Putting the "Super" in Superman

While I loved the first two Superman movies from the 1970s/80s, as well as the Super Friends Saturday morning cartoon series and its spin-offs, as a kid, I was never that crazy about reading the Superman comic books.  Week after week in the 80s, I'd visit my local comic book store.  Superman comics, including Action Comics and DC Comics Presents, never entered the rotation, with the exception of the occasional issue that guest-starred another character I liked.  That was, until John Byrne came onboard in 1986.  At that point, I was already a huge fan of his work on the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Alpha Flight.  He made Superman interesting and more relatable for me.  That is to say, he gave him more human qualities, developed his personality, and gave him better storylines.  Meanwhile, George Perez was doing the same for Wonder Woman for me.  

Cut to 2008. I began reading Superman again and followed him up through his "Grounded" storyline until the long-running series ended with the events of Flashpoint.  Then DC Comics announced the New 52 and that Superman would feature George Perez and Nicola Scott.  I was intrigued.  I think they're both extremely talented.  Sadly, neither of them lasted on the title for very long, and Superman's storyline in the New 52 was obviously dictated from high above.  Still, I continued reading through many writer and artist changes, I guess out of some sort of weird obligation.  Then Geoff Johns finally took over the writing reigns with #32.  A-Ha!  Maybe now it will get better.  Along with him, he brought artist John Romita Jr.  I'm not sure what the craze is about his art.  The characters look so stiff and, many times, unlifelike.  Naturally, Johns didn't last long on the book; he's got way too many other obligations.  Then it was announced that Gene Luen Yang was coming onboard as writer with #41.  Who?  Never heard of him.  The Superman comics piled up while I read other series.  Then I finally sat down to read a few months' worth.  The writing was fantastic.  I had to flip back to see who it was.  Gene Luen Yang.  Wow.  Still never heard of him, but thought his writing was the best I've seen on this latest Superman series.  Now if only they'd bring back Nicola Scott on art chores.

On my drive home last night, I was listening to NPR.  (Yes, I know.  It makes me feel old, too.)  A segment came on about a Gene Yang.  It was talking about him being named the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature.  I thought, could this be the same Gene Yang?   When I got home, I Googled him to find out.  Sure enough, it was.  Wow.  Congratulations, and well-deserved.  I guess I'm not the only one impressed with his talent.  I hope Yang remains a permanent fixture in the DC Universe.  They need all the help they can get with the stale comics they've produced in the New 52 and beyond.  I hope they realize that it's not all about action, action, action and churning out boring, elongated stories just to later sell in graphic novel format.  Comics, too, can (and should) have character development (and aging).    

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. 

Time for Another Threesome

The word "trinity" is becoming as synonymous with DC Comics as the word "crisis."  It usually refers to DC's oldest and most commonly known icons: Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. 

In 2003, a three-issue mini-series titled Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity was published, written and drawn by Matt Wagner.  It told of the first meeting of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

In 2008-2009, a weekly series titled Trinity replaced the 52 weekly series.  It, too, featured Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.  

Now, in 2013, DC Comics is offer the "Trinity War" storyline.  While it does feature the three superheroes again, the "trinity" in this story refers to the Trinity of Sin:  Pandora, Phantom Stranger, and the Question.  It could also refer to the three Justice Leagues -- Justice League, Justice League of America, and Justice League Dark -- as the story runs through all three titles, and the consequences of the war is supposed to affect all three teams.  I'm only halfway through the complete crossover story, but so far, it's one of the better stories I've read by DC since the New 52 began.  Unfortunately, typical New 52 story fare shows all the superheroes as "angry" and "stubborn," two qualities I prefer my superheroes not to have, unless it's Guy Gardner.  "Trinity War" also depicts the characters as angry (since the three teams are fighting one another), but at least it's a better told story. 

I like the character of Pandora, and I'm glad that DC gave her her own series.  (Kudos to DC for adding another female solo superhero comic!  She now joins the ranks of DC's growing number of female-led comics such as Batgirl, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Katana, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Worlds' Finest (starring Power Girl and Huntress), and the forthcoming Harley Quinn.)  Pandora reminds me of Pariah from Crisis on Infinite Earths.  She's doomed to witness the woes of the planet/universe for all eternity.  She also wears a dark, creepy hooded robe, like the pre-New 52 Raven. 

