Spoilers ahead for GLC: Blackest Night #44, Blackest Night: The Flash #2, Starman: Blackest Night #81 (resurrected title), The Phantom Stranger: Blackest Night #42 (resurrected title), Power Girl #8 (not a tie-in, amazingly), Superman/Batman #68 (Our Worlds at War tie-in).
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GLC: Blackest Night #44
Hoo boy this was fun. Mogo turns up to save the day! I cannot wait until he faces off against zombie Xanshi. Next issue: Guy Gardner faces off against everyone. Oh yes, this is why I buy superhero comics.
Blackest Night: The Flash #2
This is very much a middle issue - we saw the Rogues vs the ex Rogues, with some great scenes between Captain Cold and his sister, and some illuminating (pun intended) panels demonstrating his level of emotion. The other half of the book delat with Barry acquiring the blue ring of hope. He tries to save Bart, and Solovar anf Eobard Thawne turn up to provide extra harrassment. I like that Barry is a member of the Blue Lantern Corps - from what I've read of him in Rebirth and a few other bits and pieces, it does seem to fit his personality quite well. However in the context of DC superheroes, when you say hope to me I still think of Superman first and foremost. Ahh well, this is a good mini and next issue will hopefully resolve everything nicely.
Starman: Blackest Night #81 (resurrected title)
I was definitley dubious about this, given Robinson's recent attempts on Cry for Justice, but I needn't have worried, this turned out well. I've read one other Starman issue which was really very good, and he has kept up the standard here. There's some incredible art, I can't quite work out by who as the credits list the various tasks as Colours, Letters, Layouts and Finishes, yet no penciller or inker. I'm assuming Layouts means pencils and Finishes means Inks (broadly speaking), but I couldn't say that for definite.
I think y'all should buy this issue.
The Phantom Stranger: Blackest Night #42 (resurrected title)
Also pretty good. However it probably won't make much sense if you're not reading other Blackst Night stuff. Zatanna's on the cover but isn't in the book. In fact it is mentioned why she's not there, within the book.
Power Girl #8
Jeez, I know Power Girl is meant to have a big chest, and I know Amanda Connor specialises in doing sexy art, but this cover is ridiculous.
Inside it is good fun, Vartox gets even more sleazy than he was last issue, Karen can't help laughing at the Pregno-Ray and she gets to wear the gorgeous ballgown from the Women of the DCU poster that Adam Hughes did. She even has the earrings in too. Nicely done, Ms Connor, nicely done!
Superman/Batman #68
An Our Worlds at War tie-in. I know, what? Our Worlds at War was a tie in published in 2001. I thought it was mid 90s and had to google to check the date. When I mentioned my surprise at the banner in the comic shop they said it was cos the DCU timeline is all in flux now.
But, you see, I buy Superman/Batman because it's not tied in (or shouldn't be tied in) to regualr DC continuity. I know it brought us Kara back, which is great, but on the whole the other tie in issues have been rubbish. Blackest Night for example - 2 issues of utter crap. Although that might be my disdain for Man-Bat, Solomon fucking Grundy and Bizzarro speaking.
Anyway, I was not remotely excited about this issue. Somehow it surprised me. Despite Batman looking like All Star Goddman Batman and Supes somehow being all gritty (so wrong), it was fairly enjoyable. Not particularly memorable, but enjoyable. There was some retro 70s esque exposition going on which was quite fun.
Over the last few weeks I have also received the following trades - Green Lantern/Green Arrow volumes 1 and 2 (wonderfully funny!), Superman: Last Son (reviewed here) and Wonder Woman: Bitter Rivals. The WW book was great, as I knew it would be. Greg Rucka had the golden touch for writing Wondy I think.
I have also ordered Fallen Angel volume 1 (the PAD book which was meant to be Linda Danvers after his Supergirl book was cancelled) and the first Trinity book, by Mat Wagner, not the weekly series. I borrowed this Trinity book years ago and was quietly impressed, so thought it was high time I bought it.
Showing posts with label Goddamn Batman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goddamn Batman. Show all posts
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I should really be packing...
