tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319183062024-03-05T01:45:12.941-08:00The 4th MediaComic Books are without question the most limitless invitation of mass media to explore the unknown. Of the myriad variations that have come into being, below we discuss the greatest...The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-54980540845422545312011-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:002011-12-08T10:10:11.374-08:00Hello and WelcomeHello there Surfers of the Super Highway,<div><br /></div><div>I've been invited by the 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> Man himself to provide another view on today's comic book world! Currently I'm reading 21 series from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DC's</span> new 52 and I will give a glance how I rate them and hopefully give you all a new book to read off of my suggestions. I also read Marvel and indie comics and will provide the same for them too.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to jump right into a few quick reviews here. Yesterday, Dec 7, Powerhouse Comics in Appleton, Wisconsin opened at noon and I was waiting outside the door. I picked up my box of awaiting comics and also a few ones that tried to fall through the cracks on me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Marvel: <b>The Defenders</b> #1</div><div>- Here we go! Marvel has been advertising this comic like crazy and I'm hoping it won't disappoint. Breaker of Worlds; Part One: I Hate Myself and Want to Die. First things first, I love the Nirvana reference here and if you haven't heard Nirvana's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IHM</span>&<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WTD</span> then download it or go by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Beavis</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Butthead</span> Do America soundtrack. It's an A+ song, with heavy riffs and wailing feedback it's everything Kurt Cobain stood for.</div><div><br /></div><div>So The Defenders started on a high note and faltered HARD from there. I've heard Matt Fraction (Casanova) is a good writer, but he leaves no proof of it here. My favorite character leaves us on page 3 after she slept with Dr. Strange without even getting help on her thesis paper! Then on page 5, I nearly put the book down entirely. HULK (green) actually asked for help. I can't believe it. Hulk was scared. Imagine, "What if HULK... had a HULK? (pg 7)" So the first antagonist is some sort of HULK squared named <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NUL</span>: the breaker of worlds and he scares the HULK. This is such a farce that it makes me not want to continue reading this comic honestly. The HULK I know and love can't be scared because being scared is weak and the HULK is the strongest thing in the world. If something was stronger than HULK than it would rest SOLELY on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">HULK's</span> shoulders to stop it. He wouldn't need to recruit a team like the would-be Defenders to help him.</div><div><br /></div><div>I give this comic a F, because like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Netflix</span> my rating can't go any lower. Honestly, a F! I didn't finish even reading the book because none of the ways the characters were used interested me. Iron Fist is a waste of space, the Silver Surfer doesn't even get enough coverage to validate his presence on the team. I won't buy The Defenders #2 and it doesn't bother me at all to say that.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">IDW</span>: <b>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Micro Series: Raphael</b></div><div>- BUY this book! Buy all the rebooted Turtles books! Kevin Eastman is writing the Turtles again and it's great great stuff. If you are already reading them, good job, this comic picks up with Raphael having being implemented back into his family, but he still goes on runs with Casey Jones every Wednesday. Nothing like some good <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">asskicking</span> with Jones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brian Lynch writes and the art is done by Franco <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Urru</span> with colors by Fabio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Mantovani</span>. The writing is superb and the art is very a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">cartoonish</span> gritty. Here we are introduced to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">ALOPEX</span>. A new mutant in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">TMNT</span> world and she is a speedster/trickster. She reminds me of Sly Cooper: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Thievius</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Raccoonus</span> in a good way. The back pages have design sketches from Kevin Eastman of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Alopex</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>But is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Alopex</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">goodie</span> or a baddie? Read and find out. Raphael does his best to discover her true motives. Also, in this issue we are hinted at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Shredder</span> for the first time and also hinted at the future of Bebop and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Rocksteady</span>. I mean hell, Bebop is even wearing the same out-of-date shades and it's awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 is an A+. Buy it, love it, cherish it. <b>READ IT/REREAD IT.</b></div><div>-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro-series Raphael #1 is an A. I don't know why it isn't an A+, other than I wish I saw more of the other Turtles. I can't give everything an A+ can I? Although with these restarted Turtle's books, I just might. Amazing book/amazing reads.