Since Pandora first appeared at the end of the Flashpoint mini-series which led to DC's New 52 (that wiped out every character's history and personality), I've always had hopes that the New 52 was temporary and Pandora would help dissolve this new world and bring DC back to its former glory.  I fear that's not going to happen with "Trinity War," but one can still hope. 

At any rate, I'm enjoying the storyline and the lame-up-til-now Justice League comics. Let's hope Pandora not only rocks my world, but hers as well. 

Batman Origin, Take 58.

With DC Comics having *just* rebooted their entire universe and uprooted and revised all established superhero origins, do we really need another Batman origin story that's different from the original Batman created by Bob Kane, different from the post-Crisis Batman, different from the post-Flashpoint/New 52 Batman, different from Batman starring Michael Keaton, and different from Batman Begins starring Christian Bale?  The answer, simply, is no. They're all similar, but each tells a slightly different tale, using different somewhat characters and string of events. However, Geoff Johns and Gary Frank did an amazing job with story and art in Batman: Earth One that it's hard to say no.

I'll be the first to admit that I was not a fan of the Superman: Earth One book that came out a couple of years ago. The story was lame and...another, different Superman origin?  Really?  And what's with the "Earth One" thing?  Don't the current series in the DC Universe take place on Earth One?  Is this a different Earth One?  Besides multiple Earths, are there multiple Earth Ones, Earth Twos, etc.?

Needless to say, I hesitated buying Batman: Earth One.  I had faith in Johns and Frank, though, so I decided to give it a shot.  If it were any other creators, I probably would have skipped it.  Luckily, I wasn't disappointed.  Johns provides a different take on Batman's origin, but still sticks closely to the original premise. The Penguin is involved this time around, as is a much younger, thinner, and sober Detective Harvey Bullock. There is no Robin, but there is hint of a Batgirl in Barbara Gordon, who makes a couple of brief appearances. Rather than Bruce's parents' deaths being an accident, it's more like a conspiracy. By far the most interesting twist was that Martha Wayne's maiden name was Arkham(!), that her bloodline was doomed for insanity, and -- I think -- that the house in which she grew up was abandoned and would one day become Arkham Asylum. I would love to see that detail added to Batman's mythos. It would make for some interesting stories. And while I liked the interaction between the young Bruce Wayne and a goateed war vet Alfred, I think it was too big of a change for one of the major characters in Bruce's life for people to digest.  Alfred was the only character on this alternate Earth who didn't even come close to resembling the "real" character. 

There were some sensitive, emotional moments that Johns captured between Bruce and his parents and Bruce and Alfred, but there weren't enough to really involve the reader emotionally in the story as much as they should have been.  I know Johns has it in him, so I was disappointed that there weren't more heart-tugging moments.  Gary Frank did an amazing job on the artwork throughout, and I loved looking at every detailed panel.

All in all, it's worth the read, even if you know Batman's origin inside and out. Just don't confuse it for his real origin...whatever it may be now.

The Return of Superboy?

Superboy, pre-DC's New 52

As I've intimated probably way too much on this blog, I haven't been very happy with the Superboy in DC's New 52.  I think Conner Kent became one of DC's best creations (mostly thanks to Geoff Johns in his revival of the Teen Titans in 2003), killed him, resurrected him, and then retconned his entire existence.

With the most recent issue of the Teen Titans, the new Superboy is finally starting to look like himself.  Er, old self.  

He's no longer the scrawny guy who crawled out of a lab.  

from Superboy #1 (2011)

Or the guy wearing a rejected costume from the movie Tron.

Superboy (2012)

The boy has finally got some muscle.  He's also sporting a tank top and jeans. 

There's even a jacket now, reminiscent of his beginnings in the early 1990s after Superman's "death."  

Superboy #1 (1994)

Let's hope that DC is realizing their mistake and recreating the three-dimensional Superboy that once was. 

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?

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...