Instead I'm fucking about on facebook uploading photos and commenting here. So, without further ado, here's some cool stuff I found in my files:
From the window of a barber shop in the city.
Wonderful wonderful ASBAR universe Babs. Check out the freckles and the sigils on her belt!
And again, this time with Kara-Flamebird, Dinah, Linda and Karen Nightwing.
My minimates from the kitchen:
For some reason the Flash (Wally West version) came with a car....
I'm really hoping the boyfriend gets me the Question/Batwoman minimates for Christmas.
From the window of a barber shop in the city.Wonderful wonderful ASBAR universe Babs. Check out the freckles and the sigils on her belt!
And again, this time with Kara-Flamebird, Dinah, Linda and Karen Nightwing.
My minimates from the kitchen:
For some reason the Flash (Wally West version) came with a car....I'm really hoping the boyfriend gets me the Question/Batwoman minimates for Christmas.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Robin run through
In which I discuss the Goddamn Batman, instances of Batdickery, the sexualisation of women in comics, Bats’ belief in science, Connor Hawke, and Robin recommendations.
It’s been about 2 weeks and I’ve read 162 issues of Robin.
What have I learned?
Well, when I’ve got to issue 174 I shall be going back to the comic shop and purchasing issues 175 onwards, and putting the book on standing order until it’s cancellation date.
I know that I’ll be really unimpressed if the book doesn’t get relaunched, cos I’m really enjoying it. Chuck Dixon had a realllly long run on this (10 years?) and he is gooood. I may not agree with his politics (more on that in another post) but at least he includes them and manages to write a damn good story at the same time.
It appears that the Goddamn Batman actually debuted in Robin # 131
Connor Hawke is a metahuman. Allegedly. So how does this contradict the recent development in GA/BC where I’m sure it’s stated that he’s just developed meta powers? I preferred it when he as just an elite ninja-archer.
Batman really does believe in science and hard facts over everything else, to the extent where he refers to his toys as ‘state of the science’, not state of the art (issue 86, when Spoiler is first taken to the cave).
Batman is a dick and should never be allowed responsibility over children. He treated Cassandra Cain like a tool, like a utility in his war against crime, forgetting that she was a human being and he treats Tim really really badly. Tim spends so much time guilting over his perceived lack of skill and worrying that he is letting Batman down, and Bruce gives him fuck all encouragement.
Bruce decides to set Tim a test, (issue # forgotten I’m afraid), in which Tim receives a mystery gift for his birthday. Once opened a hologram of future Alfred is produced saying that one of Tim’s colleagues is responsible for fucking up Gotham 30 years in the future and Tim is the only one who can save them all. This drives Tim mad with worry and sleeplessness as he’s tries to figure out if it’s real, and if so, who the colleague turned evil will be.
But this hologram turns out to be a ploy by Bruce to test Tim, his skills and his abilities to see whether he is ready to take it to the next level. Rather a fucked up selfish thing to do, and made worse by Bruce ridiculing Tim for considering the possibility that Time Travel exists. This is in itself a daft point given that Bruce knows the Flash and the Legion of Superheroes. Additionally, the Teen titans are always getting themselves hurled into the future.
Presumably Bruce thinks that these people are all lying.
However, props to Tim, as he throws his cloak into Batman’s face:
WHAP! So satisfying.
The other thing that gets my goat? Bruce knows damn well that Tim is smart, he states in issue 136 that Tim is ‘…smart, smarter than me and maybe even smarter than you (Alfred). Take my word Alfred, we’ll end up working for him someday, once he does a bit of growing up’.
If Bruce really believes that, then he should show the kid some fucking respect and let Tim know how highly he thinks of him.
Gaaah. This all meant that I was horrified when Bruce formally adopted Tim. Batman as your legal guardian? *shudders*
Issue 132. Who says women aren’t sexualised in comics?
