My Top 10 Comic Couples

Inspired by the fantastic relationship that is being portrayed by Big Barda and Scott Free in Tom King and Mitch Gerads amazing Miracle Man run is my favorite comic couples. Also, another plug, if you like comics, you should be reading it. There are several favorite couples in comic books books. Everyone has a different one. To be clear, these are couples that are either hinted at, have happened, or interest presented in comic book form. These aren’t ships as much as they are the couples I love to see most. One of them will venture into ship territory, but I feel justified in the choice (stay tuned for that). Additionally a few characters will show up in multiple different relationships. I hope this will make sense for you all once you actually see them.

10. Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne

There is a lot to unpack with this relationship. Hank is famous for slapping his wife, and there were a ton more images of abuse on the web than their were of them being a happy couple. I am not here to defend abusers, or suggest that the couple was wrong in splitting up. Quite the contrary, I love this couple because they split up. Both are founding members of the Avengers and their relationship was a shining point in the initial Avengers run. You had this sweet super couple between two people with the technology to shrink. This later expanded as Pym graduated to Giant Man (he changes identities a lot). Yet overtime, Hank became more and more obsessed with his work. Eventually Pym inhales chemicals that give him schizophrenia. The pair marry in the 70’s. After being suspended of duty by Cap, Hank eventually strikes Jan in a fit of rage. This leads to the couple divorcing and Hank being expelled from the Avengers. And here lies Hank’s greatest failure. His marriage. It was not the creation of Ultron, it was the dissolution of his marriage. Janet represents Hank’s bearing. Without her, he quite frankly is nothing. She is his lightning rod, and only after she left, could Hank realize that. Janet made the right choice. Yet Hank isn’t a monster that many people generally consider him to be, he’s a brilliant man who doesn’t have anything. Reed as family and Stark has wealth. Pym, arguably a greater mind than both of them has nothing. He could save the world, but without Jan at his side he is nothing more than a broken man. In case 300 words didn’t make it apparent. I love Hank Pym. Top 3 favorite Marvel characters.

9. Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon

There are two dominant loves in Dick Grayson’s life. Babs and Koriand’r (referred to as Starfire from here on out). While I like the Teen Titans, and I grew up and loved the animated show, The first couple is still my preferred relationship for Grayson. The orphaned ward of Bruce Wayne and the brilliant daughter of GCPD Chief Jim Gordon. Both donned a mask early on in their lives, and were forever thrust into Batman’s endless war on crime. Yet while Bruce sought solace in beating more criminals, the pair eventually found companionship with themselves. This only grew after the events of the Killing Joke. As Barbara embraced her new roll as Oracle, and kept constant vigil over the Knights of Gotham. This couple, as well as Bab’s paralysis have been undone since the beginning of the New 52. Replacing the love with melancholy and a bit of animosity. Fortunately Gail Simone gave us the wedding we all deserved in her Convergance book. So at least we have that.

8. Oliver Queen and Dinah Lance

Why wouldn’t this show up on a top 10 couple list? This arguably should be further on the list, but it didn’t quite cut it with the competition. What else is there to say? Ollie and Dinah are perfect for each other, and despite barely interacting in the New 52. Ben Percy and Otto Schmidt rekindled their spark in Rebirth. One of the headlining plots in their run on Green Arrow is the deep love that the characters have for each other, and how that love was as intense on day one. They love each other, despite often not finding reasons to love themselves. They help each other get past their own issues and make them that much stronger together. They have had their fair shares of ups and downs. Yet through it all, they always come back together.

7. Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown

One of the 90’s greatest power couples. Most kids growing up in the 90’s immediately found a connection with Tim Drake’s Robin. I was no exception. His budding romance with the Spoiler, captured my young heart. The couple stuck together through some of the worst moments in Gotham, like No Mans Land. Eventually Tim supported Steph through her pregnancy (Tim was not the father), and helped her come to the decision to put the baby up for adoption. The couple drifted apart, largely due to Steph faking her death in War Games. Yet the spark always remains. Steph was absent most of the New 52 (as was Tim’s personality). Yet recent events in James Tynion’s Detective Comics have revitalized that romantic spark. While the couple is currently on the rocks, they clearly care about each other.

6. Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince

This is a shout out to the threads plotted in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. Both series’ showed off mutual attraction for one another. A smart move since Clark has Lois (I hate Clark and Diana, spoiler, that couple isn’t on the list). It not only helped serve as some character growth for the both of them, but also made for some humorous situations. Diana’s naivety paired well with Bruce’s surly attitude. The episode, ‘This Little Piggy’ should leave no one without at least a small support for this relationship, as Bruce turns Gotham upside down looking for Diana (she was transformed into a pig). Despite being utter filler, it is incredibly sweet and solidified this couple in my head from a young age.

