Happy Birthday Superman

Tag: comic books

Green Lantern #20 Review

May. 22 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

This issue is a milestone in a lot of ways. Besides being the final issue of writer Geoff Johns’ momentous (nearly) decade-long run, it wraps up the story for most of the main characters, yet also signals a new beginning for the entire mythology.

Geoff Johns delivers an exciting final issue to his epic run.

While Wrath of the First Lantern left some fans underwhelmed, particularly in the handling of Volthoom, it’s hard to deny the great elements that have come from that story. Chiefly, those events that lead to this issue, which was one of the best in a while. It’s pretty much everything you’d want from Geoff Johns’ final issue and it appropriately bookends what he started in Green Lantern: Rebirth.

Out of all the titles since The New 52 began, it seems as if Green Lantern has changed the least, as far as continuity is concerned. Hal Jordan’s history is still pretty much intact. The origin is the same, he still became Parallax, he returned from the dead, The Sinestro Corps War and Blackest Night still happened. You get the picture. This issue celebrates all of that, and more, and even offers a nice resolution to Hal’s story, as well as pretty much every character that has been a part of Green Lantern during Hal Jordan’s long history, with only a few notable absences. (Where was Arisia?) A certain canine humanoid Lantern even makes an appearance after a long absence. By the end of the issue, though, it’s pretty clear that, not only is this the end of an era, it’s also the beginning of a new one. While there are still some questions about who exactly is in charge of the GL Corps and how they will manage without the Guardians, you get the feeling that the baton has been passed to the veterans who have served the Corps the longest.

Typical of Johns’ storytelling style, there are some intense scenes of action and an intricate plot, as well as strong characterizations. He has given Hal Jordan a voice like he never had in the past and an actual personality that, frankly, has made him one of the most intriguing comic book superheroes ever. Think, “What if Captain Kirk or Han Solo had become a superhero?” That’s Geoff Johns’ Hal in a nutshell.

The art in this issue is spectacular. Pretty much everyone who has been involved with Green Lantern for the past nine years contributes something, including Doug Mahnke and Ethan Van Sciver, just to name a few. Most fans should be pleased about that, at least, if not the story itself. Personally, having been a reader since Green Lantern: Rebirth, certain parts really tugged on the ol’ heart strings and I will admit to getting just a little misty-eyed while reading. One thing is for certain. Geoff Johns will be missed on this book. Thankfully, he’ll still be (conceivably) writing Hal in the pages of Justice League. For purists, though, you couldn’t have asked for a better ending to his run on Green Lantern.

This is how you do a finale.

Tags: comic books, comics, DC Comics, Doug Mahnke, Eric Scroggs, Ethan Van Sciver, Geoff Johns, Green Lantern, Green Lantern: Rebirth, Hal Jordan, reviews, The First Lantern, The New 52, Volthoom, Word of the Nerd, WotN, Wrath of the First Lantern

Campy Batman TV Actors Go Trade

May. 22 Comic Books, News, Press Release no comments

It’s true what they say, if you wait long enough everything comes back. This time it’s the campy 1960s Batman television show that’s getting a revival of sorts, in graphic novel form. Bluewater Productions has developed a fiction series starring the actors of the show, including Eartha Kitt, Adam West, and Julie Newmar. Bluewater Productions, Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, and graphic novels. Their best known works include bestsellers 10^th Muse and Legend of Isis. Bluewater also produces comic books in collaboration with other celebrities like William Shatner (TekWar Chronicles), Ray Harryhausen (Wrath of the Titans), and Vincent Price (Vincent Price Presents).

Vincent Price Presents

There are three titles releasing including Misadventures of Adam West, Eartha Kitt: Femme Fatale, and Secret Lives of Julie Newmar. They all seem to take the camp of the TV show and magnify it to new heights. Nothing seems to be too far-fetched for the creators of these stories, and the best part is, both West and Newmar collaborated on the writing of their own books.

Eartha Kitt: Femme Fatale

Although Eartha Kitt was only Catwoman for one season, it certainly was a memorable one for fans of the show and the character. In Eartha Kitt: Femme Fatale, written by New York Times Bestselling Author Marc Shapiro, with art by Ogaz, our heroine meets The Gorgon while on holiday and the hi-jinx ensues.

Misadventures of Adam West

Adam West has always been a fan favorite. Whether playing the not so Dark Knight, or the goofball Mayor on Family Guy he has an unmistakable wit and humor. The actor, who once turned down the role of James Bond, gets to save the universe in this whimsical story. West himself helped write the story, with Reed Lackey, of a mystical amulet that sends him head-long into adventure. The art is provided by V. Kenneth Marion and the cover is by Joe Phillips.

Secret Lives of Julie Newmar

Julie Newmar played Catwoman for all the Batman TV series except for the final season. Her attempts at seducing Batman (West) were as legendary as her betrayals. Newmar also collaborated on her story with novelist Marc Shapiro. The art was done by Emiliano Urdinola. Julie embarks on a journey through time that puts her face-to-face with the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Jim Morrison.

Bluewater might be digging deep for material, but sometimes, if you dig deep enough, you find a gem or two. I’m not sure how popular this material will be with younger people, but anyone who watched the original television series should be intrigued with the possibilities. If you do like what you see and want more, hop over to the Comic Flea Market and check out The Adam West, an ongoing series. Issue #8 will be out on May 29^th.

Tags: adam west, Batman, Bluewater Productions, comic books, comics, Eartha Kitt, Julie Newmar, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

A Day At The Motor City Comic Con

May. 20 Comic Books, Fanatics, News, Press Release no comments

Mid-May in the Motor City means just one thing, the Motor City Comic Con! The line, when I arrived on Sunday, was around the building at the Suburban Collection Showplace. The nerds were as brightly colored as their sugary candy namesakes. You could feel the energy in the crowd. The excitement that only a true collector or fan feels was apparent. There was a buzz in the crowd as they waited knowing that they were about to dig through long boxes, or meet a longtime hero or childhood idol. For the last three days the heroes and idols were in Novi, Michigan.

Comic Relief from Flint, MI

The inside was packed solid with nerds, geeks, fans, and kids all slack-jawed as they wandered through the various booths. Dozens of vendors, mostly from Ohio and Michigan, were in attendance including my friends from Comic Relief in Flint, Michigan. Rob was hurriedly helping several customers at a time, while Lou was talking comic lore with anyone who had an opinion. Other vendors were hawking their wares from candy, to comics, to clothing, and more. The back half of the building was full of creators, mostly artists sketching and signing for lines of people who patiently waited. Well known creators such as George Perez, Yanick Paquette, Talent Caldwell, and Ale’ Garcia were holding court. The most anticipated attendee, by far, was “The Man” himself, Stan Lee.

Stan Lee

The creator of such integral works as Spider-Man, Thor, The X-Men, Iron Man, and Hulk among many others, met with fans, signed autographs, and spoke at one of the panels on Saturday. The remains of his presence, left behind by the throngs of fans who lined up to catch a glimpse, or even get a picture from afar, was still apparent a day later. Much like the buzz that Stan created on Saturday, the star of Sunday had to be Norman Reedus. Reedus, best known for his current character Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead, was surrounded by a line of fans seeking autographs that was reportedly four hours long at one point. It was so long, in fact, that Reedus was unable to attend the Boondock Saints panel with co-stars Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco. In Reedus’s absence Flanery carried the panel answering questions and regaling us with behind the scenes stories from Boondock Saints. He couldn’t say much about his upcoming role in the critically acclaimed series Dexter, but he did confirm that Boondock Saints 3 is happening. He speculated that it would see a late 2014 release!

Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead

Aside from Lee and Reedus other celebrities were in abundance. TV stars from every recent decade like Erika Eleniak (Baywatch), Erin Gray (Buck Rogers), Adrian Paul (Highlander) and Edward James Olmos (Battlestar Galactica) lined the tables greeting fans of all ages. Lauren Holly (Dumb and Dumber), Margot Kidder (Superman), and the Kings of the Nerds themselves Curtis Armstrong and Robert Carradine were among the Movie Stars to make an appearance. As packed as the venue was today, the lines were relatively short, except for Reedus. This was likely due to the sheer volume of models, athletes, and other celebrities who attended the event.

