Marvel Sins Again

So, I just finally finished reading Marvel's latest "big crossover event," Original Sin.  When I first heard about the series, I was grateful that it didn't involve the word "secret," "infinity," or a play on the letters "A" and "X."  The concept fascinated me, too, as I was curious what secrets the Watcher held and how these would play out and affect the various regular series.   I again foolishly thought, "This one will be better!" 


While there were some interesting consequences that bled into Marvel's regular series (such as Charles Xavier's last will and testament and the Fantastic Four's inner drama), I honestly could have done without reading the entire Original Sin limited series.  As has been the case with most of Marvel's "big events" over the years, it was quite dull and lifeless (no pun intended) from the start.

By the time I reached the double-sized final issue, I was just grateful that this latest moneymaking disaster was over.  The outcome was just...meh.  The answer to all of the questions above was, "Frankly, who cares?"  I was just grateful that I didn't buy invest any more of my time and money with the various tie-in limited series. 

That being said, I look forward to wasting my money on Marvel's new AXIS limited series and next year's Secret Wars redux. 

You Don't Know Dick

"Dick. That's an interesting name.  My bottom hurts just thinking about it." - Madonna

Cover of Grayson #1

Okay, so other than his first name, that song lyric doesn't really have much application to the new GRAYSON series starring Dick Grayson (former Robin, former Teen Titan, former Nightwing, former Batman), but how often do I get the chance to use it?

When this new series/title was first announced, I was a bit disappointed that Nightwing was being cancelled, as Dick Grayson/Robin/Nightwing has always been one of my favorite characters.  I guess DC thought he needed some shaking up.  While I was unsure about this new direction, I was glad that Dick was at least getting another series (and that he wasn't actually killed in Forever Evil).  And I appreciate the fact that they kept the elements of the Nightwing logo in the new Grayson logo. 

I read the first issue of Grayson and was surprised that I actually enjoyed it.  The story was fast-paced, yet not too bogged down in action.  It was very Mission Impossible-esque, and the cover reminds one of James Bond.  I guess Grayson is supposed to be the next great spy along the lines of those two famous spies. 

Interior art by Mikel Janin.

Speaking of the cover, I question why DC didn't use an illustration drawn by the comic's regular artist, Mikel Janin, when -- to me -- his art and characters look so much better than Andrew Robinson's.  It's so great, though, that they went with a hot pink background to really make Dick's dark outfit stand out.  It's very eye-catching.  

There was also some character development and interaction in Grayson, including appearances by Stormwatch's Midnighter and Helena Bertinelli, in her first appearance in the New 52.  The new Helena is much more Italian/Mediterranean-looking, and I'm curious to see if she'll eventually assume the Huntress persona or leave that to Helena Wayne on Earth 2.  Regardless, I'd like to see more of these two as regular supporting characters for Dick to interact with on a personal level. 

Helena Bertinelli

So far, I'm sold on Grayson, and I can deal without a Nightwing in the DC Universe for the time being. 

Teen Titans - #AwYeah?

I just read Teen Titans #1 (2014).  What volume are we up to?  Who can keep track anymore?  Anyway, it's the second Teen Titans #1 comic already in the New 52 which began in 2011.  

First, the cover.  For a first issue, it's pretty average.  It doesn't say much.  It doesn't give me much insight into the interior, what the story's about, or make me think, "Oh, that looks great.  I wanna buy that."  

On the other hand, I really like Kenneth Rocafort's art and the vibrate colors that leap off the page.  I appreciate that DC tried to appeal to a younger crowd by incorporating social media into the cover, like Twitter ("Chirper" here with #hashtags and @mentions) and Facebook (with the facial tags in the image), but it still doesn't give me any insight into the comic's contents.    

It's also interesting to note that even though they're starting another Teen Titans series (after only a month hiatus), they chose not to create a new logo to distinguish the new series with a "new direction" with a new logo.  They didn't even bother to include "NEW" in the title like the New Suicide Squad series which underwent a similar cancellation/month hiatus/revamp to help boost sales, too.  I have to say that the New 52 logo is my least favorite (and the least creative) of all the TT logos from series' past, so I'm disappointed that they didn't even try something new and different.  My favorite logos, of course, being from the 1980 and 2003 series.  

