Cinematic Excursions for May 14, 2010: Robin Hood

Gladiator...I mean Robin Hood is finally here.  People have been so excited about the new Robin Hood film, so here's chance to go see it on opening night!  Do NOT waste another minute, get your tickets now!  I'll be sitting on the couch reading....

Release Date: May 14, 2010 
Studio: Universal Pictures
 Director: Ridley Scott 
Screenwriter: Ethan Reiff, Cyrus Voris, Brian Helgeland, Paul Webb, Tom Stoppard 
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Matthew Macfadyen,Mark Strong, Oscar Isaac, Lea Seydoux, Scott Grimes, Kevin Durand, Alan Doyle, Danny Huston, Max von Sydow Genre: Action, Adventure MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for violence including intense sequences of warfare, and some sexual content) 
Official Website: RobinHoodthemovie.com 

Plot Summary: Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as the legendary figure known by generations as "Robin Hood," whose exploits have endured in popular mythology and ignited the imagination of those who share his spirit of adventure and righteousness. In 13th century England, Robin and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power. And whether thief or hero, one man from humble beginnings will become an eternal symbol of freedom for his people.

"Robin Hood" chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett), a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marion and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff.

With their country weakened from decades of war, embattled from the ineffective rule of the new king and vulnerable to insurgencies from within and threats from afar, Robin and his men heed a call to ever greater adventure. This unlikeliest of heroes and his allies set off to protect their country from slipping into bloody civil war and return glory to England once more. 

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Comic Book Review: Birds of Prey #1

Book Information

Written by Gail Simone

Penciled by Ed Benes

Colored by Nei Ruffino

Lettered by Swands

Cover by Ed Benes & Nei Ruffino

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

After a one year Hiatus, the Birds of Prey have returned with the famed writer and artist team up of Gail Simone and Ed Benes who arguably are the two best in the business.  The revitalized title begins with a character developing opener where Black Canary saves a little girl from a butchering maniac on top of a glacier.  I have a feeling Black Canary is going to be a featured character in this book while the others provide a lot of backup support.  The story progresses as Barbara Gordon discovers something that could be a proverbial threat to each of the Birds, which in turn brings the band back together with the addition of two new characters, Hawk and Dove.

While this issue is fantastic and with very few flaws, its greatest triumph is the mere fact that Simone and Benes are back to claim all of its glory.  It’s amazing what having a popular writer and artist can do for the excitement and anticipation of a book.  DC has been marketing this book as a return of the two geniuses behind the Birds of Prey more than giving excitement to the book itself.  DC’s respect for their free-lance employees is fully merited and justified as this team-up presents an amazing comic work of art.

Gail Simone definitely has her trademark style; the poetic inner monologue she gives the protagonist and ability to give each individual character an important and defining voice within the story has no equal.  Lady Blackhawk is wonderfully distinctive with her slightly unintelligible New York dialect which contrasts Dove’s innocent and elegant manner.  The emotional impact put on the feathery reunion was quite effective with Huntress’ teary moment of nostalgia.  Clearly, Simone wants to make this title more than simply bringing the band back together and create a much more human reasoning for the reuniting.

I wasn’t sure what I thought of having both Hawk and Dove join the team at first, only because I didn’t want this to turn into an overpopulated nest of a title.  (One of the problem with the Justice Society of course.)  But when I learned that Misfit and Manhunter would not be returning, I became ok with it.  And after reading this first issue, I think this could very well be an intelligent decision on DC’s part.  I never knew Hawk was such a bad-ass!

My only criticism of Ed Benes would be the similar facial structures he puts on all his characters.  I swear, if you were to put both Lady Blackhawk and Black Canary in the same costume, you wouldn’t be to tell the difference.  Other than that, the attractive nature in this issue is nothing less than superior.  On top of a Gotham City building is the best portrayal of a classic team reunited as the original three meet once again as teammates.  I bow my head to you Mr. Benes, (I couldn’t resist) you certainly know how to bring the readers back to what once was.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

In no way is this the best issue of the month, but it certainly is ONE of the best.  I am sad to see Simone leaving Wonder Woman, but she has adopted an equally creative and innovative title.