Curtis Armstrong and Robert Carradine

You don’t have to be a big time celebrity to make your mark at a Comic Convention. Careers have started at various shows, across the country, over the years. If my twins have a vote, it would be for William Stolpin, a Holly, Michigan native who specializes in architectural, fantasy, and dragon-based artwork that really impressed the twelve-year-old girls. The Motor City Comic Con was their first comic convention and they had a great time. Maybe next year I’ll get them to dress the part. I won’t hold my breath!

Camryn and Devin, Armed and Dangerous

Tags: comic books, comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, Movies, Norman Reedus, Stan Lee, television, The Nerd, The Walking Dead, Word of the Nerd

Review: The Beast Of Wolfe’s Bay

May. 17 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

Written and Drawn by: Erik Evensen, Letters by Matt Talbot, and Colors by Jeff Fugelsang

Erik created a serene little town. An out-of-the-way, woodsy town, that you can find all over America. It reminds me a lot of Upper Peninsula Michigan or other seaside towns along the Great Lakes. Hart College is the focal point of the beginning of the story. It’s a small college full of small people trying to get by. The students goof off and the professors shake their heads in wonderment at how their parents continue to foot the bill.

Wolfe’s Bay

Evensen’s The Beast of Wolfe’s Bay is a very interesting take on the Beowulf legend and characters. Winifred “Freddie” Roth is an amalgam of Beowulf characters. Evensen himself explains in his closing notes that, “Her [Winfred's] role takes on qualities of Wealtheow, Hrothgar’s wife, Freawaru, Hrothgar’s daughter, and Wiglaf, Beowulf’s soldier, along with a bit of Beowulf himself.” In the story she is a tenure track professor who nobody seems to take very seriously, at first. The same can be said about Brian Wegman, a nerdy, slacking doctoral candidate. He struggles to find any passion in his life or work. He is an unlikely version of our hero Beowulf in this version, which I think is a very unique take on the character. It says a lot about the capacity of people for heroic behavior when the circumstances warrant. The story really starts for me when Freddie and Brian meet.

Freddie Roth and Brian Wegman

Freddie’s Father is the local Sheriff Gary Roth, even his name tells you that he is Hrothgar in this tale. He brings his daughter and Brian together to consult on the case of a strange double murder near Hart Lake. Evensen’s knowledge about folklore, anthropology, and even forensic science, is very apparent in his writing, but he makes it accessible. He doesn’t write so far above the reader’s head that they get lost or bored. His dialogue flows nicely, whether its technical jargon, or the competitive banter between Brian and Freddie. You feel the passion that each of the main characters feels toward their science. No one in the story seems to believe that the deaths could be the result of a Bigfoot or Wendigo, although the evidence seems to lead you down that path. Freddie and Brian do a great job of weaving the folklore and science into plausible human answers to seemingly impossible evidence. Overall, the writing is smart, but not over-bearing. By the end of the story I really felt like I knew and understood most of the characters.

Sheriff Roth, Deputy Coroner Humphries, Sheriff Tony Asher

The art, also done by Evensen, is solid. He does a very nice job of conveying emotion in the faces of his characters. It’s fairly simple, but crisp work, that definitely helps tell the story. The artwork is reminiscent of Charlie Adlard‘s work on the Walking Dead, but includes the added dimension of color. He even does a nice job with most of the background work, especially when they are outside. Unfortunately, the climactic scenes happen in caves, which leaves little in the backgrounds, and takes something away from the action.

Brian and Freddie enjoy the competitive banter

I really had no idea what to expect when I took on this review, but, I really liked this story, and felt a bit of deja vu the whole time. It wasn’t until I read Evensen’s closing notes, and realized the homage to Beowulf, that I fully grasped the reason for my feeling. I immediately read the story again and thoroughly enjoyed the references, veiled or more obvious. The dialogue was fun, informative, and most importantly accessible. I liked the characters and really wouldn’t mind seeing them again, as was teased at the end. The art added to the story and certainly didn’t distract me by failing to match up with the dialogue. This Graphic Novel was at least partially funded by Kickstarter. I’m always impressed by creators with the confidence and perseverance to go to any lengths to achieve their dreams. This book is further proof that there is a lot of good work out there that we may never see unless the creators find ways of “crowd-funding” their projects. Give The Beast of Wolfe’s Bay a chance, you won’t regret it. I didn’t!

Tags: beowulf, comic books, comics, Kickstarter, The Nerd, The Walking Dead, Word of the Nerd

Review – Battlestar Galactica #1

May. 17 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

“Some believe there may yet be brothers of man, who even now fight to survive…”

I was excited to see that Dynamite was bringing back the original Battlestar Galactica universe. As cheesy and silly as the original series was, it was after all a groundbreaking series in many areas, mainly special effects. With kids completely crazy over Star Wars and the era of big budget special effects beginning, Battlestar Galactica was a dream come true for science fiction fans. Okay so enough with the history lesson, let’s get to the review.

Firstly I want to say that I wasn’t overwhelmed by this book but it does have a lot of things going for it. One of the things that threw me immediately is that it combines the original BSG and Galactica 1980 storylines. For the uninitiated, Galactica 1980 was the bastard stepchild of BSG and a punch in the junk to the fans. Using one of the most ridiculous characters to come from that series to set up the major plot point of the book was disappointing. However if you can get past that little annoyance the book is pretty enjoyable.

Secondly I felt that the book was rushed and was over before it really gained any momentum. Mission accomplished by writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning who left me wanting to buy the next issue to find out what the hell happens next. There was a lot of set up leading into the story that could have been cut down a bit, but I did have a feeling of nostalgia being introduced (again) to characters and events from the original series. That above all is why I enjoyed the book overall.

The cover, drawn by none other than Alex Ross was spectacular as always and does a great job of setting the tone of the book and capturing the original cast. The other interior artwork as usual for nearly all Dynamite’s comics is top-notch and very detailed especially in the large space battles. I did feel however that some of the art slipped a bit, especially when it comes to the characterization of Commander Adama, who was captured perfectly in the first few panels, but became nearly unrecognizable in later panels. But perhaps I am being a little too critical.

“The Cylon-Colonial peace accord. Man meeting machine. The Battlestars Atlantia, Acropolis, Pacifica, Triton and Galactica. The inhuman treachery of the Cylons. The valiant defenders. The impossible choices.”

Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next few issues. I can’t say that this time whether this will make it onto my monthly pull list, but it definitely has potential if this story arc proves to be as interesting as I initially found it. I’ve enjoyed what has been done with the BSG remake under Dynamite’s influence and I have no doubt they can make this book as equally enjoyable. Being a nostalgic guy, I like it when things from my childhood are re-imagined in comics…if they are done properly.

I despise having to give anything a rating, like thumbs up or thumbs down or so many stars out of 5. It’s so cliché and overdone by, well almost everyone so I avoid doing it whenever possible. If asked what my opinion of Battlestar Galactica #1 is, I’d have to honestly and wholeheartedly say that if you were a fan of the original series you should like this book. If you are a comic purest and find it necessary to pick it apart panel by panel, then you’re less likely to enjoy it. For a first issue it wasn’t horrible by any standards. Fans will like it, those not familiar with it will find it a little confusing and a bit campy.

Writer: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Art: Cezar Razek
Genre: Science Fiction

Tags: Alex Ross, Andy Lanning, battlestar galactica, Cezar Razek, comic books, Dan Abnett, Dynamite Comics, Galactica 1980, reviews

IDW Continues To Grow

May. 15 Comic Books, News, Press Release no comments

IDW, otherwise known as Idea and Design Works, is growing again. As I reported on April 30th, in an article entitled IDW Joins The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Team, IDW is trying to make 2013 a banner year for the company. Just weeks after joining the CBLDF, the reported #4 U.S. comic book publisher, boasting a 7.5% market share, is making moves to go after #3.

