Flashpoint Woes

I'm still in mourning over the passing of the former DC Universe to make way for the "New 52."  I've been giving the new DC comic series a try, but I'm having a difficult time pretending that everything is starting from scratch where the main Justice Leaguers don't even know one another yet!

Remember what happened when the TV show Dallas pulled that kind of shit, brought back Bobby from the dead, and said the entire past season had been only a dream of Pam's?  Viewers were pissed off, the series dropped out of the Top 10, and the show's ratings declined even further from there.  

Sure, DC's sales are skyrocketing right now out of curiosity, but how long will that last?   The only comics I've truly enjoyed are Animal Man and Aquaman.  I've probably enjoyed these the most because I haven't kept up-to-date with these two characters for over a decade and because thus far their stories have operated separately from the rest of the new DCU.  It doesn't hurt to have good writers onboard either.  But is that enough? 

Unfortunately for DC, I no longer have an emotional connection to any of my favorite characters, which makes me not care about reading about their adventures any longer (if they're even in the New 52).  So, tell me again why I should continue to put forth $100 a month to something about which I'm no longer passionate? 

Earth Two: the Sideways Earth

Huntress #1 (2011)

DC Comics' mini-series Flashpoint has apparently undone Crisis on Infinite Earths.  Along with a lot of other 1980s revivals in the New 52, DC has announced that they're bringing back Earth Two, along with a new Justice Society of America monthly series set on this alternate Earth.  They've also hinted that there's a connection between this new JSA series, the new Huntress mini-series, the Mister Terrific ongoing series, and the latest Birds of Prey series.  Does this mean that the all of these series are currently taking place on Earth Two and we just don't know it?  It's quite possible.  Have there been any crossovers with these series and other series in the New 52?  Not that I've seen. 

Infinity Inc. #1 (1984)

While some (or most) may scoff at this idea, I'm kind of digging it.  Why?  With Earth Two, it opens the door for  reviving Infinity Inc. and the Young All-Stars (two of my favorite 1980s series).  It would also allow DC to compete with Marvel's successful "Ultimate" universe and its myriad of titles.  

The downside to an Earth Two Huntress?  I guess that would mean that the romance between Huntress and Catman would never happen.  But she would (hopefully) be the daughter of Batman and Catwoman again, and that would be pretty cool.   

Young All-Stars #1 (1987)

But the biggest mystery for me is...what's the connection with Birds of Prey?  Does that mean that the current Birds of Prey series doesn't take place on Earth One or New Earth or whatever it's called now? 

As for the new Huntress #1, it was just okay.  I've always liked Huntress as a character, but have never felt that anyone's ever done anything spectacular story-wise with her.  She's always felt like more of a supporting/team player than a headliner.  So maybe there's a place for her (again) in a new Infinity, Inc.

Kori vs. Kory

Princess Koriand'r

So, besides being portrayed as sluttier in the New 52, it seems that DC Comics has also decided to update the nickname of Princess Koriand'r (aka Starfire) to "Kori" from the afore-used "Kory."  I guess because that's the trend nowadays?  Cindy to Cindi?  Tammy to Tammi?  Phone to iPhone?

Catman Scratches His Way Into Target

When I visit Target, I usually wander down the toy aisles, checking out the new superhero action figures.  I don't purchase any of them (anymore), but I like to look at them and keep abreast (wink wink nod nod -- that's for all you straight comic book geeks) of what figures are being produced and how good they look.  My heart skipped a beat this past week when I stumbled upon a Catman action figure.  As you know, he's this blog's namesake.

I never liked Catman much as a kid.  He was always portrayed in the Batman comics as a big doofus.  Then in 2005, Gail Simone used him in the Villains United mini-series, which eventually paved the path for the Secret Six series.  She took a lame and relatively unknown Batman villain and turned him into a sexy villain with a heart.  I liked him so much that I used him as the basis for this blog.  Although he has yet to appear in DC's New 52, Catman's name still graces the top of this webpage. 

So...back to Target.  I picked up the Catman action figure off the shelf and began to examine it.  It was beautiful.  Unfortunately, I couldn't justify spending $15 for something that would probably just sit in a box at home.  If I made money off this blog and/or had an office for my creative work, I would pull out all the stops and have Catman paraphernalia proudly displayed.  However, this isn't a perfect world, and that isn't the case.  I can just hope that someone gives that Catman action figure a good home. 

Hawkman gets an Adjective.

Fred Savage

When I hear the word "savage," I think of the song "Savages" from Disney's Pocahontas movie...and that little tyke from The Wonder Years, Fred Savage.  Now I can add DC Comics' new Savage Hawkman comic series to the mix.  