Drawing the Line at $4.99

Brightest Day #24 (2011)

Yesterday, I stopped into my local comic book store and picked up the past two weeks' comics from my reserve bag.  Included in the stash were the last issue of Brightest Day, the last issue of Justice League: Generation Lost, Action Comics #900, and Avengers Academy Giant-Size #1.  The first two were $4.99 each, Action Comics $5.99, and Avengers Academy was $7.99!  Are you freakin' kidding me with all of these jacked-up prices?!  I bought the first three because they're part of the ongoing series that I've collected, but I couldn't justify spending $7.99 (really?) on the Avengers Academy book.  I can honestly say that I've never seen such an expensive "regular" comic book.  Even Annuals don't cost that much!  I hope whatever's in it isn't integral to the regular series' storyline, because if it is, I'll never know about it.  How many people does Marvel think will actually fork over $7.99 for a single comic book? 

Avengers Academy Giant-Size #1 (2011)

I read the Brightest Day and Justice League issues one evening.  While they were enjoyable, they certainly didn't provide more excitement than a $2.99 comic.  In fact, BD had several two-page spreads, so it wasn't even more story, just bigger pictures.  I felt a little violated.  

A few days later, I read Action Comics #900, hoping for some big revelation or big conclusion to the "Reign of Doomsday" storyline.  Nope.  It was just a mediocre segway story that was about the same length as a regular issue.  I can't even call it a "bridge" between two other issues because nothing much really happened.  If I hadn't read the story, I certainly wouldn't have been lost reading Superman or another Super-title.  The additional $3 I paid for this "100 page" issue were random Superman stories that weren't part of current continuity...and weren't very good themselves.  

DC may be "Drawing the Line at $2.99," but I'm drawing it at $4.99.  No $5.99 or $7.99 comics in my future (even $4.99 was severely pushing it!).  It's time for me to re-evaluate the comics I currently read and shave a few off the list accordingly. 

Teen Titans: Back on Top

Teen Titans #93

I just finished Teen Titans #93, and I have to say that I'm very pleased that my favorite comic series is back on track, thanks to fantastic writing by J.T. Krul and beautiful art by Nicola Scott.  Geoff Johns' Teen Titans is what got me back into reading comics after a 15-year absence (and The New Teen Titans was my favorite comic in the 1980s), so I have a special affinity for the team. 

I love the introduction of Solstice to the team.  She's a welcome addition; I think she has a lot of potential, and she brings a bit of diversity to the team.  I hope she sticks around and doesn't go the route of Terra.

Superboy,
art by Nicola Scott

J.T. Krul has a great handle on the schematics between and personality traits of each team member (unlike some writers whose name I won't mention again).  The dialogue is fitting and the stories move along quickly.  Nicola Scott draws each of the Teen Titans beautifully.  Superboy never looked more handsome with his dark hair and baby blues.  I can't help but look at the cover, though, and think that Solstice eerily resembles Mary Kate and/or Ashley Olsen.  Speaking of the cover, where was Red Robin?  Was he late for the photo shoot?   

Kudos to everyone on this issue.  I'm looking forward to reading The Teen Titans up through their milestone 100th issue and beyond!

Let's Get Animated

Although this blog is about comic books, I'd like to take some time to comment on some of the animated series that have spawned from comic books.   

Teen Titans animated series

The New Teen Titans was my favorite comic book series back in the 80s.  So when the Teen Titans cartoon was announced, I was so excited for its 2003 debut.  Then I watched the first episode.  These weren't the teens I knew and loved.  This show was geared toward the Teletubbies market.  It was literally one of the worst shows I've ever watched, and I was personally insulted by its lack of substance.  How could they do this to such beloved characters?  I never watched another episode.

Young Justice comic book series

Cut to: 2007.  I start reading comic books again after 15 years of being comic book-free, thanks to Geoff Johns' work on the new Teen Titans series.  I pick up all the back issues.  This also prompts me to check out the Young Justice series from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.  I buy and read a few issues.  I discover it's just as bad as the Teen Titans animated TV show. I stick to the Teen Titans comic and forget about any of their history that I missed. 

