Just a tiny, little purchase this week. Incidently, this Saturday it'll be a week till Kapow! Comic Con in London. Yay!
Superman: The Black Ring, Volume One (hardcover)
Written by Paul Cornell; art by Pete Woods, et al; published by DC Comics.
Been waiting a while for this much-praised series from Cornell, focusing on Lex Luthor's latest power scheme.
You know the name, you know the URL.
Thursday 31 March 2011
Monday 28 March 2011
A Comprehensive Guide to 2011's Comic Book Movies
This year sees quite possibly the most big screen adaptations of comic book characters and/or stories in history, with five separate films based on works from three different publishers. We've come a long way since Arnold Schwarzenegger punned his way through Batman & Robin, that's for sure. But the night is darkest right before the dawn, and all that.
With so much coming at your face all at once, I have compiled a handy guide to get you through the year, and to get me through the next five minutes. Enjoy!
With so much coming at your face all at once, I have compiled a handy guide to get you through the year, and to get me through the next five minutes. Enjoy!
Thursday 24 March 2011
The Weekly Trade #18
You tell yourself you're not gonna buy anything this week, and then...
Time Bomb (softcover)
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray; art by Paul Gulacy; published by Radical Publishing.
I wasn't actually expecting this to come out until later in the year, but I was pleasantly surprised. A time-travel adventure from two great writers.
Luthor (hardcover)
Written by Brian Azzarello; art by Lee Bremejo; published by DC Comics.
I originally bought this mini-series when it was collected in softcover under the title Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, but it was so damn good that I thought it deserved the hardcover treatment.
Just about two more weeks til Kapow!
Time Bomb (softcover)
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray; art by Paul Gulacy; published by Radical Publishing.
I wasn't actually expecting this to come out until later in the year, but I was pleasantly surprised. A time-travel adventure from two great writers.
Luthor (hardcover)
Written by Brian Azzarello; art by Lee Bremejo; published by DC Comics.
I originally bought this mini-series when it was collected in softcover under the title Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, but it was so damn good that I thought it deserved the hardcover treatment.
Just about two more weeks til Kapow!
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Joker (Classic Review)
Originally released in 2008.
Writer: Brian Azzarello
A couple of years back, Azzarello and Bermejo brought us the Lex Luthor: Man of Steel mini-series, telling the infamous villain's side of the story and turning him into a deep and relatable character. In 2008, the year of The Dark Knight, they tried something similar with this OGN, simply titled Joker, safely set in its own little continuity bubble.
It is difficult to judge a story that focuses on the character of the Joker. In another OGN, Arkham Asylum, Grant Morrison wrote future Batman writers something of a "get out of jail free" card when it comes to the Clown Prince of Crime. According to Morrison, the Joker was constantly reinventing himself -- goofy trickster one minute, nihilistic murderer the next, and so on -- which sort of leaves room for multiple interpretations of him.
Perhaps to evade some of the responsibility of writing such a sociopath, Azzarello chose to tell the story from the point of view of an original character. Jonny Frost appears at first to be the usual ever-loyal henchman, eager to attach himself to the Joker for personal gain, but underneath he is in fact the usual philosopher-criminal who thinks he's got it all worked out. As with anyone who spends enough time with the Joker, he soon finds out how wrong he is.
Writer: Brian AzzarelloArtist: Lee Bermejo
Publisher: DC Comics
Collects: Original graphic novelA couple of years back, Azzarello and Bermejo brought us the Lex Luthor: Man of Steel mini-series, telling the infamous villain's side of the story and turning him into a deep and relatable character. In 2008, the year of The Dark Knight, they tried something similar with this OGN, simply titled Joker, safely set in its own little continuity bubble.
It is difficult to judge a story that focuses on the character of the Joker. In another OGN, Arkham Asylum, Grant Morrison wrote future Batman writers something of a "get out of jail free" card when it comes to the Clown Prince of Crime. According to Morrison, the Joker was constantly reinventing himself -- goofy trickster one minute, nihilistic murderer the next, and so on -- which sort of leaves room for multiple interpretations of him.