Look at the difference between how Batgirl and Robin are depicted. Look at the way Cass is posed – she looks like a bleedin’ Oscar statue or something. Arms behind her, boobs out, body at an angle, belt sat at such a level as to accentuate her hips, leg bent, looking up away from the viewer. No one stands like that unless they know someone is watching and they want to look hot! Or they are a model whose job is to look pretty. She looks dainty and passive. Unthreatening.
Robin on the other hand is crouched, looks dark and menacing, his body is obscured and like he’s about to leap off the page and take your head off. With his teeth.
Now who looks more dangerous here? Because I’m pretty sure Cass is the far more deadly one.
On a more positive note, if you want to pick up any Robin issues, may I recommend:
Robin # 85 – Robin on the Brain!. Told from the Joker’s point of view and expressing his hatred for all Robins. Very very very good.
The War Games trades – Stephanie Brown, as a sacked Robin, starts a gang war in Gotham and everything goes to hell. I’ve read the Catwoman, Robin, Nightwing and BoP (if there were BoP?) issues, but not the Batman own title ones. Nevertheless, this is a really good story arc.
Robin # 36 and 37 – Ulysees Hadrian Armstrong (if the boyfriend ever convinces me to have kids I will name them Ulysees Hadrian. Or Penfold) teams up with the Toymaster and they try and rob a toy collector. The collector’s relationship with his toys is dealt with sensitively and humanely, with the last panel of # 37 showing his loss (after they’ve been destroyed in the fight.)
It’s been about 2 weeks and I’ve read 162 issues of Robin.
What have I learned?
Well, when I’ve got to issue 174 I shall be going back to the comic shop and purchasing issues 175 onwards, and putting the book on standing order until it’s cancellation date.
I know that I’ll be really unimpressed if the book doesn’t get relaunched, cos I’m really enjoying it. Chuck Dixon had a realllly long run on this (10 years?) and he is gooood. I may not agree with his politics (more on that in another post) but at least he includes them and manages to write a damn good story at the same time.
It appears that the Goddamn Batman actually debuted in Robin # 131
Connor Hawke is a metahuman. Allegedly. So how does this contradict the recent development in GA/BC where I’m sure it’s stated that he’s just developed meta powers? I preferred it when he as just an elite ninja-archer.Batman really does believe in science and hard facts over everything else, to the extent where he refers to his toys as ‘state of the science’, not state of the art (issue 86, when Spoiler is first taken to the cave).
Batman is a dick and should never be allowed responsibility over children. He treated Cassandra Cain like a tool, like a utility in his war against crime, forgetting that she was a human being and he treats Tim really really badly. Tim spends so much time guilting over his perceived lack of skill and worrying that he is letting Batman down, and Bruce gives him fuck all encouragement.
Bruce decides to set Tim a test, (issue # forgotten I’m afraid), in which Tim receives a mystery gift for his birthday. Once opened a hologram of future Alfred is produced saying that one of Tim’s colleagues is responsible for fucking up Gotham 30 years in the future and Tim is the only one who can save them all. This drives Tim mad with worry and sleeplessness as he’s tries to figure out if it’s real, and if so, who the colleague turned evil will be.
But this hologram turns out to be a ploy by Bruce to test Tim, his skills and his abilities to see whether he is ready to take it to the next level. Rather a fucked up selfish thing to do, and made worse by Bruce ridiculing Tim for considering the possibility that Time Travel exists. This is in itself a daft point given that Bruce knows the Flash and the Legion of Superheroes. Additionally, the Teen titans are always getting themselves hurled into the future.
Presumably Bruce thinks that these people are all lying.
However, props to Tim, as he throws his cloak into Batman’s face:
WHAP! So satisfying.The other thing that gets my goat? Bruce knows damn well that Tim is smart, he states in issue 136 that Tim is ‘…smart, smarter than me and maybe even smarter than you (Alfred). Take my word Alfred, we’ll end up working for him someday, once he does a bit of growing up’.
If Bruce really believes that, then he should show the kid some fucking respect and let Tim know how highly he thinks of him.
Gaaah. This all meant that I was horrified when Bruce formally adopted Tim. Batman as your legal guardian? *shudders*
Issue 132. Who says women aren’t sexualised in comics?