In this latest first issue, the team, fortunately, is already established.  We don't have to go through another origin story.  I will say that I already like the characters in this new series much better than the previous attempt.  Are they the same characters?  Yes.  But apparently DC listened to its readers and decided to make the comic more "fun" than dark and dreary.  Cassie/Wonder Girl is much more pleasant and easier to deal with.  She's not the friendly Cassie of pre-Flashpoint, but she's better than the first New 52 grumpy version.  And so far, she hasn't said, "Don't call me Wonder Girl" (even though she IS Wonder Girl).  Let's keep it that way.  

Also, Gar is green.  Again.  Beast Boy started out in the New 52 as red.  Now, mysteriously, he's back to being his original green from Pre-Flashpoint, and so far, nobody's questioning it, and we're not given an explanation why.  Will this be addressed?  I'm not complaining, because I do like a green Gar better, so thanks also for that character change. 

That's SO NOT Raven.

Red Robin and Bunker are pretty much the same, so that leaves Raven.  Sigh...  Shrouded in darkness and mystery, she was one of my favorite characters before.  Now she's only shrouded in feathers.  Gone, too, are the squiggly lines around her word balloons that let us know that her voice was oddly inhuman.  I guess she doesn't sound that different from the rest of the teens now, so that's good if she wants to get a job as a phone sex operator.

The award for "Least Missed" in this new series goes to N.O.W.H.E.R.E. and Harvest, both of whom (thank Trigon) didn't make an appearance in the first issue. 
There is, however, a S.T.A.R. Labs, though, like in the 1980s series. 

The best thing about this new series is that the five teenage superheroes are all working together as a team.  Let's hope we can continue to see the team evolve with additional character development and interaction between our five heroes and any new ones that may be added in the future. 

Boyz n the (Red) Hood

Batman #638

Since I wasn't reading comics in 2005 (I was on hiatus from 1994-2007), I finally just read the "Under the Hood" storyline from Batman #635-638 and the related "Family Reunion" storyline from Batman #639-641.  Both stories were written by Judd Winick, and we're introduced to the new character, Red Hood, who is revealed to be a back-from-the-dead Jason Todd (former Robin). 

Obviously, I already knew that Jason Todd had come back from the dead, but I still wanted to read the actual story that brought him back.  I have to say that it was a pretty good, fast-paced storyline with a lot of great character development.  Winick did a beautiful job capturing Batman's emotions and his interactions with other superhero friends such as Green Arrow and Superman who also "came back from the dead," as he tries to make sense of Jason's possible return.  I think that's something that's missing from today's New 52: character development and personal interactions.  It's all about action, action, action, forgetting that these heroes also have personal lives and are (or should be) people like you and me, that we can relate to on a more-than-action level.  

From "Under the Hood"

One of my favorite scenes in the story was when the Red Hood/Jason Todd goes to visit the Joker and begins to beat him with a crowbar.  It's sweet revenge for Jason being beat to death by the Joker in the "A Death in Family" storyline from Batman #426-429.  

I also appreciate the irony of Jason assuming the Red Hood identity upon his return, as this was the Joker's original persona (or at least it used to be before all of his retcons).  I guess Jason wanted to acknowledge how the Joker (negatively) influenced his life and future.  
 

From "A Death in the Family"

"Under the Hood" (later changed to "Under the Red Hood") and "Family Reunion" are must-reads for any fans of Batman, Red Hood, or great storytelling!

Popping My Comic Con Cherry

This past weekend, I finally had my Comic Con cherry popped.  I visited SDCC 2014 Thursday through Saturday, learning a little bit more each day. 

What did I think?  Total chaos. Actually, Thursday wasn't too bad, but the crowds grew exponentially with each passing day.  By the time Saturday came around, you could barely move through the San Diego Convention Center without your genitals pressed against the person in front of you.  

Would I do it again?  Meh.  I think a lot would have to change for me to muster up the enthusiasm to return. 