</div><div><br /></div><div>DC Comics: <b><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Batwing</span> </b>#4</div><div>- I wanted to review <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Batwing</span> specifically because 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">th</span> Man gave it such a big thumbs down, but I will give it a thumbs up. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Batwing</span> disappeared I would notice! Especially after reading and starting to be interested in the character David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Zavimbe</span>. At first I thought he was gonna be just a black batman, but it's more than that. I'm very intrigued by Africa and the turmoil of the countries found there, especially in Northern Africa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Issue #4 gives us the 'secret origin' of Batwing. It's not so secret anymore, but it is a very ideal and easy to believe backstory. David Zavimbe was a child soldier, whom with his brother, killed, stole, and did everything most child soldiers are trained to do. But he has morals enough to not want to kill children and women, and he stands by those morals. Enough so that he losses someone close to him because of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tired of seeing all the death around him, David vows to never kill again. He instead wants justice and reform for his country. Now as David takes the mantle of Batwing, he returns to his battle against an enemy named Massacre. If you are looking for a slaughterfest, then Massacre is your guy. He kills on a whim and is extremely happy to kill anything and anyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, I found the first few pages very hard to believe that they took place in Africa. The victorian designed house and the firefighters and police looked very modern American. As if they came out of middle america to fight a fire that supposedly took place in Africa. I don't expect tiki huts, but I don't expect two story victorian houses either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Batwing #4 gets a C. It focuses too much on backstory for my liking. It's a good backstory, but predictable.</div><div><br /></div><div>DC Comics: <b><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 0); ">Batwing</span> </b>#3</div><div>- The look on the 'Dragonflies' faces on page one is worth picking this comic off the shelf and opening to the first page alone. These child soldiers of Africa are such an oddity in today's world. I can't even find the words to describe how awesome/horrible I think it all is to be honest. I'm sure there is a German word to describe it though. Intriguing and repulsive at the same time. This comic gave enough backstory and enough current story to satisfy me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Massacre, the main antagonist thus far is going around and murdering super heroes of Africa named 'The Kingdom'. The best part of the story is that his murders seem justified and in issue 3 we hear his motives. The action with Batwing/Thunder Fall vs. Massacre is crisp and believable here. It's a great fight and I love good fights in Comics.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Batwing #3 gets an A.</div><div>-Batwing #2, lets just say if you like machetes then this issue is an A+. But I'll give a B, because with the second issue of a new series I want to see more of the main character. Batwing isn't present due to what the story dictates, and that's okay and mostly believable. I do love the character of Thunder Fall, who is introduced here. Fun fight between Massacre and Thunder Fall contained within!</div><div>-Batwing #1 introduces you to 'The Kingdom' and Massacre and of course Batwing. It also gives you an idea of what Batwing wishes to implement in his country of 'Tinasha'. A honest and not corrupt African police force. But it'll be hard with guys like Massacre around. One of the New 52's greatest first issue twist endings. The art is just splendid and the story is a quick an fun read. Easy to rate this issue an A, because it makes you want to read more. I'll give it a jaded B+ though, because Batwing just keeps getting better. On the standard of issue 3, the first issue isn't an A.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Review:</b></div><div><b>-The Defenders #1 : F</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rafael #1 : A</b></div><div><b>-Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4 : A+</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>-<b>Batwing #1 : B+</b></div><div><b>-Batwing #2 : B</b></div><div><b>-Batwing #3 : A</b></div><div><b>-Batwing #4 : C</b></div>Phil Landerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725644437364034573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-50722378503244718062011-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T17:00:33.851-07:00The New 52: Some quick hits<b>Batwoman</b> #1 ~ I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it. I won't notice if the title dies, but it wasn't a book I'll avoid either. Another Bat title looking for its own niche in the lead character. The art made me think of somebody who really wants me to take acid before I read. '<b>B-</b>'.<br />
<br />
<b>Birds Of Prey </b>#1 ~ Another book I don't have strong feelings on, except to note that I had strong feelings on the old B.o.P. It's a decent opening salvo, and maybe it will build into something more. '<b>B</b>'<br />
<br />
<b>Blackhawks </b>#1 ~ I was enormously indifferent to this book.It sets up a number of storylines right off the bat, but none of them really engaged me. Felt like filler for a comic line that had other options. '<b>C+</b>'<br />
<br />