The Other Dead

: Doomsday.1

IDW Publishing may only be 12 years old, but they have been prolific years by any measurement. The company, that brought you innovative titles like 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, and Red Star, is not standing pat. On May 6th IDW announced that they had added Sarah Gaydos to their editorial staff. If this name sounds familiar, then you’ve been paying attention. Sarah, is no newcomer to the world of comics. Her resume includes six years at WildStorm and DC Comics working on titles like Django Unchained, Young Justice, Batman: Li’l Gotham, and Smallville, among others.

Young Justice

It looks like Sarah is going to be busy right from the start. Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief stated, “Sarah is gonna hit the ground running and work on both big, established properties as well as develop new projects, and I know that her work experience and positive attitude will benefit those titles and the company as a whole, too.” Some of the titles recently announced might be the reason for this growth in the editorial staff. Titles like Rocky & Bullwinkle, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, Star Trek: After Darkness, and Samurai Jack will bolster an already bulging lineup. For those of you upset over the impending end of Locke & Key, fret not. The final arc, entitled Locke & Key: Omega will be five issues and will culminate with a 48 page finale called Locke & Key: Alpha. So your journey is not quite over.

Sarah was excited about her new position and employer stating, “I’m very excited to join the IDW team!” She remained humble and thankful to her mentors by adding, “Working at WildStorm studios in La Jolla was the best comics education anyone could ask for. I learned from some of the best editors around, and was able to run down the hall to watch top artists and production artists hard at work. I’m grateful for the time I spent there, and am absolutely looking forward to using these skills at IDW in my new position as Editor. I’m eager to work with awesome talent on exceptional titles.” She’s not just being politically correct either. Her new company IDW is well-known for great creators, creative work, and cutting edge themes. They are critically acclaimed, and fan favorites. This move just shows that they are a force to be reckoned with in the comic industry.

Tags: comic books, comics, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Locke & Key, Sarah Gaydos, Star Trek, The Nerd, Widstorm, Word of the Nerd

The Bones That Would Become Doctor Strange

May. 13 Comic Books, Movies, News, Press Release no comments

In recent interviews Kevin Feige, President of Production at Marvel Studios, has been talking about Doctor Strange, The Master of the Mystic Arts. Feige, the front man for the recent successes coming from Marvel properties including Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, and most recently Iron Man 3, gave all of us a possible glimpse into the future. He said, “Dr. Strange is something that I talk about often and it’s sort of next up for us to dig into and explore. Our executive producer of Iron Man 3, having done Captain America: The First Avenger and as that was finishing he started working on the bones that would become Iron Man 3, and now that he’s finished with Iron Man 3, he’s working on the bones that would become Doctor Strange. Now that Iron Man 3 is finished, some of our quote-unquote spare time is going to be devoted to trying to crack Strange.”

Doctor Stephen Strange

Cracking Strange might be easier said than done. The story would have to be dark, gritty, and magical. No offense to the highly popular book and movie series, but this cannot be Harry Potter with blue pajamas. Co-created by legendary writer-editor Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Steve Ditko, the character debuted in Strange Tales #110 in July 1963. He primarily fought against otherworldly, or under-worldly villains. Strange Tales at that time was not your typical superhero fare. It featured characters like Nick Fury and the Human Torch in addition to the Sorcerer Supreme. Over the last three decades the good Doctor has bounced around the Marvel Universe in various solo-series and team books. Most recently he has been spending most of his time with the New Avengers incarnations both by Brian Michael Bendis (2005), and the current version written by Jonathan Hickman (2012).

Strange Tales #110

A Doctor Strange movie would certainly diverge from the usual heroic epics of recent Marvel Studios offerings. Strange is not the brute hero, nor is he the tech-savvy wise guy, or the teen wit struggling with the responsibility of great power. He is a dead-serious, workaholic protector of Earth from supernatural incursion. He spends his free time accumulating artifacts of power, like the Cloak of Levitation, the Eye of Agamotto, the Book of the Vishanti, and the Orb of Agamotto, to keep them from being used against the world by demons and evil sorcerers. Come to think of it, the theft of those artifacts and use of them by a malevolent being would be a pretty good start to a story [note to self]. Strange would be considerably weaker without the powerful artifacts and his nemesis, likely The Dread Dormammu, would certainly seem to have an advantage [scene].

Dormammu

Dormammu, as created by Lee and Ditko, became Doctor Strange’s most recurring and single-minded villain, almost by accident. The pair originally created his name and realm as just a way of “adding depth to the other-worldly nature of Strange’s adventures”. The readers had other ideas. Their insistence on speculating as to who the mysterious Dormammu was, encouraged the creative duo to flesh out the villain and bring him to life. For the next 50 years he has consistently attempted to lie, cheat, steal, and betray the Sorcerer Supreme, and has met with some limited success. His inclusion in a Strange based movie would be almost assured. His demonic look, flaming visage, and the Dark Dimension that he rules would all be tremendous on the big screen.

Strange vs. Dormammu

A Doctor Strange movie, if made, would likely fall into what Marvel Studios terms Phase 3 [of their plan for Box Office domination]. Phase 2 began with a bang, or several hundred, just over a week ago when Iron Man 3 debuted and is planned to end with Avengers 2 in 2015. Phase 3 will then begin with a surprising choice in Ant Man, also in 2015. Doctor Strange seems likely to follow Ant Man or Guardians of the Galaxy 2, if it’s debut next year warrants a sequel. With the better part of three years to plan, plot, and execute this story, the brain trust at Marvel should come up with another epic in Doctor Strange.

Tags: comic books, comics, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Movies, Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, The Avengers, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

Batman #20 Review

May. 09 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

After the events of Death of the Family, the dynamic duo of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo brings us a simple story involving one of Batman’s most persistent enemies, Clayface. While nothing really new has been brought to the table as far as the villain is concerned, it’s actually the fallout of Bruce’s recent loss that makes this story so compelling.

Clayface’s motivations are pretty standard supervillain fare. It’s never really stated exactly what Clayface needs the money for, but Basil Karlo has never been that complex of a villain. Suffice it to say, all that needs to be known for this tale is that Clayface’s plan is to lure Batman out to finally get rid of him once and for all. This issue is probably the closest he’s come to doing just that, but we should know by now that Batman is much too smart for the one-time-actor. For a more intelligent person with Clayface’s abilities, Batman would probably have much more trouble defeating him, since Clayface can transform himself into just about anyone, right down to their DNA. Fortunately, Karlo is no match for Batman’s mind.

Most of the story takes place in the Wayne Enterprises R&D department, where Bruce Wayne works on his Batman Inc. tech, such as the Bat-Bots or “RoBats,” which were pretty much all destroyed in Batman Inc. #10. The whole Batman Inc. concept has been a bit controversial amongst fans, with many feeling that it puts Bruce’s secret identity in jeopardy. This issue hardly does anything to prove the detractors wrong, since Clayface was able to find his lab so easily. As mentioned earlier, however, it’s a good thing Clayface isn’t exactly intelligent enough to connect the dots. Many fans have also pointed out that there should be more villains targeting Bruce, since he is Batman’s benefactor. Others have countered that argument by surmising that most of Batman’s enemies might fear retaliation from their foe, as Batman is the last person to be trifled with.

Regardless of any problems one might have with the simplicity of this story or the logic problems within (why didn’t Clayface practice more subtlety?), it’s still a great read. Particularly, during a certain part of the story where Clayface gets a bit too personal regarding the loss of Bruce Wayne’s son. The reader feels the punch in the gut about the same time Bruce does after Clayface’s crass remarks and wants nothing more than to see Batman tear him apart. Snyder does a great job in manipulating the readers’ emotions concerning young Damian’s death, as well as showing a rare side of the (usually) cool, calm, and collected Batman.

