Monday, December 13, 2010
Here's a Goodie
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Young Justice Pilot Review!
I just watched the Young Justice premiere, and it definitely lived up to expectations. Cadmus was suitably creepy, and I love, love, loved the way they didn't just throw Superboy in, but actually showed Robin/Kid Flash/Aqualad rescuing him from the cloners. I actually sat up and squealed. It was completely unexpected.
I also enjoyed the continuity set up. No one-off episodes here! Good use was made of the comics--the Guardian was not only present but featured, and J'onn J'onzz has his modern look. This is a more mature cartoon, and thank god for that. I was beginning to think we would never get back to the feel of the BTAS and JLU cartoons.
That isn't to say that this is as utterly wonderful as the old DC Animated Universe cartoons. Young Justice lacks the subtlety of the DCAU. No subtext here. It is definitely aimed at an 8-13 year old audience, and it is a bit oversimplified. The Justice League is portrayed as overprotective jerks, and all the characters are pretty one-dimensional, except for maybe Aqualad.
As for casting, its mostly pretty good, especially for the adults. Robin sounds a little street-kid for Dick Grayson (I'm assuming that he's Robin, though it's never said), and Superboy is too deep-n'-macho for a teenager. The characters are strange in the first few minutes, mostly due to Speedy's sudden and inexplicable temper tantrum. It makes sense if you know the comics, but in context its completely out of place.
Kid Flash is probably my favorite character. He's got excellent lines, both by him and about him ("Speedy isn't Flash's sidekick? That makes no sense."). He offers a nice balance in an episode that could go to the bad side of strange and creepy very quickly.
Warner Bros. new anime-leanings are on show here, and I felt they worked very nicely. It wasn't crazy-Japanese, nor was it identical to the DCAU style. A good blend, overall. The monsters looked good, and Robin and Kid Flash had very nice character designs. Miss Martian was also good, but she only got a minute of screen time so there wasn't a good chance to look her over.
The only thing that I thought was outright strange was Aqualad's weapon, which was basically an knockoff Green Lantern ring, except in the form of two guns. I haven't seen the new Aqualad, but I didn't think he had that weapon. Guaranteed, he isn't really that much of a threat without it, but I was thinking he'd go more the Tempest-water-sorcery route.
Overall, this was a nice if clunky beginning. It isn't up to the level of Justice League, though, not even the pilot of that show. I think that the characters and plot were a little to simple. I'd like to see more depth, multiple plot threads, and actual motivations for characters. I'm hoping that further episodes exceed this one and this is just the stumbling of a new show, and not a trend.
Overall: 8 out of 10
I also enjoyed the continuity set up. No one-off episodes here! Good use was made of the comics--the Guardian was not only present but featured, and J'onn J'onzz has his modern look. This is a more mature cartoon, and thank god for that. I was beginning to think we would never get back to the feel of the BTAS and JLU cartoons.
That isn't to say that this is as utterly wonderful as the old DC Animated Universe cartoons. Young Justice lacks the subtlety of the DCAU. No subtext here. It is definitely aimed at an 8-13 year old audience, and it is a bit oversimplified. The Justice League is portrayed as overprotective jerks, and all the characters are pretty one-dimensional, except for maybe Aqualad.
As for casting, its mostly pretty good, especially for the adults. Robin sounds a little street-kid for Dick Grayson (I'm assuming that he's Robin, though it's never said), and Superboy is too deep-n'-macho for a teenager. The characters are strange in the first few minutes, mostly due to Speedy's sudden and inexplicable temper tantrum. It makes sense if you know the comics, but in context its completely out of place.
Kid Flash is probably my favorite character. He's got excellent lines, both by him and about him ("Speedy isn't Flash's sidekick? That makes no sense."). He offers a nice balance in an episode that could go to the bad side of strange and creepy very quickly.
Warner Bros. new anime-leanings are on show here, and I felt they worked very nicely. It wasn't crazy-Japanese, nor was it identical to the DCAU style. A good blend, overall. The monsters looked good, and Robin and Kid Flash had very nice character designs. Miss Martian was also good, but she only got a minute of screen time so there wasn't a good chance to look her over.
The only thing that I thought was outright strange was Aqualad's weapon, which was basically an knockoff Green Lantern ring, except in the form of two guns. I haven't seen the new Aqualad, but I didn't think he had that weapon. Guaranteed, he isn't really that much of a threat without it, but I was thinking he'd go more the Tempest-water-sorcery route.
Overall, this was a nice if clunky beginning. It isn't up to the level of Justice League, though, not even the pilot of that show. I think that the characters and plot were a little to simple. I'd like to see more depth, multiple plot threads, and actual motivations for characters. I'm hoping that further episodes exceed this one and this is just the stumbling of a new show, and not a trend.
Overall: 8 out of 10
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Kinda Missing the Underwear...
Well, I've been offline for (quite) awhile but I just saw the new Batman costume, and of course had to comment.The first thing I noticed was that the yellow oval is back. I'm kind of ambivalent to it, really. I sort of like it, but I loved the DCAU batsuit that didn't have it, so I guess for that I'll have to wait and see. I'm not really liking the way it's raised, though. It looks a little strange.
Secondly, there's no underwear-on-the-outside! For someone who jokingly refers to superheroes as the underwear-on-the-outside-community in her fanfiction, this is a travesty. I honestly was happy that it was gone until I actually saw the pics, and then it was just depressing. I really miss it, strangely.
Like Wonder Woman's new costume (which is ten times better than the new batsuit but the only example I have), I intellectually like it but am still nostalgic for the old stuff. Somehow, I doubt Batman's costume will grow on me as Diana's did, just cause I'm closer to the character. I wish that Dick had given Bruce his batsuit--even though I'm still not to keen on that dorky bat-beltbuckle--and gotten this instead.
As for the whole two batmen thing? That's a whole 'nother rant entirely.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Update on RSS Feeds
For some reason, this feed does not seem to be working. The subscribe button will still send post to your dashboard, but feedreaders aren't picking it up. I'll fool around with it some more this weekend and try to get it to work right.
Upcoming: a series of 10 video (not of me/us but of clips) reviews of fanfilms and fan trailers. The video quality should be better since it won't actually be of us reviewer(s).
Upcoming: a series of 10 video (not of me/us but of clips) reviews of fanfilms and fan trailers. The video quality should be better since it won't actually be of us reviewer(s).
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Review: Batgirl #14
Batgirl #14
By Brian Q. Millar
Art by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott
Rating: 6.5/10
I went into this issue of Batgirl knowing that if it didn't break the sudden streak of mediocrity it was coming off my pull list. Its sad for a comic that started out so strong and whose creator seems to have a good plan going forward. But this issue did not impress.
