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VALIANT Gets Fired Up for PHOENIX COMICON 2013!

Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:18:10 +0000

Phoenix Comicon

This weekend, Valiant is hitting the road for Phoenix Comicon 2013 – the signature pop culture experience of the Southwest!

From Thursday, May 23rd to Sunday, May 26th at the Phoenix Convention Center, visit Valiant at booth #652 for a weekend packed with signings, panels, and exclusive giveaways!

Stop by for a full selection of Valiant comics, trade paperbacks, hardcovers and merchandise – including convention-exclusive, double-sided Shadowman #1/Harbinger Wars #1 Sketch Flipbooks! And get an advance look at the summer’s biggest releases with the Valiant Summer 2013 Preview Edition – a FREE convention-only comic book, featuring a look inside Quantum and Woody #1 by James Asmus and Tom Fowler and an extended preview of Harbinger Wars #1, the debut issue of Valiant’s first crossover event. And look for signings by Harbinger Wars creators Joshua Dysart and Clayton Henry throughout the weekend!

Then, get the inside track on the Summer of Valiant 2013 on Friday, May 24th at 1:30 pm in room 125B at the Valiant 2013: Harbinger Wars and Beyond panel presentation, featuring special guests Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars, Harbinger), Clayton Henry (Harbinger Wars, Archer & Armstrong), Christos Gage (Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps) and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani! Find out everything you need to know about the next year of the Valiant Universe right here, directly from a panel of Valiant insiders!

For more information, visit PhoenixComicon.com or ValiantUniverse.com.

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Robotech RPG Tactics is Coming

Terry — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:13:08 +0000

Robotech RPG Tactics

Robotech RPG Tactics is Coming by Jerry Whitworth

Hit 1980s animated series Robotech has found new life in the tabletop wargame Robotech RPG Tactics.

Produced by Palladium Books, who has published Robotech role-playing materials for almost thirty years, Robotech RPG Tactics is a new game taking notes from sources like other tabletop wargames Warhammer 40,000 and BattleTech. Players will be able to delve into the Macross Saga of the series playing as either the invading Zentraedi forces or Earth’s Robotech Defense Force using miniature models of mecha like Veritech Valkyrie fighters, Zentraedi Tactical Battle Pods, and Destroids. Crowd funded on Kickstarter in April, the game met its minimum goal in only a few hours of being made available and has raised over half a million dollars with over 2,700 backers around its halfway point. Since the beginning, Palladium has offered incentives for the amount of funds raised adding new mecha for additional purchase, upgrading the quality of game materials, and increasing the number of pieces released with purchased sets. The Kickstarter for the game ends May 20, 2013 with delivery estimated for December 2013.

To back Robotech RPG Tactics, go to: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rrpgt/robotech-rpg-tacticstm

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How I Would Have Done It: New 52 Superman

Terry — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:08:21 +0000

How I Would Have Done It: New 52 Superman by Jerry Whitworth

With DC Comics reinventing itself again with the so-called new 52 following Flashpoint, they had the opportunity to inject new life and story elements into properties that a softer approach like Infinite Crisis and Final Crisis failed to present. The result was mixed: initially boosting sales, after months of publication the result was sales essentially the same as before the change (while angering many fans in the process, most recently with the WTF Certified month of releases). Perhaps a different approach could have offered better results and so I offer my own interpretation. To start with, lets take a look at Superman where his new 52 version has largely been altered to try and separate the character from its perception as a “boy scout.”

ACTION COMICS

Featuring the earliest adventures of Superman in Metropolis, the Man of Steel has to come to terms with his role as the savior of mankind as the Earth’s first superhero. Essentially wiping out crime in the big city, new challenges arise as Superman has to deal with the terrorist organization SKULL, criminal organization Intergang and its allies on Apokolips, psychopaths like Toyman, Prankster, Puzzler, and Master Jailer, and former childhood acquittance Lex Luthor, media mogul of Metropolis, and his underlings Bizarro, Metallo, and the Parasite. Despite the good Superman brings the world, he nonetheless has to consider the toll his presence has on Earth attracting the attention of intergalactic threats like Mister Mxyzptlk, Brainiac, Mongul, and Darkseid. These early tales reveal the secrets of Supergirl, the Legion of Super-Pets, Fortress of Solitude, Bottle City of Kandor, and Superboy.

SUPERMAN

He’s conquered death and battled gods, but Superman faces his greatest challenges as newly wed to girlfriend reporter Lois Lane and father to foster son Chris Kent. Once feared by the people of Earth, Superman is now embraced as the planet’s savior and must live on the pedestal this places him upon. His childhood acquittance and present arch-nemesis Lex Luthor earned the presidency of the United States, the covert Suicide Squad advancing his private agendas and an alliance with Apokolips lines up Superman’s greatest enemies against him. The Man of Steel still needs to find time for threats like Manchester Black and the Elite, mutual foe of Brainiac in Grax, the time-traveling King Kosmos, and the godlike Dominus. Along with ongoing foes like Cyborg Superman, Gog, Maaldor the Darklord, and Lord Satanis, Superman must face a virtual army of threats that endanger the very Earth itself.

ADVENTURE COMICS

When Clark Kent was just discovering his newfound powers in his teenage years, visitors from the future enlist his aid as Superboy in the future as part of the Legion of Super-Heroes battling the likes of the Fatal Five, the Light, Legion of Super-Villains, Mordru, Universo, Doctor Regulus, and Darkseid. An idol of trillions, Superboy has little time to learn how to employ his abilities in front of cameras that stretch the cosmos as a super-celebrity. But jaunts into the thirtieth century only make up one part of Superman’s past as Superboy is introduced to the small community of Smallville interacting with tomboy Lana Lang, comic book nerd Pete Ross, and angry yet brilliant loner Lex Luthor. We also get to observe Clark Kent’s earliest interactions with Metron, Martian Manhunter, and Mon-El.

SUPERGIRL

Superman’s cousin and sole survivor of Argo City, Kara Zor-El has made a life for herself attending Metropolis University under the identity Linda Lee splitting her free time from adventuring into the future with the Legion of Super-Heroes (taking the place of her cousin Superboy who graduated to become Superman) and battling the villainous Council led by Lex Luthor’s niece Nasthalia Luthor (her scarred face an everlasting symbol of her hatred of the Maid of Steel). Kara’s complicated life is eased with friends like Draaga (survivor of Warworld and founder of Metahuman Brawl), Matrix (incomplete clone of Supergirl), Steel (niece of the original Steel), Cir-El (Superman’s daughter from the future), and Power Boy (Orion’s son). What may not be so easy is juggling the affections of Brainiac 5, Power Boy, and Jimmy Olsen.

SUPERBOY

Clone of Superman and Lex Luthor made by Project Cadmus, Conner Kent lives as the cousin of Clark Kent under the roof of Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville, Kansas where he attends Smallville High (with Civics teacher Lana Lang), works at Multiversity (Pete Ross’ comic shop), and raises rambunctious canine Krypto. When he’s not busy doing all of this, he adventures with the Teen Titans (of which he was a founding member), helps out Superman and Supergirl in Metropolis, and evades the US government’s Squad K (including Kenny Braverman, junior agent Conduit, who infiltrated Smallville High) who want Superboy in order to make an army of Supermen. The youth’s life is that much more complicated by the presence of reoccurring characters like girlfriend Miss Martian, Vril Dox (aka Brainiac 2), Dev-Em (rebellious Kryptonian from the future), the malevolent fifth dimensional imp Zyx, DNAlien Dubbilex, fledgling mage Yellow Peri, Match (Superboy’s imperfect clone), and Alexis Luthor (Lex Luthor’s ancestor from the thirtieth century).

WORLD’S FINEST

Superman and Batman, Earth’s greatest heroes, team against threats they can’t handle alone facing the likes of Doctor Zodiac, Moonman and Lady Lunar, Composite Superman, and the teaming of their greatest separate enemies led by the Joker and Luthor. While not precisely the best of friends, Batman and Superman recognize each other as the progenitors of a dynasty where it’s important their “families” learn to operate in tandem, starting at the top with the two heroes (while realizing they make a good team). Essentially representing the light and darkness, combining their separate approaches makes the pair virtually unstoppable which means the threats to face the duo should follow along this line in being seemingly insurmountable.

SUPERMAN FAMILY

While featuring stories of Superman, Supergirl, and Superboy, the focus of the series in upon supporting members of the Superman family and heroes of Metropolis like Nightwing and Flamebird, Black Lightning and his daughters Thunder and Lightning, Steel and Steelworks, Booster Gold, Cyborg, Thorn, Eradicator, Alpha Centurion, Project Cadmus, the Special Crimes Unit, Agent Liberty, and Ambush Bug. As an anthology comic, the title offers insight into the changes in Metropolis, Kandor, and Smallville through the eyes of the various players featuring guest creative teams set to tell a finite story in brief chapters.

DC COMICS PRESENTS

A team-up title for the Superman family, it could feature adventures like Superman and Starman or Sandman, Supergirl and Batgirl or Wonder Girl, Superboy and Nightwing or Air Wave, Chris Kent and Damian Wayne or Lian Harper, and many more. The series offers an opportunity to give a look at the new and revised heroes of Earth as well as test the waters for new series based upon them. It also offers creators the opportunity to work on characters they otherwise didn’t yet have a chance to play with or produce another chapter for characters they’re known for their work upon.

WORLD OF KRYPTON

A mini-series telling the story of Krypton in its final days, we learn the blight their world has had on its galaxy through its attempts to play God including accidentally unleashing Doomsday on neighboring worlds and empowering the barbaric warrior race of the Khund. In trying to make up for their sins, an alliance is formed with worlds like Xudar, Terminus, and Aegena in the United Planets to stop the advancing Khund hordes. The results prove disastrous when the alliance runs afoul of Apokolips bringing the New Gods to Krypton. What measures can the brothers of the House of El Jor-El and Zor-El do to stop the advancing Darkseid-enslaved military guild of Krypton led by General Zod and prevent the destruction of their world? And why does the dread despot of Apokolips desperately desire the infant Kal-El?

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Free Comic Book Day: A Chance To Share What We Love

Terry — Fri, 03 May 2013 21:23:43 +0000

Free Comic Book Day

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: A Chance to Share What We Love by Jerry W. Vandal

On Saturday May 4^th, comic book stores across North America will be giving out free comic books to anyone who steps into their store. Since 2002, the comic book community has got to take part in this event the first week of May and each year seems to get bigger and better. This year we will have a chance to get our hands on Marvel’s prelude to their big summer event book Infinity written by Jonathon Hickman with art by Jim Cheung. Geoff Johns will also collaborate with Richard Donner and Adam Kubert to write Superman (being promoted as a good jumping on point). Brian Wood is writing a Star Wars book and Robert Kirkman is releasing an untold tale for the Walking Dead. There are also 48 other books to choose from. With 52 books to choose from there should be something you like.

And many shops will be doing all types of events from costume contests, bringing in local and/or well known writers or artists to sign and sketch. You’ll likely see some discounted graphic novels and trades and perhaps some store themed items that you won’t be able to get elsewhere. My comic book shop Carol and John’s here in Cleveland, Ohio will be bringing in a handful of local artist to do sketch covers, an RD-D2 Badge (May the 4^th Be With You) while making available their F.C.B. D Ale.

Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Sinister Six, Batgirl) posted on her facebook a reminder to people that I’d like to share. These books are free to the public. Anyone can come in and grab up to x number of books depending on your store. You’re not expected to buy anything. You can literally walk in (or stand in line if you’re not working, which I will be…grrr) take your books and leave. But these shops pay for those books. Gail suggested that everyone take a second to look around their shop and buy something. This offended a few as it sort of takes a stab at the whole Free part of comic book day. I’m with Gail on this though. Walk around the shop. If you see something that catches your eye go for it.

However, I think there’s something a little more in line with what Free Comic Book Day should really be about other than handing out free books in an age where books cost between $3-$4. The goals of Free Comic Book Day are to get current comic readers to get a copy of a book they might not have tried otherwise, get old readers to come back into the fray and see what’s going on in the books they put down and most importantly, bring in new readers.

I suggest if you’re an avid reader bring a friend. Bring your wife. Bring your husband. Bring your boyfriend or girlfriend. Bring your son or daughter, nephew or niece. If they’re not reading already, introduce them to the comic book medium on May 4^th. This is the best way to thank your local comic book shop for their efforts. Bring them possible new readers. A lot of us at one point were kids being taken to these places by parents or grandparents. So on May 4^th celebrate FCBD by sharing it with someone you like to hang out with or love for one reason or another. Maybe they’ll find something they like. Your local shop gets a new reader. And you get someone else to share your love of comic books with.

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Guardians Of The Galaxy

Terry — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:23:02 +0000

Guardians Of The Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy: An Overbearing Father and a Tough as Nails Team
By Jerry W. Vandal

Story Tellers: Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven, John Dell, and Justin Ponsor.

“Go Krutack Yourself,” Star-lord said defiantly to his father—King of the Spratax Planetary system. The opening scene between the king and prince sets up two things very quickly; Peter Quill, the Star-lord is a rugged playboy and he doesn’t think all that highly of his father. Now, I’m not up on Guardians at all. Outside of knowing of them I’ve never read an issue. I’d wager there are quite a few readers who are in the same boat and decided to pick up this book because it’s being done by Brian Bendis and Steve McNiven and that sounds like a great pairing, to see what one of next summer’s big comic book flicks is all about and/or there’s a talking raccoon in it who has a large krutacking gun and goes by Rocket Raccoon. I’m assuming the usage of an alien language to guise the swearing is to give the book an edge and an attempt to play up the whole “these aren’t your average superheroes,” type thing. While its usage of the word throughout the book feels a little forced it doesn’t hinder what is a good read and could be a very good series.

If you haven’t read Guardians point 1, I suggest you do. It’s a great read and actually more engaging than the first issue of Guardians, in part because it focuses solely on Star-lord’s father and grounds the story to Earth. The general concept being pitched here is that Star-lord is the Prince of the Spartax, but he has no intention of doing the princely things his father would prefer. Instead he’d rather traverse the galaxy with a group of people his father considers of questionable taste. Peter is the high school kid trying to show his father he doesn’t need him, he doesn’t want him and he can get along just fine on his own. McNiven’s artwork helps and Bendis’ writing makes Star-lord a real person. Even if you don’t relate to him, as a reader you understand him. His father feels real as well. It’s not wrong what he’s asking of his son considering the position he’s in. While the king launches an assault on Earth as this issue comes to an end you’re still left wondering if maybe there’s another, somehow more altruistic reason he does so other than, “I told you not to go to Earth”. I mean it seems a little extreme to attack an entire planet to teach a lesson.

While we don’t get a lot of meat from the rest of the cast, relationships are quickly established, and surprise, they all feel more like friends than teammates. During the conversation with his father and plenty of king guards, Gamora bursts in and starts swinging away because she felt he might be in trouble. Raccoon isn’t willing to leave the tree Groot floating in space after an explosion during their fight with an alien race called the Badoon, and Drax refuses to let Gamora fend for herself even though she can clearly do fine on her own. Right off the bat the Guardians feel more like friends than teammates and that could prove to be a breath of fresh air in the team book circle.

Is Iron Man needed? If you’re worried about sales then yeah. Marvel banked on Bendis and Alex Maleev being able to capitalize on their critically acclaimed run on Daredevil and make Moon Knight a $4 title and that didn’t work. So, business is business. You throw in an A-list character and $4 seems like an easier sell. From a story stand point, I’m iffy on his inclusion. I hope his presence doesn’t over shadow the group of characters I quickly came to like. If this first issue is any indication it won’t be an issue. He should fit in rather easily actually. He and Peter are very similar characters when you consider the role father’s played in their development and their playboy demeanors. But, ultimately his inclusion goes right back to making it okay to up the price on the book and decisions like that never sit well with me.

McNiven’s artwork is his standard affair. By standard I mean it’s aesthetically pleasing. You can tell the difference between the characters he draws and I love that about his artwork. His cross-hatching rendering also adds a solid depth to the characters that makes them pop off the page. There are some artists I notice that if a character isn’t sporting a mask could just as easily be mistaken for another, but that’s not an issue with his work. His characters,which is important here also look tough—not because they’re overly muscular, but simply because of his detail and rendering.

Bendis seems to be hitting his groove again. His work on Avengers seemed to drag on a bit and arcs became hit or miss especially towards the end. But, with Ultimate Comics Spiderman, All New-Men, Uncanny X-Men and now Guardians, he’s picking up the momentum that could likely make him a writer of the year again.

Closing up the book I left with a few thoughts. One, I really love McNiven’s art. He’s definitely lived up to the young guns billing he received in 2004 (a promotion Marvel has done to showcase their up and coming artists). Two, There’s heart here. In a way it’s a cliché—the hero who doesn’t like his father and refuses to follow the path he wants. A galaxy deciding that Earth isn’t worthy of being united with them and needs to grow up. But this group seems to genuinely care for one another. They’re friends. And in a universe where most teams are together because they share mutated genes, band together to take on threats bigger than themselves or are assembled as some government backed super team these guys just seem like real friends. And that may help differentiate this team from others and help it stand out among the numerous Justice League, Avengers and X-books. That and a krutacking raccoon with a gun.

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Key Comics from the Estate of Gary Elya at Auction

Terry — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:32:26 +0000

Gary Elya was a Marvel fan from back when the company turned itself around under the guidance of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. With Gary’s passing, his massive collection of comics is now up for auction with a veritable gold mine for comic collectors. Ranging from the Silver Age to today, just some of the pieces includes:

• John Romita Sr.’s Amazing Spider-Man run including the unmasking of the hero’s arch-nemesis Green Goblin and the iconic “Spider-Man No More!” issue.

• The Amazing Spider-Man Drug Trilogy.

• Amazing Spider-Man #252 where the hero dons the black alien symbiote costume.

• The first appearances of Wolverine in the pages of Incredible Hulk.

• Giant-Size X-Men #1 featuring a new, international team of X-Men including Wolverine and Storm.

• Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on Uncanny X-Men including the Phoenix Saga, Dark Phoenix Saga, and Days of Future Past (being adapted at this moment into a feature film).

• Frank Miller’s Daredevil run.

• Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s Wolverine mini-series.

• Invincible Iron Man from its first issue through the 1990s.

• John Romita, Sr.’s Daredevil run.

And even comics from other publishers like DC Comics (including issues from Geoff Johns’ Flash run and the Sword of the Atom mini-series) and indie titles like Green Hornet, Mike Baron’s Nexus and Badger, and Michael Turner’s Fathom. The auction runs until May 8, 2013 at 2:00 pm Eastern time and bids can be made online here:

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Make It So: G.I. Joe the Game

Terry — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:46:56 +0000

G.I. Joe Retaliation

Make It So: G.I. Joe the Game by Jerry Whitworth

Recently, G.I. Joe: Retaliation hit theaters becoming number one at box office and having the second biggest Easter weekend opening in movie history. However, something was notably absent from the film’s premier, namely a video game adaptation. In part, this maybe because traditionally G.I. Joe video games have been awful. The same was largely true of sister franchise Transformers until the release of Transformers: War for Cybertron (and its sequel Transformers: Fall of Cybertron). Both third-person shooters, the games borrowed from but didn’t adapt any particular incarnation of its franchise. A rich story with a well thought out world and impressive gameplay, G.I. Joe would do well to learn from Transformers (the Batman: Arkham series another example of following a similar formula to much success). Lets take a look at what could be a winning formula for a good G.I. Joe video game.