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 9

Art: 9

Overall:9.33

Comic Book Review: War of the Supermen #1

Book Information

Written by James Robinson, Sterling Gates

Penciled by Jamal Igle

Colored by Blond

Inked by Jon Sibal

Lettered by John J. Hill

Cover by Eddy Barrows

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

War of the Supermen begins a cataclysmic event where Superman and company battle against Zod’s military.  As Supergirl tries to figure out her mother’s motives, Reactron pulls a double whammy and blows up the entire planet of New Krypton.  Now Superman stands upon the brink of a war between Earth and the survivors of New Krypton.

I knew Robinson and Gates were attempting an epic opener to the War of the Superman series, but I wasn't expecting them to blow up the entire planet of New Krypton!  But of course New Krypton and Earth could never have been totally at peace, New Krypton especially with all the animosity that has built up on both sides.  I always wondered how this new planet, being so close to Earth, would actually play out in the long run.  And of course, Robinson answers with the only possible solution… Blow it up!  That was a very nice and unexpected twist on the whole story.

 It seems like anytime Supergirl has a loud, verbal argument with someone, that person dies or becomes ill; her father, Lana, and now her mother.  I understand that Supergirl is still going through changes and dealing with her emotional issues, but I would honestly like to see her deal with her family problems without always crying about it.  I understand tearing up at loosing a mother, but to approach her mother about something she knows very little about seems to be Kara’s way of getting forcibly involved and creating unnecessary drama.

Jamal Igle didn’t do a terrible job with the art, but he definitely didn’t produce the quality work I’ve seen in the past.  He had some shinning moments however, such as Superwoman standing on the air over the Metropolis night sky, Krypton Blowing up, and Supergirl clenching Superman still in tears over the loss of her mother.  But other than that, I wasn’t that impressed.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

Overall, this issue was fun and began a few interesting things within the Superman books.  Being the first chapter in the four issue miniseries, it can only build from here.

Ratings

Writing: 7.5

Themes: 9

Art: 5

Overall: 7 out of 10 stars

Movie Review: Iron Man 2

Director: Jon Favreau 
Screenwriter: Justin Theroux 
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Jon Favreau,Mickey Rourke, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Garry Shandling, John Slattery, Kate Mara, Clark Gregg, Olivia Munn 
Genre: Action, Adventure 
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action violence and some language) 
Official Website: IronManmovie.com 

My Wonderfully Majestic Opinion

I fully understand that most action films follow a certain set of guidelines.  They have this elitist sensibility that makes it “ok” to be no more ambitious and thought provoking than the prizes you get from a box of Cracker-Jacks.  In fact, the mind-numbing attitude action movies constantly bring to the Hollywood stage is revered and accepted by fans as superb and top notch film making.  It’s almost as if the only thing that makes a movie good these days is the “cool” factor; the amount of explosions and animated sequences are at the heart of what makes a good film these days in the eyes in fans.  Iron Man 2 meets this general cinematic overlay, and then some.  However, despite your own personal opinions about the films quality and overall status in the world of movies, there is one aspect of this film that is undeniably true.  With all of it’s cool special effects, massive explosions, pretty faces, and mechanical finesse, Iron Man 2 meets all the fantasies of the stereotypical, and stereotypical American male and shows it’s most defining characteristic…Iron Man 2 is nothing more than the biggest cinematic erection to hit the big screen in years.

Now the film isn’t without its good points, Robert Downey Jr., as always, dominates the screen with humorously electrifying and incredible performance as Tony Stark/Iron Man. I can’t picture anyone better than the former jail bird to star as the play boy narcissist with his keen sense of bastardness, male elitism, and techno geekism.  Alongside him are the quite experienced Farceurs who only enhance the comedic entertainment such as Sam Rockwell (Justin Hammer) and Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Furry) who have an arsenal of experience as bad-ass characters under their belts.  Mickey Rourke could not have played his role any better as I’m sure he was having the time of his life as the sinister Ivan Vanko, (otherwise known as Whiplash to the hardcore Iron Man fans).  I won’t really go into the female duel-fecta of Scarlett Johansson and Gwyneth Paltrow, both of whom beat the pants off of Megan Fox in the looks department.  Just know they played their parts admirably and with a lot of spice!

