tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66478278280067628032024-03-21T21:59:52.669-07:00Whatever I ReadWelcome to "Whatever I Read," where I post reviews about just that: whatever I've decided to read. Whether it's novels, comics, manga, or the back of a cereal box, if I have an opinion about it, you'll be the first to know.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-80049012387054738212015-08-24T23:14:00.001-07:002015-08-24T23:14:04.283-07:00Gamma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Man, I haven't made a post here in ages. But I have the urge to write my thoughts on something I read, and this is still a thing that exists, so here we go.</div>
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After seeing a post that piqued my interest, I decided to check out a manga called Gamma. It's only 20 chapters, so here's my thoughts:</div>
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I like the concept: it's a world where superheroes of all types - typical "tights and capes" heroes, sentai teams, magical girls, and so on - exist and fight their respective enemies. The main focus is on the Earth Defense Force and two sisters who act as counselors and support to heroes and ex-heroes, due to the stress of the heroing life and the loss of purpose they feel after being depowered. One of them also happens to be a former magical girl, who lost most of her powers not long ago.</div>
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The way it plays on various hero tropes is neat, and it has homages to several different types of superhero and monster movies. There's one scene that's pretty much that universe's equivalent of the Battle of New York from The Avengers, complete with its own version of Iron Man, Cap, Hulk, and... Spider-Man.</div>
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Actually, the Spider-Man expy, named Hornetman, is one of my favorites.</div>
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Another scene I particularly like is where they provide counseling for the Sixth Ranger of that universe's sentai team. It lampshades a lot of the usual sixth ranger themes and sentai tropes ("Why do they always fight in a rock quarry?" "I dunno." "Oh look, the monster grew large. Now it's rampaging downtown. Why do they always go to the middle of the city once they grow giant?"), and when we see the team unmasked, they're pretty clearly designed to look like the Gokaigers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW_19Xqm45OgVdTOsBV0FNKtfzuUqvCcKBLEE8XiJR44AdRwDUhbuEfCYXx0kFwsGvhWQqUhiTsUPgRIYUt997eZmsmGUdq5qjAwx3dagzEWhmzHf4mWfbnCgQu7uFWWCjtwHbyFvjX5v/s1600/032.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW_19Xqm45OgVdTOsBV0FNKtfzuUqvCcKBLEE8XiJR44AdRwDUhbuEfCYXx0kFwsGvhWQqUhiTsUPgRIYUt997eZmsmGUdq5qjAwx3dagzEWhmzHf4mWfbnCgQu7uFWWCjtwHbyFvjX5v/s320/032.png" width="203" /></a>Later, during a monster attack, their giant robot is dropped into the ocean to fight a kaiju, like a scene right out of Pacific Rim. There, it teamed up with an Ultraman-expy. </div>
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As the story goes on, we get to learn more about the various heroes in that world, but it's not a series where the good guys always win; quite a few characters I liked bit the dust by the end.</div>
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Though I do have to criticize the art just a bit. I don't mind fanservice when it's tastefully done, but it's a little ham-fisted in this one. I'm pretty sure there's no defense organization that would ever make their uniforms have shorts and skirts quite as short as the characters wear, and apparently a superheroine wearing a skintight outfit means there's nothing left to the imagination, and I mean nothing.</div>
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No, seriously, there's this dramatic moment where she's weeping about encountering the villain who killed her best friend - a powerful, emotional moment, slightly diminished by the amount of detail the artist put into showing the outline of her nipple under the suit.</div>
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Then in the last volume, he just goes "Screw it, let's just toss in some nudity, the manga's ending soon anyways." That's also the volume where the yuri overtones go from subtext to text, with pretty much every female character hooking up with another one, though I consider that a point in its favor.</div>
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So come for the superheroes, the story, the fanservice, or the yuri, and you'll have plenty of it to go around. It was a relatively short read, but pretty entertaining, if it's your style.</div>
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Until next time (whenever that may be), this has been whatever I read.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-39475156058171270762013-09-11T20:58:00.002-07:002013-09-11T20:58:29.657-07:00Batman 23.2: Riddler #1<br />
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I know, I know, another comic review. For a blog about whatever I read, I sure do read a lot of comics. This time, though, it's one I felt I really needed to talk about.</div>
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With the conclusion of "Trinity War," the DC universe is overrun by villains, and the heroes are presumably dead. Suffice to say, that won't take, but the writers are using this time to focus on the villains of their comics, creating several in-between issues dedicated to them for their "villains month." In this case, we have an issue of Batman focusing on The Riddler.</div>
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Now, I like The Riddler. I cosplay as him, and I've stocked up on quite a few riddles for those moments. This comic gave me a few new ones to use, and out of the five riddles presented to us at the start of the comic, I managed to solve three of them, though they are all well-crafted. (I'm also glad that the design they used for this issue is similar to the version I cosplay. I couldn't stand how he looked earlier on in the reboot, with his hair cut into the shape of a question mark.)</div>
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Snyder and Fawkes use this issue to not only show Edward Nigma, aka The Riddler, as he carries out a heist. It shows his thought process and plans as he carries out each step expertly, in a manner befitting his intelligence. He's not just leaving riddles around for Batman to know where he'll strike, he incorporates each riddle into his plans without basing the plans around them; the closest we get to them being set for anyone to find is when they appear on the security monitors, otherwise he asks them to either the other characters or himself as he carries out his plan. This makes his M.O. all the more effective, while still remaining true to continuity and character.</div>
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It can be hard to make a villain whose theme is "riddles" appear threatening and effective, but this comic does it quite effectively. I could believe everything was calculated, without him being the type of character who claims everything that happens works right into his plans; the unexpected can and does happen with every plan, and his is no exception.</div>
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The believability is made possible with the look into his mind the comic provides us with. I put it down feeling I had a better understanding of the character, and very entertained by his plans and heists. This makes a nice companion to "Forever Evil" without having to connect to it completely. If you want to read a Villains Month issue that can be enjoyed on its own and gives some nice character exploration, this is one to read.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-18042364739356366922013-04-03T17:46:00.000-07:002013-04-04T01:07:37.325-07:00Deadpool #7<br />
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If you've been following my blog, scarce though my updates may be, you'll probably note that I only do single-issue reviews of a comic if it's a really good issue.</div>
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This is one of those.</div>
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Deadpool #7 takes a time-out from the ongoing story arc, framed as an "inventory issue" from the "late '70s/early '80s," and published now to buy the creative team some time. As such, the entire issue is a lovingly-crafted callback to an earlier time in comics. Everything is designed to look like it was made in that time period, but with the Deadpool being Deadpool, well, he's still got plenty of anachronistic references to throw out there.</div>
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This issue ties in to the classic "Demon in a Bottle" Iron Man storyline, with Deadpool hired to make sure Tony Stark doesn't quit drinking. Mind you, that doesn't stop the writers from throwing in plenty of other characters from the Marvel universe, from Spider-Man to the Power Pack, and even Cable, who sports a very 90's look to him, especially since he wasn't even created at that point, but since he is a time traveler… wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey.</div>
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Along with the brilliantly old-timely artwork, what sells this issue is the excellent dialogue. It manages to seem perfectly in-place with the time it's supposedly set in, without seeming forced or dry as a result. Peter Parker gets some great lines at the beginning, Tony Stark's snark is strong, and Deadpool, well, they have Deadpool's dialogue as an art form by this point.</div>
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There's even a brief scene where it looks like Deadpool's going into one of those old comic strip commercials that have heroes saving the day with whatever they're advertising. The way it was worked in was perfectly-timed, and the scene was executed wonderfully.</div>
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Oh, and be sure to read the letters page. The issue is from the 80's, so the letters are too.</div>
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Am I going on about this comic too much? Okay, so maybe I'm heaping on the praise, but frankly, this comic earned it. It was fun, it was entertaining, and there's a lot of heart in this issue. It was enjoyable every step of the way, and re-reading it for this review, it just gets better. Whether or not you follow Deadpool's comics each time a new one comes out, or if you're just a casual reader of comics, this is a great one to get.</div>
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Until next time, this has been whatever I read.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-58707023918779195952013-03-06T21:45:00.001-08:002013-03-06T21:45:22.703-08:00Age of Ultron (and what I've been up to lately)<br />
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Hey, look, an actual post! Yeah, this blog is still up and running, although very slowly. It's not that I haven't been reading, of course, just that I've had so much else to do that I haven't had the time to write any reviews. Still, here's something.</div>
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So, what have I been reading in this time? Well, I picked up plenty of Love Hina omnibuses, which is a series from one of my favorite mangaka; I'll write a full review of that series later, although it's an older one. I've also been reading the Dresden Files books, which I've found quite entertaining, although I doubt I'll review any of them any time soon.</div>
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I've also been following plenty of comics, aside from my last post about Throne of Atlantis. So before I get to the main review, I'll do a quick glance at some of those.</div>
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Hawkeye: an excellent look at the life of Clint Barton when he's not wearing a mask and acting as an Avenger, showing a more vulnerable and human side to a man without powers who fights among supers.</div>
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Swamp Thing and Animal Man: While Rotworld ran for quite a while, it had some excellent moments (Green Lantern Frankenstein, anyone?), and the conclusion that came out this week brought about a nice end. So much so that I think I'll give the series a break for now.</div>
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Cable and X-Force: I have mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I don't really care about Cable (at least when he's not teamed up with Deadpool) and I'm not fond of the new outfits. But it has Doctor Nemesis, and the good doctor is awesome in so many ways; that's what's been keeping me reading.</div>
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Thunderbolts: Surprisingly better than I expected; maybe it's just Deadpool's presence, but it's been entertaining enough to keep me reading.</div>
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Justice League of America: The first issue proved interesting enough to keep me on for at least another issue; a nice introduction to a promising team, with the settings for a big showdown later on.</div>
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All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men: the fallout after AvX continues, with the X-Men of old looking upon their future selves and getting freaked the hell out. Meanwhile, Cyclops continues to go off the deep end, but things are looking interesting as new mutants emerge.</div>
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Wolverine and the X-Men: If you need me to tell you how great it is, that means you haven't been reading it. Why aren't you reading this comic? Go out, get the paperbacks, catch up with the comic, and start following it. Seriously, it's great.</div>
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Deadpool: Same as WatXM.</div>
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Okay, now that I've given you a brief overview of some of the titles I've been following, time to take a look at the first issue of Marvel's newest event: Age of Ultron. For those unfamiliar with Ultron, I'll give a quick overview: Hank Pym built a robot, the robot is super-powerful and super-evil, and it occasionally stops by to try and wipe out and/or enslave humanity. That's the very short version of it, but frankly, I don't know enough about Ultron myself to give you a more complete version.</div>
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Issue 1 features a nice and shiny cover, featuring a pile of defeated heroes, with the reflection of Hawkeye in Ultron's shiny face as he readies an arrow. Will the purple archer be the hero this time around? Well, judging by the role he plays, it could very well be.</div>
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The story begins "in media res." That is, we start off in the middle of the story, with no idea how it reached that point. It's a storytelling device used to build intrigue and mystery before offering an explanation. We see a world in shambles, where society has crumbled and only the ruthless remain.</div>
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This is a world that has reached such a low point, the heroes of it are doing one of two things: either hiding away in shame and fear, or taking lives. Hawkeye, in this case, is one of the latter; he's unafraid to kill if it means getting to his goal, although in this case, that goal means rescuing a friend.</div>
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We also see Hammerhead and The Owl, two villains who are typically C-list at best, running gangs and making deals with Ultron in order to survive just a bit longer. If these are the villains still alive, one can only wonder what happened to the rest.</div>
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The world is policed by robotic drones, content to wipe out any and all organics. There's also a threat of being infected by something, although whether it'll make the victims go Matrix Agent on everyone or just plain die has yet to be explained.</div>
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This is a "darkest hour" story. Spirits have been broken, and heroics are no more. Even the unbreakable have fallen, whether physically or spiritually. It is not a light and happy story about heroics.</div>
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So what is it that makes Hawkeye the best character to follow in this world? How is it that he can continue to fight when even the bravest now cower? I believe that it is because Hawkeye is "just human" that allows him to do this.</div>
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The other heroes tend to have powers to back them up. Even Iron Man has his suit and his mental link with electronics; all Hawkeye has is a bow and arrow he can aim well with. To him, every super villain who he has to face overpowers him as much as Ultron overpowers the others. He is used to the odds being stacked against him, and that is how he has the strength to keep fighting even now.</div>
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That said, we still don't know how Ultron wrecked the planet, unless there's a comic that I missed leading up to it, in which case, please let me know. Hopefully this will be shown in detail later, but until then, I'll casually follow this, just to keep in the loop.</div>
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There are also plenty of Age of Ultron tie-ins, but each of them are marked with "AU," which would indicate "alternate universe," unless I'm mistaken. Feel free to speculate as to what that means, but my assumption is that things will get wibbly-wobbly and timey-wimey before the reset button is hit and everything returns to normal.</div>
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Whether or not you'll like Age of Ultron depends on your taste in comics. If you like hopeless, last stand, gritty sorts of comics, you'll probably enjoy this; it's well-written, for what it is, and the artwork is fine. If you prefer to have some fun with what you read, though, then you'll probably want to give this a pass.</div>
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Until next time, this has been whatever I read.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-55146134197410575732012-12-28T12:25:00.002-08:002012-12-28T12:25:53.245-08:00Throne of Atlantis (Aquaman & Justice League #15) Review<br />
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Contrary to what pop culture may claim, Aquaman does not suck. This preface shouldn't be necessary, thanks to the Justice League cartoon ("King of the seas, remember?" said the man who cut off his own hand and replaced it with a harpoon to save his son), Brightest Day, and most recently, Geoff Johns' run on Aquaman and Justice League. I've mentioned before how I am a fan of Aquaman, and how in the hands of a talented writer, he can be one of the most impressive heroes in DC comics.</div>
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As such, it is my pleasure to review issues 15 of Justice League and Aquaman, the first two parts of the "Throne of Atlantis" arc. Written by Geoff Johns, who revitalized Aquaman with his inclusion in Blackest Night and Brightest Day, as well as his excellent run in DC's New 52 (see my earlier reviews for my thoughts on that), we now get to see an all-out Atlantean war against the surface, and Aquaman struggling to maintain peace between his two worlds.</div>
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It begins in Justice League #15, so I'll discuss more than just Aquaman in this part. While it begins with an attack on Atlantis, the way that it happens makes it clear that someone is playing them against each other. As such, Atlantis is acting in self-defense (from an Atlantean perspective), no matter how excessive the counter-attack might be. With that in mind, one might wonder: is this a metaphor for the Israel-Palestine conflict? I'm going to say no, it's a comic, stop trying to politicize everything and let me enjoy my comics in peace, theoretical reader asking me this sort of charged question.</div>
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Still, every good action needs setup, and we see a very humanizing moment for Wonder Woman, as she goes out with Superman. Now, I was never on the Supes/Wondey ship. I'm still not, but if you like it, I can't particularly blame you after seeing this scene, as Clark helps bring Diana closer to earth. It's a sweet moment for the two characters, showing a side of Wonder Woman we haven't seen in a while, and a side of Superman we don't see enough of in his current runs.</div>
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Of course, there's no shortage on action, either, starting with Batman and Aquaman taking down some thugs, with Mera once again proving that she's more than a badass in her own right.</div>
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Speaking of Mera, she gets a crowning moment of awesome in Aquaman #15. Her hydromancy is taken to its limits, but she alone saves more lives than the rest of the Justice League combined after the initial assault. That said, the lives lost number far greater than those saved regardless; in a war against Atlantis, there will be casualties on both sides.</div>
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Also in Aquaman is a little more on the New 52 Aquaman's backstory. The latest arc took us through a chapter of his life from before Atlantis, before Arthur was the Aquaman we know today, and now we learn a little more about what he did when he returned to the ocean and took his place as king. Suffice to say, he's not proud of the things he did, which are now being used against him.</div>
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However, the characters aren't going through the regular motions of "let's fight everyone until we figure something out." This is a classic brother versus brother conflict, with Aquaman wanting to stop conflicts by talking to his brother, Orm. Aquaman wants peace between the two worlds he lived in, but with such a high body count, there's no stopping the conflict. He wants to do what's right, but in a battle orchestrated by unknown forces, with each side itching to get revenge, what exactly is the right thing to do?</div>
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If you want to jump in on Aquaman or Justice League, this is a great place to do it. If you're reading one already, perhaps this will get you interested in the other. The story is great, the artwork wonderful, and they tie together seamlessly. If you're a fan of Aquaman, you'll like the start this storyline is off to. If you're not a fan of Aquaman, maybe this will change your mind.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-69373117517671826792012-11-15T17:51:00.001-08:002012-11-15T18:06:32.737-08:00Marvel Now: X-Men, Iron Man, Thor, and Deadpool<br />
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Not one to be outdone by DC's massive reboot, Marvel comics has launched its own "Marvel Now!," starting several series over from issue 1. While this isn't as much of a reboot as DC's, it is still reassembling new teams, starting new adventures, and generally trying to make a good starting point for new readers. I've picked up quite a few comics from this relaunch, so let's take a look at some of them.</div>
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As always, there will be minor spoilers.</div>
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<b>X-Men Legacy</b></div>
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Before the relaunch, I was following X-Men Legacy, and it was mostly focused on Rogue, her team, and her romance with Magneto. (I, of course, will always support Rogue and Gambit, but that's neither here nor there.) The new Legacy takes it far away from that, and instead focuses on David Haller, son of Professor Xavier.</div>
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This is a character I'm only somewhat familiar with, and my understanding about him is pretty limited. As such, I got to look at this issue from the point of view of someone with minimal knowledge about David and his powers, but from the looks of it, he seems to have multiple (mostly evil) personalities locked away in his head, and he can channel the various powers of each one. If this is vastly wrong, please feel free to correct me, but that's the impression given by this comic.</div>
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The first issue is mainly spent giving us an idea of his personality. In spite of all the evil personalities locked away inside his head, he wants to do good, but knows that he's got a lot of insanity to deal with. He also has some serious issues with his father, which may be causing just as much trouble as the many personalities.</div>
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That said, the story is structured well enough; the scenes in the "Qortex Complex" and in Kangchengyad (where David resides) get linked together nicely, without having to spell anything out, even if it may make things seem odd at the beginning.</div>
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However, I wasn't drawn in to this comic particularly much. I haven't really connected with David's character, and I can't bring myself to care where his story goes. They're setting up some interesting things, but whether or not those make it worth buying has yet to be seen.</div>
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<b>All-New X-Men</b></div>
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This is a bit of a backwards title, given that the main sell of the comic is that it features the return of the original X-Men. Not that they ever left - they're just a lot different than they used to be. Beast became all blue and furry, Jean died, Angel turned evil, returned to the side of good, went evil again, died, then came back an amnesiac, Cyclops jumped off the slippery slope, and Iceman… actually, Iceman hasn't changed quite as drastically.</div>
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Still, even though the last part of the chapter features Beast going back in time to bring the original five to the present, saying so is in no way a spoiler, since that's all that's been advertised about it. Until then, we get to see some of the new mutants popping up around the world, and just how far Cyclops will go to recruit them to his cause. I don't even need to point out the parallels he has to Magneto and his Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, although Cyclops still claims the title of "X-Men."</div>
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The new mutants we've seen so far don't have the most unique powers (by which I mean there were characters on "Heroes" with the exact same powers), but their personalities are at least somewhat different from what we've usually seen. After all, they're struggling with these new powers they suddenly found, which is something we haven't been able to see in an X-Men comic since Hope's five lights.</div>
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The main thing that has me reading this is Beast, everyone's favorite fuzzy blue mutant (aside from Nightcrawler). Let's just say that things are not going well for him, and he believes this to be his last chance to try and set things right and see his old friends as they once were again.</div>
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I have to wonder how long this will be able to go on for, since there's no way he can keep the old team together in the present for too long without having serious ramifications on the timestream, but it will be an interesting read at first. Brian Michael Bendis has an even amount of fans and detractors, given his style, but one can't deny that the man can write comics well.</div>
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All in all, I'll give this one a little time. I'm mostly interested in seeing how the classic X-Men react to seeing them as they are now, but I don't know how long I'll stick with it.</div>
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<b>Thor: God of Thunder</b></div>
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Now we get away from the X-Men stuff, and start looking at everyone's favorite hammer-throwing, golden-haired god of thunder. Rather than focus on Thor beating up frost giants and other baddies on Earth, we start by seeing him perform his godly duty of answering prayers. Even on planets far away, if someone prays to Thor, he'll give it a listen.</div>
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As this comic starts to look at Thor's status as a god, it also expands upon the various other deities, both on Earth and other planets. We know that the Norse gods are far from the only ones on Earth, although with Thor they do get the most focus. Other planets have their own gods, though, which this comic uses to an interesting effect.</div>
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As such, it's important that he fight an enemy worthy of a god. Normally that would mean some other wicked god (Loki is no longer available to fulfill that role, of course), but this time it's a threat that can make even other gods cry out in terror. Judging by the last few pages, it's far from a threat to be taken lightly.</div>
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Still, this is not a traditional Thor comic. There's little focus on other Asgardians, and the only time spent on Earth is in the past. It's a different look at the god of thunder, which some might enjoy more than others. So far, there's been more "acts of god" than beating up bad guys, but when Thor summons rain, he at least makes it look cool.</div>
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<b>Iron Man</b></div>
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Fresh off his success with "Journey Into Mystery" (which you better have read. Seriously.), Kieron Gillen is taking on the genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist Tony Stark. This time, Iron Man's got to deal with the Extremis nanotechnology, which is reappearing in the wrong hands.</div>
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The writing has all the signatures of Gillen's style, with clever dialogue, quite a lot of text boxes, and themes of the past coming back to haunt someone. The characters are smart, even the ones you wouldn't think to be, and when the action kicks in, we get to see Tony kicking ass, taking names, and showing what he's learned from his years as Iron Man and his last experience with Extremis.</div>
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I can't say much for the art, but while I like the designs and coloring, there's something about the faces that doesn't sit well with me. Maybe it has something to do with how everyone seems to close their eyes while smiling, but that's my only complaint with the artwork.</div>