<b>Captain Atom </b>#1 ~ Krul gets a lot of rope from some people, given his status as a real 'comer' at DC, but I'm not one of those people (*yet.) I didn't find anything in this book to make me care, and I felt like there was too much 'Dr. Manhattan' to the new Captain Atom. I'll only spend time reading this book when I've read everything else. '<b>B-</b>'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Catwoman </b>#1 ~ Winnick on the other hand usually gets a little bump and a little patience when it comes to me. The book was fine, and I'll admit that I didn't object to anything deeply as I was reading it, unless it's the hyper sexualization of Selina. Then again, in the Year One story by Miller she was a prostitute, so sexuality has always been deeply linked to the character. In the end, it's an alright book, but nothing special. '<b>B</b>'<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Deathstroke </b>#1 ~ The author clearly wants me to remember that Deathstroke is a bad, bad man. I get it. But couldn't he have added a little more depth to the story? Couldn't he have made me care, or given me some sense that he'd offer me more in coming issues? He'd better find something to draw me in and show that he knows more about Deathstroke than that's he bad. Otherwise this book is doomed. '<b>C+</b>'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That's all for now...The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-46789523375150793352011-10-27T16:45:00.000-07:002011-10-27T16:45:56.177-07:00The New 52: Wonder Woman #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ology.com/sites/default/files/wonder-woman-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://ology.com/sites/default/files/wonder-woman-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Brian Azzarello brings us the completely relaunched Wonder Woman and I think I should just open by saying; FINALLY! Somebody who understands the point of a relaunch. True, Brian didn't drag us back to Diana's birth and give us a story heavy with history and the resetting of continuity, but what he did do was wipe the slate clean and get started on something new.<br />
<br />
Or old.<br />
<br />
Maybe the best part of this comic was the way that it got back to the basics with Diana, drawing deeply on her roots and ties to Greek mythology. Diana has always been at her best in stories that recognize her value stems from the ability to weave her into the grandiose machinations of the Gods themselves.<br />
<br />
The art is a little different, but it works so wonderfully that after noticing it immediately, I stopped noticing it and simply sank into the story.<br />
<br />
This one gets a solid '<b>A</b>'.<br />
<br />
Read it.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-77593489828147064912011-10-21T12:35:00.000-07:002011-10-21T12:37:19.388-07:00The New 52: Batwing #1Let's get right to the thick of it.<br />
<br />
WHO CARES?<br />
<br />
The last thing I need is another Bat title, about a character I'm not even remotely interested in. I read the first two issues, just to be sure that I wasn't underselling Winnick's work, and I'm not. It's fine. It presents a passable story, that I don't find myself caring about at all, with basically no hook that I could find. It's not terrible, but there's nothing special about it. It stinks of having another Bat book just for the sake of having one.<br />
<br />
Also, add it to the list of books that doesn't read well for the admitted target audience of the New 52. If you don't know you're Batman Inc history, this doesn't make any sense at all. Strange for a refreshed universe to demand so much back story knowledge. In the end, I'm really only left with one honest question:<br />
<br />
If DC cancelled this book, would anyone even really notice?The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-86979192936430313852011-10-20T06:15:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:15:52.731-07:00Read the back pages...Action Comics #2 has an interesting interview with the author and writer of the newly revamped comic series on its back pages. Read it and tell me what you think of it.<br />
<br />
I thought that it was unbelievably arrogant, but as somebody pointed out.....should I be surprised? Not given who was speaking I shouldn't.<br />
<br />
BTW - I don't buy Action Comics to read about the modern day equivalent of Hercules. I buy it to read about <u><b>SUPERMAN</b></u>. After two issues I stand by my position that it's a good, fun story.....it's just not a Superman story, regardless of what the characters are called.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-28473567097199456022011-10-20T06:12:00.000-07:002011-10-20T06:12:02.711-07:00The Golden Age Forgotten?How quickly has Marvel forgotten The Golden Age?<br />
<br />
The 'big theme' that was supposed to remind us all of brighter days was swept away pretty quickly by anticipation for the next 'big event.' Fear Itself is a dark story of the breaking of heroes and of worlds. People died. Other died before it (Johnny Storm - although we all know that won't last!) Where has this Golden Age gone?<br />
<br />
Didn't we deserve something slightly brighter, for some time slightly longer than this? Wasn't that the inherent promise of The Golden Age?<br />
<br />
I'm not condemning Fear Itself, which thus far has been decent (I've only read the first five issues) and looks like it might break the trend of all-hype no climax Marvel moments, but I am wondering why we have to race from event to event, without any time to just revel in the growth and development of our favorite character(s).The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-38545763328004271502011-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:002011-10-13T09:37:34.951-07:00The New 52: Batman #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.newsarama.com/images/batman1covfront_ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Scott Snyder's appointment to the main Batman title (in my mind you don't get a bigger Batman book than.....well.....BATMAN) is something that I was very pleased to see when I reviewed the new creative teams for the New 52. Previously I had been following his work in Detective, and I was really starting to become a believer. After Batman #1 I can tell you that I am completely converted.<br />