Curiously, Hawkman's series is the only one in the "New 52" in which DC has decided to include an adjective preceding the character's name.  How strange is that?  Marvel does it with a multitude of their comics:  Uncanny X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, Mighty Thor, Incredible Hulk, Invincible Iron Man, Amazing Spider-Man, Savage She-Hulk, Sensational She-Hulk (okay, that one is just dating myself now), etc.  But DC just has...one.  Only one superhero earned an adjective in the "New 52." 

I must admit that I'm kind of fond of the use of adjectives.  It gives the title a little flair and could also potentially distinguish it from other previous volumes (see aforementioned She-Hulk titles). 

Hawkman by Alex Ross

I've never been a particular big fan of reading Hawkman's adventures.  I really like him as a character (probably for his revealing costume -- hello, bulky hairy chest!), but I never read his adventures and thought, "Wow!  Hawkman's awesome!"  or "I wanna be Hawkman for Halloween!"  But the latter is probably because of the revealing costume, too.  And the lack -- on my part -- of a massive chest.

I read the first issue of The Savage Hawkman and thought it was just okay.  I'll continue reading it to see if it leads somewhere good, but it has yet to really sink its claws into me. (Get it -- claws?  A hawk has claws?  Never mind.)

Savage Hawkman #1

Since Carter Hall (Hawkman's alternate identity) is an archaeologist (even in the new DCU), let's hope we get some sort of Indiana Jones-type adventure in the series.  I'd love to see his personal, professional, and costumed lives expand to make him a more well-rounded character.  And so DC doesn't cancel the series due to low sales.  Let's face it: Hawkman doesn't have a very good track record for longevity in his own series, even when paired up with The Atom.  And how random was that?

iVampire

Even though I think the entertainment world is oversaturated with vampires right now, I decided to pick up DC Comics' new I, Vampire series, despite its grammatically awkward title.  Or maybe because of it.  I never read the original in the 1980s, but I remember hearing about it/seeing it in comic book stores. 

Due to vampires' popularity right now, I'm sure that was why DC decided to revisit this old title.  I was intrigued by how DC would incorporate vampires into the DCU, and I hoped it would be more successful than Marvel's attempt last year with their "Curse of the Mutants" storyline.  

After reading the first issue of I, Vampire, I can clearly say that I have no fucking clue what happened.  Maybe it sounds "racist," but I have no idea who is who in the vampire world; they all look alike to me.  I won't give up on the title just yet, though.  I'll read the series for a couple more issues to see if I get into more. 

Aquaman: Sink or Swim

Let me preface my review by saying that, yes, I think Geoff Johns is a great writer, but I don't necessarily think that everything he touches turns to gold.  Case in point:  I loved his work on Teen Titans (and wished he would have continued), but I couldn't get into his Green Lantern no matter how hard I tried. 

So, after relaunching many beloved (and neglected) superheroes and series over the years, Johns finally took a crack at Aquaman.  After reading it, I have to say that this new Aquaman series is one of my favorites of DC Comics' New 52.  The first issue beautifully set the tone for the series and the new reimagining of the character.  Aquaman also looks pretty damn good in his original orange and green costume. 

Aquaman has been constantly ridiculed over the past few recent years, mocked for his abilities or lack thereof.  Johns is well aware of the mockery that has been going on and decided to include this in the series to prove everyone wrong.  He wants to show readers that the character of Aquaman isn't who they thought he was.  He's not the weakest team member of the 1970s Super Friends cartoon...and he doesn't talk to fish. 

Throughout the first issue, as the everyday citizens in the DC Universe laugh at Aquaman, he sets out to prove them wrong and succeeds wonderfully.  He's tougher than they think.  And not amused by their derision.  On the other hand, Aquaman shows his soft side when Mera appears.  Johns focuses on character development, something missing in most comics.  

As long as the series continues in this direction, I'm definitely onboard.  

Angry Teens

This ain't your dad's Teen Titans.  Heck, it isn't even mine.  

The latest reincarnation of DC Comics' Teen Titans was nowhere as good as Geoff John's 2003 version or Marv Wolfman/George Perez' 1980 version.  It wasn't totally awful, though, either.  

These new teens are full of anger.  I guess that's closer to how real teens are/stereotyped to be?   In this first issue, we meet Red Robin, off his stint as Robin.  He's got some issues with the whole former Batman team-up thing.  He's also monitoring the recent sudden appearance of teens with superpowers around the world.  