By now, it should be no secret that Greg Capullo’s art is nothing short of stellar. This issue is no different. His renderings of Bruce’s determined face and Clayface’s grotesque transformations are just perfect, bringing an almost Manga-like quality to the title. He’s easily taken his place as one of the best Batman artists of all time, right alongside the greats. He compliments Snyder’s storytelling the same way Neal Adams complimented Denny O’Neil or Norm Breyfogle to Alan Grant.

James Tynion and Alex Maleev’s backup story is pretty terrific, as well, if a bit short and maybe just a bit too easily resolved. However, it’s the depiction of the relationship between Batman and Superman that makes it so enjoyable. In recent years before The New 52, the duo often found themselves to be at odds. Here in The New 52, however, they are once again more of the World’s Finest team they were decades ago. Batman actually referring to Superman as one of his best friends in this story just might make your heart smile a little. Next month begins Zero Year, which promises to add a whole new spin to Batman’s origins that we’ve never quite seen before, according to Snyder. That’s where this particular title will be for the next 11 months. Until then, enjoy this simple, but fun, two-parter. Things may not be so simple again for a while.

Tags: Alex Maleev, Batman, Clayface, comic books, comics, DC Comics, Eric Scroggs, Greg Capullo, james tynion, reviews, Scott Snyder, Superman, The New 52, Word of the Nerd

Arrow is #1 at CW…Who’s Next?

May. 09 Comic Books, Editorials, News, Press Release, Television 2 comments

Arrow, the television series based on the Green Arrow character from DC Comics is nearing the end of its first season and is officially the network’s #1 show! Not surprising, the show is actually pretty good. Creators Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg have woven a tale about an every-man hero in a dark and dangerous environment. Starling City is corrupt, dark, and filled with adventure. It is somewhat reminiscent of another DC Comics City with a “non-powered” vigilante protector.

Arrow Television Cast

This show is not about your father’s Green Arrow. It’s an updated, younger version that deals with today’s issues in a hip and often sophisticated way. The young Oliver Queen was a spoiled trust fund kid, who cared little about his effect on the world. He lied, cheated, and used his name and family to justify the behavior. That is, until a shipwreck cost him, his friend, and father and stranded Oliver in a frightening 5 year fight for his life. The show weaves flashbacks to Oliver’s island ordeal alongside the current time stories showing how he gained the skills and knowledge that he uses as Starling City’s vigilante. The Arrow identity is used, by Queen, to hunt down men on a list of criminals that his father gave him before he died. This all translates into a ratings success for CW and a successful comic translation for DC who really wanted to stay in the game post Smallville.

Smallville

So, What’s next for DC Comics on television? There has been a lot of talk out there that Nightwing should be next. He fits the mold of the non-powered vigilante hero in a grim city that DC seems to like to produce. Gotham City itself could be the basis of a show for that matter. With the murderer’s row of villains, heroes and even the police department to base stories on the possibilities seem endless. It seems, though that DC and the CW want to stay less mainstream, and more edgy with their choice, which could possibly be The Suicide Squad. Andrew Kreisberg commented recently about A.R.G.U.S. appearing in Arrow, “we carefully chose A.R.G.U.S. and did not make Lyla Michaels work for the FBI or CIA.” A.R.G.U.S. is a government agency that deals with superhuman issues in the DC Universe. They have been tied to the Justice League as liaisons, support personnel and even clean-up squads.

Seal of A.R.G.U.S.

The inclusion of A.R.G.U.S. in the world of the Arrow could be a hint into DC’s thinking for the future. With Marvel releasing their TV property, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., soon, DC could certainly be looking to counter with a similar but opposite offering. Marvel’s S.H.I.E.L.D. are the good guys. They are the G.I.Joe of the Marvel Universe. DC’s Suicide Squad couldn’t be more opposite. The Squad is composed of a group of long-time criminals and misfits who were coerced into doing jobs for the government that no one else would do. Under the thumb of Amanda Waller, and the threat of immediate death, the squad performs covert jobs and often do not return, as the title would imply. The more recent version of the group started in Legends #3 in 1987 as written by John Ostrander and has changed drastically in the three series since. The team was dysfunctional, but effective. There have been many roster changes throughout the years, but at least one connection to Arrow is there, Deadshot. We have a government agency, and a member of the Suicide Squad both tied to DC’s current TV property. Looks like DC may be using their #1 rated show to field test their next one. If written correctly Suicide Squad could be a great show. There is certainly nothing like it on TV today, with the possible exception of Jersey Shore. Potentially good shows like Birds of Prey failed in the past due to writing that wasn’t exciting or inspirational, and a lack of use of the powerful roster of characters DC has at their disposal. Let’s hope if they do produce Suicide Squad, they make it a freak show of characters and stories that make us beg for more every week. I will certainly make room in my day to watch truly good comics translations on TV.

Suicide Squad: Deadshot (far left)

Tags: arrow tv show, comic books, comics, DC Comics, New 52, Suicide Squad, television, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

Earth 2 Batman: Who’s Behind The Cowl?

May. 08 Comic Books, News, Press Release, Previews 1 comment

Earth 2 reveals Batman

Earth 2 will be getting a new Batman, but who will don the cape and cowl and carry the mantle of the Dark Knight? Everyone is being very hush-hush, of course, but that is not going to stop Bat-Fans or Earth 2 fans from speculating. James Robinson has been slow-playing the readers for months. He’s taken his time to introduce and develop the characters, as he is known for doing. His run on Starman remains among my favorite series, and I have been reading comics since the mid 1970s. He developed a rich and beautiful environment in Opal City with the city itself becoming an integral character. The other main character, Jack Knight, was born to be a hero, and grew into the role like no Starman before him. Robinson also breathed life into a relatively unimpressive villain, making The Shade an interesting adversary, foil, and even partner for the enigmatic Starman. When it was announced that Earth 2 would be Robinson’s playground for the Justice Society, post New 52, I was all-in!

Earth 2 by James Robinson

At the beginning Earth 2 was an action movie on paper. Darkseid sent his parademons to Earth 2 under the command of Steppenwolf. The war was devastating to Earth 2. The Trinity of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman were left practically alone to stop the final onslaught. It looked grim for this alternate Earth until Batman devised a plan. It ended with the sacrifice of all three heroes and was still barely enough to stem the tide. Earth 2 was not without heroes for long, almost as if nature itself, with the help of some powerful benefactors, had to find worthy vessels for powers otherwise lost. As the world and characters developed the action slowed a bit. The subsequent issues drew the reader in, just as the various JSA heroes found themselves drawn to each other. Now, we’re a year in and it only makes sense that some brave hero would pick up the mantle of the Batman. But who? I have a few possibilities…

Wildcat, Ted Grant

1. Ted Grant (Wildcat) is a natural to eventually appear in Earth 2 continuity. Why not as the Batman? He has the right skill set, and this war-torn world could sure use a Batman. Regardless of the parallels, I’m not sure how likely this is. Robinson loves to take the underdog character and breathe new life into him. This could play either way for Wildcat. On the one hand, Robinson could really make Ted Grant a robust and full character, as Wildcat. On the other hand, he could just make him the Batman, and run with it. I’m sure Wildcat will have a home in Earth 2, I just don’t think that it will be as The Dark Knight.

Damian Wayne

2. My next possible New Batman is the Earth 2 version of Damian Wayne. We know Bruce Wayne had a daughter on Earth 2. Helena, aka Robin, daughter of Bruce and Catwoman, ended up on New Earth after the climactic battle of the Apokoliptan invasion. Could Earth 2′s Batman have had another child? A son? Why not? It would be a bit of a cop-out to kill Damian in Batman Incorporated #8, then resurrect him fairly quickly into the Earth 2 continuity. Then again, maybe that was the plan all along. There were so many stories left untold when the young Wayne died. So many stories that I wouldn’t mind James Robinson telling. As much as I would like to see the character back, I’m not sure this is the right time or place.