<br />
Can I just say, Batman & Joker versus the inmates of Arkham? Wow.<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm a huge fan of pacing in a story, and Snyder's pacing is something to behold. This issue does an exceptional job of laying out a steady progression, with escalating climaxes that leave us satisfied as we advance through the book to the pinnacle of the issue; the final panel. The ending of this book is not to be missed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.newsarama.com/images/batman1covfront_ff.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://i.newsarama.com/images/batman1covfront_ff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The artwork in this book is an entirely different matter. I love the way Capullo draws Bats, but I hate the way he does some of the other characters. His backgrounds are gritty and harsh, which I love, but sometimes his people come off as cartoonish. The funny thing is that his Joker is less cartoon and more Heath Ledger, but his other villains are more cartoon than I'd like. It probably would help if I didn't find that all the Robins look like they actually are Bruce's sons. The art doesn't hurt the book, but it doesn't do enough to enhance it in my opinion.<br />
<br />
All in all though? Solid book.<br />
<br />
'<b>A-</b>'<br />
<br />
There is an opportunity here though for me to continue judging books on DC's relaunch and the idea that new readers have to pick the books up. Like the rest of the Batman titles, this book offers little in the way of a fresh start and could frustrate new readers. It isn't as egregious as Batman & Robin though. <br />
<br />
(and no I'm not going to explain the comment about Batman & Joker. Read the book.)The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-45995580858081223722011-10-13T07:25:00.000-07:002011-10-13T07:28:04.558-07:00The New 52: Batman & Robin #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://badassness.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bm_rob_cv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://badassness.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/bm_rob_cv1.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><b>Damien is a little a**hole.</b><br />
<br />
I just needed to get that out of my system. There is almost no redeeming quality to this kid, unless you consider the fact that he's Bruce's kid to be redeeming. There are few things I would enjoy more than watching Dick or Tim absolutely slap the taste out of his mouth the next time his condescending, arrogant attitude emerges (which will be the next time he says anything.) Bruce can't slap him because then we'd have to address the issue of child abuse, but man would I pay good money to see Tim knock him on his butt.<br />
<b> </b><br />
Sorry, I really needed to get that out.<br />
<br />
This book leaves me scratching my head in regards to DC's relaunch. I'm not sure I would have found this book to be particularly reader friendly if I'd been new to the DCU, and isn't that the point of the relaunch? To appeal to new customers? There was simply too much going on that demanded explanation, and nothing in the way of clarification from the author. Is that a failing on Peter's part, or a shortcoming of the entire plan to relaunch the universe without strong editorial direction on a complete revision of history to make it user friendly? As a relaunch book I'd say this fails terribly.<br />
<br />
With that said, I'm old school DCU (I remember when Batman & Superman were 'chums') and to me this read like an extension of the Batman & Robin that I invested a great deal of time in under Grant Morrison. It doesn't explain to me why Bruce is willing to tolerate a Robin whose actions make Bruce himself less effective, but I'm hoping that's a theme that will play out as the book progresses. I like the new villain, and the inclusion of the Batman Inc. theme as fundamental to the storyline that Peter is building. The art is terrific with the right blend of fun and darkness.<br />
<br />
I wonder how many people will overlook the plan for Crime Alley, and its significance? Tomasi is making a major statement about how he wants to impact The Bat.<br />
<br />
All in all, Id' rate the book like this:<br />
<br />
New to DCU Reader: '<b>C-</b>'<br />
Old Reader: '<b>A</b>'<br />
<br />
The moral of this story? Screw the NEW. If you wanna know why things are the way they are, pick up a trade and get caught up!The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-90361551767140366502011-10-11T12:26:00.000-07:002011-10-11T12:26:00.291-07:00The New 52: Animal Man #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.onemetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/animal-man-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://www.onemetal.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/animal-man-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Let's get one thing out of the way really, really quickly.<br />
<br />
<b>THIS BOOK IS CREEPY!</b><br />
<br />
When I drop the name Animal Man to friends, and non comic fans, I get strange looks and barely disguised chuckles, occasionally finishing with a hearty laugh and the shake of a head. After all, the only thing more lame than a guy who has animal powers is a guy who speak to fish. Right?<br />
<br />
The difference here is that this book hits all the right (wrong) notes and is a perfect blend of artwork, coloring and writing, all working together to let you know that you're in the opening scene of a horror story. When the bombshell drops, I can't say you'll be surprised, or even that you didn't see it coming, but I can say that it is downright creepy. Going into this book I had absolutely no expectations.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Now? I'm expecting greatness. It's one of the best of the New 52.<br />