It was cute, sure. And funny at points, but not enough that I'd read it again. Basically, Supergirl shows up to help Batgirl take down some vampire baddies and they "bond."
It was sweet. It was cute, and had a nice little bowtie ending. But if you're sick of female bonding, then you'll just sigh at this like I did. Personally, the number of bat-titles I buy on a monthly basis has gone way down. I can't wait for Bruce Wayne to come back.
By Brian Q. Millar
Art by Lee Garbett & Trevor Scott
Rating: 6.5/10
I went into this issue of Batgirl knowing that if it didn't break the sudden streak of mediocrity it was coming off my pull list. Its sad for a comic that started out so strong and whose creator seems to have a good plan going forward. But this issue did not impress.
It was cute, sure. And funny at points, but not enough that I'd read it again. Basically, Supergirl shows up to help Batgirl take down some vampire baddies and they "bond."
It was sweet. It was cute, and had a nice little bowtie ending. But if you're sick of female bonding, then you'll just sigh at this like I did. Personally, the number of bat-titles I buy on a monthly basis has gone way down. I can't wait for Bruce Wayne to come back.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Very Nice Indeed
The new Batman: Under the Red Hood DVD Marquette:
Jason Todd is a hottie, as always. So darned expensive though. We need an action figure.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Knight and Squire!!!
DC just put up the preview for Knight and Squire #. And may I say wow. Wow, wow, and ohmygod yes.
I absolutely love the characters of Knight and Squire, who have been drastically underused--basically shoved off into a corner until called upon by Grant Morrison (they were the shining light of Batman: The Black Glove). Knight doesn't have Bruce Wayne's looks, of course, but he does possess a personality to make up for it.
And seriously, just check out the art:
I absolutely love the characters of Knight and Squire, who have been drastically underused--basically shoved off into a corner until called upon by Grant Morrison (they were the shining light of Batman: The Black Glove). Knight doesn't have Bruce Wayne's looks, of course, but he does possess a personality to make up for it.
And seriously, just check out the art:
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Review: Batgirl #13
Batgirl #13
by Brian Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez
Rating: 5/10
The gist of this issue is that Clayface and Batgirl get into a fight because Clayface wants to break into a bank to get into his safe deposit box. We also learn that Detective Nick Gage (more on his creepy relationship with the Batfamily later) has a dead wife/girlfriend.
Well, this was certainly a dead average issue. Really, it was just kind of a cute little filler issue with a "meaningful" talk between Gage and Stephanie. Also, we see Wendy, aka Proxy, for about three panels. I'm still not convinced that she's a meaningful character.
I don't understand the need to make each and every person who comes in contact with the Batfamily a damaged person. There was absolutely no need for Nick Gage to have a skeleton in the closet. He works best as the ray of sunshine in the Gotham universe, a nice light-hearted character with some wisecracks and a touch of romantic interest.
Then there's the whole Barbara/Nick/Stephanie thing. Seriously, to be a detective you have to be at least 27. Stephanie is, at most, 19. To have both Stephanie and Barbara dating, or at least interested in, the same guy is creepy to no end. This isn't a sophomore girl crushing on a senior's boyfriend. This is a late teenager coming on to a late twenties, early thirties guy.
Seriously. Just make it a Barbara/Dick/Nick love triangle and leave it at that. (Where is Dick these days in Barbara's life? Aren't they engaged, or has that been forgotten again?)
My high points for the issue were the art, which was kind of light and DCAU oriented, the feel Batgirl should have in my opinion. Also, Oracle is finally gone. This is Batgirl's book, after all, and I was seriously getting incredibly sick of Calculator. At least he is (apparently) taken care of for quite awhile.
Miller seems to be faltering these last few issues. Let's hope it picks back up these next issues.
by Brian Q. Miller
Art by Pere Perez
Rating: 5/10
The gist of this issue is that Clayface and Batgirl get into a fight because Clayface wants to break into a bank to get into his safe deposit box. We also learn that Detective Nick Gage (more on his creepy relationship with the Batfamily later) has a dead wife/girlfriend.
Well, this was certainly a dead average issue. Really, it was just kind of a cute little filler issue with a "meaningful" talk between Gage and Stephanie. Also, we see Wendy, aka Proxy, for about three panels. I'm still not convinced that she's a meaningful character.
I don't understand the need to make each and every person who comes in contact with the Batfamily a damaged person. There was absolutely no need for Nick Gage to have a skeleton in the closet. He works best as the ray of sunshine in the Gotham universe, a nice light-hearted character with some wisecracks and a touch of romantic interest.
Then there's the whole Barbara/Nick/Stephanie thing. Seriously, to be a detective you have to be at least 27. Stephanie is, at most, 19. To have both Stephanie and Barbara dating, or at least interested in, the same guy is creepy to no end. This isn't a sophomore girl crushing on a senior's boyfriend. This is a late teenager coming on to a late twenties, early thirties guy.
Seriously. Just make it a Barbara/Dick/Nick love triangle and leave it at that. (Where is Dick these days in Barbara's life? Aren't they engaged, or has that been forgotten again?)
My high points for the issue were the art, which was kind of light and DCAU oriented, the feel Batgirl should have in my opinion. Also, Oracle is finally gone. This is Batgirl's book, after all, and I was seriously getting incredibly sick of Calculator. At least he is (apparently) taken care of for quite awhile.
Miller seems to be faltering these last few issues. Let's hope it picks back up these next issues.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Review: Jenny Sparks--Secret History of the Authority
Secret History of the Authority: Jenny Sparks (GN)
By Mark Millar
Art by John McCrea and James Hodgkins
Rating: 8/10
Though this book is not critical to the timeline of the Authority, it provides and interesting look into the (wonderful) character of Jenny Sparks. It follows Jenny through her first meeting with each member of the Authority and her life through the twentieth century.
The best issues were the Engineer, #4 (an extremely interesting a nuanced look at Hitler) and Jack Hwksmoor by far. Hawksmoor is a character we never learn much of, and this provided much needed background.
The Engineer's issue had an extremely thought provoking plot, but ultimately #4 stood above all the rest, which is sad since it didn't deal with a single other member of the Authority. This brings me to by greatest criticism, which is none of the other characters were given enough attention to feel like anything more than props next to Jenny. The Doctor's issue was mediocre, with only one good scene. Apollo and Midnighter's was flat out boring, and fell prey to the trap of portraying the pair without any personality other than their relationship.
