Archive for December, 2011

Movie Reviews To Come

Posted: December 29, 2011 in Blogging Updates
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Tomorrow morning at 6:00 AM, Wife and I will be flying out to see my immediate family for Christmas.  I know it’s after Christmas, but this was the best time we were able to get out there.  So, needless to say, blog postings might be a bit slow to come.

However, seeing my family, of course, means going to see LOTS of movies.  In turn, that means movie reviews will dominate my blog updates.  Highest on my “to see” list are Tin Tin, Hugo, and The Iron Lady.  Of course, it’s possible that my sister may want to go see Sherlock Holmes, in which case I may be writing a review of that film too.  But hopefully we’ll steer clear of the crap and stick to the more substantial and well written films.

But to my 76 subscribers, be patient and you’ll get your dosage of geek from me still, you simply might have to wait a few days.  But while you wait, let me know what you got for Christmas!  And enjoy this vintage cover of a woman kicking a shark’s ASS!!!

Happy Birthday Stan Lee!!! Excelsior!!!

Posted: December 28, 2011 in Marvel Comics, Spider-Man, Stan Lee
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The former president of Marvel Comics is officially 89 years old today.  Arguably the most influential man within comics, Stan Lee has written and created some of the most recognizable comic book superheroes today.  Some of his most notable works are The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, The X-Men, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor.  Stan Lee has also made appearances on Radio, TV, film, as well as making cameo appearances in all the recent Marvel Comic’s films based on the superheroes he helped create.

Happy birthday Stan Lee!  To find more information about Stan Lee, visit this site.

Godzilla Christmas Tree

Posted: December 28, 2011 in Christmas, Godzilla
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This is pretty epic!  I might consider trying this out next year!  What do you think, good idea, bad idea? Go ahead and lie to me, I won’t mind!  Hope everyone’s Christmas was a jolly one with comics and more geeky stuff!

Captain Atom #4 Review

Posted: December 26, 2011 in Captain Atom, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Freddie Williams II, JT Krul
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Writer: JT Krul
Artist: Freddie Williams II
Letterer: Rob Leigh
Colorist: Jose Villarrubia
Cover: Stanley “Artgem” Lau
Editors: Rickey Purdin, Rachel Gluckstern

SPOILERS AHOY!!!!! (Just a warning)

What’s the difference between Captain Atom and Dr. Manhattan?  Atom still has enough humanity left inside of him to fill any man’s soul.  With as much negative commentary Krul has been receiving with his seemingly “identical” version of Captain Atom in comparison to Dr. Manhattan, it’s time we recognize the fact that the former air force pilot is unique and original.

Maybe Krul got his inspiration from Watchmen when concocting his storyline for Captain Atom, I have no idea.  I do know, however, that Atom is certainly going through a series of trials and tribulations which prove his distinct HUMAN characteristics.  Being forced to come back to his old military stomping grounds in a command position delivered some great developmental moments for the Captain as well provide a political commentary on militaristic institutions and how destructive they can be.

But, of course, the biggest mystery to come for the Captain will be with Ranita and what seems to be radiation poisoning in her hand.  Is it possible that we could see the death of yet ANOTHER new character that we barely got to know within the new DCU?  First Lola, now potentially Ranita.

So much is building up with this series and I look forward to it more and more every month, and much of the thanks goes to Freddie Williams II.  I gave him A LOT of negative criticism back in the early part of the JSA All-Stars series, but now his style has grown on me and I’m beginning to love the way he visually interprets everything.  Villarrubia gives even more depth and clarity to ever panel with the bright and dark colors, wonderfully and clearly showing off the positive and horrific moments on every page.

My only wish is that it didn’t feel like a bad monster movie.  The first few pages and last few pages made me tilt my head in dissapointed wonder.  This is not so much a detraction from the book’s quality, but rather a disjointed feeling within the unrealized plot.  Despite the monster movie-ish feeling, I am interested to see the connection between the radiation soak man and Ranita’s hand after touching Atom’s face.