Larry Hama

LARRY HAMA

Former writer and editor for Marvel Comics, Larry Hama largely became the godfather of G.I. Joe when Marvel Comics was contracted to reinvigorate the toyline for Hasbro (the success of which went on towards another collaboration in Transformers). Hama wrote the comic book adaptation and the majority of the filecards used to describe characters from the franchise on the back of its action figures. An Army veteran of the Vietnam war, Hama added a great depth to G.I. Joe that undoubtedly helped it reach its incredible success. Perhaps even more than that, Hama’s knowledge of Japanese martial arts studying the likes of Kodokan Judo, Kyudo, and Iaido helped with the creation of the Arashikage ninja clan and its prominent members Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. Hama would even remain with the franchise after it left Marvel, following it to Devil’s Due Publishing and IDW Publishing. In much the same way Paul Dini (writer, producer, and editor for Batman: The Animated Series) added both writing chops and credentials to the Batman: Arkham series, attaching Hama to write and help develop a G.I. Joe game will go quite a ways with fans and undoubtedly produce the best product for the franchise.

Create Your Joe

CREATE-YOUR-JOE

While playing as your favorite Joe would be fun, creating your own could be even better. This is especially true for online play. Pit your Joe against your friends or join together to form a squad with online exclusive content borrowing elements of Halo, Gears of War, Metal Gear, and Call of Duty. Select your character’s military affiliation (if you want them to have one) and primary and secondary Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) to unlock skills, abilities, and weapons, choose your appearance and costume, and select your weapons. A popular addition could be the capability to join the Arashikage which could limit your development towards commando or intelligence/covert operations and unlock ninja weaponry (like various swords, shuriken, sickle and chain, etc). Though, going the ninja route shouldn’t be the only road to martial arts and archaic weapons as there should be means to emulate characters like Spirit, Quick Kick, Budo, and Big Boa. Designing a character’s size and build can decide their attributes and growth in the game (big and strong characters can deal more physical damage and equip heavier weapons but move slower opening up being hit more often and delivers attacks with less frequency for example).

Silent Interlude

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

If you’re going to play a G.I. Joe game, you have to relive some of their finest missions. Adventures should include elements like the M.A.S.S. device, Oktober Guard, destruction of the Pit (and death of General Flagg), Silent Interlude, Weather Dominator, Pyramid of Darkness, Cold Slither, Springfield, the birth of Serpentor, the sinking of the U.S.S. Flagg, the emergence of Cobra-La, Fred VII masquerading as Cobra Commander, Destro forming the Iron Grenadiers, Operation Dragonfire, Overlord taking control of Cobra, the exile of traitors to Cobra Commander in a stranded freighter, the rise of the Headhunters, the execution at Trucial-Abysmia, Atlantis, Sei Tin taking over the Red Ninja Clan, HAARP, Red Shadows, and World War III. There are decades of storylines to borrow from and a number of them can be integrated into a story making up the game. Ideally, should the game do well, maybe a game could be developed adapting any number of crossovers with Transformers. A good candidate could be G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers teaming Cobra-La with the world devourer Unicron.

G.I. Joe

YO JOES!

While making your own G.I. Joe is a must, people will undoubtedly be bummed if they can’t play with the Joes. So, the game has to make it possible to form squads made up of Joes and offer missions where you can play as established Joes and compete against friends for highest scores (such as playing as Snake-Eyes on a mission adapting Silent Interlude). The game can start out with such familiar Joes like Duke, Snake-Eyes, Roadblock, Scarlett, Flint, and Lady Jaye (and maybe others in auxiliary roles, like Doc for healing, Dial Tone for communications, and Wild Bill for pilot). The AI for the Joes can follow with their skills and personalities such as Snake-Eyes targeting key positions like gun turrets and sniper towers covertly or Roadblock taking lead as a tank with an anti-armor machine gun. The game can also integrate play with friends forming squads to take on missions providing players the best of both worlds from group play and mixing in established Joes with their teams. An added bonus could be tossing in bizarre Joes like Windmill, Scoop, Ice Cream Soldier, Hardball, Captain Gridiron, Big Lob, and the Fridge (based on football player William “The Refrigerator” Perry) into the background to come across in the field. Even a nod to M.A.S.K. would be cool since that toyline was tied into G.I. Joe a few years ago (animated series C.O.P.S. also loosely tied to G.I. Joe).

Cobra

COBRA!

On the flip side, a cool DLC could be missions playing as members of Cobra. Infiltrating G.I. Joe headquarters as Storm Shadow, running roughshod with the Dreadnoks, plant bombs as Firefly, or leading the Crimson Guard in an assault tag teaming between the Crimson Twins. In the game proper, you could infiltrate Cobra as a member and interact with the crew of the terrorist organization rubbing elbows with Voltar, Major Bludd, Dr. Mindbender, Destro, Baroness, Cobra Commander, and Serpentor. Of course, Cobra is sort of an umbrella of organizations like the Dreadnoks, Crimson Guard, Night Creepers, Iron Grenadiers, Headhunters, Red Ninja Clan, and V.E.N.O.M. which should be reflected in the game. In terms of opponents, you can run the gamut of Cobra troops, seeing Cobra Soldiers, Crimson Guard, Eels, Snow Serpents, Tele-Vipers, B.A.T.s, Vipers, Motor-Vipers, Strato-Vipers, Cobra-La Royal Guard, Iron Grenadiers, Alley Vipers, T.A.R.G.A.T.s, Night Creepers, S.A.W.-Vipers, Rock Vipers, Desert Scorpions, Flak-Vipers, Headhunters, Ninja Vipers, Bio-Vipers, Monstro-Vipers, Red Ninjas, Shock Vipers, Neo-Vipers, Swamp-Vipers, Black Dragon Ninjas, etc. And, again, a cute Easter egg could be running into some of Cobra’s most bizarre members like Big Boa, Raptor, Crystal Ball, and Croc Master.

Vehicles

VEHICLES, WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT

One of the craziest aspects of G.I. Joe is that seemingly every member of the team could pilot virtually any vehicle. This idea would work quite well in a video game where players can come across an abandoned F.A.N.G., H.I.S.S., Dragonfly, Sky Hawk, or Trouble Bubble on the battlefield and use it against the enemy. One of the most iconic images for G.I. Joe is a Joe knocking a Cobra agent out of a Trouble Bubble and hijack it mid-air which could make for an amusing element of gameplay. Of course, another intriguing element of playing the game could be piloting a Skystriker or Rattler for a flight-based mission. As far as weapons, as a Joe you could start out with the standard M16 rifle, MP5 submachine gun, SIG Sauer pistol, hand grenades, and combat knife, but as the game progresses and new attributes are unlocked, you can obtain more advanced weaponry like the AA-12 automatic shotgun or CornerShot. Of course, set in a universe seemingly just beyond the present day with miraculous scientific advances, the Joes could incorporate equipment that yet exists like magnetic grenades that disarm enemies or delayed explosive rounds for sniper rifles. As far as archaic weapons, you can run with the standard fair previously mentioned and later upgrade to various other weapons (perhaps taking notes from games like Assassin’s Creed or Ninja Gaiden) and tools like smoke bombs. And, of course, you could see an intermingling of these elements like shuriken grenades or some sort of vibrating garotte that can cut through armor. Another cool feature down the line could be some sort of optic display in the vein of detective mode from the Batman: Arkham series.

Sgt. Slaughter

TOP VOICE TALENT

Video games are in a rather unique position featuring likely a larger budget that an animated series and who can cast voice talent with high recognition who may lack the physicality to star in live action films anymore (or are too busy for an extended role in a film or television series). Because of this, well-known actors could be brought in to add their voice to the well known figures of G.I. Joe adding a new dimension and depth to the game. Some talented actors with unique voices that maybe open to the project could include the likes of Sean Bean, Tom Berenger, Moon Bloodgood, Clancy Brown, Bruce Campbell, Jeffrey Combs, Tim Curry, Keith David, Michael Dorn, Bill Duke, Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes, R. Lee Ermey, Laurence Fishburne, William Forsythe, Matt Frewer, Bill Goldberg, Linda Hamilton, Gregg Henry, Djimon Hounsou, Kelly Hu, Ernie Hudson, Michael Ironside, Jason Isaacs, Vinnie Jones, Robert Knepper, Sho Kosugi, John de Lancie, Michael Madsen, Carrie-Anne Moss, Craig T. Nelson, Terry O`Quinn, Bruce Payne, Ron Perlman, Lou Diamond Phillips, Dominic Purcell, Norman Reedus, Freddy Rodriguez, Michael Rooker, Danny Trejo, Patrick Warburton, Carl Weathers, or Michael Jai White. All talented performers in their own distinction, voice work for G.I. Joe would bring notoriety to the project (as well as legitimacy to its content). Of course, actors like Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Brendan Fraser, Ray Stevenson, and Arnold Vosloo who worked in the live action adaptation could offer a great deal of talent to the project. Should Tunnel Rat make it into the game, having Larry Hama provide his voice could be an Easter egg since the character was based on him. There is also, of course, Sgt. Slaughter who could portray himself.

For more about the history of G.I. Joe video games:
http://www.therobotspajamas.com/g-i-joe-video-games-a-real-american-gaming-history/

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Top 10: Batman: Arkham Origins Assassins

Terry — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:31:26 +0000

Game Informer #241

Top 10: Batman: Arkham Origins Assassins by Jerry Whitworth

After months of speculation, the third game in the Batman: Arkham video game series has been officially announced. Titled Batman: Arkham Origins and set for release October 25, 2013 on the PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U, the game is centered around Black Mask placing a bounty on the head of Batman bringing eight of the world’s most dangerous assassins to come to Gotham City on Christmas Eve. A prequel to the first two games Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, longstanding rumors persist the Dark Knight will cross paths with heroes that later form the Justice League of America together. Reportedly, players will also have the opportunity to do battle with villains not generally associated with Batman on side missions. It’s also being reported the map of the game will be twice the size of Arkham City as Batman will be able to adventure through Old Gotham (largely the setting of Arkham City) and New Gotham (seen from Arkham City in the distance in the previous game). There is some controversy that should be noted with this third game in that writer Paul Dini and game studio Rocksteady, who were the architects of the first two games, were not involved in the new game’s development. Only time will tell what effect, if any, this new avenue will have with the franchise. Lets take a look at who could be some of the assassins that will try to collect on Black Mask’s bounty.

Deathstroke

DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR

Primarily a Teen Titans villain, Deathstroke has been confirmed as one of the assassins making the trek to Gotham appearing in promotional images. The villain has been part of a multimedia assault appearing outside comics in places like video games (Injustice: Gods Among Us, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, DC Universe Online, and Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe), television (Arrow, Young Justice: Invasion), and the upcoming animated film Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Deathstroke had previously appeared in Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (a spin-off of Batman: Arkham City for iOS) voiced by Larry Grimm working for warden Hugo Strange. In the comics, Deathstroke is Slade Wilson, a soldier in the United States Army turned mercenary following experiments by the government to create a super soldier. All of his physical attributes enhanced to superhuman levels, Wilson would be chosen by the criminal organization H.I.V.E. to assassinate the Teen Titans. Wilson’s son Grant would instead take the assignment for receiving similar experiments that enhanced his father only to eventually perish from those same treatments. From then on, Deathstroke and his family have been intricately tied to the Teen Titans.

Deadshot

DEADSHOT

Appearing in Batman: Arkham City voiced by Chris Cox and billed as “the world’s greatest assassin,” Deadshot is hired by warden Hugo Strange and inserted into Arkham City following the arrest of Bruce Wayne to kill political prisoners who pose a threat to Strange (including Wayne). In the comics, Deadshot is Floyd Lawton, born into an affluent family with an abusive father. On one occasion while Lawton’s father was beating his brother, he decided to take a rifle and murder his father only to instead kill his brother. Scarred by the incident, Lawton dedicated himself to developing flawless accuracy while also generating a death wish for a dangerous combination. Becoming the vigilante Deadshot, Lawton tried to replace Batman only to be put away by the hero. Deadshot would later escape thanks to tricking the Penguin out of his exit strategy from prison to try and exact revenge on Batman. When that failed, Lawton became a lucrative assassin. Deadshot has had a similar media push to Deathstroke appearing in the game Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and is featured prominently in the television series Arrow.

Lady Shiva

LADY SHIVA

Primarily a Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter and Birds of Prey enemy, Lady Shiva is reputed as one of the greatest martial artists on Earth (referred as the greatest on several occasions). Believing Richard Dragon to have killed her sister, Sandra Woosan dedicated herself to the martial arts discovering herself to be a prodigy. Learning Dragon to be innocent, she would adventure with him and his best friend Bronze Tiger before parting ways becoming one of the most notorious assassins on Earth. Shiva would later become closely tied to the Batman franchise, retraining Batman in martial arts following recovering from a broken back given the hero by Bane and Shiva’s daughter Cassandra becoming Batman’s protege (developing a father/daughter relationship). Among the fan community, the issue of who is the better martial artist between Batman and Shiva has been contested for many years. Lady Shiva appeared in video games Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and DC Universe Online.

Merlyn

MERLYN

A trick archer under the stage name Merlyn the Magician, Merlyn inspired a young Oliver Queen toward archery later facing Queen as the Green Arrow in an archery contest besting the Emerald Archer. Following this, Merlyn would join Ra’s al Ghul’s League of Assassins (and subsequently its elite Seven Men of Death) becoming one of his most notable agents, at one point selected to assassinate Batman when the Justice League of America turned their focus to the League of Assassins. Later, when Queen Bee assembled an Anti-Justice League, Merlyn was drafted to counter Green Arrow. Merlyn would bounce around, taking contracts outside the League and even joined the assassination group the Killer Elite (which included Deadshot). The assassin Lady Shiva is also tied to Merlyn, the archer having been one of the teacher’s for Shiva’s daughter Cassandra. Merlyn is an integral character in the television series Arrow as Malcolm Merlyn is the primary antagonist to Oliver Queen and whose son Tommy is Queen’s best friend.

Cheshire

CHESHIRE

Primarily an enemy of the Teen Titans and Birds of Prey, Cheshire is the world’s leading assassin in the use of poisons and toxins (one of the best assassins regardless). However, she’s also a remarkably accomplished martial artist (one of the best in the world), but more notably she’s triple-jointed able to manipulate her body into seemingly impossible contortions making her adept at infiltration and escaping bonds. Born Jade Nguyen, the child who became Cheshire was sold into slavery where she was raised by a Chinese freedom fighter as a guerrilla soldier eventually working independently as an assassin. Becoming a foe of the Teen Titans, Titan Roy Harper was tasked by the US government to bring her into custody working undercover to gain her confidence. Instead, the pair fell in love and Cheshire bore him a child in Lian. Going their separate ways, Cheshire left their daughter to Harper knowing her lifestyle would only endanger Lian. Nguyen would go on to team with Deathstroke, form the Ravens, and join the anti-Titans team Tartarus, Secret Six (alongside Deadshot), and Deathstroke’s mercenary squad the Titans. Cheshire was featured prominently in the animated series Young Justice as the sister of heroine Artemis and daughter of the villainous Sportsmaster that will also appear in the video game adaptation Young Justice: Legacy.

Hook

HOOK

An assassin whose left hand is replaced by a hook, Hook was initiated into Ra’s al Ghul’s League of Assassins by killing trapeze artist Boston Brand (who subsequently became the hero Deadman). Later, Hook operated covertly within the League joining its elite Seven Men of Death. Hook appeared in the animated series Young Justice as a member of Ra’s al Ghul’s League of Shadows whose hook is oversized, capable of being launched with strength enough to shatter stone and connected with a retractable chain.

KYODAI KEN

Appearing in Batman: The Animated Series, Kyodai Ken studied the arts of the samurai alongside Bruce Wayne where the two became heated rivals. Ken would try to steal his teacher’s prized katana sword only to be discovered by Wayne and expelled from his dojo. Following this, Ken took on a career as an assassin known simply as the Ninja. Ken came into conflict with Batman when he tried to exact revenge on Wayne uncovering Wayne and the vigilante were one and the same. Defeated regardless, Ken returned to Japan and studied the death touch so he could finally duel and murder Wayne only to fail when it couldn’t penetrate Batman’s prepared body armor. The Ninja seemingly perished in an explosion.

Cain

DAVID CAIN

One of the premier assassins on Earth, David Cain was a teacher to a young Bruce Wayne and shared a child with fellow assassin Lady Shiva in Cassandra Cain. David would be the one who assassinated Shiva’s sister and would’ve killed Shiva until she agreed to bear the assassin a child to raise in the pursuit of the perfect killer. Cain would share his fatherly responsibilities with the League of Assassins including Merlyn and Bronze Tiger who molded Cassandra into a fighter without parallel. Cassandra would abandon her father to seek out Batman and David would later come to Gotham hired by Two-Face to kill James Gordon. Failing this, Cain would be hired by Lex Luthor to frame Bruce Wayne for murder. Failing again, Deadshot would be hired by Luthor to kill Cain but failed. David would later partner with Deathstroke.

KGBeast

KGBEAST

A master assassin trained by the Hammer, an elite cell of the KGB, Anatoli Knyazev (known by the CIA as the KGBeast) was sent to eliminate prominent United States officials involved with the Star Wars program. The final name on his hitlist being United States President Ronald Reagan, the KGBeast would cross paths with Batman when his assassination attempt came during a visit Reagan made to Gotham City. Preventing the Beast from completing his mission, the assassin went into hiding before becoming an infrequent supervillain operating within Gotham. KGBeast would meet his end by hitman the Tally Man under orders of the Great White Shark. Anatoli Knyazev was mentioned but yet seen in the television series Arrow as the head of the Solntsevskaya Bratva whose life was saved by Oliver Queen at some point on Lian Yu.

Zeiss

ZEISS

An orphan raised by a Sicilian mobster, Philo Zeiss was trained to become a hitman that was surgically modified with superhuman reflexes and perception. Coming to Gotham to work for mob boss Lew Moxon (who ordered the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents), he was fired when Deadshot botched an assassination of Moxon instead confining the mobster to a wheelchair (Zeiss more enthralled with trying to best Batman in hand-to-hand combat than protecting Moxon). Zeiss would later kill Moxon and his new bodyguard Hellhound. Zeiss went on to work for Pasquale “Junior” Galante and would become an enemy of Catwoman.

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Review: Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon

Terry — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 03:14:28 +0000

Mask of the Blue Falcon

Review: Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon by Jerry Whitworth

Released in February 2013, Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon is the latest installment in the Scooby-Doo direct-to-video animated film series with this instance featuring Hanna-Barbera’s Blue Falcon. Created in 1976 by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears as an analogy to Batman, Blue Falcon co-starred with sidekick Dynomutt in the series Dynomutt, Dog Wonder as part of The Scooby-Doo/Dynomutt Hour. Dynomutt, referred as Dog Wonder (a play on Robin the Boy Wonder), was a mechanical canine with features in the vein of Inspector Gadget (predating Gadget by several years), sharing further similarities in that their various devices malfunctioned at inopportune times. Alerted to danger by the Falcon Flash (in place of the Bat-Signal or Batphone), the duo slipped away to the Falcon’s Lair (in place of the Batcave) to report to secret agent F.O.C.U.S. One (shades of Birdman’s Falcon 7) and raced into action with the flying Falconcar (some amalgamation of the Batmobile and the Fantastic Four’s Fantasticar). In the show’s initial episode, the duo teamed with Mystery, Inc. in a fashion akin to The New Scooby-Doo Movies (which previously featured Batman and Robin as a somewhat pilot for Super Friends) as the group faced off with the villainous Mister Hyde. A frequent device employed in Dynomutt, Dog Wonder borrowed from the 1960s Batman television series featuring the heroes imperiled at the hands of their enemies though instead of leaving the cliffhanger at episode’s end, it would be before a commercial break.