The art, overall, held up the story well. It was the type to stand back and let the plot take over, which worked well in my opinion. Very clean, but not showy. I hadn't encountered either of the artists before this book, and it reminded me a lot of Chris Sprouse's work on The Return of Bruce Wayne.
Overall, a nice book if you're interested in the Authority, but not exceptional.
~Caro
By Mark Millar
Art by John McCrea and James Hodgkins
Rating: 8/10
Though this book is not critical to the timeline of the Authority, it provides and interesting look into the (wonderful) character of Jenny Sparks. It follows Jenny through her first meeting with each member of the Authority and her life through the twentieth century.
The best issues were the Engineer, #4 (an extremely interesting a nuanced look at Hitler) and Jack Hwksmoor by far. Hawksmoor is a character we never learn much of, and this provided much needed background.
The Engineer's issue had an extremely thought provoking plot, but ultimately #4 stood above all the rest, which is sad since it didn't deal with a single other member of the Authority. This brings me to by greatest criticism, which is none of the other characters were given enough attention to feel like anything more than props next to Jenny. The Doctor's issue was mediocre, with only one good scene. Apollo and Midnighter's was flat out boring, and fell prey to the trap of portraying the pair without any personality other than their relationship.
The art, overall, held up the story well. It was the type to stand back and let the plot take over, which worked well in my opinion. Very clean, but not showy. I hadn't encountered either of the artists before this book, and it reminded me a lot of Chris Sprouse's work on The Return of Bruce Wayne.
Overall, a nice book if you're interested in the Authority, but not exceptional.
~Caro
Monday, August 16, 2010
YouTube is Live!
Caro and Hanz (the authors of this blog, under the psuedonym Beckony) have offically posted the first Real Men Wear Tights youtube video. It's recorded on a crappy webcam, and is only the second video Caro has ever edited, but we're still proud of it!
Part 1 of our review of Batman: Under the Red Hood can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKLb97K8qEA
P.S. Don't forget to vote in the new poll!
Part 1 of our review of Batman: Under the Red Hood can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKLb97K8qEA
P.S. Don't forget to vote in the new poll!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Batman: Under the Red Hood came out last Tuesday, and me being the geek I am bought it on the first day and watched it.
Overall, I thought it was good but there were definitely some flaws.
First up was Joker's voice. He sounded more like Lex Luthor than the Joker, and it was obvious they were going for a Heath Ledger motif which didn't work well in animation (my friend, who feels about Joker the way I do about Batman, took particular issue with this).
Secondly, Dick Grayson's character design wasn't right. His hair was way too short and he was too buff for a lean acrobat.
The ending, while close to the one in the graphic novel, could have benefited from taking more from the original. A lot of the original punch was missing from this watered-down version.
The movie did have it's high points. The animation on the fight scenes and acrobatics was excellent, better even than some of the Justice League stuff. And Joker (however messed up they may have made him) had a fantastic scene with the Black Mask that made both me and my fellow comic nerd laugh for a good thirty seconds.
All in all, I rate this one around a 6.5/10.
Once I get a digital voice recorder (or figure out how to turn off the camera part of my webcam), me and Hanz, the fellow comic nerd, will be doing a full commentary on Under the Red Hood. This will serve as either the first or second episode of the podcast we're working on.
Overall, I thought it was good but there were definitely some flaws.
First up was Joker's voice. He sounded more like Lex Luthor than the Joker, and it was obvious they were going for a Heath Ledger motif which didn't work well in animation (my friend, who feels about Joker the way I do about Batman, took particular issue with this).
Secondly, Dick Grayson's character design wasn't right. His hair was way too short and he was too buff for a lean acrobat.
The ending, while close to the one in the graphic novel, could have benefited from taking more from the original. A lot of the original punch was missing from this watered-down version.
The movie did have it's high points. The animation on the fight scenes and acrobatics was excellent, better even than some of the Justice League stuff. And Joker (however messed up they may have made him) had a fantastic scene with the Black Mask that made both me and my fellow comic nerd laugh for a good thirty seconds.
All in all, I rate this one around a 6.5/10.
Once I get a digital voice recorder (or figure out how to turn off the camera part of my webcam), me and Hanz, the fellow comic nerd, will be doing a full commentary on Under the Red Hood. This will serve as either the first or second episode of the podcast we're working on.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ellis' Authority vs. Millar's Authority
Recently, I discovered that I'd read ever Batman book the library had. Since the Marvel universe looks completely confusing, and most of the other DC titles were checked out, I began my first foray into non-DC Comics titles. one of the first I picked up was The Authority.
Now having consumed the first run (all the library has, dang it), I'm chiming in on the Ellis-vs-Millar debate. I'm a little nervous to do it on a forum (have you heard some of the crazy people there? And I thought I was an uber nerd), but hey, that's what a blog is for.
Personally, I thought that while the Millar issues were a little clumsy, and definitely inelegant compared to Ellis' run, Millar's plots weren't as formulaic as Ellis'.
Millar might have been hampered by the fact that Jenny Sparks--the most kick-ass heroine ever--was dead, but that doesn't excuse his liberal use of dues ex machina at the end of issue #29. Also, Millar was sincerely lacking in character development for every one except Jenny Quantum, Midnighter, and Jack Hawksmore. I felt that he was too wrapped up in an awesome plot and accidentally painted himself into a corner.
However, he gets props for having a Apollo-cares-for-Midnighter scene, as opposes to the other way around (one of Ellis' big follies, and not unlike the case of them always depowering Superman in the first season of JL--Apollo simply came off as weak).
Ellis had his own share of problems. The first three or so storylines of the run ran basically along the same lines, and I even think the same Apollo-gets-beaten (sorry to harp on it but it seriously annoyed me) happened twice. Midnighter was pretty badass, though.
All in all, I think I preferred Ellis run. Millar's run was too problematic and a little too hamfisted for my tastes. The execution, ultimately, was shaky compared to Ellis' sure grasp of the characters. While Millar seemed to ignore all characterization in favor of his plot, but ultimately undermined himself because of the book's incomplete feel.
Now having consumed the first run (all the library has, dang it), I'm chiming in on the Ellis-vs-Millar debate. I'm a little nervous to do it on a forum (have you heard some of the crazy people there? And I thought I was an uber nerd), but hey, that's what a blog is for.
Personally, I thought that while the Millar issues were a little clumsy, and definitely inelegant compared to Ellis' run, Millar's plots weren't as formulaic as Ellis'.
Millar might have been hampered by the fact that Jenny Sparks--the most kick-ass heroine ever--was dead, but that doesn't excuse his liberal use of dues ex machina at the end of issue #29. Also, Millar was sincerely lacking in character development for every one except Jenny Quantum, Midnighter, and Jack Hawksmore. I felt that he was too wrapped up in an awesome plot and accidentally painted himself into a corner.