Dick Grayson

3. My final possibility, and most likely in my opinion, is Dick Grayson. This is just a logical choice. Many fans were disappointed when, after the 1993 story arc entitled Knightfall, in which Batman was gravely injured, Grayson was not tapped as his replacement. Instead, Jean-Paul Valley, better known as Azrael was chosen. Years later in 2008, following the events of Final Crisis, Dick Grayson actually does become Batman, with Damian Wayne as his Robin. His attempt at being Batman was half-hearted at best, and was interrupted by Jason Todd, who had also assumed the role of Batman. Earth 2 could be just the place for Dick Grayson to finally get a true shot at the cowl. He could assume the mantle and give back to his world a hero that they so desperately need.

Personally, I hope that it’s Dick Grayson because I grew up idolizing his Robin character, and later his Nightwing persona. It would certainly satisfy the unfulfilled desires of the fan base without alienating anyone. It’s Earth 2, and James Robinson is at the wheel, so anything can happen. Maybe I should have considered Bruce Wayne himself as the “New” Batman. It wouldn’t be the first time he survived sure death and returned against all odds. I really hope this isn’t the case. New Earth has a Bruce Wayne/Batman. Earth 2 Batman should be different, and should be the basis for epic adventures well into the future. Robinson himself said, ““He’s a huge part of ‘Earth 2,’ he’s going to be a huge part of the DC Universe, and everything he does from the Annual onward will have huge implications for the DC Universe. This isn’t some new person coming in to be Batman. This is definitely a part of Batman lore.” We will all find out as soon as Earth 2 Annual #1 hits the shelves. I only have one question left…Is it here yet?

Tags: Batman, Bruce Wayne, comic books, comics, Damian Wayne, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Earth-2, James Robinson, New 52, Nightwing, Robin, Ted Grant, The Nerd, Wildcat, Word of the Nerd

Nerd Bytes – News And Notes

May. 05 Comic Books, Movies, News, Press Release, Television no comments

Comic Relief in Flint, Michigan

Nerd Byte: 5/4/13 was Free Comic Book day, as if you didn’t know. Eleven years to the day after the inaugural event in 2002, which was one day after the opening of the first Spider-Man movie. It was intended to be a day for retailers to draw in new customers, especially the kids who will drive the industry into the future. It’s also a chance to give a little something back to the customers who show loyalty throughout the year.

It was a fun and festive day at my local comic shop, Comic Relief in Flint, Michigan. Lou, Wayne and Dale showcased many talented artists and guests like Gabriel Cantu, Justin Faber, Jim Frankenstin, Brian Germain, Brian Hackney, Erik Hodson, Alexandra Keaton, William Messner-Loebs, Adam Lockwood Morgan, Geary Roe, and Nicole Stevens. Other guests included Ginger Kewl and Carey Torrice. Wayne Luck told me that the place was pretty packed all day. They thought they had ordered enough of everything, but by the time I got there (around 5:00pm) there were some holes in the racks to attest to the turnout. Wayne also said that he was impressed by the number of parents who brought their kids throughout the day. That is good news for their business and the comic industry in general. Many wonder if digital comics will eventually replace paper. I, for one, hope not. I am a comic nerd at heart, but a collector as well. I need something to put my hands on. I love the smell of the paper and the ink, as I’m reading. Hopefully, Free Comic Book Day went a long way toward building that future. Thanks Comic Relief, and every other retailer who participated in the festivities. See you guys on Wednesday!

Nerd Byte: It’s official X-Factor will come to an end with issue 262 in September. Peter David will write the group out with a six issue story arc entitled “The End Of X-Factor.” The book started 10 years ago with the cast of the Original X-Men stepping into the public and fighting crime out in the open. It ends with a quirky ensemble cast of seeming misfits solving mutant crimes and mysteries. David used characters that had fallen off the grid like Rictor, Monet, Longshot and Multiple Man. He made them interesting again. I’ll be sorry to see them go, but very interested in how it all ends.

Nerd Byte: Joss Whedon has been hinting that the Avengers showdown with Thanos might not happen in Avengers 2 as many believed. He recently intimated that the ultimate face-off with Thanos would be saved for the climactic finale. Whedon stated, “Thanos is more powerful. He’s not someone you just trot out and punch him. Like you did in the comics, you want him to be threading through the universe and to save the big finale for the big finale. He’s definitely a part of what I’ve got going on. The thing about The Avengers is, that they are very powerful, but they aren’t very stable. There’ll definitely be some people who are gonna shake them up in the next installment!”

Martian Manhunter

Nerd Byte: Rumors continue to swirl around the Man of Steel. The latest has the Martian Manhunter showing up in the film. It’s unclear, as yet, if it’s true. If it is, there is plenty of speculation as to what J’onn J’onnz will be doing in the movie. Photos have emerged depicting Harry Lennix, who is listed as playing General Stanwick, in a CGI suit that bears an odd resemblance to the uniform of the Martian Manhunter. My guess is that the Manhunter is on a recon mission. He will likely remain in the background watching as things develop with Superman. His scenes will likely be in the General Stanwick persona, with a few glimpses at his powers, which obviously include shape-shifting. The character’s appearance would certainly make sense since the Man of Steel‘s success has been reported to be the lynch-pin of the future of the DC Universe in movies. Let’s hope Man of Steel lives up to the hype, otherwise we may never see the Justice League movie we are all waiting to see.

Nerd Byte: In a recent interview Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige commented on the possibility of a stand-alone superhero movie featuring one of Marvel’s many strong female characters. There has been talk at Marvel Studios regarding characters from the roster of female superheroes, but no names were mentioned. Feige said, “We have a number of candidates from the comics and from the movies we’ve already made. It’s just a matter of finding the right story line, the right filmmaker, the right time.” Odds would be good on Black Widow being the first, and with the Guardians of the Galaxy movie expanding the Marvel Universe into space, Captain Marvel could be on the horizon.

Nerd Byte: If you can get enough of zombies in film, then this news is for you. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a parody novel by Seth Grahame-Smith and a graphic novel by Tony Lee. It has been bouncing around Hollywood with names like David O Russel and Natalie Portman attached. Most recently according to a Variety report there’s still life in the project about the lifeless. New director Burr Steers (Igby Goes Down, Charlie St. Cloud) has come aboard. Lily Collins (Mortal Instruments) is reportedly in final talks to play the female lead.

Nerd Byte: The battle between the television providers and the streaming movie sites (like Netflix) has taken a brief cease fire in order for the streamers to take a few potshots at each other. Approximately 1800 titles were recently dropped from the Netflix streaming service. According to The Huffington Post, titles from Warner Bros., MGM, and United Artists were pulled from the instant stream Netflix line up. Warner’s launch of an exclusive streaming site is likely the reason behind this drastic action. Netflix assured it’s subscribers that they will be adding around 500 titles today and that the “ebb and flow” happens often. I’m not surprised at the move, I’m just surprised at the timing.

Anthony Mackie, The Falcon

Nerd Byte: Pictures are emerging from the set of Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Anthony Mackie, playing Cap’s long-time partner, The Falcon, is putting his flight apparatus through it’s paces. I hope that’s not his actual uniform for scenes as The Falcon, but judging from Marvels propensity for black leather, I may be disappointed. The story is rumored to be based around Cap’s struggle to embrace his role in the modern America. Played again by Chris Evans, Cap teams up with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Falcon (Mackie), and S.H.I.E.L.D. to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C. Sounds a lot like a certain Avengers Comic story called “Red Zone.” Geoff Johns penned the tale based on Red Skull’s infiltration of the U.S. Government as Dell Rusk and his attack and murder of thousands of people with a strange red mist. It was the best arc of Johns’ short time as The Avengers scribe. It’s certainly powerful enough for a movie translation and would explain the Falcon’s prominent role. He was instrumental in stopping Red Skull’s plot. It would not, however, explain the subtitle “Winter Soldier.” That’s a whole different can of worms.

Until next week, Stay Nerdy!

Tags: Captain America, comic books, comics, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Movies, Superman, The Avengers, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd, X-Men

The Superior Spider-Man #9 Review

May. 04 Comic Books, Reviews no comments

The Superior Spider-Man #9

The Superior Spider-Man #9 will, no doubt, leave many fans divided with varying degrees of equal disdain and hearty approval. In many ways, it is both a work of genius and a bittersweet beginning of a new chapter for the Wall Crawler. Dan Slott weaves a complicated web of emotion, bearing the psychological workings of Peter Parker, as he literally struggles for his soul against Otto Octavius.