Blue Falcon II

For Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon, Blue Falcon was re-imagined as a series like the 1960s Batman television show that Shaggy and Scooby-Doo greatly admired in their youth. Mystery, Inc. accompanied Shaggy and Scoob as they attended the San de Pedro Mega Mondo Pop Cartoon-a-Con (an obvious nod to the San Diego Comic-Con International), learning Blue Falcon was being brought back as a new dark, gritty film directed by a thinly-veiled analogy of Michael Bay and starring Brad Adams (voiced by Diedrich Bader who voiced Batman in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, which featured Mystery, Inc. in the episode “Bat-Mite Presents: Batman’s Strangest Cases!”). Blue Falcon had previously received a darker treatment as part of the Toonami Flash Comics series of webcomics on Cartoon Network’s website while this film’s version appeared as some cross between SilverHawks‘ Flashback and Image Comics’ ShadowHawk in appearance. The while, the actor who played the original Blue Falcon in Owen Garrison (a nod to Blue Falcon’s original voice actor Gary Owens) has been ruined by the film as syndication of the series on television had ceased (which supplied residuals to the actor) and Garrison had been forbidden from wearing the character’s costume at public appearances (a nod to Adam West) as the studio tries to erase the memory of the original Blue Falcon from the minds of movie goers. Where Mystery, Inc. go from simply attending the convention to investigating a mystery is when Mr. Hyde from the Blue Falcon series appears in real life in a bid to ruin the film (Hyde re-imagined as Blue Falcon’s arch-nemesis).

Heart of Evil

When I initially heard about the film, I anticipated a continuation of the episode “Heart of Evil” from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated which re-imagined Blue Falcon as a security guard for Quest Labs whose canine partner was severely injured but who was saved by Dr. Benton Quest becoming a cyborg. This Blue Falcon was reminiscent of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns depiction of Batman who wanted vengeance for the near loss of his partner (learning Quest’s arch-nemesis Dr. Zin was responsible). As the plot unfolded, I was a bit disappointed but understood that the Scooby-Doo films operate in a different continuity from its various properties (obviously even separate from the original continuity). Initially, I was also turned off by the portrayal of Velma in the film. A bit of a Velma fan, for about the first fifteen minutes of the film the character is rather mean-spirited, snippy, arrogant, snobbish, and bitchy. However, as the film progressed and the focus shifted to the mystery, Velma seemed to mellow out.

Amazing Spider-Man

Generally, the movie was just an extended old school episode of Scooby-Doo. All of the show’s basic elements appear and are played out such as trapping and unmasking the villain. What really makes the film notable is the nods and homages. It would be easier to say what Hanna-Barbera properties didn’t get some attention at the Cartoon-a-Con between posters, statues, merchandise, and cosplayers, every notable (and not so notable) H-B property seemed to get some love. In the continuity of the film, it would appear virtually all major cartoons and comic books were of Hanna-Barbera’s various projects (save the Littlest Fuzzies that Daphne is obsessed with collecting). When Fred, Daphne, and Velma are forced to sneak into the convention at one point, they donned cosplay of the Herculoids which was quite amusing. Hanna-Barbera nods are not alone. A nod to the British game show Robot Wars (which inspired subsequent shows like BattleBots and Robotica) was given with Combat Bots with the character Jack Rabble (who shares a table with Owen Garrison). In a rather inspired decision, Peter Parker’s classic scene of abandoning his Spider-Man costume in a trash can in The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (July 1967) is paid homage when Scooby-Doo abandons his Dynomutt cosplay costume.

The Fantastic World of Hanna-Barbera

The DVD’s special features are three classic episodes of Scooby-Doo, one where Shaggy, Scooby, and his nephew Scrappy have to guard a rare comic book in the Adventures of Slime Boy #1 for “Comic Book Caper” and another an episode of The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo. Noticeable absent is the aforementioned “Heart of Evil” episode from Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated as well as “Dyno-Might” featuring Blue Falcon from Dexter’s Laboratory. Another good option would be an episode of Dynomutt, Dog Wonder such as its first episode “Everyone Hyde!” guest-starring Mystery, Inc. (“What Now, Lowbrow?” and “The Wizard of Ooze” also featured the group) or perhaps “The Injustice League of America” featuring several of Blue Falcon’s enemies teaming up against him (in the film, a scene depicts Blue Falcon and Dynomutt standing beside a variation of the Injustice League with some amalgamation of Superthug and Fishface as the Worm is replaced by Ironface and Swamp Rat).

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Warner Archive: A Model for the Future?

Terry — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:38:41 +0000

The Herculoids

Warner Archive: A Model for the Future? by Jerry Whitworth

When animation fans want to see their childhood shows come to DVD to add to their collection, often one of two scenarios play out: a limited release by the owners of the material (holding the rest of the series hostage depending on sales of the first release) or a release of horrendous quality from a licensor of the material (sometimes even illegal bootlegs using VHS transfers make it to stores). Of course, such is not always true but is often enough to cause headaches for fans. Warner Bros has shifted to another tactic which seems to be working for the company. In 2009, Warner started the Warner Archive Collection producing DVDs made on demand using unrestored footage of its extensive film library sold directly to the consumer (cutting out the middle man in brick-and-mortar stores, thus slashing costs). Warner had previously operated the Looney Tunes Golden Collection beginning in 2003 followed by the Hanna–Barbera Golden Collection, later the Hanna–Barbera Classic Collection, beginning in 2004 (with The Flintstones: The Complete First Season) followed by the DC Comics Classic Collection the next year (with Batman: The Animated Series – Volume Three) making older series available in stores. These lines would be folded into the Warner Archive the year of its creation with titles like Yogi’s First Christmas and The Flight of Dragons added to its made on demand catalog. It should be noted, the Tom and Jerry Spotlight Collection began release in 2004 and in 2011 the Tom and Jerry Golden Collection began release which at this time continues to be produced for in store sales. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of the Warner Archive Collection and what it could mean for the future of home video release.

Captain Caveman

Likely the biggest boon to come of the Warner Archive, which can be inferred from the introduction, is that we get the release of titles that otherwise would not have been available. A good example of this is SilverHawks. The first half of the first season of SilverHawks was released to stores however it seems sales did not merit a release of the rest of the series. With the advent of the Warner Archive (Warner Bros owning the rights to Rankin/Bass’ catalog, save The Last Unicorn), the last half was made available to consumers on demand. A similar situation played out with The Jetsons and The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest. Likely the series most enjoying the Warner Archive treatment are Scooby-Doo clones like The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids, The Funky Phantom, Goober and the Ghost Chasers, Inch High, Private Eye, Jabberjaw, Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space, Mister T, and Speed Buggy (Warner having acquired Ruby-Spears’ pre-1991 library). Action series like The Centurions, Challenge of the Gobots, Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos, Dragon’s Lair, Frankenstein, Jr. and the Impossibles, The Herculoids, Moby Dick and Mighty Mightor, The Pirates of Dark Water, Sealab 2020, Shazzan, Sky Commanders, The Space Kidettes and Young Samson, SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron, Thundarr the Barbarian, and Valley of the Dinosaurs are also featured as popular releases. Numerous Flintstones and Yogi Bear films/specials have seen publication. Animated series are not alone as Legends of the Superheroes, Shazam!, Wonder Woman 1974 film, and the second season of Superboy have also seen release. Though, there are a number of issues to arise with the Archive.

Jonny Quest

Arguably the greatest issue with the Warner Archive releases is the quality. Made using the highest quality records of the individual films and series, the DVDs are certainly better than standard quality but fall short of high definition. Generally, animated series released to stores are digitally remastered, with scenes painstakingly cleaned up to make the most of high-def media. As can be inferred, this process is expensive and denotes why companies are as selective as they are about what programs are chosen for the process. And while fans can live with under high-def releases, the real issue here is the emergence of Blu-ray. The home media market has pushed to transition to Blu-ray for several years, so far as releasing films with both Blu-ray and DVD discs as a means of trying to coerce the public into adopting the newer technology. And while consumers have been hesitant about upgrading their players, as time marches on they’ve none the less started moving towards it. This causes two problems with the Warner Archive as it is today: the amount of disc space on a Blu-ray is more than five times that of an average DVD and the expectation of high definition content with a Blu-ray purchase. The former means a five DVD set could fit onto a single Blu-ray disc which is significantly less impressive when trying to sell a set for a large sum of money. The latter means playing a Blu-ray disc on a high definition television will, by evolving standards, look terrible by comparison. In essence, the market is phasing out a great opportunity on many companies’ parts to make fans happy while making money for a minimal investment. It should be noted, DVDs do play on Blu-ray players. While quality is the biggest issue, there are others.

Shazzan

Disney has maintained a longstanding tradition with its media releases (especially with its animated films) that allows them to drive up the market for its products. The company’s tactic is to produce a video item for the home market but to later suspend publication indefinitely until they feel a re-release would be profitable. Because of the control they maintain on the product, they undoubtedly sell less copies than otherwise but can charge higher fees than if they left a title in circulation. In other words, they create their own market for release rather than leaving it up to the consumer (which could be good or bad, but as Disney continues to do it, they must feel confidant it works well for the bottom line). Warner has adopted a similar, perhaps even more devious, tactic with the Archive Collection. Though DVDs are made to order, Warner can at any time suspend publication (perhaps ever) of a title. This provides a limited window in which consumers can obtain an item, which in turn often means Warner can price gouge its audience. In the modern field of the DVD market, consumers often wait for a release to go on sale after being made available for a while but Warner’s tactic makes it that waiting for a sale could mean missing out on certain titles. As there is a minimal investment in providing made to order DVDs, charging exuberant prices for them because it can be taken away at any time makes for quite an unsavory maneuver (making the company appear more greedy than fan friendly). This issue is compounded by the fact few venues offer Warner Archive DVDs, the Warner Archive website and Amazon the only sources readily known to me at present. So fans can get their DVDs of classic animation, just at a premium. A rather minor note on my part, but not on that of others, is the minimalist effort of Warner Archive releases means very basic DVD menus and no special features.

Super Friends

What makes the situation generated by Warner interesting is what it can mean for the future. Recently going past its four year anniversary, Warner Archive seems to be doing well. More series continue to be generated from the retailer, recently giving consumers the opportunity to decide upcoming titles using polls on Facebook. Time will only tell if other companies will follow suit. A good example is the series Gargoyles from Disney. Generating a cult-like following with its showrunner Greg Weisman attracting the attention of many consumers today with series like Spectacular Spider-Man and Young Justice, Gargoyles saw release of its first season and half of its second season. Time and time again fans have requested the second half of season two be released only to be told sales of the last collection didn’t do well enough. A similar program to the Warner Archive at Disney could mean the release of the rest of that show’s series. Further, the rest of season one as well as seasons two and three of Darkwing Duck could be issued. Not to mention seasons three and four of DuckTales. And the third volume of Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers. And the last three seasons of Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears. As can be distinguished, various series remain open ended for release from Disney. There remains no significant release of the Aladdin and Mighty Ducks individual series to date for that matter. An entire article on this website has been dedicated to yet released Marvel animated series (Disney having acquired Marvel in 2009). Companies like the Cookie Jar Company, Shout! Factory, Visual Entertainment, Urban Archipelago Films, and Image Entertainment are just a handful of companies bringing animated series of the past to DVD and could all likely benefit from a service like the Warner Archive process.

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Batusi Returns: The Camp Knight Rises

Terry — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:43:27 +0000

Batman by Allred

Batusi Returns: The Camp Knight Rises by Jerry Whitworth

Last summer, Warner Bros inked a deal with 20th Century Fox to produce merchandise based on the likenesses of the Batman television series from the 1960s. The advent is quite revolutionary considering both companies have gone back and forth over the franchise for decades with this deal being the first time since the show left the air that something new has been made from the material (save for replica miniatures of the show’s vehicles). While as yet there are no plans to see the series make the transition to DVD or Blu-Ray, which is something fans have rallied to see happen for many years, the new deal gives hope of this. However, short of the series released for home video, fans will be happy to see the series adapted for comics starting this summer as a digital first title from the creative team of Jeff Parker and Jonathan Case (with covers by Michael Allred). Lets take a look at the genesis of the Batman television series, its cultural impact, and its legacy.

Batman 66

Yale Udoff, an executive for ABC, was attending a party at the Playboy Club in Chicago where on one evening the Batman serials of the 1940s were playing to much fanfare from the crowd. The experience motivated Udoff to try and bring a prime time television series based on the character produced in the same vein as shows like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Avengers, and The Wild Wild West. ABC would tap 20th Century Fox to produce the series for them who in turn contracted William Dozier and Greenway Productions to bring the show into reality. American screenwriter Lorenzo Semple, Jr. wrote the pilot for the show and acted as the head script writer for its first season. What set the show apart from virtually anything else on television, beside the costumes worn by its cast, was the use of “camp” which employs excess ridiculousness to denote humor. Though what made camp work for the show was that the series’ protagonist who would play the part deathly serious (in other words, the “straight man” to the show’s farce). The show’s Batman would be little known actor Adam West partnered with rookie actor Burt Ward as his partner Robin the Boy Wonder. While the dynamic duo added dimension to the series as its straight men, it was the veteran ensemble cast that really stole the show with actors such as the Latin lover Cesar Romero as the Joker, impersonator and stage comic Frank Gorshin as the Riddler, sultry dancer, singer, and actress (and later Playboy playmate) Julie Newmar as Catwoman, and serious thespian of stage and screen Burgess Meredith as the Penguin. Fairly true to the plots of the root comics the series was based upon, the show proved to be a hit of epic proportions (more accurately, a cultural phenomenon called Batmania).

Catwoman

The United States began dancing the Batusi in clubs across the country, Batman’s visage was plastered on virtually any conceivable product children would buy, and the Caped Crusader appeared on the cover of virtually any comic book DC Comics could logically portray him upon (such as The Brave and the Bold, World’s Finest Comics, and Justice League of America). The Riddler, who only appeared in one issue of the Batman comic previously, became one of Batman’s most prolific rogues following his fame found on television. Likewise, the one-shot cold-themed villain Mr. Zero was reborn as Mr. Freeze in the Batman television show to become another top ten enemy of the Dark Knight. The Mad Hatter used for the Batman show only made two appearances in the comics before making his two two-part episodes across the show’s first two seasons. Even longtime Bat-villain Two-Face was considered for the show as a news anchor who had half his face disfigured by exploding equipment until the concept was believed too gruesome for the show (reportedly, cowboy actor Clint Eastwood was considered for the part). Not all villains used for the show had renewed fame. False Face had a single sole appearance in the comics but his appearance in the show didn’t bring him any recognition. The Great Carnado was adapted to be Zelda the Great and Brainy Barrows as Egghead (famously played by Vincent Price) but the basis characters never received renewed pushes. Though, original character King Tut (famously portrayed by comedian Victor Buono) became a hit with fans making ten appearances on the show. Some other reoccurring villains created for the series included Louie the Lilac (played by comedian Milton Berle), Siren (portrayed by actress Joan Collins), and Marsha, Queen of Diamonds (played by actress Carolyn Jones, famous for her role of Morticia Addams in The Addams Family).

Batman by Case

A film based on the television series would be produced intended as a pilot for international markets whose greater budget provided new vehicles for the show’s production in the Batboat and Batcopter. The musical score composed by Nelson Riddle for the television series would be used for the film El Dorado starring John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Batman was heavily referenced in the television series The Monkees, so far as Julie Newmar and Burgess Meredith making appearances on the show (not to mention the band’s use of a Monkeemobile). The Batman series had various guest-stars of other television shows such as Colonel Klink of Hogan’s Heroes, Lurch of The Addams Family, and Detective Sam Stone of Felony Squad (as well as celebrities like Jerry Lewis, Dick Clark, and Sammy Davis, Jr.). Greenway and Fox would try their luck with producing a similar, but more serious, series in the Green Hornet that crossed over with the Batman show (the accompanying series making actor Bruce Lee, who portrayed chauffeur, mechanic, and enforcer Kato, a superstar in Hong Kong). Greenway filmed a pilot trying to sell a television series based on Wonder Woman in Who’s Afraid of Diana Prince? featuring Diana Prince as a somewhat delusional woman who appears plain but perceives herself as a beautiful woman and who uses her superhuman abilities to fight crime. Batman and Robin would host a special on the 1966 Fall line-up for ABC. Unfortunately, Batman‘s second season would help see the series begin to tumble. As Semple began to reel back from involvement with the series, Batman was rushed to try and capitalize on its success as its quality decreased, plots became silly, formulaic, and uninspired, and West and Ward quarreled behind the scenes which affected their performances and their roles on the shows (each actor wanting more screen time). West pushed hard for the show, making a ridiculous amount of public appearances as Batman from talk and comedy shows down to state and county fairs. However, the show was failing.

Robin

Producers managed to convince ABC to fund and air a third season but with single weekly episodes (rather than the two episode a week format it started with) and the addition to the cast in Yvonne Craig as Batgirl (the actress previously having memorable single appearances on shows like Star Trek, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and The Wild Wild West). Originally, a pilot was shot for a Batgirl series featuring Killer Moth in the piece and appearances by West and Ward that executives decided should form the basis of the third season of Batman. In a cooperative effort, DC Comics adapted the proposed Batgirl character for their Batman comics (so far as pitting her against Killer Moth in her first adventure). However, these efforts were not enough to save the television series. The third season would be the final season for Batman. NBC demonstrated interest in picking up the show but their offer came too late to save the sets which were taken down and the network was unwilling to pay for new ones to be built. In 1972, Ward and Craig would reprise their respective roles for a public service announcement for equal pay for women for the U.S. Department of Labor. In 1977, West and Ward would reprise their roles by lending their voices to Filmation’s animated series The New Adventures of Batman. Two years later, Hanna-Barbera produced a live action version of its popular Challenge of the Super Friends in Legends of the Superheroes for NBC bringing back West, Ward, and Gorshin as their characters though only lasting for two television specials (Superman, Wonder Woman, and their rogues couldn’t appear as their rights were tied up elsewhere in film and television). West would lend his voice to Batman for the last two seasons of Super Friends. Tim Burton’s 1989 film Batman gave renewed interest in the old television series seeing its cast return in a reunion in 1988 on The Late Show with Ross Shafer and the series broadcast on the now defunct Family Channel.