Captain Atom is certainly one of the DC titles that has a better grasp on where it’s going, plot-wise.  I thank Mr. Krul and Mr. Williams for putting this much hard work into it.

9 out of 10 stars

Batman Hates Christmas

Posted: December 24, 2011 in Batman, DC Comics
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Nightwing #4 Review

Posted: December 23, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Kyle Higgins, Nightwing, Trevor McCarthy
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Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Trevor McCarthy
Colors: Guy Major
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Eddie Barrows & Rod Reis
Editors: Katie Kubert & Bobbie Chase

Nightwing created by Marv Wolfman & George Perez

If one thing is true about the the Bat-titles, it’s that sex is one of its prime side dishes.  While Dick Gayson may never experience the love making that Batman did four months ago at the home of Catwoman, he still has a charm that keeps bringing the ladies back.  His “woo” factor seems to be JUST THAT GOOD!  Of course, even though this is a reboot, Higgins seems to realize that it’s time for Grayson to start committing to one girl!  What better way for DC to test Grayson’s love for Raya than by bringing in his old fling, Barbara Gordon.

I shouldn’t say “fling” though should I?  They both had a real thing for each other back in the day.  If things had gone better, they might still be together today.  This is the ultimate test for Grayson though. It’s obvious he still has feelings for Babs, and Babs for him.  Now, with Batgirl back on her feet, they can enjoy swinging from building to building amongst the city lights again.  This is a pretty tempting thing for Grayson, make no mistake!

By the issue’s end, however, we see Grayson ready to make a fresh start.  DC has made it clear that the Bat-titles are not forgetting what has happened prior to the reboot.  Dick has still worn the cape and cowl and that experience will remain apart of the DC cannon. Because this is a reboot however, It seems DC wants to give each Bat-character a new life, one filled with awesome continuity and understanding. (We’ll see how long this lasts.) Both Dick and Babs have fresh starts to make, more so Babs than Dick, but this issue was a clear indicator that they are moving on with their lives while still remaining friends.  To be honest, since Lois and Clark’s relationship has rebooted as well, it’s possible that Dick and Bab’s might have the healthiest relationship in the DCU!  Way to go!!

Trevor McCarthy does a nice job as the fill-in artist.  His art gives every character a youthfulness that’s needed for this type of story.  Remember, Dick Grayson has been around since the early 1940′s…he’s technically 70 years old right now…Unless you believe that events like Crisis on Infinite Earths and Zero Hour de-aged everyone somehow, giving everyone another 40 years of youthful beauty.  For a reboot focusing on new readers, McCarthy’s artistic approach is appropriate.

McCarthy has an interesting way of visually defining characters.  This is definitely a style unique to him and very well done.  The splash page with Dick and Babs swinging through Gotham was a gorgeous rendition of two old friends reliving their most exciting moments together.

Overall this was a good issue, a great way to catapult into the next arc as well as  giving new meaning to both Dick and Barbara’s life.  But, as much as I appreciated Higgins bringing in a new love life for Dick, with this much sexual tension building up with all the Bat-titles, I suspect Dick and Babs aren’t entirely done with each other.

8 out of 10 stars

Movies “NOT” to see This December

Posted: December 23, 2011 in Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mission: Impossible, Movie News, Sherlock Holmes
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Sequels can be awesome, but can also be terrible.  I know I’ll get some flack from people for saying a movie will be bad before I actually see it, but it’s hard to go see a sequel when it’s predecessor so SO AWFUL!