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I'm a fan of Gillen's work, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this progresses. Normally I don't read the Iron Man comics, but I trust Gillen to make the characters not only relatable and likable, but to put them through situations that make us both cheer and cry for them.</div>
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Of course, I'm also looking forward to his take on the Young Avengers, especially since Loki is joining the team. Seriously, I can't wait for that one.</div>
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<b>Deadpool</b></div>
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For all your comedic, sociopathic, fourth wall-breaking, stabbing and shooting needs, Deadpool is here. While Dan Way's take on Deadpool has met with mixed reviews, it did well enough to keep him on the title for quite some time, but now Brian Posehn and Gerry Duggan are taking over, and boy are they off to a great start.</div>
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We're re-introduced to everything that makes Deadpool crazy awesome. He bursts out of a giant dinosaur monster's gut, having teamed up with (and thoroughly disgusted) Thor, then goes on to fight zombie presidents. Yes, that's right, the US presidents have been brought back from the dead, and they're not happy with what has become of the United States of America… so clearly the solution is to do what zombies do best.</div>
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Every step of the way, Deadpool has a quip, reference, or joke to make, and the visual gags (keep an eye out for monster pieces in the background) make it all the better. He has yet to address any of his yellow text boxes, but that also means none of the "multiple personalities" that Way gave him (a sad misunderstanding of his medium awareness), and the comic does not suffer for the lack of them.</div>
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Even characters who aren't Deadpool get some nice moments, but Deadpool can run with those just as well as anything else. Some cameos from Thor and Captain America, as well as SHIELD's role in Deadpool's new assignment, add some nice variety to this comic, while creating some foils for how Deadpool and how he's viewed by the heroic community.</div>
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In short, this is one I'd recommend to any fans of Deadpool. While my favorite comic featuring him is still currently "Cable and Deadpool," this is looking good so far, and promises to be a good run.</div>
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Anyways, that's what I've got so far. I'll try to post something other than comic reviews soon, so I don't get too repetitive. Until next time, this has been whatever I read.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-2384287421548792652012-08-27T20:14:00.004-07:002012-08-27T20:14:37.391-07:00Doctor Who: ShadaIf you've spent any time around me, you'll have picked up on a few key facts. In fact, you'll have probably figured these things out even if we've never met, and you've just read a bit of things I've written. First of all, I am a fan of Doctor Who. Secondly, one of my biggest inspirations in writing is the late, great Douglas Adams, creator of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." So you'd think I'd like a Doctor Who novel based off the script by Douglas Adams, right?<br />
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You'd be damn well right to think that.<br />
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Now, here's a little history on the Doctor Who serial "Shada." It was originally meant to be the season finale of season 17 of Doctor Who, but was never completed because of a strike at the BBC. Instead, the bits and pieces they did record were used in "The Five Doctors." There have been various attempts to recreate it from the pieces that remain over the years, leading us to this novel.<br />
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While the novel itself is written by Gareth Roberts, it's still a Douglas Adams piece through and through. Roberts worked off the versions of the script that Adams wrote, adding in scenes to fill any plot holes that were created in the editing process and generally polishing it up as best he could. The voice of Adams is evident from the very first page, while the rest of the book is equally saturated with his influence.<br />
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It's clear that Gareth Roberts has a great respect for the works of Adams, maintaining true to his vision and channeling the same type of tone and amusing commentary that he's known for. There are minor comments that reference other works of Adams, including a well-timed tribute to his most famous work near the end that I won't spoil for you.<br />
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Of course, that means it goes without saying how incredibly funny it is. The descriptions, the running gags, the ones that come right at you out of nowhere, all with great timing and a well-written tone.<br />
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The book is written for the 4th Doctor, famously played by Tom Baker, as he travels with Romana and K-9. Of course, as the novelization was written well into Matt Smith's run as the 11th, it includes some references to later Doctors, such as mentioning the Corsair's gender-changing regenerations and the Doctor's love of edible ball bearings. In spite of those, there's no breaking character, from the perfectly-voiced dialogue to the internal descriptions.<br />
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I hope it's not presumptuous of me to say that Roberts' affection towards Doctor Who and the works of Douglas Adams is at least equal to mine. Either way, his love of the series and respect towards Adams shines through in this novel.<br />
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As for the story itself, it's filled with all sorts of wonderful characters, and a story that moves at a brisk pace, tying together various story threads into a cohesive narrative. There are plenty of twists, turns, and cliffhangers, as expected of Doctor Who, culminating in wonderful displays of brilliance from all the characters and an ending befitting a season finale.<br />
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At this point, it occurs to me that I haven't even said what the story is about. A brief synopsis: the Doctor, Romana, and K-9 visit Cambridge University to respond to a distress call from the Doctor's old friend, Professor Chronotis (who fans of Douglas Adams might recall from Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency), a Time Lord who retired to live out his final regeneration in peace. Of course, they arrive right as he's being tracked down by Skagra, a brilliant but bloody crazy alien with a god complex and no fashion sense. He's after "The Worshipful and Ancient Law of Gallifrey,"which happens to be in Chronotis's possession... or was, until it was lent to Chris Parsons, who mostly tries to use it to impress a girl who actually doesn't need impressing.<br />
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This leads to a series of adventures and chases through time, space, and Cambridge, as Skagra attempts to unlock an ancient evil and do something nasty to the universe. And every moment of it was brilliant.<br />
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It actually took me a while to complete the book after reading it. It's a large one, at well over 300 pages, but I ended up taking my time just to savor it. Most every chapter had me pause for a minute just to bask in the excellence of Douglas Adams' storytelling, until the end, where I kept going and going to see what would happen next.<br />
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Am I a biased reviewer? I'd like to think not, since I set some pretty high standards for Roberts to meet. But they were met and then some, resulting in one of the best expanded universe novels I've had the pleasure to read.<br />
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Until next time, this has been whatever I read.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-17646277447527142672012-07-19T15:50:00.000-07:002012-07-19T15:50:02.997-07:00Blue Beetle #11, or: "How DC Ruined Two of my Favorite Characters"Normally I don't do this. I'm not the type to use my blog just to complain about a single issue that I don't like. In fact, I was really hoping my next post would be my review of "Shada," the Doctor Who novelization by the late Douglas Adams. (Speaking of, it's awesome so far, go read it. More on that later.)<br />
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However, this issue just pissed me off so much I had to post something about it. So take note, this is going to mostly be a fanboy's whining, and probably not to the standards of my other reviews, but if you like reading someone complain, you're in for a treat.<br />
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Let's begin with a little background on why this issue pisses me off so much. I'm a huge fan of Booster Gold and Blue Beetle. Well, Blue Beetle 3, Jaime Reyes, to be precise. His previous run, pre-reboot, was excellent - great storytelling, wonderful characters, and a hero who was really different from the others. He didn't keep his heroics a secret from his friends or family - he had to get his parents permission before going out and fighting crime, but they were proud of him and supported him. As a legacy character, he had to live up to the previous two Blue Beetles, but he did his best and became a great hero in his own right.<br />
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That's why the New 52 version of Blue Beetle was so hard to read; it abandoned everything that made the previous title great, and instead focused on making things as bad for Jaime as possible. He's keeping his identity a secret, he's wrecking things for his friends and family alike (nearly killing some of them in the process), and has recently been living on the streets of New York, getting in fights with nearly everyone he meets because no one will even listen to him. There's no heart, no charm, no love to be found anywhere in it - just things going bad for Jaime.<br />
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So why did I read it this far? Because I kept hoping things would get better. I'd always think back to the previous run and think "it could be this good again." It might even be a comic-reading version of Stockholm Syndrome, where I'd hold on to anything, however rare, that the comic did right and think "If they just do more of this, it'll get better."<br />
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Boy was that dumb of me.<br />
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Then we get to this issue. It opens with Booster Gold going on TV and reaching out to Blue Beetle, offering to hear his side of the story on all the disasters that have been following him. "Okay, good," I thought. "Maybe Booster will mention Ted Kord, the previous Blue Beetle. Maybe we'll have some of the Blue and the Gold again. Maybe this won't be such a mess."<br />
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Then, when Jaime goes to meet Booster, what does BG do? Punches Jaime in the face. He claims to recognize the reach armor from the future (Booster Gold is a time traveling hero from the future, for those unaware), and intends to "mercy kill" Jaime, who he thinks is being controlled by the armor, despite all insistences otherwise.<br />
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This leads to a fight scene where the dialogue consists of them mostly just shouting at each other. Here's some dialogue: "You're a fake, 'Booster Gold'! You're a liar!" "You're an alien death-machine!" "NO I'M NOT!"<br />
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It's pretty much just that for a couple of pages, before Jaime's grandmother shows up with a bunch of passerby's and shouts Booster off. While normally it would be a great moment, seeing Jaime's family come together to defend him from an overwhelming enemy... this is Booster Gold we're talking about, not some supervillain!<br />
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So we have Booster acting extremely out-of-character, a pointless fight scene that could be avoided and made for much better development if they'd just have Booster listen, no references to the previous Blue Beetle (Booster's best friend, who he was unable to save from dying before Infinite Crisis, in spite of his time traveling), and a completely wasted moment that would normally be great.<br />
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At the same time, we have Paco and Brenda, Jaime's best friends who were both nearly killed because of the Scarab, going in search of Jaime, then getting captured and nearly cut up, turning Paco again into the evil backup beetle... thing, who they have dubbed "Blood Beetle." Let the stupidity of that name sink in for a minute. Blood Beetle.<br />
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Dammit, DC, are we back in the 90's? There was a reason we left the Dark Age of comics!<br />
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At any rate, I know this has just been me complaining, but there you have it. This is why I'm done with the Blue Beetle reboot. This issue alone took two of my favorite characters, ruined one and seriously dropped the ball with the other.<br />
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Next time, I'll have an actual quality review, instead of several paragraphs of me raging. Until then, this has been the crap that I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-47767587099216263052012-07-04T19:28:00.004-07:002012-07-04T19:28:32.807-07:00Fate/Zero Light NovelFor those of you who know me, you might have noticed how I've been raving about the awesomeness that is the Fate/Zero anime recently. You'll probably have also noticed that I cosplay as a character from Fate/Zero, while I've been looking into commissioning things for another. For those who don't know me, spoiler alert: I like Fate/Zero.<br />
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With the anime recently ended, and Anime Expo being filled with F/Z events and cosplayers (the only reason I regret missing AX, really), I thought now would be a good time to read and review the light novels that the anime was based off of. Since they haven't been officially translated and released, you can read the Baka-Tsuki translations that I read here: http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Fate/Zero<br />
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Now, Fate/Zero is the prequel to Fate/Stay Night, a visual novel produced by Type-Moon. It was later adapted into an anime, while the "Unlimited Blade Works" route was also adapted into an OVA. And to be honest... I didn't like Fate/Stay Night all that much. I enjoyed it, sure, but I didn't really like the characters or the story as much as I could have.<br />
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It was more the idea of the Holy Grail War that intrigued me - summoning the heroic spirits of heroes across time and space to go into epic battles. (That's also why I tried starting up an online text RPG for it, but that... didn't work out so well. Drama ensued, but I still quite like the characters that I made; Robin Hood was Archer and Icarus was Lancer. But that's in the past and not worth talking about.) That's probably why there are so many spinoffs, such as games and alternate stories with all sorts of other Servants.<br />
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And that brings us to Fate/Zero.<br />
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Fate/Zero is the story of the Holy Grail War, Heaven's Feel, prior to the one in Fate/Stay Night. There were only mentions of it in the F/SN anime and game, such as Saber seeing a large ship that was destroyed in a battle she was in, and her telling Shiro about his father, Kiritsugu, her former Master. Oh, and there was Gilgamesh. This time, we get the full story of all the characters involved.<br />
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Now, as a prequel, Fate/Zero suffers the same problem as most prequels tend to: we know how it's going to end. The characters we know are dead will die, and the ending has already been spoiled for us. However, what matters most is the journey, rather than the destination, and Type-Moon knows how to throw a few twists our way.<br />
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What I found the most intriguing about Fate/Zero was the characters. Some of them were a given: Kiritsugu, Saber, Gilgamesh, and Kotomine mostly. But then there are the new characters who really make this interesting. I'm going to list all the Servant teams, and there will be spoilers, but they'll be in a similar font to the background, so highlight them to see:<br />
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Waver Velvet, the brash young mage out to prove himself, and his Servant, Rider, who proudly proclaims himself to be Alexander the Great, King of Conquerers. (This is not a spoiler, he seriously shouts it to everyone when he arrives.) Waver stole his master's artifact and ran off to enter the war to prove that a mage's strength is not fully dependent on their bloodlines. Rider aims to be truly revived to the modern world so he can once again aim to unify the world under his rule. These two make my absolute favorite team; Waver starts out cocky and haughty, but soon learns and grows thanks to Rider's influence. Meanwhile, Rider is the epitome of badass, but is the sort of person anyone would want to go drinking with. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">It's truly tragic when Rider falls in battle, but he makes even Gilgamesh acknowledge him, and Waver is a much stronger person for the experience</span>.<br />
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Kariya Matou, who abandoned the path of a mage only to be drawn back into it to save the daughter of the woman he loved from his own family. Kariya is one of the most sympathetic characters in the series, in spite of being a member of the Matou family, which tends to breed the most despicable characters. His Servant is Berserker, an armored knight shrouded in darkness who bears a grudge against Saber. His identity is masked until his final fight, but many fans managed to figure out, well, I'll put it in the words of Monty Python: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">"His name is Lancelot, he visits France-a-lot, he likes to dance-a-lot, you know you do!"</span> (Seriously, someone has to make an AMV of him to that song.) The two are a thematically perfect combination, but Berserker's rage and insanity makes him nearly impossible to control, and Kariya himself has thrown away his life in the hopes of saving Sakura from being adopted by his family. It's tragic, but inevitably <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">futile</span>.<br />
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Uryuu Ryunosuke, the serial killer and his equally crazy Servant, Caster, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Gilles de Rais</span>. Ryunosuke is basically a Master by accident; the Grail picked him to fill the spot of the last needed Master, but he and Caster cause most of the conflict of the first half. It's their killing spree that causes Masters to band together to stop him, and his obsession with Saber, who he believes is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Joan of Arc</span>, that drives Caster further.<br />
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Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi and Sola-Ui, an engaged team who command Lancer, Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. Kayneth is Waver's teacher at the academy, an arrogant prodigy who believes he is entitled to victory and the grail, and won't let anyone get in his way. While Kayneth and Sola-Ui aren't the most likable of characters, with their overconfidence and occasional backstabbing, Lancer is one of my favorite Servants, with his nobility and chivalry, making him one of Saber's greatest and most respected rivals. He even <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">inflicts a wound on Saber that handicaps her for a good portion of the story, until he lifts the curse as they work together to defeat Caster. His end, in which Kayneth forces him to stab himself, is a true shame, especially as he was engaged in an honorable duel with Saber, but seeing Kayneth and Sola-Ui gunned down afterwards was significantly less tragic</span>. Speaking of, I am looking to commission Lancer's outfit, if anyone is up for it...<br />
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Tokiomi Tohsaka, father of Rin and Sakura from Fate/Stay Night, and master of Archer, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Gilgamesh</span>. He is a man of nobility and elegance, but also so wrapped up in his own plans that he fails to recognize the true nature of his Servant or apprentice. While he tries to be a good father to his children, it's only as good as mages go, rather than as people go, resulting in him giving his younger daughter, Sakura, to the Matou family. It's this callous disregard for feelings that drives Kariya to hate Tokiomi, but to Tokiomi, the grail war is something that can be won with simple strategy, regardless of the desires of his Servant.<br />
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Then we have the main protagonist, as revealed in Fate/Stay Night: Kotomine Kirei. His servant is Assassin - by which I mean the True Assassin, or at least everyone who has born the name. That is to say, one Servant in a hundred bodies, allowing him to monitor all the opposing mages with his advantage in numbers. Of course, those familiar with Fate/Stay Night know he ends up with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">Gilgamesh</span> as his partner, but seeing him develop from a cold killer for the Church who doesn't know his own desires into someone who wishes to see the world burn is quite a trip.<br />
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Then we have the protagonist, Kiritsugu Emiya, and his Servant, Saber, who is King Arthur... or rather, Arturia. Yes, King Arthur is a woman, and she is incredibly tough, but has also condemned herself to the life of a king, living rigidly by the laws and standards she has set for herself. The two are at a sharp contrast - Kiritsugu is a magus killer who will do whatever it takes to kill his target, but only in order to save more lives; he wants to be a hero, but all he can do is kill those who need killing. Meanwhile, Saber is a true knight, who believes there is honor in battle. The tension between the two creates a rift in the team, and internal conflict that drives the characters.<br />
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That's not even touching on the other characters, such as Kiritsugu's wife (and the vessel for the grail), Irisviel von Einzbern, or Kiritsugu's assistant, Maiya. Every character gets fleshed out personalities, often their own story arcs, and a lot of development. For many of them, it ends in death, but not always. Seeing how each story ends is a treat and a tug on the heartstrings.<br />
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Then we have the story itself. The idea is simple: the Masters summon Servants and fight for the Holy Grail. It's what each of them does that really drives the story: whether it's Saber and Lancer engaged in an honorable battle to the death in one scene, then fighting side-by-side against Caster the next, Rider and Waver causing a fuss as Rider explores the new world he was brought into, or Kirei and Archer having discussions about what it means to be satisfied and have desires, each story arc is intriguing and well-paced. In spite of all the characters, we have a chance to learn about each of them - their histories, desires, and motives. The story flows smoothly, and really gets one invested in their favorites.<br />
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However, it's far from a perfect story. There are many elements that can be confusing to readers unfamiliar with the "Nasuverse," such as the mechanics of magecraft, the Church and its executioners, and other elements introduced and explained in works such as Tsukihime and Fate/Stay Night. This makes it hard for new readers to jump in, and even those coming to it after F/SN might find a few things confusing to them.<br />
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While it may just be an issue with the translations I read, the descriptions and dialogue are very poetic, but also occasionally too much so. It takes so much time using metaphors and flowing descriptions that they run on for a bit and get muddled. For example, in the middle of what should be an epic chase scene, we get paragraphs spent describing a motorcycle with every simile imaginable, instead of the action itself.<br />
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Yet other times there aren't enough descriptions, leaving you unsure of what happened until it's put into simpler terms. As such, the paragraphs are often sparse, leaving just a few sentences or lines before jumping to the next, and making it feel like you're just getting pieces of the story.<br />
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Still, the issues I have with the style are more than made up for with the story, the characters, and the many twists and turns it throws our way. It's not the sort of prequel that tries to cram in everything and get ahead to what we all know is coming, it takes its time and invests itself in each development and plot point, starting with the characters far back enough that the development to where we know they'll reach is clear and interesting. It crafts characters that we get to know and like before concluding their stories, rather than throwing out people who we don't see again.<br />
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How should I put this... if these guys wrote the Star Wars prequels, Mace Windu would not have been unceremoniously thrown out the window. That seems the best way to explain what I'm talking about.<br />
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In the end, the Fate/Zero light novels are not necessarily for everyone. They're mostly for those who know more about the Nasuverse and Fate/Stay Night, but for those people, it's great to read. For everyone else, you'll probably still enjoy it, but many parts will leave you behind. The anime, on the other hand, is a work of art, and worth watching even if you haven't seen F/SN.<br />
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Seriously, it's awesome. Until next time, this has been whatever I read.<br />
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Now who wants to join me in cosplaying from this? I've got a Kariya cosplay already, and as I said, I'm looking to commission Lancer.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-26921797448736305802012-06-27T15:53:00.006-07:002012-06-27T15:53:52.133-07:00Double Update: "Doctor Who/Star Trek" and "Spider-Men"I know, it's been a while since my last update. I've been reading a few things I want to review, so I'll get posts on that up soon enough, but until then, here's a double update to make up for it. I'm doubling everything - two chapters of two comics that are both crossovers of two other things. So without wasting time with all sorts of chit-chat, let's begin.<br />
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---- Doctor Who / Star Trek: Assimilation2 ----<br />
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First off we have the Doctor Who and Star Trek crossover. It's no surprise that two of the biggest and longest-running science fiction series would get a crossover in the comics eventually, and since the Doctor travels through time and space, it's no stretch of the imagination to find him getting there eventually. I know, we all want a Star Trek vs Star Wars crossover, and Doctor Who/Star Wars would be cool as well, but let's face it, those aren't quite as likely to happen... yet.<br />
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At any rate, the crossover, "Assimilation2" (or rather, Assimilation Squared, but I can't do the little squared icon while typing this) kicks things off by setting the scale of the events: by taking over a planet. On a smaller scale, villains might take over a kingdom, or a city, or something to demonstrate that the rest of the country or world is at stake. In this case, we've got galaxies at risk, as the Borg and Cybermen team up to take over an entire planet with ease.<br />
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It makes perfect sense for the Cybermen and Borg to work together... to a point. Okay, so "perfect" isn't quite the right word, but it's no stretch of the imagination to see them teaming up. The Cybermen have been willing to team up with similarly robotic groups before, although no doubt they find the fleshy parts still sticking out of the Borg to be "inelegant," while the Borg, unable to assimilate the Cybermen, would find their mechanical forms agreeable enough for the time being. Of course, they might disagree over who gets to assimilate the members of the planets they conquer, but I can see them splitting the inhabitants 50-50. Besides that, I do believe that the Cybermen at least played a part in the inspiration for the Borg, although I'd have to double-check to be sure.<br />
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The rest of the first chapter focuses solely on the Doctor. In this situation, it's the 11th Doctor, and his companions are, naturally, the Ponds, Amy and Rory. The cover for chapter 3 shows the ever-popular 4th Doctor and Captain Kirk, though, so I'd have to assume that we'll see other Doctors and starship captains interact in the future. (This is reinforced in chapter 2, where the Doctor says "I seem to be remembering things that have never happened to me," hinting that time is being rewritten as the two universes merge.) Personally, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 8 and 10 to appear.<br />
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It's a pretty basic intro for the Doctor. We see his companions doing what they do best, mainly helping out with things like driving a chariot while the Doctor does something clever, and he saves Egypt from an alien before taking off in his TARDIS. There's nothing too remarkable about it, but it sets the scene for those unfamiliar with Doctor Who. We have the Doctor and his companions, time travel and aliens, and his trusty Sonic Screwdriver. It ends with a lead-in to the actual crossover, where they land in what they believe to be San Francisco, but is shown to be the holodeck when they run into the android Data.<br />