First and most important:  the fairness of admission to the panels.  I didn't grasp the lengths that people go to to get into these panels until I started reading about people's experiences online a week before the Con.  They will literally camp out overnight to see a show the following evening; that's almost 24 hours of waiting.  That's worse than Black Friday.   That's when my mind starting thinking how awful my trip would be and when my heart was no longer into it.  Nevertheless, I went because I had already invested so much money into the visit.  The tickets themselves were reasonable (approximately $40 per day), but it was the airfare and hotel that really took a chunk out of my wallet.  

From my understanding, previously, just one person from a group had to stand in line for the very popular "Hall H," and then others could come and basically cut the line.  I guess this year, they tried something different.  Everyone in the group had to be there to initially line up (outdoors) for Hall H, they'd receive a wristband to show that they were in line, and then they could leave and go do whatever while, in shifts, one person held their place in line.  It's pretty much the same thing, but I guess it eliminates too many people cutting in line.  However, what about us solo travelers?  I understand that there is limited capacity in the rooms, but there needs to be some fairness so that everyone has an opportunity to experience more at Comic Con.  They also don't clear the rooms after each panel, so many people will just stay in that room for hours on end, taking up a seat.  So one person gets to see everything; another doesn't get to see anything.  In my opinion, to make Comic Con more of an enjoyable, fair experience, there would be a lottery where people can sign up in advance for panels they'd like to see.  Then, like the ticket-buying system, you'd then be randomly chosen to attend events/panels you'd like to see.  Rooms would also be cleared after each panel to make way for the next group of ticketholders.  I know the diehard campers wouldn't like this, but what's wrong with everyone having an enjoyable experience?  

Another negative feature is the exclusive merchandise that's only available at SDCC.  I have to somewhat agree with Mile High Comics' point of view on this matter.  After my first attempt at buying something I spotted and really liked (a Hallmark Keepsake Ornament of The Empire Strikes Back Wampa), I began to see this aspect of Comic Con in a whole new light as well.  There are only so many items available for sale per day.  Once they're gone, they're gone until the next day.  I get that, but there should also be enough for anyone who took the time and expense to travel to Comic Con.  However, there are even more catches than just a limited daily supply.  You have to be one of the first in line, first thing in the morning.  Many times, that involves just getting a ticket to return later in the day to stand in another line to purchase whatever may be available/left at that time.  And, most of the time, people are buying merchandise in multiples.  Why?  Just to resell on eBay.  I saw people loaded up with bag upon bag filled with Hasbro toys.  And you know they weren't buying them as Christmas gifts.  They were stocking up to resell them.  So people who actually may want ONE of something for their own personal collection are screwed over by greedy vultures just there to turn a profit.  I collect Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.  I have a lot of Star Wars ones.  The Wampa would have been a nice addition to my Christmas tree.  So on Saturday morning, I was there when the doors to the Convention Center opened.  I went straight to the Hallmark booth and found the line...already capped.  Seriously?  If getting there when they first open isn't early enough, when is?

The booths/exhibits around the Exhibit Hall were all about the same.  If you wanted to experience whatever they were offering, you had to have a ticket, which you received at some undisclosed time/location.   If you wanted an autograph or photo of some celebrity, you had to have a ticket (and, yes, they were always already sold out or at capacity).   Maybe it's just my naivety and inexperience, but if I'm not given the resources/information, how am I supposed to know what protocol to follow?  

I also learned that if you're not networking through social media during your ENTIRE visit, then you're also screwed.  Apparently, instead of walking around and enjoying being "in the moment," you need to have your face buried in your phone, facebooking and twatting.  That's where you learn of surprise appearances, pop-up sales, secret passwords, blah, blah, blah...  That's also where you get to see and learn about everything that you missed because you were excluded. 