Look at the difference between how Batgirl and Robin are depicted. Look at the way Cass is posed – she looks like a bleedin’ Oscar statue or something. Arms behind her, boobs out, body at an angle, belt sat at such a level as to accentuate her hips, leg bent, looking up away from the viewer. No one stands like that unless they know someone is watching and they want to look hot! Or they are a model whose job is to look pretty. She looks dainty and passive. Unthreatening.Robin on the other hand is crouched, looks dark and menacing, his body is obscured and like he’s about to leap off the page and take your head off. With his teeth.
Now who looks more dangerous here? Because I’m pretty sure Cass is the far more deadly one.
On a more positive note, if you want to pick up any Robin issues, may I recommend:
Robin # 85 – Robin on the Brain!. Told from the Joker’s point of view and expressing his hatred for all Robins. Very very very good.
The War Games trades – Stephanie Brown, as a sacked Robin, starts a gang war in Gotham and everything goes to hell. I’ve read the Catwoman, Robin, Nightwing and BoP (if there were BoP?) issues, but not the Batman own title ones. Nevertheless, this is a really good story arc.
Robin # 36 and 37 – Ulysees Hadrian Armstrong (if the boyfriend ever convinces me to have kids I will name them Ulysees Hadrian. Or Penfold) teams up with the Toymaster and they try and rob a toy collector. The collector’s relationship with his toys is dealt with sensitively and humanely, with the last panel of # 37 showing his loss (after they’ve been destroyed in the fight.)
Monday, September 29, 2008
Back on the internets
I've had a really busy couple of weeks. Been to London and saw The Wildhearts (very very good despite the crappy balcony seats) and then been promptly ill for a week and a half. There's this bloody cold going round that's wiping out half of Norfolk and it's pretty much decimated my office.
To get back in the swing of things I thought I'd do something easy and go through the backlog of comics and write a few words.
But before that, good news in England - there are moves being made towards allowing the first born, regardless of sex, to be able to inherit the throne. In addition to this, a heir marrying someone of a different faith would also be allowed to keep the throne. I am not a monarchist, but i think that's good news. I think the succession rules say a lot about a country, and it's just daft to not let women or men marrying catholics/Jews/Hindus/Muslims/Sikhs etc to not be king or queen.
OK, topical stuff out of the way, onto the (my) fun.
Super titles:
Superman Beyond 3D I succumbed to the gimmick. I didn't really enjoy the comic, I'm not to keen on random universe shattering stuff - I think a lot of the time everything gets too busy, and characters and worlds are included for the sake of being included, not because it's actually a good idea. I'm not explaining this very well.
I'm still confused as to what infra red massage is and how it keeps Lois' heart beating. The Lady Monitor of nil looks rather daft but I guess if I enjoy Unobtainium I should also enjoy Ultramenstruum. yet somehow I don't.. I do want to read more about Overman - Superman of earth 10 where the Nazis won the Second world war, yet I will not be picking up the second book.
Action Comics 869 This was good. Kara was good, she's tough, she's brave, she's desperate. Supes is, well Supes really. I'm thinking that Kandor may be a fake. Last I saw in the Supergirl comic Krypton was destroyed by phantoms and her mother was dead (except oh no, didn't issue 24 contradict that? I'm so lost, what's her origin story again?)
Loving the argo city protected by a dome though! How silver (?) age! And, has Brainiac just shrunk Metropolis?! Now that's great!
Brave and the Bold 17 Arggghh there was much gnashing of teeth with this one. Stand alone, this was a good comic (if you ignore Raven's choice of high school clothing, I say gratuitous). It's nice to see snarky Kara again, good to see her attempt to meditate. And the art was good. the scenes of Kara at home at night, brushing her teeth, really good to show her like a normal girl. Made her very human, and when that's juxtaposed with her flying off, well i just really like it.
The story was put together really well, the contrast between the students and Kara/Raven worked. The black and white art was really effective. And I like screwed up family stories.