<br />
It's an '<b>A+</b>' book.<br />
<br />
If it continues to deliver like issue number one did, it will be a breakout hit.<br />
<br />
One last thought; sometimes new series or relaunches have this need to pour into you as much backstory and information as they can dump into the first issue. It's as if you can't survive the book without learning the protagonists history. This book does an exceptional job of giving you just the right amount of information, without making it into a blatant LEARN THIS NOW moment. Maybe more importantly, Lemire understands that you really don't need to know everything Buddy Baker in order to get engrossed in his story.<br />
<br />
Well done.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-79105459236230669832011-10-10T11:19:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:21:21.255-07:00The New 52: All Star Western #1Western comics? Meh.<br />
<br />
Revisiting a classic title like All-Star Western rather than beggin a man like Ennis to revisit Hitman? Seemed like a sketchy choice going into the book. All of that changed when I read it though. While I found the title a little too rife with cliche relatives of Gotham City staples in the modern books, the story was intense, dark and conspiratorial. All things I found compelling.<br />
<br />
<br />
Mixing Jonah Hex with Amadeus Arkham, a fledgling Gotham City, a serial killer and a conspiracy that potentially reaches to the upper heights of Gotham's power elite? Brilliant. What's more, the artwork actually works with the tone of the book, setting a mood for the reader that enhances and powers the author's theme. It's a spectacular synergy of author and writer supporting each other to put out a book that exceeds either of their individual contributions.<br />
<br />
Hex is the ideal late 19th century replacement for Batman, in an environment that demands a vigilante with no regard for the law, and a mercurial psychological profile. With Arkham appearing to play the straight man, we may be seeing the first works of a brilliant story.<br />
<br />
This book gets an '<b>A+</b>'.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-60121097879304475142011-10-10T11:10:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:12:34.553-07:00The New 52: Aquaman #1King Arthur has too often been the laughing stock of the DCU. Fans have mocked him. Comics have mocked him. Even pop culture (say.....The Big Bang Theory or Family Guy) has mocked him. In the opening salvo of what I hope will be the definitive Aquaman series, even Geoff Johns mocks him; albeit in the form of a brash, rude blogger seeking to elicit some reaction from the calm, reserved King of the Sea.<br />
<br />
My hope is that the book sets the tone for a new investigation of a largely under appreciated member of the Justice League. The last time I felt like a writer was going to dig right into Orin's life and peel back the layers like an onion, inviting us to care about the otherwise uninspiring fish-man was when Peter David took the title in the mid '90s. The unique approach that Johns seems focused on providing us with is a fresh perspective on the hero, while directly confronting the popular opinion that he is a weak hero, with ineffective powers.<br />
<br />
I'm not surprised that the opening issue reads well, and sets us on a path I'm very interested in exploring, but I am very pleased. The character has long deserved better, and now we have a chance to see him get it. If Johns can bring to this character some of the compelling storylines he has infused into Flash and Green Lantern in the last decade, we may finally see Aquaman for the major hero he deserves to be. That he ranked #147 in a Wizard poll on the greatest super-heroes ever was a travesty.<br />
<br />
This book? So far it's an inspiration!<br />
<br />
I'll give it an '<b>A</b>'.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-27766489436274791072011-10-08T11:31:00.000-07:002011-10-08T11:31:23.658-07:00Apparently I'm wrong.I have it on good authority that "everyone says Action Comics #1 is poo."<br />
<br />
The good news for me is that I've never spent a lot of time concerned with what everyone says. In fact, I often find my opinions affirmed in everyone else's disagreement with them. Despite assurances from a friend that the blogs he's been reading, and the feedback he's been getting all reach the consensus that <b>The New 52</b>'s Action Comics is terrible, I stand by my initial assessment.<br />
<br />
While it isn't a Superman story in my opinion, but rather the tale of a love-child blend of Superman & Batman, it is still an exceptional piece of writing that gives just enough taste of what may yet be coming to wet our appetite. Indications are that this Luthor, like the one depicted in All-Star Superman, will be lifted up for us to admire both his incredible brilliance, and his glaring emotional failings. That's something I like in Grant's writing. The hero, while not Superman by my reckoning, is still an interesting protagonist struggling to find his role in a society that doesn't yet know what to make of him.<br />
<br />
Best part of all is that the first issue end like it's The Empire Strikes Back. I like a bleak ending as a way of opening the first chapter of a story.<br />
<br />
Screw the consensus; this is a book worth reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
*It should still never have happened though.<br />
**It is still better than anything that has Spider-Man in it. Spider-Man is a terrible excuse for a hero.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-31719037113121998412011-10-07T13:11:00.000-07:002011-10-10T11:21:00.876-07:00The New 52: Batgirl #1I'll make this review short and sweet.<br />
<br />
<b>EPIC FAIL.</b><br />
<br />
