Comic Book Review: Green Arrow #5

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J.T. Krul

Penciller: Diogenes Neves

Colorist: Ulises Arreola

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover Art: Mauro Cascioli

Editor: Adam Schlagman

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Take into account that this issue’s focus seems to be all over the place and very organizationally unsound, I find #5 to be the better of all five issues that has been published thus far.  Many of the literary choices made by Krul seem very contrived, as if the script could have been found at the bottom of a Cracker Jacks box.  But there is a lot more substance and gusto within this issue than any other, and that is exactly what Green Arrow needs if this title is to survive.  Green Arrow is such a good character, so I’m glad to see this series finally moving along in the right direction.

Page one puts us smack dab in the center of a fight with new villainess Nix, a master of disguise as Ollie called her.  Speed and anonymity, as well as holding a seemingly shape-shifting blade, keep Green Arrow on his toes as he does all he can to defend the lovely black haired woman he would probably court were he given the chance.  But all the rules of comic book folk-lore are broken when nix slices and dices an unsuspecting bystander, spilling his guts on the Star City streets.  Remembering that his Lazarus Pit within the forest saved him, doing the same for this man seemed logical.  Little did he know that it would trigger an uprising of returning Black Lanterns.

Krul is a good writer, he has proven that much in the past with his work on Aspen MLT’s Fathom and other Marvel and DC Comics titles.  I think this issue proves that when Krul can write his own story without having to worry about a tie-in, the story will be just as good as any other writers’.  Brightest Day has been very disappointing, and Krul has obviously been bogged down by it’s presence in Green Arrow.  So he took it upon himself to write a story that seemed a little more independent of Brightest Day.  I know that seems strange to say seeing as how the issue was flowing with Brightest Day tie-in’s, but I don’t think many can deny that this issue was a step up from normal.

Even with the boost in literary quality, the use of Black Lanterns in this issue was a bit over the top and unnecessary.  But it did help explain a little more about the White Lantern tree, even though I’m still up in the air as to what the hell this tree is here for!

In the words of blogger extraordinaire from It’s A Dan’s World, “Now THAT’S a splash page!”  The final page of this issue is fantastic and finally proving that Ollie really is one of the better heroes in the DCU.  It’s nice to see that Krul is finally putting Green Arrow back into the “tough man” suit and not pussy-footing around the forest anymore wallowing in self pity and chasing his own shadow. 

Could I have been more shocked to see an innocent bystander murdered so brutally and suddenly, without warning?  What a bloody mess!  I couldn’t have been more pleased with this unorthodox approach at involving the common, everyday innocent working man.  I hate seeing people murdered of course, but it’s so refreshing to see a different approach taken, especially when it shocks the fuck out of you!

The art, like always, is up and down for me.  Some panels are spectacular and make me wish I had Diogenes talents!  Others are sub par and make me wonder what the fuck DC is trying to do to my eyeballs!  Consistency is not something that seems to define the Green Arrow artistic team-up.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

If nothing else, Brightest Day will be the death of DC as we know it.  It’s bogging down on the majority of the titles more than Blackest Night was, and Blackest Night was handled appropriately!  I do think that once Krul can get away from the mandated Brightest Day inclusion, this title will really start to shine.

Rating: 6.33 out of 10

Writing: 8

Art: 5

Themes: 6

Comic Book Review: Supergirl Annual #2

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Sterling Gates

Penciller: Matt Camp & Marco Rudy

Colorist: Blond with Brad Anderson

Letterer: Swands

Cover Art: Amy Reeder, Richard Friend & Guy Major

Editor: Matt Idelson

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Let’s take a boat to Bermuda…Let’s take a plane to St. Paul…Let’s take an alien space craft into the 31^st century where Supergirl must stop an evil Satan Girl from enslaving the minds of all Earth’s inhabitants and bringing down a dictatorous evil witch.  Road trips are always fun.

One thing you can expect from any yearly annual within the DCU is the slight deviation from continuity.  This particular installment gives off that very same vibe as Supergirl is seemingly a member of the Legion of Superheroes trying to stop an event which could result in tragedy for the entire city.  Little did I know, thanks to the exceptionally SLOW mailing system that is the United States Postal Service, Supergirl took an accidental detour in issue #56 of her own series to the 31^st century on her way home from Bizarro World where she meets up with the Legion and decides to stick around for an extended vacation.  But will she meet the inevitable death that the 31^st Centuries’ Superman museum reveals?  (Except for this book’s kind readers.)  Will she and Brainiac actually go forward with a relationship that was initiated by that unsuspecting kiss?  All this and more on today’s edition of “Supergirl: The Young and the Restless!”