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Then we get to chapter 2, which is more Star Trek centered. In this case, we have "Star Trek: The Next Generation," with Captain Picard and his Enterprise crew. This cuts back to a little time before the Doctor arrives, showing the crew of the Enterprise going about their business on an alien planet, while having character-revealing conversations on board. It's a slightly more interesting story than "the Doctor saves Egypt," although with less action, but it leads into the meeting with the Doctor.<br />
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This is where things start to get interesting.<br />
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The meeting goes the same way that most crossovers go. The Doctor goes about being his Doctor-y self, while his companions and the crew of the Enterprise wonder what's going on and how they got there. As one who travels through time and space, it's not the first time that the Doctor has landed on a spaceship with aliens he can easily identify, so it's no surprise that he identifies Worf as a Klingon immediately... until he says to his companions that until that moment, he'd never heard of Klingons before.<br />
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That one line is what intrigued me the most. Now we see time beginning to change, as the Doctor remembers things he's never known before, and sees planets he's never seen before ("I've never heard of Delta IV! Which, considering the fact that I know every planet of every star system, is just a tiny bit concerning!") They're not playing the usual crossover card of "these things exist in the same universe, just go with it," they're showing the effects of two universes crossing over.<br />
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Seeing the crew of the Enterprise interact with and react to the Doctor is interesting, as is seeing the Doctor's normal reaction to anything unusual (i.e. calling it "brilliant" and analyzing it out loud to anyone who cares to listen) applied to Data and the Holodeck. There are only so many places crossovers like this can go, but the introductions and confusion ends with this chapter, as they see the threat presented by the Borg and Cybermen working together. It seems issue 3 will show the (relative) past beginning to change, for as I mentioned before, we'll be seeing the 4th Doctor and Kirk work together.<br />
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Now, there are some minor issues I have with this. The action scenes particularly don't flow that well; it cuts from Point A to Point C without showing the Point B occurring in-between; we have cause and effect, but none of the action leading up to it. The dialogue is decent, but sometimes fails to grasp the character voices quite right, and it suffers the same problem that crossovers tend to: spending time with everyone being confused and introducing themselves.<br />
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I'm also not particularly fond of the artwork. If I knew more about art I could tell you what style it is, but all I can say is that it looks like it's been water-colored. While that may work for some comics, I'd prefer something more solid and detailed for this kind of crossover.<br />
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Still, if you're a fan of Doctor Who and Star Trek, you'll probably enjoy seeing the two interact. For those who aren't a fan of either, it'll undoubtedly seem like a jumbled mess with characters you don't really know or care for, but then, you probably wouldn't have considered buying it in the first place. If you're a fan of just one and not the other, I'd check it out in-store and come to your own conclusion. It's not the best crossover we could have hoped for, but it's working so far.<br />
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---- Spider-Men ----<br />
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Now we get to another crossover. For those familiar with Marvel Comics, there are a few different "worlds" in their multiverse, mainly the "main" one, Earth-616, and the "Ultimate" one, Earth-1610. Of course, there are many, many more, as well as alternate timelines, pocket universes, and so on, but it's just these two that we're talking about right now.<br />
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The Ultimate universe has its own ongoing stories and releases, separate from the others, which allows them to try new and innovative things that they can't try in the "main" universe... in other words, they kill a lot of characters off and see what happens from there. In such an instance was Spider-Man, who lost his life in an epic battle against all his biggest villains, defending his friends and family with everything he had. Out of all the ways Spidey could die, that was a great way to do it; it was sad, but he went down fighting with everything he had, and got a chance to say goodbye to his loved ones. I admit, I teared up a little when I saw Peter walking away with Uncle Ben, who told him "you did good, kid." But I digress.<br />
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When the new Spider-Man to replace Peter Parker was found, there was a bit of an outrage in the media. Why? Because the new Spidey, Miles Morales, was a half-black, half-hispanic kid. (Of course, the people ranting about it failed to realize that this was Ultimate Spider-Man, but again, digressing.) Miles hasn't been Spider-Man for that long, but the kid is growing on me. He's trying hard to live up to the legacy of Spider-Man, in spite of negative influences trying to turn him. (There was also an amazing Miles Spidey cosplayer at Fanime, so if you're reading this, props to you.)<br />
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So now we have the first full crossover between the Amazing Spider-Man and Ultimate Spider-Man. The crossover is triggered in a way similar to the "Shattered Dimensions" video game, which was actually pretty decent. Mysterio is doing something nasty, Spider-Man comes in to fight him, screws something up, and gets zapped into another dimension.<br />
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Though apparently it isn't Peter!Spidey's Mysterio that's doing it, but the Ultimate universe Mysterio, who somehow found a way between dimensions and is controlling some sort of construct... I admit, I don't know much about Ultimate Mysterio, so his powers are unfamiliar to me. As such, I can't say how well this setup works, but frankly, it's just their excuse to send Spider-Man to the Ultimate universe.<br />
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So Spidey, who spent his life trying to protect his secret identity (except for when he unmasked himself during Civil War, then re-masked himself when things were retconned in "One More Day") finds himself in a world where everyone knows Peter Parker was Spider-Man. Past-tense "was." So of course, he's confused, runs around a bit, and encounters his replacement. That's where issue 1 ends.<br />
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Issue 2 does the same thing that most crossovers tend to do: the characters are confused for a while, then they fight for a bit. In this case, the fight is an interesting way of showing how their powers stack up. Peter has more experience, and can take Miles in a match of skills and strength, but Miles has some powers that Peter doesn't, such as a venom sting and camouflage. It's a decent enough fight, but I think it undersells how much of a beating Peter can take, and seems to forget about his Spider Senses.<br />
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We eventually get to a point where the characters talk a bit to figure out what's going on, as Peter encounters more of the differences in the Ultimate universe, such as Nick Fury turning into Samuel L. Jackson. Like with the other crossover, the characters start working together, only for it to end with the setup for a bigger fight, which just might help explain what's causing the crossing-over.<br />
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This comic is written by Brian Michael Bendis, who's experienced with writing Spider-Man. He has the snark and side-comments down, and has a good grasp of the characters, although he can be a bit of a divisive writer for some fans. Still, I trust him to treat the Spideys right in this, in spite of the less-than-entirely-impressive first fight.<br />
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Speaking of, I find that Peter taking the first shot by shooting web at Miles was a little uncalled for. I know it's the obligatory "let's you and him fight," but the reason seems too flimsy. Not to mention, Peter tells Miles "unmasking is a big super-hero no-no," but then three pages later unmasks Miles and ignores his pleas to give it back. What the hell, Spidey?<br />
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As far as crossovers go, it's nothing too impressive yet, but has its moments. I'm hoping things get better, but if you're not as optimistic as me, I'd wait for the trade paperback before deciding whether or not to buy it.<br />
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Until next time, this has been whatever I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-3023592169562428512012-05-02T14:58:00.001-07:002012-05-02T14:58:48.144-07:00DCnU Second Wave: Earth-2 and World's FinestThe first wave of DC's New 52 has come and gone, and now they have the second wave, another release of new comics, hoping to replace the titles that sizzled and died.<br />
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So far, the only one that I was following that ended was Static Shock, and after the kerfuffle that happened between the author and artist, that's no surprise. It came to a mediocre end, just as the rest of the run.<br />
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For other comics, we have Justice League International and Resurrection Man about to crossover with Firestorm and Suicide Squad respectively, so it seems I'll have to shill out another three bucks a piece to get the full story on those, while Blue Beetle will be meeting with Green Lantern: New Guardians soon. While crossovers are nice, at this point it seems like an attempt to drum up support for the titles that they're worried about. That might explain why JLI has been seeing a wave of cameos over these past few issues, with Batwing, OMAC, and now Firestorm and the Nuclear Men appearing in rapid-fire succession.<br />
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Meanwhile, two of my favorite titles, Swamp Thing and Aquaman, have managed to avoid the crossovers and are remaining as awesome as always. I've dropped the other two Justice League titles from my weekly grabs, but I'll still follow them casually.<br />
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Of course, comic fans have a lot to look forward to this week. First we've got "The Avengers" movie premiering soon, and most of us have high hopes for that. There's also Free Comic Day this Saturday, so I'm looking forward to seeing what freebies they're offering us.<br />
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Anyways, I've rambled on for long enough without getting to what you're all reading this for. Two of the Second Wave releases I've been interested in are "Earth-2" and "World's Finest," two connected comics about heroes from another Earth in the DC multiverse, which as we know consists of 52 universes... except two of them were combined with the main DCu... and then that one split and sent the Justice Society members back to Earth-2... okay, there's somewhere between 50 and 52 universes in the multiverse. Continuity can be weird sometimes.<br />
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So let's begin with "Earth-2," written by James Robinson, with penciling by Nicola Scott and inking by Trevor Scott.<br />
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While Earth-2 begins with the main trinity of heroes (Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman), we know they won't be the main focus of the story. Instead, we see a world slightly different from the one we usually see, as evident in the character designs, Helena Wayne (the daughter of Earth-2 Bruce) as Robin, and the fact that people are dying everywhere as the world is overrun by Apokalyptian creatures. This is what would have happened in "Justice League" if the JLA didn't come together, and instead, all hell broke loose.<br />
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As an added note, I like the extra work they put into making the little details different. For example, Wonder Woman worships the Greek gods in Earth-1, but the Roman ones in this one. While they are the same gods with different names, it's a nice touch, and I always appreciate a good mythological reference.<br />
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Although the focus begins on them, later issues will focus on the emerging heroes in a world once ravaged. Yes, while the Justice Society is older than the Justice League, this comic goes over their origins first. So far we've just seen Alan Scott and Jay Garrick, but more will come soon.<br />
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While the dialogue can be a little clunky at times, the story still gets told nicely. While it draws us into the action immediately, it still manages to tell the setup story through dialogue and minor flashbacks, and we have some touching moments, like the parting dialogue between Batman and his daughter. Once things settle down, we get right into the new characters, one at a time, and leaving things with the sense of rebuilding and reconstruction that it was aiming for.<br />
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Then we have Huntress and Power Girl in "World's Finest." This ties directly in with "Earth-2," as you see how the two found their way into Earth-1. We learn a bit about how the two have adapted, but it's also clear where their endeavors lie. While Huntress is content to make do with what she's got, whether she likes it or not (she doesn't), Power Girl is actively searching for a way back home.<br />
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It gives us a good feel for the characters, and the chemistry between them is nice. They work with each other nicely, bouncing off one another's setups and meshing quite well as characters go, in no small part thanks to their different actions and personalities while still being connected by their original home.<br />
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While I'm not particularly fond of the costume change for Power Girl (and no, it's not just about the boob window), we don't see too much of it this issue. And for those of you who miss the fanservice, don't worry, you'll get that as well. Huntess shows less skin, but the main design remains the same, so there's no real reason to complain about her's. The artwork is fine, with George Perez doing the pencilling and Scott Koblish as the inker. All in all, worth a read, for those who like the characters.<br />
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So that's what I've got so far. I might end up checking out "Dial H" as well, but at the moment, I've got my hands full following these titles and "Avengers vs X-Men," but more on that later.<br />
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Until next time, this has been Whatever I Read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-84551692421729676692012-03-11T22:27:00.002-07:002012-03-11T22:27:53.292-07:00Round Table Discussion: DC's New 52 - Six Months LaterFollowing up on the previous discussion post, myself and other friends held a round table discussion about DC's new 52 as a whole. What do we like? What sucks? What comics are worth reading and which should be cut. All this and more as four geeks discuss whatever comes to mind about the DC reboot.<br />
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<div class="p1">
Robbie P. 6:37 PM </div>
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Hello everyone, and welcome to our round table discussion: The New 52 - six months later</div>
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Kee</div>
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HELLOOOOOOOOOO</div>
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Alyx L. </div>
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HI!</div>
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Kenneth G. </div>
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Evening, all.</div>
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Robbie P.</div>
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For any new or unfamiliar readers, let's introduce ourselves. I'm Robbie, writer of "Whatever I Read."</div>
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Alyx L, </div>
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Alyx from "The Geeky Cat"</div>
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<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'm Kenneth Godberson a.k.a. the Disgruntled Scholar.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I'm Kee aka Havocluver</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
And we'll be discussing how DC's new 52 comics have been doing. It's been half a year. Some have survived, some couldn't make the cut, but this is our thoughts on them.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
w00p!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
What has been good, and what has not been so good. And above all else, was this reboot worth the effort.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
We've got several topics to discuss, so let's start with the first one: our own histories with comics. Who'd like to begin?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I suppose I can start?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Go for it</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
Alrighty, whelp, I was introduced to comics in 2010 by an ex friend of mine. She was more into DC then she was Marvel so all she had me read was Birds of Prey and Batman.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I knew about Marvel comics but never delved into them fully until I met my friend Courtney. As much as I can say I know a lot about characters, I don't… therefore the new 52 has been really helpful for me!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
I do have to say, in regards to certain characters, the New 52 has been very helpful in introducing characters to new readers.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Personally, I suppose my gateway was the 90's animated cartoons. X-Men, Batman, Spider-Man, those got me into the super heroes, but it wasn't until a few years ago that I really started buying comics and following the stories, but I managed to get caught up on the important things pretty quickly.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I follow both Marvel and DC titles, so I don't take one side over the other; one has Deadpool, the other has Booster Gold, how can I chose between them?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
I got into the animated stuff last year but pretty much I'm all caught up with what I missed from the 90s ha</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I mainly grew up with the movies of DC as well as shows, and then I delved into the world of comics a couple of years ago, but mainly with a lot of DC comics, and then I believe in 2010 I picked up The Walking Dead, and then last year I REALLY got into DC comics, cause that's what I familiar with, so I never delved into the marvel world only really kind of started last year when I picked up Marvel, but when I learned about the New 52 I was really excited.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I first read comics back when the third generation (Tim Drake, Bart Allen, Conner Kent) were rising in popularity. I did fall out of it (thank you, anime) after awhile. However, due to a my dear friend Robbie here introducing me to series such as "Blue Beetle" and "52", I started getting back, but only in trades. As you can tell, I'm mostly a DC fan.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Nothing wrong with that!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
The New 52 allowed me to follow stories as they're being released instead of waiting for trades.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
So it looks like none of us can really boast being "long time comic fans," but still long enough to have a good understanding and feel for the books and characters.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Pretty much, haha</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
Yup</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Now that everyone knows what sort of background we have, let's move on to the new 52 itself: What expectations did we all have upon its announcement?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well, I thought of this really as a publicity stunt, really to advertise their same-day digital service.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Just tell good stories, let the writers control their stories. That's how you get people.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But it was a jumping on point for me, so who am I to complain?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I was really pumped. I knew I would have a chance to get to learn more about the characters from the beginning... or "beginning," without having to research which story arcs were the best to read to get to learn about them. But since I knew A LOT about DC prior to the 52 I can say the first thing that turned me off was the costume changes..but that aside I was pretty happy/excited.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I thought this was a good tactic for attracting a new a generation of comic book readers</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I was a mix of nervous and skeptical; how big was the reboot going to be? What would change and what would remain the same? I didn't want all the continuity I had enjoyed up until then to just be thrown out the window, after all.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
The news we got about it kept being both good and bad, with the occasional "Wut?"</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We got Booster Gold leading the JLI and a new run for Blue Beetle? Excellent.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Clark and Lois no longer being together? Bad.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Batgirl has her legs back and Harley is on the Suicide Squad? Wut?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I really thought that the costumes changes were good and bad, and also I was really quite mad about the Batgirl reboot/</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Sorry, I should say Barbara Gordon, since there are multiple Batgirls I could be referring to.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Yeah, that is something we have to discuss.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I felt like it was a cop out.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
It read that way as well. "A miracle happened?" We need more than that</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Plus regaining coordination, the strength in her legs, etc, it would take more than a miracle to get back into the peak physical condition being Batgirl requires</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
My problem with it is that, frankly, Barbara did more good as Oracle then she ever did as Batgirl.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I second that completely!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
I was introduced to her as Oracle, therefore I wanted her to stay Oracle.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Not to mention how empowering her being Oracle was to the handicapped community. She can be a hero without her legs, without needing to fight.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
As Oracle, she was an invaluable information broker. As Batgirl, she's just another grunt.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I felt like the birds of prey alone shouldn't have been tampered with, but that's just me</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
And there was a perfectly good Batgirl she pushed to the side to take the cowl back at that</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Not to mention it has put Stephanie Brown and Cassandra Cain, someone who was just coming back from massive character derailment, on the back burner.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
This is bringing us to the next point quite nicely: how did it pan out? We had our expectations, how were they met?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Some were met, some not so met. For example, not only were my expectations met on Batman by Scott Snyder, but they far exceeded my expectations.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I felt like they could've done better with some series, and some others were fantastic. it was really off balanced.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I honestly didn't have much going into it, because I only knew about Batman, the Robins, and Green Lantern. So I didn't know honestly what to expect going into it because not only did I know nothing about majority of the characters but I am (and still am not) familiar with writers and artists.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Then there were books like the aforementioned Batgirl, as well as Justice League Dark that felt kind of clunky.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Some books met my expectations (Justice League International) some exceeded them (Aquaman), and others fell flat (Static Shock). I felt that Justice League, the main title, was pretty good, just with too much setup and too little payoff.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Of course, we have some incredible titles, such as Swamp Thing, and while I didn't like Animal Man personally, I hear it's been quite good.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But then, we also have Red Hood and the Outlaws, which is starting to receive praise, but I still can't forgive for what it did to Starfire.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I expected Birds of Prey to be the ones I started with but the lineup was changed completely… not that I don't like it. In fact, Starling is actually my new favorite BOP girl.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
We'll get back to Red Hood in a minute, since I'm curious as to what appeals to you about it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
What comics are you all still following now?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I am really enjoying Batwoman, as well as Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E, I haven't been picking up many because I want to get more into the world of Marvel</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Swamp Thing, Animal Man, Justice League International, Batman & Robin, Demon Knights, Batman, The Shade, Aquaman, Teen Titans. Justice League Dark, Green Lantern, and Green Lantern: New Guardians I will only be following in collections.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Action Comics, Animal Man, Aquaman, Batgirl, Batman, Batman: The Dark Knight, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Catwoman, DCU Presents, Deathstroke, Detective Comics, Frankenstein, Green Lantern, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Justice League, Justice League Dark, Justice League International, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Suicide Squad, Superboy, Supergirl, Teen Titans, The Flash, Voodoo and Wonder Woman I have been reading since issue 1</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Dayum!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Justice League International, Swamp Thing, Resurrection Man, and Aquaman I've been following, and Blue Beetle I'm sticking with in hopes of it leaving its "darker and edgier" phase. I'm sticking with Static Shock since it's about to end, while I just dropped Justice League and Justice League Dark. I read the Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman Green Lantern, and team comics at bookstores when I can.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Looks like we've got quite a lot of comics we can talk about. So, let's go around for the next topic: advantages and disadvantages of the reboot. Kee, why don't you start?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
Wellllllllll</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think a HUGE advantage to the reboot like I said, was that it will bring in a whole new generation of comic book readers, I think that would be the main advantage of it. and also more characters get introduced into the universe like Alyx said about Starling in the Birds of Prey.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And then I guess a sort of disadvantage that I found was that it sort of shadowed some of the other characters that were is those comics before hand like the Batgirls cassandra and stephanie.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I have a feeling we will be coming back to the Batgirl issue a lot in this roundtable.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Oh yes. Alyx, your thoughts on advantages/disadvantages?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well as far as advantages, to repeat myself it does help someone like me who has been into comics but didn't start from the beginning get to know the characters in the universe. It also has been really nice seeing everyones writing styles and artistic styles to help further identify them in the future. And because I feel like throwing it in there… you can't miss all the cosplay opportunities!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Good luck with Red Robin's new wings though...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
And for disadvantages, if you've been into the universe for a long time and want to dip a toe into the reboot there is too much change going on for anyone who isn't new to the universe to enjoy fully. Also, a disadvantage is although they are reaching out to the newer generation they aren't providing enough of a span to incorporate anyone under the age of 12 who might like comics. Yes they have things like Tiny Titans for kids..but there was this article I read about this girl who really loved Kory and was REALLY disappointed with Red Hood and the Outlaws because of how she was portrayed sexually (<a href="http://io9.com/5844355/a-7+year+old-girl-responds-to-dc-comics-sexed+up-reboot-of-starfire">http://io9.com/5844355/a-7+year+old-girl-responds-to-dc-comics-sexed+up-reboot-of-starfire</a>). Granted, not all the story lines are for kids… but you can't STOP kids from wanting to pick up comics if they wanted.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If that made sense.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