Joker

While it would appear the Batman television series was dead and buried, fans did not forget its stars, especially Adam West. In 1992, West would lend his voice to the Gray Ghost, childhood hero of Bruce Wayne in Batman: The Animated Series. For the show Animaniacs, West lent his voice to the Caped Crusader Spruce Wayne, portrayed Black Scorpion’s nemesis the Breathtaker in 2001 for her self-titled television series, voiced Catman in The Fairly OddParents, portrayed the mayor of Gotham City in the animated series The Batman, Bruce Wayne’s father Thomas in Batman: The Brave and the Bold (with Julie Newmar as mother Martha), and the Marvel Comics’ Batman-analogy Nighthawk in The Super Hero Squad Show. In 2003, West would reunite with Burt Ward for the television film Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt. The movie would bounce between scenes telling stories behind the scenes of Batman to the modern day with a fictional comedic trip of West and Ward trying to recapture the stolen Batmobile with guest appearances by other Batman cast members (including Gorshin, Newmar, and Lee Meriwether, the Catwoman of the 1966 Batman film).

Riddler

Batman, as a character and franchise, started as a narrative very much in the vein of noir film and pulp fiction that had to be brightened up, such as with the inclusion of Robin. Throughout the years, his stories have bounced between lighthearted fair to gothic darkness but in around the time of Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s Batman: The Killing Joke, Grant Morrison and Dave McKean’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, Tim Burton’s Batman films, and Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski’s Batman: The Animated Series, it appeared the Dark Knight had firmly been planted in where the franchise found its roots. Attempts were made to add some variety to this depiction. When Joel Schumacher took up the reins of the Batman film franchise from Burton, he tried to blend Burton’s vision with the camp of the 1960s television series to disastrous results (while doing quite well at box office, the hybrid was generally panned leading to an almost ten year drought of live action Batman films). However, James Tucker and Michael Jelenic’s animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold managed to find a balance that worked with fans.

Catwoman

Initially fought against by Batman fans, Batman: The Brave and the Bold brilliantly and masterfully balanced camp with good, at times heartbreaking, storytelling demonstrating not all versions of Batman had to be dark (Grant Morrison would even at times incorporate elements of the lighthearted years of Batman into his stories, though often times by turning those concepts on their ears). The animated series would often pay homage to Batman’s lighter years, especially the 1960s television series. While they couldn’t incorporate characters unique to the television show, they would manage to sneak in faces of those characters in crowds leaving them unidentified. The only exception would be Egghead who would appear in the comic book adaptation of the series changed slightly and renamed as Egg Head. A similar technique was done earlier with King Tut in the pages of Batman Confidential where the name was kept but the concept was changed just enough to avoid infringing on the rights of Fox. Batman: TBTB would eventually be canceled to make way for a new, darker animated version of Batman where the hero’s butler Alfred wields firearms and the Dark Knight is assisted by a sword-wielding partner in Katana to battle Batman’s more recent rogues like Anarky and Professor Pyg for the CG-animated Beware the Batman. Still, you need but look to the adult film Batman XXX: A Porn Parody to see there’s still an active audience for the 1960s series.

Born from the mind of comic fan Axel Braun and produced by Vivid Entertainment, Batman XXX was excruciatingly faithful to the source material, so far as using exact replicas of original costumes (made from the same type of material), renting an exact replica of the Batmobile, quoting dialogue from the source material, employing obscure characters from the show, and building sets perfectly replicated from the original series. Costing $100,000 to produce, the adult scenes were the only element that skewed from the original work in execution (and even then, a special feature on the DVD permits watching the film without adult scenes). The film was the highest selling movie of its industry for the year it was made, won more than half a dozen awards, and inspired numerous imitators in its industry so far as Vivid starting the imprint Vivid SuperXXXHeroes headed up by Braun to capitalize on the phenomenon. While a sequel has long been in the works for the film, the burgeoning adult parody genre has ignited in its industry a highly-profitable niche with an ever expanding line-up of parodies being conceived and showing no signs of slowing down (quite the opposite as more money is being spent to produce these films and audiences are spending even more to obtain them). And while this subject may not be a wholesome one to discuss, one has to consider if the continued success of Batman XXX didn’t have at least some bearing on motivating a deal being struck between WB and Fox.

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Truth, Justice and a P.R. Team: Justice League of America #1 Review

Terry — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:57:47 +0000

Justice Leage Of America #1

Truth, Justice and a P.R. Team: Justice League of America #1 Review By Jerry W. Vandal

Written by: Geoff Johns
Pencils by: David Finch
Colors: Sonia Oback with Jeremy Cox

When I saw the solicitation for Justice League of America I didn’t feel the need to call my LCB and add it to my pull list. Another team book spun out of another team book has become a commonality in the industry. Slap Avengers or [insert adjective] X-Men on the cover and it should sell (granted I’m a complete sucker for anything with an X in the title). So the concept didn’t leap out at me. It didn’t help that David Finch was doing the pencils. But, as I sorted through the books in my pile I determined I could pick up a few more and I came across Justice League of America (which sported 52 state flag variant covers) and the flag of my home state of Ohio and said why not. At the very least I’d have a book in my collection with Ohio’s flag on it.

Justice League of America however, ended up being a worthwhile read. The formation of the team is done similar to the how the Dark Avengers were formed. Each character was chosen to be a counter point to members of the Justice League. The team’s Superman role is taken by Martian Manhunter. Batman has his role filled by Catwoman. Wonder woman is replaced by Katana. Green Lantern…well, there’s always plenty of Lanterns to replace one another even in the DCNU and in this case new comer and Arab-American Simon Baz gets the call. Flash sees his role given to Vibe. Cyborg is replaced by Stargirl and Aquaman sees himself replaced by Hawkman. Green Arrow is added into the mix (Jeff Lemire did a great job on his first issue of Green Arrow and is worth picking up by the way). It’s an interesting mix of DC’s B-level heroes that are promoted as being equals to their A-level counter points in a believable way.

The opening intro breaking down the characters and creative team is a nice touch. It gives the book a cinematic feel and works great next to the opening scene featuring the Dark Hunter (Green Arrow in disguise) and what appears to be the Justice League hunting him for their “creator”. So, there’s action and intrigue, a solid combination. From there we get the bulk of the issue; a conversation between Colonel Trevor and Director Wallace. The Director’s main prerogative is to convince Trevor to oversee the project, going so far as to show him pictures of Wonder Woman (whom he had feelings for) kissing Superman. The Justice League, having decided not to work for the United States government is branded as an issue that must be dealt with. In response the Justice League of America is set up. And, perhaps in a real world twist derived from our politically driven landscape, the Justice League of America is put together by cutting unsavory deals and less than honorable means. Hawkman is given immunity from any crimes he has or may commit in his hunt for enemies from his planet. Johns does an excellent job of portraying Hawkman here as he hunts and we can assume beats a man with his mace while he claims not to be the person he’s looking for. Katana, an assassin is promised the whereabouts of the people who murdered her father—essentially okaying the fierce combatant’s need to murder. And Catwoman is a thief who has had her identity stolen. Simon Baz was accused of being a terrorist. And even though he wasn’t convicted, has little to do with public perception. These less-than-heroic heroes are a stain on what the Justice League of America will need to symbolize. A P.R. team has been put in place to spin things when they need to be spun. And that seems so very modern America that I cracked a sarcastic smile as I read it.

Geoff Johns has proven to be the guiding light of the DC universe. And he’s started off well here. That’s not really a surprise though. He has a great knowledge of what seems to be every character in the DC universe and utilizes it as often as he can.

David Finch. What can I say? I’m not a big fan of his. But, he seemed to shine here. This may be due to the heavy usage of darks in the book that disguised his flaws. But the darks were also very appropriate. I went back and looked at some of his work on the New Avengers and I still cringed. But here, he seems like he will be at least serviceable in the art department.

The two teams may end up mirroring each other. The Justice League could very well be symbolic of what America should stand for and should be—ideals. Even when this group of heroes who see things in different ways don’t agree, they unite to take on causes that they can’t handle alone. Meanwhile the Justice League of America may very well end up being a representation of what it really is—people cutting deals to get things done. These deals often involve allowing one evil to occur to take down another. They’re going to work together because they’ve cut a deal that favors their own motives. Actually they may end up not working well with another at all and hinder their team goals. Maybe that’s just me over analyzing, but considering the state of the world it’s not farfetched. To the contrary—it could be the perfect story to tell to illustrate what this medium is capable of. What works better for a country—to serve its ideals or to do things that might go against its grain to get things done? Those who have an opinion may read that and have a clear cut answer—but this book could tell the story of why that may not be the case. And maybe Justice League can do the same in its own right. Those are potential story paths that could again be way off base. But that’s what this book speaks to me—potential. And despite all of the politics that are being played in the background of this team it shares that in common with America. Potential. And that’s a good start.

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Young Justice: In Memoriam

Terry — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:41:28 +0000

Justice League

Young Justice: In Memoriam by Jerry Whitworth

On March 16, 2013, the television series Young Justice came to an end with the final broadcast of the show on Cartoon Network as part of the DC Nation programming block. While no reasons have been given for the show’s end, in truth there has yet to even be confirmation of its demise by the network, there are a number of reasons that have been speculated upon: poor sales of the toyline, Cartoon Network’s mishandling of its schedule, jumping ahead in time for the second season, the rising cost of hand-drawn animation, the show not reflecting more of what DC Comics is currently producing in their titles, or Cartoon Network’s penchant for canceling shows when they reach a “magic number.” Some, often jokingly, attribute the series’ end to showrunner Greg Weisman (Disney’s Gargoyles, Spectacular Spider-Man) who produces critically-acclaimed series with cult-like followings that only last two seasons. Whatever the reason, the move has generated outrage from the show’s fervent community who have made the show trend on Twitter during broadcasts, sign petitions trying to save the program (one on Change.org reaching over 32,000 signatures), and have begun a letter writing campaign directed at Cartoon Network. The community has pushed for fans to purchase Young Justice paraphernalia such as the DVDs and trade paperbacks of its comic book and reportedly individuals close to the show’s producers have generated a survey in order to show interest in the program’s continuation. Only time will tell what effect these efforts will have. At this time, however, the show has no future and those close to it have moved on to other projects. Lets take a look at the show from its beginning to its end.

Flash Family

In 2009, Disney purchased Marvel Comics and all of its properties. On air at the time was the critically-acclaimed series Spectacular Spider-Man produced by Greg Weisman and Victor Cook (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) for Sony Entertainment and airing on Kids’ WB! By the time of the acquisition, the second season was on air and would be moved to the network Disney XD. The show, despite its success, would be canceled with its second season. Simply put, Disney did not want to have its competitor Sony making a Spider-Man television series and so the show was killed to make way for the Disney produced Ultimate Spider-Man. With Jeph Loeb (Batman: The Long Halloween, The Ultimates 3) taking control of Marvel’s television division, he called for an end to animated series with ongoing narratives which, combined with Disney purchasing Marvel, resulted in the end of virtually all animated Marvel series. During this time, DC Comics had been producing direct-to-video animated films employing creators such as Brandon Vietti, who directed Batman: Under the Red Hood and Superman/Doomsday (as well as working on television series like Batman: The Brave and the Bold, The Batman, and Legion of Super-Heroes), and Phil Bourassa, who provided character designs for Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths and Justice League: Doom (Bourassa would also assist Sean “Cheeks” Galloway on character designs for Spectacular Spider-Man). Sam Register, Executive Vice President of Creative Affairs of Warner Bros. Animation, wanted to develop a new animated series based on young heroes of the DC Universe that would be significantly different than the previous such series Teen Titans. This idea gained considerable traction with the cancellation of Spectacular Spider-Man as Register hired Weisman soon after, pairing the creator with Vietti and tasking the duo with developing the series. Bourassa would join the team as character designer.

Heroes

Likely Greg Weisman’s most well known series before Young Justice in Gargoyles and Spectacular Spider-Man would play into how the series would be developed. With Gargoyles, Weisman created an entire world filled with three-dimensional characters, rules and guidelines those in the world must follow, and a history rooted in mythology, folklore, and the works of William Shakespeare. The series’ players were each unique and complex, rarely all good or all evil and would from time to time change between what role they served. The series would develop a huge following, especially after the end of the show with the convention the Gathering of the Gargoyles which ran yearly and across the United States and Canada from 1997 to 2009 (a worldwide appeal, a nod to the show would even appear in the anime series The Big O). For Spectacular Spider-Man, Weisman and Victor Cook didn’t subscribe to any one version of Spider-Man, borrowing elements from the comics (main and Ultimate Spider-Man) and the film series, while at the same time making the series their own by using their own original ideas (such as having the primary antagonist the Big Man contract Norman Osborn to create super-villains to battle Spider-Man so he would be too preoccupied to smash organized crime). For Young Justice, Weisman and Vietti generated a very dense and interconnected world where an ancient cabal of evil known as the Light has operated in the shadows for centuries. As the Light pushed for world domination, heroes would emerge such as the Justice Society of America and Justice League of America to stop them (generally unaware they faced such a large, structured, clandestine organization). As the series started, a handful of sidekicks for heroes in the League wanted independence to operate at least in part on their own, feeling they earned the responsibility. For the cast of young heroes, Weisman and Vietti elected to pick heroes from across the different ages of DC Comics, combining old sidekicks like Dick Grayson as Robin, Wally West as Kid Flash, and Roy Harper as Speedy, more recent heroes like Superman clone Superboy and Miss Martian, and original characters such as Kaldur’ahm as Aqualad and the Krypto-inspired Wolf.

The Light

The series would be a hit. Viewers took heavily to it, many cosplaying as the characters at comic book conventions, and would win an Emmy for its character design. Arguably the show’s star Aqualad would be adapted for DC Comics by Geoff Johns and featured in the event Brightest Day as the son of Black Manta whose powers to control water are awakened by the White Lantern Battery. The show was picked up for a second season after airing nine of its twenty-six initial episodes. Originally a ten episode mini-series, Cartoon Network would later opt for Weisman and Vietti to produce twenty episodes for the second season. Named Young Justice: Invasion, the series jumped ahead five years where Aqualad had betrayed his team to become Black Manta’s right-hand man following the death of teammate Aquagirl, Kid Flash and Artemis retired from the superhero game, Dick Grayson became Nightwing to lead the team, two Robins would inherit the mantle with Tim Drake the latest to don it (the second, Jason Todd, having died), and the alien race known as the Reach is invading Earth with the help of the Light. Finding the people of Earth hold the meta-gene which can grant people amazing powers, the Reach wanted to cultivate it to make an army of super-powered soldiers, their initial result being a homage to the Super Friends in creating analogies for Black Vulcan (mashed up with Static), Apache Chief, El Dorado, and Samurai (elements of the story borrowed from the Invasion comic book event).

The Team

Unfortunately, hiatuses on the part of Cartoon Network took its toll on the show. After nine episodes into the first season, the show took a six month break to give animators time to produce more episodes. After nine more episodes, a four month break. The first season finale was followed a week later with the second season premier but after seven episodes, the show went on a three month hiatus. The series would return for only two more episodes before a three month hiatus which no one to this day knows for what reason (the episodes done and ready to air and DC Comics actively promoting the show at the San Diego Comic-Con International proudly heralding its return only to see two episodes air). The hiatuses would ultimately lead to the cancellation of the accompanying comic book series, which was written in the same world as the show by Greg Weisman running side-by-side with the animated series. It would be four episodes into the show’s return from hiatus that the non-announcement came the show was canceled when it was left off the schedule and those working on the series announced there are no plans at that time to continue the show.

The Super Friends

In a recent interview, Brandon Vietti admitted the series was carefully planned out at least three seasons from the show’s conception. Elements of a third season are obvious from the events of the series finale. Some notable elements include the addition of Static to the Team (and the offer of Black Lightning to mentor him), Lex Luthor’s nomination to Secretary General of the United Nations (drawing allusions to Luthor’s election to President of the United States), Artemis adopting the identity of Tigress, and the death of Wally West drawing allusions to the demise of Barry Allen in Crisis on Infinite Earths and the death of Bart Allen from The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive. Impulse picking up the mantle of Kid Flash draws allusions to Geoff Johns’ Teen Titans run and West’s death brought together Robin and Wonder Girl in a somewhat similar fashion to Superboy’s death in Infinite Crisis. Likely the greatest reveal was the final one introducing Darkseid as the Light’s ally, something comic book fans have suspected since the first season, which could have meant elements of Legends and The Great Darkness Saga could have played out in the third season. Should the Legion of Super-Heroes have made an appearance, perhaps it would have meant the revival of Wally West in a similar fashion to what played out in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds with Bart Allen. Of course, this is all speculation that may very well never be confirmed or denied. There is, however, one more piece of Young Justice material yet to premier. On September 10, 2013, the video game Young Justice: Legacy will hit store shelves set within the five year gap between the first and second seasons.

Heroes United

The collapse of Young Justice at Cartoon Network could have long term effects on the station’s relationship with DC Comics. While the DC Nation programming block will return with Beware the Batman and Teen Titans Go!, CN has moved comic adaptations of their properties away from DC. A year ago, one of CN’s hottest properties in Adventure Time would begin being published by Boom! Studios and last month it was announced a partnership will begin with IDW Publishing offering the publisher access to the entire CN catalog. The situation is quite strange considering both DC Comics and Cartoon Network belong to Warner Bros and in the past Warner has adamantly avoided sending projects out-of-house if it is capable of producing the work itself (so far as purchasing Rocksteady Studios following its success with the Batman: Arkham video game series and Midway Games’ assets following its production of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe). CN’s move may very well hint at irreconcilable differences between the companies. A year ago, CN recorded its first jump in ratings in five years after years of falling (the previous year having fell by double digits). One of the crown jewels in this spike came from Young Justice (at times having triple digit rises in ratings from the previous year) and now only time will tell what effect its loss will have on the station. The while, those involved with Young Justice have moved on. Greg Weisman has his first novel Rain of the Ghosts set to be published in December. Brandon Vietti produced and directed a film featuring Scooby-Doo and the superstars of the WWE set for release next year.

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Understanding the Man of Steel

Terry — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 04:24:54 +0000

Superman Unchained

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Superman! Understanding the Man of Steel by Jerry Whitworth

Recently watching Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part Two, I started a conversation about the film and mentioned some disgust with the portrayal of Superman in the piece. A friend chimed in that he felt the portrayal was fairly consistent with Superman, which struck me as odd. To me, Superman is many things but I couldn’t readily picture him as the moronic, nigh-mindless, sycophant and yes-man in the film. This Superman had lost his hope and faith which largely walks in the opposite direction of what the hero has always represented. A possible future, I chalked up the change in character to background the audience is not made privy to and yet, some people observe that Superman as the Superman. To understand Superman, you have to understand his genesis. The Great Depression had ravaged America. The United States was rife with racism, sexism, and antisemitism. Immigrants from Europe, especially non-Protestants, were treated as garbage by Americans who considered themselves “natives” (having been born on US soil for a couple generations). Likely the most tread upon people were Jewish immigrants. Work was next to impossible to find and so work for Jews was virtually non-existent, often the case only Jews would hire other Jews. Largely, the comic book industry grew out of this condition. Among the echelon of accepted jobs in media, advertisement art and comic strips were pretty low, but even lower was pulp fiction and at the bottom was comic books. Comic publishers were owned and operated by Jews, in part hiring Jews because of the aforementioned reasons, but also because the structure made hiring them cheap. While it would take decades for comic book creators to crawl up this social structure, the comic book would climb new levels with the advent of Superman.