5. Bruce and Selina

Yes, the first duplicate character showing up. How do you not love this duo? Especially with Tom King’s run on the characters, and their impending marriage. They have shared a dangerous attraction with each other for several decades now. One of the best stories showcasing their relationship was Hush, which is a masterpiece in its own right. Selina has always tread the line between good and bad, but always trends towards good when paired with Bruce. Tom King plays their relationship as a mutual partnership. They need each other to keep going. They love each other, while recognizing that they are equally hard to love. The couple always drifts away from each other. Sometimes it is due to Selina and sometimes it is because Bruce. While I am sure the couple won’t stay married for long, I will love every single second that they are together.

4. Ted Kord and Barbara Gordon

This is a personal favorite of mine. Ted is my absolute favorite hero and my comic book idol. Barbara Gordon is the greatest Batgirl and one of my all time favorite heroes. They had an unlikely flirtation throughout the original Birds of Prey run. Both figuring out each others secret identities because they are smarty pants. When they became close, the couple naturally broke it off. Babs has always had Nightwing, listed above. They have a great deal in common, and would have made a very cute couple. For Ted, it remained unrequited. Barbara stuck around as his friend long after the rest of the hero community wrote him off as a joke. The last time we see this couple mentioned, is in the panel above. From Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1. If you haven’t read it, make sure you do. It’ll make you fall in love with Ted and break your heart.

3. Archie Andrews and Veronica Lodge

Yes, this is my preferred ship for Riverdale’s lovable goof ball. Sure Betty is generally considered to be the better pair, but I don’t like him with the girl next door type. Having him step out of his shell and explore the often hilarious life of the fabulously wealthy. This always puts him in the cross hairs of Hiram Lodge, which make the Archie experience all the more enjoyable. Mark Waid’s seminal run on the title has only fleshed out Veronica more. Changing her from haughty heiress to down to Earth girl. Sure she is still very rich. Yet she is a much more relate-able character. One that I fell for, when I never had thought of Veronica in that way before. In the arc that introduces Cheryl Blossom we see Veronica show off all the good she learned from Archie and the gang. Call it perfect writing and great characterization. This book is one of my all time favorite books, and this is one of the reasons why. I have seen the first season of Riverdale, and somehow I got through it. I don’t intend on watching it again. This opinion is 100% formed by the comic books.

2. Jean Grey and Scott Summers

I am a 90’s kid. Thus X-Men is deeply ingrained in my being. From the abundance of comic books (and so many shoulder pads). To the animated series, and the excellent theme song that accompanied it. What struck with me most of all of them was Scott and Jean. I always loved Cyclops. Still do. He is hands down my favorite Marvel character. I also have always have, and always will hate Wolverine. So this works not only to make a point for my favorite couple, but helps me debunk Jean and Wolverine. I will not spend this article defending Scott. He is a bit of a scoundrel, and I agree with none of it. But when I picture Jean or Scott, I always picture them together. That is how I choose to see them, and if Scott doesn’t have Jean in his life, Scott is always lesser to me. Also the fact that Scott exists as a hollow shell without Jean in so many different mediums, just shows his dedication to her. Why does Scott have to suffer so much? Can’t we just let him have something?

1. Lois and Clark

Duh? Do I really need to explain this? They are the poster child for greatest comic book couple. The addition of Jonathan has only changed their dynamic for the better. Long live the Super-Family!

Wednesday Round Up

Hello all! I have been rather silent lately, and for that I will apologize.

I was originally going to wait to post again until next week, but something remarkable happened. Moon Knight. So I decided that I would take the time before work to address the high’s and lows of last weeks comics, before I dive into my stack for this week (Batgirl, Royals, and Hawkeye!)

Moon Knight #1: This book makes me want to do a proper review, so I will be posting one about that shortly. I will attach the link here once it is completed.

Magneto #1: This book was different than I expected, as the internal dialogue of the character emphasized what I like about villains. Instead of getting a long monologue with stereotypical villainous schemes, we find Magneto contemplating himself and his past actions as he hunts down a killer who target mutants. This reflection on who he is and admission that he is a bad guy, was well worth the read.

Green Arrow #29: Much like Batman and Two-Face #28 went under the radar, I think this book will too. The ending of Batman and went largely unnoticed, even though it saw the demise of Two-Face. This book too has a shocking ending, as an arrow glides smoothly through Ollie’s face, leaving him dead on the ground. Granted this is a comic, and dead isn’t dead, the last scene is rather startling. This book did have one major flaw, in my mind. Diggle. This book forces the character down our throat in an attempt to have some semblance of continuity with the Arrow television show. I for one prefer my two separate. TV and film are where comic characters go to die, and having a stellar book like Green Arrow feel like it needs to stoop down and attract the audience of a shitty television show is disgusting.

Arkham War #6: Much like Green Arrow, I was disappointed by the conclusion to what was one of the best Forever Evil tie ins. Instead of having the final scene with Bane taking control of the city, I found myself distracted by this.