Last issue, we discovered that Otto was aware of Peter’s consciousness latching on to him and, to a degree, controlling him inside his physical body. To purge this threat, Otto implements a brainwave machine and the two battle inside the mental plain. Peter fights Otto to the best of his ability, using memories of his loved ones. Otto is able to eliminate them from the battle, using Peter’s own insecurities and doubts in the form of his most dangerous villains. One by one, his family and friends are “destroyed” and his memories of them, as well as his very soul, are in danger of being lost forever. As a last resort, Peter takes the fight to Otto one-on-one. Who will win in this battle of the minds? Who is truly the Superior Spider-Man? The answer may surprise you.

Since this title started, many fans have been won over by Dan Slott’s unusual change of the status quo, rooting for the unlikely Otto as the hero of the story. At the same time, many fans hold on to the hope of Peter finding some way to return to his body and regain control of his life. While I highly doubt this issue is the definitive and final word on the subject, it does turn the tide towards a decidedly semi-permanent state. Regardless of personal feelings, it’s hard to deny that this is a wonderfully written and meticulously executed story. Peter’s mental personifications of his hopes and insecurities are very well-depicted to the reader and we get a pretty good idea of what he cares about and what he fears the most. While this story is bound to polarize a lot of fans, it is all done in a very exciting and exhilarating way. Slott knows exactly what he’s doing.

As for Ryan Stegman’s art, this is, arguably, his best work for Marvel yet. Each page is rendered in such a breathtaking way that you truly feel the intense struggle between the two powerful minds. Stegman particularly excels in the fight scenes, as we are taken on a virtual roller coaster ride of emotions, always on the edge of our seats, right up to the very last page. The coloring also brings an appropriate otherworldly, dreamlike feel to the story, giving the reader fascinating visuals to go along with the suspenseful drama.

This issue will, undoubtedly, unsettle a lot of readers rooting for their favorite Spidey and will make them question their love for both of the main characters, as well as accentuate what they’ve grown to love most about them. This issue is a turning point for the series that you won’t want to miss and will simultaneously frustrate and intrigue you. It will also make you wonder… just who really is the Superior Spider-Man?

Tags: comic books, comics, Dan Slott, Eric Scroggs, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Marvel NOW!, Otto Octavius, Peter Parker, reviews, ryan stegman, Spider-Man, The Superior Spider-Man, Word of the Nerd

Startling News From The Man Of Steel Movie

May. 04 Comic Books, Movies, News, Press Release no comments

The hits just keep coming for Superman fans as reports of changes to the established mythos in Man of Steel have them all a twitter, literally. It started months ago as rumors started escape the studio from various outlets.

Man of Steel Movie Poster

We heard reports that the actor playing Superman is British. He is a Brit! Henry Cavill was born May 5, 1983 in Jersey, Channel Islands, UK. So what?! Superman is not American, he’s an alien, so get over it. The next story was about how changes to his uniform (no red underwear, odd texture and belt) had traditionalists upset. Ok, I can relate to this one a bit. I’m not adverse to change, just have a reason. Tell me why his original uniform doesn’t make sense in today’s world and you might convince me, but I have yet to hear any reason. Next, we heard that kryptonite will not appear, or play a part, in the film. Great! Finally! In almost every TV or movie appearance, kryptonite has been used to weaken Superman so that he could be challenged by normal humans. I am sooooo tired of that story. Leave the kryptonite out and let him face some real challenges from superhuman opponents. If I want to watch a movie about a regular guy getting kicked around by other regular guys, until he finally tricks them and emerges victorious, I’ll watch Die Hard! So lets check the score. Three rumors, and so far, I’m not all that disturbed, but that’s about to change.

Last Son of Krypton

It was recently reported that the Man of Steel story will reveal that Krypton wasn’t destroyed! While this would explain the lack of kryptonite I am dumbfounded. Rumors are flying around that Kal-El’s parents shuttle him to Earth for a variety of possible reasons. One such explanation has Jor-El sending him Earthward to save him from a civil war. Another, has his parents sending him away to save him from persecution due to the fact that he was born via natural birth, not genetically engineered like all other Kryptonians. What is the point? Is this drastic story change just pure EGO? Do David Goyer, Christopher Nolan, Zack Snyder, and whoever else is making these decisions, really believe that their need for creative license trumps 75 years of history? I hope not. I really respect the body of work from all of those creators. Maybe Warner Bros. is forcing the issue just so they can say that they have an exclusive version of Superman. I don’t really know, but change just for change’s sake makes you no better than Michael Bay (ie: Teenage ALIEN Ninja Turtles).

Iconic Superman Image

Part of the heroic identity of Superman is that he is alone, the last of his kind, and yet he chooses to defend Earth. How will that change? I hope, in the long run, it won’t. Maybe the movie makers involved just want to destroy Krypton for themselves to finish the Man of Steel Trilogy in a few years. In my opinion, changing something this critical to the history of the very first and most iconic superhero, is simply hubris. But, I guess to be a true creator you have to believe that your vision is right. So many such creators have failed to capture what makes Superman, well, super. Let’s hope that Man of Steel doesn’t just become another in a long line of comic book movies that I will see once, and only once. I’m talking to you Superman Returns.

Tags: comic books, comics, DC Comics, General Zod, Jor El, krypton, kryptonite, Man of Steel, Superman, The Nerd, WB, Word of the Nerd

Are Wolverine’s Days Numbered At Marvel Comics?

May. 03 Comic Books, Editor's Pick, Features, News, Press Release no comments

The word is out and it’s not good for Wolverine. July could be the beginning of the end for one of the most popular characters in Marvel Comics. A story arc entitled “Killable”, beginning with Wolverine #8 from Paul Cornell and Alan Davis, will have Logan losing his healing factor. The question is, does this mean the end of our anti-hero, or is it just another plot twist to explore new story lines?

Wolverine’s 1st full issue appearance

First appearing in The Incredible Hulk #180, Wolverine was created by writer Len Wein and Marvel art director John Romita, Sr. as an unwitting sparring partner for the Hulk. In some ways the feral aspects of Wolverine’s personality mirrored the Hulk’s gamma-powered, rage fueled mind-set. He was also a very different opponent than the normal Hulk fare due to his diminutive size and unknown (at the time) skill set. Wolverine’s personality, as we know it today, was developed by Chris Claremont when he wrote the character into The X-Men in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (May 1975). It was then that he became the tortured soul who struggled between his animal side and his desire to do the right thing. Claremont’s run on The Uncanny X-Men helped usher the Wolverine character to his current popularity, and to some degree the “anti-hero”, in general, to the forefront of the comics industry.

Magneto strips Wolverine of his Adamantium in X-Men #25

There are long lists of stories over the years in which writers attempted to make Wolverine more “killable” to enhance the reader’s suspense. One of the greatest examples was the ”Fatal Attractions“ crossover that concluded in X-Men #25 (1993) with Magneto forcibly removing the adamantium from Wolverine’s skeleton, starting a whole new era of stories for a weakened, more feral Wolverine.

Art from Wolverine #6

As we all know Wolverine’s adamantium is restored eventually and I think we’ll see the same ultimate conclusion here. Wolverine may die, or just be put through events that could only be challenging to someone who couldn’t quickly recover from any wound. Either way, it’s all just part of what makes him Wolverine. Death is rarely, if ever, permanent in comics. Does anyone remember the death of Captain America in Captain America vol. 5, #25 (April 2007)? His demise was even reported in the mainstream media, and still didn’t stick. Wolverine’s death, were it to happen, would likely just spawn stories of his adventures in the afterlife, wherever that would take him. The character won’t just end, he’s too popular, fun to write, and even more fun to read. Wherever Cornell and Davis take this story, I’ll be along for the ride. After all, Wolverine is still the best there is at what he does, he’ll just need a better health plan!