BUT. Ithoughtwealreadywentthroughthis! Kara's dad is not evil, she doesn't have an innocent layer over a dark side, she's not meant to kill Kal out of revenge on her Uncle. *headdesk*
I hope the next issue resolves this and puts it in continuity.
Superman/Batman 52 Yay for the L'il league! Not so much fun as issue 51. Still enjoyable, grympy li'l Batman is a treat, as is grumpy big Batman actually, having to stay behind and look after the kids. 2 Dinah's is always a plus, particularly when talking about kissing Ollie (and I notice Dinah's in her old costume, awesome!) Big exasperated Luthor is tres enjoyable and I'm glad L'il Joker's stuck around.
Superman 680 Krypto's back! I LIKE vicious Krypto. I loved this issue, which obviously makes me very sentimental as it's basically the dog saving the day and Supes making everyone recognise this. Loved it.
Also, Renato Guedes art, still ever so good.
Bat titles:
Batman Confidential 21 The final issue in the arc. Wrapped up nicely. Barbara gets her due from Selina and gets to outwit the Joker in Arkham (and you can truly feel her panic when she thinks she may have to face him).
I've swung back round on the art question, although Babs and Selina's body types may be drawn similarly they have a full range of facial expressions. So now I like it again.
ASBAR 10 I miss the goddamn batman jokes. And the woeful batman thoughts.
On a similar note, I got my All Star Batgirl figure! She's WONDERFUL! Her belt and earring charms are Wonder Woman, Supes, Batman and Green Lantern sigils! When I get my phone to computer transfer thing working again I'll put up some pictures. (Betcha all can't wait ;) Her hair and cape are molded differently to that picture as gravity is affecting them but you get the idea. And she has freckles!!!
To get back in the swing of things I thought I'd do something easy and go through the backlog of comics and write a few words.
But before that, good news in England - there are moves being made towards allowing the first born, regardless of sex, to be able to inherit the throne. In addition to this, a heir marrying someone of a different faith would also be allowed to keep the throne. I am not a monarchist, but i think that's good news. I think the succession rules say a lot about a country, and it's just daft to not let women or men marrying catholics/Jews/Hindus/Muslims/Sikhs etc to not be king or queen.
OK, topical stuff out of the way, onto the (my) fun.
Super titles:
Superman Beyond 3D I succumbed to the gimmick. I didn't really enjoy the comic, I'm not to keen on random universe shattering stuff - I think a lot of the time everything gets too busy, and characters and worlds are included for the sake of being included, not because it's actually a good idea. I'm not explaining this very well.
I'm still confused as to what infra red massage is and how it keeps Lois' heart beating. The Lady Monitor of nil looks rather daft but I guess if I enjoy Unobtainium I should also enjoy Ultramenstruum. yet somehow I don't.. I do want to read more about Overman - Superman of earth 10 where the Nazis won the Second world war, yet I will not be picking up the second book.
Action Comics 869 This was good. Kara was good, she's tough, she's brave, she's desperate. Supes is, well Supes really. I'm thinking that Kandor may be a fake. Last I saw in the Supergirl comic Krypton was destroyed by phantoms and her mother was dead (except oh no, didn't issue 24 contradict that? I'm so lost, what's her origin story again?)
Loving the argo city protected by a dome though! How silver (?) age! And, has Brainiac just shrunk Metropolis?! Now that's great!
Brave and the Bold 17 Arggghh there was much gnashing of teeth with this one. Stand alone, this was a good comic (if you ignore Raven's choice of high school clothing, I say gratuitous). It's nice to see snarky Kara again, good to see her attempt to meditate. And the art was good. the scenes of Kara at home at night, brushing her teeth, really good to show her like a normal girl. Made her very human, and when that's juxtaposed with her flying off, well i just really like it.
The story was put together really well, the contrast between the students and Kara/Raven worked. The black and white art was really effective. And I like screwed up family stories.
BUT. Ithoughtwealreadywentthroughthis! Kara's dad is not evil, she doesn't have an innocent layer over a dark side, she's not meant to kill Kal out of revenge on her Uncle. *headdesk*
I hope the next issue resolves this and puts it in continuity.