This month comes a few sequels whose parent film was so bad I can’t fathom how a sequel was justified!  Below are a few films I’m refusing to see.  Opinions and disagreements are welcome in the comments section.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows
Plot Summary: Sherlock Holmes has always been the smartest man in the room… until now. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor Moriarty—and not only is he Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with a complete lack of conscience, may actually give him an advantage over the renowned detective. When the Crown Prince of Austria is found dead, the evidence, as construed by Inspector Lestrade, points to suicide. But Sherlock Holmes deduces that the prince has been the victim of murder—a murder that is only one piece of a larger and much more portentous puzzle, designed by Professor Moriarty. The cunning Moriarty is always one step ahead of Holmes as he spins a web of death and destruction—all part of a greater plan that, if he succeeds, will change the course of history. – From Comingsoon.net

My Justification: I fell asleep, literally, while watching the first one… henceforth I’m not too keen on seeing this sequel.  I guess I was expecting a more substantial plot line rather than beautiful people combined with massive explosions.  The first film detracted from Sherlock Holme’s intellect and made him more of a last action hero.  And with the massively positive response from the general public, I can only imagine the second film will be nothing but MORE of that!  I’ll be passing on this film.
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Mission: Impossible – Ghost Proticol
Plot Summary: Director Brad Bird and Producer J.J. Abrams bring us the action packed, entertainment event of the holiday season with “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.”
The new film in the series, which has grossed $2 billion dollars worldwide, will feature a new team: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton and Simon Pegg.
This is not just another mission.
The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in a global terrorist bombing plot. Ghost Protocol is initiated and Ethan Hunt and his rogue new team must go undercover to clear their organization’s name. No help, no contact, off the grid. You have never seen a mission grittier and more intense than this. – From Comingsoon.net

My Justification: Mission Impossible was great as ONE film.  But sequel after sequel proved the franchise not to be that riveting.  I love Tom Cruise and the rest of the cast, but Mission Impossible is simply NOT my thing.  The films forgot what what made the series so good…and what made it SO good WASN’T the amount of special effects poured into every minute of the film.
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Alvin And The Chipmunks – Chipwrecked
Plot Summary: The vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. As the ‘Munks and Chipettes try various schemes to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.  - From Comingsoon.net

My Justification: There’s very few films based on cartoons from my childhood that are cinematic works of genius.  Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, and others like that are landmarks in film making based off of old cartoons.  Having grown up watching the Chipmunks, and having seen the first film, I can honestly say that this sequel is simply not worth the price of admission for me.
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Justice League #4 Review

Posted: December 22, 2011 in Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Justice League Of America
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Writer: Geoff Johns
Penciller: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Willaims
Colorists: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Patrick Brosseau
Cover: Lee, Willaims, Sinclair
Editors: Darren Shan, Brian Cunningham

The only thing that was missing from that last splash page of Justice League #4 was Darkseid shouting “SAFETY!!”

I joke…or do I?

Most of this issue focuses around the same thing the previous three issues have been…introduce more heroes and cause even more egos to explode.  ”I want to lead!” “You aren’t leadership material!” “My power ring is bigger than your power ring!” It’s all one big shouting match between the guys, and they all want to be in charge.  Even Batman has an inferiority complex going for him.  The only one’s not going after the captain’s spot are Supes and Wondy.

Now I’m not trying to say this is a bad thing, don’t get me wrong.  Geoff Johns is great at making overused material feel fresh and new.  (James Robinson was the one with that problem.)  With this title taking us back five years into the past where superheroes are a fairly new landmark in human history, and each hero having minimal knowledge of each other, Geoff John’s approach makes perfect sense.  However, the biggest question to consider is this…is anything NEW being learned?

For us veteran comic book readers, the answer is NO.  For the newbies, it’s a whole world of YES!  So as a reviewer, do I review this issue with my experienced knowledge of the Justice League and comic book folklore, or do I set aside my preconceived notions about what the Justice League SHOULD be like and review it as if I were a newbie?