Tags: Adamantium, Captain America, Chris Claremont, comic books, comics, John Romita Sr., Len Wein, Marvel Comics, Marvel NOW!, The Hulk, The Incredible Hulk, The Nerd, wolverine, Word of the Nerd, X-Men

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Coulson Lives!

May. 01 Comic Books, Features, News, Press Release 1 comment

May 4, 2012 was a day long-awaited by fanboys and closeted nerds alike. It was the day that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes finally came to the silver screen. It only made sense that a group called “The Avengers” would need a tragic death to motivate them into action. As I watched the movie it became apparent who that victim would have to be, Agent Phil Coulson. Recent reports have Coulson alive and well and starring in a new TV Show based on S.H.I.EL.D. and the Marvel Universe. All I can say is, I knew it all along!

The Avengers Movie Poster

My first comic book as a boy was an issue of The Avengers. So for me this was a big day that took far too long to arrive. Half sure that I had built the movie to impossibly huge expectations my twin daughters (Camryn and Devin) and I headed to the theater to meet friends and see the epic. The movie did not fail to meet any of those expectations for me, and exceeded many of them. My daughters told me, after the movie, that I looked like an awestruck kid the whole time, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. They had never read an Avengers comic book, but they couldn’t stop talking about the movie either.

Agent Phil Coulson (Actor Clark Gregg)

Phil Coulson, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., as portrayed by actor Clark Gregg, became in integral part of the creation of the Avengers team. He was the point man for contact with various team members in Iron Man, Iron Man 2, and Thor. He became a fan favorite due to his dry sense of humor and his matter-of-fact way of dealing with people and powers beyond imagining. As the S.H.I.E.L.D. liaison with the Avengers it became obvious that he would have to be sacrificed by the writers to sufficiently motivate the team to put aside their differences and work together to save the world. It worked and the teamwork displayed in the battle scenes with the Chitauri was epic. On the production side, it was brilliantly choreographed. Various Avengers showing up just in time to save each other or civilians, and then disappearing back into the melee. Coulson’s “death” was the catalyst that made all of it possible. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) said it all when he told Agent Hill (Cobie Smulders), ” They needed the push.”

Coulson dies at the hands of Loki

On the drive home with my girls, the conversation turned to Coulson’s death. They both felt bad that he died since he had been such a huge part of the build-up to this movie. We had watched all of the individual character’s movies prior to the team movie. Right then and there I stated, “He’s not dead!” They didn’t believe me at first, you see they are not long-time avid comic readers. They don’t understand that in comics, death is a plot twist not an ending. Immediately on Coulson’s death I began thinking how he would come back. I gave a thought to the fact that maybe he never died, but that would be too mundane. As the movie progressed I was convinced he wasn’t dead. Nick Fury’s conversation with Agent Hill made it clear. The Avengers did need the “push” to come together, but a real death wasn’t necessary, just some bloodstained cards.

Coulson’s Card Collection

So now I’m 100% convinced that Coulson is not dead, but how could he have lived? Then I remembered a scene earlier in the movie. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is trying to have some private time with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Agent Coulson is trying to reach them and Jarvis (the Artificial Intelligence butler of Stark Tower) keeps interrupting the couple. Stark finally answers the phone, “You have reached the Life Model Decoy of Tony Stark, please leave a message”. BINGO! What better way to have a tragic death of a S.H.I.E.L.D Agent without killing him off? The old L.M.D. trick. Life Model Decoys have a storied history in Marvel comics, especially where Nick Fury and Tony Stark are concerned. I told my daughters, and the friends we went with, and they all looked at me like I was some crazy nerd. They were right, but I was convinced that I was too! Now that word is out that Coulson will be a main character in the upcoming Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. television show, developed by ABC, I know he’s alive. In a few months we’ll know for sure how Phil Coulson survived Loki’s cowardly attack. I may be right or I may be wrong but either way a great character, played by the right actor, will live on in the Mighty Marvel Universe!

Tags: Agent Coulson, Clark Gregg, comic books, comics, Iron Man, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Movies, The Avengers, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

IDW Joins The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Team

Apr. 30 Comic Books, Features, News, Press Release 1 comment

Just days ago the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) announced their newest corporate partner and it’s a heavy-hitter, IDW Publishing. This is big news for both organizations and the comic book industry in general.

The CBLDF is a non-profit organization founded in 1986. Their goal is to protect the First Amendment rights of comics creators, publishers, and retailers. The CBLDF first came into the public eye while providing funding for the legal defense of Friendly Frank’s comic shop manager Michael Correa. Correa was charged with distributing obscenity in 1986 for selling comic books like Omaha the Cat Dancer, and Weirdo. The CBLDF works with organizations like the Kids Right to Read Project and sponsors Banned Books Week which helps libraries keep graphic novels on their shelves. In 2011 the CBLDF acquired the rights to the Comics Code Authority seal, which had been used to regulate the content of comics in the United States. They plan to use the seal in licensing agreements, with the proceeds going to the CBLDF.

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein

IDW Publishing was created as the publishing arm of Idea and Design Works (IDW) in 2000. They were named Publisher of the Year in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 by Diamond Comics Distributors. They first came to prominence in the Comic Book industry in 2002 when they published 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith.

IDW’s 30 Days of Night

Ten years later IDW has a large library of respected titles such as Locke & Key, Snaked, The Vanishers, and Wake the Dead, which are all being developed for other entertainment media. In addition to Niles and Templesmith, IDW publishes such talented creators as Peter David, Joe Hill, JK Woodward, Gabriel Rodriguez, and Ashley Wood, among others. IDW Publishing is currently recognized as the #4 comic book publisher in the US, according to Diamond Comic Distributors.

IDW’s Locke & Key

So, much like the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, these are two great tastes that taste great together. A powerful US comic publisher and an organization like the CBLDF that protects their right to creativity make sense as partners. IDW’s Publisher and CEO, Ted Adams, stated, “IDW’s commitment to the powerful creativity of this industry’s creators and to the ingenuity of the retail community that makes their creativity possible makes supporting the important work of the CBLDF vital to our company mission.”

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein said of the partnership, ”All of us at CBLDF are elated to welcome the extraordinary team at IDW to our Corporate Member ranks. Their commitment to creating the highest quality publications in the direct market is unsurpassed, and their efforts to reach popular and discriminating audiences are done with a high level of integrity.”

This meeting of the minds between IDW and the CBLDF will undoubtedly result in more cutting edge stories being told the way the creators envisioned them. That makes all of us winners!

Tags: 30 Days of Night, CBLDF, comic books, comics, IDW Publishing, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

More Continuity Challenges In The New 52?

Apr. 29 Comic Books, News, Press Release 1 comment

Is DC setting themselves up for more continuity challenges in the New 52 universe? As if they aren’t already boggling the minds of longtime DC Comics readers, there is a new rumor in the air. Bob Harras, Editor In Chief at DC Comics, teased the possibility of a Cyborg Superman in the New 52. He stated, “As I’ve been telling you, all bets are off. Everything’s on the table.”

Cyborg Superman circa 2013 by Kenneth Rocafort

Such a general statement could mean just about anything. For example, it could mean that continuity is now irrelevant. This would allow DC writers to run wild without concern for past stories. It could also mean that the power brokers at DC are hurriedly trying to shore up continuity gaffs. They may be trying to reintroduce fan favorite characters, or even crucial story lines to their confusing pantheon.

Cyborg Superman circa 2007 by Ethan Van Sciver

The original Cyborg Superman, then known as Hank Henshaw, was introduced in Superman #42. He was part of an ill-fated NASA space flight where his human body died, but he was able to save his consciousness in a LexCorp mainframe. He used it to create a new cyborg body, left Earth, and didn’t return until after Superman died at the hands of Doomsday. Convinced Superman was involved in the destruction of his body, he decided to become the new Superman when he supposedly died. The Eradicator, however, challenged him for the title of the new Superman, so Cyborg Superman decided to destroy Coast City and frame Eradicator. This plot resulted in both the death of Eradicator and the restoration of the original Superman’s powers.