Batman: The Brave and the Bold
animated series

Batman: The Brave and the Bold debuted in 2008 on the Cartoon Network.  At first, I was disappointed in the format, hoping for something more along the lines of Batman: The Animated Series or Justice League Unlimited.  Now, though, I've really grown to appreciate the campiness of the series, reminiscent of the 1960s Batman show and 1970s Saturday morning cartoons.  I also love seeing appearances by lesser known DC Comics characters in each episode. 

Avengers animated series

The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes cartoon debuted this past fall on Disney XD.  It's been okay, but nothing spectacular, story-wise.  I guess that's to be expected since the many new Avengers comic book series that were started or re-started in the fall have been mediocre themselves.  I continue to half-watch it while doing other things around the house, though. 

Young Justice animated series

So when I hear about the new Young Justice animated series on the Cartoon Network, I'm a bit hesitant.  I'm quickly reminded of the Teen Titans animated series and the Young Justice comic book, both of which were too juvenile for even teenagers.  After watching the first episode, though, I know it's going to be one of my favorite shows on TV.  It's mature enough for adults to watch, yet not too complicated for kids to understand.  And while the series doesn't resemble the current Teen Titans comic book, it doesn't resemble the Young Justice comic book either. And that's a good thing.  Young Justice is about the sidekicks of members of the Justice League of America being inducted into the JLA.  To their surprise, though, it's not as full-fledged members.  They're still viewed as just sidekicks.  This prompts them to prove their worth.  

Young Justice animated series

I'm excited about the show's prospects and the promise of additional Teen Titans Young Justice members to come.  Awww...yeah!

In Space, No One Can Hear You Poop.

I've always liked Green Lantern as a superhero and character.  Unfortunately, I've never been able to really get into reading about his adventures on a regular basis.  I think I attribute it to his storylines always being too "out of this world."  He's not grounded enough.  We never get to see him as Hal Jordan except in origin stories.  He's always just Green Lantern.  It's almost like he's not human, and that's a shame.  I really like Hal Jordan.  I do.  We just never get to see him.   


I decided to give the monthly Green Lantern series a try again when I began reading comics again and discovered (and loved) Geoff Johns' previous writing on Teen Titans and Justice Society of America.  I thought that here was someone who could do Hal Jordan justice.  Then with Green Lantern being a central focus of the Blackest Night event, picking up Green Lantern was a no-brainer.  

I started with the Secret Origin storyline that ran through issues #29-35.  I was happy to see Hal Jordan, the person.  However, as I stated before, this was an origin story; the only time we ever get to see the "real" Hal Jordan.  As the series jumped forward to present-day, it was the same old, same old.  The Hal Jordan persona is lost to all things Green Lantern.

Another disappointment I have with the monthly Green Lantern series is the title.  It's Green Lantern, not Green Lanterns. So why does it feel that this series is nothing more than an extension of the Green Lantern Corps series?  We're not just seeing a storyline involving Hal Jordan Green Lantern.  Every issue involves at least a handful of Green/Orange/Blue/Red/Indigo/Yellow Lanterns.  That's why I don't pick up Green Lantern Corps.  There are just too many characters that I don't care about.  With such a large cast, do we ever really get to know them individually?  Is it too much to ask that we get to learn about Hal Jordan as a person?  Does he have any sort of personal/private life?  When does he eat?  Shower?  Does he have friends or family that don't wear colorful rings on their fingers?  Does he date?  Does he have sex?  

Lastly, am I the only one who considers Larfleeze to be the Jar Jar Binks of the Green Lantern world?  Does anyone besides the creators really like him?  (And, just for the record, he does not resemble the Muppet Gonzo as he's consistently referred to in the comics; he resembles the Muppet Uncle Deadly.)

Sadly, after continuously reading 30 issues of the current Green Lantern series, I've been underwhelmed, for many of the same reasons I couldn't get into his series back in the 1980s.  It's time for me to move on...

DC Takes a Crap on the Teen Titans

I know that I recently reviewed the downward spiral that is DC Comics' Teen Titans, but after reading the latest issue (Teen Titans #83), it bears repeating.  Why has DC decided to crap on the Teen Titans? 