It does</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'd say so. Kenneth, your thoughts?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well, one advantage that we have discussed is that it does provide a jumping on point for new readers who would be scared off by years of continuity. It also allows for a clean slate for some characters whose continuity is more difficult than Chinese Arithmetic.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Having said that though, there are some disadvantages, specifically to this reboot.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
1. Yeah, the reboot does provide a jumping on point...at least for a good degree of books. Several of the books, in particular Batman and from what I've heard, Green Lantern, still require you to have a degree of knowledge.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
While Batman is very mainstream, if you want to get into Green Lantern, you've got to go nearly to the beginning with "Green Lantern: Secret Origin". Going from that all the way to "War of the Lanterns" is time consuming.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If they were going to do a reboot, they should have gone all the way, instead of us playing a guessing game with the continuity.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Secondly, this reboot has made the DC universe a bit more darker and edgier. I'll get more into this when we talk about the worst books of the relaunch, but there are not a whole lot of optimistic books out there. I think it is because DC, like so many other people, has this notion that "Darker and Edgier" are better because they are more "realistic".</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
1. We threw realism out when Superman was juggling planets.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
2. You know that a realistic setting would balance the light and the dark. Good and Bad.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Not to mention, if you make books that combine light themes and dark themes, you can make books that can be accessible to all ages. It truly is sad when "My Little Pony" seems more realistic than a comic.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
You guys have covered most of what I'd like to say. I also like how the reboot lets some canceled titles get a second shot, and some old characters a new life. We've got the JLI back, a new run on Swamp Thing, Blue Beetle's second chance, and even Resurrection Man has a run of his own.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
On the other hand, there's still no clear indication as to what previous events are canon anymore. Blackest Night must have happened, given the events in Green Lantern, but how much of it did? I'm sure the Superman and Green Arrow stuff in BN was retconned, and who has even died and come back before nowadays?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
That's not even getting started on the various Crises. So many things left unanswered, and I hope we get some answers at WonderCon and Comic Con this year.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well, we know Cry For Justice is gone.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
One of the good things to come from this reboot</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Yeah, but they also missed the point of retconning that schlock out</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Yep. I'm not even sure how Green and Red Arrow are connected any more, given Oliver's de-aging.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Let's move on to the next topic. In your opinions, what are the best stories so far? Alyx?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Oh man… alright, let's see...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Aquaman (as we discussed in our previous round table), Batgirl, Batman and Robin (which I am reading and forgot to mention above), Birds of Prey, Catwoman, Deadman is surprisingly good... Frankenstein, Justice League International, Red Hood and the Outlaws, and The Flash</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'd have to agree with Aquaman, and I'm just going to beat Kenneth to the punch by saying Swamp Thing; beautiful art, good story, and a unique type of comic book character. I've also been enjoying Justice League International, although I wouldn't say it's among the best, and Geoff Johns is doing a great job on Green Lantern, as usual.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
A lot of people have been giving Batman and Robin a lot of flack.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I am a Damian fan. I love his PERSONAL storyline in Batman and Robin.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
They think its too slow. Those people don't understand the B&R book. It's not about the action. It's about the building relationship of a father and son.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
Exactly! And its been a GREAT story so far.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Oh yes, Damian has had some great development in Batman and Robin, both with Grayson and Bruce.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
And I think the arc is ending soon, since Issue #9 ties in with the Court of Owls.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I was worried that he wouldn't work as well with Bruce as he did with Dick, but they've got their own dynamic that helps develop him just as much, albeit in different ways.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee, your favorites?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
Batwoman, Frankenstein, Batgirl, Justice League, and Aquaman for me~ I haven't picked up batman and Robin yet but I really want to, and also I only have a couple issues of Huntress and I'm enjoying it so far, but I'm in love with the artwork of Batwoman, I wish they didn't switch artists in the 6th one.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Indeed. J.H. Williams III is an extremely talented artist.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L </div>
<div class="p1">
Speaking of art, I said it before and I will say it again: Batman #5 was impressive.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well I do enjoy the scenery and such with Batman, I have one problem with the art. Greg Capullo seems to have one style for male faces. I don't know, it's very jarring for me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Haha all the background males are Bruce...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
The man's got a lot of secret identities, I guess</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'm Batman... and I can disguise myself as a half-caucasian, half-arabic ten year old.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Who's gonna tell him otherwise?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, Robbie beat me to the punch, but....</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
OH MY GOD, SWAMP THING IS ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT PURE AMAZINGNESS!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Scott Snyder (who in my opinion is the best writer of the relaunch andnoimnotsayingthisbecausewebothliveonlongislandandhecanhavemekilled) has crafted a wonderful tale of a hero at first refusing the call to adventure, but then accepting his destiny when his loved ones are put in danger. He's aided by the STUNNING artwork of Yanick Paquette. Seriously, the detail the man puts in his work is a once in a life time sight.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
There were some comics that surprised me. Like Demon Knights, which is kind of like "Justice League Medieval." A lot better than I thought it would be.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And of course, Batman. I have to say, I am more intrigued by Snyder's Court of Owls than Morrison's Leviathan. Which, has anyone else read "Leviathan Strikes!" in January?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I wasn't able to, no</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
The Court of Owls is great...and i haven't read that, no.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
No, I haven't.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Oh, well do you mind a spoiler?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Nope.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Go ahead</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
The leader of Leviathan is Talia Al Ghul.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
In my opinion, this kind of left me underwhelmed. Because, I have never seen Talia as anything more than a VINDICTIVE, INDECISIVE BITCH WHO CAN'T MAKE UP HER FUCKING MIND ON WHETHER OR NOT SHE'S ON BRUCE'S SIDE OR HER FATHER'S! MORRISON'S BATMAN HAS MORE OR LESS GONE DOWN TO A GLOBAL SPANNING CUSTODY CASE!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Anyways, I'm done.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I think we can be sure you're not keeping anything to yourself.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Oh, just you wait...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Now then, there were a few comics that came up a couple times that we should discuss before moving on.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
We talked about Batgirl for a bit earlier, and I think we're all in agreement that taking her out of the chair was a bad move.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Eyup. It wasn't so much that as it was taking her out of the Oracle chair.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
I'm curious, what would you guys have preferred for a Batgirl comic?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
Honestly, I am not sure. Just c'os I know i knew her as Oracle… so I just expected there to be someone else.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well, we basically have three options for a Batgirl comic: Barbara, Cassandra, or Stephanie, unless they introduce a new one.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Cass is working as Black Bat, but Stephanie didn't need to lose her role.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I would have loved to have seen a kind of group book, focusing on all three of the Batgirls, despite Stephanie is now Spoiler again and I'm assuming Cassandra is Black Bat. Maybe called "Gotham Girls" or something.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
Honestly, I would have loved if maybe they rebooted with stephanie cause she sort of disappeared, it would've been cool to see her return.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
If they really wanted to use Barbara, I'd have preferred we see her flashing back as Oracle to her times as Batgirl; that would also help us see what has changed in the DCu's past</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
The fact that Steph and Cass are kind of Schrodinger's Characters right now doesn't help.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This does bring up something I've noticed about DC over the last couple of years: the resurrection of many of the Silver Age legacy characters. Barry Allen, Hal Jordan, Barbara as Batgirl again.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
DC keeps saying that these are the "most iconic" characters under the legacy. The first Flash I knew of was Wally West and the first GL I knew of was Kyle Rayner.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I suppose to them, and the older fans, they are the most iconic, but that's a matter of perspective.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
It could also be that Dan DiDio and Geoff Johns are self-admitted Silver Age fans.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Just sayin'...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
That too.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I honestly don't know why they did it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I think it may have been for the older fans and such, and them thinking oh we can bring these beloved characters back with a BANG.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Not to mention how little truly changes for good in comics. Nobody stays dead, after all.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Except Lian Harper.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Which reminds me: Red Hood and the Outlaws.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Why the hell isn't Jason Todd back in his casket yet?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I've raged about what they did to Kory, but Alyx, you've mentioned enjoying it. Tell us about what makes it enjoyable</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I don't appreciate what they did to Kory, no way. I hate that she's this drone with 'no attachment problems because her people don't fall in love' or whatever that crap was they made her say...</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
BUT</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
i have been a fan of Jason Todd since I saw Under the Red Hood, so I was stoked to see he was a part of the team. And I am a Roy Harper fangirl. So I blame my attraction to fictional characters.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But the interaction that Jason and Roy have together is just great. The art is alright; I am not wowed by it... but I have been enjoying the arc with the exception of Kory.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Roy in the comics is way better than what you see in Young Justice (for those who watch it).</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, valid points.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Yep, fair enough. I do hope they correct everything they've done to Starfire, though.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I think I wasn't as enraged as many because, apart from 52, I don't really know a lot about Starfire in the comics. Like I said, I came aboard when the third generation was making names for themselves.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It was offensive, but not to the level that I got militant about it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
Yeah, I haven't read the Red Hood and the Outlaws series, but after reading the article about the little girl saying how different Starfire was in the comics, I'm a bit bothered.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx Laufeyson 8:28 PM </div>
<div class="p1">
Animal Man is funky...but a good kind of funky</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Damn skippy it is.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I was turned off from Animal Man because of what it did to the happy family he had.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Dogs are dead, family's falling apart, all that nasty stuff.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Trust me, Robbie, you should've kept with it. The family dynamic is still intact</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
I have heard that it's very good, though, so I'll check out the trade when it comes out.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
It is.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Plus its crossing over with Swamp Thing.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
That too</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Speaking of, I guess I'll let you guys know, I'll be buying all the tie ins to "Night of the Owls" come May and giving opinions. My wallet is gonna hurt come May</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Worth it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Oh, we gonna talk about the "Second Wave?"</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
That was actually the next topic. So yes, let's.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, for those who don't know. Come May, DC is dropping six monthlies and adding six</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
"Men of War," "Mister Terrific," "O.M.A.C.," "Hawk and Dove," "Blackhawks" and "Static Shock" are gone come May</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Let's start there. What's your opinion? What could have saved these books? Who wants to start?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Didn't read any of those past issue 1 so I can't say. All I know is I despised Hawk and Dove</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Was it because of the comic punch line, Rob Liefeld?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
I haven't read any of those titles, so I don't have any say, really.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
it just rubbed me the wrong way... I couldn't take it seriously.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
I called "Men of War" the second it was announced.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
I've been following Static Shock, but it's been lacking cohesion. I'm not surprised it's ending. I thought it was off to a good start, but it went downhill quickly.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Apparently there was a lot of creative differences between author and artist that caused no small amount of strife, so of course, the comic suffered.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It's a shame; I really liked the cartoon, so I was hoping the comic could meet its level of quality. Sadly, it did not.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
"Mister Terrific". I don't know. I mean, I liked the guy. But you had to be a pretty hardcore fan of JSA to know who he was. Maybe if it was a mini-series, it would have worked.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Yeah, Mr. Terrific is fine in the JSA, but on his own, he lacks a certain "umph" to make it last.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
So I guess we'll go through each of the new in the Second Wave and voice opinion?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
If I have anything to say, I will say.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Okay</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Number One:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
BATMAN INCORPORATED – Writer: Grant Morrison. Artist: Chris Burnham. The acclaimed ongoing writer of ACTION COMICS, Grant Morrison, presents a fresh take on BATMAN INCORPORATED, in which the Batman brand is franchised globally in preparation for a major international threat.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Think I've made my opinion on this one quite clear.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Another Bat-title... I would hope that would replace "Batman: The Dark Knight," but I like the idea of Batman Incorporated nonetheless. Not enough to buy it quite yet, though.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I think I'll just wait for trade. Again, the idea intrigues me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
I have a "What's Next" issue of Incorporated... I liked that one, but another Batman title seems to be too much.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
They should at least do away with Batman: TDK</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I enjoyed the Batman Incorporated series , but like Alyx said, I think they already have too many batman titles, and they aren't even getting rid of one, so why add one, ya know?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, lets go on to Number Two:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
EARTH 2 – Writer: James Robinson. Artist: Nicola Scott. The greatest heroes on a parallel Earth, the Justice Society combats threats that will set them on a collision course with other worlds.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
James Robinson working on Justice Society characters? God is in his kingdom, and all is right with the world. If it is as good as The Shade is right now, damn straight I'm picking it up.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
It's good to see the Justice Society again, even if they've been booted to Earth-2. I'm going to buy the first issue, then decide from there if I want to keep going or not.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee </div>
<div class="p1">
Don't know what it's about until I pick it up.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Okay</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Number 3:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
WORLDS’ FINEST – Writer: Paul Levitz. Artists: George Perez and Kevin Maguire. Stranded on our world from a parallel reality, Huntress and Power Girl struggle to find their way back to Earth 2. Perez and Maguire will be the artists on alternating story arcs.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Sounds like a good read. I miss Huntress in my life, and I am assuming this is Power Girl sans boob window.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Yep.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Ah, now this one I'm interested in. Power Girl and Huntress are usually an interesting team, and it's connecting both the Earth 1 and Earth 2 books together.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
I felt a great disturbance in The Force, as if millions of horny adolescent males cried out in terror... and were suddenly silenced.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
The costume changes I'm a little unsure of, but if Power Girl has found a reason to replace her "boob window" and get a crest of her own, then I can't complain. It's about her character, not the fanservice.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Yeah. But seriously, this book seems very intriguing. I do look forward to it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I'm excited for the third one~ I love both Power Girl and Huntress, and I think they will make a great duo~</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I know a lot of people were against the costume change, I like her with the boob window moreso than without, but I'll still give it a go no matter, I don't think a costume change will effect the storyline at all.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
So we're all agreed, "Do this stuff more?"</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Sounds that way.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Okay</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Number Four:</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
DIAL H – Writer: China Miéville. Artist: Mateus Santoluoco. The first ongoing series from acclaimed novelist China Miéville, this is a bold new take on a cult classic concept about the psychological effects on an everyman who accidentally gains powers to become a hero.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
It sounds interesting, although not as "new" as they claim. Doctor Manhattan, anyone?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx Laufeyson 8:54 PM </div>
<div class="p1">
probably passing</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Well, I have mixed feelings here. I was intrigued, until I read an article where it described China Mieville as a "novelist and political activist". Sorry, that makes me slam on the brakes hard.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
That sounds very interesting, I may pick up the first issue and decide from there.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
The art looks interesting, so I'll probably get the first issue.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Number Five: </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
G.I. COMBAT – Writer: J.T. Krul. Artist: Ariel Olivetti. Featuring the return of a classic DC Comics series, THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT, along with rotating back-up stories and creative teams – including THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, with writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Dan Panosian; and THE HAUNTED TANK, with writer John Arcudi and artist Scott Kolins.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, this is confusing. They're canceling their only two military-based books and adding one in?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I would have loved to be in the meeting where that was discussed.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
Passing</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I see no point in this one, and have no intention to read it. It just doesn't appeal to me, and I doubt I'm the only one to feel that way.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
NAH.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G,</div>
<div class="p1">
Kind of sucks because its got some good writers, but as the last six months have proved, there isn't a strong market for war books.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Number Six: </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
THE RAVAGERS – Writer: Howard Mackie. Artist: Ian Churchill. Spinning off from TEEN TITANS and SUPERBOY, this series finds four superpowered teens on the run and fighting against the organization that wants to turn them into supervillains.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Oh dear God.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I don't know if you two say the art for this book.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
This is what they've done with Beast Boy. And they made him red.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
This book is straight out of the nineties.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'll check it out</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
And they're using it to introduced Caitlain Fairchild, a character from Wildstorm.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
This seems interesting, I'll check it out when it hits shelves.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I did a review for Teen Titans #1 where she showed up, and i got flock for not knowing her name. Let me say this to anyone who reads this: I DO NOT, NOR WILL I EVER, CARE ABOUT WILDSTORM! THE ONLY REASON THEY'RE IN THE RELAUNCH IS BECAUSE JIM LEE HAS MAJOR CLOUT AS CO-EDITOR!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
I'm not familiar with the Wildstorm titles, but I'm willing to see how they get integrated with the DCu. I'm skeptical about this one, but I'll check it out if just to see how it ties in with Teen Titans.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I think this may be a read in store for me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Again, I am reading Titans, but I doubt I'll stick with it.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Okay, so that's Second Wave</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
That leaves us with any bad books; what are we hoping gets cancelled next?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
You want to start us off Robbie?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Honestly, I don't have any comics I hope get cancelled at the moment; I haven't been reading the ones I don't like, so I can't really judge them. But I really hope Red Hood and the Outlaws fixes the damage they did to Starfire, then it might be worth reading. As she is, it's not.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
In short, all the ones I don't read. Not that they get cancelled, just as far as what I don't like.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
I haven't had any complaints with the ones I've read, and I can't really say anything about the others in the new 52.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
I don't necessarily think this one should be canceled.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
But man-oh-man, have they fucked this one up in six issues. And it's a shame because It has a good writer and artist. But I blame the whole darkening of the DC verse for this comic going down the fucking drain for me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Say it with me, Robbie.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Blue</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
Beetle</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Again, Robbie introduced Jaime Reyes' original series to me, and I love it. It was light hearted, but knew when to take itself seriously, and had a great supporting cast. A LAYERED supporting cast.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This fucking Blue Beetle comic... they're turned it into a generic teen angst book... AND a Spider-Man rip off, complete with its own Venom!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Issue six, which I have right next to me, really cemented it for me.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Because Jaime, knowingly and willingly, slapped his friend Brenda, a victim of parental abuse, in the face.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And people tell me, "He had no choice. It was the lesser of two evils." To which I say, BULL FUCKING SHIT!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And you want to know the worst thing, there will be some douchebag online that says, "Well Jaime had to keep his pimp hand strong!" I swear, if I ever hear someone say that, I WILL FUCKING KILL THEM!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
And judging by the press release for Issue 7, not to mention the darker nature of the relaunch, I severely doubt it will get better.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Alright, I'll offer my two cents about Blue Beetle.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Now, I've also been enjoying his previous run, which I just finished, and the dark turn this new series has taken has not been a pleasant one.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I agree with your criticisms, but I'm really hoping it lightens up sooner or later. It's okay if he has to struggle to get control of the scarab at first, in spite of how really, really bad things have been going for him, but I want things to get better for Jaime.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
I do too, man.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
His previous run ended too soon, and his team-ups didn't last long enough, so I want to support this. I just hope they learn to make it better for him. Just being a teen hero is tough enough without having to hurt his best friend.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
But lets look at the mentality DC has with this relaunch. That's why I don't think this is Tony Bedard. I really think this is, at least partially, editorial driven.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Then let's wrap this up with our final, big question: Was this reboot necessary?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L. </div>
<div class="p1">
The reboot is only necessary for those who have no idea what to do with the Universe. n00bs like myself.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