While I have no doubt that the battle sequences between the characters were effectively planned out and executed, the reasoning behind each one was virtually pointless and unnecessary.  Even the introductory fight scene where Whiplash walks out on to the race track nonchalantly, while still being very important scene, was drug out to the point of no return, only to be saved by Downey Junior’s brilliant comedic timing.  But overall, the motivation and execution of these fight scenes was so pro forma that the intensity and excitement dwindled into a timid and meaningless bit of visual rhetoric that never served its purpose.  I’m don’t think I have ever seen a more pointless fight sequence in a blockbuster hit film than the one between Tony Stark and Lt. Col. James Rodes. Clearly, Marvel Comics quest for edge of your seat action was so predominant that they lost sight of the film’s purpose.

As if Marvel didn’t already fall flat on their backs with that, they also found a way to forget about the general, non-comic book reading crowd by randomly inserting Nick Furry into the mix.  To you hard core Iron Man entrepreneurs, this makes perfect sense and obviously wouldn’t feel out of place.  But to the normal people of Earth, this is a rather baffling and confusing character insertion.  And I wonder why Marvel felt the need to leave out the fact that Ivan Vanko has a super villain name?  It seems Marvel Entertainment is forgetting about its non-comic book viewers and making films that assume they know what the heck’s going on.

Of course you boys out there who love your “big guns” and “mechanical warfare” will become so smitten with this film, you might findyour pants a little messy and seedy in the crotchal area.  This is the ideal film for the tough guy whose masculinity is defined only by how much bigger their gun is than yours.  I’m convinced that the design team had an orgy every time they went to work with how excited they got over the detailing and technical side of this movie.  Please, if you are a guy and got an erection during this film, please raise your hand.  This was truly the motivational driving point for the film, especially due to the immense flaunting of Miss Johansson in her Black Widow outfit.  Boobs and guns, that’s the focus of this film, don’t mistake it!

Amongst the montages, delaying and unnecessary babble from most of the characters, and the sex magnet otherwise known as Scarlett Johansson, the film’s overall feel leaves little room for excitement.  I would say the only redeeming quality of the film, other than the amazing performances by the cast, would be the opening court room scene where Stark let’s our American Senators have with a good ol’ American twist.  “I have successfully privatized world peace,” might just be the greatest line in movie history.  But of course, we are a country who thrives on the belittling and mockery of our government while still saying it’s the best and most “kick-ass” country in the world.  Ah Rhetoric, how I love thee.

My Awe-Struck Conclusion

The biggest problem with the Marvel Comics superheroes is their celebrity status.  Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, they all maintain a level of secrecy that keeps the characters interesting and fun.  (Hooray for DC Comics!)  But Marvel holds nothing back in letting the world know who their heroes are.  The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, the Punisher, and many others have no secret identities.  Everyone knows who they are and where they live.  (Does anyone else see a problem with this?) The excitement and thrill of the world not knowing is gone, which makes Characters like Iron Man less appealing and likeable as a hero.  Apart from the fact that he is a product of the Cold War era, Iron Man has very little potential as a good character and no real purpose except to blow shit up.  What’s worse is, plans are already put in place for a third Iron Man film and casting decisions have already been made.  Ugh, why do I torture myself?

Rating 5 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #21

Book Information

Written by Gail Simone

Art by J. Calafiore

Colored by Jason Wright

Lettered by Travis Lanham

Cover by Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

There are two comic book authors that I profoundly claim to be just as good as any modern and classical author in history, Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman.  These two men have an uncanny ability to write riveting and enticing storylines that are intelligent, thought provoking, and well researched.  I consider them to be the best writers in modern literature and believe they will go down in history as two of the greatest and most inspirational writers of our time.  That being said, I am so very close in sticking Gail Simone right up there with them.