When Geoff Johns revamped the Teen Titans and wrote for the first 40 or so issues, the Teen Titans were fantastic.  Again.  The writing harkened back to the days of Marv Wolfman writing the New Teen Titans back in the 80s.  Now, I'm not saying that Johns is the end-all and be-all of comic book writers.  He's great, but I think there are a lot of other talented writers out there as well. 

After Johns, Sean McKeever took over the Teen Titans and it was tolerable.  Not great, but tolerable.  It's like he was keeping them afloat until DC could find another suitable writer to be Johns' worthy successor.  Now DC has brought onboard Felicia D. Henderson who has absolutely no comic book or superhero writing experience.  Her background includes TV series like Fringe; Gossip Girl; Everybody Hates Chris; Soul Food; Sister, Sister; Family Matters; and Moesha.  The last time I checked, the Teen Titans wasn't a cheesy family sitcom.  Wait a minute...scratch that.

With Henderson, Teen Titans has gone from mediocre to bad.  I know the Teen Titans features teenage characters, but does the writing have to appear like it was written BY a teenager?  The storyline and dialogue are amateurish at best. 

Here are some examples from the latest issue, #83:

Blue Beetle: "Want to go get something to eat?"
Static: "Thanks, man.  But I'm spent. Think I'll raid the fridge and crash."
Blue Beetle: "Dakota was crazy, huh?"
Static: "Much and very."
Blue Beetle: "Everything okay, with the fam?"
Static: "Yeah.  You know. They miss me. I miss them."

Later...
Static: "Hey, I decided I wanna go out and get something to -- looks like you're taking off."
Blue Beetle: "Have to."
Static: "What's wrong?"
Blue Beetle: "Holocaust nearly killed us.  Something weird's going on with Miss Martian. We're going to have to go to another dimension to find Raven. Who knows what we'll face? Who knows if we'll get back? I need to see my mom."
Static: "I feel you."

Superboy: "She's acting all weird like she doesn't want me around.  And it's getting really old, really fast."
Impulse: "If you don't know what's going on, why don't you ask her?"
Superboy:  "Because if Cassie [Wonder Girl] doesn't wanna be with me she should just say so."

Wonder Girl: "Can we talk?"
Superboy: "Yeah.  Come on in.  So...what's up with you?"
Wonder Girl: "Nothing.  I mean, everything.  In case you haven't noticed, Raven's missing, and I'm the leader now, and it's a lot of pressure, and --"
Cut to: Superboy kissing Wonder Girl up against the wall.
Superboy: "That make it better?"
Wonder Girl: "No...make it harder."

Huh?

Superboy: "...anyway, we're kissing.  It's heated.  I'm thinking, we're fine!  But then Rochelle busts in."
Impulse:  "No way."
Superboy: "Oh yes."
Impulse: "Don't worry, dude. She's hot and she carries around her own rope.  You'll get together again."
In walks Wonder Girl: "Unfortunately, we're together right now."
Superboy: "Cassie!  Can you just tell me what's going on?"
Wonder Girl: "Are you serious?"
Superboy: "I know how it sounded but I was just getting advice."
Wonder Girl: "I'm the leader here. How's the team going to respect that with you sharing my business like that?"
Superboy: "I'm sorry."
Wonder Girl: "And that helps me how?"

Wonder Girl: "Lorena, have you ever been to that undersea area?"
Aquagirl: "No.  No one has.  Down that deep there are sea creatures unlike any other.  Some are really dangerous."
Bombshell: "She's asking if you can handle the pressure, water wimp."
Aquagirl: "You're two seconds from finding out how lucky you are to have an onsite operating room."
Wonder Girl: "Are you serious?  Get it together, you two."

Are YOU serious, DC?  Get it together. 

Why am I complaining so much?  Because I have an emotional investment in the Teen Titans that dates back to the 80s.  Because I hate to see them -- for lack of a better term -- crapped on.  And because DC is charging $3.99 a comic for a horribly written superhero team comic book that features equally horribly written back-up features.   I was relieved when the Ravager back-up tale (written by the aforementioned Sean McKeever) was ending and looking forward to the new Coven story featuring Black Alice.  After reading the first installment, I have to wonder:  Is Gail Simone the only writer that can pull off the under-used, weird, and dark Black Alice?