Joker shot her 3 years ago, and she's back to fighting crime? Gail's focus clearly intends to be on the mental struggle with getting back on the horse, but my struggle is on the fact that issue #1 paid no mind to Oracle or the Birds of Prey. It seems from what we got in this issue that DC isn't interested in reliving that part of Barbara's life in their relaunch.<br />
<br />
Shame on them.<br />
<br />
I found nothing in it motivating me to read the next issue. '<b>F</b>'.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-60409718920731124102011-10-07T13:04:00.000-07:002011-10-07T13:04:33.814-07:00The New 52: Action Comics #1I have not been a loud proponent of DC's latest marketing stunt, but as issue after issue flies off the shelves at my local comic retailer, I feel I would be remiss if I didn't start sharing some of my thoughts on <b>The New 52</b>. I thought I'd start with the book that should <u><b>NEVER</b></u> have been relaunched. If any title should have been too sacred, it is this one.<br />
<br />
DC did not share my view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOQmYuVyBiyz1RpaC4EF1POzWvQJa2FYfc_cE-DiNl8pzDAJREyf7TSDdYfSYS50UIdv8_veDxMK19nQEK14UmuXY33HvjE0NHMLnxblJrd9VKr_K9AbJTgPPE1KOV2R8oRu3/s1600/Action_Comics_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOQmYuVyBiyz1RpaC4EF1POzWvQJa2FYfc_cE-DiNl8pzDAJREyf7TSDdYfSYS50UIdv8_veDxMK19nQEK14UmuXY33HvjE0NHMLnxblJrd9VKr_K9AbJTgPPE1KOV2R8oRu3/s400/Action_Comics_1.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>This September they launched Action Comics Vol. 2, handing the responsibility for guiding this flagship title to Grant Morrison, an author that should have inspired great confidence after his sensational work on All-Star Superman. Strangely it was Grant's proposed direction for Action Comics that really sparked my distrust for what DC has planned.<br />
<br />
I stand by my previous position regarding the relaunch; I don't like it.<br />
<br />
That said, this issue gets a solid <b>'A'</b> grade. Morrison may be representing a character that doesn't resemble the Superman I know and love, and he may look completely asinine running around in jeans (although running around in tights is a little......ummmm.....questionable as well) but the story that he wove together to launch this series is unquestionably fantastic.<br />
<br />
I can describe it best in two words: it's fun.<br />
<br />
I especially enjoyed the way we get our first glimpses of both Luthor's genius, and his insanity. There's still too much "Batman" in this comic for it to feel right to me, but if I could just forget that I'm supposed to be reading about Clark Kent, and simply read the series, I'm sure I would rank it amongst my favorites. No doubt Morrison, who benefits from terrific work by Morales, will continue to weave a captivating re-imagining of Superman's early days in Metropolis and will eventually win some kind of award for it.<br />
<br />
I won't even be surprised if an entirely new generation of readers sees this as their 'ideal' Superman going forward. It just won't be mine.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-27484241013660103912011-08-25T10:17:00.000-07:002011-08-25T10:18:46.825-07:00No repsect for OracleBatgirl is coming back.<br />
<br />
No not Cassandra, or Stephanie.<br />
<br />
Batgirl.<br />
<br />
<b>THE</b> Batgirl. <br />
<br />
One of the big announcements that shows up with the New 52 is the return of Barbara Gordon to the mantle of Batgirl. I'd like to sum up my initial thoughts on this in one word.........but I try not to swear on this blog.<br />
<br />
Despite assurances from the woman who's been doing a sensational job of building Barbara's character and value as Oracle in recent years, I'm having a hard time taking Gail Simone at her word when she says "<b>we’re doing everything we can to be respectful to this character’s amazing legacy</b>."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2011/06/bg_cv1_99sdkasw71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2011/06/bg_cv1_99sdkasw71.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>Like Barry Allen, Oliver Queen and Hal Jordan before her (amongst numerous others) Barbara Gordon's character was rocked to its foundations in what many people consider to be a seminal moment in comics history. <br />
<br />
Since being put in her wheelchair, Barbara has grown and evolved as a character and her value to the DCU as Oracle far exceeds any value I ever saw in her as Batgirl.As Oracle she became the lifeblood of the Birds of Prey, and the information power broker of the entire super hero community. Beyond that, she represented in my mind, a powerful image of the physically challenged and how they can impact our world.<br />
<br />
Apparently DC didn't think that was an important role for her.<br />
<br />
Sometimes when a character is killed, crippled or deeply altered there is an eventual necessity to find an 'out' from the events that created that situation because the book, or the character, are dying under the weight of it. I don't see that as the situation with Barbara (much as I don't believe it was the situation with Barry Allen and the Flash.)<br />
<br />
The changes in Barbara's character grounded her in my eyes. They made her more genuine, as though she could move herself out of the books and into the real world. Now that they're taking that away from her, I have to wonder why I should care about her instead of The Huntress or BatWoman or The Question or any of the other 'street level' heroines that have gained exposure in the time that Barbara spent as Oracle. Without reading a single page of Gail's new series, my concern is that Barbara becomes an interchangeable spare part that isn't so dissimilar to any of the other Batman family members.<br />
<br />
She is no longer unique.<br />
<br />
And to me, that's not respectful to her legacy at all.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-79032518847323804242011-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:002011-10-11T07:45:08.440-07:00Dick Grayson: Doctor Fate*SPOILER ALERT* <br />
<br />
I've been reading some Flashpoint.<br />
<br />