Action Comics #1

Born from the minds of science fiction fans Jerry Siegel (the son of Jewish immigrants, his father murdered by thieves during a robbery) and Jewish immigrant Joe Shuster, Superman is generally accepted as the first costumed super-powered hero and quickly became a cash cow for National Allied Publications. Often compared to Moses, Superman was the only survivor of his alien world, rocketed to Earth where his father knew he would have natural gifts to contribute to mankind. Landing in Smallville, Kansas, the child was raised by the kindly couple Martha and Jonathan Kent where he was raised to be humble, hard working, and have a strong belief in the principles America was built upon in tolerance, freedom, and justice. It’s not difficult to see the analogy to the journey of the immigrant coming to America. Superman’s story is the story of many who came to America, often with knowledge and skills fostered in their native country who came to the United States for its promise of acceptance and liberty. However, Superman represented so much more than that. In Superman, the absolute best in humanity was given shape. In part a modern iteration of the hero archetype personified in Gilgamesh, Heracles, et al, Superman was draped in the colors of the American flag (with yellow in place of white) and while he was stronger, faster, and overall superior in every way to a man, what made him a super-man was his capacity for compassion and empathy of his adopted people. At his core, before the weaknesses in Kryptonite, red sunlight, and magic were introduced to help creators write stories, the only way to truly harm Superman was to harm people. Where comic characters were created as wealthy playboys seeking adventure or seeking vengeance against an element that robbed them of a loved one or as some form of penance, Superman did the right thing because he simply had the power to help others. The while, he did so with respect to the law despite being an outlaw because he was well aware of what comes from becoming the law. For that, he simply had to look to what was going on in Germany.

Superman vs Hitler and Tojo

While people often think of World War II when thinking of Germany, the injustices of that dark period didn’t arise overnight. Several decades before that conflict, Germany was at the center of the first World War which is often overshadowed by the pure hellish conditions of the war that followed it. Part of what facilitated the worsening condition was the rise of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party and its leader Adolf Hitler in the wake of that war. At first, Hitler tried to take the German government by force only to fail and be imprisoned. The time actually provided the charismatic leader exposure later resulting in his election to office. That same charisma helped him to convince most of his country into his beliefs that Germany was superior and deserved to rule the world, literally destroying others like Jews and Communists. This belief led to the deaths of an estimated eleven million people, six million of which were Jews. While the creation of Superman predates World War II, Hitler was firmly in the minds of his creators. While Superman physically represents some of the ideas of the Übermensch that Hitler prized, Superman stood against tyranny and ignorance and while being physically superior to man, he didn’t think himself above them. It’s this distinction that’s important to understanding the character and why while he battled the Nazis during World War II, he didn’t lower himself to virtually any other war due in large part to wars since then often being born out of political positioning (the conflict resulting from 9/11/01 an obvious exception).

Silver Age Superman

In the 1960s, editors like Julius Schwartz and Mort Weisinger helped usher in a new age for DC Comics and especially the Man of Steel taking the character from dealing largely with organized crime and mad scientists to tackling science fiction seeing the advent of the alien would-be god Brainiac, people from Krypton’s society in the Bottle City of Kandor and Supergirl, a veritable army of superhumans in the time-traveling Legion of Super-Heroes, the walking death/Kryptonite-empowered Metallo, and the imperfect double of the hero in Bizarro. While certainly the material wasn’t as blatant in its appeal to philosophy as, for example, the treatment of Silver Surfer by Stan Lee, it was baby steps to exploring the identity of Superman. In other words, when you introduce threats that posed a threat to Superman or a cast that rival the hero’s power, you take the character from the position of power as a father-like figure and break him down to really see what he was underneath. Because, if anyone had powers like Superman, they could all but crush crime. It’s seeing what he is when facing adversity or putting him in a crowd that you see what makes him a super-man. And Superman demonstrated that by using his head and an indomitable spirit because again, at his core, he rises above self-interest when lives hung in the balance, victory becoming more important than the cost to himself. While Superman didn’t always win, he always rallied for the option that meant the survival of life. And often people cite Superman doesn’t make mistakes, and of course part of that goes with the writing, but in the story it’s due to that he follows his heart. Winning for the hero meant saving people (or, alternatively, other lifeforms).

Superman and Luthor

With the John Byrne, Marv Wolfman, and Jerry Ordway age of Superman following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the character largely returned to his roots while keeping the flavor of the past. The key to this was the prominence of Lex Luthor and his reinvention. In the past, Luthor was a crime boss, mad scientist, and leader of an alien world, but this new version was by far the most dangerous: a corrupt businessman. The parallels between the two enemies was never as prominent when Luthor borrowed a note from Doctor Doom. Despite being a sociopath, a mind like that of Luthor would only naturally flourish in the corporate world in a time that led to the stock market crash of 1987 (dubbed Black Monday) and the popular film Wall Street. Luthor had money, and with it power, able to commit crimes but push blame on to others or simply put a politician or judge in his pocket to make the problem go away (Luthor would, of course, famously go on to become President of the United States, sort of cutting out the middle man). In this way, Superman was anti-establishment, a seeming force of nature that grew out of a need for a powerful agent that could stand outside the system and affect positive change despite those in power trying to oppress the people (either directly or subtly). This new Superman had a world education and view that faced his share of invading forces from Apokolips but who had to adapt his skills to a new world that both adored him but maintained an inherent fear of him (a fear Luthor and Darkseid and several others took advantage of to try and control people). And with this in mind, Superman didn’t just protect people, but he had to earn their trust everyday.

DKR Superman vs Batman

Admittedly, I’m not reading Superman today. But, I have little doubt the character has changed all that much. Superman has and still stands for many things. He stands for a power and representation of the ideal of mankind, of what people could be if they abandon prejudice, self-adulation, and avarice to be courageous, empathetic, and think for themselves. Sure, Superman has bigger problems than we will ever deal with in reality, but that’s the point. The problems that we deal with seem insurmountable, many people struggling to live another day but the same reasons Superman triumphs over his problems is how we also triumph: because we don’t do it for ourselves. For Superman, that’s the people of Metropolis, Earth, and on. For us, it’s our parents, siblings, significant others, friends, children, and on. In our brightest moments, we want to share it with family and friends. In our darkest hour, it’s our friends and family who keep us from slipping in that darkness. Superman stands for what we want to become, to be strong enough to protect our family while staying true to what makes us human. In this manner, the best way to understand Superman is to understand how each of us can be a hero everyday in our own lives.

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Destroy All Monsters! Tokusatsu in America

Terry — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:25:22 +0000

King Kong vs Godzilla

Destroy All Monsters! Tokusatsu in America by Jerry Whitworth

With Power Rangers Megaforce, the Power Rangers franchise is celebrating twenty years of airing on American television. In Japan, the Super Sentai series is a franchise and genre which Power Rangers is adapted from. Super Sentai is in fact a sub-genre of tokusatsu, a genre in Japanese cinema featuring special effects generally of a science fiction nature. However, it’s likely American cinema may have inspired tokusatsu, especially the works of Willis H. O’Brien and Ray Harryhausen. O’Brien, a master of special effects and stop motion animation, helped bring to life a film adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World in 1925. Along a similar line, O’Brien went on to apply his craft to King Kong in 1933 which would forever change the landscape of what was possible to produce on film. Featuring a giant, monstrous ape, King Kong started the giant monster genre imitated frequently both locally and internationally (The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms, Gorgo, and Reptilicus a scant few examples). Giant monsters would even transition into comics with characters such as National/DC Comics’ Titano and Marvel Comics’ Fin Fang Foom. In 1949, O’Brien would take on an assistant in Ray Harryhausen on the film Mighty Joe Young. Harryhausen would take special effects and stop motion to even greater heights when he broke out on his own working on films such as The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and Jason and the Argonauts. Where America had O’Brien and Harryhausen, Japan had Eiji Tsuburaya.

Destroy All Monsters

Working as a cameraman on Japanese productions, Eiji Tsuburaya would become a phenomenon in Japan as a special effects wizard in 1930 for his work on Chohichiro Matsudaira. When Tsuburaya happened to watch King Kong when it came to Kyoto, he was instantly inspired. Working on dozens of films, this inspiration would eventually lead to the film Gojira for Toho Studios in 1954. In place of stop motion, Tsuburaya opted to instead employ an actor in a rubber suit which came to be known as suitmation. When the film came to America as Godzilla, King of the Monsters! in 1956, it was a hit. Gojira gave birth to the Kaiju, or giant monster (generally with suitmation), genre in Japan which has and continues to be the most celebrated sub-genre of tokusatsu. His popularity in America saw Toho’s Rodan released in America in 1957, Mothra make his American theater debut as the Thing in Godzilla vs. the Thing in 1964, and Daiei Studios’ Gamera emerge as Gammera the Invincible in 1966. Godzilla would even get to battle his progenitor King Kong in 1962′s King Kong vs. Godzilla. Produced by Toho, the film celebrated the studio’s thirtieth anniversary. In 1998, America would produce its own Godzilla film but the result would prove to be disappointing in ticket sales and viewer interest. A resurgence in American Kaiju was jumpstarted in 2008 with the J. J. Abrams produced Cloverfield and the film trilogy based on Hasbro’s Transformers toyline (itself based on Japanese toys from Takara). In the summer of 2013, Guillermo del Toro (Blade II, Hellboy) will unveil his new film Pacific Rim featuring giant robots fighting giant monsters. Godzilla was retired for the foreseeable future in 2004 with Toho’s Godzilla: Final Wars (the property’s fiftieth anniversary) but Warner Bros has licensed the property for an American produced film set to premier in the summer of 2014. While giant monsters made it big in America and Japan, it was only a matter of time before the genre opened up the door for the Giant Hero genre.

Ultraman

Known as Kyodai Hero in Japan, the Giant Hero genre started in part as producing films with Godzilla as a villain started to prove difficult which evolved into Godzilla becoming an anti-hero (more accurately a directed force of nature) with the film Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster. However, the genre really became its own entity with the advent of the live action adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s Ambassador Magma and the premier of Tsuburaya Productions’ Ultraman. Tezuka, considered the godfather of anime (Japanese animation) and the Walt Disney of Japan, saw his comic adapted into a live action television series premiering only six days before the premiere of Ultraman on television. Ultraman, a spiritual successor of Ultra Q (a television series featuring Kaiju), was the brainchild of Eiji Tsuburaya, the man who gave life to Godzilla. In 1967, Ultraman made its way to the United States and proved to be another tokusatsu hit with Americans. It wasn’t long before American audiences would get series like Johnny Sokko And His Flying Robot in 1969, Ambassador Magma re-branded as the Space Giants in 1973, and Spectreman in 1978. Johnny Sokko was in reality a dubbed Giant Robo, a collaborative effort between Toei Studios and mangaka, or comic creator, Mitsuteru Yokoyama (who previously created the similar series Tetsujin 28-go, known in America as Gigantor).

Gridman

The popularity of Ultraman in Japan gave rise the Ultra series, featuring conventions established in the original show, still going strong today at twenty-four series with Neo Ultra Q currently on Japanese airwaves. Hanna-Barbera tried to produce an Ultraman animated series with Tsuburaya Productions and animated by Ashi Productions in 1987 in Ultraman: The Adventure Begins (known in Japan as Ultraman USA), but the project never went beyond the pilot film animated and released. In 1993, Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero was produced in America (known in Japan as Ultraman Powered) but never aired here. Ultraman Tiga, the first Ultra series produced after a more than a fifteen year hiatus in Japan, would be dubbed and aired in America in 2002 by the company 4Kids Entertainment. Ultraman would inspire numerous similar series, some of which like the Shaw Brothers produced Infra-Man and Tsuburaya’s Denkou Choujin Gridman (or Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad) made it to America (the latter an attempt to capitalize on the success of Power Rangers). Gridman would be the second to last Kyodai Hero series produced by Tsuburaya that wasn’t related to the Ultra series (the last being Bio Planet WoO).

Supaidaman

In 1972, America would get its next taste of tokusatsu. In Hawaii, the series Kikaider, Android of Justice would hit air waves and become a huge phenomenon. Referred to simply as Kikaida, the series has an almost legendary status where even today if you ask someone who was a child in Hawaii around that time, almost undoubtedly they would be a fan of the show. The series was created by mangaka Shotaro Ishinomori for Toei. In terms of tokusatsu, Ishinomori was a contributor to the genre in ways you would have difficulty quantifying. Virtually any sub-genre of tokusatsu beyond Kaiju and Kyodai Hero could in one way or another (directly or indirectly) be attributed to Ishinomori. One example being Super Sentai, which spawned Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Premiering on American television in 1993, Power Rangers took clips from the series Kyouryuu Sentai Zyuranger and combined it with clips starring American actors who dubbed over the Japanese footage. Super Sentai, roughly translating to “super squadron,” was created in a collaborative effort between Ishinomori and Toei beginning with the series Himitsu Sentai Gorenger followed by J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai. When the latter didn’t perform well with ratings, Toei parted ways with Ishinomori and teamed up with Marvel Comics to produce a live action version of Spider-Man called Supaidaman. This version, however, didn’t line up very well with his American counterpart, wearing a special Spider Protector suit (which resembles the American costume) and employs numerous vehicles including the flying car Spider Machine GP-7, the spacecraft Marveller, and the giant fighting robot Leopardon (the robot was licensed by Mattel for its Shogun Warriors toyline, which included Godzilla and Rodan, that would be adapted by Marvel into a comic book).

Battle Fever J

Marvel and Toei would team up again on a project that was an even looser adaptation of a Marvel property in Captain America in the series Battle Fever J. Teaming heroes sent all around the world to be trained in foreign arts and skills (including the United States’ Miss America), the show for many years was the first official Super Sentai series until Toei later counted the two prior Ishinomori shows among its number. At the very least, Battle Fever J featured the first team of heroes who piloted giant robots to battle giant monsters. The series would be a great success and has continued on to today with the thirty-seventh entry Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger currently airing on Japanese television sets. Hawaii would get subbed and dubbed versions of Gorenger and Battle Fever J as well as Emergency Command 10-4-10-10, Rainbowman, Kamen Rider Rider V3, and Ultra Seven around Kikaider‘s heyday. Kagaku Sentai Dynaman would be comically dubbed and aired on the USA Network and Nickelodeon in the late 1980s. Super Sentai series Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan, Choudenshi Bioman, and Choujin Sentai Jetman (a series inspired by Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman, known in America as Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space, and Eagle Riders) were all considered to be the basis for MMPR before developers Haim Saban and Shuki Levy finally went along with Zyuranger.

Power Rangers

Power Rangers, of course, would be a huge hit in the United States, as stated going on its twentieth year in America. At first, the show would try to find ways to extend Zyuranger beyond the amount of footage that existed in Japan including shooting new footage incorporating elements of the two proceeding Super Sentai series Gosei Sentai Dairanger and Ninja Sentai Kakuranger until Mighty Morphin Power Rangers finally ended after three seasons. The following season, the show would return as Power Rangers Zeo based on Chouriki Sentai Ohranger and would follow the Super Sentai formula of new costumes and new vehicles/robots each season. It wouldn’t be until Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, based on Seijuu Sentai Gingaman, where Power Rangers also largely adopted an entirely new cast of characters for each season (this season would also adopt the general practice in Japan of having the last season’s heroes return for a crossover special). With the tenth season Power Rangers Wild Force, based on Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger, Disney purchased the franchise and only recently sold it back to Saban with the eighteenth season Power Rangers Samurai (based on Samurai Sentai Shinkenger). The twentieth season Power Rangers Megaforce (based on Tensou Sentai Goseiger) will be Saban’s first opportunity to produce an anniversary special (which appears to be adapting elements of the film Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle which celebrated thirty-five years of Super Sentai).

Space Sheriff Gavan

The success of Power Rangers in America created a hunger for similar content. In 1994, DIC Entertainment produced the low budget series Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills for the USA Network that essentially mashed up elements of Power Rangers and Ultraman. That same year, Saban would use its techniques used with Power Rangers and apply it to the Metal Hero series. Generally featuring androids, cyborgs, and people using suits of high tech armor, Metal Hero has its roots in such comic series as Osamu Tezuka’s Tetsuwan Atom (or Astro Boy), Kazumasa Hirai and Jiro Kuwata’s 8 Man, and Shotaro Ishinomori’s Cyborg 009, Toei’s first official entry into this franchise is Space Sheriff Gavan. Metal Hero would come to an end in 1998 but Toei would celebrate its thirtieth anniversary with the 2012 film Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie. Gavan would go on to receive his own feature film later that year with Space Sheriff Gavan: The Movie. The popularity of these two films and recent films like OOO, Den-O, All Riders: Let’s Go Kamen Riders (which celebrated forty years of Kamen Rider and guest-starred Kikaider and fellow Ishinomori heroes Inazuman and Zubat), Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle, and Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen (a crossover between Toei’s two top franchises) has led to the upcoming film Kamen Rider × Super Sentai × Space Sheriff: Super Hero Taisen Z.(which will feature characters from eight Metal Hero series and rumors of an appearance by other Ishinomori heroes) next month. This film, depending on its success, could mean a return of Metal Hero.

Metalder

For America, Saban would splice together two unrelated series in Choujinki Metalder (which paid homage to Kikaider) and Jikuu Senshi Spielban to form the basis of the series VR Troopers. Originally supposed to be named Cybertron and star actor Jason David Frank, the popularity of Frank’s character Tommy on MMPR prompted Saban to leave the actor where he was and cast new actors. Ultimately, VR Troopers proved to be another hit, though not quite rivaling Power Rangers. Footage from the Metal Hero series Space Sheriff Shaider was used to help produce a second season of the show but in the end the series was canceled when Saban ran out of content to adapt for the show. Undeterred, Saban made another series using Metal Hero stock footage and created Big Bad Beetleborgs in 1996 using Juukou B-Fighter. The show was yet another hit and returned for a second season as Beetleborgs Metallix using footage from B-Fighter Kabuto. The series had a strong comic book theme as its characters derived from comics in the story. Comic books would be a theme also within Power Rangers being featured in such series as Power Rangers in Space (where it was stated Power Rangers also exists as a comic in the series), Power Rangers Ninja Storm (based on Ninpuu Sentai Hurricaneger, which stated Power Rangers previously existed only as a comic book), and Power Rangers Dino Thunder (based on Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger, which returned to the dinosaur theme of MMPR and brought back Tommy Oliver to celebrate as well as return to the status quo that past Power Rangers existed).

Power Rangers in Space

Saban would run into the same problem as with VR Troopers yet again and burned through most of the footage Toei had already filmed. This time, Saban had plans to film new content for a third season but a crisis arose. With the fifth season of Power Rangers in Power Rangers Turbo, based on Gekisou Sentai Carranger, nearly halfway into the season most of the returning cast either left or was let go to avoid pay increases and ratings plummeted. It was decided to take the budget intended for Beetleborgs and instead produce a final season of Power Rangers adapting Denji Sentai Megaranger into Power Rangers in Space. The season wrapped up the series concluding virtually all storylines (except the identity of the Phantom Ranger which was omitted over time constraints) resulting in the demise of the rangers’ mentor Zordon and death or rehabilitation of all villains from series’ past. However, the season ended up being a ratings hit, nearly at the level of MMPR and saw the series’ continuation. Toei’s big tokusatsu franchises are Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, and Metal Hero and in 1995 Saban would complete the trinity with Masked Rider.