Really? It’s been almost two years since the film debuted, yet someone at DC decided now was a time to incorporate Bane’s Dark Knight Rises jacket? I’m not even sure what he said for the last two pages as I was appalled that Bane was doing his best Tom Hardy impression. What could have been a dramatic and important conclusion just turned into a distracting reminder of what I dislike.

Earth Two #29: While I have sung the praises of Tom Taylor early in his run, I am beginning to grow weary of this book every month. For three issues now, nothing has happened. More people die, while the plot isn’t significantly advanced. Early on we saw the death of Green Lantern, Doctor Fate is not legitimately crazy, the Atom is either armless or dead, and the list of casualties continues to grow. It’s not as if I dislike bad things happening in my comics, but the overwhelming amount of bad has gotten difficult to read.

That concludes my thoughts for some of the talking points from last week. I will post my review of Moon Knight #1 shortly for your reading pleasure.

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Count Vertigo #1

I had long discussed how tragic DC’s new Green Arrow was and seemingly answering all of my critiques, DC put my favorite writer (Jeff Lemire) and Andrea Sorrentino on the book. 6 months later it is one of the best books DC puts out every month, with some of the best art ever. While Lemire has done a lot of good with the character, I have disliked some of his sweeping changes to Ollie’s origins, and recently he debuted a completely different take on the Emerald Archer’s arch-nemesis Count Vertigo. Aside from Sorrentino’s dynamite art of the vertigo effect, I was displeased as a whole with the massive changes to one of my favorite lower rank villains. So despite the creative team I was not at all looking forward to this issue, but figured I’d read it because I love to see the creative team work. Here is what I liked about the issue.

1. The team. Lemire and Sorrentino are fully synced at this point and it is a pleasure to see them work so well together.
2. Vlatava, everyone’s favorite, forgotten, and fictional middle European nation still has precedence over Vertigo’s story.
3. The new origin for the character actually makes him more fascinating, and I do enjoy fascinating characters.
4. He’s ruthless. Lemire brings a whole new level of ruthlessness with this version of Vertigo, something that made my head spin (get it?)

Rating before reading: 6
Rating after reading: 8

I was incredibly shocked to find that I loved the origin of this new vertigo. I was pleased to see him brought down to a common level, rather than being a deposed despot. We see him struggle and make himself better despite of it, everyone else be damned. Sold to a research company for drugs, the Count found himself augmented with the vertigo machine that gives him the powers of which he takes his name from. Knowing he’s been made into a weapon, he decides to take charge of his own life and murder his handlers. While not fleshed out entirely we do see that Vertigo goes as a man named Warren Zytle who’s wealthy and owns a prominent business corporation. Under that guise he is able to travel wherever he needs to conduct less admirable interests. That Lemire was able to get me hooked on this radical redesign of the character is astonishing, and a testament to his overall narrative. I am pleased to see Green Arrow and his greatest rogue to such heights and can not wait for the book to return in just under a month.

There is only one review left before we hold our breaths for week two of villains month!

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: The Creeper #1

Today I bring you more villain month coverage! Both Deadshot and Darkseid proved to be outstanding with Pak and Kindt taking credit for the success of both. Both are relatively new to DC but no slouches within the industry. The Creeper however is written by now veteran DC writer, Anne Nocenti. While she’s been pretty hit and miss, Katana has stayed relatively consistent, with only a few hiccups to speak of. The new Creeper redesign seems completely in her control, and she seems to have a clear direction and path for the character. Before I discuss the issue itself, here is what I liked.

1. The beginning features a Sword clan Samurai narrating as he’s hunting down the Creeper in ancient Japan.
2. They once again mention the phrase outsider, which has been thrown around in both Katana and Green Arrow quite frequently as of late.

Rating before reading: 6
Rating after reading: 5

This issue falls short of remarkable. But not without trying. A bevy of artists did some nice work on it, but the main problem with the comic is plotting. In the beginning the plot is completely from the point of view of the Outsider Samurai, however 6  pages in it suddenly shifts focus to The Creeper and spirals downwards from there. The first part of the story seemed unique: the hunter of monsters trapped in his own sword. Yet when Soultaker broke and released all the spirits we followed the path of the titular character, rather than an observant second party. What would have made this comic truly remarkable is if we had followed the spirit of that Samurai. Perhaps even see the cycle of hunter and hunted come back.

Anything had to be better than the obnoxious story we got within the comic. For the most part we have already seen Jack Ryder being an alcoholic, and we’ve already seen the new version of the Creeper be uncharismatic and uninteresting. This comic is no different. You feel nothing for Jack Ryder, you feel nothing for the Creeper, you simply want it to end. And when that relief finally comes, it felt like a long time coming.