Click To Enlarge

As stated above, right now the Justice League is nothing more than a prick waving contest between the guys for the leader spot, Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth showed us that much.  Green Lantern, backed by the Flash for the most part, sizes Aquaman up by way of getting in his face and waving his questioning finger in front of him.  Aquaman quickly answers Green Lantern’s challenge with a fleet of hungry sharks and a Triton to a baddies jaw, as well as his resume as King of Atlantis.  Batman is able to get his two cents in about his leadership qualifications.  All the while Superman remains silent in his jockish way and Wonder Woman tries to maintain peace among the (yet to be established) League.

Cyborg’s story is getting interesting, but I’m still convinced he’ll be the weak link within the League.  DC has got to stop trying so hard to bring Cyborg into the League.  I’ll give them to benefit of the doubt for now, but I think the attempts have failed more than they’ve succeeded.

I can see how this entire set up for the league with the bigger oncoming fight against Darkseid can be fun for new readers, and it’s fun for me as well.  There’s something about origin stories that always makes me excited, even if there’s nothing new happening.  But juxtaposed with the whole Universe reboot, I think the whole “newness” of it is helping dictate my feelings towards the new Justice League.  Let’s be honest, this Justice League may be new within the reboot, but this is a story that has been told over and over again with every incarnation of the League.

Jim Lee = awesome!  I could simply end with that and I suspect all of you reading this would agree.  So let’s leave it at that!

Even though there’s nothing new being brought to the League as of yet, I still feel as if I can give #4 a high rating.  When Brad Meltzer took over the League a few years ago, I remember calling it “the best Justice League origin story in comics history.”  But now we are at the reboot where an origin story has been presented for a new set of readers.  What a powerful way to get newbies excited for comics on a monthly basis!

8 out of 10 stars

Catwoman #4 Review

Posted: December 21, 2011 in Catwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Guillem March, Judd Winink
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Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Guillem March
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Sal Cipriano
Editors: Rickey Purdin, Rachel Gluckstern

#4 is here!  I had a blast reading half way through…but then things kind of went down hill.  Certain things that made Catwoman awesome three issues ago vanished, only to give us a mediocre issue during the second half of the book.  I’m not completely sure what Winick is trying to do, but there’s definitely something missing in this issue.

The sex appeal is still there, I don’t think anyone’s going to deny that.  Guillem March takes the seductive nature of this book to a whole new level, putting Catwoman in positions that will make ANY man’s bulge go wild.  But while the visual attractiveness of Catwoman is a major driving force behind the appeal, one cannot deny that Catwoman’s confidence boosts that appeal even further into a whole new level of likability.  This version of Catwoman is so much like Starbuck from Battlestar Gallactica…she’s sexy, smart, stealthy, and with a confidence that outdoes any character in the DCU.

However, what makes this title stick out is the amount of humanity that lies within Catwoman’s veins.  Let’s not forget that Catwoman, deep down inside, is a thief.  She isn’t really a profound character if you get right down to it.  She cares very little for the value people place in their material possessions and allows herself act accordingly.  But when it came to the death of her long time friend, Lola, She admitted to herself the disdain she had for her own life and blamed herself for Lola’s death.  Both in the written dialog AND in the artwork we see the amount of hurt Selina suffers from believing to be the cause of Lola’s passing.  It’s an amazing soliloquy of suffering that will have you emotionaly exhausted before the end.

I was most impressed by the fact that Winick made us care about a character that died within the first three issue of her existence.  The way Selina described their relationship and how Lola basically put up with Catwoman through the years made me want to know more about her.  She certainly had Selina’s love. I want to go back in time and learn more about this cute, red headed fence that forced Selina to spill her soul to us via inner monologue.

But then the entrance of a new character, Selena’s old buddy in crime Gwen, and the further development of Detective Alvarez and his sleuthing against the mysterious criminal jettisons the comic into a whole new focus very quickly.  Selina became quite happy again and went right back to thievery at the drop of a hat.  Maybe I just have no idea since I’m not a crook, but if I had just lost my best friend in the worst way, I might take a few days off and mourn…but that’s just me.