Masked Rider

Based on Kamen Rider Black RX (sequel to Kamen Rider Black), Masked Rider would crossover with the final season of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and the show itself would in turn be a spin-off of the Power Rangers franchise. In reality, Super Sentai is in part a successor to Kamen Rider. Originally suppose to be an adaptation of Shotaro Ishinomori’s Skull Man comic, the mangaka collaborated with Toei to produce a similar series in Kamen Rider with a grasshopper theme. It was the success of Kamen Rider that saw Toei approach Ishinomori to create the Super Sentai genre. Today, Kamen Rider is in its twenty-third series with Kamen Rider Wizard currently on the air. Unfortunately, Masked Rider didn’t catch on with viewers and was canceled after only one season. A notable episode of the series near its finale was “The Invasion of Leawood” which featured ten past Kamen Riders come to the aid of the protagonist as the so-called Masked Rider Warriors. Another attempt was made to bring Kamen Rider to America in 2009 with Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight (adapting Kamen Rider Ryuki). The series is notable for featuring thirteen Kamen Riders. Despite winning a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination, the series only lasted a single season.

Guyver Dark Hero

Attempts were made to make American tokusatsu, an early example being The Guyver in 1991 based on the manga (Japanese comic) Bio Booster Armor Guyver (predating Power Rangers by a couple of years). Lauded for its creature effects, the film was panned for its acting. A sequel was produced in Guyver: Dark Hero with a new cast and while the cast was again panned, reviewers felt the action was several times improved from the original (featuring the first major stuntwork of Koichi Sakamoto who went on to become a major player with both Super Sentai and Power Rangers) but plans for a third film were halted when the rights reverted back to its owners. Still, the sequel has become a cult favorite among fans. Saban would try to produce his own tokusatsu series in 1997 by dipping into the popular live action film franchise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles with Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation. Crossing over with Power Rangers in Space at one point, the series would be canceled over fans disapproval of the poor quality of stunt work and cheapness of much of the design of props and characters leading to low ratings (the previous year to Saban’s series, an anime special on the Turtles was produced in Japan called Mutant Turtles: Choujin Densetsu-hen, animated by Toei for Takara). Saban would give it another try with The Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog combining elements of Power Rangers with Irish myth and legend (the series was reminiscent of the anime Yoroiden Samurai Troopers, which came to America as Ronin Warriors in 1995). The series did well enough that a second season was planned, called Mystic Knights: Battle Thunder, but was scrapped when Power Rangers in Space proved to be a hit and the budget for Mystic Knights instead went to produce another season of Power Rangers. In 1996, Kaiju Big Battel would emerge in the United States as a promotion that largely combined live action Kaiju combat and professional wrestling.

Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go

Tokusatsu would crop up in several areas of American media, notably cartoons and comics. Likely the most notable animated example was Ciro Nieli’s Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go! which was largely a love letter to tokusatsu (Nieli would go on helm the DC Super Friends OVA “The Joker’s Playhouse” and 2012 animated reinvention of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). Another series that featured a number of elements from tokusatsu (as well as anime, comic books, and pro wrestling) was Megas XLR. In the comics, elements would emerge such as DC Comics’ third Toyman (Hiro Okamura) and Big Science Action and Marvel Comics’ Red Ronin and Big Hero Six (not to mention the aforementioned array of Kaiju especially from Marvel who generated dozens of them, many created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko). Professional wrestling would also be influenced by tokusatsu. An American example would be Jerry Lynn who, while at World Championship Wrestling (WCW), became the masked wrestler JL (alternatively Mr. JL), inspired by Power Rangers but also in the model of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) or puroresu (Japanese wrestling). This pales, however, to the internationally renowned Jushin “Thunder” Liger.

Jushin Thunder Liger

Originally the creation of legendary mangaka Go Nagai (Cutie Honey, Devilman, Mazinger Z, Violence Jack), Jushin Liger was the titular star of an anime series licensed to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as a gimmick for a wrestler to adopt for an in-ring persona (a similar circumstance with manga/anime character Tiger Mask). A sort of living tokusatsu hero, Liger was a huge hit. In fact, the character would evolve into Jushin “Thunder” Liger and become known around the world, including in the US in WCW and Total Nonstop Action (TNA), but was the brightest star of puroresu (he would even inspire other wrestlers, like renowned luchador, or Mexican wrestler, Psicosis). Liger would even star in his own tokusatsu film in Jushin Thunder Liger: Fist of Thunder (1995). Kabuto-O Beetle, another wrestler created by Go Nagai but specifically for Osaka Pro-Wrestling, also starred in his own tokusatsu film in 2005 (with a cameo by Liger). Puroresu would be the subject of a tokusatsu television series in Puroresu no Hoshi Aztecaser (created by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa), predating Kinnikuman (which started as an Ultraman parody) by several years. Nagai would also create a tokusatsu series named X-Bomber that featured marionettes (a technique known as supamariorama, based off of supermarionation devised by AP Films, famous for Thunderbirds).

Voltron

Tokusatsu would also influence anime, just as it drew inspiration from anime, and the series it influenced would come to America. It’s amusing that when Power Rangers premiered in America, many naysayers said it ripped-off Voltron: Defender of the Universe. In truth, the series was made by splicing together separate series Beast King GoLion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV, both animated series produced by Toei so in some manner, it’s in reality an animated Super Sentai from the company that created it. Other animated series that borrowed from (or paid homage to) tokusatsu include Cutey Honey (which later became a tokusatsu series), Yatterman, Gyakuten! Ippatsuman, Bio Booster Armor Guyver, Tekkaman: The Space Knight, Saint Seiya (Knights of the Zodiac in America), Dragonball Z (in terms of the Ginyu Force and Great Saiyaman), Magic Knight Rayearth, Sailor Moon (which later became a tokusatsu series), The King of Braves GaoGaiGar, The Big O (with inspiration also from Batman: The Animated Series), Dai-Guard, Bleach (in terms of Mashiro Kuna), Mitsudomoe (in terms of Honki Sentai Gachiranger), and Astro Fighter Sunred. In Japan, it became common for amusement parks to have live action Super Sentai performances which infrequently make their way into various manga and anime series. In 1994, the concept would make its way to America with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers World Tour Live on Stage featuring footage of the show’s actors on a large screen setting up live fights with costumed performers. Though, four years prior the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tread similar ground with the Coming Out of Their Shells tour.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comics – Free From Marvel

Terry — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:24:09 +0000

Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comics Cover

(Official Hype From Marvel)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY INFINITE COMICS – FREE FROM MARVEL!

New York, NY—March 7, 2013—They’re protecting the Marvel Universe one alien invasion at a time, and TODAY get your first look at just who the Guardians of the Galaxy really are in all-new, FREE Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comics! Last year, Marvel changed how the world experienced digital comics with Infinite Comics, and today the Marvel ReEvolution continues as blockbuster writer Brian Michael Bendis and artists Mike Oeming, Ming Doyle & Mike Del Mundo, introduce fans to the cast of one of the biggest comic launches of the year! Representing the latest form of comic book storytelling using tablets and smartphones as a new canvas, each new Marvel Infinite Comic continues to take advantage of modern technology while staying true to medium’s greatest strengths!

Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comics Preview 1

“It’s super exciting not only to be working on the main series but to also bring these characters to an entirely new audience of fans through these new Infinite Comics,” explained Bendis. “Being that these characters are such a big part of Marvel’s future it only makes sense that they take the spotlight using the future of comic book reading!”

What secrets do Drax, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and Gamora hold? What made them the space faring warriors they are today? Find out as each new issues of the Guardians of The Galaxy Infinite Comic is released every two weeks ABSOLUTELY FREE via the Marvel Comics app http://www.marvel.com/marvelcomicsapp (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices) and online in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop http://comicstore.marvel.com

To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.comhttp://www.comicshoplocator.comor call 1-888-comicbook.

Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comics Preview 2

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit http://www.marvel.com

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Top 10: Power Rangers to Return in Megaforce

Terry — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 23:22:40 +0000

Top 10: Power Rangers to Return in Megaforce by Jerry Whitworth

With the latest series in the franchise’s history, Power Rangers Megaforce celebrates twenty years of Power Rangers. As the ten year anniversary was celebrated with the Power Rangers: Wild Force episode “Forever Red” (with ten red rangers) and fifteen year anniversary with “Once a Ranger” from Power Rangers Operation Overdrive (with five returning rangers), speculation is high how Megaforce plans to ring in the advent. Further, this will be the first time Saban Brands (the company’s Haim Saban, with Shuki Levy, originally brought Super Sentai to America with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) has an opportunity to produce an anniversary special as the two previous examples were handled by Disney (who acquired Power Rangers in its tenth year) as Saban recently regained the franchise with Power Rangers Samurai. With footage from Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle (the film that celebrated the thirty-fifth anniversary of Super Sentai in Japan with almost every hero from the franchise) appearing in several episodes of Megaforce already, fans know at the very least they’re in for a treat. With rumors spreading that former rangers will appear in Megaforce‘s second season, lets take a look at some of the characters that could possibly return.

10. AISHA CAMPBELL/TANYA SLOAN

The second yellow ranger after actress Thuy Trang joined with Austin St. John and Walter Jones and left Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as part of a bid to increase their pay (among the original five main characters, the trio were martial artists and felt were necessary for the show to continue its success; Trang subsequently passed in a car accident), Aisha Campbell emerged in the second season alongside two other replacements for the leaving actors. Actress Karan Ashley would stay with the series as Aisha through Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie and until the MMPR series finale where she left unable to maintain the production schedule. Ashley would concede her role as yellow ranger to actress Nakia Burrise who portrayed the character Tanya Sloan from her emergence in MMPR through Power Rangers Zeo, Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, and nineteen episodes of Power Rangers Turbo. Burrise would be let go alongside Johnny Yong Bosch (who replaced Walter Jones) and Catherine Sutherland (who replaced the pink ranger Amy Jo Johnson) when the Screen Actors Guild sought the actors to join its union, thus forcing an increase in their pay (the actors learning of their dismissal upon seeing an ad in the newspaper looking for new rangers). It’s likely showrunners for Megaforce will want to bring back a yellow ranger for the second season but it’s hard to determine which one to choose. Predominantly, Power Rangers have pushed red rangers and special rangers or allies as main characters which makes it challenging to select rangers that often fall in the middle like blue, pink, and yellow commonly do. Further, red and special rangers also tend to be white and male with yellow rangers often also being white and/or male. Considering all of this, the most logical choice for a returning yellow ranger is the original but again Thuy Trang tragically died over eleven years ago. So, this line of thinking brings us to Karan Ashley and Nakia Burrise who I simply can’t decide between choosing. Both were in around seventy episodes of Power Rangers, both starred in a Power Rangers feature film, and both have strong relationships with the fans through convention appearances. Ultimately, which one gets the call could come down to which one is available or the one fans rally the most for to bring back.

9. ERIC MYERS

The Quantum Ranger of Power Rangers Time Force, Eric Myers was unique in the early Power Rangers seasons for being an ally to the heroes but also in conflict with them. To a degree, Myers was a villain who stole the powers of a ranger from Time Force and Ransik (who battled over obtaining its powers for themselves) for his own personal gain (which goes against some of the most basic mantra of the rangers). These qualities alone make the character distinct but even more than that is the relationship its actor Daniel Southworth has with the franchise. When the tenth anniversary special “Forever Red” was planned, actor Steve Cardenas (who replaced Austin St. John as the red ranger) was suppose to be included but when issues arose contacting him as he moved from one home to another, Southworth stepped in as the Quantum Ranger to round out the group of ten red rangers for the special. This contribution must have been remembered even today as when an image heralding the twentieth anniversary of Power Rangers with nineteen red rangers was composed, the Quantum Ranger was included even though other characters like Hunter Bradley, Leanbow, or Lauren Shiba could have easily been used instead (in fact, Shiba would’ve made more sense considering she replaced someone on the main team rather than being a special ranger like the other candidates named). Further, Southworth has an active relationship with fans and remains a working actor playing the English-language voice of Devil May Cry’s Vergil in various Capcom games and has just finished filming portraying the blind swordsman Kenshi for Mortal Kombat: Legacy.

8. JUSTIN STEWART

At one time considered by fans to be the most despised ranger of the franchise, Blake Foster was a child actor who portrayed Justin Stewart in Power Rangers Turbo. Replacing Steve Cardenas who wanted to leave the show to pursue other interests, Stewart was a child who uncovered the Power Rangers’ identities and was given the Blue Turbo Ranger’s morpher to replace Rocky DeSantos who was injured in battle. Using the morpher, Stewart transformed into an adult when becoming a ranger and remained on the team for the rest of the season (later making a guest appearance in Power Rangers in Space). It’s hard to pinpoint why fans did not take to the young man. It could be he was a juvenile among actors who were portraying teenagers making for an odd grouping or perhaps the ways in which the character was used (early on, when Justin turned into a ranger, he had a very playful behavior likely to hit home he was a kid with the unique experience of turning into a hero with adult size and Justin would have kid problems against the backdrop of the serious problems the teenage rangers faced). More than likely, the real issue was that Turbo was the season Power Rangers mainstay Tommy Oliver left the show (when actor Jason David Frank wanted to pursue other interests), not to mention Rocky, Tanya, Adam, and Katherine leaving, and the ratings for Turbo dipped so much that the show was almost canceled. This itself may have led to the ire against Foster as a convenient scapegoat for everything wrong with the show. Regardless, Foster has gone on to become a mainstay at conventions where he has largely shed his position as a character people didn’t like to someone people are excited to see (a similar phenomenon occurring with Wil Wheaton of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame). Since Power Rangers, Foster has continued to study martial arts and has a black belt in Tang Soo Do.

7. PHANTOM RANGER

The Phantom Ranger has an interesting story in and of himself alone outside of Power Rangers. Phantom Ranger’s Super Sentai counterpart VRV Master of Gekisou Sentai Carranger was a minor character in his series, certainly not one of the program’s heroes, and so his ascension as a ranger was the first time in the franchise’s history a non-hero became a ranger in the American version (it would be later that America created its own original rangers like Titanium Ranger and the Spirit Rangers). Further, not only was Phantom Ranger a sort of bonus ranger, he became integral to the plot of the series Power Rangers Turbo. When the ranger’s vehicles the Turbozords were destroyed, it was Phantom Ranger who supplied them with the Rescuezords so they could continue their fight against Divatox and General Havoc (in the base material, VRV Master’s sole role was to pass along these vehicles). Phantom Ranger would go on to also be important to the plot of the proceeding series Power Rangers in Space with his search for Zordon and helping the rangers obtain the Delta Megaship. However, the real reason Phantom Ranger is included in this list is that his character is essentially a living loose plot thread. The identity of Phantom Ranger is never revealed to the audience. While footage of who he is was filmed, it was ultimately cut from the final product for time constraints. Fans have speculated that the character could be the son of Zordon, Justin Stewart’s father, or even Billy Cranston. Even among the show’s writers there’s been conflicting reports what the Phantom Ranger is, from being a failed attempt at creating a power ranger (thus making him an incomplete ranger) or the embodiment of rangers who had passed on (a so-called “ghost robot”). Taking all of this into consideration, the situation almost begs for the return of the Phantom Ranger because of what he represents and the mystery surrounding him. The Phantom Ranger was voiced by Alex Dodd.

6. KARONE

Sister of the Red Space Ranger Andros in Power Rangers in Space, Karone was kidnapped as a child and became a soldier for Dark Specter (retroactively made the grand leader of all the evil forces the various Power Rangers had faced up to that point). As an adult, Karone (now going by the name Astronema) would become the central antagonist to the Space Power Rangers until the season finale where she was restored to her good self through the love of her brother. Karone would emerge in the proceeding series Power Rangers Lost Galaxy where she took up the pink ranger mantle from Kendrix Morgan, the first ranger in franchise history to die on the show. Karone’s role as a ranger also marked the first time a villain would end up becoming a ranger (and the only time a primary antagonist became a ranger). Kendrix would later return from the dead and Karone returned her morpher to her. While these advents are interesting, another notable element is her position in the transition of the franchise. When Power Rangers Turbo saw its ratings plummet, Power Rangers in Space was suppose to be the franchise’s finale. However, ratings spiked for the season, near the levels of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. As the primary villain, Astronema must have at least in some part be an element of this success. Further, when the franchise’s format changed with Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, Karone was a legacy character that emerged as a ranger in what was largely suppose to be a clean slate of new rangers. It is then with little doubt that Karone maybe the most notable pink ranger in the franchise’s history (despite how brief it was) and, as stated, considering the challenge in finding a notable pink ranger, Karone’s stock as a possible candidate for Megaforce rises significantly. Karone was portrayed by Melody Perkins.

5. BILLY CRANSTON

One of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Billy Cranston is the second longest serving ranger in the franchise behind Tommy Oliver alone (and the longest running blue ranger, having been that color for three seasons). Portrayed by gymnast David Yost, Billy is the prototypical genius character that was repeated time and again in the franchise where even after hanging up his reins as a ranger, he remained with the show from its start until two episodes short of the finale of Power Rangers Zeo where he left Earth to live on the home planet of the Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers. Often when a mysterious ranger has appeared, fans have speculated it was Billy, from the Gold Ranger to the Phantom Ranger. But, in reality, Yost recently revealed he walked off the series when he simply grew tired of being harassed and called names by much of the production staff and showrunners for being gay. While Billy is certainly notable, undoubtedly the most established blue ranger and one of the faces most recognized with Power Rangers, casting Yost on the show can serve as a story of redemption for the franchise that made Yost famous but also drove him to a nervous breakdown. In reality, Yost likely wouldn’t want to do the show, working today as a television producer, but there’s little doubt that the fans would want to see him to return.

4. JAYDEN SHIBA

Often times, be it Power Rangers or Super Sentai, if there’s going to be a special with rangers returning, almost always the rangers of the last season appear. And if an entire team doesn’t appear, then often times a popular character from the season, generally its leader, will make an appearance. For the preceding series to Megaforce in Power Rangers Super Samurai, the primary protagonist is the first red ranger Jayden Shiba (portrayed by Alex Heartman). A highly skilled and dedicated martial artist, Shiba closely mirrors the red ranger for the current season in Troy Burrows. Jayden has an interesting story in that he was the first red ranger to appear in Samurai but was in reality a diversion against the villainous Nighlok as his sister Lauren prepared to replace her brother and lead the rangers to a final victory over their enemies. However, in the end, Jayden would defy the fate chosen for him and return to lead his squad in the final battle against Master Xandred as his sister lent him the strength she honed in a combined effort to triumph over evil.

3. ADAM PARK

The second black ranger following Zack Taylor, Adam Park joined Mighty Morphin Power Rangers in its second season and remained on the series until Power Rangers Turbo when actor Johnny Yong Bosch was released to avoid increasing his pay. Adam would reappear twice thereafter in the franchise, as a teacher in the following season Power Rangers in Space and to lead a group of veteran rangers in the fifteenth anniversary special “Once a Ranger” of Operation Overdrive against the son of MMPR villains Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd. While these experiences certainly make Bosch a favorite among fans, the actor reaches a much wider audience with his voice work featured in (often in a starring capacity) in dozens of anime series and about as many video games. The actor isn’t limited to voice work, however, applying his craft live in films. Undoubtedly, while Bosch is famous to Power Rangers fans, he maybe the biggest star to grow out of the franchise (rivaled by Amy Jo Johnson of MMPR, who has done extensive television work, and Brandon Jay McLaren of S.P.D. who has done a bit of television roles). So bringing back Bosch serves two purposes, first as for what he means to fans of Power Rangers and second for the audience he could bring with him.