While I’m a fan of the original Creeper, I’ve been trying to keep an open mind about the drastically altered redesign. But so far it has not proved to be something that fascinates me or possess the potential to do so. While I like and support Anne Nocenti, this comic was a definite miss and a waste of potential on all accounts.

Until the next time,

Rn

Greatest Hits: September 2013

It’s that time again, when I discuss the ten comics that I am most excited about seeing from the most recent round of solicitations. While I have already discussed what I was hoping to see from villains month, I have compiled my list of the ten comics that I think no reader can afford to miss. So let’s get right to it, shall we?

10. Green Arrow #23.1- While most of the month see’s all the books taken over by unheard of names and faces, Green Arrow’s villain issue features the familiar team of Lemire and Sorrentino. They both just wrapped their first arc on their re-brand of the Emerald Archer, and look poised to revolutionize the character again by altering his arch enemy, Count Vertigo.

9. Action Comics #23.2- Given that Man of Steel premiers in just a few days, it is only natural for DC to be preparing the markets in case it turns out to be a financial success. If it does, then Zod merchandise and availability will need to be in full supply. Up until now Zod hasn’t been seen in the New 52, making villain’s month the perfect place to do so. The book also features DC new comer and upcoming Batman/Superman scribe Greg Pak take the helm. This not only indicates Pak’s greater importance in the New 52, but gives another compelling reason to read the villains reintroduction.

8. Justice League of America #7.1- An issue featuring Deadshot as the solo star seemed unlikely at the onset of solicitations, yet here it is. The character has been a pivotal figure in the relaunched Suicide Squad, but has always felt a little bare. Given his pre-New 52 status had his character revolutionized in Gail Simone’s Secret Six series (how I miss that book so). This is Deadshot’s first real chance to shine alone, and if we are lucky, perhaps the issue can bring back some of the magic the character has been missing.

7. Batman and Robin #23.2- The City of Owls arc has come and gone, and yet it’s impact is still being felt across the DC Universe. The Court getting their own one shot is a dream come true for many of us who enjoyed the complex arc woven by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. While Neither will be involved with the issue itself, the solicitation promises to see them take extreme measures to take control in the new world order.

6. Superman #23.1- While many of the villains showcased in September are classic villains that have already been introduced in the New 52, many classic Superman villains will be added to the list. Bizarro is one of DC’s most iconic and recognizable villains, and his bright and cheery face will appear for the first time come fall. Though the solicitation image presents a strikingly different version of the character than fans are accustomed too, only the issue will tell us how similar the old and new versions of the character truly are.

5. Justice League #23.3- While Dial H is technically ending in August, it doesn’t stop DC from sending it out with a bang. DC will introduce the Dial E Coda that serves as the opposite of the dial we are all familiar with. More to that, the issue will feature 20 new villains all drawn by 20 different artists. Including Jeff Lemire, Jock, and Alberto Ponticelli. If that doesn’t sound like a book well worth the cover price, I don’t know what does.

4. Batman and Robin #23.3- One of Batman’s biggest villains has been surprisingly silent since the dawn of the New 52. Come September, Batman villain Ra’s Al Guhl will finally have his day in the New 52. In an issue that promises to not only showcase the Demons Head but his League of Assassins as well. Batman fans daren’t miss what promises to be an epic issue that defines the characters origin in this new world.

3. Batman #23.2- While Joker may get the headlining “.1” spot, DC will give the second slot to the Riddler. Long teased as a major part of the next arc (Zero Year starts tomorrow by the way), and has slowly but surly been given more and more press. In the only Villain Month story written by Scott Snyder, the teaser promises not only an epic story but a tie in to Zero Year. What we can expect hasn’t been revealed, but whatever it is will be delightful.

2. Justice League #23.4- Perhaps the most important Villain Month tie in focuses on the Secret Society of Super Villains. With all of the heroes gone, naturally the team that plotted their demise will be given the burden of chartering the new world order. Things are bound to get all kinds of crazy and complex, and this issue should be a must grab for anyone. As the entire world might literally change within it’s pages.

1. Forever Evil #1- What else could it be? DC’s first crossover event quite literally changes the face of the DC Universe. And what’s more compelling to read than a world full of heroes? A world where all those heroes have died.

What do you think is the most important book coming in September, and what are you most excited about?

Until the next time,

Rn

Marvel VS DC Monday’s #7

It’s that time of the week again, and the absence caused by being stuck in an airport in Cleveland last week has only fueled MFT and I’s competitive edge. We are both out for blood this week, and are anxious to prove who had the biggest and best week in comics. The last bout ended in a 4-2 victory for my beloved DC which has improved to a 5-1 lead over Marvel overall.

Now it’s time for the true blue believers to shine as I discuss why DC most undoubtedly had the greatest week last week.