And then there's Cassie Sandsmark (Whatever you do, don't call her Wonder Girl!).  She's definitely got some anger issues, and a bit of mystery surrounding her existence as well.  Gone is the sweet Cassie from series' past.  She's also wearing a costume that's a combination of her former costume and Donna Troy's black starry one.  

As for the rest of the team, we did see some confusing segment about Kid Flash, but the rest (pictured on the cover) are still yet to come.   And, also, where is the new Aqualad? 

After reading the first month of #1 issues of the New 52, I've discovered a recurring theme throughout the new DCU:  the heroes aren't really "heroes," per se.  They're operating covertly, outside the law, as vigilantes and don't really have the support of the public.  All of 'em.  I'm not sure this is a wise decision on DC's part.  Having some vigilantes and covert operations is good.  But all of them?  It doesn't make any of the teams/individuals unique.  Now they're all Suicide Squad, Secret Six, or X-Men-ish.  And how are they all funded?   How do they survive without jobs?  I'd really like to see more of their personal lives, their "secret identities."  That's how we really get to know them as characters, not just by watching them battle one foe after another. 

Teen Titans was better than I expected (I had low expectations), so I hope it develops into another TT series that I really love.  But let's lose the anger...

Lastly, I'm not crazy about the logo.  However, I wasn't crazy about the former logo either.  Can we take this back to the marketing department?

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Wonder Woman #1 (2011)

The latest Wonder Woman #1 (volume umpteenth) didn't have me drooling for more when the issue ended.  Maybe that's because there wasn't much substance to her character at this point.  Or maybe because she was hardly in it.  Or maybe it was the choppy childlike art.

Diana (she prefers to be called by her birth-given name over Wonder Woman) apparently lives in London now, which must be a nod to the events of Flashpoint, wherein the Amazons overtook the United Kingdom as the Atlanteans flooded the rest of Western Europe.  I was hoping that with this latest version, Diana would be battling more earthly villains than gods and getting away from her "sisters" of Themyscira with five-syllable names.  Unfortunately, the gods are still chasing her in this latest volume, and it makes it a bit boring for readers who aren't familiar with the hundreds of Greek gods and Amazons out there.  And -- are we really going to keep the helmet and sword left over from Flashpoint, too?  Diana's SO much better than that.

Wonder Woman #1 (1987)

I think my favorite "version" of Wonder Woman will always be George Perez', circa 1987.  In it, Diana comes to "Man's World" from Paradise Island/Themyscira unfamiliar with protocol, customs, behaviors, etc.  She was a fish out of water.  (No offense, Aquaman.)   It made for some interesting situations as she tried to assimilate into modern times.  It also wasn't all about warrior-like battles; there were empathy and emotional storylines.  Diana connected on a personal level with people. 

The best thing about this newest version of Wonder Woman?  The costume. Gone are the leotards that sparked such controversy a year ago.  Diana's back to wearing her short shorts.  She's also lost any yellow/gold colors to her look, giving her a sleek red, white/silver, and blue look.  Two enthusiastic bullet-deflecting bracelets up for the revised look!  

Will I keep reading Wonder Woman?  Yeah, probably.  If only for moral (mortal?) support.  I think sometimes I like the idea of her more than the stories that people write for her.  A part of me is hoping that one day someone will come along and do her justice...

Birds of Prey: the team that never was?

Third time's the charm?  After reading DC Comics' newest Birds of Prey #1 (volume three), I'm not so sure.  Was there never a Birds of Prey team before in the new DC Universe?  Apparently not.  And this time, they're made up of a bunch of bad-ass chicks.  Think Secret Six with only women.

In this first issue, we meet Black Canary and a new character by the name of Starling.  They're both on the run from the law.  Black Canary killed someone?  Hmmm...a mystery to be discovered.  And the tattooed Starling sounds like she's just a crazy bitch.  

Black Canary is trying to form a new team called the Birds of Prey.  She enlists Starling and pays a visit to Barbara Gordon, the old/new Batgirl.  At least they still have some sort of a past in the new DCU.  Dinah tries to enlist Babs, but Babs shoots her down, suggesting Katana (from the previous Outsiders) instead.  Black Canary isn't too keen on that suggestion (another mystery), but she must eventually invite her since Katana appears on the cover (although never in the issue itself).  Poison Ivy also appears on the cover, but never in the book (she doesn't even get a mention like Katana does).   I guess after the cancellation of her Gotham City Sirens, Harley Quinn going to the new Suicide Squad, and Catwoman getting her own series, DC wanted to give Poison Ivy some prevalence in a new series, too. 