Superman/Batman 52 Yay for the L'il league! Not so much fun as issue 51. Still enjoyable, grympy li'l Batman is a treat, as is grumpy big Batman actually, having to stay behind and look after the kids. 2 Dinah's is always a plus, particularly when talking about kissing Ollie (and I notice Dinah's in her old costume, awesome!) Big exasperated Luthor is tres enjoyable and I'm glad L'il Joker's stuck around.
Superman 680 Krypto's back! I LIKE vicious Krypto. I loved this issue, which obviously makes me very sentimental as it's basically the dog saving the day and Supes making everyone recognise this. Loved it.
Also, Renato Guedes art, still ever so good.
Bat titles:
Batman Confidential 21 The final issue in the arc. Wrapped up nicely. Barbara gets her due from Selina and gets to outwit the Joker in Arkham (and you can truly feel her panic when she thinks she may have to face him).
I've swung back round on the art question, although Babs and Selina's body types may be drawn similarly they have a full range of facial expressions. So now I like it again.
ASBAR 10 I miss the goddamn batman jokes. And the woeful batman thoughts.
On a similar note, I got my All Star Batgirl figure! She's WONDERFUL! Her belt and earring charms are Wonder Woman, Supes, Batman and Green Lantern sigils! When I get my phone to computer transfer thing working again I'll put up some pictures. (Betcha all can't wait ;) Her hair and cape are molded differently to that picture as gravity is affecting them but you get the idea. And she has freckles!!!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Comics review again
Finally got down to the comics shop today. I realised that I actually should have gone in last week as I was waiting for Batman confidential 20 and Superman/Batman 51. Nevermind.
This week's haul turned out to be pretty good. In addition to the above, I got:
Teen Titans, 62
Teen Titans yr 1, 6
Final Crisis - Rogues Revenge, 2
Superman, 679
Batman Confidential 20. Pretty enjoyable. I liked Selina and Bruce's exchanges, and Barbara has been pretty fun to read about. It's a shame that the cover features Babs and Selina in strategically ripped costumes, but at least the art inside isn't overtly sexualised. Having said that, I'm not too keen on the art. There isn't enough distinction between Selina and Babs other than their costumes and hair. It's done by a guy called Kevin Maguire, I figure he may just need to develop some more.
Superman 679. Really good. Lois's and Clark morning conversation I loved. Kara's immediate response to Clark's situation was heroic. I'm confused as to why she was sitting in the zoo with all the lions, other than it made a good picture, but it was very random. I am totally hooked to see where this story is going. And it seems that Krypto is here to save the day. I think that's awesome.
Final Crisis Rogues Revenge 2. Again, really really good. The Rogues are a particularly human bunch of enemies, they have their own code, they never kill a Flash (until they did, of course, but that's partially cos Inertia tricked them into it), and we know their back stories. They aren't through and through evil, they care about and look out for each other. And they're all sane (except for this new Trickster, who I'm convinced is actually psychotic). They know what choices they make, they've got everything on their conscience, and they're happy with that. To me, this is what makes them interesting to read about.
And now they've come up against a bunch of pretenders, who think they can take over. Well, they got showed pretty good, din't they? They were destroyed by the current Rogues, because having a weapon doesn't make you deadly. Having experience and viciousness does.
Now Inertia is wearing the Kid Flash costume he's gonna get his arse handed to him on a plate when the other Flashes find out, or any superhero. Except that I've got a feeling the Rogues will find him first, and they'll give him a mighty beating.
Teen Titans yr 1, 6 I don't get this issue. :/ It's been so long since I read the number 5 that I can't remember what was happening before, but for the life of me, I don' recall that it had anything to do with events in this issue. So, I don't get it. :/ Nice art though!