This is what comic book annuals SHOULD be like!  Very well designed and planned out to help push the superheroes into a new year of 12 issue mayhem and action.  Annuals typically have this “discarded” aura about them; never truly being vital to the overall scheme and plan of a Superheroes life and choices.  Gates uses this opportunity to help give the Supergirl title a new focus and direction that’s full of mystery and pleasant ambiguity.  As disappointing as it was to not see exactly how Supergirl dies, it does keep my interest glowing for what might happen in the future (er…I mean the past..er, I mean….Darn you paradox of time!) and how Brainiac decides to save Supergirl from her terrible fate.

Speaking of which, what is it about Brainiac that Supergirl found so attractive?  I understand that she was able to connect with the green asshole in a way she never could with anyone else before, but he’s still a pompous jerkwad whose attention to people’s feelings is almost as dull and numb as Sheldon’s from “Big Bang Theory.”  I certainly hope this is a mere fling that Supergirl will overcome, for this rates as good of a match with me as was the marriage of the Green Arrow and Black Canary.  (Yes I realize I’m just jealous that I didn’t get the bird, but there’s still Wonder Woman or Power Girl!) 

Many low points occur as well.  It may have been humorous to think up, but having a holographic Jimmy Olsen brigade come in to save the day really didn’t sit well with me.  But this doesn’t detract from the pure maturity and grown attitude that Supergirl maintains within the future.  She is a leader and good friend to the entire Legion.  But I wasn’t quite sure why Supergirl and Brainiac 5 had this shocking attraction to each other, much less why Supergirl was able to tap into the thoughts of the long lost cousin of Superman’s evil foe.

Was it absolutely necessary to change artists when Matt Camp was doing a phenomenal job?  I understand the need to give an artist a break, but with Marco Rudy’s below average and less than appealing visual additions, I wonder if DC made a poor choice of substitution and if they realize that.  Oh well, I enjoyed Camp’s fantastic art and will rate HIM accordingly even if Rudy will bring down the rating I WOULD have given Camp.  (FYI, it would have been a 10!)

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

There’s a whole lot more to come and I couldn’t be more excited about it!  DC, almost a year ago hinted at the fact that this team-up between the last daughter of Krypton and the future’s finest superhero team and did not disappoint with the end result.  We all known Supergirl isn’t going to die right?  So the question is, how will this “death” be changed and how will it effect Supergirl?

Rating: 8 out of 10

Writing: 8

Art: 7

Themes: 9 

Movie News: Third Batman Officially Titled "The Dark Knight Rises"

It's official, the 3rd and final installment of Christopher Nolan's run on the latest Batman films will be titled "The Dark Knight Rises."  No further information was expelled except for one simple statement, "The villain WON'T be the Riddler."

Many of the same characters from the previous two films will be used, in addition to some newer characters as well.

On a happy note, (mostly for me) Nolan was able to convince WB that filming will not consist of 3D technology, but Nolan is looking into making the film suitable for Imax.

The film is set for a release date of July 20, 2012...too long to wait, I know.

Superman: Earth One Hits Stores Today!!!

Go get your copy today!  This should be super exciting!

The following synopsis comes from Hickoryrecord.com

A fresh new take on Superman is set to hit the shelves today. It’s a graphic novel called “Superman Earth One,” and it was drawn by Statesville native and DC comic book artist Shane Davis.

Davis said his publisher won’t let him give away any of the plot secrets, but he was able to provide a hint of what it’s all about.

The story is based on the familiar Superman story originally penned in 1938, but Davis has produced a down-to-earth Superman set in the modern day while being true to the spirit of the original source material.

Davis’ partner on the book, writer J. Michael Straczynski, best known for his work on Babylon 5 and a host of other TV shows, penned the story.

“It’s the most human incarnation of Superman I’ve ever read,” Davis said of Straczynski’s story.

“Superman Earth One” begins with Clark Kent as a 21-year-old man going from Smallville to Metropolis for the first time – a journey similar to the one Davis made when he left Statesville for New York to work in comics.  Davis started out by drawing minor characters for the comics like Robin and Nightwing before landing a job drawing a Spiderman comic for younger readers.