One thing a dislike even more than unrelatable characteristics within the protagonist is the creation of really bad villains.  Enter “Reach,” who uses the power of technology to reach for people and throw them all over the place, shooting out what looks like blue lightning bolts that doesn’t hurt the person it touches.  To be honest, I could care less about this villain and how she “knows” Catwoman.  Hopefully “Reach” will be tossed out sooner rather than later.   Although I am interested to see how Catwoman is going to save herself from falling from a couple hundred feet in the air.  It’s a nice little cliff hanger that redeemed the bad villain choice.

50% good, 50% not so good.  What happened with ol’ rock face?  Is he going to get his just deserts?  C’mon Catwoman, go back to fighting the bigger fight and leave the everything else behind.

7 out of 10 stars

Wonder Woman Wednesday, 12/21/11

Posted: December 21, 2011 in DC Comics, Wonder Woman Wednesday
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If you REALLY look at what he’s saying, you’ll realize that his vocabulary isn’t that low…but you have to wonder if he even knows what he’s saying…

Points to anyone who knows what issue of Wonder Woman this comes from!  I know simply out of luck, but it would be interesting to see if any remembers where it’s from without going back and looking through EVERY issue.  Here’s a hint…Gail Simone wrote it.

And don’t forget, Wonder Woman #4 comes out today!  Sadly I will be waiting for it to arrive by mail…which means it will probably arrive two weeks later AND be badly damaged.  UGH!  However, some exciting stuff is on the horizon for Diana as she’s left Paradise island.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

The Hobbit Trailer Is Finally Here!!!

Posted: December 21, 2011 in Movie Trailers, The Hobbit
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I approve of this!  OMG, seriously, I don’t think I can wait much longer for this to come out!!!!  AAAAHHHHH!!!!!

I’ve been wondering how close to the overall “look” of the Hobbit would be, and how close it would resemble that of the LOTR trilogy.  Sure enough, it’s incredibly similar.  However, being split into two parts, I have a good feeling The Hobbit will be a much more faithful and fun rendition of Tolkien’s classic story.

Ok, ok, I need to calm down, otherwise my preconceived notions about the film might disappoint me once the film actually comes to theaters.  Ugh, the plight of being a movie buff.

Batwoman #4 Review

Posted: December 20, 2011 in Batwoman, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, J.H. Williams, W. Haden Blackman
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Writers: J.H. Willaims III & W. Haden Blackman
Artist: J.H. Willaims III
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Todd Klein
Editors: Rickey Purdin, Harvey Richards, & Michael Marts

Batman Created By Bob Kane

Thank you DC for putting all of those ads no one cares about at the back of the book instead of intermingled on every other page.  Maybe I got an oddball issue, but having all the ads at the end certainly made my reading experience that much more enjoyable.  Although, it did feel like the book was a lot shorter than normal, even though it wasn’t.  But still, thanks!

The Batwoman title is definitely a step in the right direction, giving readers something new and fresh to enjoy.  It’s not the stealthiest costume a superhero could wear, but it certainly allows for gorgeous artwork to compliment every page.  My review of Batman & Robin declared it to be the best Bat-book right after Detective comics.  I’m now recalling that statement to officially declare Batwoman the second best Bat-book after Detective…but Batwoman is super close to being #1.

I can only assume that the opening sex scene, juxtaposed with Flamebird duking it out with the hooked thug, is a sensual moment shared between Kate Kane and Detective Maggie.  It’s the only moment I can think of since this title started where Kate’s bright red hair is flushed out by the grey and white noir sensation…up until that moment where Kate climaxes.  It’s a sexy, yet disturbing moment of love, sensuality, and violence.  You want to turn away form the awesome finality it all, yet the tension grabs you and forces you to want more.  Angst is the driving force behind this story, and it couldn’t be better.