I'm not totally sold on this newest incarnation of Birds of Prey, but I'll stick around a few issues to see if I like it any better.  I may just end up flying the coop.

Say Hello to the Newest Supergirl

I like the idea of Supergirl.  Besides her cousin Kal-El (better known as Superman), she's a stranger to Earth.  However, unlike Superman, she doesn't come to Earth as an infant.  She comes as a teenager/young adult, so her reception is a bit more jarring.  But, seriously, how many different versions do we need or can we handle for Kara Zor-El?  She's died and been brought back to life more often than a soap opera personality.

I wasn't crazy about the Matrix version of Supergirl or the most recent version of her before the Flashpoint event (but I was getting used to it).   Now we have DC Comics' latest version of her in the New 52, post-Flashpoint.  Rather than crash-landing in Smallville or Metropolis (how convenient), this latest incarnation of Supergirl lands in Siberia, fully clothed in her "S" regalia.  She's unsure where she is and why the sun looks different.  Russia's army of robots comes after her and she's sure that she'll be killed.  That's when she begins to realize that she has some strange powers.  

The comic held my interest throughout, so that's a good sign.  I look forward to seeing where DC takes her.  

As for her new costume, it's not bad, but it's definitely an older version than the previous teenager's bare midriff one.  I miss the playful skirt, though, and I'm not sure about the above-the-thigh one-piece that the latest version wears.  I think that part could be a bit lower on the sides and that maybe she could lose the big red "V" in the front that basically screams, "Here's my Vagina!"

Nightwing Swings Back Into Action

In reading the new Nightwing #1, I was pleased to see that there was basically no change to Nightwing/Dick Grayson's history and personality.  He's the same ol' Nightwing in the new DC Universe.  Whew.   

He's just coming off his gig as Batman and returning to the Nightwing persona.  The spiffy new black and red costume suits him well, better than most of the costume changes in DC's New 52.  His doesn't look like a 1990s redux.

In this issue, Dick mentions that he has "a thing for redheads," which, of course, is a wink-wink-nod-nod to the decades-long flirtation between Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon (Batgirl/Oracle).  I hope there's something in store for the two of them in the near future, after all these years.  Babs deserves some happiness.  She probably hasn't "gotten any" in years!

I like that Dick is living in Gotham City again and that, in this first issue, Haley's Circus is back in town.  Dick visits some old friends/co-workers of his and, fortunately, a gloomy cloud doesn't follow his visit.  People are more focused on Dick's life than his parents' death many years ago.

The characterization, plot, and writing weren't overwhelmingly wonderful, but they didn't suck either.  The story is better when Dick is in his street clothes than his Nightwing costume.  There's a real human aspect to him which, unfortunately, we don't see too often in comic books. 

I look forward to what's in store for one of my favorite characters in the DCU.

The Bat Does the Cat

Well, I guess we know now that in DC Comics' New 52, Batman and Catwoman are still pretty good fuck buddies.  (Maybe even moreso than before.)  

ME-OW.

From the new Catwoman #1

Holy Menage a Trois, Batman!

I just read the new Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 by DC, featuring Red Hood (Jason Todd / Robin), Red Arrow (Roy Harper / Arsenal), and Starfire (New Teen Titans).  All I can say is, "Holy menage a trois, Batman!" 

SPOILER! (?)  Starfire is apparently Jason's "sort-of-girlfriend," but hooks up with Roy.  Because, well...that's what she does.  The "new" Starfire will apparently sleep with anyone.  I'm curious if down the road the three of them will have a threesome.  Now, *that* would be interesting. 

These three characters are familiar, yet distinctly different from their pre-Flashpoint counterparts.   Red Hood is now a Punisher-like mercenary.  Jason Todd is also back to having dark hair.  I guess that's so readers can distinguish him from the red-headed Roy Harper.  Red Hood rescues the criminal/bad boy Red Arrow out of custody.  Starfire is still an alien from the planet Tamaran, but she has no emotions of love or feelings of caring.  Her only related interest is physical sex.  She was with the Teen Titans in her past life, but she doesn't really remember much about it, including her relationship with Dick Grayson.  Those details aren't important to her.  Both Jason and Todd seem totally cool with the other sharing a bed with Starfire. 

The Outlaws are the tougher-sounding Outsiders and/or Secret Six.  They're mercanaries/antiheroes.  There's only three of them, with Red Hood acting as the leader.  

Essence

The story in the first issue was well-written by Scott Lobdell.  The introduction of the mysterious character Essence intrigued me.  The plot was interesting enough that I'll continue buying the series for the time being.  I'm curious to learn more about these three characters, as they were favorites of mine in the "old" DC Universe. 