Ummm yes and no. I felt it was necessary in the sense that some of the new titles got the spotlight they deserved, and also it redeemed some of the characters that sucked. And also they were just kind of getting out of hand what with how many issues of comics were being sold. So I felt it was a good invigorating restart, and that way we can all be on the same page.I think it was unnecessary to sort drop one story line and start another like with birds of prey, and batgirl and such.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
In the long run, it's not necessary, since the continuity is inevitably going to get convoluted again. As I said in the beginning, just focus on telling good stories, and the people will come. You don't have to darken your whole universe or copy Marvel. Just focus on good stories, and let the writers dictate how a story goes, not the editors.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
I think that using Flashpoint as a trigger to integrate the other continuities is fine, but they went too far with the reboot.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Changing too many parts of the past and causing continuity snarls with uncertain retcons is begging for trouble, and it has yet to gain cohesion. They've integrated outside comics before without rebooting everything.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Still, it brought back some old comics and introduced some new ones, so it has done plenty of good.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I suppose we'll just see if it works out for the best.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
Indeed.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P. </div>
<div class="p1">
So, any final thoughts before we sign off?</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G. </div>
<div class="p1">
Go read Jaime's first series.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Alyx L.</div>
<div class="p1">
Thanks for having mem guys!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kee</div>
<div class="p1">
Thanks for having me as well~</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Robbie P.</div>
<div class="p1">
Alright then, thank you all for joining me. Until next time, this has been whatever we read.</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Kenneth G.</div>
<div class="p1">
And the Disgruntled Scholar, and we will be back in April for another roundtable, this time heading over to the Marvel camp with "Avengers vs. X-Men."</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-58970123571531188842012-03-09T12:09:00.000-08:002012-03-09T12:09:25.853-08:00The Princess BrideThose of you who know me know how much I like the movie "The Princess Bride." I'll rarely miss an opportunity to quote it when appropriate, and I intend to cosplay the Dread Pirate Roberts when I can. That said, it's surprising it took me that long to read the book, but now that I have, I find it fitting to review the book upon which one of my favorite movies was based.<br />
<br />
Now, this is a book from the 70's, so it's probably the oldest one I'll review. It's far too late for this review to really do anything, but I want to share my thoughts nonetheless. This blog is "Whatever I Read," after all, not "Whatever I Read That Came Out Recently," so I should review things regardless of when they came out. That aside, let's start looking at the novel.<br />
<br />
"The Princess Bride" is by William Goldman, but it's supposedly written by S. Morgenstern, a Florinese author who wrote it as a satire of high-class society, or something along those lines. Remember how the movie used a framing device of the grandfather reading to his sick grandchild? Well, the novel uses a similar device.<br />
<br />
Goldman claims that his father read the story to him as a child, only to find out later in life that he wasn't getting the full story, and instead, his father omitted dozens of pages of boring, irrelevant descriptions to give him just the good parts - the sword fights, the fire swamp, the true love, that sort of thing. In Goldman's "abridging" of the story, we get the good parts as well, with minor asides explaining just how much he cut out from the original version. I found this to be both charming and effective, as it allows for a style of writing that sounds "older," as though it was written ages ago and translated into English, while still keeping us involved and feeling like we're hearing the story for the first time.<br />
<br />
It also tends to have some fun with anachronisms, making it impossible to place when exactly this story is meant to take place. For example, Westley is described as wearing jeans in his appearance, as this was after the invention of jeans, but also before the invention of style, and he goes to America to make his fortune, although this is before Europe. As it's the adaptation of a nonexistent original satirical story, Goldman is free to make it as odd and out there as he wishes, while claiming he cut out or kept in certain parts for the sake of the story.<br />
<br />
There's not much I can say about the story itself, since it's essentially the same as the movie. Of course, turning a 300+ page book into a two hour movie means some things will be lost, mostly backstory. In the book, we learn how Buttercup came to realize she loved Westley, and how Prince Humperdinck decided upon her as his bride. Best of all, we get much more backstory for Inigo and Fezzik, two of the most memorable characters from the film. Before their fights with "the man in black," we get taken back to their childhoods. Goldman shows us as Inigo's father struggles to create his masterpiece sword, only to be cut down by Count Rugen, and Inigo's quest to become a master swordsman and claim his revenge. We see Fezzik as a child, becoming an expert fighter from his unusual strength alone, and get a greater look into his still childlike mind. With more developed characters, and the more explored backstories, I feel like I have a newfound appreciation for these characters I already adore.<br />
<br />
It's quite interesting reading it after seeing the movie, actually. I can spot dialogue that made it into the film, sometimes coming from another character's mouth, and I can see what lines were cut or changed, and what details they skipped over. Even pieces from Goldman's asides made it into the film, thanks to their shared framing devices. It was easy to read the dialogue with the character's voices in mind, even the lines that were cut; I could just hear Chris Sarandon as Prince Humperdinck sigh, "Drat! That means I shall have to get married." Of course, since both the novel and script were written by the same person, it only stands to reason that they'd be similar; it's hard to get a more perfect book-to-film adaptation than this.<br />
<br />
There is one major scene that was missing from the movie, and that is the Zoo of Death. Given the vast amount of animals required for it, it's no wonder it wasn't in the adaptation, especially since most of it is used to describe the Prince's character. It does, however, deprive us of an awesome scene where Inigo and Fezzik fight their way through floor upon floor of deadly animals, which has set itself as one of my favorite scenes in the book, right behind the Cliffs of Insanity.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I have to bring up the ending, so spoilers ahead. It's left somewhat open-ended, thanks to Goldman's notes; in the movie, they rode off on four white horses, and lived happily ever after. That's the version his father read to him. In the original story, things started going downhill once they made their escape, leaving it more unclear what happened. However, Goldman decides that they have earned a happy ending, even if it doesn't last forever. He ends it with a quote that I find quite meaningful and true: "Life isn't fair. It's just fairer than death, that's all."<br />
<br />
So there we have it, "The Princess Bride." Does it compare to the movie? Oh, hell yes. Does the movie compare to the book? Of course. If you like the movie, go out and read the book, it should still be in print in spite of its age. If you've read the book before but haven't seen the movie, go and watch it, you couldn't ask for a better adaptation. The movie has been a favorite of mine ever since I saw it as a child, and the book has now earned the same regards.<br />
<br />
Until next time, this has been whatever I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-27899568887069812672012-02-23T17:41:00.001-08:002012-02-23T17:41:29.399-08:00Collaborative Review: Aquaman and Justice League InternationalThis time, I decided to try something a little new. Rather than just give all my thoughts about a comic, I decided to do a collaborative review/discussion with a friend of mine. Alyx has just started doing comic reviews for angryweb.net, so we decided to discuss two comics that we've been reading and enjoying, "Aquaman" and "Justice League International." Since their first arcs have recently wrapped up, we focused on those for the the discussion.<br />
<br />
Hopefully I'll do more collaborative reviews in the future with other friends and fellow bloggers, so I hope you enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Alright. Let's start off with an introduction for any unfamiliar readers, since I'll be posting the transcript along with the article.<br />
<br />
I'm Robbie/Eliteslayer from "Whatever I Read"<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Hey all, I am Alyx! No blog here<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
And we'll be doing a collaborative review of two of DC's titles from their new 52, "Aquaman" and "Justice League International."<br />
<br />
Let's start off with Aquaman, shall we?<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Totally, this one is by far my favorite out of the 52<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
We've got Geoff Johns, a big name in DC, doing the writing, and he's bringing Aquaman back to the top<br />
<br />
What were your expectations going into this comic? Personally, I was expecting a good read about a hero that doesn't get as much respect as he deserves, but this proved more awesome than anticipated.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Well I like to let everyone know that I am a newbie when it comes to reading comic books so I was stoked when they announced this because it was definitely a gateway for me to be introduced to the characters. I had only HEARD about Aquaman before reading the comics and always thought he was a pretty silly character. Like you said, he doesnt get as much respect as he deserves. When I cracked open the first issue I was thorougly impressed! Definitely not the one I was thinking I would like the most.<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
That's a good segway to the first point I wanted to bring up about Aquaman: in and out of the comic, he gets no respect.<br />
<br />
Even The Big Bang Theory, a show that tends to do its research, has said on at least one occasion "Aquaman sucks."<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
And most of the jokes on Family Guy are the ones that lead me to believe he would be the lamest of the super heroes haha<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
That too, yeah. It's like he's the go-to hero to joke about, in spite of the fact that "Superfriends" was ages ago, and new adaptations, like in the Justice League cartoon and even Batman: The Brave and the Bold have made him, well, OUTRAGEOUS!<br />
<br />
Mind you, we're talking about a hero that goes toe-to-toe with a Cthulhu-like abomonation and wins every year, and when someone can command all sea life, brushing it off as "talking to fish" really doesn't do him justice.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
I agree 100%. That part of the comic alone was what got me to respect him as a character and totally push out the previous thoughts I had of him.<br />
<br />
Robbie P. <br />
There we have it, proof that Johns has managed to successfully turn misconceptions about Aquaman around. I loved how in the comics he kept encountering people who go, "He's useless on dry land" or "he can talk to fish," and Aquaman would just show them what's up in seconds.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Even in the first issue he pretty much said that he cant talk to them but can control them and that fish cant talk therefore he can eat all the fish and chips he wants haha<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Oh, that scene was priceless.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
It really was, I definitely got a laugh out of that bit.<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
There's also the villains he's up against this issue. I'm not entirely sure what to make of those; creatures from deeper parts of the seas than he's even explored - nice concept, well-executed, although a part of me still thinks a more familiar enemy might be better for starting off this story.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Well coming from someone who isnt all too familiar with villains especially ones that Arthur has faced in the past, I think this was kind of the best way to start it off. It was a way to show us new to comics how well he works in battle even if it is against some creatures of the sea. I think that if they were to put him up against a familiar face they would then have to go on to give us that persons backstory on how they even became enemies in the first place..which would seem like a bit much for the beginning..at least for me anyway<br />
<br />
Robbie P. <br />
Fair enough. His enemies aren't all that well known, so there's no harm in starting something new.<br />
<br />
And these enemies did work quite well; strong enough to challenge Aquaman, numerous enough to outnumber him and Mera, and mysterious enough to keep us guessing what they really are.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Exactly, and speaking of Mera I am totally in love with her character. She is the strong comic book woman I have been waiting for. So far with the ones of the 52 I have been reading I have been thorougly unimpressed with the women and especially the wardrobe. I like that Mera is strong and level headed and will listen to Arthur but give her imput too. Proper wife material haha<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Before Blackest Night, I had no idea who Mera was. During Blackest Night, she was the most badass woman around. After Blackest Night, still badass.<br />
<br />
We learned in Brightest Day that she was originally sent by her father to kill Arthur, but instead she fell for him and became his queen. She sent her sister back to be locked away in the Bermuda Triangle, so she's dead to her family in a metaphorical sense that they'd like to make literal. Her occasional loneliness is a real humanizing element to her, but it doesn't get in her way and weaken her.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
And that really shows in these comics, I think its really cool that she can I guess push all of that back to fight alongside Arthur when he needs her..and if I remember correctly (I read it last week and cant remember full details) in #5 Arthur arrived home to her being gone correct?<br />
<br />
There is speculation that she may have just left and isnt coming back..OR that they might actually show her shopping...<br />
<br />
It is also slightly apparent that without her he struggles a bit in battle..<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Well, she did indeed go shopping, just like the note said, and while out managed to do some heroics on her own.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
OH! I have not read #6...so I am at #5 where there was actually a note.<br />
<br />
sorry for that miscommunication<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
No worries. I won't spoil #6, then, but let me tell you there is a LOT of awesomeness from Mera there.<br />
<br />
A little bit of stupidity from the other characters, but mostly Mera being a badass.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Oh now I can't wait to read it then! I might pick it up tomorrow haha Gotta love Meras badassery.<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Aye. So, anything else important we should cover with Aquaman, or should we move on to JLI?<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Just wanted to add that the art in Aquaman is phenomenal. I have NOT been let down so far when it comes to that.<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Oh yes. We've got Ivan Reis doing the pencilling, wth Joe Prado and Eber Ferreira as the inkers. Wonderful job from all of them. It's clear, the colors are great, every scale on the outfits are shining - it's perfect for this comic.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Even the bits in #5 when he was just in the desert were great haha<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
You ever tried drawing a desert? It's a lot of sand, but to make a lot of sand look that good and expansive is worthy of praise.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Agreed!<br />
<br />
So before we get into JLI I should preface by saying I also haven't read #6 of this either..haven't done my #6 shopping yet<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
That's fine; #6 is more of an epilogue, wrapping things up, showcasing the characters, establishing that the JLI is good to go, and leading into the next story arc.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
ok<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
I lead the conversation for Aquaman, you want to lead it for Justice League International?<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
Oh I can try haha<br />
<br />
Robbie P. <br />
Go for it<br />
<br />
Alyx La.<br />
So with JLI, we've got Dan Jurgens following up with the events from Flashpoint. Now, I haven't read Flashpoint at all so I was a bit lost going into this comic but it been one of the ones I keep reading for the story alone. For the most part though, I am a Booster fan...so thats been another thing keeping me interested<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Booster Gold was the reason I decided to start following this comic as well. Well, one of two reasons.<br />
<br />
The other reason is "Justice League: Generation Lost," one of the Brightest Day comics, following members of the former JLI as they try to bring down Maxwell Lord, who made the rest of the world forget about him.<br />
<br />
It was a great comic, very enjoyable, featuring a fine cast of characters, especially Booster Gold and (later on) the new Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes. When they brought back the JLI at the end, I knew I had to read that, so here we are.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
One thing I didn't really enjoy with the first issue was the lack of character introductions. I mean thankfully I knew a bulk of them so I guess that was good..but some of then I didn't even know who they were. Also, it did start off a bit slow for me which almost made me lose interest. Thankfully the bulk of the action seemed to kick in in issue 2. But one of the things I seemed to enjoy the best was the relationship between Booster and Batman..<br />
<br />
Robbie P. <br />
I actually felt that issue 1 was a great way to start a team book. I feel that the other ones, such as Justice League Dark and Teen Titans, are taking too long to actually get a team established. By putting them in a team now, we get to meet and learn about the characters as they learn to work together.<br />
<br />
But I agree that Booster and Batman interacting was great<br />
<br />
Batman is one of the few people to know Booster's secret, about how he has to protect the timestream while maintaining the charade of a fame-seeking fool. Yet when Booster doubts himself, it's Batman who tells him to step up.<br />
<br />
I also really liked the banter between Red Rocket and August General In Iron. It was in-character, amusing to read, and showcased the culture clash problems the team would have to deal with.<br />
<br />
Alyx L.<br />
What do you think about Guy being kind of a jerk about Booster being named leader? As much as I like Hal, I am glad Guy is getting some spotlight..people will get the chance to learn about the other Green Lanterns and not the one from the movie<br />
<br />
But I think Guy was being kind of a punk.<br />
<br />
Robbie P.<br />
Guy is my second-favorite Green Lantern, right behind Hal (I gotta get my Hal Jordan cosplay made one of these days), but he can definitely be a jerk. Not without reason - he doesn't trust Booster, thanks to his outward appearance, and Guy has always been hot-headed, plus he doesn't want his on-again, off-again girlfriend Ice getting hurt by Booster's leadership.<br />
<br />
I think that by the end of the first arc, Guy and Booster have gained a little respect for each other, but it'll still have a ways to go. That's one of the good things about character development, assuming they develop properly.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
In issue #4, I really liked the Peraxxus introduction, I am really hoping that he stays the villain for a while and with him also being in #5 it seems like that might be the case<br />
<br />
I am not familiar with him but he seems to fit<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
Comics can never let a good villain lie, although I'm pretty sure he's a new one made for this comic. World-shattering stuff is pretty big (says Captain Obvious) but I think it served its purpose in giving the team a disaster they weren't prepared for to make them all pull together.<br />
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I'm hoping that they bring Maxwell Lord back as an enemy, though, since they seem to have forgotten about him after the reboot.<br />
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From what I hear, he's been busy in OMAC, but with the upcoming cancellation of that, hopefully they'll bring him over to JLI and continue where they left off after Generation Lost.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
why do you think Blue Beetle wasn't brought back? I personally think I would've enjoyed him more in JLI then I did reading his comic..<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
I think that first they're trying to reestablish his identity in his ongoing before integrating him further into the new DCu, especially since he lost his past connections to the league post-Flashpoint. I've been enjoying his ongoing to a point, but it's really taken a turn for the darker that I don't like, so I would like to see him back with the League. Love me some Blue and Gold.<br />
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Shall we discuss the team they've got assembled, and who we'd like to see join later?<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
yeah sure, well for starters like I said I am a huge Booster fan. But I was REALLY happy to see Vixen as she is one of my favorite ladies in comics. I also really like Rocket Red. I also personally think they could do without Fire and Ice haha<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
Booster, Fire, Ice, and Red are the four remaining members from Generation Lost. I'm also a huge fan of Booster Gold, so seeing him lead the team is a real treat. Rocket Red, I agree, he's very amusing, but also useful as both a big hitter and a smart guy, plus I like his banter with Zhifu, as I said earlier. Zhifu I believe debuted in 52 (another must-read for comic fans), but I never really saw what he got to do until now, and he's proven himself both wise, selfless, and a powerhouse, but not without his flaws.<br />
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Vixen has found herself a nice niche, and is a useful asset to the team, while not being overshined like she would sometimes be in the other Justice League teams.<br />
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As for Fire and Ice, I don't think we've really gotten to see enough from them yet, and I hope later issues show us more of them to make the readers more attached to them. Generation Lost did that quite well, it's time to do it again.<br />
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And of course, there's Batman, although I hear he'll be replaced with Batwing soon.<br />
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Yet there's also Lady Godiva...<br />
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She's after fame more than Booster is, although about the same about that people think Booster is, which is probably why she's hitting on him so much. Honestly, she has yet to grow on me, although a moment in issue 6 has started to improve her in my eyes. I really hope they give her proper development, since her powers don't make her the heaviest hitter, but do provide a lot of interesting potential.<br />
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As for Guy, we've already discussed him.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
Oh wow Batwing? That will be interesting...<br />
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Lady Godiva has something about her that I like but I know shes not someone who uses her powers like the others do.<br />
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Robbie P. <br />
Like I said, I'm hoping they develop her in upcoming chapters, since right now she spends a lot of time complaining about how she only signed up for the PR, but I really like seeing those sorts of characters grow into the hero role and rise past those initial ideals.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
yeah shes the diva of the group next to Guy<br />
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haha<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
Can't spell her name without it<br />
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Personally, I'd like to see Captain Atom, Blue Beetle, and Power Girl return to the team, although the first two are busy in their current ongoing series, and Peeg will be busy in "Earth's Finest," which I'm looking forward to reading.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
I would like to see Wonder Woman myself..she grew on me when I first started reading comics and the JL and everything<br />
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but I know a lot of people might be tired of her haha<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
She's also got a nice place established for her in the regular Justice League, although so does Batman, so we can't rule out someone just because of that. I suppose she could always represent Themescyra.<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
yeah exactly<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
Alright, I think we've covered plenty, so thank you for joining me. Any last thoughts you'd like to share?<br />
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Alyx L.<br />
No I think we've pretty much talked about everything haha thanks for having me<br />
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Robbie P.<br />
Alright then, until next time, this has been whatever we read.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-83157439734200066592012-02-09T22:01:00.000-08:002012-02-09T22:01:01.822-08:00Various Quick Reviews and UpdatesSo, you might have noticed that I haven't posted much lately. That is true, as I've been busy with things such as trying to get a job, and I've actually been working somewhere as a test run to see if they want me. That means I've had minimal time for reading or writing. Still, I have a few opinions to offer here and there, so here we go.<br />
<br />
So hey, y'know how I was complaining about Rex Morgan arcs going on forever? Well, the one it was on when I wrote my review ended about a week or so ago, with a really poor conclusion. Then they immediately jump into another one that'll take forever involving characters I don't care about and the introduction of new ones I still won't care about. I think that I just like complaining about Rex Morgan at this point.<br />
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As for the good comic, Pearls Before Swine, I have an issue with his latest comic, involving a bike rider being a rude jerk for no reason except for apparently thinking he's better than other people because he rides a bike. As someone who enjoys bike riding and has had to deal with asshole drivers trying to force me out of the bike lane and onto the sidewalk, I have to take issue with this representation of biking. However, this is just one small issue, and it doesn't make the comic any less good just because I disagree on one issue.<br />
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So how have I been enjoying the comics I've been following? Well, let me start by saying "Wolverine and the X-Men" has been amazing. They switched artists to one I think is suited better for the comic, and the writing is always top-notch. If you like X-Men and you're not reading this, I highly recommend you start now. As for the other X-titles, Uncanny X-Men is still quite good, although this current arc doesn't interest me too much. I find it interesting how they've both recently tied in with Uncanny X-Force, another X-Men comic I really like, but I've been following it in graphic novel form, so I'm a little behind. That made it tricky for me to catch up on all the details, but it's not too great a loss.<br />
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Now let's talk Blue Beetle for a bit. I've been reading more of the previous run, before the reboot, and the more I read, the more I prefer it to the rebooted version. Personally, I don't mind how his story ties into the DC universe so tightly; my favorite parts in volume 3 involved tying in characters from other comics. Guy Gardner, Traci 13, and Eclipso added a lot of flavor to the story, and provided some of the highlights of the comic. I'll leave you with some quotes to demonstrate, and those who have read it will know what I mean: "Is. That. A. Giant. Green. Fist?" "Say 'I wish for a porsche' before it wears off!" and "I... am... A DENTIST!" It builds a good story, provides excellent character development, and ties Jaime into the DCU very nciely.<br />
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Then we have the rebooted Blue Beetle. It's similar in many ways; lots of the same characters, Jaime arguing with the Scarab, the Spanglish thrown throughout the dialogue, the same antagonists, that sort of thing. It doesn't exactly retell the same story, which is good, but it seems to be rushing through the key points while still taking more time than it should to really establish Jaime's Blue Beetle identity. It also seems to be taking a darker turn, and if future previews are to be believed, it'll soon have Jaime leaving his family and El Paso... which completely removes two of the best things about the comics. Not to mention how recent issues (SPOILERS) have caused a fair deal of trouble for Paco, and very well may have turned him into the Venom to Jaime's Spidey. Which reminds me, a friend of mine has stated his concern that they're turning Blue Beetle into DC's version of Spider-Man, and while I like Spidey, he and Blue Beetle are two different entities and should be kept that way.<br />