The way Willaims uses everything on each page to create individual panels is fantastic; every splash page is worthy of taking the time gaze at it, as well as the entire book.  The more painted panles and pages are a significant and creative change to the “not so painted” panels.  Without a doubt, Willaims wins the best artist of the year award!

I was all about Nightwing and Flamebird taking over Action Comics during the terribly boring “World of New Krypton” series.  I was glad to see Flamebird returning to the comics after the reboot in Batwoman #1.  So, needless to say, it shook my world to see the large hook driven through her body.  I’m so glad they aren’t killing her off…but what does this mean for Flamebird’s future?  Will SHE become the next wheel chaired wise-woman, replacing Barbara Gordon, or is a full recovery in her future?  Needles to say, this will be a definite driving point in what will happen next after the mystery of the weeping woman is resolved.

Mysticism is at the cornerstone of the title, making Batwoman more mysterious that Batman.  Kate Kane is such a normal person (with a lot of baggage) yet her lifestyle is still such a mystery.  Much of what we know of her is shrouded in the unknown. I honestly believe Batwoman will become THE MOST interesting hero in the DC Universe before reaching issue #12.

There’s so much to look forward to and the potential is just building up with every issue.  It seems everyone Kate Kane knows is working against her alter-ego, which could turn into a very bad situation if Kate’s secret identity is discovered. This just might be one of the stickiest situations a superhero has ever been in.  She has nothing gain, and everything to loose.  Fingers crossed that Flamebird doesn’t die off, otherwise she might not have any friends.

10 out of 10 stars

Dark Knight Rises Trailer

Posted: December 20, 2011 in Batman, Dark Knight Rises, DC Comics, Warner Bros., Warner Brothers
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Drool…..

Batgirl #4 Review

Posted: December 19, 2011 in Ardian Syaf, Batgirl, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Gail Simone
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Writer: Gail Simone
Penciller: Ardian Syaf
Inker: Vicente Cifuentes
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Dave Sharpe 
Cover: Adam Huges
Editors: Katie Kubert & Bobbie Chase

Now THIS is more like it!  For three issues, as much as I’ve enjoyed them, we’ve been getting a Barbara Gordon/Batgirl who felt to timid to be a superhero due to the baggage left back in the seat of her wheelchair.  Finally, the Batgirl we all knew and loved has come back to us, using her brains and top notch fighting skills rather than reverting back to her days of teenaged arrogance and inexperience.

Simone mixes a lot of fantastic literary qualities into this particular issue, filled with laughs, nostalgic moments, dramatic occurrences, and some tender instances.  One scene in particular where Batgirl saves two innocent bystanders from the violent hands of a band of thugs (who rely too much on faulty phone apps to avoid superheroic detection) and embraces a wonderful moment of sentimentality that is sadly absent from most of the male superheroes.

The final battle between the Mirror and Batgirl had Simone’s signature all over it; everything coming together to give Batgirl a reason to deliver an excellent bit public oratory worthy of an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.  However, since this is a comic book, with no way of giving an actress the chance of obtaining that nomination, a letter to the villain was all that was needed to successfully execute the emotional twist of this issue.

The whole notion that millions have endured tragedy and the loss of loved ones, moving on with their lives where he hadn’t the courage to do so, is an exceptionally strong message that anyone could learn from and take to heart. To make others pay for your pain, innocent people who have nothing to with you, is a selfish act no matter how you look at it.

It also allows Batgirl that moment of realization that THIS is a new era in her life.  She’s out of practice, yes, but she’s realized that it’s not JUST her ability to do flips and kicks that makes her who she is, but her brilliant mind she developed as Oracle which makes her potentially one of the most cunning superheroes in DC’s repertoire.  All she needed was that moment of truth to recognize and remember that.

The opening sequence was a bit much for me.  Maybe the Mirror’s power truly does help one to see things in his or her past in an amplified negative light, but I didn’t buy the whole “Barabara fights herself” monologue.  But it was set up very creatively, with Batgirl in the wheelchair, and Barbara standing up, walking around.