#21 is a continuation from last month in which Catman holds nothing back in finding his son’s murderer.  The comic progresses forward with Catman going from person to person in his search, while we receive glimpses of his trouble childhood and poor home life.  During the hunt, Catman’s teammates begin a search for him, but only stumbling on his bloody handiwork.  With all that is transpiring, even Deadshot seems worried about his friend and wonders to what lengths Catman will go to avenge his son.

There’s nothing in this comic that isn’t top-notch quality.  Everything from the writing to the artistic talents shows just how much time and effort was put into the story and layout of the book.  The dark and disturbing story from last month is intensified even more with the Flashback sequences of Catman’s past.  It’s no wonder Blake leads a questionable lifestyle, his father was a terrible man who valued the materialistic, sporting, and glamorous aspects of life over his own family.  Catman, while portraying some of his fathers lesser qualities, has nothing but love for his wife and son and is acting out of misguided rage on his quest for revenge.  We are seeing the stain that a parent can leave on their child if proper love and care are not given.

The development of the storyline leads to a rather brutal fight between Loki and Catman, leaving Loki broken and scared with glass, dirt, and blood covering his face and cloths.  This entire sequence was so emotionally driven and violent that I was beginning to wonder if Catman found the wrong man.  Which, as it turned out, he did.  Happy and uplifting moments do not exist in this book in the least.  Things are so bad that something I never thought I’d see in my life time happened…Deadshot became worried about someone else’s wellbeing.  But Catman isn’t the only one with emotional issues; Black Alice goes on a jealous rampage and takes it out on Scandal, calling upon the powers of the demon Estrogan.  I think there’s something in the air that’s affecting everyone’s brains.

Calafiore tells his part of the story just as well as Simone, doing an excellent job at portraying the innocence of a young Thomas Blake, and the tormented middle-aged man.  I was exceptionally impressed by the artist’s ability in giving both the old and young versions of Blake similar facial feature, while making sure the scared past reflects on the much older Blake’s demeanor. 

The flashback sequences were exceptional pieces of work, showing a distinct difference in the past and present by way of tinting the color scheme very slightly.  It was very reminiscent of the old films whose black and white crispness has faded into a yellowish-tan tint.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

I think Gail Simone might and J. Calafiore are going to get some really good marks for the month of April, and for 2010.

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 10

Art: 10

Overall: 10 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Power Girl #11

Book Information

Written by Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti

Art by Amanda Conner

Colored by Paul Mounts

Lettered by John J. Hill

Cover by Amanda Conner

My All-Inspiring Opinion

Can I just say that out of all the comics I read, Power Girl is the one I anticipate the most?  Gray and Palmiotti do a better job at making Power Girl funny and serious than any other comic book title out there.  This issue wraps up the story from last month where Terra’s brain was mysteriously transferred into Ultrahumanite’s body, and vice versa with Ultrahumanite.  Now Power Girl has to fight Ultrahumanite-Terra and somehow get her best friend back.

Both Gray and Palmiotti month after month bring us hilarious stories that typically involve Power Girl getting really, REALLY peeved and kicking the shit out of some bad guys, while still finding time to shamelessly joke about her boobs.  This month, however, the writing team focused more on the seriousness of Terra’s brain transfer dilemma and how much that was affecting Power Girl.  This is not a negative bit of criticism by any means, just a nice change in the literary pacing. However, after thirteen pages of angst driven drama, the comedic value that has been attached to this title since issue #1 came back in fine form with the line from theTerra possessed Ultrahumanite…

Amanda Conner again brings delightfully entertaining art to Power Girl.  She creates these wonderful images that have a semblance of a Saturday morning cartoon show, yet there is a level of maturity within the art that puts her on the same pedestal and Jim Lee, Ed Benes, Gary Frank and Frank Quietly.  Many of the panels, like last month, are quite dark and sinister as Conner utilized, to the utmost degree, her uncanny ability to give each character some of the most expressive faces in comics to date. 

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

This is nothing less than one of the most entertaining comics from the month of April.  But with this being the next to last comic that will consist of the Gray/Palmiotti/Conner creative team, I’m sure we are all wondering how their last Power Girl issue will end, and how #13 will begin.  The only thing we can be sure of is that #12 will be outstanding, and we can only hope the following issue will measure up.