Superboy Takes Flight...Again.

When I stopped reading comic books in 1994, Conner Kent had just come on the scene and was this arrogant little twit with an awful haircut, sunglasses, leather jacket, and Chachi leg band.  He was one of four new Supermen who appeared after the famous "Death of Superman" saga in which Doomsday supposedly killed the Man of Steel. I really didn't think he'd last. 

When I started reading comics again in 2007, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Conner Kent had not only stuck around, but that he'd matured, changed to a much simpler costume, was kinder and more respectful of others, and gotten a whole helluva lot more sexy.  He had suddenly (13 years later) gone from one of my least favorite characters to one of my all-time favorite characters. 

So when I heard about DC Comics' new reimagining of their entire universe now in 2011 and saw the cover of Superboy #1 from the New 52 collection, I was, naturally, a bit scared.  Gone were the casual T-shirt, muscles, and tight-fitting jeans.  Conner now resembled a cross between Tron and the New Mutants' Warlock. 

I bought and read the new #1, and...it didn't suck.  For once, the art on the interior (by R.B. Silva) was better than the cover art.  (It's usually the other way around.)   The story was pretty interesting, too, but I have to try to forget everything that Conner once was.  While sad that Conner was once again scrawny looking, I was relieved that he wasn't mechanical, as the cover implied.  He's this naive human-like construct, living in a "Truman Show" world.  He was created from half Kryptonian DNA and half -- shhhh!  Supposedly, it's a secret.  Unless it's something different than Lex Luthor's DNA this time around, it's not going to be much of a surprise for those of us already familiar with Conner's origins. 

I look forward to seeing where DC takes Conner this time around.  Let's just hope that on the way, he swings by a gym and an Abercrombie & Fitch.

A Daken To Get In Bed With

When I started reading comics again in the late 2000s, I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to find out that Wolverine had a full-grown, adult son.  I felt like it was Marvel trying to capitalize on Wolverine's success since he's, undoubtedly, the most popular comic book character...ever.  Daken then took over Wolverine's title series as "Dark Wolverine" during Marvel's Dark Reign period, and that's when I discovered how different and distinct he really was.  I had to go back and read his beginnings in past issues of Wolverine: Origins.  His real name is Akihiro, but people referred to him as Daken, which translated to "bastard dog" or "mongrel," a slur on his obvious mixed heritage (his deceased mother was Japanese). 

What I found in reading Daken's misadventures was that Marvel was really pushing the boundaries with this character.  He was nothing like his father.  He was narcissistic, vain, unscrupulous, uncaring, sexually forward, and, best of all, bisexual.  Marvel handled his bisexuality (using whomever to get what he wants) tastefully, humorously, and without regret.

It was no surprise that after the whole mess that was Dark Reign ended, Daken received his own monthly series and Wolverine got his own title back (as a new series starting over at #1 as well).  The unfortunate part was that Daken was still (mis)labeled as "Dark Wolverine."  I'm sure it's all a marketing tactic for those unfamiliar with Daken (but very familiar with Wolverine), but to me it seems a bit tacky and incorrect.  

Unfortunately, the first nine issues of Daken's new series, written by Daniel Way, didn't interest me at all.  The storylines involved Daken in the "Wolverine Goes to Hell" crossover storyline, as well as Daken going to the fictional Asian island of Madripoor and taking over the criminal underground there.  Daken's series focused more on the Asian character Tyger Tiger than Daken himself.  Yawn.  Where was the Daken that I came to know and love?   And it felt like Way didn't even want to touch on Daken's bisexuality.  It's like the spirit of Daken was sucked right of him, leaving him nothing but a lame, generic character.  To quote Pretty Woman, "Big mistake.  Big.  HUGE." 

I was seriously considering removing Daken from my reading list.  Then with issue #9.1 [groan...another lame marketing tactic], Rob Williams took over writing chores.  By issue #10, Daken is taking Hollywood by storm.  Now, THIS is a Daken I can get in bed with (so to speak).  Daken is back to his most charming self.  He's using both his skills and his sexuality to get what he wants.  Thank you, Rob Williams, for bringing Daken back to life. 

Aqualad: FAIL

It seems that Aqualad just can't catch a break.  

First, there was the original Aqualad from the Teen Titans, Garth, that everyone seemed to make fun of and, basically, found useless.  In an attempt to recreate/reimagine himself, Garth became Tempest.  Unfortunately, Tempest never caught on in popularity either.  To put him (and his legion of non-fans) out of their misery, in the Blackest Night maxi-series, Garth is killed off.  