However, he gets props for having a Apollo-cares-for-Midnighter scene, as opposes to the other way around (one of Ellis' big follies, and not unlike the case of them always depowering Superman in the first season of JL--Apollo simply came off as weak).
Ellis had his own share of problems. The first three or so storylines of the run ran basically along the same lines, and I even think the same Apollo-gets-beaten (sorry to harp on it but it seriously annoyed me) happened twice. Midnighter was pretty badass, though.
All in all, I think I preferred Ellis run. Millar's run was too problematic and a little too hamfisted for my tastes. The execution, ultimately, was shaky compared to Ellis' sure grasp of the characters. While Millar seemed to ignore all characterization in favor of his plot, but ultimately undermined himself because of the book's incomplete feel.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Why I Still Don't Trust Grant Morrison
My friend and I have been having an ongoing conversation (read: argument) over whether Grant Morrison should be forgiven, by virtue of Batman and Robin of the sin that was RIP. She say yes (she's a really big Damien Wayne fan) and I disagree.
10 reasons I still don't trust Morrison:
1. Final Crisis. I've never understood the whole New Gods thing, and this didn't help.
2. The whole need to put 70+ years of Batman stories (the good, the badm and the ugly) into a supposed 10 years of Bruce Wayne's career. Please. That's just not possible, even for a ninja.
3. Ever since he went on the Batman books, every other story arc has been The Event of the YEAR!!! I'm starting to get event fatigue from all of these Revolutionary! Important! Vital! stories
4. I never liked Talia/Bruce.
5. A shiny, happy Batman and an emo Robin. It was fun for awhile, but its getting old now.
6. He can't make up his mind on how to portray the Joker.
7. The Authority debacle. (Speaking of the Authority, I had a dream about Midnighter and Apollo last night. It made my day).
8. He seems to be stuck inside his own head. A five year long meta story? Seriously, dude?
9. Barbra and Dick stull aren't married. Not his fault, I know, but methinks that if Dick wasn't busy being Batman there would have been a little more on the romance front. Their engagement seems to be completely forgotten by DC at this point.
10. I still have no clue what the heck that was supposed to be at the end of Return of Bruce Wayne #2.
10 reasons I still don't trust Morrison:
1. Final Crisis. I've never understood the whole New Gods thing, and this didn't help.
2. The whole need to put 70+ years of Batman stories (the good, the badm and the ugly) into a supposed 10 years of Bruce Wayne's career. Please. That's just not possible, even for a ninja.
3. Ever since he went on the Batman books, every other story arc has been The Event of the YEAR!!! I'm starting to get event fatigue from all of these Revolutionary! Important! Vital! stories
4. I never liked Talia/Bruce.
5. A shiny, happy Batman and an emo Robin. It was fun for awhile, but its getting old now.
6. He can't make up his mind on how to portray the Joker.
7. The Authority debacle. (Speaking of the Authority, I had a dream about Midnighter and Apollo last night. It made my day).
8. He seems to be stuck inside his own head. A five year long meta story? Seriously, dude?
9. Barbra and Dick stull aren't married. Not his fault, I know, but methinks that if Dick wasn't busy being Batman there would have been a little more on the romance front. Their engagement seems to be completely forgotten by DC at this point.
10. I still have no clue what the heck that was supposed to be at the end of Return of Bruce Wayne #2.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Decoding Brightest Day
DC just released this Brightest Day poster, which appears to be along the same lines as the Final Crisis posters that were in the comics a few years back (wow, do you realize its been two years since Batman RIP?). I'm really crappy at the whole decoding symbolism thing, and quite frankly I was still scratch my head when the Final Crisis pages were explained. Still, if anyone wants to take a crack at it...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Green Lantern Team to Write Batman & Robin
Peter Tomasi and Pat Gleason the creative team on Green Lantern Corps will be moving to Grant Morrison's creation Batman and Robin come November (for full story, see here).
I don't see this as an entirely bad thing. Morrison has done some great things on the book, but Tomasi and Gleason have made an interesting, enjoyable book out of Corps, if not a flagship title like Batman and Robin is.
I'm eager to see their take on the Dark Knight, especially since Bruce Wayne may be back in the book at that time. Tomasi's writing is crisp, although maybe a little light for Batman, and Gleason is a solid artist (definitely better than Kelly Jones).
I don't see this as an entirely bad thing. Morrison has done some great things on the book, but Tomasi and Gleason have made an interesting, enjoyable book out of Corps, if not a flagship title like Batman and Robin is.
I'm eager to see their take on the Dark Knight, especially since Bruce Wayne may be back in the book at that time. Tomasi's writing is crisp, although maybe a little light for Batman, and Gleason is a solid artist (definitely better than Kelly Jones).
Friday, July 16, 2010
Who Love the New Look?
I was fooling around with the CSS and I discovered how to make a background image. I'm still tinkering with it, but I think this is better then those robots, don't you?
P.S. If anyone has a comic-related picture send me the link and I'll put it up as the background. I have a feeling I'll be playing with this quite a bit.
P.S. If anyone has a comic-related picture send me the link and I'll put it up as the background. I have a feeling I'll be playing with this quite a bit.
'Inception' is Now Playing!
Even though its not a superhero movie, go out and support Christopher Nolan! Also, with 85% positive reviews it'll be a fun night.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
WE'RE MOVING!!
Attention readers: On July 15th, 2010, The Batman World Blog will be changing names and URL's. The new name is Real Men Wear Tights (yes, you got that right) and the URL will be realmenweartights.blogspot.com (note--URL will not work until 7/15/10). All posts and comments will stay on the new blog.
The reason for the switch? Basically, I'm going to be covering the wider DCU and comics in general, though I'll still be all over anything Batman. Starting July 15, I'll hopefully be posting much more frequently and on a greater range of comics topics including a multitude of graphic novel reviews, upcoming movie news, and of course rants about DC (have you seen Wonder Woman's new costume? I don't care if it is Jim Lee, I give it two years, max).
The reason for the switch? Basically, I'm going to be covering the wider DCU and comics in general, though I'll still be all over anything Batman. Starting July 15, I'll hopefully be posting much more frequently and on a greater range of comics topics including a multitude of graphic novel reviews, upcoming movie news, and of course rants about DC (have you seen Wonder Woman's new costume? I don't care if it is Jim Lee, I give it two years, max).