Happy Wonder Woman Day!

It's Too Dangerous For A Girl

Thank God for you Gail Simone who helped change the image of women in comics.  And thank you mart for being hilarious in your posts.

A Little History On The Birds Of Prey

Birds of Prey from Dominique Agri on Vimeo.

Comics News Article, Pretty Amazing!!!

The following article comes from the New York Times Website.

NY Police: 77-Year-Old Is Beaten for Comics, Dies

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: October 19, 2010

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Filed at 5:05 p.m. ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — An unassuming 77-year-old bachelor who had hoped to sell a valuable comic book collection and leave the money to his family was robbed by a Rochester businessman's thugs, was roughed up and hours later died of a heart attack, authorities said.

Homer Marciniak got his first comic book when he was 6 and hoped to leave his sisters and nephew with the proceeds from the collection, valued at $40,000 to $100,000, said Jose Avila, police chief in Medina, in rural western New York between Rochester and Buffalo.

That quest took him to several comic book shops in the Rochester area — and to Rico Vendetti, the owner of a tavern and a restaurant who once owned a collectibles business, the police chief said.

"I think he ran into the wrong person, and this person thought, 'This is something I can get from this guy,'" Avila said.

Marciniak, who wasn't married and had no children, was a "very well-known, very quiet churchgoing man" around Medina who had worked as a janitor at a bank, said Avila, the police chief.

Thieves broke into his home around 4 a.m. July 5 and hit him in the face. He was treated at a hospital, returned home that afternoon and was interviewed by police, and died of the heart attack after officers left, the police chief said. He had a heart condition, authorities said.

The case broke Thursday night when a woman charged with prostitution in Rochester gave investigators information that led to the arrest, Orleans County District Attorney Joseph Cardone said.

Police charged Vendetti, 41, and Juan Javier, 17, with burglary. They are not charged with beating Marciniak and will not be charged with murder, Avila said, but more charges are pending against them and more arrests are expected.

Vendetti was freed after posting $100,000 bail Friday. Javier was arraigned Monday and jailed on $100,000 bail. Messages left with their lawyers weren't immediately returned. Messages left for Vendetti at his two Rochester businesses — Papa Van's Restaurant and Al's Green Tavern — also went unreturned.

The comic books haven't been recovered, and the exact connection to the woman charged with prostitution wasn't clear.

Elizabeth Mielcarek, the victim's 83-year-old sister, would say only that she was surprised and pleased about the arrests.

In addition to the comic books, some of which dated to the '30s and '40s, the thieves made off with cash, coins and firearms, authorities said.

Avila said that in the weeks afterward, he and his wife spent Sundays visiting flea markets and garage sales, hoping a comic book dealer would have a tip that could lead to an arrest, Avila said.

"I was hoping to get a lucky break for Homer," Avila said. "He could not handle losing those comic books. To him, they were priceless."

Saturdays With Karen Alloy #5....On Sunday

Sorry for the delay.  I meant to post this yesterday, just forgot.

Comic Book Review: Wonder Woman #603

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: J, Michael Straczynski

Penciller: Don Kramer, Eduardo Pansica, Allen Goldman

Colorist: Alex Sinclair

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Kramer & Sinclair

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

The problem with comic books is its 22 page limit.  Once a month we pick up another installment of a storyline that typically falls short of what we’re hoping for due to the limited space writers have to use per book.  The same thing is happening with Wonder Woman in her all new adventures, three issues in.  However, keep in mind that what feels like a waste of time, or an excuse to push the story into too many monthly comics could very well be purposeful lead-in to a very pleasant and satisfying end.

But we don’t have to like it, do we?

It’s clear that Diana is going through a drastic change, which obviously means a journey, or right of passage is in order to successfully enact this new direction for Wonder Woman.  But, in all honesty, Gail Simone gave Wonder Woman that new direction.  Fans were beginning to respect her character again, what does Straczynski hope to accomplish that Simone did not?  It seems we’ve detracted back to when Wonder Woman was a mere child, still trying to figure herself out.  In #603, Diana still has the attitude and edge, but she now seems a little more like Power Girl than Wonder Woman.  (Although, PeeGee is still much feistier.)  I can’t imagine what is hoped to be accomplished by bringing her back to the beginning when she had been doing so well as a woman and not some child running around with her head cut off.