Teen Titans 62 I liked. I know this is unpopular because they killed off Wendy and Marvin, in a particularly violent way (they befriended a mystery dog who turned into a giant killer dog and tore our Marvin's insides then went after Wendy, I reckon Sean McKeever is a cat person), but I enjoyed the issue. Lord knows where M'Gann has gone, Robin had a mini breakdown at Cassie, Eddie is Eddie and I don't know enough about Blue Beetle to have much of an opinion on him.
The dialogue was weird in this issue. I know Cyborg and Eddie waffling on about how much Wendy and Marvin meant to the team was there for dramatic tension to make their deaths more tragic, but they way it was done, and the way that they reacted, coupled with an issue of 52 included in the death panel has led me to a theory.
I reckon that this earth (as in this real life one where DC characters are fictional) and their earth are going to somehow merge and the characters are going to meet the DC writers and staff. That's what the Final Crisis is all about. So basically it's all going to go meta. A bit like the Dark Tower books where Stephen King met his fictional characters (which was a shit part of the series by the way). You just wait and see, I'll be right. ;)
Superman/Batman 51 This is hands down the most awesome and funny comic published in a long long time. In fact, the Impulse issues were the last ones to compete with these. It's THAT good. Lots of l'il leaguers turned up - cutesified mini rotund versions of the JLA. There was a goddamn Batman joke. Lil Batman and Big Batman's conversations were wonderful. L'il Batman's origin story is that his parents got shoved when he was 8 and that made him realize there was evil in the world. L'il Supes origin is that it rained a lot on Krypton so his folks sent him to earth so he could get some sun. L'il Kara cries when people fight and blows up windows.
There's hearts and lip shapes in the air when they see people they crush on!
It's freakin' adorable. So much squeee. Love love love.
Edit: And of course Mister Mxyzptlk said that he brought the l'il leaguers in to sell issues. Which backs up my Meta theory. Right?!
This week's haul turned out to be pretty good. In addition to the above, I got:
Teen Titans, 62
Teen Titans yr 1, 6
Final Crisis - Rogues Revenge, 2
Superman, 679
Batman Confidential 20. Pretty enjoyable. I liked Selina and Bruce's exchanges, and Barbara has been pretty fun to read about. It's a shame that the cover features Babs and Selina in strategically ripped costumes, but at least the art inside isn't overtly sexualised. Having said that, I'm not too keen on the art. There isn't enough distinction between Selina and Babs other than their costumes and hair. It's done by a guy called Kevin Maguire, I figure he may just need to develop some more.
Superman 679. Really good. Lois's and Clark morning conversation I loved. Kara's immediate response to Clark's situation was heroic. I'm confused as to why she was sitting in the zoo with all the lions, other than it made a good picture, but it was very random. I am totally hooked to see where this story is going. And it seems that Krypto is here to save the day. I think that's awesome.
Final Crisis Rogues Revenge 2. Again, really really good. The Rogues are a particularly human bunch of enemies, they have their own code, they never kill a Flash (until they did, of course, but that's partially cos Inertia tricked them into it), and we know their back stories. They aren't through and through evil, they care about and look out for each other. And they're all sane (except for this new Trickster, who I'm convinced is actually psychotic). They know what choices they make, they've got everything on their conscience, and they're happy with that. To me, this is what makes them interesting to read about.
And now they've come up against a bunch of pretenders, who think they can take over. Well, they got showed pretty good, din't they? They were destroyed by the current Rogues, because having a weapon doesn't make you deadly. Having experience and viciousness does.
Now Inertia is wearing the Kid Flash costume he's gonna get his arse handed to him on a plate when the other Flashes find out, or any superhero. Except that I've got a feeling the Rogues will find him first, and they'll give him a mighty beating.
Teen Titans yr 1, 6 I don't get this issue. :/ It's been so long since I read the number 5 that I can't remember what was happening before, but for the life of me, I don' recall that it had anything to do with events in this issue. So, I don't get it. :/ Nice art though!
Teen Titans 62 I liked. I know this is unpopular because they killed off Wendy and Marvin, in a particularly violent way (they befriended a mystery dog who turned into a giant killer dog and tore our Marvin's insides then went after Wendy, I reckon Sean McKeever is a cat person), but I enjoyed the issue. Lord knows where M'Gann has gone, Robin had a mini breakdown at Cassie, Eddie is Eddie and I don't know enough about Blue Beetle to have much of an opinion on him.