Monday, June 14, 2010
Curse of the Music Meister
Well, I finally got around to seeing the Mayhem of the Music Meister episode of the Brave and the Bold. And I only took hearing about a thousand positive reviews to do it!
It was, all in all, a semi-enjoyable episode (sorry, that's as high as this cartoon will probably go for me), even if I had to cringe at the painful characterization and the part where Batman does his opera imitation.
One problem, however: "He Drives Us Bats" is stuck in my head forever! I seriously had to buy it on iTunes and am considering making it my ringtone.
P.S. I just realized that this is my 51st post. Its the longest I've ever kept up a blog.
It was, all in all, a semi-enjoyable episode (sorry, that's as high as this cartoon will probably go for me), even if I had to cringe at the painful characterization and the part where Batman does his opera imitation.
One problem, however: "He Drives Us Bats" is stuck in my head forever! I seriously had to buy it on iTunes and am considering making it my ringtone.
P.S. I just realized that this is my 51st post. Its the longest I've ever kept up a blog.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Review: Return of Bruce Wayne #2
Return of Bruce Wayne #2
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frazer Irving
Rating: 7.5/10
For anyone not reading this, here's a quick summary: Bruce Wayne is now in Puritan times. He thinks he is someone sent form the church to help track down witches, but really he helps solve crimes. The woman who found him in the woods, Annie, is thought to be a witch, and he tries to protect her from the townspeople, especially the fanatical Brother Malleaus, a witch hunter.
Wow! This was definitely an improvement over issue #1, although still not without flaws. Morrison's plot skills really shine here, especially with the character of Annie. She is very well portrayed, and works within the story.
I love how Bruce's detective skills are put to work here. Its just a fantastic showcasing of why Bruce is Batman, and its for more than just the martial arts. The character of Brother Malleaus is great (and I'm not going to spoil for you as to why). The last pages, at Annie's "trial" are just so powerful and fantastic.
Still, for all my gushing, this issue does have problems. First off is the art. It's not bad, don't get me wrong, but there are some panels (and its more than a couple) where the characters look really...weird. I can't explain it. Their facial expressions just look strange in context.
Secondly, I have no clue what the heck is going on with this whole Superman/Time Masters subplot. I honestly don't get the whole thing. Yeah, I understand the Darkseid-destruction device thing implanted in Bruce, but why in the world is his head on a 61st century bioengineered historian-thing? And how the heck does that even make sense, if Bruce is supposed to destroy the world when he gets to the TWENTY-first century? and yet somehow he's in the SIXTY-first?
Great plot, but it just doesn't make enough sense.
By Grant Morrison
Art by Frazer Irving
Rating: 7.5/10
For anyone not reading this, here's a quick summary: Bruce Wayne is now in Puritan times. He thinks he is someone sent form the church to help track down witches, but really he helps solve crimes. The woman who found him in the woods, Annie, is thought to be a witch, and he tries to protect her from the townspeople, especially the fanatical Brother Malleaus, a witch hunter.
Wow! This was definitely an improvement over issue #1, although still not without flaws. Morrison's plot skills really shine here, especially with the character of Annie. She is very well portrayed, and works within the story.
I love how Bruce's detective skills are put to work here. Its just a fantastic showcasing of why Bruce is Batman, and its for more than just the martial arts. The character of Brother Malleaus is great (and I'm not going to spoil for you as to why). The last pages, at Annie's "trial" are just so powerful and fantastic.
Still, for all my gushing, this issue does have problems. First off is the art. It's not bad, don't get me wrong, but there are some panels (and its more than a couple) where the characters look really...weird. I can't explain it. Their facial expressions just look strange in context.
Secondly, I have no clue what the heck is going on with this whole Superman/Time Masters subplot. I honestly don't get the whole thing. Yeah, I understand the Darkseid-destruction device thing implanted in Bruce, but why in the world is his head on a 61st century bioengineered historian-thing? And how the heck does that even make sense, if Bruce is supposed to destroy the world when he gets to the TWENTY-first century? and yet somehow he's in the SIXTY-first?
Great plot, but it just doesn't make enough sense.
Review: Return of Bruce Wayne #1
Return of Bruce Wayne #1
By Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Sprouse
Rating: 5/10
As the first issue of a miniseries, I'm going to cut this issue a little slack, especially since its probably hard to make a coherent story out of Batman-fights-cavemen.
Unfortunately, once the coolness-factor wears off (about page three) that's what we're left with: a semi-mute tale about an amnesiac Batman fighting a caveman. It's okay, I guess but there's a lot of mindless punching with not very much motivation or plot. Morrison can do a lot better than this.
Also, why is Batman the only character in the story not speaking English as we know it? I guess its supposed to be because of his screwed-up mental state, but I think its just because Grant Morrison enjoys writing that sort of dialogue, as seen in RIP and issues 8-9 of Batman & Robin.
All in all, this issue did what it was meant to do (set up the miniseries) but apparently not much more. The high point was the last three pages, where we get Bruce saving a small boy, getting thrust into the next time, and then a group of time travelers showing up minutes too late. But these last pages weren't enough to save the issue.
The only thing keeping this from a below-average rating is the fact that it's the first issue, and the art by Chris Sprouse. The art is very good: clean and almost silver-age in tone (although still not excellent). I expect more from this miniseries, and hopefully we'll get it in the next issue.
By Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Sprouse
Rating: 5/10
As the first issue of a miniseries, I'm going to cut this issue a little slack, especially since its probably hard to make a coherent story out of Batman-fights-cavemen.
Unfortunately, once the coolness-factor wears off (about page three) that's what we're left with: a semi-mute tale about an amnesiac Batman fighting a caveman. It's okay, I guess but there's a lot of mindless punching with not very much motivation or plot. Morrison can do a lot better than this.
Also, why is Batman the only character in the story not speaking English as we know it? I guess its supposed to be because of his screwed-up mental state, but I think its just because Grant Morrison enjoys writing that sort of dialogue, as seen in RIP and issues 8-9 of Batman & Robin.
All in all, this issue did what it was meant to do (set up the miniseries) but apparently not much more. The high point was the last three pages, where we get Bruce saving a small boy, getting thrust into the next time, and then a group of time travelers showing up minutes too late. But these last pages weren't enough to save the issue.
The only thing keeping this from a below-average rating is the fact that it's the first issue, and the art by Chris Sprouse. The art is very good: clean and almost silver-age in tone (although still not excellent). I expect more from this miniseries, and hopefully we'll get it in the next issue.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
I Can't Believe its Not the Justice League!
...or maybe I can.
DC just announced that, come late August (and the return of Bruce Wayne to present time), they will not be changing the Justice League lineup.