With all of that said, this issue is still enjoyable to read.  Diana, always the leader, leads a band of Amazonian refuges through the desert only to be met by mythological demons of death and dragged into Hell; fighting past a horde of lost souls, some flying Keres’, and a three headed pooch!  Action packed is the best way to describe this story, and leaves you wanting more; especially after our mysterious figure walks towards Diana in the shadows.  (We all know it’s Satan!)

I didn’t actually notice a difference in artistic style until after I read the whole comic.  I somehow skimmed over the fact that two other pencillers were enlisted to finish up this book in Kramer’s absence.  Either way, I guess I wasn’t phased by the change in art at all.  I was even engaged with this issue artistically, more so than usually.  It’s hard to get over Lopresti being gone, but I’m not dying.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

So what do I do with this issue?  It’s got a lot of gusto, but with a sour taste to it.  This doesn’t feel like Wonder Woman, yet I’m enjoying everything transpiring within #603.  It’s a little hard to swallow at times to be honest.  This story is a perfect fit for Princess Diana, but the new direction in Wonder Woman’s life isn’t coming through like it should yet.  A proper balance between the well written story and the development of Wonder Woman’s new character is where the improvement needs to occur.  I give Straczynski props for trying something new, but something does need to happen that helps explain everything going on REALLY soon.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Writing: 7

Art: 8

Themes: 6

Let You Geek Flag Fly!!!

Comic Book Review: Justice League of America #49

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: James Robinson

Penciller: Pow Rodrix, & Robson Rocha

Inker: Christian Alamy, John Dell, Julio Ferreira, Sandra Hope, Keith Champagne, Rodney Ramos, Don Ho, Tom Nguyen, Derek Fridolfs

Colorist: Rod Reis

Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover Art: Mark Bagley

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the greatest show on Earth!  On our left we have writer James Robinson!  And to the right, Mr. Pow Rodrix with the aid of Robson Rocha on penciling duties!  And taking the center ring…a hell of a lot of inkers!

Can we say “Holy ink-a-mania Batman?”  I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a regularly scheduled monthly comic book that has no major ties to a big event manifest just under ten inkers!  It’s not that big of a deal, really.  Ink artists typically stay so consistent with one another that it’s hard to tell the difference from one style to the next, but it does make me raise an eyebrow.  Why was this many inkers needed in the first place?

Ok, with this very minor detail aside, overall JLA # 49 is a lot of fun.  The Dark Things event which brought together both of the Justice Teams in fighting Earth’s oldest Green Lantern was quite disappointing and way over dramatized.  So it’s nice to see Robinson take a moment to break away from the chaos and focus in on a smaller, yet very intense, side story starring Donna Troy and Jade. 

Donna has always felt a little too dry of a character to me and has always had trouble “fitting in” within the DCU.  Apart from the fact that she has no vigilante alias, her personality has always been very fleeting and flat; finally, Robinson was able to give Donna that extra umpf in how she dealt with her past horror involving the Boogeyman.  This was the ultimate “breaking out” issue for Donna as she shows her enemy just what type of Amazonian blood and heritage she comes from.  (Plus, it was really awesome to have Donna swear!)

The art is pleasantly consistent with Rodrix (POW!) getting some assistance from Rocha.  I do miss getting my monthly diet of Bagley’s art, but Rodrix is a nice replacement.  The Boogeyman, while I’m not very familiar with his character, looked as creepy as I’ve ever seen him, and the Teen Titans going after Donna looked just as terrifying.

I do wonder how many times the JLA is going to be visited by other superhero teams.  This title has seen more crossovers than I’ve seen my white trash neighbors get into intense arguments for never listening to one another.  (“you never listen me!!!”)  This comic was, in and of itself fun to read, but I want to see this title move past bringing in another team of heroes to make a story work.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

While the issue is fun, it’s far from outstanding.  I like how Robinson sets up Donna Troy as a much stronger and more Wonder Woman-like female whose confidence and strength grows further than ever I’ve ever seen it.  Make way world, Donna’s come at ya!