1. Green Arrow #19- Lemire has done a miraculous thing, turning around Green Arrow after just three issues and making it easily the best thing on the market, and easily the best comic that came out of the last week. Paired perfectly with Lemire is Sorrentino, who’s art is as fluid and and involved as ever. She brilliantly depicts the extreme amount of movement and action within the pages of this comic, in a way few artists can do. If you have still hesitated to pick up this series, then shame on you. This series is absolutely dynamic and has completely reinvigorated the character. It’s the Green Arrow you’ve been waiting to see since the beginning of the New 52. And you are only 3 issues behind.

2. Detective Comics #19- The 900th issue spectacular is easily worth the 7.99 cover price. Not only are Layman and Fabok able to tell an expanded version of Man-Bat’s New 52 origin, but are able to do it while keeping pace with everything else that has gone down in the Bat-Universe in the past few months. This  issue proves that the team is capable and deserving of being the leader of the new Batman Status Quo. In addition, threads to new stories in Detective Comics, Dark Knight, Talon, and Batman itself have all been weaved within the pages of this book. While not only focusing on the future, the issue cleverly references the monument of becoming the second comic ever to reach 900 issues. The last anniversary comic was Amazing Spider-Man #700, which was as big a pile of shit and waste of money as you could ever see. Detective Comics #19 proves that celebratory comics can be well worth the extended cover price.

3. Action Comics #19- It’s fitting that the oldest comic on the market would have a stellar week as well. While this will be Diggle’s only issue on Action, I have to say it was the best single Superman story in the New 52. It featured sparks between Lois and Clark, some big action, and the most bad ass looking Lex we’ve seen since the relaunch. It was a Superman fan’s dream come true. And while Diggle is now gone, it was Tony S. Daniel’s art that really made this comic soar. Daniel will be taking over writing duties for the next two issues, and while it might not come close to this single issue the quality of the arc isn’t going to tank.

4. Green Lantern #19- It has been a while since a Green Lantern comic has really thrilled me. We’ve been stuck in events that made no sense if you didn’t read the entirety of the Lantern-verse (which I don’t). That paired with personal reasons as to why GL was no longer enjoyable has made for an abysmal few months of Green Lantern comics. This issue returned to what I have loved about the run in the New 52: Sinestro. In an entirely Sinestro centric issue we see not only Sinestro shaken to his very core, but a massive alteration to the the Green Lantern universe as well. In an issue as thrilling as the special cover would suggest, I have been waiting for this for the longest time.

5. Phantom Stranger #7- While taking a sidetrack from the ongoing plot of the series, the issue manages to hit quite a few high notes. Not only do we see the introduction (and demise?) of Jack Ryder in the New 52, but we get to see more of God as the adorable Terrier. All the while the Question works in the background to an exciting, albeit rather spoiled (look at the cover) conclusion. Phantom Stranger just continues to please, and it doesn’t look like it will slow down anytime soon (Trinity War is only 3 months away!)

Now that you’ve heard from me, you are obligated to listen to MoreFunTravis’ argument before voting for DC.

I need just one book this week to win.  Just one.  One Marvel title that perfectly encapsulates everything that Marvel is doing right.

So, there are no gatefold covers for me this week or extra-special, super fat 8 dollar comics either.  No shocking truths or mournful…mournings for us in the Marvel camp.

Instead, we are taking a look at Mark Waid and Walt Simonson’s The Incredible Hulk #6.  

As I stated earlier, This past week’s issue of Incredible Hulk demonstrates perfectly everything I love about Marvel.  A respect for the past, an eye toward the future, and focus on talent and not characters that seems to be more and more of a rarity over at the Dreaded Competition.

I’d like to first talk a little about this near miraculous combination of Mark Waid on scripts and Walt Simonson on art.  Now, calling Mark Waid “new talent” is anything but true.  But for the world of mainstream comics, Mark Waid as a super-star headliner is still a new phenomenon.  The guy is arguably the hottest thing in funny books right now.  He’s proving his worth on all sorts of books and doing about a hundred different things on said books.  Walt Simonson on the other hand is everything that is classic Marvel comics.  His style is unlike anything we have today…yet his influence has touched almost every modern super-hero artist in the industry.  It seems only natural to put these two on a book together.  The combination of snappy, modern writing and bombastic, detailed art makes Hulk seem like a perfect blast from the past while still appealing to modern movie going sensibilities.  The dynamic between these two is amazing.  The narrative story telling just in this one issue alone seems like something that was perfected over long years of working together.