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 10

Art: 10

Overall: 10 out of 10

R.I.P. Frank Frazetta

Comic Book Review: Brightest Day #1

Book Information

Written by Geoff Johns & Peter Tomasi

Penciled by Ivan Reis, Ardian Syaf, Scott Clark, Joe Prado

Colored by Peter Steigerwald

Inked by Vicente Cifuentes, Mark Irwin, Oclair Albert, David Beaty

Cover by Ivan Reis

My All-Inspiring Opinion

If you were to try and decipher the differences between Blackest Night and Brightest Day, you might find the task a little more daunting than expected.  This first issue (well, 2^nd if you count issue #0) begins the latest chapter in the Green Lantern mythos.  Johns delves into the mystery involving the risen heroes and the mysterious white light that seems to be weighted down in its Lantern shape by some unknown force.  We also see the beginnings of conflicts that our featured heroes, Aquaman, Firestorm, the Hawks, and Martian Manhunter will face in the coming issues.  Each hero finds themselves faced with memories or events of a violent nature, riddled with violent stranglings…

Dead sea animals rising from the depths…

And cleavers slicing through men’s throats…

I would say that the title “Brightest Day” is quite deceiving in its uplifting and appealing connotation. 

In seeing the the 3^rd panel on the 5^th page of Hal Jordan attempting to lift the White Lantern from the ground, I was very close to tossing this book across the room.  But my frustrations were relinquished when Geoff Johns clearly wanted his audience to be aware of this aspect in the story’s plot development.  I was relieved that Johns wasn’t trying to hide the fact that this IS going to be the story of “The Sword in the Stone.”  This gives DC’s most popular writer the ability to shock and alarm his readers since he will most assuredly give Brightest Day an unexpected conclusion.  Will the “destined one” be a King Arthur type of figure, or a lowly man who has a deeper connection with life and death?

While Blackest Night had some of the most disturbing visuals I’ve ever seen in comics, Brightest Day gives us some fairly disturbing sequences of which play around with the mind much more.  Aquaman, despite having risen from the dead and being completely healthy with no Captain Hook arm, (Thank God!) he finds himself unable to call on the aid of living sea animals.  In addition, Firestorm, the Hawks, and Martian Manhunter are flooded with disturbing images and scenes that cause me to wonder just what emotional baggage do they unwillingly carry from the events of Blackest Night?  Just when you thought all your questions would be answered, Johns throws a monkey wrench into the story.

Aquaman and Mera seem to share a problem.  As stated, since being severed from the Black Ring’s power, Aquaman still finds himself connected with the dead, only able to contact a deceased, mauled Shark and giant squid.  Likewise, Mera still seems to have some connection with her brief, but intense relationship with the red ring of rage.  This theme of lingering connectivity with the emotional spectrum stuck out at me the most and I feel Johns could be going somewhere with this. 

As most of you who follow my blog, I’m sure you’ve already guessed my opinions on the artistic approach.  The entire team of artists on this book are great, but the toggling from artist to artist drives me nuts.  Ivan Reis does fantastic work, so why couldn’t DC just hire him to draw the whole friggin issue?!?!  He’s not doing anything right now!  I don’t get it!  I can’t justify ranking the art high when I become so distracted by the different art styles.  Although, Reis certainly gave us some amazing visuals…

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

Nothing more can be said except that this issue is great.  I don’t think it deserves any awards for greatest comic book ever, but it does start the mystery off well.

Ratings

Writing: 9

Themes: 9

Art: 6

Overall: 8 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Action Comics #889

Book Information

Written by Greg Rucka & Eric Trautmann

Penciled by Pere Perez

Colored by Javier Mena

Inked by Bit

Lettered by Rob Leigh

Cover by Alex Garner

My All-Inspiring Opinion

Action Comics is predominantly a Superman book but has never been limited by that fact.  Many other DC characters have taking a starring role in the title if Superman was busy doing something else, but we always knew he would return next month.  I do believe this has been the longest stretch of time where Action Comics has gone without the Man of Steel.  And while the majority of Superman fans find the last year of Action Comics to be boring and stupid, I’ve rather enjoyed the reintroduction of Flamebird and Nightwing.