Rating: 8 out of 8 stars

Writing: 8

Art: 8

Themes: 8

Comic Book Review: JSA All-Stars #11

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Matthew Sturges

Artist: Freddie Williams II

Colorist: Richard & Tanya Horie

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Cover Art: Freddie Williams II

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

What began as a mediocre title that seemed to be nothing more than a circus of out-or-proportioned bodies and a celebration of Power Girl’s gigantic boobs has become a meaningful and fun comic book title I look forward to reading every month.  While the JSA All-Stars isn’t perfect, almost a year later Willingham has turned into the fun book I never thought it would become. 

#11 concludes the four part story arc, glory days, giving many of its characters a chance to shine and also allowing for a change in momentum to occur.  Brainwave decides to defy his personal vow and use his powers to enter into the minds of the All-Stars, telling them to let go of something in their past that they cling too.  This, in turn, took away the powers of the demon gods shrinking them down to human sized beasts.  While the gods were defeated, the All-Stars hesitantly let them leave to live peacefully in their own land.

I do appreciate this idea behind this arc since it gives the All-Stars a chance to create new lives for themselves within this team.  From the start that’s what this team has been lacking, a chance to begin something new and not cling to the past; this will allow them to truly start working as a separate entity from the Justice Society and establish themselves as such in the eyes of the world.  But I wasn’t exactly sure why Brainwave needed to use the All-Stars and why asking them to let go of something from the past caused these gods to become powerless.  When was it established that these gods were powered by human’s inability to free themselves of the past, or the human desire for something that can no longer have?  It was a very confusing turn of events and I’m not sure it completely makes sense.

The scene where each of the heroes let go of their past was interesting with both good and bad points.  It makes sense with all of the stories involving the JSA recently and how it all led up to this point, but I’m not sure it was executed that well.  Surprises are great, but my reaction was not what I’m sure Willingham wants it be from his readers.  The need to “let go” hasn’t really been personified well enough for the effect to truly work.  I think it’s good that Willingham is pushing forward this need for change with the team, but I can’t help but feel as if it was a little too bland.

But who really believes anyone completely lets go of their past?  It’s certainly true of Stargirl who stares in disappointment as Atom Smasher begins his courtship of the team’s time traveler, Anna.  (Who is quite the hottie I must say.)  Plus, I highly doubt that power Girl has completely let go of the fact that she will never again see the Kal-El of her dimension, or that King Chimera hasn’t seen the last of his painful, ghost-like memory of his old fling.  Comics need drama, and these are perfect ways to bring drama to the stories.

Williams II is slowly growing on me.  He is bringing a much more balanced look to his art, straying away from the chaotic look of the characters he draws.  His style still isn’t my thing, but I’m glad to see he’s getting a better handle on the overall visual for the All-Stars.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

The book is a lot of fun and I would say if you haven’t been reading this title, number twelve might be a good place to start up.

Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Writing: 8

Art: 7

Themes: 8

Comic Book Review: Superman:The Last Family Of Krypton

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Cary Bates

Penciller: Renato Arlem

Colorist: Allen Passalaqua

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Cover Art: Felipe Massafera

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

The third and final issue of this drastically wonderful Superman story brings us a tale that, more than likely, hits right at home for the typical American family.  The father, who has numerous delusions of grandeur and an over-arching god-complex combined with the guilt of Krypton’s fate.  The mother, who takes it upon herself to bring the father back to reality, showing him that he doesn’t have to be a Superman all the time.  The son, who seems to have a greater sense of justice and purity of heart, but still mirrors his father’s personality in so many ways.  This is a true story told in such a fantastic way that only Cary Bates was able to deliver.

Even though this very human and family aspect story was where bates’ heart was at, I really enjoyed how he took the familiar and typical Superman aspects and turned them into an unpredictable prose.  In a way, the Superman of the Bates’ universe seemed more intelligent than the Superman of cannon DCU.  This of course comes from actually having his parents around to educate him, even if his father was very distant and negligent during Kal-El’s youth.  And despite their many differences of opinion, how they worked together to stop Luthor and B towards the end showed they still have a certain amount of respect and love for one another that they were unable to express until now.

The war between Jor-El and Laura was a prime example of how marriages end up falling apart so easily, even after years of happiness.  The two had taken different approaches on life which put both at odds with one another.  This begs us to ask ourselves, do we have every right to leave the one we love when they make a change for the worst?  Laura definitely gave it her all in making the marriage work, but did give up for a brief period.  But as with most American love stories, love conquers all.