To revamp the Aqualad name and bring some diversity into the teenage superheroes of the DC Universe (besides the go-to Static), a new Aqualad appears in Brightest Day #10.  He's African-American; sports dreadlocks, a cooler costume, and tats; has better/expanded powers; and has a mystery surrounding him.  At this point, it seems like DC is really going to do something big with an Aqualad. 

Then comes DC's event series Flashpoint...and changes all DC history.  Where is Aqualad?  Is there an Aqualad?  Who knows.  He's not shown in any new issue of the new Aquaman series.  He also doesn't appear in the new Teen Titans series. 

Goodbye, Aqualad.  We hardly knew ye. 

Wild About Animal Man

The new Animal Man series is one of my favorites (so far) of DC's New 52.  Jeff Lemire's new version harkens back to the days of Grant Morrison writing the title in the late 1980s.  The theme is a bit darker than your typical superhero comic book, and I'm already excited about the potential odd storylines. 

One of the strongest parts about the series is the character development.  At the beginning, we see Buddy Baker in his family setting.  He's in superhero semi-retirement, but being recognized for his new work as an actor.  His wife Ellen is there, and we can already sense some tension between the two.  There's also Buddy's two kids -- Maxine and Cliff -- both rebellious in their own ways.  

Buddy decides to jump back into action when a crazy man who lost his daughter to cancer enters a hospital wing waving a gun around other cancer-stricken children.  After saving the day, Buddy returns home to some mysterious developments...

Animal Man is one comic of DC's New 52 that I can't wait for issue #2 to see what happens next. 

Welcome to the Dollhouse

I read the new Detective Comics #1.  Wisely, DC Comics decided to include Joker as the first villain in this new series.  He's still the twisted clown prince of crime, but he's taken it to a new level in DC's New 52.  His violence is even more senseless and, for lack of a better word, *extreme.*  I won't give away the details, but let's just say that Joker is willing to do almost anything to achieve his goals. 

As a side note, we see Commissioner Gordon as a young redhead instead of the white-haired father-figure we got so used to seeing.

Superman gets Cocky.

In reading the new Action Comics #1, written by Grant Morrison, Superman has a different past history.  Clark Kent works for a rival newspaper and isn't -- yet, anyway -- infatuated with Lois Lane.  Gone, too, is his recognizable costume.  In his spare time, he's flying around in a short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans a la Superboy (before DC's New 52).  

To be honest, I'm not sure I like the "new" Superman.  And, actually, it seems that not many people in Metropolis do.  He's more like an outlaw (like Batman at his beginnings) than a revered superhero.   He seems arrogant, cocky, and not at all Superman-like.  For him, it's more like "Truth, Justice, and My Way."

While I don't mind messing with his origins and stories a bit in this revamped DCU, you can't really mess with the Superman legacy or what he stands for.  There's just something wrong about that.  Superman had and has a good heart, was/is caring, and was/is a do-gooder, and this new version is anything but.  

Green Arrow shoots...and lands a little off-target.

Oliver Queen (AKA Green Arrow) is back on top.  He owns the company QCore (think: Apple in the DC Comics Universe).  Get it -- apple core?  Oliver Queen?  The company came up with the Qphone and Qpad.  Sound familiar?  Unfortunately, it looks like his staff would rather see him retire from his executive position since he's always off "on business" somewhere.  What they don't know is that his business is kickin' ass. 

The first issue of the new Green Arrow series was just kind of average.  It had a lot of random action and violence scenes, as well as generic bad guys, which didn't do anything for me.  As an introduction, it didn't really succeed.  I really want to know more about Oliver Queen, the person.  Is he dating/married to Dinah (Black Canary)?  Was there ever a Speedy sidekick?  Is Connor Hawke, his son, still around? 

The new Green Arrow seems to be younger, a little slimmer, and shows off his body (and abs) in his tighter suit.  In the first issue, he also has yet to grow the beard/goatee for which he's renowned; there's just the appearance of some stubble.  Fortunately, his look isn't too much of an extreme change.  He's still got that Robin Hood look and feel, including the hood, which I love.  

Green Arrow is one of my favorite DC characters, so I hope he's given some better storylines in issues to come. 

Welcome Back, Babs!

I know a lot of people have been skeptical about Barbara Gordon being able to walk and becoming Batgirl again.  This, however, was one change in DC Comics' "New 52" that I was actually looking forward to.  I was never a fan of Cassandra Cain's darker version of Batgirl and, though I read the entire series, I never felt that Stephanie Brown quite captured Batgirl's essence.  