The plot of IC #6 itself is exactly, in my mind, the point of Marvel Now.  We take classic characters and stories and filter them through a modern lens.  There is so much old-school earnestness behind Hulk portal jumping to the land of the frost giants and facing a Thor who does not recognize him, and yet with Mark Waid orchestrating these characters and this little square of the universe…it all feels new.  It takes something special to take a 51 year old character and make his exploits and adventures feel brand new without erasing what was special and cherished about the past.  How do you recognize where you’ve been without forgetting where you’re going?  In actuality, it turns out to be much simpler than it seems.  I can imagine the Hulk in this plot existing in almost any other time in Marvel history.  Yet, it has a touch, very subtle, special uniques that feels new.  That feels different.  That feels “now.”  That nowness, if you will, that certain feeling that this is relevant and special to you and I reading this issue in the month of April in the year 2013 is without question due to the melding of top industry talent from today and yesterday.  It’s Mark Waid writing modern comics and Walt Simonson draw the comforting, welcoming comics we all know and love.  

You want to see comics adapt to the modern era?  Evolve and stay alive?  This is it folks.  This is an open love the letter to the past…and a promise for the future.  This issue of Incredible Hulk is the first time that Marvel Now has really grabbed me by the hand and shown me what Marvel can do with the future of sequential story telling.  And guys…it is damn exciting.  

Stack this one issue against anything DC put out this week and I promise you the difference is glaringly obvious.  If I had to give an old veteran returning to comics or a young kid walking into the local comic shop for the first time one book…just one title…to convince them that comics were something special, something magical, it would be Incredible Hulk #6.  Can you say the same about anything DC published this week?

Now that you’ve heard from the both of us, it’s time to get the vote out! Comment on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and the main page to make your voice heard. The power is in your hands.

Until the next time,

Rn and MFT

Ravingnerd Reviews: Justice League of America #1

I don’t know many people who hadn’t been anticipating this. A team up with Geoff Johns and David Finch that was set to redefine the Justice League as we all knew it? What DC fan wouldn’t hop aboard that as fast as possible? And if you weren’t excited about it, you probably aren’t a DC fan. Or at least fanatical as the rest of us.

The DC Universe has seemed primed for this for quite a while now. This comic takes not only characters from across the DC Universe but concepts, elements, and plots that we haven’t see in a long time. So with all the anticipation set, it’s time I get this review under way:

1. David Finch. Pretty much enough said.
2. Waller (despite appearances) is still a boss and master of her trade. I love how involved she is with the team and why she chose the specific members.
3. I honestly think this is the coolest we’ve seen Hawkman in the New 52 so far. While his title was called “The Savage Hawkman” this is certainly the most savage we have seen him.
4. Similar props to Katana, whom is now placed on a pedestal of bad assery. While a great assasin in before the New 52, she has now been promoted. Waller stated that she and Deathstroke both vie for the title of worlds best assassin. Now that’s bad ass.
5. Professor Ivo is revealed to be one of the dark shadowy figures meeting (from the back of Justice League #6). The panel is recreated here, but reveals a little more information than the first.
6. J’onn starts being a badass right off the bat.

Rating before reading: 8
Rating after reading: 8

This is one solid comic. There is so much good to it, the problem with it only comes with it being a first issue. It hits so many good notes, but does little except introduce the players of the team. Hell, the team doesn’t even know they are a team yet. Despite that, this comic is driven by the knowledge that the Secret Society has already formed and is gunning the heroes. As a reader, we know shits going to get real fast. The highlight of the comic for me is in two places. With the surprise reveal behind the side story taking place simultaneously, and with Trevor and J’onn talking. The surprise of the first reveal is excellent, and is honestly important to the structure of the team. The latter interaction, as noted above, just proves just how revolutionary the characterization of J’onn will be in this book.

A solid read, and well worth the investment. I am definitely in this for the long hall.

Until the next time,

Rn

Greatest Hits: March 2013

I always like to give my thoughts on the most recent solicits from DC. And though my posting has been sporadic, things may start settling down within my personal life now. That being said, continued well wishes would be much appreciated.

Now, back to point. March seems poised to really set things off for comics, not only will most of DC’s Fourth Wave be well underway, things seem to begin falling into place for the Looming Trinity War. 

10. Team 7 #6- Team 7 has managed to fall on my every list but February’s. Now it’s back again. While this title isn’t quite performing up to expectation, #6 seems poised to prove us wrong. Not only will the title flip between past and present, but we will begin to see the roots of the past blend with those of the future. A team member is set to die, and the inclusion of Caitlin Fairchild promises to make some major revelations as to why she is where she is now.

9. Stormwatch/Deathstroke #18- While both are dramatically different titles with seemingly nothing in common, the covers reveal something quite interesting. First off in Stormwatch, their newest member is Wildstorm’s Zealot. At the same time the Deathstroke cover shows him facing off against Warblade. While the plots focus on two different things, both feature members of the WildC.A.T.S quite prominently. It has been quite rumored that they will return in some capacity soon, and given the increasing importance of the Daemonites in the New 52 would heavily suggest so. These comics could serve as building blocks for a new team, as Stormwatch has already come into conflict with the Daemonites and Deathstroke is a prime candidate for the New 52 version of the team.