Syaf is an artistic magician.  The definition within in every character, landscape and constructions are perfect, without flaw.  Arreola also displays a mastery of light and shadow, giving so much depth to the colors in this dark and gothic world of Batgirl.It’s likely that this might be the best work I’ve seen Syaf and Arreola do this year.

This comic is on the verge of being one of DC’s BETTER books, but it’s still timid and playing it safe enough to the point where it just hasn’t broke out in excellence like Suicide Squad, Swamp Thing, Action and Detective Comics have.  However, Batgirl has reached my “4 issue” trial period and is definitely staying on my pull list.  I can’t wait to see how Barbara’s story behind her mysterious recovery is unveiled and how she uses her new found strength in the future.

9 Out Of 10 Stars

Wonder Woman’s Opinion On Men

Posted: December 18, 2011 in DC Comics, Wonder Woman
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Don’t let his ability to mess big words together fool you, his vocab sucks compared to Wondy’s!

Batman & Robin #4 Review

Posted: December 17, 2011 in Batman & Robin, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Patrick Gleeson, Peter J. Tomasi
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Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inker: Mick Gray
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Patrick Brosseau
Cover: Gleason, Gray, & Kalisz
Editors: Katie Kubert, Harvey Richards, & Mike Marts

Batman Created By Bob Kane

Each Bat-title, as I’ve said in other reviews, has its own individual theme appropriate for to its title.  Batman and Robin is a “focus on the family” kind of title, no pun intended.  However, what’s ALSO been true of this title, thus far, is the amount of explosive action coming from every corner.  While #4 began with a lot of punching, kicking, and fireball action, it quickly went into an epic duel between father and son.

Certainly, Morgan is coming back, that was made clear by the issue’s end, but Morgan’s part in this tale seems to be done for now.  (Unless, of course, I’m completely wrong and he shows up next month in #5…wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been wrong.)  But to be honest, I really don’t care about Morgan.  He has a few interesting traits, but surrounded by the tension between Damian and Bruce makes his part in the story seem trivial and minor.

As intense as the exchange between Bruce and Damian is, there’s still this strong feeling of literary excellence that you don’t see too often in comics whose selling point is in the action and adventure.  As annoying as Damian is, there’s an incredible amount of angst built up between the two that really makes me want to see what happens with Damian.  Before, I was hoping he’d just fall off a cliff and die, but now I’m wondering if Damian will be the next Robin to go off the deep end and become one of Bruce Wayne’s arch villains.

Gleason has always been a top pick for me when it comes to artists, and this issue delivers the best art a comic can provide.  It’s obvious Gleason has a love for the more cartooney style of art, but there is a realism in everything he does that gives every panel some “umpf.”  And what an absolutely terrifying cover!  The city, ripping apart with Damian coming out from the middle, and Morgan’s reflection gleaming in the water.  This might be one of the best DC covers of the year!

Every Bat-Title is playing its part, with Detective Comics leading the way in quality.  But, without a doubt, Batman & Robin is boosting itself into a close second.  Damian, there may be hope for you yet….but not much.

8 out of 10 stars

Suicide Squad #4 Review

Posted: December 15, 2011 in Adam Glass, Comic Book Review, DC Comics, Federico Dallocchio, Suicide Squad
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Written By: Adam Glass
Artist: Federico Dallocchio
Colorist: Val Staples
Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher
Cover: Ken Lashley
Editors: Sean Mackiewicz, Pat McCallum

So what happened here?  Like the previous 3 issues, the shit continues to hit the fan.  Issue #4 begins with a jolting set of violent acts, all headed by Captain Boomerang, much to the dismay of the rest of the team.  But, in that trademarked Boomerang style, the Captain shows why he really isn’t leadership material.  Not even the reboot can change that!