When it comes to dual writer team-ups, I’m never sure who the creative genius is and who is the right-hand man.  I want to say Greg Rucka is at the forefront of this project but Trautmann has done some spectacular solo work in the past.  The only conclusion I can come to is that both men are equally involved in the writing of this story.  The awesome finality of Nightwing joining in the battle was interesting as Chris seemed to become a whole new person while keeping some of those character traits we’ve become accustom too.  And having the JSA apart of this concluding chapter was a nice touch as well.

Since most of the mystery behind Flamebird and Nightwing was wrapped up in #888, there wasn’t much left to do except finish off the Rao clone and put an end to Jax-Ur’s reign of terror.  But I felt this arc ended rather timidly.  Yes, Rao fell to the ground, yes there was a fiery arena of chaos all around, and yes the entire issue was filled with non-stop action that would have completely obliterated the whole world in real life, but at the snap of a finger, Rao was finish along with Jax-Ur.  Maybe I was just expecting so much of a big booming ending that my mind just decided this wasn’t epic enough to satisfy me.  It just felt way to sudden and abrupt, especially with how much Rucka and Trautmann had built up the story from beginning to end. 

Did Pere Perez give up?  The art in this issue does NOT match up with the previous issues.  Last issue was filled with incredibly detailed and paint-like images that put Perez in the running for the top ten best artists of 2010.  Now he gives us visuals that are less artistic and dull.  It’s as if #888 was too much of a workout for him.  I would compare the art in this issue to that of a driver setting his car on cruise control, shutting his eyes, hitting the gas and hope that everything works out.  I really am disappointed with the quality of work by Perez in this comic.  On a lighter, more positive note however, Alex Garner produced the BEST cover of 2010 thus far.  I find myself picking this issue up over and over again just to gaze on the gorgeous artwork.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

For the most part, this is an entertaining read despite the less than satisfactory conclusion.  I’m debating on whether or not this entire run of Action Comics should be considered for best story arc of 2010.  Only time will tell.

Ratings

Writing: 7.5

Themes: 6

Art: 3

Overall: 5.50 

Comic Book Review: Green Hornet #3

Book Information

Written by Kevin Smith

Art by Jonathon Lau

Lettered by Simon Bowland

Cover by Alex Ross

My All-Inspiring Opinion

Certain patterns are beginning to emerge within Smith’s Green Hornet storyline that are quite familiar and unoriginal.  How many superheroes have adopted the superhero persona due to violently loosing their father?  The superhero is nothing more than a victim of some terrible circumstance that spurns this need to right the wrongs and defend the defenseless, but they all seem to have the same origin story.  Having the original Kato in the mix doesn’t help the obvious and predictable nature of this book knowing, once you see him sitting at the bar, that he will be taking it upon himself to train the Green Hornet’s son and introducing him to his father’s secret legacy.  I understand Smith’s Silver Age intention behind the story, but even a predictable story needs to have something that shocks and alarms.

Most notably, Dynamite has been building up the “surprising death” that would happen in issue #3.  The possibilities were laid out there for us to pick and choose from.  Either Kato, his daughter, Green Hornet senior or junior would find themselves beaten, broken, and in a coffin under the ground.  We knew it wouldn’t be Britt’s son or Miss Kato since the whole story is based around them and their beginnings, which only leaves the judo master and the Original Green Hornet.  Based on the typical comic trends, a father would have to die to help push the son forward into avenging his death, only to be trained or guided by a wise, experienced individual who has a connection with both men.  The event might have been much more dramatic and surprising if Dynamite hadn’t of given everything away a few weeks prior to this issue actual publication date, but Dynamite ruined the surprise with their enormous build-up and marketing of this drastic event.