8. Justice League Dark #18/Constantine #1- Constantine has already been established as the New 52’s go to magician, now he seems poised to be the new king of the Dark line. Aside from it being a first issue written by Robert Venditti, the comic promises for seismic revelations about the DCU. One can only assume Trinity War. Justice League Dark seems set for an interesting conclusion as it will tie in with the first issue of Constantine. Additionally, it is worth noting that both JLD and Justice League are now synced. Both seem poised to start new arcs at the same time again come April, further hinting at the approach of Trinity War.

7. Batman #18/Green Arrow #18- Another unlikely pairing, but both are dealing with major fallout in each heroes perspective lives. Batman will seemingly finish coping with the Death of the Family fallout, while Ollie must remake himself after the events of his series. Harper Row is also poised to return, which could indicate a great many things. If Newsarama is correct and Damian is going to be the casualty of the New 52, will Harper take the mantle? And who is Komodo? Does he know Green Arrows secret identity? And what are his powers? Resolution and Revelations seems to be the key focus of both series’ come March.

6. Green Lantern #18- “The Shocking Fates of Hal and Sinestro”. Seriously? Again? While the cover shows both back in action again I am frightened by this issue., I went through a virtual emotional roller-coaster in August when the fates of Hal and Sinestro were teased for the first time. Now Geoff Johns has me in an emotional mess once again, waiting to find out what will happen with Sinestro. I could care less about Hal.

5. Action Comics #18- The first issue for the new team of Diggle/Daniel promises to keep Action established as the best of the Superman line. The cover prominently features Luthor, and most of the solicit involves him as well. Could this end up being a Luthor-centric series? We also must address the questions of how this will tie in with the rest of the DCU, the Superman line, and the story built upon before this team. It’s a must not miss comic.

4. Justice League #18- Throne of Atlantis has ended, and while Aquaman seems to stay focused on the fallout of the crossover, the Justice League is moving forward towards the GRID. Will Cyborg be the prominent character of this arc? Each arc so far has seemed to focus on one character in specific. Will this do the same? New members are being added, your thoughts?

3. Detective Comics #18- As I stated earlier this week in my first issue of “Top of the Shelf”, the story promised in Detective’s is a can’t miss for me. As Death of the Family is resolved the title shifts its focus back to the Emperor Penguin. He’s getting a backstory, and is billed as the new kingpin of Gotham. Will the promised confrontation between Bat’s and Penguin eliminate King’s biggest competitor? And could this lead to an impending crime war the likes of which the DCU has never seen?

2. Batman and Robin #18- As mentioned earlier, Newsarama has now shifted their prediction for the Death of the Family casualty to be Damian. If this proves true, where will the series go from here? Will Harper take the mantle? Will Alfred (the most predicted casualty) survive? What will this story focus on? So many questions, and still 2 and a half months to go until we can find out.

1. Batgirl #18- Given the news that broke early last sunday, this is the natural choice for the top of the list. #18 will be the first issue without Simone as writer while still continuing the story promised by Simone. How will the guest writer handle Simone’s story? How will the character feel without Simone? All of these are questions that will be answered only upon reading the Simone-less Batgirl.

What are your thoughts? What are you looking forward to from March? Let me know where your at with predictions for the Fifth Wave, for Trinity War, or for the Death of the Family conclusion.

Until the next time, 

Rn

Greatest Hits: February 2013

DC’s February solicits were less exciting than the past two. No cancellations announced, no mystery about how DC will operate in the future. Despite this, it will be DC’s biggest month in a long time. I will present my thoughts on why, and what series’ should be most looked for.

10. Action Comics #17: Grant Morrison finishes his acclaimed run on Superman, making the all to real loss of his talent from DC felt. Sadder still that four issues later his Batman Incorporated will also end, leaving DC without a monthly Morrison. Despite this, Morrison promises to go out with quite a bang, as this issue is over sized and seemingly over plotted. While it is an end of an era, it also will make the impending Snyderman series worth the wait.

9. Earth 2 #9: What can I say, the first appearance of Doctor Fate is one of my favorite characters. Though his appearance has been teased for a while, I am thrilled that I will be able to see my favorite sorcerer supreme in action again. A little heart-broken that he will have little to no interaction with the main universe, but happy still to see him in comics in some form.

8. Green Lantern #17: Where the Third Army ends, the First Lantern begins. The importance of this mysterious being has been teased for quite a while, and we knew that the current GL event would be nothing compared to the size and scope of the next one. Readers finally know the direction the series will be taking, as well as the route all Lantern Universe titles will be taking. We know now that the major characters make it out of Third Army alive, and that the Guardians are presumably defeated. We also know that this First Lantern fellow probably isn’t the nicest of souls.