2. JASON LEE SCOTT

The very first red ranger, Jason Lee Scott is about the only character in the franchise who rivals the fame of Tommy Oliver within the fandom. Portrayed by martial artist Austin St. John, the actor left the show when he tried to raise his pay seeing the success of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Following this, St. John has returned to the show to become the Gold Ranger for a time on Power Rangers Zeo, appear in the film Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie, and donned his red ranger role again as part of a force of ten red rangers in the “Forever Red” episode of Wild Force. Whenever fans have been polled who the quintessential red ranger is, virtually every time the top ranked is Jason who set the standard for red rangers and lead Power Rangers. For many fans, it’s likely a celebration of twenty years of Power Rangers without Jason is virtually unthinkable. Today, St. John works as an EMT paramedic overseas.

1. TOMMY OLIVER

Undoubtedly the most popular and well known Power Ranger (as well as the longest serving ranger), Tommy Oliver was introduced in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers as the mind-controlled green ranger who joined the heroes upon breaking free of the villainous Rita Repulsa’s power. From there, Tommy became the team’s leader as the White Tiger Ranger (as Jason left the show) followed by the Red Zeo Ranger and then the Red Turbo Ranger. In the base material for MMPR in Kyouryuu Sentai Zyuranger, the green ranger died a hero and the American show had planned on following this storyline with plans for the character’s actor Jason David Frank to star in another series called Cybertron based on two separate series from the Metal Hero series (Superhuman Machine Metalder and Dimensional Warrior Spielban). However, with the unexpected hit MMPR became and with it Tommy Oliver as the show’s breakout star, it was decided JDF would remain on the show and Cybertron would eventually become VR Troopers. After four seasons of Power Rangers, JDF wanted to pursue other interests and left the show in the fifth season which could have played a part in the drastic drop in ratings for Turbo.

JDF would return to his familiar role in the “Forever Red” special as the Red Zeo Ranger but would go on to take a starring role in the series Power Rangers Dino Thunder. As the first season of MMPR had a dinosaur theme, the similarly themed Dino Thunder was a good opportunity to bring back the popular character of Tommy Oliver. However, the shooting schedule for the series and the production’s move to New Zealand (in order to save money, releasing most of the longtime production crew to much controversy) made it challenging for JDF to juggle the show with his busy schedule which often led to tricks where the actor didn’t have to be physically present and could dub his voice (being kidnapped/missing, stuck in ranger mode so another actor could be his body double, being turned invisible, etc). To celebrate the twelfth anniversary of Power Rangers, the episode “Fighting Spirit” saw Tommy battle three of his former ranger identities in the green ranger, white ranger, and Red Zeo Ranger. Also in this season, the show would return to its tradition of having the rangers of the previous season come back in the special “Thunder Storm.” The Dino Thunder Rangers would appear in two episodes of the proceeding series Power Rangers S.P.D. with the second appearance “Wormhole” featuring Tommy, but as JDF wasn’t offered the role (so that Disney didn’t have to pay to fly him to New Zealand) the character appeared in ranger costume only and was voiced by Jeffrey Parazzo (Dino Thunder‘s white ranger). Unfortunately, this would be the last team-up of two seasons of rangers until Saban bought back the show’s rights from Disney and returned to the tradition in Power Rangers Samurai with the film Clash of the Red Rangers. Since Power Rangers, Jason David Frank has become a professional MMA fighter and started the clothing line Jesus Didn’t Tap.

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Shock Value Over Story: Uncanny X-Force #1 Review

Terry — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 05:23:41 +0000

Uncanny X-Force #1

Shock Value Over Story: Uncanny X-Force #1 Review by Jerry W. Vandal

Story by: Sam Humphries
Pencils by: Ron Garney
Inks by: Danny Miki
Colors by: Marte Garcia with Israel Gonzalez

“The Avengers can go themselves,” Psylocke says as she and Storm ride through a restricted airway and are warned they don’t have permission from the Avengers. Needless to say, despite the likes of Cannonball and Sunfire popping up in the pages of Avengers, Elizabeth Braddock will not be among the mutants lending Earth’s Mightiest a hand. And according to Wolverine, she may not be giving the X-Men (at least not on school grounds) a hand either. She’s angry, pensive, and irritable and in a place in her life where her mood dictates the Avengers aren’t the only ones who can go themselves. She’s not looking to take anymore lives though. So where does that leave X-Force’s role in the X-Verse?

Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates) and Ron Garney (Ultimate Comics: Captain America) collaborate on the Marvel Now! relaunch of Uncanny X-Force—a very successfully endeavor for Rick Remember, Jerome Opeña, Phil Noto, Essad Ribic and a host of other artists. The original Uncanny X-Force story posed a lot of moral questions about how far any group of people should go in order to remove threats from the world and went further by exploring some of the consequences of those choices both to the team and the world. The new Uncanny X-Force however is looking to take a different path.

The main story is interesting enough. Psylocke, having had a few altercations with Quentin Quire is told by Wolverine that she’s not fit to be at the school. She leaves and teams with Storm to handle a situation involving a drug dealer who’s handing out a drug called TAO (Together As One) that causes a hive mentally among its user. That dealer happens to be Spiral—someone who has played a very important role in Psylocke’s past (including removing her eyes and replacing them with a bionic set). A lot of the actions taken by X-Force are weighing heavy on Psylocke’s mind and she’s attempting to bottle up all the thoughts as best she can. But seeing Spiral she sort of goes into her own little berserker rage mode. She’s died multiple times, had her body swapped, failed to save a man she loved. She’s gone mind to mind with the Shadow King and fought Sabertooth on her own. She’s a ballsy, strong character who’s in a rather dark place in her life. And so is Storm. Her relationship with Storm helps to keep that path from becoming to overshadowing and dreary. Storm’s recent divorce from Black Panther and exile from the home she once ruled with him gives Betsy someone to be around without confiding much. The dialogue between the two is kind of what you might find between a television cop duo—tiny, funny jabs at the other that end just before things get too deep and serious. Neither of them really wants to let their emotions reach the surface.

The addition of Puck (who has literally been to Hell) adds the necessary comic relief that Deadpool added to the previous incarnation of X-Force. Considering this group is going to consist of Psylocke, Fantomex, Spiral, Cluster (a female clone of Fantomex who has one of his three brains) and Storm as they eventually hunt down Bishop, Puck’s brand of brazenness will help the book from being drowned in drama and seriousness of the others. Wolverine’s “Saskatchewan Sweetie,” doesn’t see much action in this issue, but it’ll be interesting to see what else he can bring to the table.

The initial 4/6ths of this issue aren’t groundbreaking writing, but it’s engaging and the artwork is an absolute pleasure. However, where this issue fails is in its side stories. The first of which suffers from two things. The very quick and uninspired arrival of Bishop who elates, “I’m back baby!” seems to be shoved in here. There’s really nothing at all to the scene, not that there needed to be. He’s excited to be back and that should really be enough. However, that leads me to the second failure which may actually be what caused such an uninspired page. This was the return of Bishop the man who shot (albeit accidently) Professor X and the man who tried to kill Hope and chased her and Cable mercilessly throughout time. But it was pretty much blown off. And that happened because unlike Colossus’ return in Astonishing X-Men, this was advertised. It was a selling point. He’s on the cover. There was no big return for him. It was merely a plot point that had to get jammed in here. And that’s dissatisfying. This needed to be the ending. This needed to be important. It was opted however to end with a little more shock value. The image to convince you to buy the next issue: Fantomex and Cluster (his female clone) kissing.

And for me this fails, not only because it’s the final page, but how much it’s boosted about in the little box after the issue where the letter page will eventually be. It’s a big neon sign—hey look at this book, a character is sort of making out with their clone. It will absolutely add to the relationship that had been developing between Psylocke and Fantomex but delivering it as the cliffhanger, tied in with Editor Nick Lowe’s elation just made it feel cheesy and a cry to get sales with a little shock value. They say this is going to be a crazy ride, and they’re not trying to duplicate what Remender did which I commend. This does add to the crazy, catch you off guard stuff this book is aiming for. And it will create some tension and possibly good material for Psylocke and Fantomex. But Bishop should have closed this issue. Not a shock value kiss.

While I dislike its placement I really love Ron Garney’s artwork that accompanied it. He’s sort of an under the radar artist, but I’m inclined to give anything his name is attached to a try. There’s a liveliness to his style that works for me and I think will work to give this book a new identity. Sadly, I believe solicitations already show a new artist on board. But for the sake of this issue it offers the other side of the coin that Opeña and Noto’s darker style did for the darker, grittier story of its predecessor. His work on Uncanny X-Men and Wolverine has given me confidence in putting my money where his name is attached and continues here.

When looking at my pull list, I can no longer just look at a book and say this is worth keeping; this book has run its course. I have to instead look at some books and determine if I’m willing to drop $4 on it when there is an equally good or better book on the market at $3. At this point, it’s rather moot to argue against the $4 books. They’re here to stay. But, if I’m paying $4 for a title I expect to not only be entertained thoroughly, but drawn into the characters and story to the point where for the 10-15 minutes it takes to read I’m lost. I expect great artwork (which is provided here) and solid story telling. The original incarnation of Uncanny X-Force did that. As much as I hate the $3.99 price on any book, for 35 issues, Uncanny X-Force was worth it. I commend Humphries for not wanting to duplicate what Remender did. And I will be rooting for this title to work I do have to wonder if Marvel is expecting too much from the team of Humphries, Garney and Psylocke. I think as a character she has the chops to carry a book. I’m not sure she can carry a $4 title though. The potential is there though for this to be a solid read. Puck will add some entertaining funny bits. The relationship between Spiral, Fantomex, Cluster and Psylocke will add a great amount of tension. And Storm is a great character to play off of Psylocke. Both are strong characters who are dealing with consequences from a lot of life’s letdowns and demands and could lead to a good cop/bad cop routine that will work. But if these side plots are handled as they were here I’m afraid Marvel may end up having to put this book down and bury the Uncanny X-Force.

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Twenty Years of Power Rangers

Terry — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 20:12:38 +0000

Twenty Years of Power Rangers by Jerry Whitworth

With the premier of Power Rangers Megaforce on Nickelodeon in February, the Power Rangers franchise turns twenty years old. First appearing on American television in the summer of 1993, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers featured several high school students given devices that transformed them into a team of super-powered heroes to battle alien invaders threatening to conquer the Earth. Adapted for America by Haim Saban and Shuki Levy of Saban Entertainment, MMPR was initially based on Toei’s Kyouryuu Sentai Zyuranger, the sixteenth installment of the studio’s Super Sentai series. Super Sentai (loosely translating to super squad) is a sub-genre of tokusatsu, a Japanese term referring to media employing special effects with science fiction elements, which includes the likes of Gojira (Godzilla), Gamera, Giant Hero (Ultraman, Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad), Kamen Rider (Masked Rider, Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight), Giant Robo (Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot), Metal Hero (VR Troopers, Big Bad Beetleborgs), and Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. Super Sentai was born from a collaboration between Toei and mangaka, or comic artist, Shotaro Ishinomori (Kamen Rider, Cyborg 009) which generated two series before parting ways. The concept would evolve when Toei collaborated with Marvel Comics producing live action series loosely based on Spider-Man and Captain America in Supaidaman and Battle Fever J, respectively (considering Toei’s relationship with Ishinomori following how they parted ways, for many years Battle Fever J was considered the first official Super Sentai series). Super Sentai likely drew inspiration from Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (adapted in America as Battle of the Planets, G-Force: Guardians of Space, and Eagle Riders) and would inspire animated series like Beast King GoLion and Armored Fleet Dairugger XV (both series forming the basis of Voltron: Defender of the Universe). Super Sentai would prove to be a hit in Japan just as Power Rangers became a hit in the United States.

In Japan’s Super Sentai series, each season generally stood on its own as separate entities with some affiliation to each other. In the United States however, show runners for Power Rangers tried to connect each season to each other such as employing several of the same characters upgrading their equipment and facing new threats. Eventually, perhaps due to issues arising from adapting the Japanese product, the concept of a continued narrative was abandoned following Power Rangers in Space, the sixth installment of Power Rangers (though, that season’s rangers would emerge in the proceeding series Power Rangers Lost Galaxy in a two-part special which mirrored something the Japanese product, in teaming two seasons of teams, was frequent to do as well). Leading up to the tenth season of Power Rangers, the franchise was sold to Disney who produced Power Rangers Wild Force (based on Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger, the twenty-fifth Super Sentai series) which included the special episode “Forever Red” teaming all former red rangers together for a battle on the Earth’s moon (save the second red ranger Rocky DeSantos when actor Steve Cardenas ran into extenuating circumstances and Daniel Southworth, Time Force‘s Quantum Ranger, stepped in to make ten red rangers). The twelfth season, Power Rangers Dino Thunder, returned to a dinosaur theme as in the first season of Power Rangers which prompted show runners to bring back character Tommy Oliver (likely the most popular character in the franchise’s history and the single ranger with the most number of appearances in the franchise). For the fifteenth season Power Rangers Operation Overdrive, the two part special “Once a Ranger” teamed five former rangers from separate seasons together in order to face the threat of Thrax, the offspring of Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd (the primary antagonists of the first two seasons of Power Rangers). Saban would regain the series in its eighteenth season Power Rangers Samurai and move the show to Nickelodeon in 2011 (as the network made a push towards martial arts action content with series like Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the Legend of Korra).

To commemorate twenty years of Power Rangers, Megaforce from its first episode pays tribute to the previous generations of heroes by briefly mentioning the history of rangers and whose headquarters is adorned with figurines representing every ranger in the series’ history. While details are tight lipped at this point, rumor has it Megaforce rangers will be able to transform into past rangers later in the series and past rangers will be featured in the second season of Megaforce (promotional images released prior to the start of the latest season have included shots of nineteen red rangers and the Tommy Oliver white ranger). Fan favorites like Tommy Oliver (Jason David Frank), Jason Lee Scott (Austin St. John), and Adam Park (Johnny Yong Bosch) are just some of the characters fans have rallied to see included (there are even some calling for Justin Stewart, portrayed by Blake Foster and at one time the most despised ranger by fans, to return after the actor built a strong connection with the audience from years on the convention circuit). In Japan, Super Sentai’s thirty-fifth anniversary was celebrated with the release of the film Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Great Battle which starred the teams of Tensou Sentai Goseiger (which is the basis of Power Rangers Megaforce) and its proceeding series Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger who teamed with most former Super Sentai heroes for a massive force of 199 heroes to battle invading alien hordes. Only time will tell if elements of this film could form the basis of some two-part special in Megaforce‘s second season to commemorate twenty years of Power Rangers (though, the main character of Megaforce Troy Burrows has had visions on the show that seem to in part reflect this assumption). An element that could pose a problem for this scenario is that Power Rangers has at times employed original rangers such as the Lightspeed Rescue Titanium Ranger and Jungle Fury Spirit Rangers which were not present in their Japanese counterparts. There’s also, of course, the Phantom Ranger of Turbo and In Space who was not a main character in Gekisou Sentai Carranger where he originated from. Also absent from the film include the Japanese counterparts of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers‘ Ninjor, Zeo‘s Auric the Conqueror, and S.P.D.‘s Nova Ranger. Still, even if fans only receive a paltry one hundred or so rangers and allies, I’m sure they will not complain too much.

Power Rangers Megaforce airs on Nickelodeon on Saturdays in the afternoon and Monday, February 25^th will be the start of a four day marathon called Power Rangers Colors of Courage featuring some of the best episodes from Power Rangers’ twenty seasons each night on Nickelodeon.

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A Bigot Writes Superman: Should We Care?

Terry — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:11:42 +0000

A Bigot Writes Superman: Should We Care? by Jerry Whitworth

Recently, science fiction novelist and anti-homosexuality rights advocate Orson Scott Card has been announced to be one of the first contributors to the digital-first comic series Adventures of Superman by DC Comics. Since the story broke, many comic book fans and blogs have raised the debate if readers should purchase a product based on its content or on the beliefs of the work’s creator. Card, a practitioner of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and board member of the National Organization for Marriage (who oppose gay marriage and child adoption for homosexuals), is most well known for his award-winning books Ender’s Game and its sequel Speaker for the Dead (both of which have been adapted for comics) but has started branching out into comics like Ultimate Iron Man and the adaptation for the video game Dragon Age.

Comic books, and media in general in the United States, has been slanted towards liberal beliefs for several decades where many creators who have conservative views have been forced to hide their beliefs in fear of reprisal by publishers and/or fans. Some creators, like Steve Ditko (Amazing Spider-Man), Frank Miller (Dark Knight Returns), John Byrne (Uncanny X-Men), Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern), Chuck Dixon (Detective Comics), Bill Willingham (Fables), Billy Tucci (Shi), and Mike S. Miller (George R. R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight), generally enjoy a large enough fan base to be able to put their conservative views out there without a great fear of backlash. Some well known liberal creators include Jack Kirby, Dennis O’Neil (Batman), Neal Adams (Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey), Ed Brubaker (Captain America), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!), Judd Winick (Green Arrow), Norm Breyfogle (Detective Comics), Tony Isabella (Black Lightning), John Ostrander (Suicide Squad), and Moose Baumann (Green Lantern).

The question posed is an old one whether we judge the work or the person. One can liken the argument to having a relative you love deeply but who has a hateful doctrine towards others. Do you remember the loved one for how they treated you or for the terrible things they said or did to others? Of course, the original question is likely an easier one to answer. What it may ultimately come down to is the precise reason why you may find a creator undesirable. If someone simply has an opinion differing from your own (liberal versus conservative, for example), you could likely overlook the creator’s beliefs provided their work isn’t entrenched in their doctrine. But, contributing to a creator who will ultimately use either the funds or prestige provided by their work to actively perpetuate hate could be something else altogether.

Humanity has long segregated elements different from the particular society in power seemingly since our start. Differing religion, a person’s skin color, and gender are only some of the hurdles mankind has tried to make illegal to oppress someone for in recent history (especially true for the United States). Many consider homosexual segregation to be this generation’s oppression to overcome. With several states making gay marriage legal and polls finding about half of Americans in favor of gay marriage (with polls showing the issue is exponentially becoming more accepted recently), at this point it only seems like a matter of time before this dark chapter could be abandoned. And yet, despite being on the losing end of this trend, groups promoting hate nonetheless continue to push their agenda which at least prolongs the suffering of the gay men and women of America but at worst has perpetuated a culture where gays are bullied, at times driven to suicide or severely beaten (sometimes killed). Though people are allowed to believe whatever they want, they must be held accountable for their actions. Orson Scott Card doesn’t simply disapprove of homosexuality, he actively pursues oppressing the rights of gay Americans.

Perhaps the simplest way to put this is to ask if you would support a religious fanatic who rallies against infidels who are less deserving of equal treatment? Would you support a racist? Would you support a misogynist? Then, why would you support a homophobe?