This title is doing all it can to fill that hole left by the cancellation of the Secret Six,  and those are some pretty big shoes to fill.  Adam Glass has been up to the challenge and doing a great job thus far.  It’s too early for any of the characters to really connect to one another however; they mostly just bicker with brief moments of twisted humor and insanity.  However, from the first issue until now we’ve seen the team look out for one another in their own, individual ways.  Of course that’s mostly due to the fact that if any of them deviate from the plans Amanda Waller has given them, their heads will blow up.  But from what has transpired so far, we’re seeing little inklings of love within each member.

#4′s main focus is on the revelation of Amanda Waller’s progressively developing plan for the Squad, but within that we get a lot of really cool moments for each character.  As mentioned above, Deadshot proves himself to be the leader the team needs.  (What was the purpose of having Boomerang in this issue anyway?)  There’s also been a lot of buzz about Harley Quinn’s new origin story coming up in the Squad, and this issue gave us a hint of something to look forward too.

One little downer for me, however, was Yo-Yo.  I’ve been waiting to see the importance of his character in this book, but all we see is his a remarkable ability to mimic a blowfish.  Really??  Maybe there’s something more coming about this, maybe more will be revealed to show Yo-Yo’s awesomeness…but I’m not giving my hopes up.

Federico Dallocchio and Val Staples is steadily impressing me more and more.  From my perspective, there seems to be a bit of a disjointed look between the sketching and the coloring, as if the two artists haven’t quite figure out their grove yet.  However, I won’t complain as it’s all gorgeous no matter how you slice it.  My only hope is that Dallocchio gives Harley a much more menacing look.  She feels too much like a regular comic book hottie with perfect features and not so much like a demented hottie…with perfect features.  I don’t think it’s the costume, I think it’s mostly within her face and how it’s constructed.  Maybe that demented look will come out more in later issues…especially when her new origin is revealed!

It’s not quite up to Secret Six quality, but I don’t think ANY title ever will be.  However, the Squad is standing on it’s own two feet and is definitely sticking out with it’s own uniqueness and creativity that none of the other 52 have been able to touch yet.  This is one of DC’s best titles!

9 out of 10 stars

1978 Animated Lord of the Rings

Posted: December 15, 2011 in Lord Of The Rings
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Watch this before it’s taken down from Youtube!!!

Men In Black 3 Trailer

Posted: December 14, 2011 in Men in Black, Movie Trailers
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I’ve always been a fan of Men in Black…it used to be one of my favorite movies. It’s filled with all kinds of crazy, wacky, corny goodness that gets my sci-fi blood a pumpin’!!! The first one was fantastic.  The second one, meh, not so much…but I loved it all the same!  Now there’s a third film coming out, and it actually looks quite good!

Josh Brolin playing a younger Tommy Lee Jones is a stroke of genius! I have no doubt that I’m going to have the time of my life watching this!  May, 25, 2012 can’t come quickly enough!

Now please, don’t be disillusioned, I completely understand that the Men in Black franchise is not a GREAT one; even the first film, while being incredibly funny and thought provoking, (in that twisted sense) is still not a GREAT one.  However, there is something to be said about the hidden secrets of the government and how they try to maintain a certain level of anonymity among its people.  it’s a creepy, terrifying idea that intrigues our cinematic senses and culturally constructed mentality of conspiracy theories.  t’s one of those sci-fi films I honestly never get tired of watching.

15 years later, the franchise is still one of my all time favorites within the sci-fi genre…right after Star Wars and the Superhero films.  If you’re a fan of Men in Black, give this post a “like” and comment below!

Watchmen Commission by Jim Calafiore

Posted: December 12, 2011 in DC Comics, J. Calafiore, Watchmen
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The artist of my favorite title, Secret Six, posted this new commission on Facebook this morning.  I’m completely against DC making a new Watchmen series, but if it were to happen, I would be MORE than happy with Calafiore taking over the art.

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