For those of you unfamiliar with the current Justice Leaguers, its Batman (Dick Grayson), Donna Troy, Mon-el, Starfire, Cyborg, Green Arrow, the Atom, Hal Jordan, Dr. Light (who may or may not have quit the team), the Gaurdian, and Congorilla.
If you don't have a clue who some of these people are, you aren't alone. I did pick up the first couple of issues of "Cry for Justice" (what this lineup seems to be based on). They were decent, but not good enough to escape being dropped in favor of another Bat-title.
I understand the Dick Grayson, Mon-el, and Donna Troy characters as stand-ins for the Trinity, and also to some extent Green Arrow (although he's gone now), Hal Jordan, and the Atom. But seriously, who the hell is Congorilla? And how did the Justice League become a second title for the Titans? With a random gorilla and some C-listers thrown in, of course.
My biggest problem with this is the fact that even after the Big Three come back in August, they're still going to keep the B-listers on the A-team (no pun intended). The Justice League is for the mainstays. That's just how it is--sorry to all who argue for the "natural progression" of sidekick-to-mentor. It's a comic book, and things just don't work out that well.
We've had the Titans, Teen Titans, and Outsiders. Those teams have become just as large as the Justice League. For the creators to say that they're "validating" the characters by putting them in the JLA undoes all of the work they've done to make the other teams integral parts of the DCU.
Also, why in the world would the Trinity not be given back their spots? It doesn't make sense. This is a bad decision, mark my words.
P.S. Can anyone with a larger Wonder Woman background than me tell me where the heck she went? I know about Bruce Wayne, obviously, and Superman's on New Krypton, but the details of why Wonder Woman vanished have eluded me.
DC just announced that, come late August (and the return of Bruce Wayne to present time), they will not be changing the Justice League lineup.
For those of you unfamiliar with the current Justice Leaguers, its Batman (Dick Grayson), Donna Troy, Mon-el, Starfire, Cyborg, Green Arrow, the Atom, Hal Jordan, Dr. Light (who may or may not have quit the team), the Gaurdian, and Congorilla.
If you don't have a clue who some of these people are, you aren't alone. I did pick up the first couple of issues of "Cry for Justice" (what this lineup seems to be based on). They were decent, but not good enough to escape being dropped in favor of another Bat-title.
I understand the Dick Grayson, Mon-el, and Donna Troy characters as stand-ins for the Trinity, and also to some extent Green Arrow (although he's gone now), Hal Jordan, and the Atom. But seriously, who the hell is Congorilla? And how did the Justice League become a second title for the Titans? With a random gorilla and some C-listers thrown in, of course.
My biggest problem with this is the fact that even after the Big Three come back in August, they're still going to keep the B-listers on the A-team (no pun intended). The Justice League is for the mainstays. That's just how it is--sorry to all who argue for the "natural progression" of sidekick-to-mentor. It's a comic book, and things just don't work out that well.
We've had the Titans, Teen Titans, and Outsiders. Those teams have become just as large as the Justice League. For the creators to say that they're "validating" the characters by putting them in the JLA undoes all of the work they've done to make the other teams integral parts of the DCU.
Also, why in the world would the Trinity not be given back their spots? It doesn't make sense. This is a bad decision, mark my words.
P.S. Can anyone with a larger Wonder Woman background than me tell me where the heck she went? I know about Bruce Wayne, obviously, and Superman's on New Krypton, but the details of why Wonder Woman vanished have eluded me.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Young Justice Cartoon!
It was announced a few weeks ago that a new cartoon will be coming to Cartoon Network this fall--Young Justice!
There's no word on whether this is in DCAU continuity, but the animation looks a lot similar to the DCAU style than the debated "Teen Titans Go!" series did. Personally, I didn't like the TTG style, but some people who are larger manga fans than I will ever be liked it.
The Young Justice lineup is Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis (Arrowette), Aqualad, Kid Flash, and of course our favorite Robin (Tim Drake, by the looks of it).
What little is known about the series seems pretty good. I like the designs of the characters, and I'm glad that the producers decided to go with the more modern Robin rather than the green panties version. However, Bruce Timm isn't going to be producing it (gasp!) and I'm not sure about the attempt to shoehorn in diversity by making Aqualad African-American. I would have rather had them change Artemis' race, since she's a lesser-known character and provides more of a clean slate for them to play with continuity. I just can't see a race of underwater people being dark-skinned since there's little uV radiation down there, but heck, I'm proabably overthinking this.
Here's the art that's been released:
There's no word on whether this is in DCAU continuity, but the animation looks a lot similar to the DCAU style than the debated "Teen Titans Go!" series did. Personally, I didn't like the TTG style, but some people who are larger manga fans than I will ever be liked it.
The Young Justice lineup is Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis (Arrowette), Aqualad, Kid Flash, and of course our favorite Robin (Tim Drake, by the looks of it).
What little is known about the series seems pretty good. I like the designs of the characters, and I'm glad that the producers decided to go with the more modern Robin rather than the green panties version. However, Bruce Timm isn't going to be producing it (gasp!) and I'm not sure about the attempt to shoehorn in diversity by making Aqualad African-American. I would have rather had them change Artemis' race, since she's a lesser-known character and provides more of a clean slate for them to play with continuity. I just can't see a race of underwater people being dark-skinned since there's little uV radiation down there, but heck, I'm proabably overthinking this.
Here's the art that's been released:
Monday, April 19, 2010
The Love of Comics
As you can see, I have a new poll up.
So when did you become a Batman fan? For me, it was at the age of three or four when my dad showed me the 1969 film. All I remember was the "some days you just can't get rid of a bomb" scene. For some reason, it stuck.
After I saw that, I hopped onto the Batman: The Animated Series train, basically during the last year or so of its run. There are some people who were older than me and saw all of that series on air and swear its the best animated DC series ever, but I didn't see it long enough to form that sort of attraction. Instead, I spent my Friday nights from 2001-06 watching or taping the "Justice League" cartoons. That's the series that I really love, although they never showed Batman enough for me.
This is probably partly because in my little third-grade mind Bruce Wayne was the coolest person who ever lived, and I spent many an hour having adventures with my new imaginary boyfriend. I added the "imaginary" part later.
As for comics, I got into those when I found the novelizations of some of the Justice League Adventures episodes. In the back cover they had an ad for the comic series, and I picked it up. Currently, I own every issue of the Justice League Unlimited series and around twenty of the Adventures one. My one regret is that the final issue, #45, has nothing special about it at all, and the only character from the Justice Lague that is shown (in the LAST issue for goodness sake!) is John Stewart.