Sorry.  I just had to vent.  With so many quality DC comics out there, why do the Teen Titans have to suffer?

Teen Talk

In the 1980s, I was a HUGE New Teen Titans fan.  In fact, it was my picking up an early issue of New Teen Titans in a 7-11 convenience store that totally got me hooked on the gang, as well as on comics in general.  Marv Wolfman's writing/storylines drew me into the world of DC Comics' teenaged superheroes.  George Perez's drawings made me really appreciate comics as an art form.  When Terra was introduced in 1982 as the latest New Teen Titan, I was fascinated by this new character.  She was sweet, innocent, and served as a great potential girlfriend for the otherwise silly and awkward Changeling/Beast Boy.  By the time "The Judas Contract" storyline came around in 1984 and Terra was exposed as a traitor, I was shocked...but thrilled.  Not only was her betrayal startling, but it was also risque that a 15-year-old girl was in a romance with Slade Wilson (Deathstroke the Terminator), probably at least 25 years her senior! [Gasp!]  It was then that I realized that comic books were not just for kids...and I had to have more of this amazing world.  Every Friday, I would get my new batch of comics for the week and read them all over the weekend.  Weeks that included the latest issue of The New Teen Titans were my favorite.

In 2007, I won an auction on eBay featuring the first 30 or so issues of the latest Teen Titans series (which began in 2003).  Wow.  The characters and storylines hearkened back to the day of Marv Wolfman and George Perez' original "new" team.   "Who was this Geoff Johns guy?  He's a great writer for the Teen Titans," I thought.  "He really knows the characters well and gets into their personal lives."  I was also pleasantly surprised by the new Superboy and Wonder Girl.  They really complemented the team and weren't just teenage offshoots of their adult namesakes.  Plus, Geoff added cool nostalgic touches like bringing onboard Wendy and Marvin from the old TV Super Friends days.   

I caught myself up to the series' current issue and still craved more.  I went out and started purchasing other comic book series to see what had happened to my favorite characters over the years.  I also started buying more comic book series sets on eBay.  Once again, twenty-five years after the first time, the Teen Titans led me into the world of comic books.   

While I'm still reading and collecting comics again, I have to admit that, unfortunately, since Geoff Johns left The Teen Titans, no writer has been able to share or equal the love and attention to detail he showed the teens.  Sean McKeever focused so much on Ravager (Deathstroke's daughter) and some new supervillain group called the Terror Titans that I forgot which comic book I was reading.  Where were the Teen Titans?  Why weren't they in their own comic book anymore?  And why did this book become so Ravager-centric?  The team was whittled down to nothing (goodbye Robin, Superboy, Red Devil, and Miss Martian!).  When new team members were finally added, we got Kid Eternity, the new clutzy Blue Beetle, and Static?  Thanks, but no. 

I was excited to hear that a new writer would be taking over the scripting reins with Teen Titans #75.  Also, many characters were being brought back and/or added to the mix.  Someone must have been equally unenthusiastic with the downward spiral the Teen Titans had taken.  To add to the intrigue and my enthusiasm, the new writer was female.  Felicia D. Henderson, a TV series writer, was given The Teen Titans as her first comic book series assignment ever.  I was excited about the possibilities and what she might do with the female characters in the group:  Wonder Girl, the reinstated Miss Martian, new Aquagirl, and Bombshell.  Sadly, I've just read issue #81 and, seven issues later, my question is still unanswered.  Instead of giving us the female perspective or delving into interpersonal relationships, the book has become Static-centric (yes, we get that you really, really want people to like this former Milestone character) and features a Ravager story as the "second feature" in every issue (still written by Sean McKeever).  Yawn to both. 

Writers mustn't forget that these characters are, above all else, TEENAGERS.  They have different emotions, feelings, worries, and interpersonal relationships than the adult superheroes.  Most of all, they like to have fun.  Geoff Johns was very cognizant of these traits when he brought the characters (and the series) back to life in 2003.  I wish someone else would remember that before we're all having to say goodbye again to the Teen Titans.