I'll miss Oracle, but having Babs back in action is, I think, a good thing.  She is the one true Batgirl.  The only difficulty I'll have reading the series is picturing Babs as a free-spirited young adult again, instead of as the older,  wiser, cautious, and set-in-her-ways Oracle.  Does this mean that Babs is younger than Kate Kane?  And now we'll have a Batgirl and a Batwoman both as redheads.  What will Gotham City's villains think?  That they're mother and daughter?  

After some significant lagging in her writing abilities with the later issues of the Secret Six (did she stop caring?) and her Wonder Woman run, I see that Gail Simone is back at the top of her game in the new Batgirl.  It was a great opening story to what looks like a "fun" series and gave a brief, but reasonable, explanation for Barbara Gordon being able to walk again.  I also like that Babs has a recurring fear of being shot again.  It gives her a weakness, and it'll make for some great storylines in the future. 

I'm sold.  If no other new series, I look forward to reading Batgirl for years to come.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are!

Wait...where's the Justice League?  Well, you won't find them in Justice League #1. 

This new series, the first of DC Comics' "New 52," only has appearances by Green Lantern, Batman, and a pre-Cyborg Victor Stone.  We see how the "new" Green Lantern and Batman meet and, as a side story, Vic Stone playing high school football.  Does this mean that Vic was never in The New Teen Titans, one of the greatest comic book series of all time?  How truly sad.

There wasn't a lot of "meat" to the highly anticipated (and sold-out) comic book, especially with a $3.99 price tag.  I sincerely hope it gets better.  Geoff Johns did a wonderful job in the past with super teams like the Teen Titans and Justice Society of America, so let's hope that he can accomplish the same with the new Justice League.  This issue, though, isn't it. 

I look forward to there actually being a Justice League in future issues and seeing more of its teammates.  At least from the cover, we can anticipate that DC decided to de-pants Wonder Woman in favor of her famous blue and white-starred bikini shorts. 

Flashpoint Fizzles Out

I just finished reading the 5-part Flashpoint mini-series and several related individual mini-series.  I was a bit disappointed, especially with the "grand" finale in Flashpoint #5.  All of the events just seemed to...fizzle out.  (Is anyone as tired of the overused Reverse Flash/Professor Zoom and redundant time-traveling storylines as me?)  I guess I was expecting more of a lead-in to DC's "New 52."  I learned more about Flashpoint and its consequences from reading articles online than from reading the comics, and there's some shame in that.  To me, that means that the writers, editors, and powers-that-be didn't do their job.   On a related note, I think the best part about Flashpoint #5 was the interaction between Flash and Batman at the end.  I wish more comic book series employed this human touch.  It makes the characters feel more real and relatable and demonstrates true story-writing ability. 

Aquaman looking bad-ass.