When that series ended, I stopped reading comics for awhile and took up other, short-lived hobbies like torturing insects (yeah, don't ask). Then, one magical day a few years ago, I stumbled across a section called "Graphic Novels" at my local library. And my reaction was: "Omygod! There's Batman comics!"
Yeah, let's call me a naive youngster.
I picked up Hush and Year One, which were probably the two best choices I could have made, and I was hooked. I discovered that there are actaully fantastical places called Comic Shops and the people who work there, other wise known as Nice People Who Don't Think I'm Crazy for Liking This Stuff. Three years, I started this blog, and am now rambling off into cyberspace.
So, any other Batman love stories out there?
So when did you become a Batman fan? For me, it was at the age of three or four when my dad showed me the 1969 film. All I remember was the "some days you just can't get rid of a bomb" scene. For some reason, it stuck.
After I saw that, I hopped onto the Batman: The Animated Series train, basically during the last year or so of its run. There are some people who were older than me and saw all of that series on air and swear its the best animated DC series ever, but I didn't see it long enough to form that sort of attraction. Instead, I spent my Friday nights from 2001-06 watching or taping the "Justice League" cartoons. That's the series that I really love, although they never showed Batman enough for me.
This is probably partly because in my little third-grade mind Bruce Wayne was the coolest person who ever lived, and I spent many an hour having adventures with my new imaginary boyfriend. I added the "imaginary" part later.
As for comics, I got into those when I found the novelizations of some of the Justice League Adventures episodes. In the back cover they had an ad for the comic series, and I picked it up. Currently, I own every issue of the Justice League Unlimited series and around twenty of the Adventures one. My one regret is that the final issue, #45, has nothing special about it at all, and the only character from the Justice Lague that is shown (in the LAST issue for goodness sake!) is John Stewart.
When that series ended, I stopped reading comics for awhile and took up other, short-lived hobbies like torturing insects (yeah, don't ask). Then, one magical day a few years ago, I stumbled across a section called "Graphic Novels" at my local library. And my reaction was: "Omygod! There's Batman comics!"
Yeah, let's call me a naive youngster.
I picked up Hush and Year One, which were probably the two best choices I could have made, and I was hooked. I discovered that there are actaully fantastical places called Comic Shops and the people who work there, other wise known as Nice People Who Don't Think I'm Crazy for Liking This Stuff. Three years, I started this blog, and am now rambling off into cyberspace.
So, any other Batman love stories out there?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Review: Batgirl #8
Batgirl #8
By Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell
Overall: 7.5/10
In this issue, Tim returns to Gotham to find Stephanie as Batgirl. Although he doesn't like it, they have to team up to stop Ras al Ghul's assasins from murdering Leslie Thompkins.
I liked this issue, but I haven't enjoyed these past three issues as much as I did the inital arc. However, this was a good story, and it shows how Stephanie is growing up and distancing herself from the irresponsible person she was.
And Tim...well, Tim is a jerk. He has decided to become more like Bruce, and reminds Stephanie every other panel of how she screwed up and that she isn't good enough for his (or Batman's) expectations. This time, however, Stephanie merely smiles and proves him wrong. Together, they make an effective team and begin to come to terms with the each others' new roles.
The art for this issue is good, but not up to the precedent that Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott set for the book. For this story, it works, but it has more of an anime vibe than I like.
If you aren't reading this series, I'm ashamed of you.
By Bryan Q. Miller
Art by Talent Caldwell
Overall: 7.5/10
In this issue, Tim returns to Gotham to find Stephanie as Batgirl. Although he doesn't like it, they have to team up to stop Ras al Ghul's assasins from murdering Leslie Thompkins.
I liked this issue, but I haven't enjoyed these past three issues as much as I did the inital arc. However, this was a good story, and it shows how Stephanie is growing up and distancing herself from the irresponsible person she was.
And Tim...well, Tim is a jerk. He has decided to become more like Bruce, and reminds Stephanie every other panel of how she screwed up and that she isn't good enough for his (or Batman's) expectations. This time, however, Stephanie merely smiles and proves him wrong. Together, they make an effective team and begin to come to terms with the each others' new roles.
The art for this issue is good, but not up to the precedent that Lee Garbett and Trevor Scott set for the book. For this story, it works, but it has more of an anime vibe than I like.
If you aren't reading this series, I'm ashamed of you.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Review: Batman & Robin #10
Batman & Robin #10
by Grant Morrison
Art by Andy Clarke
Overall: 8/10
As the first issue in the "Return of Bruce Wayne" storyarc, this was very good. Basically, Dick Grayson and Damian go on a hunt through Wayne Manor's secret corridors and rooms looking for signs of Bruce being stuck in the past. Oh, and Talia makes Damian try to kill Dick.
This issue was very cool because of the look into the Wayne family past. And a secret treasure hunt inside a hidden demon-worshippers hideout? What's not to like? Also, it shows that Damian isn't a total brat, which is nice.
As the first of the arc, I'm hesitant to give it full marks because of all the new plot threads that Morrison has begun. However, if they all pan out well this could be the best arc of the series.
The art is good. It may not be fully my cup of tea (I'm more in the pro-Jim Lee camp as opposed to the pro-Frank Quietly) but it is enjoyable and suits the story.
Overall, a good, fun issue that will hopefully lead to an exciting arc.
by Grant Morrison
Art by Andy Clarke
Overall: 8/10
As the first issue in the "Return of Bruce Wayne" storyarc, this was very good. Basically, Dick Grayson and Damian go on a hunt through Wayne Manor's secret corridors and rooms looking for signs of Bruce being stuck in the past. Oh, and Talia makes Damian try to kill Dick.
This issue was very cool because of the look into the Wayne family past. And a secret treasure hunt inside a hidden demon-worshippers hideout? What's not to like? Also, it shows that Damian isn't a total brat, which is nice.
As the first of the arc, I'm hesitant to give it full marks because of all the new plot threads that Morrison has begun. However, if they all pan out well this could be the best arc of the series.
The art is good. It may not be fully my cup of tea (I'm more in the pro-Jim Lee camp as opposed to the pro-Frank Quietly) but it is enjoyable and suits the story.
Overall, a good, fun issue that will hopefully lead to an exciting arc.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Birds of Prey: The TV Show
I just checked out the complete "Birds of Prey" TV series and watched all thirteen episodes in about a week. It's excellent!
Okay, not very much like the comic book, but Barbra Gordon is still in it and she was still Batgirl and there's a Huntress and a Black Canary. I can't believe this was cancelled after only one season. Where was I when this happened?
Go find this at your library (or video store) and watch it. It's very much worth it.