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Not to say I wouldn't like to see a Blue Beetle/Spider-Man crossover if DC and Marvel would ever agree to it. Cuz that would be awesome.<br />
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What else have I been reading? Well, I've been catching up on The Dresden Files. I recently finished Fool Moon, which I feel was weaker than the previous one, but definitely kept things tense and interesting. I have a feeling the author liked to mention when a woman was naked just a little much. However, I'm not going to review something published that long ago in the series, so my actual Dresden reviews will be reserved for when I'm caught up to speed.<br />
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I've also started reading a few other things. Game of Thrones I plan to read before watching the TV show (taking it one book at a time, of course), then I've been meaning to read The Princess Bride, since any friends of mine know I love the movie. I've also started on the webcomic Girl Genius (I know, what took me so long?) but I haven't gotten far enough to make any solid statements about it.<br />
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I guess at this point I'm not sure what I'll review next, so I'm open to suggestions. I've been short on time, but I still want to keep this blog active, and I'd like some input. So until next time, this has been whatever I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-71630198851127186682012-01-06T14:40:00.000-08:002012-01-06T14:40:08.732-08:00Newspaper Comic: Pearls Before SwineA little while ago, I reviewed a newspaper comic that I really hate. (Just as a quick update, Rex Morgan is STILL going on the same arc/plot, spending the last week recapping everything that just happened, and ending with the most unnatural way for someone to admit to liking somebody possible. I mean, there's no emotion, no buildup, no realization, just a cliche line. But I digress.) Fortunately, this time I'll discuss a comic I actually like: "Pearls Before Swine," by Stephan Pastis.<br />
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Where should I begin? I think the best place to start would be with the characters. It's got a good deal of characters, each with their own unique and well-defined personalities. The main duo tends to be Pig and Rat. As you can imagine, they are a pig and a rat. But while that may make it seem like the type of mindless children's schlock that can get away with unimaginative naming, it's actually a trick to make you think just that, when in reality, they're anything but.<br />
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Rat, a personal favorite, is a sociopathic, self-righteous misanthrope who is unafraid to tell people exactly how stupid they are for any reason. It doesn't matter if someone is just trying to sound pretentious by ordering a fancy-sounding coffee, or if they keep using a phrase he finds annoying - if he doesn't like them, they'll know it, in as awesome a way as possible. Sometimes with blunt instruments. He embodies every one of the dark impulses we keep in check, and embraces them. And he is awesome.<br />
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Pig is basically the opposite of Rat. Naive, somewhat stupid, and incredibly friendly, he almost seems out of place in the crapsack world of "Pearls Before Swine," and is yet incredibly important as the moral and emotional center of the comics. He takes a good heaping of abuse, but remains a bright light in a world otherwise darkened with cynicism and loathing.<br />
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Then we have the fan-favorite characters, the crocodiles. They're beyond stupid, speak in an odd accent/language ("Oooookay, zeeba neighba... now you had it. Dis is all-powerful, all-loving God Box. We pray to heem. He hate you.") and constantly fail in their attempts to eat their neighbor, Zebra. They tend to die quite often while failing in their attempts to eat Zebra, or just through their general stupidity, but don't worry, because there's never a shortage of crocs. They may be the closest thing this comic has to villains, but they're a delight to read.<br />
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There are several other characters, such as Goat, Snuffles the cat, and the Guard Duck, each of whom have their own stories, quirks, and wonderful personalities. Stephen himself appears on occasion, usually when the characters get mad at him for writing a lousy joke; he was even sent to jail on one occasion, condemned by his own creation.<br />
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Which brings me to my next point: breaking the fourth wall. Now, when something breaks the fourth wall properly, it's great. Deadpool, for example, is known for doing it perfectly when he's written correctly. The Muppets also play with the fourth wall very cleverly. Some series have a bit more trouble with it, and mistakenly think that offering a wink to the audience is enough. "Pearls" has no fourth wall. And it does so perfectly. Characters, usually Rat, will break the action to go and insult Stephen for a pun or joke they disapprove of. More recently, a reader's cell phone interrupted the strip, causing Rat to spoil the crossword puzzle in retaliation. Yet it doesn't permeate the comics too often, allowing for a good and unbroken story flow when needed.<br />
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As they know they're in a comic, the characters often interact with characters from other comic strips, such as "Dilbert," "Cathy," or anyone from "Family Circus." In fact, "Family Circus" is a common target for mockery, which is fine by me, because I can't stand that one either. Of course, they don't expect to get away with it, and much of the humor comes from the other comics retaliating.<br />
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There are several recurring gags or setups in this comic: Rat berates someone for being stupid, or tries to cash in on the idiocy of others; the crocodiles (or occasionally lions) try a new scheme to eat Zebra; the Guard Duck blows someone or something up with his rocket launcher; Pig fails to woo Pigita; a strip builds up to a pun, and Rat berates Stephen for writing it. Those are just a few of the sorts of things that happen in the world of "Pearls Before Swine." They don't get stale, though - the crocodiles always have a new scheme, Rat always has something new to complain about, and the Guard Duck always has something new to threaten or explode. Each are a treat to read.<br />
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This is not your average happy-go-lucky talking animals comic. In fact, it's the antithesis of that. Its clean, if not somewhat minimalist, style of art makes it look much more friendly than it is, and that contrast makes it all the more brilliant. It's the anti-Family Circus, it's the opposite of Mickey Mouse or Felix the Cat, and it is wonderful.<br />
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This is the sort of newspaper comic I enjoy reading each day, and one I'd recommend to anyone with a good sense of humor and healthy sprinkling of cynicism. So until next time, this has been whatever I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-43430488817634827882011-12-16T15:11:00.000-08:002011-12-16T15:11:29.195-08:00Regenesis: Uncanny X-Men & MagnetoIt's been a while since my last review, hasn't it? Well, such is life, and no longer having school nor work means I have to spend my spare time looking for employment, which gives me far less time for any writing. Still, it's good to find the time to unwind and do a little reviewing, so I've got a few things in store. There'll be a movie review coming soon, and another newspaper comic, but I thought I'd take a look at the other side of the X-Men schism first.<br />
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So without further ado, I give you the first two issues of the new "Uncanny X-Men," along with the first issue of "Magneto: Not a Hero."<br />
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In Uncanny X-Men, we see the members of the team who didn't split off with Wolverine. For those who did, you'll want to see my earlier review of "Wolverine and the X-Men." So while Logan got Professor X and the academy, Cyclops seems to be heading in a more Magneto-like path. He's fighting for the survival of mutants, his homeland is an island made from Magneto's old meteor space base, and Magneto is one of his team's big hitters. (Of course, Magneto hasn't been a villain for quite a while, even if earlier issues still have him struggling to gain the trust of both humans and his fellow mutant, so don't think this is Cyclops' fall from grace.)<br />
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So with the lines clearly drawn, we now meet the X-Men team we'll be seeing the most of - Scott's "Extinction Team," consisting of himself, Emma, Storm, Magneto, Namor, Danger, Magik, Hope, and Colossus, who recently gained the Juggernaut's powers on top of his own (and if someone could point me to where and when that happened, it would be most appreciated). If you looked at that roster and thought, "Weren't 90% of these guys villains for at least some part of their career?" then you wouldn't be the only one, since it's lampshaded quite nicely.<br />
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Then we get to the plot, mostly consisting showing us what the mutants left on Utopia do for most of their days. That is, until one of San Francisco's landmarks, the Dreaming Celestial, begins to react.<br />
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As someone who lives in California and has been to San Francisco quite often, I can attest that while there's no such monument, it would be quite awesome. The team's location means they pass a lot of landmarks that I recognize, which is a real treat - this must be how New Yorkers feel about every other superhero team.<br />
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Given that we see Mr. Sinister in the first few pages, it's no surprise who's behind it. What may be more of a shock is how well he pulls off his plan, with an ending that reminds me of the Master from Doctor Who. (You'll know what I'm talking about when you reach it.) The first chapter ends with a good enough cliffhanger, at least enough to keep me interested through the next chapter.<br />
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In chapter two, we see the extent of Sinister's plan, which I believe finally elevates him to Magnificent Bastard status. He remains smug and calm, even admitting to his own fatal flaw of being an egomaniac, but in a very Ozymandias-esque fashion, only when it seems too late to change anything.<br />
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This chapter raises the stakes of the oncoming danger, while containing mostly exposition and some fight scenes. It continues to slowly but steadily lead Cyclops' team down the path that Magneto once took, with Hope casually making use of a sniper rifle and Colossus/Juggernaut getting some blood on his hands as well (quite literally). It kept me interested and entertained, although not quite as much as Wolverine and the X-Men.<br />
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Kieron Gillen does a fine job writing this comic, with excellent dialogue and a good grasp on the characters. The story moves along at a fine pace, neither rushing nor taking too long with the establishing moments and exposition. Yet because of the roster they're working with, I can't find myself to care quite as much as with Wolverine and the X-Men. Magneto and Storm are enough to keep me intrigued, while I'm on the fence with Colossus, but just those aren't quite enough to really get me invested in them.<br />
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The art is clear and well-drawn, I have no complaints to make there. It's much cleaner than Wolverine and the X-Men, so art-wise I have to give Uncanny X-Men the edge. In all other aspects, though, Wolverine wins out by varying degrees. While I'll keep reading this for a while, I'm going to stick with Team Wolverine for my X-Men of choice.<br />
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And on the sidelines, we have this four-part miniseries about Magneto. Now, I like Magneto as much as the next guy. Once I finish Gambit, he's next on my X-Men cosplay list. Maybe I can relate to him a bit more because he, like my grandfather, survived the Holocaust, or maybe I just like well-developed villains. Whatever the reason, I decided to check this out.<br />
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This is more or less a story about Magneto seeking to convince those around him that he's truly switched to the side of good, made more difficult by the fact that someone is going around committing crimes while disguised as him. While doing so, he gets into a bit of a pissing contest with Iron Man, who he more or less humiliates by lifting every metallic object - cars, tanks, little metal curtain hangers, you name it - without even changing his expression. So yes, that was kind of awesome.<br />
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We also hear some of the less intelligent anti-Mutant rhetoric. Allow me to sum it up for you: "Mutants want equal rights. This is America, and I love America. So spit in a mutant's face!" Kind of a leap in logic there, but hey, racists aren't known for making intelligent arguments.<br />
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After a few short scenes reaffirming that he's still feared by those around him, we take a little journey into Magneto's mind. It mostly involves not seeing people's faces and those he knows dressed like himself. There's a good deal of symbolism there, as with any trip inside someone's head, but not all of it is entirely effective.<br />
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As for the ending of this chapter, I'm a little underwhelmed, but it involves a character I'm not entirely familiar with. This is one of those things where you have to dive back into continuity quite a ways to get what's going on, so it can be a real hit-or-miss experience, depending on your familiarity with the comics. As such, I was a little underwhelmed by this issue, but it's only four chapters, so I see no harm in seeing it through to the end.<br />
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Thanks for sticking with me through these reviews, I'll try to get to my next ones soon. Until then, this has been whatever I read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-2174332464319303652011-11-22T12:43:00.001-08:002011-11-22T13:25:39.657-08:00Newspaper Comics: Rex MorganThere are a few newspaper comics I've been wanting to review for a while. Some of them are comics I love for their clever writing, great characters, and brief but compelling storylines.<br />
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This is not one of them.<br />
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Rex Morgan (I think it was once "Rex Morgan, M.D." but he spends so little time doing actual medical stuff that they dropped it) is a serial comic. That's a nice way of saying its stories go on forever and it doesn't have to be funny. Each day, it adds another two panels (three if we're lucky) and maybe three lines of dialogue to its continuing story. This results in a pace so slow that it can take a year to cover maybe three stories. During college, I could return home to visit my family, pick up the newspaper, and read the comic, only to come back months later and find the exact same goddamn story, with perhaps one or two steps made towards getting anywhere.<br />
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Basically, it's really slow and boring.<br />
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The comic features the titular Rex Morgan, who's some kind of Doctor. That explains why he can spend most of his time on boating trips, or camping, or taking some teenage kid on a boating trip. Sometimes we see him and a patient, which basically boils down to him saying "You need to do something differently. Good luck with that, pal." (Although there was the five months where their secretary won the lottery, they had to sort out a ton of family drama with that, then spend the rest of the time hiring a new secretary.)<br />
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There's also his wife, I think she's named after some kind of month. It's not like she ever does anything of importance, so you can ignore her without missing much. They have a daughter, whose name I also can't remember, because her job is to stand around acting cute and innocent while devoid of all the flaws and annoyances actual children have. So I'm going to call her Mary Sue. Oh, and a dog, who is by far the most compelling character, because the reader sympathizes with the poor creature for being bought and named solely because Mary Sue liked a series of books about a dog she named it after, then forced to live with these assholes. Plus, the dog doesn't talk, sparing us from the bad dialogue that permeates the rest of the comic.<br />
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In the current storyline, most of the drama revolves around the new secretary and her daughter. She's the typical, stereotypical, rebellious, fatherless teenage daughter, who is really a good girl deep down but is surrounded by bad influences. You know the type; they were supposed to have died out in the 80's, but still exist in the minds of people who are out of touch with reality.<br />
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The bad influence in this case is her boyfriend, Lonny "Spider" Webb. Oh, Spider Web, how clever.<br />
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Anyways, this guy is another cliche relic. Spiked mohawk, leather jacket, douchebag to everyone, the whole shebang. Clearly the author hasn't seen a single actual teenager in decades, since anyone looking and acting like that would be laughed at for being such a ridiculous asshole.<br />
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Where was I? Something about the plot... she goes to a party, he drugs her, and some teenage kid who hangs out with Rex on a fishing trip is getting all worried about her because who the hell cares? This was about a week ago. Only in yesterday's comic are the drugs starting to take effect, and what did it consist of? The girl says she's feeling weird, and another girl takes her upstairs to sleep it off while saying, "Yeah, you got drugged, I probably should have warned you about that, or even not come in the first place, but I'm hanging around these teenage rapists because I'm a goddamn moron." Meanwhile, Rex and his teenage buddy are still fishing and talking about whether or not they should do something.<br />
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Took a while to explain, didn't it? That's because this storyline has been going on for months. And in all those months, not a single fuck was given. Nor in any of the stories before this one, and this is not the first time they've dealt with teenagers drinking, doing drugs, being generally stupid, etcetera. It's pretty clear that the guy behind this has a complete distrust of today's youth, without actually knowing what they're even like. Do some freaking research, man.<br />
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As for the characters, they're either cliche cardboard cutouts or idealized nice guys. There's no moral ambiguity - you're either a good person who cares for the well-being of others above yourself, or you're a lowly, dirty scumbag who will screw over your own family. No middle ground.<br />
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If you're going to try to have dramatic stories with meaningful characters, at least do it right!<br />
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This comic is not meant to be funny, so I can't fault it for failing at that, in spite of being in the newspaper funnies section every day. What I can fault it for, though, is being poorly-written, taking forever to get anywhere, having lousy characters, and generally being boring.<br />
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This review was mostly a rant about how stupid Rex Morgan is, as you might have noticed. I could probably say more if it was compelling enough to make me care about anything, but it wasn't. Next time, I'll cover a newspaper comic I actually like.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-86808848461026553962011-10-28T15:08:00.000-07:002011-10-28T15:08:19.493-07:00Wolverine and the X-Men #1First of all, no, this is not a comic adaptation of the great (but sadly underrated) cartoon "Wolverine and the X-Men," in spite of the same name. Even though both deal with Wolverine in a position of leadership and authority he admits he's not suited for, that's about as far as the similarities go. This comic is an entity in its own right, and a surprisingly good one.<br />
<br />
Following the events of "Schism," the X-Men are split into two. You know how Civil War split the Marvel Universe right down the middle? This isn't like that, so don't start thinking about Civil War, even though it did divide the X-Men and all associated mutants apart. So we have Team Cyclops and Team Wolverine, and feel free to make your own jokes about the Twilight "teams" at this point, because that joke's old now. This comic covers Wolverine, and his attempt to make a new school for mutants, the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning.<br />
<br />
Now, I was a little skeptical of this comic at first, but I decided to pick it up anyways. I'm glad I did. The art, I admit, I'm not too fond of, at least not the way they draw people. Now, it's certainly not the worst art in an X-Men comic I've seen (that distinction goes to Kaare Andrews for "Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis," for its depiction of Emma Frost alone), but it's an acquired taste. However, I began appreciating it more as soon as I saw the two-page spread of Wolverine's school. Its design is very original, but only vaguely hinted at up until the reveal. I won't try to describe it, lest I spoil the surprise, but it certainly beats any of the schools I've gone to.<br />
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The first issue covers the two headmasters, Logan and Kitty Pryde, as they try desperately to have the new school pass inspections from a super cynical pair of inspectors. Suffice to say, Murphy's Law ensues. In doing so, we get to see the various students, classes, and faculty; this is as much a tour for the new readers as it is for the inspectors. It also lays on a nice dosage of well-hidden foreshadowing, which may or may not include the running gag of exploding toilets.<br />
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This is where we get to the best part of the comic: the characters. Each snapshot shows us the various students and teachers throughout their day, and the writing does a fine job at showing us their personalities and how the new school works. Some personal favorites are when Logan activates the Danger Room inside the boys' bathroom to punish a pair of bullies, and the one panel of Quire locked in detention and complaining to himself, with the words "I'm a political prisoner" scrawled across the ground. Beast's scene is equally great, and seeing Husk trying to get her class to sit down and shut up is a treat as well.<br />
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Now, Wolverine is not exactly the type to be a teacher, and he knows it. That's why he's got the rest of his staff to help him. A glance over the list of characters shows that some of my favorites will be in this comic. Gambit, Rogue, Iceman, Armor, and even Toad have a place in these comics, and I look forward to seeing how each of them contribute.<br />
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I think we can safely say that everything going wrong in this comic means everything goes right for the reader. You'll feel Wolverine's struggle as he tries to stop everything he's built from crashing around him, providing a new level of humanity for the character. There's no concern when you see him in battle, knowing he's a badass with a healing factor, but dealing with bureaucracy and responsibility? That's a whole new playing field for him, and it shows in the most entertaining way.<br />
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I don't know how Cyclops is doing with the half he got in the divorce, but going by this comic, I'm all for Team Wolverine. I wasn't expecting to follow this comic when I picked it up, but I think it just changed my mind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-27072211280880902732011-10-25T10:46:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:46:51.510-07:00Oldie review: Dragonball EvolutionI've been a bit under the weather and short on time lately, so I haven't had the chance to finish reading anything worth reviewing as of late. Instead, I'm going to post a review I wrote a while ago for another site. I know, the movie is old and there's no point to hating on it anymore, but I'm posting it anyways. Ignore the fact that it doesn't involve reading anything, I said I'd do the occasional movie review.<br />
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I posted this review on Yahoo, and it remains the most helpful review of the movie, with 142 out of 151 people finding it useful. (And I believe those nine people are all members of the cast, trying to run damage control.) So here we are, my old review of the movie "Dragonball Evolution."<br />
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Original post: http://movies.yahoo.com/mvc/dfrv?mid=1809961064&uid=DoGuHUrpi8d6VPg4F9cbUGe3lXfGbjk6IA--&s=&i=0&spl=0<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">I admit, I was one of those fans of Dragonball that was skeptical of the movie from the beginning. Even then, I tried to be hopeful, but every new piece of evidence kept providing more and more proof as to why it would bomb. So, I finally went and saw the movie for myself, and can now list several reasons why it was bad.<br /><br />I say this not only because it was a bad adaptation, but as a movie itself, it was very poor. So I'll talk about the movie as a movie by its own rights, not just as an adaptation of a cherished series. So putting aside the fact that they butchered all the characters, ignoring the way they changed the story, disregarding the way they couldn't even pronounce "Gohan" correctly, and paying no heed to all the other ways in which the movie ruined the story, let's take a look at what makes it a poor movie in its own right.<br /><br />- Poor cinematography. After an opening blurb about how Piccolo and his disciple, Oozaru, nearly wiped out the world, we open to a shot of... a bead of sweat falling off Goku's nose. Because all the best movies begin with a close-up of a character's nose, right? And it doesn't get much better. For the fight sequences, it seems they're often trying to copy such movies as "The Matrix," "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and "300" with certain shots and editing. It doesn't work. Sometimes I could barely even tell what was going on, but I should probably count my blessings for that.<br /><br />- Poor acting. And how! Chow Yun-Fat and James Marsters were the only two who could come close to acting, and even then, the script was so poor even they couldn't do it justice. Justin Chatwin spent most of the movie talking in some sort of depressed monotone, Emmy Rossum sounded like she just woke up and was pissed about it, and don't even get me started on Joon Park and his surfer dude Yamcha. It makes me feel ill just thinking about it.<br /><br />- Plot holes, plot holes, plot holes. Okay, so Piccolo escaped from being sealed. How exactly did he do that? We don't even see it happen, he's just suddenly free and has a giant floating fortress thing, with a shape-shifting follower whose name we're never given (even if she's listed as Mai) and whose story we don't know. Why's she following Piccolo? She just is, okay?<br />Goku gets picked on at school for being "different," but we're not entirely sure why, he just is. So he promised his grandfather he wouldn't fight... only as soon as gramps bites the dust, he not only goes off on his adventure but has no qualms with fighting an old man whose house he broke into.<br />When they're fighting Piccolo's goons, Master Roshi throws one of them into the lava, and it bursts into flames. Okay. But then Goku starts tossing them in in order to use them as stepping stones across said lava, and nothing happens to them. So was the first one just wearing combustible clothes or something?<br />Later, as Goku starts fighting Piccolo, Piccolo suddenly not only knows his name, but says that he came to Earth on a meteor, is Oozaru, and he can boss him around. Again, ignoring the changes from the original, how does Piccolo know this? He just does. Then Goku can transform back... because he wants to, I guess. Of course, the opening narration says that Oozaru fled after Piccolo was sealed, so that doesn't explain a thing about him becoming a child and arriving on a meteor. Speaking of Oozaru, Goku spends a good deal of the movie wondering how he's going to beat said giant monkey... forget Piccolo and his world-destroying business, I want to know how they're going to defeat the guy he bosses around.<br /><br />- No explanations given. This goes hand-in-hand with the plot holes. A lot of things just... happen, and we're supposed to not ask questions. There's willing suspension of disbelief, and then there's telling us to shut up and stop wondering about such insignificant things as "reasons" and "logic."<br /><br />- Lousy special effects. Remember the days of claymation in live-action movies, where it looked cheesy but you could forgive it because they didn't have any better special effects? Those days are over, they have no excuses any more. A few things they pull off almost right, but for the most part, it looked very cheesy.<br /><br />- Poor dialogue. Pretty much everything that comes out of Yamcha's mouth. Plus everything that comes out of Bulma's mouth. Oh, and everything that Goku says. Not to mention Chi-Chi. "Just because my name is Chi-Chi doesn't mean I'm stupid." Umm... what does your name have to do with anything? He just asked if you knew about ki. I can understand if you have a complex about your name and the fact that people think you're stupid, but that doesn't relate to anything in any way at all.<br /><br />- The fight sequences weren't that great either. For a fighting series, that's kind of important. At the very end, Goku's powering up a Kamehameha, and Piccolo's gathering a huge freaking ball of energy that looks like it can blow up Namek, and the two throw their attacks. I start thinking, "okay, good, they're going to have a classic match of energy attacks. One starts pushing the other back, then Goku gives it one last burst of strength and pushes the attacks into Piccolo." Nope. He leaps into it as he throws the Kamehameha. I repeat. He leaps ahead while throwing his attack. Then he just flies right through the explosion into Piccolo, never mind the fact that the force of the two attacks hitting SHOULD have thrown him back, or at least slowed him down. So the movie not only fails at fighting forever, but also physics.<br /><br />- Oh, and apparently they couldn't remember if they were making a movie of Dragonball or Avatar, because about halfway through the story, Master Roshi starts talking about the three elements (apparently Earth no longer counts) and calls the Kamehameha an Airbending technique. I know, I said I'd disregard the ways in which it differs from Dragonball, but it still pissed me off.<br /><br />So go ahead and say what you will about my review, this is my honest opinion of the movie. I'm not hating on the movie because it's different from Dragonball. I'm hating on the movie because it's a bad movie, plain and simple.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-48488033078313380532011-10-23T16:47:00.000-07:002011-10-24T10:34:55.639-07:00Focused Fandom ReviewI first met Steven Savage at the convention Kin-Yoobi Con, where I attended his panel on turning one's hobbies into a career. Now, I have a chance to review his new book about a similar topic: "Focused Fandom: Cosplay, Costuming, and Careers." Fear not, though, for I'm an impartial reviewer, and will give both credit and criticism where it's due.<br />