These story lines were epic and critical to the old continuity of the DC Universe. They were also thrown away as if they had never happened when DC launched The New 52. While I’m certain that the residents of Coast City appreciate the reprieve, fans of Superboy, Eradicator, and dare I say… Cyborg Superman, might disagree. I’m not sure how the brilliant minds at DC will attack this continuity problem. As a longtime fan of comics, I have one simple request: Do not simply retell the original story to bring the continuity into the New 52. Be original. Be brilliant. Make history.

Tags: Bob Harras, comic books, comics, continuity, Cyborg Superman, DC Comics, Eradicator, Hank Henshaw, New 52, Superboy, Superman, The Nerd, Word of the Nerd

Dark Horse Digital Hits Two-Year Anniversary

Apr. 26 Comic Books, Editor's Pick, News no comments

Dark Horse Comics is commemorating two years of going digital by giving their fans 50 first issues of some of their most celebrated comic titles, such as Hellboy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Conan the Barbarian, Empowered, Star Wars, and Usagi Yojimbo. The 50 issues are available until Friday at 9:00AM PST. All issues are ready to download at the click of a button or individually choose the comics you want.

Dark Horse Digital gives back to their fans.

Along with this giveaway, Dark Horse has announced that Dynamite Entertainment comics will also be available via the Dark Horse Digital platform. 30 single Dynamite issues are currently available, as well as more than 20 collections.

“We’ve been looking for ways to expand our digital presence, and this is our first step to building an even more robust library of digital comics,” said Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. “We’re proud to add Dark Horse Digital to our retail partners selling our digital titles to their audience. Our wide range of titles, from Vampirella to Battlestar Galactica, Grimm, The Shadow, Red Sonja, and many of our other Dynamite titles, are a perfect fit for the large audience who purchase Dark Horse titles. We’re thrilled to work with Mike and his team at Dark Horse Digital on this new endeavor and excited about new opportunities to come,” added Dynamite Entertainment CEO, Nick Barrucci.

Here’s the official press release:

Dark Horse Digital reaches a new landmark, turning two years old this coming weekend. To thank its loyal fans, Dark Horse announces two special anniversary promotions, as well as huge news that will change the digital-comics publishing landscape forever.

Dynamite Entertainment has inked a deal to include its comics digitally through the Dark Horse Digital store and apps. Thirty-eight single issues and eighteen collections are available for purchase today! New titles will be added weekly, with all upcoming Dynamite releases available digitally the same day as print.

As a sign of appreciation for its loyal digital subscribers, Dark Horse Digital announces that fifty free first issues from many of its best-selling series will be available for the next forty-eight hours (promotion ends Friday, April 26, at 9 a.m. PST).

Starting Friday morning and throughout the weekend, Dark Horse Digital is offering 10 percent off all bundles in the web store! And confirmed newsletter subscribers will receive an additional coupon! The newsletter coupon stacks with the bundle discount, offering even greater savings.

The sale starts this Friday, April 26, and ends Sunday, April 28, at midnight PST-so head over to Dark Horse Digital and sign up for the Digital Newsletter to maximize the discount.

Dark Horse Comics launched its standalone comic-reader app and digital store on April 27, 2011, and has received incredible support from the continuously growing digital-comics fan base.

Since then, Dark Horse Digital has grown significantly in numbers and readership by featuring its most popular and best-selling titles, including Star Wars, Buffy, Serenity, Hellboy, Conan, and Mass Effect, as well as exclusive digital-only comics such as Falling Skies, Prototype 2, and Dragon Age. Dark Horse Digital also provides sales and discounts for its readers on a weekly basis. It currently offers thousands of comics and continues to increase the digital availability of the Dark Horse back catalog.

Dark Horse Digital is available through all modern web browsers and features cloud storage through both the Google Play and iOS apps.

About Dark Horse Digital
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has grown to become the third-largest comics publisher in the United States and is acclaimed internationally for the quality and diversity of its line. In 2011, the company that revolutionized the comic industry proudly presented its groundbreaking digital-publishing program, Dark Horse Digital.

Dark Horse Digital offers its most popular titles at an unprecedented value, while providing the highest-quality reading experience possible. Single-issue comics are priced as low as just $0.99, and there is also an extensive list of free introductory #1 issues. Additionally, DH Digital’s “bundles” group together story arcs spanning multiple issues into affordable packages, allowing readers to get all the issues that comprise a complete narrative, starting at just $3.99 and up. And through cloud-based technology, Digital Store purchases can be read and enjoyed online on your computer or, mobile browser, and through the Dark Horse Bookshelf apps, available on iTunes App Store and Google Play.

To get started, simply log on to Digital.DarkHorse.com or download the app to create an account, and begin building your collection today.

About Dynamite Entertainment

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT was founded in 2004 and is home to several best-selling comic book titles and properties, including The Boys, The Shadow, Vampirella, Warlord of Mars, Bionic Man, A Game of Thrones, and more!

Dynamite owns and controls an extensive library with over 3,000 characters (which includes the Harris Comics and Chaos Comics properties), such as Vampirella, Pantha, Evil Ernie, Smiley the Psychotic Button, Chastity, Purgatori, and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt.

In addition to their critically-acclaimed titles and bestselling comics, Dynamite works with some of the most high-profile creators in comics and entertainment, including Kevin Smith, Alex Ross, John Cassaday, Garth Ennis, Jae Lee, Marc Guggenheim, Mike Carey, Jim Krueger, Greg Pak, Brett Matthews, Matt Wagner, and a host of up-and-coming new talent!

Dynamite is consistently ranked in the upper tiers of comic book publishers and several of their titles – including Alex Ross and Jim Krueger’s Project Superpowers – have debuted in the Top Ten lists produced by Diamond Comics Distributors. In 2005, Diamond awarded the company a GEM award for Best New Publisher and another GEM in 2006 for Comics Publisher of the Year (under 5%) and again in 2011. The company has also been nominated for and won several industry awards, including the prestigious Harvey and Eisner Awards.

After you’ve had a chance to sample their offerings, beginning Friday, April 26, to Sunday, April 28, Dark Horse is offering a 10% off sale of their digital bundles. All you have to do is visit their digital store to take advantage of these great offers.

Tags: comic books, comics, Dark Horse Comics, Dark Horse Digital Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Eric Scroggs, Word of the Nerd

Geoff Johns Reflects on Final Green Lantern

Apr. 25 Comic Books, News, Previews, Uncategorized no comments

New York Times best-selling writer Geoff Johns opens up about his final issue of Green Lantern. Beginning with 2004′s Green Lantern: Rebirth, Johns has been the custodian of the adventures of Hal Jordan for nearly a decade and recently introduced novice GL, Simon Baz, to a new generation of readers.

The full cover art for Green Lantern #20.

Johns, along with artist Ethan Van Sciver, had been instrumental in reintroducing the Silver Age version of the classic superhero to the DC Universe, to much success and critical acclaim, as well as contributing much to the modern-day mythos, such as the various color spectrums and the respective members of their corps.

The special deluxe size issue, Green Lantern #20, will bring Johns’ tenure to a close, featuring an epic 66-page story, which will include 55 pages of art by current artist, Doug Mahnke, and special guest appearances from superstar artists Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, Cully Hamner, Aaron Kuder, and Jerry Ordway, among others. Rumor is, the final four pages will also hold a few surprises, in classic Johns fashion.

Here’s what Johns had to say about his final issue:

“I’m extremely grateful for being able to conclude our run on Green Lantern with this monster of an issue. I’m moving on, feeling very proud of what my creative collaborators and I have done over the years with the Green Lantern universe. Thanks to all the readers out there who’ve been with us for this adventure. I can’t wait until #20 is in your hands — the last several pages in particular.”

The issue will also include a special retrospective by Johns, himself, as he takes the readers on a journey through his run from the last nine years. Take a look at the special sneak preview below and be sure to pick up this important issue when it hits the stands and digital platforms on May 22nd!