Apart from the predictable nature of the book, the story in and of itself is entertaining and fun to read.  Kato’s real-time training session was humorously tense and foreshadowed what Britt Reid junior’s future will be like.  In addition, Smith does create an interesting mystery behind the young Japanese woman we all know to be the daughter of Kato.  But what we don’t know is why she was at the Reid fundraiser to begin with and how she knew of the oncoming threat. 

Artistically this issue couldn’t have made me happier.  Despite the overabundance of speed lines, the 3-demensinal approach that Jonathon Lau is taking on this title is beautiful and poetic.  He creates such strong and dominate body structures that don’t go too far, nor are they lacking in anything anatomically.  And who can argue with that cover?  When Alex Ross dies, it is certainly going to hit the comic book industry harder than anything in history.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

Issue #3 is fun and I think anyone following the series will enjoy it.  However, don’t expect anything mind blowing or “new.”  This was purely the “action sequence” chapter of Kevin Smith’s Green Hornet Movie script.

Ratings

Writing: 8

Themes: 4

Art: 10

Overall: 7.33

Comic Book Review: Toy Story [Free Comic Book Day]

Free Comic Book Day Review!

Book Information

Written by Jesse Blaze Snider

Art by Nathan Watson

My All-Inspiring Opinion

As a way of preparing Toy Story fans for the June 18 release of film number three, Disney has taken advantage of Free Comic Book Day’s fan luring opportunities by releasing a free comic book for the kiddies.  As far as free comics from Free Comic Book Day go, Toy Story certainly entertains and delights. 

The story is very much reminiscent of the first film.  Andy has received a new, unknown toy from his absent minded grandmother who didn’t realize his birthday had long since past.  Not only does she not know his actual birthday, she also has no knowledge of his current inventory list of toys, getting him a second Buzz Lightyear.  Now Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang must help to keep the two Lightyears separated so Andy doesn’t return the wrong Buzz to the store.  But this could be a more difficult task than you would think as the newer, shiner Buzz wants to stay with Andy.

One can tell Disney did not put a lot of thought and effort into making and original story for this latest Toy Story comic.  The new toy comes in, a conflict arises between Woody and Buzz, and now a toy’s life is threatened as it’s on the verge of being returned to the very place no toy wants to be.  Nothing too thought provoking or innovative, but this is, of course, a kid’s comic.

The art is surprisingly well done; Nathan Watson paid close attention to the characters look from the first and second film.  I appreciated how Disney decided to differentiate between the new and old Buzz, making one look much more faded and defective in comparison to the newer intruder.  Andy is a spot on match and Woody resembles his movie doppelganger almost perfectly.  Apart from the books purposefully campy and cartooney look, this comic’s visual appeal is very nice and pleasant, befitting of a kid’s comic on Free Comic Book Day.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

This book will definitely appeal to the younger crowd while might only come off as cute and silly for the adults.  Are you ready for Toy Story 3?  I know I am. 

Ratings

Writing: 7

Themes: 8

Art: 7

Overall Rating: 7.33 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Justice League of America #44

Book Information

Written by James Robinson

Art by Mark Bagely

Colored by Ulises Arreola

Inked by Rob Hunter, Norm Rapmund

Lettered by Rob Leigh

Cover by Mark Bagely

My All-Inspiring Opinion

No doubt this is the worst transitioning point the League has ever seen, especially with its 12+ month time span.  Issue #42 began to portray a new league, one that could work together as a cohesive unit and communicate well.  The following month in #43, the established League had already lost a chunk of its members, once again leaving the League in a state of uncertainty and confusion.  In a desperate attempt to reestablish his current line-up, Robinson selects four individuals to focus on, Batman, Donna Troy, Congorilla Bill, and Starman. 

The battle with Etrigan was fierce, full of drama and humor.  I wonder if Bill will in fact be stuck with a running gag of “Send Bill in first to soften them up.”   But most importantly, Robinson was able to bring the League (or at least part of it) together to successfully bring down one of the universes most powerful beings.  I quite appreciated having both Starman and Bill in on this battle as many people wonder if Congorilla Bill was a good choice for the league as well as Starman.  But no doubt, these four are clearly the more focused and driven out of everyone on the League and their establishment as such will only help the future of this title. 

