aftermath of Kyle's death Guy really doesn't cope very well. Natu pleads with Guy not to succumb to the rage, because Kyle wouldn't want it. Guy replies 'But I do'. Which is a somewhat unusual way to deal with death isn't it? At least, it is unusual in cultural depictions. In real life, the (thankfully) few funerals I've been to there is always the emphasis on what the deceased wants for the living, both immediately and for the future months. Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, the fact is the living are left behind and they are the ones hurting. I'm not one to live your life according to the how the dead would prefer. Honour them, yes, but I can see why Guy reacted he way he did and I think it's perfectly legitimate.
Aside from that, there are plenty of other good moments in this book. If you are in any way interested in Guy Gardener I recommend you pick this issue up.
Supergirl # 48
At last, a Kara centric issue. Some have described this story as rushed and a bit forced. I disagree.
We open with Kara bawling Lana out for not telling her about illness - she goes through self righteous anger, disbelief and fear. Kara is then called away to meet with Inspector Henderson. We get exposition regarding the Silver Banshee and her curse and then we get the cofnrontation. Silver Banshee arrives to reclaim one of the lost treasures that will restore her humanity, and through a series of twists and turns Kara is transformed into a second Silver Banshee. My guess is she has manifested as a sister of the original Banshee. She has a subtly different costume to the original Silver Banshee and it looks great.
I should mention I am a big fan of the Banshee and her outfit. When she's cropped up in previous Supergirl issues I've loved it. Sty35st5ca33, (or stylistically, if you don't have your num lock on), I think the contrasting colours between the Banshee and Supergirl's outfit work really well in any panel or piece of art.
As for the issue, I adored it. As mentioned above it has been a long time since we had an actual Kara story and not a crossover. Add to that the good art and some interesting layout, and this is a winner.
DCU Holiday Special 2009
Overall, this was pretty weak.
Batman has very good boots.
The Wally west story was fun.
The Doom Patrol art was good (pity about the story)
The Deadman story was moving - but only because I'm a schmuck.
I should have liked the Huntress story more, but it was a bit dull.
Everything else was utterly forgettable.
Superman/Batman: Blackest Night # 67
Crap. Solomon Grundy, Man-Bat and Bizzaro are possible my least favourite characters.
I did discover that Man-Bat became so due to an experiment - he was trying to develop a cure for deafness but it somehow backfired. I suppose this could be read as a just punishment but on the whole this angered me. It ties into cultural assumptions that to be deaf is to be incomplete, not whole and that deafness is similiar to a disease that needs curing. Man-Bat was created in 1970 (according to Wikipedia, so it could be wrong), but this view is still prevalent today. It's part of the medical model, wherein able bodies are to be aspired to and all other types of bodies are wrong and something to be fixed.
Ddeaf people don't need your pity. To be Ddeaf is not to be automatically deserving of pity. I know there are Ddeaf folks who would prefer to be hearing, there are also Deaf folks who are proud to be Deaf and wouldn't want to be hearing. To eradicate deafness would be to eradicate all the sign languages of the world and to eradicate Deaf culture, which, incidentally is very different to hearing culture.
Recently the disability activist movement has sprung up, should you be interested in learning more about this topic may I recommend FWDforward - standing for feminists with disabilites forward. It is a new site, launched in October 2009 and is updated several times daily. It has become an excellent resource for disability information and views.
Power Girl #7
Well, wasn't this just cracktastic?
A villain who speaks in the third person, who has travelled from another galaxy to woo Peej and convince her to bear his children. All because a contraceptive bomb was dropped on his city rendering all other inhabitants infertile. He wears thigh high boots, little pants and sort of fluted shoulder pads on his waistcoat. He is convinced of his desirability and sexiness. Need I say more?
I associate Amanda Connor so strongly with this title I forget she doesn't write it. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti do writing duties, Paul Mount does the colouring, John J Hill letters. Credit must go to all of them. This is a great title. Download a preview here.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
3 sentence reviews
Of comics a week old..I'm giving myself a little bit of a break from blogging as I need to recharge and think of topics for posts (!). I will be back in about a week. Meanwhile, happy holidays everyone!
Spoilers ahead for Red Robin #7, Batgirl #5, Green Arrow/Black Canary #27, Action Comics #19, Adventure Comics: Blackest Night # 5.
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Red Robin #7
I'm really liking this addition of Tam Fox, she is really very good. There's a big spider beasty, Alfred and Lucius Fox having a quiet afternoon cup of tea, and then Ra's Al Ghul is killed! There's something about this title that keeps drawing me back, even though I when I do read it I feel it isn't really an obvious book for me.
Batgirl #5
Laugh out loud comic of the week with some very clever digs at Damian - one made through the choice of art style and one an off panel gag. There's also a shock ending which contrasted strongly with the humour of the book. I'm eagerly anticipating the next issue!
Green Arrow/Black Canary #27
This issue is very much focused on Cupid. She gets her Dark Arrow and we discover more about her past. The regular artist is far too fixated on giving Dinah an unzipped costume, but other that that, a cracking issue.
Action Comics #19
When you consider how I was debating whether to drop this title a few months back, I think it has really improved in the last few months. I won't debate the content, if you're not reading it it won't make sense, if you are you don't need my description. A solid issue.
Adventure Comics: Blackest Night # 5
I am sick and tired of covers paying tribute to the dead Supergirl crisis cover. It's lazy, boring and reduces the impact of the original. Having said that I thought the comic was lots of fun - I like books that break the 4th wall and this had plenty of that.
Spoilers ahead for Red Robin #7, Batgirl #5, Green Arrow/Black Canary #27, Action Comics #19, Adventure Comics: Blackest Night # 5.
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Red Robin #7
I'm really liking this addition of Tam Fox, she is really very good. There's a big spider beasty, Alfred and Lucius Fox having a quiet afternoon cup of tea, and then Ra's Al Ghul is killed! There's something about this title that keeps drawing me back, even though I when I do read it I feel it isn't really an obvious book for me.
Batgirl #5
Laugh out loud comic of the week with some very clever digs at Damian - one made through the choice of art style and one an off panel gag. There's also a shock ending which contrasted strongly with the humour of the book. I'm eagerly anticipating the next issue!
Green Arrow/Black Canary #27
This issue is very much focused on Cupid. She gets her Dark Arrow and we discover more about her past. The regular artist is far too fixated on giving Dinah an unzipped costume, but other that that, a cracking issue.
Action Comics #19
When you consider how I was debating whether to drop this title a few months back, I think it has really improved in the last few months. I won't debate the content, if you're not reading it it won't make sense, if you are you don't need my description. A solid issue.
Adventure Comics: Blackest Night # 5
I am sick and tired of covers paying tribute to the dead Supergirl crisis cover. It's lazy, boring and reduces the impact of the original. Having said that I thought the comic was lots of fun - I like books that break the 4th wall and this had plenty of that.
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