• Flashpoint: Batman Knight of Vengeance - one of the better related mini-series to the Flashpoint storyline.  It involves Thomas Wayne (Bruce's father) as Batman because Bruce died during the shooting that one fateful night at the theater instead of Thomas.  It's provides a good "what if?" storyline.
• Flashpoint: Deadman and the Flying Graysons - another good mini-series with Deadman, Nightwing, and Dick Grayson's still-alive parents as traveling circusfolk.  
• Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman - another good Flashpoint related mini-series.  Aquaman and Wonder Woman's proposed union dissolves and the Atlanteans flood most of Europe, making him one of the world's most wanted. 
• Flashpoint: Wonder Woman and the Furies - Ties in with Emperor Aquaman.  While Aquaman has flooded most of Europe, Wonder Woman and her furies have taken over England. 
• Flashpoint: Citizen Cold - Captain Cold as a hero?  Well...not really.  And not really a great story either.  
• Flashpoint: Deathstroke & the Curse of the Ravager - Ever wonder what would happen if you crossed Deathstroke and Capt. Jack Sparrow?  Me neither.  Skip it.  I read the first issue and it was as lame as expected.
• Flashpoint: Legion of Doom - the Legion of Doom, with its recognizable headquarters shaped like a scary, giant Darth Vader-like head, holds a special fondness in my heart.  It reminds me of Saturday mornings as a kid, watching my favorite classic Super Friends cartoon shows.  This series focuses mainly on the villain Heatwave going on a killing spree with the assistance of his corrupt pal, Plastic Man.  Unfortunately, there's no true "Legion." 
• Flashpoint: The Outsider - I skipped this series all together. 
• Flashpoint: Abin Sur - The Green Lantern - what if Abin Sur had lived and there was no Green Lantern Hal Jordan?   Another average series.
• Flashpoint: Project: Superman - This series imagines Kal-El as a government-kept secret.  He's scrawny and shy.  I'm guessing it's the premise for the new Superboy series, which I'm not sure I'm going to like.  (Goodbye, former sensitive-jock Conner Kent.  I'll miss you.)  
• Flashpoint: Frankenstein & the Creatures of the Unknown - Dracula and vampires have been done to death (literally), so how about some focus on Frankenstein?  Frankenstein as a superhero and a leader of a superhero group?  Yeah...it's as bad as it sounds.  
• Flashpoint: Secret Seven - I bought and read this series for two reasons: the resurrection of Amethyst and George Perez as the artist.  While the art was fantastic (naturally), the story just wasn't there.  It was primarily about Shade the Changing Man (double yawn). 
• Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost - I think this series really helped support the main Flashpoint series as much as Emperor Aquaman and Wonder Woman and the Furies did.  I suspect its events also directly relate to the New 52.  
• Flashpoint: The World of Flashpoint - Why was this series called The World of Flashpoint?  Oh, I guess because nobody would buy it if it just said Traci 13?  Anyway, it's about the mystical Traci 13 and her family.  Good, but nothing extraordinary.  
• Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance - resist buying this series unless you're a big fan for the Wildstorm Universe's Grifter being integrated into the DCU.
• Flashpoint: Hal Jordan - Hal Jordan as an every day hero instead of a superhero.  See:  Marvel Comics' Steve Rogers, Super Soldier (when he's not being Captain America).
• Flashpoint: Grodd of War - The world is divided up among villains.  Grodd happens to own all of Africa.  A good one-shot tie-in since we don't really see/learn much about him and his kingdom elsewhere.  
• Flashpoint: Reverse-Flash - if you didn't read enough of him in the main Flashpoint mini-series, here he is again, still time-traveling and fucking things up.  
• Flashpoint: Green Arrow Industries - The super-liberal, justice-seeking Oliver Queen as an arms dealer.  Meh. I guess that's why there was only one issue.
  
• Flashpoint: The Canterbury Cricket - I draw the line at giant, talking insects.  Seriously.  What is this?  Kafka?

I guess there were no Teen Titans in the world of Flashpoint?  Maybe the adults ate their young. 

So now that Flashpoint is now over, let's get into the meat of things and see what this whole New 52 is really all about.  I hope it was worth it...

The Bobby Ewing Syndrome

Since the announcement of DC canceling all of their titles and basically starting all over with 52 new titles, I've continued to pick up my comics at my local comic book shop, but as I read them, I find I have little to no enthusiasm in the characters or storylines anymore.  Why?  Because I know the series are going to end, the characters will no longer be themselves, they'll no longer have their history/connections, and the entire DC Universe is going to start anew in September with characters I don't even know or recognize anymore.  So, really, what's the point?  Come September, it'll be like waking up in Dallas, finding Bobby Ewing alive and well in your shower, and realizing that everything that happened previously was all just a dream.  

I don't even have the same excitement for Flashpoint and its many, many related mini-series, an event I was really looking forward to.   Again, I figure, what's the (flash)point? 

The best thing to really come out of this announcement is that I can sell entire set/series of comics on eBay since they won't really matter anymore in the continuum and, having ended, they're actual complete sets, not just partial sets of an ongoing series.  Thanks, DC, for helping me clear out my clutter and giving me some extra spending money.

What's the Story, Morning Glories?

I typically don't stray much outside the DC and Marvel Universes (not even to Marvel's Ultimate Universe), but the premise of Image Comics' Morning Glories sounded intriguing, so I've been picking up the last 10 issues that have been released.  From Wikipedia: "The series focuses on six "brilliant but troubled" new recruits at Morning Glory Academy, a prestigious prep school hiding "sinister and deadly" secrets."

The series is written by Nick Spencer and illustrated by Joe Eisma. Fortunately, each issue is only $2.99, so I'll continue reading.  If Image was charging $3.99, I probably would have dropped the series by now.  While good, it's not fantastic.  The stories are promising, although sometimes confusing.  The characters are interesting, yet not defined enough for me to care about any of them or even keep them straight, especially when each issue focuses on someone different than the last.  I do enjoy the simple yet realistic artwork in brilliant colors, though, and that's another reason I keep reading the series.  It's extremely visually appealing. 

So, while I'm curious about the students and the school, the "big mystery" hasn't really hooked me yet.  I'm waiting for one of those guilty pleasure moments that really draws me into the series.  The series get a B- grade from me.  It has the potential to succeed and is better than average, but I think it could -- and should -- strive to be better.