Let’s not forget about the clever way Bates’ ties in this whole notion that the El’s presence on Earth hindered the origin of the other well known heroes, such as Batman, the Flash, Green Lantern, etc., leaving room for another question about destiny vs. choice.  This aspect of the story was exemplified even more with the scene between the Guardians of the universe and Jor-El, going back to the age old question…Is Superman necessary?  Or even better, is it in Kal-El’s destiny to become Superman, to become the protector of Earth?  (I’d sure like to know what happened to Wonder Woman though…)

And we shouldn’t forget about the absolutely stellar artwork by Mr. Renato Arlem and his very merry colorist Felipe Massafera.  To be honest, this style really isn’t my forte; I’ve always been fonder of the clean lines rather than the rough, ragged look.  But with Arlem’s penciling combined with the beautiful colorizations by Allen Passalaqua, I can’t help but give the art in this book 10 thumbs way up!  And that includes the masterful cover art as well by Massafera.

I did wonder if Luthor was going to end up actually being a good guy, or if bates’ would keep him as he should be...a megalomaniac.  I found it even more hilarious when Luthor did, in fact, call himself that.  As crazy as Luthor is, he doesn’t ever deny that he has a god complex, I’ve just never seen it spelled out like it was here in issue #3.  Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

As this miniseries will never be considered part of the “true” Superman mythos, I believe this has officially become the best Superman story to ever be told!  It’s only rival would be the wonderfully clever Superman: For Tomorrow.  If you haven’t picked up this series, go to your local comic book store and get it!  It’s just three issues that are PACKED with story.  This is not a series where you’ll feel jipped by the $5 per issue price mark.  Bates’ put everything he had into this story and I look forward to the day when he comes back to comics more consistently.  (Please Cary!)

So the question I’m faced with now is, which was the better miniseries?  Superman: The Last Family Of Krypton, or Blackest Night?

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

+ 4 Incentive Points

Comic Book Review: Brightest Day #11

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi

Penciller: Ivan Reis, Scott Clark, Patrick Gleason, Joe Prado

Inker: David Beaty, Oclair Albert, Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen

Colorist: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald

Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.

Cover Art: David Finch

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

New things continually come to light every two weeks with Brightest Day.  This is always an intelligent plot device as “shock and alarm” typically keep readers invested in the story.  My fear, however, with Brightest Day is that it’s falling will be right in line with the hit series Lost; the more complicated you make the story, the harder it will be to wrap it up with a successful conclusion.

Brightest Day has certainly been having trouble keeping on its feat ever since it began.  There seems to be less focus with this series than there was with its predecessor, Blackest night.  With #11 however, I had something to really grab onto with every page turn as Johns and Tomasi focus all their efforts almost 100% on Aquaman and Firestorm, providing some fasinating new developments in both stories.

DC really is trying to give Firestorm the ultimate comeback from its recent dark days that slowly dwindled into nothing.  While the plot surrounding Firestorm is a bit strange, I’m most definitely intrigued by what’s transpiring.  I did find the return of Black Lantern Firestorm (AKA, Deathstorm…gag!) to be a little out of place, but it seems to have a huge role in the overall story.  Who knew that both Ronnie and Jason had the capabilities of CREATING an evil counterpart to themselves?  But this Deathstorm seems to know the entire plan of this phantom voice calling out for the white lantern.  Very weird, but I’m all ready to for the unveiling of this mystery!

Aquaman has never really been given decent enough storylines worthy of his character; they were always corny or poorly written.  But here in Brightest Day, I think Aquaman is going to be giving a story that will finally equal that of the other top dog DC heroes.  But sadly, based on images and rumors I’ve heard, this could be the story that kills him off……again!   Rather than focusing on the “missions” that Johns and Tomasi have created for every character, this addition to the story reveals some interesting facts surrounding the history and mythos of Aquaman and the ties it has to Lighting Lad and Black Manta.  This is all very promising and I can only hope this quality boost in the story continues through the rest of the series.

I must say I am confused as to why Black Lantern Aquaman and Martian Manhunter have re-risen even though both said heroes are alive, kickin’, and off on their own quest to solve this mystery.  I guess my initial question “What exactly IS a Black Lantern?” wasn’t really answered in Blackest Night huh?