Okay, not very much like the comic book, but Barbra Gordon is still in it and she was still Batgirl and there's a Huntress and a Black Canary. I can't believe this was cancelled after only one season. Where was I when this happened?
Go find this at your library (or video store) and watch it. It's very much worth it.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
In Which I Rethink My Opinion
The covers for the last two issues (or so I assume) of "The Return of Bruce Wayne" were just released. And the first thing I thought was "Wow. This is looks freakin' awesome." Seriously. There's Gotham in the both backgrounds, looking absolutely beautiful and scary. And there's Bruce, looking very awesome and very dark. So, kudos to artist Andy Kubert for making me change my mind about this whole Return of Bruce Wayne thing.
Which brings me to my main point. This actually may be kinda good. Guaranteed, my opinion of Grant Morrison (this is the last time I mention it, I swear) went downhill after RIP and Final Crisis, but the new Batman and Robin series is good, and I know that I'm going to be buying Return even if it sucks (curse you, DC!). Actually, I already have it on my pull list. But seriously, these covers are awesome.
By the way DC, I want a poster of the last one (see bottom right).
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
How Did You Find This?
Just wondering, really. How'd you find this blog (notice the new poll at right).
If you check "other" comment and tell me how you found it (I'm guessing most are from fanfic? Yes? No?)
If you check "other" comment and tell me how you found it (I'm guessing most are from fanfic? Yes? No?)
Monday, February 8, 2010
More Randomosity
Here's some fun batman-related stuff, since this seems to be a slow news period. So:
For anyone who likes fanfiction, fan art, fan-bat-stuff, here's a directory of Batman Fan Films.
The DC Source (DC's official blog) has just released two more covers for "The Return of Bruce Wanye". The pirate one doesn't really thrill me (beard=icky), but the cowboy one with Bruce bearing down on a stallion is awesome.
Also, some fanfiction. This is an actual ending to the Justice League Adventures episode "Twilight" written by the very cool KCS. Check out their other JLU fanfic as well. It's very good. I can't remeber if I posted this before or not, so my apologies if I did.
Finally, this is a humorous parody of "The Dark Knight" in all its awesomesauce-ity and plot holes. Its very funny. Just watch. You will be slightly offended, but you'll laugh.
For anyone who likes fanfiction, fan art, fan-bat-stuff, here's a directory of Batman Fan Films.
The DC Source (DC's official blog) has just released two more covers for "The Return of Bruce Wanye". The pirate one doesn't really thrill me (beard=icky), but the cowboy one with Bruce bearing down on a stallion is awesome.
Also, some fanfiction. This is an actual ending to the Justice League Adventures episode "Twilight" written by the very cool KCS. Check out their other JLU fanfic as well. It's very good. I can't remeber if I posted this before or not, so my apologies if I did.
Finally, this is a humorous parody of "The Dark Knight" in all its awesomesauce-ity and plot holes. Its very funny. Just watch. You will be slightly offended, but you'll laugh.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Comicons 2010
One thing I would like to do (probably not this year because of funds, though) is go to a comicon. Honestly, until I googled it, I had no idea geekdom was so prevalent. So, here are some of the Cons I found coming in 2010.
SDCC (Sandiego ComiCon) possibly the most well known of cons, it is taking place on July 22-25 at the Sandiego Convention Center. One caveat: it is large. Very large. Also, I've heard its more media than comic-oriented, so if your really a comics collecter, it might not be for you. It's usually the place where all the big news for the year is announced, however.
Wizard-Con Hosted by the popular Wizard magazine, there are three main Wizardcons this year. Chicago (Aug. 19-22), NYC (Oct. 7-10), and Anaheim (April 16-18). There's also a host of other Wizardcons scattered around the country. You can see them all here. It seems reasonably priced too.
C2E2 The first one, this con is run by the same people who do the London Book convention and a multitude of other book/comic cons. Geoff Johns and Alex Ross are going to be there, as well as lots of others. Its April 15-17, and is also pretty cheap.
So, anyone going to a con this year?
C2E2 The first one, this con is run by the same people who do the London Book convention and a multitude of other book/comic cons. Geoff Johns and Alex Ross are going to be there, as well as lots of others. Its April 15-17, and is also pretty cheap.
So, anyone going to a con this year?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Whe Words Collide
I found a pretty cool column on comic books on Comic Book Resources. It's called When Words Collide. Check it out. The guy who writes it also has a blog.
2010 DC News
Since its a new year, DC announced a bunch of new Batman news, and there's also some stuff going on with DC in general.
-This year marks two big birthdays: DC's 75th and Batman #700. Hooray!
-Batman: Earth One a series of original graphic novels set on an alternate earth and written by Geoff Johns (YES! YES!) has its first installment sometime in September.
-Bruce Wayne comes back (supposedly)
-The extremely popular maxiseries Batman and Robin is ending with issue 15 or 16, depending on when Grant Morrison comes back to the book.
-DC also announced a Batwoman comic coming "sometime soon". I take that to mean we will either have a comic or substantial news by the end of the year.
This is going to be an exciting year. Some of this stuff I'm not thrilled about, but DC thankfully has a way of defying and exceeding my expectations, which is probably why I keep coming back.
Happy New year, all!
-This year marks two big birthdays: DC's 75th and Batman #700. Hooray!
-Batman: Earth One a series of original graphic novels set on an alternate earth and written by Geoff Johns (YES! YES!) has its first installment sometime in September.
-Bruce Wayne comes back (supposedly)
-The extremely popular maxiseries Batman and Robin is ending with issue 15 or 16, depending on when Grant Morrison comes back to the book.
-DC also announced a Batwoman comic coming "sometime soon". I take that to mean we will either have a comic or substantial news by the end of the year.
This is going to be an exciting year. Some of this stuff I'm not thrilled about, but DC thankfully has a way of defying and exceeding my expectations, which is probably why I keep coming back.
Happy New year, all!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Interesting...
I was reading The Ten-Cent Plague, about the 1940-1970's comic industry, and I cam across an interesting fact. Apparently, DC Comics used to be called National Periodicals in the 30's, took its name from Detective Comics.
Take that, Superman.
Take that, Superman.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
I Stand Corrected
There is actually a third possibility for Batman's future, now, as seen in this Newserama video. In their regular 20 Questions with Dan Didio (the editor in chief of DC Comics), they asked what would happen once Bruce returned, and if Dick would give up the cowl.
Didio said, basically, 'Why can't we have two Batmen? It won't tie up as neatly as you think.'
We'll see how this plays out.
Didio said, basically, 'Why can't we have two Batmen? It won't tie up as neatly as you think.'
We'll see how this plays out.