Perhaps to evade some of the responsibility of writing such a sociopath, Azzarello chose to tell the story from the point of view of an original character. Jonny Frost appears at first to be the usual ever-loyal henchman, eager to attach himself to the Joker for personal gain, but underneath he is in fact the usual philosopher-criminal who thinks he's got it all worked out. As with anyone who spends enough time with the Joker, he soon finds out how wrong he is.
Monday 21 March 2011
Thunderbolts: Cage (Review)
Writer: Jeff ParkerArtist: Kev Walker
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Collects: Thunderbolts #144-147; material from "Enter the Heroic Age"The great thing about only being a casual reader of Marvel is that I have no idea who half the characters are in most stories. I go in blind, ready to discover their personalities and nuances, and be wowed by some new hero or villain. A good writer can appeal to readers such as me; showing us why these characters are so long-lasting without simply referring to their pre-established reputations.
And Jeff Parker is a good writer.
Compared somewhat unfairly to DC's Secret Six, which I love, I was attracted to the idea of a team of Marvel villains working under the supervision of Luke Cage. I was further lured in by the aforementioned exciting opportunity to get to know new characters (aside from Cage and Crossbones, whom I were already familiar with). Plus, everybody loves a good villain story. You know you do.
Thursday 17 March 2011
The Weekly Trade #17
Trying to save up for Kapow! in London next month. Trying.
Nevetheless...
Justice League of America: Dark Things (hardcover)
Written by James Robinson; art by Mark Bagley; published by DC Comics.
I'm trying to get into Robinson's JLA, but if this volume doesn't cut it, I'm dropping it like its temperature exceeds safe parameters.
Thunderbolts: Cage (softcover)
Written by Jeff Parker; art by Kev Walker; published by Marvel Comics.
Like a clever field mouse, I waited til this came out in paperback. But I'm sure it'll be grand.
Just a "one-two" punch from the Big Two this week. Carry on trying.
Nevetheless...
Justice League of America: Dark Things (hardcover)
Written by James Robinson; art by Mark Bagley; published by DC Comics.
I'm trying to get into Robinson's JLA, but if this volume doesn't cut it, I'm dropping it like its temperature exceeds safe parameters.
Thunderbolts: Cage (softcover)
Written by Jeff Parker; art by Kev Walker; published by Marvel Comics.
Like a clever field mouse, I waited til this came out in paperback. But I'm sure it'll be grand.
Just a "one-two" punch from the Big Two this week. Carry on trying.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Volume Two (Review)
Writer: Roger LangridgePublisher: Marvel Comics
Collects: Journey into Mystery #85-86; Thor: TMA #5-8
Although the tragically premature death of this series means a few sub-plots were left unresolved -- the identity of the person or persons who captured Thor, why Thor was sent to Earth, what (if anything) Loki was up to -- the only thing that was really important, the relationship between Thor and Jane, sees a happy end.
Thursday 10 March 2011
The Weekly Trade #16
Beep... Beep... BEEEEEEEEEP!
Here's what I bought this week with my birthday money.
The Starman Omnibus, Volume Two (hardcover)
Written by James Robinson; art by Tony Harris, et al; published by DC Comics.
Slowly working my way through this incredible series from the '90s. I'll have it finished by the time Robinson gets around to that Shade mini-series. Heh.
All-Star Superman, Volume Two (softcover)
Written by Grant Morrison; art by Frank Quitely; published by DC Comics.
I read the first volume of this critically-acclaimed series some time ago and only just got around to buying the second. To be honest, I don't find it as incredible as others seem to, but it's still a damn good read.
Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Volume Two (softcover)
Written by Roger Langridge; art by Chris Samnee; published by Marvel Comics.
Lotta volume twos this week. This is the last collecion of a wonderful little series, and I look forward to enjoying it.
Pale Horse (softcover)
Written by Andrew Cosby and Michael Alan Nelson; art by Christian Dibari; published by BOOM! Studios.
I do love me a good Western, and this tale of an ex-slave on the run from the law for a crime he didn't comit sounds good.
I'm 24, by the way. That... That was the joke in the opening line... 24? Get it? Nevermind.
Here's what I bought this week with my birthday money.