7. Katana #1/JLA’s VIbe #1: Every new series demands at least one look, this launch especially. Neither title were on anyone’s predictions for a new ongoing series, however both are appealing in their own way. While not the biggest fan of Katana, I am a fan of female centric series’, not only that this one will be written by a woman. While DC currently as 3, this will set them at an unprecedented 4. Who says DC lacks diversity? JLA’s VIbe, aside from having an awkward title, is the second most controversial thing to come out of DC since Before Watchmen (read on for most controversial). Vibe has been scorned by fans and critics alike, and is considered to be a joke of a character today. Geoff Johns intends to change that, and while he is only co-writing Vibe #1, audiences can be sure that Johns will have is say on the VIbe title for the forseeable future.

6. Sword of Sorcery #5: The fifth issue of the Third Wave’s shining glory sets to do many things for the title. It unveils who killed Amaya’s father, it introduces more houses (as we learn Onyx House is against Amaya). The slow by steady expansion of this title is one of its greatest strengths. It doesn’t set the universe up in one issue, rather the reader gets to explore it much like the titles protagonist.

5. Batgirl #17: Everything comes to a head in this issue. As expected, Batgirl gets no rest as Death of the Family concludes, as she is forced to encounter her brother. The solicit promises a major status quo in Barbara’s life, and that’s anyone’s guess. Will Alysia die? Her precious Alaska? This is a must read for any fan of the title, as it is probably much more exciting to long-term readers than the Death of the Family crossover.

4. Batman #17: Speaking of mysteries and Death of the Family, the conclusion to the massive “non-crossover” occurs in February. As promised, someone will die, but who will it be? Will it be Alfred? Joker himself? However, the question I’m really asking is “what’s next?”. Court of Owls thrilled us, Joker is terrifying us, who or what will come into play next? Snyder has proven he does long-term arcs quite well.

3. Green Arrow #17: While Anne Nocenti is a very capable writer, she has done nothing to make Green Arrow readable. All of this changes in February when Jeff Lemire (my personal favorite non-Morrison writer) takes charge of the title. If Green Arrow is a tenth of the title Lemire promised us it would be, then it is worth looking at.

2. Young Romance #1: No, this is not an ongoing title. This is a holiday one shot meant to fill the fifty-second slot while we wait for next months Constantine. An homage to romance comics of the Golden Age, this title will feature stories involving everyone’s favorite and least favorite couples. Batman and Catwoman are listed as an item in this book, Apollo and Midnighter apparently both survive the chaos in their title, and of course Wonder Woman and Superman. While I hate Wonder Woman and Superman being a pair, I’m excited to see the stories, the art, and take a nice break from the universe to enjoy a Valentine’s day story.

1. Justice League of America #1: Could there be any other? The rag-tag team written by Johns and illustrated by Finch will change the status quo of the DC Universe. While it serves as the third part to the JL trinity meant to play into the looming crisis, JLA is a commentary of the Justice League itself. They aren’t gods, they aren’t perfect, nor do they have ego’s, and make out in the watch tower. Everyone on this team has something to prove. From its set of three leaders, down to its unlikeliest of recruits (looking at you Vibe) this title looks to alter our perceptions of these character irreversibly. It is also worth noting that this title will have 54 covers in addition to the main cover and the unnamed variant, it will also have 52 covers featuring each state (plus Puerto Rico and DC). This move has gotten DC quite a bit of hate, and has set the internet ablaze in a way DC hasn’t done since announcing Before Watchmen.

These titles are what I’m looking forward too most, what makes your list?

Until the next time,

Rn

 

The Fourth Wave of America

As most of you know, two thirds of DC’s 4th wave were revealed today. Previously we had 3 unannounced mystery titles, and now we have just one. The most surprising aspect of the reveals was that they both had direct ties to the new JLA (also launching in february).

Katana #1 will be written by Catwoman Scribe Ann Nocenti and will spin directly off of Birds of Prey. Whether this means she is leaving the team for good has yet to be seen, but it could be very likely given her new stint on JLA. The Katana solo series will be set in Japan as we not only learn more about the character but as we watch her gain a rogues gallery and confront her past.

Vibe #1 was the most shocking and easily the most unattractive teaser to come out of DC in quite a while. Like Katana, VIbe’s series will tie directly in as Paco’s life is turned upside down when his powers become apparent to the government. It appears that Detroit will serve as America’s Cardiff in a Doctor Who style spacial rift. Vibe’s unique set of powers allows him to sense the activity of the rift when no one else can. This comic will be helmed by the creator of Arrow.

Finally news more along the piss-your-pants-out-of-excitement came out. Ann Nocenti will be leaving Green Arrow. So that Jeff Lemire can hop on board with art from Andrea Sorentino. Lemire promised a return to classic GA believing that this would help bring back disillusioned fans back to the character.

We all knew JLA was going to be important, but who knew it would be this important. Will the last title also tie in with JLA or do you expect something else is in the works?

Until the next time, RAO BE PRAISED Lemire is on GA.

Rn