In addition to the improvement in literary qualities, the art seems to have taken an even BIGGER jump towards the positive.  Every Firestorm section of this book was mind-bogglingly good.  I don’t really know which of the multiple artists worked the Firestorm sections, but whoever it was did an amazing job with the definition and colorization all-throughout.  But even in Ivan Reis’ Aquaman sections, the art seemed to improved drastically in color quality and emotional impact.  Are you people savoring this moment?  I’m praising an artist toggle in a comic.  This does not happen!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

In comparison to the other ten issues published thus far, this comic was exciting to read.  There are still many problems, but it was fun to read and look at.  Fingers crossed for the rest of the run…

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Writing: 8

Art: 10

Themes: 6.5

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #26

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Gail Simone

Penciller: J. Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Like always, the Secret Six comes to the comic book stands as demented and twisted as ever.  Simone however really boosts the characterizations of this team and their individual personalities even more this month; utilizing the weird school girl crush Black Alice has on Ragdoll, Deadshot’s dry humor, Jeanette’s glorious and sexy experience, and the strange father-daughter relationship Bane and Scandal share.

The humor in this issue really does take charge in many places.  Bane, instead of reassuring the natives that he isn’t there to hurt them, pulls a 180 and says “Please put your weapons down…If you wish to live that is.”  I laughed for a good couple of minutes at how unexpected that statement was.  Even more entertaining was Ragdoll’s shout out to the Justice League right before entering the portal to a prehistoric world, much resembling Magneto’s Savage Land.  And seeing Jeanette back down from a fight with Black Alice humorously shows how experienced and wise she is and doesn’t stop her from using classic Victorian style insults.  But as always, Deadshot is saved for the best one liners with his statement declaring his astounded state of awe, “Well I’ll be dipped in dog &#%$.”  It’s very clear as to how much fun Simone had writing this issue.

Clever writing aside, Calafiore out shines anything he’s ever put to comics with top rate battle and dramatic scenes.  Scenes like the battle with the three-headed sea monster and the opening pages where Bane decapitates everyone opposing him rivals anything Aaron Lopresti did for Wonder Woman.  And Daniel Luvisi can continue to do covers for the Six for ever and a day as far as I’m concerned

I’m not sure if I understand the connection this part of the story has with the conversation Waller and Armstrong have about the nuclear attack on the U.S., but Simone has her reasons I’m sure.  I just hope this isn’t the start of a busy and over-plotted storyline.  The Secret Six has been so consistently good since issue one because it doesn’t overdo itself in multiple plotlines.  All I can do here is keep my fingers crossed.

While all this is fun and amazingly well done, the heart of this issue, even though it’s brief, is the emotional moment Bane and Scandal have at the very end.  Bane’s refusal to fight Scandal, and how conflicted she is with going in for the kill and not wanting to hurt her surrogate father is not shocking, but definitely moving.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Fun, exciting, and beautiful.  That’s all that’s needed to describe this issue.  You’ll need to pick up #25 in order to understand what’s going here, but I’m sure that’s not a problem for you.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Zack Synder To Direct Next Superman Film

That's right!  It's true!  Zack Snyder has been officially hired as the director of the upcoming Superman film.  Snyder, more recently known for his work on Watchmen, got his name out there from the success of Spartan film, 300.  While I'm sure DC and Warner feel this cinematic decision to be perfect, already the news has been met with skepticism and scrutiny.

On the DC Comics Facebook group,talk is already flowering about as to whether or not Snyder will do the Man of Steel justice.  Many feel that he is more about the style and visual aspect rather that the substance and content.  This sentiment is definitely true of Snyder to a certain extent as he continually produces films that radiate with visual mastery.  So the question does remain, will Snyder's CG talents overshadow the storytelling?

Other confirmations include the popular Christopher Nolan as producer for the Superman film.  Confidence arises around the net that Nolan, famous for his Nolanized Batman universe, will keep a close eye on Snyder and ensure that Superman will be served to the public correctly.

As for me, I think Nolan has all the potential in the world and can pull off a fantastic Superman film.  We all know his film making skills are exceptional which is what a Superman film needs.  His experience with giving audiences a film with a lot of story has yet to be proven with the exception of Watchmen.  Do not doubt Snyder Superman fans!  Innocent until proven guilty!

Heretical Jargon: 50 Book Spoilers For You Non-Readers

WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE OTHER BOOKS THAT WILL BE MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO AND DON'T WANT TO HAVE ANYTHING RUINED FOR YOU, MAKE SURE TO SKIP OVER THEM!!!