I did have some enjoyable moments, though.  I actually did get into the TV Land panel on the first day to see Betty White (and William Shatner and Donald Faison) up on stage.  I was excited about that.  Of course, that was over at the Hilton, where things seemed to be easier to get into.  I also got to see some current DC Comics writers and artists (e.g., Geoff Johns, Charles Soule, Nicola Scott) in a panel I was surprised at how easy it was to get into (I think something else much more popular was going on at the time).  I stood in line for about an hour to get into the Big Bang Theory writers panel and barely got into the back of a room so big that surprise guest, Wil Wheaton, was about the size of an ant.  And, lastly, after another hour-long winding line, I got the very last seat in a panel for Berkeley Breathed (Bloom County comic strip).  Of course, that one was next to the largest possible man who was wide enough to take up three seats total. 

Walking around the exhibit hall, I got to see many of the artists whose work I'm familiar with and admire, and spotted random celebrities doing autograph signings and taking photos.  Of course, these (1) required tickets or (2) cost about $50 per autograph/photo.  But it was still fun just to see them and grab a candid photo.  I also spotted Ian Zierling (Beverly Hills 90210, Sharknado) while I was having lunch in the Gaslamp Quarter, outside the Convention Center.  I overheard someone say Tara Reid was there, too, but I never saw her.  To be fair, I didn't check the floor. 

Surprisingly, people weren't as decked out in costumes as I thought/heard they'd be.  Granted, there were many, but it wasn't the majority, so *not* dressing up didn't make me feel like I stood out.  I enjoyed walking around the main Exhibit Hall, seeing the costumes and tables, even if I didn't/couldn't participate in all of them.  

Not surprisingly, I didn't go to any of the invitation-only nighttime Hollywood parties, so my evenings were spent unwinding in my hotel with a beautiful marina view.  By that point anyway, I had already had enough of the favoritism, elitist attitudes, and special privileges.  I didn't want to stand in any more lines to only be disappointed once again.  I left by Saturday afternoon, just to get away from everything.  Fortunately, I had beautiful San Diego waiting for me and enjoyed the sunshine, fresh air, bay breeze, and, finally, dinner in Little Italy. 

So, like I said at the beginning, a lot would have to change for me to spend my money on another Comic Con, equal opportunities above all.  As it stands, you don't experience Comic Con, you fight a losing battle.  You tread water, just trying not to drown.  I'm glad I went, but I was also happy when it was over. 

She'll Cut a Bitch

Having fallen behind on some series, I just finished a Katana marathon, reading the last five issues of the cancelled 10-issue series.  

Wow.  Did that suck.  I shouldn't be surprised, though.  It's my own fault, really, for thinking that anything current by Ann Nocenti would be good.   I like Katana, though, as a character and wanted to be supportive of her solo series.  Correction: I like the pre-New 52 Katana.  This new one is defunct of personality.  When she was a member of the Outsiders back in the 80s, she had a distinct personality that was hard-as-nails, yet she had a mothering instinct toward the naive Halo.  Now we're presented with a character devoid of personality that talks to her sword.  ALL. THE. TIME. 

It didn't help that the entire storyline presented in Katana's solo series was so convoluted and poorly written.  Nobody ever really knew what was going on.  And the New 52 Outsiders is a society formed of various weapon clans?  Yawn.  

I really can't say much more about how bad the series was other than to quote an article I read online about Ann Nocenti's writing:  "It’s like if I was a food critic and you heard that there was a new restaurant down the block –- it’s a dumpster with the word “poop” scrawled across it in spray paint.  Do you really need to hear my recommendation?" 


With that, I bid adieu to Katana (and any future comics written by Ann Nocenti).

All the Single Ladies

I just finished reading a few of Marvel's new #1 comics, specifically Fantastic Four #1, Ms. Marvel #1, and She-Hulk #1.  

Ms. Marvel and She-Hulk were both sensationally crafted stories, which is too rare from DC and Marvel NOWadays.  What made these two first issues so great was that they were both character-driven.  They didn't rely on fighting villains and battle sequences.  They gave the reader insight into the main characters as actual characters, people who just happen to be (or will become) superheroes.  Ms. Marvel tells the story of Kamala Khan, a teenage Pakistani-American.  She lives in a house where her parents have old-fashioned values.  Because she's somewhat of a nerd, a good kid, and physically and religiously different from others at school, she's not popular.  She does have her friends, though, and we're introduced to them as well.  She reminded me a lot of a female teenage Peter Parker when he was new at being Spider-Man.  The entire issue served as an introduction to Kamala the person.  Only at the end of the issue do events begin that will (we assume) lead to her becoming the new Ms. Marvel.  The artwork seemed well-suited for this particular comic, too.  It reminded me of an independent comic.    