I've already explained why Flashpoint is something that has me more interested than Marvel's summer blockbuster Fear Itself, but as I get a little deeper into the story itself, I'm finding some really terrific reasons to like the creative concepts brought forward in the twenty spin-off series that make up the Flashpoint timeline. One of the ones I really enjoyed is Deadman & The Flying Graysons.<br />
<br />
Followers of the blog may have picked up on the fact that I'm a big Dick Grayson fan. Robin. Nightwing. Batman. Call him what you will, but Dick Grayson is a terrific character that, in my opinion, has always had lots of depth and is seemingly ripe for more interesting and challenging scenarios. Maybe the one thing that DC did get right with the New 52 (even though it is, in itself, wrong) is the return of Dick in his own series as Nightwing.<br />
<br />
Still, in the Flashpoint world, where nothing is the same as its supposed to be, Dick and his parents are still traveling with the circus. They were on a tour of Europe when the Amazonian-Atlantean War broke out and ravaged that part of the world. Trapped there, they continued to tour, sticking mostly to small towns, trying not to get caught up in the war itself.<br />
<br />
Fate had other plans.<br />
<br />
Literally.<br />
<br />
Flashpoint is the story of a world rapidly racing towards total annihilation, and I wonder if I'm going to be satisfied when it is concluded, or if I'm going to be left with a keen interest to read more; to hear an author's take on how that world will ultimately play out. Specifically, will anyone find the opportunity before the final issue of Flashpoint wraps up, to tell me whatever became of Dick Grayson in his new role as Doctor Fate?<br />
<br />
Which is very cool.<br />
<br />
My congratulations to J.T. Krul, the writer who dreamt up the story, which includes Deadman, The Flying Graysons, elements of the Secret Six, Doctor Fate, Count Vertigo and in the final panel The Question, Kid Devil and Brittania.<br />
<br />
I definitely would have read more of this series.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-67954978313175556912011-08-11T06:22:00.000-07:002011-08-11T06:22:38.742-07:00If I could get serious for a moment...For a brief moment I'd like to take a break from comics and talk about something totally unrelated.<br />
<br />
In conversations with friends in the past I have often lamented that fame is wasted on the famous, because so few of them understand the wonderful power of it. It isn't the money, or the ability to walk into the best restaurant in the world without a reservation, or the opportunity it provides you to rub elbows with other famous people. Those things are all selfish experiences that while, perhaps, exciting for you are nothing more than the accessories of fame.<br />
<br />
The true power of fame lies in the ability to connect with, and impact directly the lives of others.<br />
<br />
It would be easy for me to list off the countless ways in which famous people have an opportunity to change our world for the better, but I don't want to turn this into a lengthy blog. Five minutes ago I read this article "<a href="http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2011/08/11/18537706.html">Bautista calls dying fan to wish her Happy Birthday</a>" online and appreciated somebody who understands the only true value of fame.<br />
<br />
I know Jose isn't alone.<br />
<br />
I know other actors, athletes, musicians, etc. are out there showing the same type of appreciate for the power that has been blessed unto them, but honestly? It's not enough. Given how many people have Jose's influence, and more, in this world.....our news should be overflowing with reports like this one. <br />
The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-26966959771111869842011-08-08T05:55:00.000-07:002011-08-08T05:55:27.648-07:00Legacy HeroesGreat article by Chris Sims over at Comics Alliance: <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/08/05/ask-chris-67-the-flash-of-two-eras/">Ask Chris #67</a><br />
<br />
Perhaps I should have thought of the topic before I read his, because I find myself with absolutely nothing to add on the topic of Barry Allen and his disappointing return to the DCU. Chris expertly sums up the value of Barry's death and the incredible ways in which so many authors leveraged it to turn Wally West into something more than just a temporary stand-in.<br />
<br />
He also references my favorite Flash story ever: The Return of Barry Allen.<br />
<br />
If you don't know it, you don't appreciate just how good Waid's run on Flash was, or just how much the character grew over the next decade. Your loss.<br />
<br />
All of that said........any Spider-Men reference definitely weakens the argument, because of how much he sucks. The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-86737372529002275922011-08-07T19:54:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:54:14.394-07:00UnacceptableTonight my son told me he thought the Princess Bride was "stupid."<br />
<br />
I've never felt more like a failure in my life.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-9088549283803325732011-08-03T12:23:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:23:41.164-07:00Random find: Byrne loveCheck out this post (and the work in gerenal that's being done over at Nerdage) from last year.<br />
<br />
It got me thinking about a guy who's work I really, really admire.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.newsok.com/nerdage/2010/07/06/60-comics-by-john-byrne-that-you-should-read/">60 Comics By John Byrne That You Should Read</a><br />
<br />
I stumbled on it by chance while referencing the cover of X-Men 141 for a friend, and it lead to quite a conversation about Byrne.<br />
<br />