The Starman Omnibus, Volume Two (hardcover)
Written by James Robinson; art by Tony Harris, et al; published by DC Comics.
Slowly working my way through this incredible series from the '90s. I'll have it finished by the time Robinson gets around to that Shade mini-series. Heh.
All-Star Superman, Volume Two (softcover)
Written by Grant Morrison; art by Frank Quitely; published by DC Comics.
I read the first volume of this critically-acclaimed series some time ago and only just got around to buying the second. To be honest, I don't find it as incredible as others seem to, but it's still a damn good read.
Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Volume Two (softcover)
Written by Roger Langridge; art by Chris Samnee; published by Marvel Comics.
Lotta volume twos this week. This is the last collecion of a wonderful little series, and I look forward to enjoying it.
Pale Horse (softcover)
Written by Andrew Cosby and Michael Alan Nelson; art by Christian Dibari; published by BOOM! Studios.
I do love me a good Western, and this tale of an ex-slave on the run from the law for a crime he didn't comit sounds good.
I'm 24, by the way. That... That was the joke in the opening line... 24? Get it? Nevermind.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Where Do I Start With... The Flash
Who?
One of DC's oldest characters, the Flash was first created back in 1940 by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert. Jay Garrick was a college student who inhaled hard water vapours (we all experiment a little in college, man) and developed the ability to move at superhuman speeds as a result.
An excellent example of a legacy superhero, Garrick was replaced as Scarlet Speedster in 1956 by forensic scientist Barry Allen in the pages of Showcase #4. Usually considered the "main" Flash, Barry was replaced by his nephew and sidekick Wally in 1986, who also went on to have a very successful run. Barry's grandson Bart briefly assumed the mantle in 2006 as well, but in 2008 Barry returned to the role for good.
Always at the forefront of DC events and milestones, the Flash is a much-loved character, regardless of who is filling the well-worn boots, and is known for fun, light-hearted stories with plenty of action and drama too.
Okay, so where do I start?
One of DC's oldest characters, the Flash was first created back in 1940 by Gardner Fox and Harry Lampert. Jay Garrick was a college student who inhaled hard water vapours (we all experiment a little in college, man) and developed the ability to move at superhuman speeds as a result.
An excellent example of a legacy superhero, Garrick was replaced as Scarlet Speedster in 1956 by forensic scientist Barry Allen in the pages of Showcase #4. Usually considered the "main" Flash, Barry was replaced by his nephew and sidekick Wally in 1986, who also went on to have a very successful run. Barry's grandson Bart briefly assumed the mantle in 2006 as well, but in 2008 Barry returned to the role for good.
Always at the forefront of DC events and milestones, the Flash is a much-loved character, regardless of who is filling the well-worn boots, and is known for fun, light-hearted stories with plenty of action and drama too.
Okay, so where do I start?
Monday 7 March 2011
Batman: Joker's Asylum, Volume One (Classic Review)
Originally released in 2008.
Writers: Various (see below)
Collects: Joker's Asylum: Joker; Penguin; Poison Ivy; Scarecrow; Two-Face
When this mini-series from DC first came out in 2008, I feared that it would get lost under the mountain of Bat-hype that was happening at the time. The Dark Knight was approaching cinemas faster than ticket sales could keep up with, and in comics Grant Morrison was taking Bruce Wayne on an interesting journey in Batman R.I.P.
And then there was Joker's Asylum. Five one-shots focusing on different members of Batman's infamous rogues gallery, each narrated by the Joker. These intriguing character pieces not only gave us an in-depth examination of each villain wrapped around a short story, but also spoke to that old chestnut we all secretly love: That the bad guys are always more interesting than the good guys.
Writers: Various (see below)Artists: Various (see below)
Publisher: DC ComicsCollects: Joker's Asylum: Joker; Penguin; Poison Ivy; Scarecrow; Two-Face
When this mini-series from DC first came out in 2008, I feared that it would get lost under the mountain of Bat-hype that was happening at the time. The Dark Knight was approaching cinemas faster than ticket sales could keep up with, and in comics Grant Morrison was taking Bruce Wayne on an interesting journey in Batman R.I.P.