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This book is designed to help cosplayers and costumers (he's sure to differentiate between the two, although the advice is applicable to both) use the skills and passions they've developed through their hobbies to help with their careers. I know I'm not the only unemployed cosplayer trying to figure out if I have any marketable skills, and it turns out that all of us actually do.<br />
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The book is divided into three parts. The first (and I believe longest) section lists all the skills and advantages, or "edges," as he describes them, that cosplayers have. Not only that, but it explains how a cosplayer can use those to his/her advantage in the work world, while applying for jobs, or anything else needed to build a career. Not everything in those lists will apply to everyone, naturally, but with all the skills he points out, there's bound to be something that you (yes, I mean you specifically. The person sitting in front of a computer screen and reading this, that means you) can relate to and use. Personally, I found that the parts about building confidence, connecting with people, and creativity resonated with me the most, while the section about budgeting is important for everyone, regardless of career or hobby.<br />
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Each of the edges listed only takes up a few pages, so they go by quickly, yet it delves into decent detail. There are useful notes and steps for the interested reader to take to make the most of their skills, providing plenty of useful information without becoming dense. Reading through the lists, I began to realize that there are so many more skills I can gain from cosplay that I haven't even considered; it made me want to expand my horizons within my own hobby, and pointed out skills I didn't even realize I had gained.<br />
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Following that, the book lists several careers that one can use their cosplaying/costuming abilities in, or that one might want to consider pursuing because of their hobby. I know several people who are already working jobs where their cosplay experience comes in handy, while several more are pursuing careers that they can use for cosplay. Even I, an aspiring writer, can practice my craft by writing skits and reporting on conventions for California Conventions Blog (an affiliate of this blog). The section on writing and publishing I'll certainly be re-reading throughout my job hunt. As an added bonus, each section has the URLs to several websites and resources for the cosplaying job hunter.<br />
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Lastly, there's a section devoted to what one must do while pursuing a career. Much of the advice is applicable to more than just cosplay and costuming careers, such as networking and education, and that which isn't can easily be adjusted for non-cosplayers.<br />
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So, how does this book rate? It's a useful guide and tool for cosplayers and costumers who are trying to find a job, although the advice isn't universally applicable. The quotes and notes from fellow cosplayers sprinkled throughout are a nice touch, especially when I come across a quote from someone I know or have seen at conventions.<br />
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It's not so naive as to believe there are no difficulties to reaching many of the careers it lists, as it acknowledges that getting a job can be a difficult trial, but reiterates the advantages that we've gained from our hobbies. There's even instructions for an efficient job hunt and making the best of this book, as well as lists of several resources.<br />
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This may have been fixed by the time you pick up a copy, but I did notice the occasional typo or missing comma. At a little under 200 pages, it's not particularly bulky, and it's a quick read, but in a good way. Rather than sound like a list of things one must do, it read like I was receiving advice from someone who knows not only the difficulty of finding work, but how to put one's hobbies and geeky skills to use.<br />
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"Focused Fandom: Cosplay, Costuming, and Careers" is for a specific audience, so it's not something everyone can pick up and flip through. If you're part of the targeted crowd, though - if you're a cosplayer, someone who makes costumes, or anyone involved in the cosplay scene, and you're trying to find a job you can enjoy - it's certainly worth reading. I already feel more confident about my job search, and if you're like me, it will probably help you too.<br />
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If you're interested in this book, you can purchase it online at: <a href="http://www.focusedfandom.com/book-cosplay.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.focusedfandom.com/book-cosplay.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-89862468461852642222011-10-20T17:16:00.000-07:002011-10-20T17:16:41.469-07:00"Flabby Superheroes?" Screw you, Men's FitnessThis isn't exactly a review, but it is about an article which I read, so it's relevant. That's my excuse, at least, but whatever gives me a chance to rant.<br />
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So, who here has read the "article" by Men's Fitness titled "NY Comic Con: Flabby Versions of Your Favorite Superheroes?" I did, and I'm pissed off. If you want a link to the article, as well as a place to read what other people are saying about it and where to post your own comments to them, you can see their link on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/mensfitness/posts/10150336909913227 But in case you'd rather not read it and rage, let me give you a summary:<br />
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That article posts pictures of cosplayers who they deem looking "close to death" for being too fat, or even too thin, along with little captions mocking them. That's all. It doesn't give any tips for getting into better shape, or showing any muscular cosplayers, it just exists solely to mock the out-of-shape ones.<br />
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So where do I begin? How about: What the fuck? Who does this Jordan Burchette think he is, mocking these people? Where does he get the nerve or the right to criticize people who worked hard on their costumes and want to enjoy a weekend among fellow geeks?<br />
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Fellow nerds, we are used to being mocked. We've all been insulted by the jocks, or given odd looks for our hobbies. But conventions are a place to meet with fellow people who share our interests, not to be bashed and insulted by a fitness magazine.<br />
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Oh, and if you'll look at the photos, I'm willing to bet he didn't even ask many of the cosplayers for permission to take their pictures. Batman is looking away from the camera, the Spartan is just walking by (his face isn't even in the frame), and Cloak and Dagger have their backs turned to him. As anyone who cosplays or photographs cosplayers knows, you don't just snap someone's photo as they're walking by. You ask for permission so they have time to strike a pose and prepare their props; taking candid pictures to mock is beyond rude.<br />
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And just to make things a little bit worse, they then accuse us, the people they attack and mock, of not having a sense of humor. Where's the joke? I don't get it. That's not being funny, that's pointing at people you disapprove of and telling us to laugh at them. Well I'm not laughing, Mr. Burchette.<br />
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I'm a cosplayer. I try to stay in shape, especially for costumes with open-shirts, but I know it's not easy. I have friends in the cosplay community who are in amazing shape, and others who aren't. Many of them from all categories work hard to get in shape for their costumes, and I still respect those who are fine with how they are for the great work they do on their costumes. Cosplay is a hobby, it's something we do for fun, no matter what sort of condition we're in. I, for one, respect cosplayers no matter of their condition for having the courage to go out in the amazing costumes they've made.<br />
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I've also seen some really motivational stories of cosplayers who began working out like mad to get that perfect body type for their costume. Why not report on them? That would be so much better for a Fitness magazine. They could recount their stories, give tips and advice, and encourage other people to work out more. Simply bashing, mocking, and insulting cosplayers who are not in shape doesn't encourage anyone to improve, it's simply bullying, plain and simple. This Burchette guy is no better than the bullies we've had to deal with at high school, and I'd expect so much better from a supposedly respected publication.<br />
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In short, if the rest of this was tl;dr, here's what I'm trying to get at: these cosplayers are 1000x better people than whoever wrote this article will ever be. Men's Fitness, you have lost all credibility and failed completely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-7442496366614788662011-10-12T16:24:00.000-07:002011-10-12T16:24:49.079-07:00DC's New 52 (Part 3)Alright, time for the third and final installment of my review of the DC reboot. Today we'll be looking at a range of other comics released this past month, some new and some old. So without further ado, let's see what we've got.<br />
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Wonder Woman<br />
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One thing I've liked about Wonder Woman was the integration of Greek mythology. She is an Amazon, after all, so it's no surprise when she encounters Ares, Hermes, or even Zeus. Knowing a little about Greek myths can usually add another layer of enjoyment to these comics, such as when Apollo picks some young ladies to be his new oracles.<br />
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Now, Wonder Woman herself doesn't appear until about half way through the first chapter. Up until then we see Apollo, some lady in a peacock dress killing a horse, and someone who looks like a cross between a WW1 soldier and the Na'vi from Avatar (Hermes) warning this girl in her underwear (named Zola) about assassins. It isn't until two centaur burst into her house and a magical key teleports her away that we finally see Wonder Woman, and it dawns on my as I type this how very strange comics can be sometimes.<br />
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Wonder Woman is naked in bed when we first see her, as fanservice seems to be amped up for many of the new comics (but more on that later). It's not a sexual kind of nudity, though, just something that happens to be necessary before she puts on her armor and goes to kick some centaur ass. And when it comes to fighting, Wonder Woman is no slouch. She blocks arrows with her wristbands (she's used to it, having blocked plenty of bullets with them), literally disarms her enemies, and puts her golden lasso to good use. Action-wise, the scene is swift but sweet.<br />
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Story-wise, though, there's not much to say yet. I will say that the ending comes as no surprise to those familiar with their Greek myths, and there's a nice amount of foreshadowing provided by the oracles, but nothing particularly impressive. Perhaps it'll get better as it goes along, but I'm not sure if I'm going to stick around to find out.<br />
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Aquaman<br />
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Can we stop with the jokes about Aquaman's powers being lame now? Superfriends was ages ago, and Aquaman has earned his badass cred repeatedly by now. This is a man who can take on Cthulhu-level abominations and win, a man who essentially controls 70% of the Earth's surface. Aquaman is a badass.<br />
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Yet it seems the citizens in Aquaman's comic book don't think the same way. Bank robbers in an armored car think they can run him down (they're wrong), policemen think he's useless without fish (they're wrong) and express shame at being upstaged by him, and some guy interviewing him thinks he's a laughing stock (boy is he ever wrong). Aquaman shows them just how awesome he can be, while also providing time to look into his own life, such as the lessons his father taught him, and his relationship with his wife, Mera.<br />
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There's also an amusing scene where Aquaman walks into a seafood restaurant, orders fish and chips, and explains to the shocked diners how commanding sea life does not equal talking to fish.<br />
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Geoff Johns does an outstanding job writing this comic. He works in the common misunderstandings about Aquaman and disproves them quickly, while keeping the story at a fine pace, beginning and ending with a threat slowly building. All the characters had clear voices and personalities, even the waitress at the restaurant, but especially Aquaman.<br />
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I wasn't sure if I'd bother following this series when I first heard about it, but issue 1 may have changed my mind. I'm becoming a fan of Aquaman now, and I can't wait to see the sea king cut loose.<br />
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The Flash<br />
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I like the Flash. I really do, he's an amusing character with a lot of potential in his powers. Just with super-speed alone he's managed to travel through time, learn anything at super speeds, build houses, disassemble vehicles, and run around the world to punch someone clear into the atmosphere. Yet in spite of that, this comic just seems to be missing something.<br />
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We have the basics. The Flash being fast and awesome, while his secret identity, Barry Allen, investigates crime scenes. In this case, the dead criminal they find is an old friend of his. There's also this technology called a "genome re-coder," which will certainly be important later on. A few nice twists are thrown our way, which I won't spoil, and the story is solid.<br />
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Yet despite that, I can't seem to really enjoy this comic. It's not bad, it just lacks that certain extra punch to stand out above the other new releases. People who are big fans of the Flash will read and enjoy it, but it fails to draw new readers in.<br />
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Also, there's the fact that Barry and Iris are no longer married. Given that Flash is the one who corrected the destroyed timestream in Flashpoint, you'd think he'd be kicking himself for screwing that up, or maybe that's his punishment for forgetting to fix Clark and Lois. This begs the question of the fate of the rest of the Flash family, though; is the Kid Flash we saw in Teen Titans Wally West, or Bart Allen, Barry's grandson from the future? Given what happened in "Kid Flash Lost," though, my bet is on Wally. For now.<br />
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Static Shock<br />
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My first encounter with Static Shock was through his cartoon on WB many years ago. When I learned that he later joined the Teen Titans, I gave it a look to see how it was. His run with them ended when he was de-powered, but it looks like he's got it back by the start of his solo run.<br />
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Here we see Static in the middle of action, now working in New York instead of Dakota. His control of electricity has improved from flying manhole covers and shooting electric blasts - now he's manipulating magnetic forces, forming plasma cables, and generally making the best of his electric abilities. The ways they manage to put his powers to use are impressive and clever, as it's clear the writers did their research and came up with a variety of uses for electricity.<br />
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We see the group who will be Static's enemies this time around, an organization of brightly-colored metahumans with flying motorbikes. Some are smart and some are strong, but all should make for interesting foes.<br />
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The colors are vibrant, with the blue and yellow of Static's uniform and electricity as well as the multitude of colors his enemies wear. The artist occasionally seems to have trouble drawing eyes, but it's pretty clean apart from that. The story does a good job showcasing Static's "wake up, go to school, save the day, go to my part-time job, save the day again" lifestyle and his family, and keeps things interesting while moving at a nice pace. I'd recommend Static Shock to anyone willing to take a chance.<br />
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Swamp Thing<br />
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Ah yes, Swamp Thing. Brightest Day disappointed me when nearly the entire story lead up to simply bringing him into the DC universe, but now I'm starting to see why.<br />
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Alec Holland, the Swamp Thing, doesn't want to be Swamp Thing. He wasn't before, mind you; Swamp Thing just thought it was him, but now he truly is, and wants nothing to do with the Green, or the Parliament of Trees, or any of that nonsense. When natural disasters strike, even Superman tries to call him in, but our hero is quite reluctant.<br />
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Yet in his reluctance, so much is said. We see what he has to struggle with, having been brought back to life and given the memories that weren't his but thought they were. He talks a lot about plants, yes, but it's all quite interesting, and written well enough to keep us interested. The various disasters happening between events certainly keeps things interesting as well, and it ends with quite the interesting scene.<br />
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There's a lot of history behind Swamp Thing, but you can jump into this with minimal research. I'm sure knowing the full history would help, but they spell out the important stuff in such a way that it doesn't seem forced. Scott Snyder does a fine job with the writing, and Yanick Paquette's art suits the tone of the comic perfectly. Definitely worth a look.<br />
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Animal Man<br />
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Animal Man/Buddy Baker was another hero I really got to know by reading 52. I've been trying to go back and read his previous runs, but I've had little luck in finding them. But with a new Animal Man comic coming out, I was eager to give it a look.<br />
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Sadly, this comic is not for me. It's darker than I'd prefer, with Animal Man bleeding from his eyes and nightmarish scenes even when he's not in the middle of a nightmare. And worst of all, we learn that the family's dogs, T.C. and Skipper, have already passed away. Now that's just sad.<br />
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Still, I will give it credit where credit is due. The characters are strong and consistent, and I still like Buddy, even if I don't like this story, and it's still a well-crafted one. The artwork is rather pastel-like and pale, giving it an odd sort of appearance, although it shifts during the nightmare sequence to some impressive designs.<br />
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I wish I could give Animal Man a recommendation. I really do, I was looking forward to this. If you want to try it anyways, then by all means, go ahead, it might work better for you than it did for me. I'm not going to say it's a bad comic, but it's just not for me.<br />
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Green Arrow<br />
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This is certainly a different Oliver Queen than we're used to seeing. He no longer has the Robin Hood-styled beard, and I doubt he was ever mayor of Star City at his age. In fact, everything about him is more like his Smallville incarnation. He's younger, very technologically-inclined, and has the same rich playboy persona as fellow money-powered heroes, but with a more active hand in Queen Industries.<br />
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This does cause a lot of questions about continuity. When did he train any of his sidekicks? What about his marriage to Black Canary? I'd like to brush it off with this taking place in the past, but given the level of technology in this comic and the fact that the antagonists post their crimes on YouTube, that's not likely to be the case.<br />
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Putting all that aside, however, we have a very sound comic. We see Green Arrow fighting crime and working as Oliver Queen, we've got a decent cast of supporting characters, and a nicely-paced story. His enemies aren't the biggest or most threatening villains, but it's a good start for a younger Green Arrow, and an interesting take on what motivates crime as well as the glamorization of the criminal lifestyle.<br />
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I'm not sure what to think of this Green Arrow yet, I'll have to wait and see how it ties into his continuity. Until then, I'll be wary, but open.<br />
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Resurrection Man<br />
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I've never read Resurrection Man until now, but I was interested in him. I'd heard about how he was once killed repeatedly by the Joker until he resurrected with the powers Joker needed him for, and I thought the idea of constantly dying and reviving with new powers was interesting. When he made a cameo in Brightest Day, I had an amusing conversation with my friend, who was more familiar with him. "Resurrection Man? I thought he died in Infinite Crisis." "Apparently he got better. Go figure."<br />
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So here we see Resurrection Man, coming back from the dead yet again. He does that a lot. It seems to be a side-effect of his powers, along with this mysterious compulsion that directs him with each revival. He's not the only one being directed, though, as apparently his soul is "overdue," and his constant resurrections have made it a valuable commodity in the afterlife. Both angels and demons are seeking it, it seems, but he doesn't want to give it up any time soon.<br />
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This is a clever take on the idea of Resurrection Man, and a look at what it means to constantly revive. The deaths that come with it means that he brings death wherever he goes, often times taking innocent lives with him. It's a dark comic, in a very good way, but I have to admit to taking a bit of enjoyment in seeing all the ways he'll die and all the new powers he'll come back with.<br />
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I'm not sure how long Resurrection Man will run for, but I'm definitely interested in this story. I recommend it.<br />
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Blue Beetle<br />
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Jaime Reyes, the third Blue Beetle. There's a lot of backstory behind the Beetle, but you don't need it to enjoy this comic. It opens right in the middle of the action, where we see what a Scarab at full power can do. Entire civilizations are wrecked by a single Scarab-controlled being, as he joins this alien army called The Reach. Once a Green Lantern shoots down a Scarab in our space sector, though, that's the last we see of it for quite a while.<br />
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Now we get to know Jaime, the protagonist. He's not a hero yet, though, just a regular kid from El Paso. It shows us his friends, his school bullies, his family, and gives each of them a distinct voice and personality. Yet there's no lack of superhuman action, either, as we see metahumans hunting down the Scarab itself. Jaime doesn't just find it in the middle of the road this time, he gets his beetle right in the middle of the action. We have yet to see what it can do, but it ends with a great transformation and full page shot of the new Blue Beetle armor.<br />
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However, it is rather similar to the previous Blue Beetle comic, especially with La Dama as what seems to be the primary antagonist this early on, as well as The Reach and their conflict with the Green Lantern Corps. It's not entirely the same, though, and there are enough differences to make it enjoyable even if you've read the first one. This is another comic I give a high recommendation to.<br />
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Red Hood and the Outlaws<br />
<br />
Okay, I haven't read this one, save for the few pages everyone's read. So I'll keep my complaints short. My problem isn't that Starfire is sexualized, it's that she's now nothing but a sexual character. What purpose does she serve other than to strike provocative poses, screw her male companions, and give the male readers something to fap to? What happened to her personality, her character, all that wonderful development she's had over the years? She was in touch with her emotions, but a powerful, inspiring character who valued friendship above all else. (And I'm not just talking about the Teen Titans cartoon version.)<br />
<br />
Instead we have her claiming to not know who Dick Grayson is, or even any of her Titan comrades from the past. It completely erases all of her development and destroys her as a character. It strips away everything that made her a great character, and instead left what the writer assumes to be a male fantasy.<br />
<br />
Now, there have already been attempts to cover up for that, after the huge fan outcry. "Oh, she was just lying about not knowing anyone. Jason was wrong when he said she forgets people." Too little, too late, I'm afraid. It'll take a lot more work than that to correct this mistake. Besides, what reason would there be for that? They might fix this later on, or at least try to, but they're not doing a very good job so far. That's all I really have to say about this comic, since I can't review what I haven't read.<br />
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And there you have it, my review of the DC reboot. There are a lot of comics I haven't read, so those you'll just have to find yourself. For what I did read, though, I hope you've enjoyed my reviews. Until next time!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-60912327268434299842011-10-11T11:41:00.000-07:002011-10-11T11:41:43.341-07:00DC's New 52 (Part 2)Welcome to the second part of my review of the DC comics reboot. Today we'll be looking at the Batman family of comics and the Green Lanterns. You already read my introduction to the reboot, so let's skip the small talk and dive right in.<br />
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Detective Comics<br />
<br />
With Action Comics getting a reboot, it only makes sense that Detective Comics, from which DC gets its name, would be getting the same. In spite of having "Batman" all over the cover, this comic seems more about the Joker. Sure, it's from Batman's POV, and most of the action follows him, but behind everything there is one source of all the action, and that's everyone's favorite clown.<br />
<br />
Now, the best heroes have the best villains. They are defined by the enemies they face, and the threats presented to them. It's by overcoming their worst enemies that we can cheer for the heroes as we watch them struggle. Few comics have the same hero/villain dynamic as Batman and the Joker do. For that reason, I'm not complaining. This comic shows us Batman at his best: he's a detective, a martial artist, a ninja, although not much of a social guy. Yet we also see the Joker for who he is: a madman with a strange sense of humor, yet a hidden brilliance in his insanity.<br />
<br />
We see another day in the eternal struggle, the immovable rock versus the unstoppable force. But it ends with something unexpected, setting up for future developments and a change of face for the comic, as it may be.<br />
<br />
This is a good, solid point for Batman. It shows the characters as they are at their core, but also has a nice setup for future events. Definitely worth a read for any Batman fan.<br />
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Batman<br />
<br />
That's right, there's not only Detective Comics, but Batman comics. But while the previous was more about Batman and the Joker, this one is more about Bruce Wayne and the bat-family. It's even more about Gotham City, but one could easily say that Batman is Gotham.<br />
<br />