The dialogue was weird in this issue. I know Cyborg and Eddie waffling on about how much Wendy and Marvin meant to the team was there for dramatic tension to make their deaths more tragic, but they way it was done, and the way that they reacted, coupled with an issue of 52 included in the death panel has led me to a theory.
I reckon that this earth (as in this real life one where DC characters are fictional) and their earth are going to somehow merge and the characters are going to meet the DC writers and staff. That's what the Final Crisis is all about. So basically it's all going to go meta. A bit like the Dark Tower books where Stephen King met his fictional characters (which was a shit part of the series by the way). You just wait and see, I'll be right. ;)
Superman/Batman 51 This is hands down the most awesome and funny comic published in a long long time. In fact, the Impulse issues were the last ones to compete with these. It's THAT good. Lots of l'il leaguers turned up - cutesified mini rotund versions of the JLA. There was a goddamn Batman joke. Lil Batman and Big Batman's conversations were wonderful. L'il Batman's origin story is that his parents got shoved when he was 8 and that made him realize there was evil in the world. L'il Supes origin is that it rained a lot on Krypton so his folks sent him to earth so he could get some sun. L'il Kara cries when people fight and blows up windows.
There's hearts and lip shapes in the air when they see people they crush on!
It's freakin' adorable. So much squeee. Love love love.
Edit: And of course Mister Mxyzptlk said that he brought the l'il leaguers in to sell issues. Which backs up my Meta theory. Right?!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Bat stuff
Batman and Robin is a really rubbish movie. But notable for it's Bat butt shots at the start. Much like this.* I was rather confused by Barbara (why not be related to the Commissioner? Why not be a redhead?) attending a school named Oxbridge....given that Oxbridge is the name of Oxford and Cambridge universities.... and I'm still at a loss as to why she felt the need to fly to America and arrive at Bruce's place in her school uniform....
Note to movie makers: There really aren't many school uniforms like that you know...
Still. Bat butt.
Now make a Goddamn Batman movie. Go ooooooon.
* I will keep plugging this.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Smallville episode 5
Ahh so much to love in this episode! Lionel's back! Lana shows more snarlyness - I guess this is the direction they'll go in to allow Clark and Lana to split? Clark gets the cape! Further persuasion to get Clark to be a superhero! WiR theory made into reality - ok so that's not so cool, but it made me giggle. Do we think they are addressing the blogosphere's concerns here?! A new character finds out Clark's secret identity and doesn't die or get mindwiped! Hurrah!
This makes up for the mess of last week's episodes.
Bad things - no Kara. Booooo. Good on Chloe for giving her a backstory though :)
In other news, I finally got and read the GA/Black Canary wedding special. Giddy Superman makes me laugh. He looks and acts like a 12 year old boy! The whole issue was pretty good actually, I like Dinah getting pissed Slade nicked her ring and I really liked everyone's reactions to the invite (especially Plastic Man's).
Also got ASBAR 7. Awful. but awesome. but awful. but awesome. And was that meant to be Black Canary, or some random Irish chick who dresses just like her? And do we think that Frank Miller may be writing himself as Batman? Or at least, writing himself as he wants to be.
This makes up for the mess of last week's episodes.
Bad things - no Kara. Booooo. Good on Chloe for giving her a backstory though :)
In other news, I finally got and read the GA/Black Canary wedding special. Giddy Superman makes me laugh. He looks and acts like a 12 year old boy! The whole issue was pretty good actually, I like Dinah getting pissed Slade nicked her ring and I really liked everyone's reactions to the invite (especially Plastic Man's).
Also got ASBAR 7. Awful. but awesome. but awful. but awesome. And was that meant to be Black Canary, or some random Irish chick who dresses just like her? And do we think that Frank Miller may be writing himself as Batman? Or at least, writing himself as he wants to be.
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