I can’t be certain, but it seems like every title James Robinson is on, the more predominant the two page spread becomes throughout each book.  Superman, World of New Krypton, and now Justice League are all contaminated with the two page spread layout where the first page spills over into the next.  There is nothing completely wrong with this approach, but when overdone, the repetitive nature with almost every page turn every month can become meaningless, which I think it has.

Mark Bagely is nothing if not a brilliant artist whose talents have been put on the same level with the big boys.  There isn’t a page in this book that isn’t gorgeously done.  His ability to create wonderfully penciled artwork is only enhanced by the newly added colorist, Ulises Arreola.  Together they present one of the most colorful and explosive pieces of art I’ve seen in a while.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

While this issue isn’t the greatest JLA installment to date, the work put into it can not be denied.  Robinson is trying so hard to make his League work for readers despite the random and odd heroes within.

Ratings

Writing: 8

Themes: 8

Art: 10

Overall: 8.67

Comic Book Review: Green Lantern Corps #47

Book Information

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Art by Patrick Gleeson

Inked by Rebecca Buchman

Colored by Randy Mayor

Lettered by Steve Wands

My All-Inspiring Opinion

Blackest Night is over.  Everything is destroyed.  The Corps must now rebuild itself from the bottom up.  Gardner, Rayner and a handful of other Lanterns take a stand against the Guardians and their newly established Book of Oa laws.  Vath wakes up with a pair of foreign legs, and Kilowog makes a life altering decision that could have a huge effect on the future of the Corps.   Tomasi brings in all the stops as he bids farewell to a comic book series that has been defined by his unremarkable ability to tell engrossing and angst driven tales.

In the past few months, this title has been quite focused on the one plot and not contaminated with a plethora of multi-purpose stories.  That has been my only major criticism about Tomasi’s work on the GL Corps as my brain always bounced around in the 22 paged comic from one plot to the next on a monthly basis.  This always took me for a loop and I was constantly going back rereading certain parts of each monthly installment due to my lost and confused state of mind.  With #47, Tomasi reverts back to that multi-plot style, but aligns each story as one cohesive unit.

This is an issue all about rebuilding relationships, renewing one’s faith, and making choices to help better your life as a whole.  Every character finds themselves in situations where they must come to terms with their inner demons, forcing them to make choices which they may or may not like.  Vath is hit hardest with this concept as he wakes up to a set of new legs which once belonged to his friend, Isamot.  After a brutal debate session between the two, they come to terms with each other and recognize that they can only work through everything that has happen to them as a team.  The sacrifice Isamot makes for Vath is a symbol of the reconstruction all the Lanterns must endure in order to survive the coming years.

Likewise, many of the title’s character are taking stances against the guardians that have not been taken before.  However, this wasn’t just some honorable attempt by Rayner and Gardner to give them license to date fellow coworkers; it was a lecture, teaching the Guardians that the Corps they have been in charge of for so long will be changing with or without Guardian approval.  Rayner’s bit of public oratory was a testament to the heart and soul of the galactic police force and that denying a Lantern the ability to love will ultimately ruin the Corps forever.  His inspiring speech branched out into the stubborn heart of Salaak, who gave the Guardians the ultimate third degree.  Nothing could have declared what the future of the Corps will be like more than that moment.  The Guardians are going to have to make a lot of changes, or they can kiss their jobs goodbye.

Pat Gleeson has a knack for instilling emotionally driven visuals, always keeping each character in line with their personalities and character traits.  Gardner always has that “tougher than shit” look while Rayner has that assertive yet humble demeanor, always hoping people will listen to reason.  The detail in this issue is amazingly well done and truly hit right on the mark.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion

This could not have been a better way of biding Tomasi farewell from the Green Lantern Corps title.  Much like when Geoff Johns left the Justice Society of America, and certainly what it will feel like when Gail Simone is finally done with Wonder Woman, we can only hope that the new writer can make the title just as exciting.

Ratings

Writing: 10

Themes: 10

Art: 10

Incentive Point: 3

Overall: 10 out of 10