For the record, I cannot imagine skipping his Alpha Flight run, and I think his FF work was sensational. His current Next Men work is a real thinking book. I'm always rereading, and trying to extrapolate out where the series may be going.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-844298734947496572011-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:002011-08-03T12:02:36.962-07:00OUT.I have submitted my order for September and it does not include weekly DC titles.<br />
<br />
In the end, I just don't see the point. The entire venture has, in my opinion, been a slap in the face to current/ongoing consumers for the sakes of the untapped consumer. It's like a bank that offers people who don't do business with it a better rate than people who've been there 10 years. It's just stupid. I can't bring myself to be the guy who's loyal to a brand that isn't loyal to me.<br />
<br />
Additionally, while not enamored of the idea of moving out of weekly books and into trades, it will mean more money in my pocket during golf season. That's a plus. And if any of the NEW 52 turn out to be terrific, they can, as Randy points out, easily be picked up in trades later on.<br />
<br />
Plus I'll bet money we'll be back to regular numbering and the original universe by.......April.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-76393370086720867352011-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:002011-07-30T10:03:39.786-07:00In or out?!?I'm back on the fence.<br />
<br />
Is this new launch, as Randy suggests, the ideal opportunity to leave behind weekly orders from DC? I'm firmly attached to the experience of monthly comics, and I have a somewhat extensive investment in them sitting in my basement. Is that a good enough reason to continue ordering in the same format that I always have? Or should I also consider cancelling all DC orders, and transition to simply purchasing the graphic novels that I really want to read?<br />
<br />
I'm torn. Seriously.<br />
<br />
On one hand, I like comics in their monthly format, and I enjoy the time I spend filling in gaps in my collection. On the other hand, will there ever be a better time for me to leave it behind, and explore simply purchasing graphic novels?<br />
<br />
If, as I suspect, this grand experiment of DC's fails abysmally and they eventually come back to pick up their original numbering I'll have the option to change my decision at that point in time. The months in between could be an experiment in exploring options.<br />
<br />
I've got about 48 hours to make a decision......and right now I'm stuck right in the middle.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-90568556610073174352011-07-29T11:43:00.001-07:002011-07-29T11:43:42.495-07:00Action Comics #1Superman in jeans is stupid.<br />
<br />
'nuff said.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-25652117662095822142011-07-29T10:11:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:11:55.234-07:00Resets clean up continuity right?That's always been my theory.<br />
<br />
If you run a reset, you should be looking to clean up continuity and rebuild your brand on a strong foundation that will allow you better access to new readers going forward. After all, new readers are the ones who object to continuity and backstory, and use them as excuses for not buying ongoing series.<br />
<br />
So just what the hell is DC doing then?<br />
<br />
In the transition between the original DCU and the "New 52" some series have been cancelled and some new ones will be introduced. <br />
<br />
For some books the cancellation is made necessary by the nature of a reset. There can hardly be a Batman Inc. if Bruce has only just begun his war as the Dark Knight. Timothy Drake cannot be Red Robin, because (chronologically speaking) he has not yet been Robin. The problem is that there doesn't seem to be any hard and fast rule about what will be continuity and what won't. If Tim Drake isn't around to be Red Robin, how is it that Damien is around to be Robin? New continuity? Are we at the beginning of Batman's career (as suggested by the sneak peak at Justice League #1) or not? If Dick Grayson is already Nightwing, how is it that Green Lantern is stunned to find out that Batman is real?<br />
<br />
And no.....I don't think "5 years ago" covers it. Five years isn't nearly enough time to go from Batman, the urban myth, to Batman the legend, with his son as Robin, Dick Grayson all grown up as Nightwing, etc. <br />
<br />
Without a deeper dig into the New 52, I cannot possibly hope to explore all of the continuity glitches that are being committed as writers are (obviously) being given free reign at the expense of maintaining a strong universal continuity.<br />
<br />
I'm just not sure I'm prepared to invest the effort.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31918306.post-30628138393185852362011-07-29T10:05:00.000-07:002011-07-29T10:05:14.163-07:00What's the point?Normally I devour my comic when they come in.<br />
<br />
I wait two months (on average) longer than everyone else to read my books because the cost savings are exceptional, and when I finally get them into my hands I basically ignore everything else (usually to the point of my wife's vocal objection.)<br />
<br />
But as I sit here with June and July's order from DC I find myself asking a very simple question; why bother?<br />
<br />
In almost every single series my personal expectation is that the current story needs four to six months to properly unfold and wrap up, but I already know the writers have one more month (at most.) Truncated conclusions and choppy endings; just another fine present from DC as a result of "The New 52!"<br />
<br />
Even simply contemplating the pile that happens to be lying right in front of me right now?<br />
<br />
JSA All-Stars - cancelled & not coming back<br />
Justice Society of America - cancelled & not coming back<br />
R.E.B.E.L.S. - cancelled & not coming back<br />
Red Robin - cancelled & not coming back<br />
<br />
Where's my motivation to read it?<br />
<br />
It leads nowhere.The 4th Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05978478777471172475noreply@blogger.com0