And then there was Joker's Asylum. Five one-shots focusing on different members of Batman's infamous rogues gallery, each narrated by the Joker. These intriguing character pieces not only gave us an in-depth examination of each villain wrapped around a short story, but also spoke to that old chestnut we all secretly love: That the bad guys are always more interesting than the good guys.
Friday 4 March 2011
Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (Classic Review)
Originally released in 2002.
Writer: Darwyn Cooke
But Selina's Big Score is one of those stories that superhero fans are somewhat afraid of. It feels almost free of the confines of the DC Universe, and could honestly be about a totally original group of characters and still be just as good. However, most comics readers won't pick anything up unless it has a big name they recognise on the front.
Writer: Darwyn CookeArtist: Darwyn Cooke
Publisher: DC Comics
Collects: Original graphic novel
As I was reading this gripping heist story, it occurred to me that it wasn't really about Catwoman.
No, sorry. Let me clarify that. Darwyn Cooke has an excellent handle on the character of Selina Kyle. She's a woman with a troubled past, looking towards a brighter future. She takes what she wants when she wants it and is not too proud to be proud without losing a shred of her grace or allure. This is a spot-on portrayal of Catwoman.
But Selina's Big Score is one of those stories that superhero fans are somewhat afraid of. It feels almost free of the confines of the DC Universe, and could honestly be about a totally original group of characters and still be just as good. However, most comics readers won't pick anything up unless it has a big name they recognise on the front.
Thursday 3 March 2011
The Weekly Trade #15
And the nominees for Comics I Bought This Week are...
Batman: Time and the Batman (hardcover)
Written by Grant Morrison and Fabian Nicieza; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Bruce is back! So, what now? Featuring the brilliant 700th issue.
Thor: First Thunder (softcover)
Written by Bryan J.L. Glass; art by Tan Eng Huat; published by Marvel Comics.
An origin story of everyone's favourite Thunder God sounds like my kinda deal.
Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (softcover)
Written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke; published by DC Comics.
Yet another Catwoman tale, this one by one of my favourite artists. Nothing to do with any movie.
And the winner is...
Batman: Time and the Batman (hardcover)
Written by Grant Morrison and Fabian Nicieza; art by various; published by DC Comics.
Bruce is back! So, what now? Featuring the brilliant 700th issue.
Thor: First Thunder (softcover)
Written by Bryan J.L. Glass; art by Tan Eng Huat; published by Marvel Comics.
An origin story of everyone's favourite Thunder God sounds like my kinda deal.
Catwoman: Selina's Big Score (softcover)
Written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke; published by DC Comics.
Yet another Catwoman tale, this one by one of my favourite artists. Nothing to do with any movie.
And the winner is...
Wednesday 2 March 2011
A-Musing: Mad Science
If you read a lot of superhero comics, then you may have noticed that science rarely goes right. There's radioactive spiders running amok, hazardous chemicals placed dangerously near non-lightning-proof windows, and extremely flimsy security around gamma bomb test sites -- and that's just on the hero side of things.
Whenever some ahead-of-his-time genius invents a freeze-ray or weather-control machine, he never seems to use it to benefit mankind, or even just get filthy rich from the profits. No, he tries and takes over the world, kill a superhero, or even just rob banks for much, much less money than his discovery is worth.
So why is it that superheroes are so closely tied to the "science gone wrong" sub-genre? What is it that makes characters like Spider-Man and The Hulk more popular than mystical heroes like Captain Marvel or Dr. Strange? Why do we like to see science fail and everything go wrong? Hopefully, before I get bored and just click "Publish", I will answer this conundrum.
Whenever some ahead-of-his-time genius invents a freeze-ray or weather-control machine, he never seems to use it to benefit mankind, or even just get filthy rich from the profits. No, he tries and takes over the world, kill a superhero, or even just rob banks for much, much less money than his discovery is worth.
So why is it that superheroes are so closely tied to the "science gone wrong" sub-genre? What is it that makes characters like Spider-Man and The Hulk more popular than mystical heroes like Captain Marvel or Dr. Strange? Why do we like to see science fail and everything go wrong? Hopefully, before I get bored and just click "Publish", I will answer this conundrum.
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