We see Batman and his rogues gallery, with a few redesigns to the characters. Some I think are pretty good, like Professor Pyg's mask looking less cheesy, although I don't approve of the Riddler having a shaved head and question mark tattoos, especially given his development over recent years. It starts off with some great action, accompanied with a narration that shows both how doomed Gotham City is and the hope within it.<br />
<br />
What's best about this comic, though, is how it shows the relationships that Batman and Bruce Wayne have with everyone. Not only Batman and his enemies, but Bruce and his former sidekicks, his current sidekick and son, and even Alfred, his loyal butler. In fact, a personal favorite moment was the simple but telling moment where Alfred's security access was marked as "highest." That means not only higher than Dick, Tim, or Damian, but higher than even Bruce's.<br />
<br />
We also see how Batman manages to balance his lives as the rich multi-millionaire playboy and as the dark knight, as well as his detective skills at work. As with Detective Comics, it ends by setting up a bigger mystery, one that may involve the entire Bat-family.<br />
<br />
So if you prefer the Batman and Joker dynamic, Detective Comics is what you want. But if you prefer seeing Batman's more human side, and how his life is connected to those he's trained and touched, those he's fought, and the city he lives in, go with Batman #1.<br />
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Batman and Robin<br />
<br />
That's right, we're not even close to done with Batman. Next up we have Batman and Robin, where we look at Batman's relationship with his son, Damian Wayne. Before now, the Batman and Robin comics had Dick Grayson taking over the mantle of the bat with Damian as Robin, but now we're back to Bruce.<br />
<br />
Previous comics have shown us that Bruce and his son do not work well together, but Dick managed to reach Damian, slowly but steadily, and the two became a great team together. With Dick back as Nightwing in his own run, we have the father-son team together again, and not working quite as well as the previous pair. They acknowledge that fact, however, and it seems the comics will involve Bruce learning to trust his son as much as they will Damian learning to work with his father.<br />
<br />
Another key aspect of the comic is Bruce's memories of his parents, and how their death shaped his life. He's trying to put their death behind him, and focus more on how they lived their lives. Of course, that's interrupted by an action sequence resulting in some impressive property damage, and the dysfunction of the family team comes to light again. It also begins and ends with an assault on the worldwide Batman Inc., setting up the plot for the future comics.<br />
<br />
This comic is also well-written, so if you like Damian, go with this one. You know my thoughts about the other two Batman comics, the decision is yours.<br />
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Batman: The Dark Knight<br />
<br />
Okay, another one? I'm beginning to get a little tired of the Batman comics now. The last three were great, but this one just seems unnecessary, and is the weakest of the four. There is nothing in this one we haven't seen already, save for someone from Gotham Internal Affairs looking into Bruce's connection to Batman.<br />
<br />
As with the other, we have Batman juggling his crime fighting and life as Bruce Wayne, we have a bunch of inmates at Arkham Asylum rioting (because I guess that's all there is to do at Akham), and we have an ongoing narration about a superstitious cowardly lot. That's not necessarily bad, but the other comics did it so much better.<br />
<br />
And then we have the way it ends. I'm just going to spoil it now: Two-Face (Harvey Dent) is the cause of the riot, and he is hulked out. Maybe he took some of Bane's venom juice, I don't know, but his hand is literally bigger than his head. And he's demanding to be called "One-Face" now, in spite of the fact that his face is still horribly scarred on one side. Also, don't most people have one face anyways? There's really nothing special about that.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Batman: The Dark Knight is superfluous and unnecessary, failing to stand out compared to the other three (superior) Batman titles. Now that Batman is out of the way, let's check out the ladies of the Bat-family.<br />
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Batgirl<br />
<br />
Didn't Didio say that Barbara Gordon was never going to get the use of her legs back? I'm pretty sure he did, but I guess he forgot, since guess who's walking again.<br />
<br />
Now, I liked Barbara as Batgirl. She was very good; an effective crimfighter, and an interesting character. But when she got crippled and became Oracle, that's where she became an inspiration. She could no longer kick criminals in the face, but she had computer skills, and put them to use. She founded the Birds of Prey, and was basically the go-to tech girl for the DC universe. She didn't let her handicap stop her from doing everything she could in the fight against crime. Hell, she even declined opportunities to regain the use of her legs from super-technology until it became readily available. What a trooper!<br />
<br />
I'm not the first person to say that, and I doubt I'll be the last. Others have said it more eloquently than I as well, but I stand by my words. So here's where it gets frustrating.<br />
<br />
"A miracle happened." That's the only explanation we get for her regaining her legs. We don't even see her regaining the use of her legs, we're just told, "A miracle happened, she can walk again." Yeah, that cop-out is all we get.<br />
<br />
Now let's give the comic the benefit of the doubt. Okay, a miracle happened, and she can walk again. How long has she been in a wheelchair? Her legs haven't been used in years, it would take a lot of working out to get them back in shape, and then to become strong enough to run across rooftops and kick bad guys in the face would be virtually impossible.<br />
<br />
It also gives her a new weakness: she's afraid of guns. Since the Joker shot her in the spine, pointing a gun at Batgirl will cause her to freeze up. While I can understand the reasoning behind that, I think a hero who fights criminals on a daily basis should probably not be afraid of the most common weapon of choice for criminals. That's like Superman going to a planet where everyone is armed with a kryptonite sword.<br />
<br />
If they really wanted Barbara back, here's what I'd suggest: keep her as Oracle in the wheelchair, fighting crime that way, while flashing back to her days as Batgirl, showing us adventures that were previously unshown.<br />
<br />
As for Stephanie Brown, the previous Batgirl, she's nowhere to be seen. There were some leaked images of future Batman comics with her having a cameo, though, so at least she's not gone for good. The Batgirl before her, Cassandra Cain, is currently working in Hong Kong as Black Bat, a member of Batman Inc. No offense, Babs, but I'd rather be reading about either of them than see you mess up after getting back in the game too soon.<br />
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Batwoman<br />
<br />
Batwoman: she's a Jewish, lesbian, ex-military crimefighter, and that is awesome. Batwoman was introduced in 52 (which you should definitely read, if you haven't already), and as anyone who's read it can tell you, she kicks all sorts of ass.<br />
<br />
The story is a darker, more mysterious kind of comic, with less action and more investigation, but still a fair deal of that. She's even working with a former Teen Titan on the case, connecting her to the larger DC universe (although given the current shape of the Teen Titans, I have no idea how that works). The artwork is whispy and fluid, like a watercolor painting, and giving the entire comic a more dream-like, ethereal appearance. I need to go back and read Batwoman's previous runs to really have more to say about it, but if you're a fan, then you'll most likely enjoy this.<br />
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Green Lantern<br />
<br />
I'm not sure it's even necessary for me to review the Green Lantern comics, since they pick up right where they left off after War of the Green Lanterns (which was epic, by the way, and a must-read for any GL fan). We have Hal back on Earth, without his ring, trying to adapt back to the civilian life he left behind and the identity he nearly abandoned. Meanwhile, Sinestro is stuck with a Green Lantern Ring he doesn't want, unable to remove it from his finger and return to his own Sinestro Corps. The rest of the GLC isn't too glad to have him back either, given the amount of blood on his hands, most of which came from their comrades.<br />
<br />
It's a little sad to see Hal in such bad shape after all that he's been through, especially the way he continues to screw things up with Carol Ferris. Still, it's a rough patch we know he'll overcome eventually, and half the fun is seeing how he'll do that. I'm a fan of Hal Jordan (I even plan to cosplay as him), so I'm eager to see what happens from here.<br />
<br />
As for Sinestro, the question of why the ring chose him and refuses to let go remains lingering on everyone's minds, his most of all. The other Lanterns hope to kill him, his home planet of Korugar is being terrorized by his own Sinestro Corps, and he can't even return to them as he is. Sinestro was always an interesting villain, a man who believes he can bring order to the universe by fear, and was always the greatest Lantern. He's equally intriguing, and I plan to continue reading these comics for a while to come.<br />
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Green Lantern Corps<br />
<br />
As with the rest of the Green Lantern comics, this one isn't affected content-wise by the reboot. However, we do see some new Lanterns leap into action with the team, and a threat to the Corps that's wiped out several Green Lanterns. It's also interesting to see Guy and John trying to find work back on Earth, yet their lack of a secret identity makes them a risk to hire. While Hal, who protected his secret identity, lost touch with his civilian life, the two who never wore masks are trying to avoid that same problem. Of course, they're called back into action soon enough.<br />
<br />
That's all I can really say for that, so I apologize for the shortness of this review, but if you liked the GLC up until now, you'll enjoy this one as well.<br />
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Green Lantern: New Guardians<br />
<br />
What can be said about Kyle Rayner? He was brought in to defeat Hal when he went mad as Parallax, he was granted the power of Ion, had it taken away, had several girlfriends die (one of which came back), and temporarily died during Blackest Night. Yet in spite of all he's done, there's always been those fans who just think he doesn't stand out, or those who didn't accept him as a replacement for Hal. Of course, Kyle has proved his mettle, and earned quite a few fans in the process. His artistic ability makes him one of the more creative Lanterns when it comes to his constructs, and his character has been well-developed.<br />
<br />
In this comic, we see Kyle back on Earth, saving people as a hero should, but always being "that other Green Lantern." He's not Hal, the first GL (not counting Alan Scott, who wasn't a member of the Corps), he's not John, the only African-American Lantern, and he's not Guy Gardner, 'nuff said there. He's just "that other Green Lantern." Clearly it's beginning to bug him.<br />
<br />Yet across the cosmos, plot is happening, with rings from other Lanterns across the universe are decommissioning and flying off, leaving their owners to die. Where do these rings all go? To Kyle Rayner, of course, each one claiming he has the proper emotion to wield them. The members from the other Corps, however, want the rings back, and show up to fight for them at the very end.<br />
<br />
Personally, I think Kyle's the perfect choice for the other rings to seek out, for whatever reason may be compelling them. He's the most human of all the Green Lantern earthlings. Hal is fearless, John is disciplined, Guy is hotheaded, but Kyle was just a struggling artist when he was chosen. He knows fear, and hope, and love, and greed, and anger, and compassion, and willpower so much more than the others, who specialize in one emotion. It is his humanity and grasp of all the emotions that make him the right choice for the rings to fly to.<br />
<br />
But why are they doing that in the first place? What will the members of these various corps do to get them back, if they can at all? Those are the questions this comic leaves us with. And I'd like to find out, so I plan to keep reading.<br />
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Red Lanterns<br />
<br />
Who among us can honestly say they don't know rage and hatred? It's an easy trap to fall into, but it's a sensation that we can relate to. That's why the Red Lantern Corp is so appealing. It's easy to be consumed by rage, but to the point where it becomes your entire being? To burn those who cause that rage, it might be worth it, or at least it was to these Lanterns.<br />
<br />
Despite being on the end of the emotional spectrum, located with all the other negative emotions, the Red Lanterns aren't necessarily "evil." They're just really, really mad. Somebody hurt them, and now that pain defines them. If they let go of the rage, they let go of life. So while I was interested in a Red Lantern comic, I was worried that it would consist almost entirely of "I ARE ANGRY! BURN BURN BURN! RAAAR!!!" Fortunately, it did not.<br />
<br />
Here we see Atrocitus, the leader of the Red Lanterns, as his anger begins to fade. He's had the revenge he longed for, so what is there in life for him now? Of course, he does have a hair-trigger temper, so being angry isn't a problem for him. We also see the other Red Lanterns, such as Bleez (you might remember her from Emerald Warrior), and the angry little kitty, Dex-Starr, the Red Lantern of Earth. But the comic also jumps to Earth now and then, where we see the mugging and murder of an old man, and the effect it has on his family.<br />
<br />Revenge, naturally, is a big part of this comic. What happens after the revenging is done? When is it justified? What sort of anger will the need for revenge drive one to? Yet it also shows us the Red Lantern Corps as a whole, their thirst for conflict, and the growing divide between Atrocitus and his team.<br />
<br />
If you've enjoyed what you've seen of the Red Lanterns so far, then give this comic a look and see if it's your thing. It's not for everyone, but there will be those who enjoy it.<br />
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Alright, I'm almost done. Just a handful of various comics left to review, so stay tuned for part 3.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6647827828006762803.post-9911795453898371372011-10-10T14:58:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:58:55.639-07:00DC's new 52 (part 1)For my first review, I thought I'd look at a collection of comics. Actually, it was when I posted quick opinions about these that I first thought, "maybe I should start blogging." By now, all of the comics in the DC relaunch are out, including a few #2 issues. I'll only be looking at the first issue of the ones I've read, though, some more in-depth than others.<br />
<br />
So, after the events of Flashpoint, the DC universe was rebooted... sort of. Most things that have happened are still canon, just not all the details... or something like that. All the Crisis events still happened, Blackest Night still happened, 52 still happened, just not exactly in the way they did before. At least, that's the impression I'm getting.<br />
<br />
Some comics have picked up right where they left off, such as Green Lantern and Batman, which means everything that happened up until now (the war of light, Batman Inc., that sort of thing) still happened just as they were. Others have taken us back to the heroe's earlier days, such as the Superman family of comics. We see Superboy as he's created, Supergirl as she crashes to Earth, and Superman both in his early days (in Action Comics) and later on (in Superman), but still not quite as they were. For example, Clark Kent is not yet married to Lois Lane, or even dating her, which leads me to assume that either these comics are still in the past, or the later events requiring their relationship take place in the future. We also get to see the formation of several teams, particularly the Justice League and variations thereof, and the Teen Titans. The reboot also serves to integrate new comics that DC acquired into their universe, but I haven't read any of those, so I probably won't touch on them.<br />
<br />
You probably already know that, though. In fact, I'm probably a bit late to be reviewing these, but I still want to. So let's start off with the team-ups and Superman family of comics:<br />
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Justice League<br />
<br />
Here we have the flagship title of the relaunch. The Justice League in its earliest days, as it was founded by the heroes we all know. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg. Yes, Cyborg is no longer a member of the Teen Titans... I have no idea if he ever was now. Instead, he's a bona fide Justice League member, or will be, at least. However, for all the heroes we see on the cover, issue #1 only covers Batman and Green Lantern, with Superman appearing at the end. Okay, so we see Cyborg around before he becomes, well, all cybernetic, but the main focus of this comic is GL and Bats. Of course, they get to show off their skills, with Green Lantern throwing his constructs all around town, and Batman being quick enough to snatch the ring off Hal's finger, so it's not as though they're unimpressive, but it would be nice to see more.<br />
<br />
We see in this issue that the world does not yet particularly like its superheroes. By that I mean: they have a shoot-on-sight order, or at least the impulse to do so. Of course, since this is before Final Crisis, Darkseid is still around, and it looks like he's the big bad they'll be facing first. For now, though, they're too busy fighting each other, as per the glorious comic book tradition.<br />
<br />
As for the story itself, it's not off to the fastest start, but Geoff Johns tends to be good at setting up great stories. For a number one issue, it's not the most impressive, but I intend to look back on the entire first arc as a whole when it's completed, so more on that whenever that is. The artwork is fine, with nice attention to details, but sometimes a little too much shadow lines for my tastes; they make it look more sketch-like to me. So it's nothing mind-blowingly impressive, but good enough to take a look.<br />
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Justice League International<br />
<br />
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the comic I've been waiting for. I'm going to tell you now, I am a huge fan of Booster Gold. I love how he appears to be this showboating glory-hound, but underneath it all he's got the heart of a hero. In his most recent run, he has to save time and space without letting anyone know - the total antithesis of the incompetent showoff he once was and has to pretend to still be. (But more on that when I review his comics.) So when I finished Justice League: Generation Lost and saw that the JLI was reforming, then later learned he'd be their leader, I was eager to see how it went. Let me tell you, this comic does not disappoint.<br />
<br />
In spite of everything that happened in Generation Lost, this does not tie in directly to that. Like the other Justice League comic, this is the early days of the league, as it's founded by the U.N. We still have most of the cast of Generation Lost, though. Booster Gold, Fire, Ice, Rocket Red, and Batman are there, but no Captain Atom, Blue Beetle (too busy with their own books) or Power Girl. There's also Vixen, Zhifu Fang - August General in Iron, Guy Gardner, and Godiva joining the ranks, and each brings something new to the team in their powers and personalities.<br />
<br />
As with the other Justice League title, the general public does not seem to welcome the heroes. Or in this case, they're protesting government ownership of the Hall of Justice. I'm guessing heroes vs society is going to be an ongoing theme in this reboot.<br />
<br />
Now let me say this: the character dynamic in this book is wonderful. We have Guy Gardner being, well, himself, and his objections to Booster Gold leading the team, while Batman adds himself to the roster and approves of his leadership (being one of the only people to know Booster's true nature). We have Rocket Red and Zhifu constantly bickering about Russian technology vs Chinese technology, and Godiva being both snarky and flirtatious, depending on who she's talking to. The issue ends with the team leaping into action, as well as a larger threat appearing at the end.<br />
<br />
This is how a Justice League comic should be done. We've got the team, we've got their well-defined characters meshing, clashing, and contrasting, and we have a chance to show them in action while still presenting a major danger for the next chapter. The artwork is clear and colorful, the writing is great, and the character roster is fantastic. This is the comic that gets my top recommendation.<br />
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Justice League Dark<br />
<br />
This is a comic that intrigued me, because the roster is so much different from any other JL titles. I think the only member who's had any League experience is Zatanna, although I could be wrong. We also have John Constantine, whose supernatural expertise should make this an interesting read, as well as Deadman, dead again but with much more development after the events of Brightest Day.<br />
<br />
This comic mostly lays the groundwork for events to come. We see a threat made of magic that the Justice League can't defeat on its own, and we have characters with supernatural or magical abilities who will soon be called to action. It's setting up a mystery, while the final page shows us an ominous future. It's not exactly short on action, but the team isn't together yet, so it's mostly snapshots of the various characters who will be forming it as they're pulled together.<br />
<br />
So this is a promising title, but not for everyone. I'm going to see where it goes, though, since it's certainly intriguing.<br />
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Teen Titans<br />
<br />
As with Justice League, this comic shows us the formation of the team. Well, the meeting of a few members who will form the team. We have Kid Flash screwing things up with his impulsiveness (and I'm not sure if it's Wally West or Bart Allen), which leads to Red Robin (Tim Drake) seeking down other teenaged heroes, presumably to stop them from being so stupid, but also to protect them from an organization hunting down and gathering superpowered teenagers. This organization, N.O.W.H.E.R.E., is related to the Superboy comic as well, especially when they tie in at the end.<br />
<br />
So far, the comic has introduced Red Robin, Kid Flash, and Wonder Girl (who objects to the name), closing with one page of Superboy, just like how Justice League ended with a page of Superman. But we also see brief cameos of Static Shock, Raven, Starfire, Miss Martian, and some pink guy who (going by the cover) will join the Titans. The cover also shows some half-spider lady and a girl made out of dust. I have no idea who they are, but feel free to inform me in the comments. No Beast Boy in sight, and Cyborg is too busy with the JL to be a Titan again.<br />
<br />
So how was Teen Titans? It wasn't bad, but not too impressive either. I have no idea where in the previous continuity this can fit, if it's even meant to at all. It sets up an interesting villain, and shows off the abilities of the heroes it shows, but it's just missing something to really impress me. So far, I'm underwhelmed. (Insert Young Justice joke about being "whelmed" here.)<br />
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Birds of Prey<br />
<br />
I'm going to be honest, although I heard wonderful things about Gail Simone's run on Birds of Prey, I didn't read it. I know, I should be ashamed. But I decided to check out this new issue by Duane Swierczynski (I am so glad this is a written review, so I don't have to pronounce that last name), to see how it was.<br />
<br />
So there's no Oracle leading this flock of Birds, but Babs does make a cameo. Looks like she's too busy being Batgirl again to sit in front of a computer again. Instead, we see Black Canary and Starling, with the promise of Katana to join in later. It's certainly action-packed, but lacks the character dynamic that draws me in to other comics. Maybe Birds of Prey just isn't my thing, since it failed to catch my attention, in spite of the fast pace and intrigue it tries to set up. Or maybe I'm just sore about Oracle, but more on that later.<br />
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Action Comics<br />
<br />
I can now say I own a copy of Action Comics #1. Not THE Action Comics #1, but an Action Comics #1, which is worth... about $3.99, same as all the other new comics.<br />
<br />
This comic shows Superman in his early days, before he had the tights - oh, sorry, armor. He wears Kryptonian armor instead of tights now. Anyways, before he had the armor, and instead ran around in a t-shirt and pants with a cape. At least that'll make it easier on cosplayers.<br />
<br />
It's a callback to the earlier versions of Superman. Here his powers aren't fully developed. He's still bulletproof, but he can't fly (he can leap tall buildings in a single bound, though), and isn't quite as powerful as a locomotive yet. He actually spends as much time fighting corruption as he does any sort of villain. In fact, the comic opens with him threatening a corrupt businessman on the edge of a building. It's interesting to see Superman going back to his roots, but as a friend of mine has said, the way he's doing it is more Batman's style than Superman's, and it's as though Grant Morrison has written Batman for so long that it's affecting how he writes other comics.<br />
<br />
We still see Lex Luthor, in all his cruel brilliance, as well as Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and General Lane. Clark Kent isn't a writer for the Daily Planet yet, though, instead working for some unnamed "rival newspaper."<br />
<br />
I'm honestly not too sure what to make of this one. I'm torn between enjoying the callback to his roots and the knowledge that the world doesn't work like it did when he acted like that. It's a decent read, though, and possibly worth a purchase just for future bragging rights.<br />
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Superman<br />
<br />
This is more like the Superman we know and love. He flies in, he fights a villain, he saves the day. Yet this comic also mixes up the status quo, bringing in new scenes and changing around character dynamic. Clark and Lois aren't together yet, which means we'll have to deal with the Clark-Lois-Superman love triangle... with some Jonathan Carroll guy thrown in to the mix, for whatever reason.<br />
<br />
The villain in this comic is a little underwhelming, but it seems to be setting up for something interesting. No Lex this time around, but we've got plenty of him in Action Comics. This comic manages to do quite a lot in as many pages as all the others, making good use of the spaces they've got, at the occasional risk of becoming too dense. The artwork is fine, nothing I can see worth complaining about. All in all, it was a fine comic, although not one I'm likely to follow.<br />
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Supergirl<br />
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Ah yes, Supergirl. There have been quite a few Supergirls over time. There was the original Supergirl, who was killed and erased from existence during Crisis on Infinite Earths, but her alternate-universe version remained as Power Girl. Then there was Matrix!Supergirl, and Linda Danvers, and a fake Supergirl who was Superman's daughter from a future that never actually happened and stopped existing... comics are weird like that, okay? The most recent Supergirl was introduced in the Superman/Batman comics, Kara Zor-El, who was sent to Earth when Kandor was stolen and bottled up by Brainiac. This is also her... sort of.<br />
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As with the other comics, it reintroduces Supergirl as she first crashes to Earth, and immediately gets attacked by an armored team that wants to bring her in for being super-powered. She immediately beats the crap out of them, while wondering where she was and if she was still dreaming. Any attempts at communication are affected by the fact that she can't speak English. Good thing Superman can speak Kryptonian.<br />
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That's about it, really. Not too much happens, we just get to see Supergirl as she discovers her powers (which are the same as Superman's, naturally), and gets confused. Okay, so there's a little about her confusion, and a nice scene where her super-hearing kicks in and we hear bits of dialogue from other new comics, plus it does a nice job of showing her disorientation upon landing. If you're a fan of Supergirl, you might like it, but there's also the chance you'll dislike it for changing her character, it's hard to say. Browse through it first before deciding if you want to buy it.<br />
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Superboy<br />
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This version of Superboy seems to be drawing less from the original comic book version of Superboy, and more from the Young Justice version. It's mostly from his POV, showing us him learning as he's being grown in the laboratory, with a few shifts to help build the world around him.<br />
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This comic is set up from the beginning to tie into the new Teen Titans comic, with N.O.W.H.E.R.E. and a few of the same characters. It also has a cameo from Rose Wilson (she's got both her eyes so far), and a few hints dropped about where his human DNA comes from. Spoiler: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">it's most likely Lex Luthor, just like in the previous comics.</span><br />
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I was interested by this one, but not quite enough to buy it. I might flip through issue 2 and see where it goes, since it has potential, although right now it seems to be struggling to find a right balance for the character that will satisfy the fans of the original Superboy and the Young Justice version.<br />
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Okay, that covers those. Next I'll give my opinions on the Bat-family series of comics and the other various comics. I hope you've enjoyed my reviews up until now, stick around for more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0