Because of the cover, I wasn't sure if the new adjective-less She-Hulk comic was going to "break the fourth wall" like John Byrne's Sensational She-Hulk did back in the 80s.  The nostalgic part of me was hoping it would, but the sensible part of me thought it might seem redundant and not be pulled off as successfully.  Spoiler alert: it doesn't.  The first issue is about Jennifer Walters, Esq., who just happens to be big and green.  The writer, Charles Soule, focused first on Jen as a person, not as a superhero.  We see her in her everyday life as a lawyer, doing some heroic things on the side, including a visit to Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), but it's not the main focus of the book.  It was an interesting story about Jen acting as an attorney for a woman in need, as well as figuring out her own future.  I'm not as crazy about the artwork for She-Hulk as I am for Ms. Marvel, though.  It seems almost too basic and cartoon-like, and doesn't portray Jen as the beautiful (but green) woman she is.  I think I'll get used to it, though, and appreciate it for what it is.

Both Ms. Marvel #1 and She-Hulk #1 were steps in the right direction content-wise, and they've quickly jumped to the top of my must-read list on a monthly basis.  I'm already looking forward to (and can't wait to read) the second issues of each. 

Sadly, as expected, Fantastic Four #1 was pretty humdrum.  I think it's about time they lose the "World's Greatest Comic Magazine" title until they've really earned it again.  And what was up with those new red costumes?  There was no explanation given to the reader.  And why in the roster did they list "Susan Storm" instead of Susan Richards?  She hasn't used "Storm" as her singular last name since she married Reed in the 1960s.  Other than marketing purposes and sales, I'm not sure what constituted another #1 issue of the Fantastic Four after they just had one last year.  The only interesting turn of events that happened was that Ben went back to Alicia and told her he wanted to see her again.  Where's the banter between Ben and Johnny?  Where's Johnny, the ladies man?  I'm really trying to love the Fantastic Four comic again like I did in the 1980s, but every resurrection since I started reading them again in 2008 doesn't measure up.  The story and dialogue are average at best.  Should we begin looking for a new #1 in 2015?

Pulling Strings

Nightwing #27 and #28 were two of the most interesting comics I've read in quite some time.  Why?  Both of these comics provided a healthy balance of Richard Grayson's personal life and his nightlife as crimefighting alter ego Nightwing.  That's something that's been pretty lacking in DC Comics ever since the invention of the "New 52."  It seems like they're trying to be grittier and more (dare I say it?) Marvelesque, focusing on battle scenes rather than the personal interaction between characters.  

I miss the insights into the lives of superheroes' "secret identities."  For me, that was always the heart of comic books and the reason why I kept reading them from month to month.  They were their own type of soap opera.  Battling villains was just something they did on the side.  

Remember when Dick Grayson left his Robin costume behind and said hello to Nightwing in New Teen Titans back in the 80s?  When Wonder Woman had to deal with a teenager's suicide?  When the Invisible Woman suffered a miscarriage?  That was great storytelling!  It made the characters feel real, making them more believably human. 

Comics from DC and Marvel no longer seem to be content-driven.  They're more focused on battle after battle and producing six-issue stories that feel overly drawn out just so they can collect them and re-sell them in the graphic novel format.  They've lost focus (and probably readers) because of it.  In fact, I've dropped a lot of comics of late because they've become so...boring.  Sometimes I can't even tell any of the characters or series apart anymore.  That's how bland and formulaic they've become.  

I appreciate that Kyle Higgins, the writer on the current (but soon to be cancelled) Nightwing series, provided some great storytelling, weaving Dick's roommate problems with his challenges with new villainess, the Marionette.