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Top 10: Things to Appear in the SHIELD TV Series

Terry — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:50:46 +0000

Top 10: Things to Appear in the SHIELD TV Series by Jerry Whitworth

Announced last year, Marvel Television went into production on a SHIELD television series created by Avengers director Joss Whedon (known for television series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly). Featuring SHIELD Agent Phil Coulson (portrayed by actor Clark Gregg and appearing in four feature Marvel films and two short films), the series focuses on the intelligence agency SHIELD, a counter-terrorism unit based out of the United States that battles high-level terrorist cells, superhuman and advanced technological threats, and alien invasions (essentially, whatever conventional agencies are ill-equipped to handle on their own). Coulson, head of field operations, mans a team of five main operatives which the series focuses on and who will fight on the Earth’s behalf in the weekly series set to air on the ABC network with filming on the pilot beginning in January 2013. No word as yet if elements of the Marvel One-Shots short films, such as characters like Jasper Sitwell, Agent Blake, Benny Pollack, and Claire Wise, will arise. Lets take a look at some of the things we expect in the series.

10. REAL WORLD RELEVANCE

Though based in the fictional world of Marvel Comics, SHIELD should at some level reflect some of the climate of the real world walking a fine line like so many other series working within a similar tone. As some souped-up version of the FBI, ATF, CIA, NSA, and so on and so forth, SHIELD should have to deal with issues like politicians wanting to exploit the agency for their own means, foreign powers trying to take advantage of the remarkable advents in the modern age (super powers, advanced technology, magic, aliens, etc), political pressure such as in “the mutant problem,” some fictional analogy of Guantanamo Bay, and rival intelligence agencies in the vein of the GRU, Mossad, and MSS (in the comics, Canada has Department K and Britain has MI-13, for example). Fictional places like Atlantis, Latveria, Attilan, Savage Land, Mount Wundagore, and the Aerie should be locations either mentioned in passing as a wink and a nod to fans or areas to be explored in the series (for some of these places, how would SHIELD act at the emergence of these places as they arise or what political issues come from their interaction with the United States). Characters like Henry Gyrich, Senator Robert Kelly, Reverend William Stryker, Cameron Hodge, Bolivar Trask, and Valerie Cooper are just some of the elements that could be part of some of the driving forces in the series. A demonstration of agency interaction could be how will the Hulkbusters react as Bruce Banner is provided an umbrella from them under the protection of SHIELD? And what of other international threats like AIM and the Hand, how does SHIELD deal with them?

9. LIFE MODEL DECOY

Mentioned in passing by Tony Stark in the Avengers film, the Life Model Decoy (LMD) has been a long employed tool by SHIELD since their inception in 1965. The LMD is an android designed to perfectly mimic the person its modeled after and has been used repeatedly as a swerve to readers to make them believe SHIELD personnel and those they protect were killed only to prove to be a deception. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems thus far fans have been given all the big SHIELD advents except the LMDs so it’s certainly something comic fans will look forward to and something that will drive new fans crazy (imagine seeing this character you’ve come to love get killed only to show up several episodes later for the first time).

8. THE CONTESSA

While SHIELD stalwarts like Nick Fury, Dum Dum Dugan, Gabe Jones, and Maria Hill have made their cinematic appearances (with Sharon Carter set to appear in Captain America: The Winter Soldier), fans have been left to wonder where Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine has been. Created by Jim Steranko during his legendary Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. run, the Contessa was Fury’s love interest and epitomized sex, beauty, and fashion while rivaling Fury in every way. Deadly, ingenious, and unflappable, the Contessa is one of Fury’s closest confidantes and one of the greatest agents to ever operate under SHIELD. As the main cast for SHIELD has already been put together with likely cameos by Fury and Hill, it’s unlikely the Contessa would be a reoccurring cast member but instead an infrequent guest star appearing when her talents would be needed most (teaching viewers that when she appears, something big is about to happen).

7. NEW YORK

While SHIELD operates under the support of NATO and is a global entity, the Marvel Universe nonetheless has and likely always will revolve around New York (so much so, it’s almost a character unto itself that crosses over many of the publisher’s titles). As such, it only makes sense that while the television series trots around the Earth that its heart remain in New York (akin to to the series Fringe and its relationship with Boston). So, landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Tribute in Light, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Coney Island, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, Staten Island Ferry, Grand Central Terminal, Madison Square Garden, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bronx Zoo, Empire Diner, Washington Square Arch, Gray’s Papaya, South Street Seaport, Katz’s Delicatessen, Ray’s Pizza(s), and more should pop up to hit this point home (in much the same way such locales appeared in Marvel Comics). But even more so, eagle eye fans will love to keep their eyes open for New York locales unique to Marvel like the Daily Bugle building, Stark Tower, Four Freedoms Plaza, Sanctum Sanctorum, and Empire State University.

6. ZODIAC

A criminal organization based on the astrological zodiac, Zodiac operates throughout the United States and initially came into conflict with SHIELD when member Scorpio attempted to assassinate Nick Fury with the magical artifact Zodiac Key, this operative later revealed as Fury’s brother Jake. The pair would overtime impersonate each other in their enemy’s organizations on separate occasions (at one point Nick Fury in the guise of Scorpio battled the Avengers). Scorpio would eventually build android duplicates of his comrades to serve as his own personal Zodiac but was defeated by the Defenders and would take his own life. Zodiac would return infrequently over the years battling the various heroes of Marvel.

5. SUPERHEROES

Even though SHIELD will focus on the men and women who battle the impossible with only their training and advanced technology, if it’s a series based on Marvel Comics, it has got to have some superheroes in it. While some properties are tied up elsewhere (Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, Daredevil, Punisher, Wolverine, X-Men, and Fantastic Four) and it’s unlikely the stars from the Marvel Cinematic Universe will make appearances (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Hulk), there are plenty of Marvel characters that could make the transition. Though, I purposely left out Hawkeye and Black Widow from not making possible appearances because they are SHIELD agents and could very well make cameos in the show considering they lack feature films based on their characters (the TV series providing some heat for the characters and the capability to give background into their history). Further, characters like Ant-Man and Doctor Strange who have upcoming films could very well make guest appearances in the show as some advertisement for their features. But more on point, imagine an episode where a SHIELD agent gets super powers and becomes someone like Ms. Marvel, Spider-Woman, Falcon, Quasar, Daisy Johnson, or Abigail Brand. There is also, of course, Deathlok who was a SHIELD agent returned to life as a cyborg (at least in one incarnation). Or, simply have SHIELD agents come across a hero during the course of their duties, someone like Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Moon Knight, Daughters of the Dragon, White Tiger, Doc Samson, Shroud, Ka-Zar, or Man-Thing. A rather cool guest star could see Sticky Fingaz return to star as Blade the Vampire Hunter from the character’s television series.

4. SUPERVILLAINS

Arguably more important than superheroes to the series, supervillains need to appear in the show. Otherwise, the SHIELD series wouldn’t feel like it was based in the Marvel universe. Perhaps the easiest way to achieve this is to have a SHIELD agent go bad. And with characters like Constrictor and Taskmaster retroactively made to be SHIELD agents, the series certainly has some stories to work with already. Otherwise, they need to tackle villains that are unlikely to emerge in the films (especially from Sony and Fox). Some viable candidates would be the Hood and his criminal empire, Roxxon Energy Corporation, Lethal Legion, Serpent Society, Night Shift, Justin Hammer’s army of villains, and Graviton would provides dozens of criminals that are unlikely to emerge in any of the films.

3. THE VAULT

If you’re going to have supervillains, you have to have a prison to put them in. The Vault was created in 1986 as the first prison designed specifically for superhuman criminals (though, Project PEGASUS predates it and served a similar function) and is a remote facility in Colorado operated by the Guardsmen (guards who use Iron Man-based technology, which could open the door for SHIELD’s Mandroids). The Vault (and, for that matter, facilities like Project PEGASUS and the Raft prison that came later) went through several snafus where villains took the prison over and where heroes were trapped inside which provided really interesting stories that could easily be adapted for the SHIELD series. Further, repairs of the facility after a breakout could be a great avenue to introduce Damage Control (a service that cleans up and rebuilds after superhero/villain battles) which, rumor had it, were at one point examined for a possible television series.

2. ALIENS

With the Marvel Cinematic Universe seemingly gravitating towards more cosmic stories with the Nine Worlds (Midgard, Asgard, Jotunheim, Svartalfheim, etc), Chitauri, Thanos, and the Guardians of the Galaxy, it only makes sense that the issue of aliens would arise in the SHIELD series. While fans are not as in the know regarding the future of the films, there’s a strong possibility the next Avengers film could adapt the fan-favorite Kree-Skrull War (likely with elements of Secret Invasion) storyline so elements of the story could be built up in the SHIELD series as the Skrulls begin to infiltrate Earth as the Kree tackle Earth with an armed response. Though, it can be tricky with Marvel properties at other studios where showrunners may want to have the Negative Zone invade Earth but Annihilus and Blastaar could be tied to Fantastic Four. Of course, not all aliens have to be the starship sporting kind as SHIELD could deal with magic invaders like from Dormammu, Shuma-Gorath, Nightmare, N’astirh, etc. So, there’s definitely a large breadth of possibilities.

1. HYDRA

If you’re going to have a SHIELD series, you have to have their greatest threat: the terrorist organization HYDRA. Introduced in the cinematic universe in Captain America: The First Avenger, HYDRA was a research and development arm of the Third Reich headed up by the Red Skull that extensively researched the cosmic cube (Tesseract). In the comics, Nazi criminal Baron Von Strucker founded HYDRA following the end of World War II under the premise of perpetuating Hitler’s doctrine but in reality as Strucker’s personal bid for power. SHIELD largely mirrored HYDRA having grown out of the ashes of WWII to become an entity only to instead prevent the emergence of another threat like the Third Reich. Some other elements of HYDRA include the Satan Claw (an ancient artifact of great power wielded by Strucker), Madame Hydra (the assassin Viper who was HYDRA’s greatest agent and who later took over the Serpent Society), Fenris (twin mutant children of Strucker), Death Spore Virus (a deadly virus obtained by HYDRA that bonded to Baron Strucker giving him the power to return from death and kill with a touch), and the Dreadnoughts (android soldiers). Further, often has HYDRA struck alliances with other villainous organizations like the Hand, Maggia, and AIM opening the door to many possibilities.

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Make It So: Classic Marvel Animation on DVD

Terry — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:19:22 +0000

Make it So: Classic Marvel Animation on DVD by Jerry Whitworth

Between the DC Comics Classic Collection and Warner Archive Collection, fans of classic DC Comics programs can have almost everything the company has produced for television on DVD for their collection. If you’re a fan of Marvel on the other hand, you’re not so fortunate. While Marvel has definitely become better about releasing older material such as the much sought after 1990s X-Men animated series, fans of their animated adaptations of yesteryear have eagerly awaited even more releases (unless you live in the United Kingdom, which has been pretty lucky with getting their fix). The while, Hasbro has made lucrative sales of DVDs for classic series like G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Transformers, and Jem, which was a collaborative effort with Marvel, so much so it would seem as we’ve seen DVD releases of Transformers seasons unaired in the US and of the DIC seasons of G.I. Joe. Lets take a look at some of the series Marvel fans eagerly await.

SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS

Likely the most sought after series, Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends was in large part a competitive measure by NBC against ABC’s successful Super Friends franchise. The Spider-Man centered series featured Marvel’s most recognized character with two mutant heroes and a rotating cast of Marvel’s various heroes such as the X-Men, Captain America, Thor, Doctor Strange, Sub-Mariner, and Black Knight as well as introducing new heroes like Hiawatha Smith, Lightwave, and Videoman. Generally, the heroes would battle a different Spider-Man villain each week introducing a new generation to Spider-Man’s world as the hero was mostly absent from television for over a decade (while there was a live action television series in the late 1970s and Spider-Man segments on the Electric Company, they had little relation to the comic given budget restraints). While many of Marvel’s animated series today feature crossovers, Amazing Friends was largely groundbreaking in this way (Magneto vs. the Fantastic Four and Dr. Octopus vs the Hulk aside). A personal favorite episode for me is “7 Little Superheroes” featuring an amalgamation of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (1939) with a little bit of Avengers #2 (November 1963) mixed in with the Chameleon in place of the Space Phantom and more of a Defenders-like grouping than the Avengers. As for bonus features, I would love to hear about some of the behind the scenes stuff in a retrospective (maybe a little shout out to the proposed Daredevil animated series with Lightning the Super-Dog) and maybe X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men (considering the pilot was often packaged with Amazing Friends in syndication and the series’ connection to the X-Men). Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends ran for three seasons with twenty-four episodes. As with many of Marvel’s animated series of the time, it featured beautiful hand drawn animation of studios like Toei (who had a strong relationship with Marvel developing a live action Spider-Man series in Japan and Battle Fever J, loosely based on Captain America, together), Dong Seo and MiHahn.

FANTASTIC FOUR (1967 series)

Likely a series that will never be released on DVD falling into a similar situation as the live action Batman series, Fantastic Four was closely based on its original comic material animated by Hanna-Barbera featuring character designs by the legendary Alex Toth. Where previous series like Marvel Super Heroes featured essentially comic art with animated aspects or the 1967 Spider-Man series which used little motion in its animation, Fantastic Four featured beautiful hand drawn animation from the studio that brought Jonny Quest, Space Ghost, Birdman and the Galaxy Trio, the Herculoids, and Moby Dick and Mighty Mightor to television waves prior. What makes the future of this series’ release grim is Warner Bros purchasing Hanna-Barbera’s archive and Disney buying Marvel meaning cooperation between the two rival companies would be necessary for fans to get a hold of this set. Still, with DC recently working out an agreement with Fox to produce merchandise based on the Batman television series, it generates hope that anything is possible. Though, as unlikely as Fantastic Four may be to be released, a sequel series (of sorts) in Fred and Barney Meet The Thing maybe even less unlikely. So, should the former ever be released, a cool bonus feature maybe to feature some of the Thing shorts of the latter. Fantastic Four lasted one season with twenty episodes.

MARVEL SUPER HEROES

The very first Marvel animated series featuring five separate series for Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner, and Thor (intended for airing on weekdays with a different hero each day), Marvel Super Heroes largely featured filming comic book panels with limited animation (lips moving, change in body position for movement, etc) that may not have been impressive save for the fact many episodes featured the art of the legendary Jack “the King” Kirby. Further, as the X-Men and Avengers made guest appearances on the show, it predated the on-air introduction of the Justice League of America and Teen Titans on Filmation’s the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure by a year making the show rather historic. As for bonus features, Captain America’s voice actor Arthur Pierce would dress up as the character to host the show in Boston and would be joined by other costumed characters like Dr. Doom, Hulk, and Bucky using scripts written by Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel. If any of this footage could be found, it would be a real treat. Each series had thirteen episodes and aired for one season.

SPIDER-MAN (1994 series)

While five DVDs of the 1994 Spider-Man series have been released, they were non-sequential and only covered twenty-two episodes of the sixty-five episodes, five season series. What makes the series so beloved is that it was again a new Spider-Man for a new generation as the character had been absent from new television content for over a decade but more importantly adapted plots from the comics instead of just using Marvel characters in a simplistic plot to talk down to an underage audience. Though, reason enough alone to want the series on DVD is the loose adaptation of the Secret Wars and crossover with the 1992 X-Men animated series (personally speaking, the Invaders arc in the final season was also very much enjoyed). Spider-Man ran for five seasons with sixty-five episodes.

SPIDER-WOMAN

A rather unique, perhaps even random, series which many people may not be aware of. Likely an attempt to take advantage of the Spider-Man franchise and generate another bankable hit for Marvel, Spider-Woman tried to tap into a growing market born from Electra Woman and Dyna Girl and the Wonder Woman television series and in many ways felt more like Supergirl with Spider-Man’s powers and several more abilities (flight, energy blasts, etc). The pilot featuring Spider-Man (with the same voice actor from the 1967 series), Spider-Woman generally battled her own original villains such as the impressive magician Great Magini but also tangled with such villains as Dormammu and Kingpin. Only lasting sixteen episodes for one season, the show would be a treat to own on DVD.

SPIDER-MAN (1981 series)

Running as a companion series to Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends featuring the solo adventures of Spider-Man, this series had the same sophisticated charm of the accompanying show but allowed viewers to get a more accurate picture of the comic book on TV. Very much in the vein of Amazing Friends, Spider-Man would team with Captain America, Ka-Zar, and Sub-Mariner while battling the likes of Doctor Doom (billed largely as the hero’s nemesis during the series), Doctor Octopus, Lizard, Black Cat, Sandman, Magneto, Mysterio, Ringmaster, Green Goblin, Kraven, Red Skull, Chameleon, Vulture, Silvermane, Hammerhead, Kingpin, and the Wizard. Spider-Man didn’t run as long as its sister series only staying on air a single season with twenty-six episodes overshadowed by Amazing Friends but certainly as deserving of being revered.

INCREDIBLE HULK (1982 series)

Largely replacing the solo Spider-Man series as the partnering show with Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, Incredible Hulk received a sort of pilot in the first season of Amazing Friends in the episode “Spidey Goes Hollywood” and premiered as the live action Incredible Hulk series had just come to an end. Featuring hand drawn animation from Pan Sang East in Hong Kong in the same style as Amazing Friends from Korean-based Dong Seo and MiHahn and, of course, Toei, there felt like a strong continuity across the various animated series of the time making them almost feel like a shared universe in the vein of the DC Animated Universe that came later. Though the plots were rather simplistic, it was fun seeing She-Hulk make her jump from the four color page to the small screen and watching the Hulk battle Doctor Octopus, Puppet Master, Leader, and HYDRA. Incredible Hulk lasted for one season of thirteen episodes.

SPIDER-MAN UNLIMITED

A rather intriguing entry in the animated mythos of Spider-Man, Spider-Man Unlimited is a series that you either absolutely love or hate with a deep passion. Featuring character designs and themes reminiscent of Spider-Man 2099 and Batman Beyond, the series had Spider-Man trail the Venom and Carnage symbiotes to Counter-Earth (a double of Earth running parallel of its sister planet on the opposite side of the sun) using a new suit that employs nanotechnology in a bid to save J. Jonah Jameson’s astronaut son John (aka Man-Wolf). Spider-Man discovers the planet under the totalitarian rule of the High Evolutionary and his Beastials (hybrids of humans with other animals), chiefly his enforcers the Knights of Wundagore, in a dystopian future-like setting akin to Metropolis, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and Fahrenheit 451. The while, John had joined a resistance against the government and Spider-Man decides to remain on the planet until High Evolutionary has been toppled and complete his rescue mission. In a move borrowing from DC Comics’ Earth-Three (where the roles of heroes and villains are switched) concept, Spider-Man is joined by Counter-analogies of his enemies Green Goblin and the Vulture (though he faces villainous counterparts of Electro and Kraven the Hunter). Despite being a loose sequel to the popular Spider-Man series that started in 1994, Unlimited was overshadowed by anime offerings of the time and only lasted for a single season of thirteen episodes.

DRACULA: SOVEREIGN OF THE DAMNED

Based on the Tomb of Dracula, Dracula: Sovereign of the Damned (aka Dracula: The Vampire Emperor of Darkness) was a Japanese animated television film produced by Toei as part of its relationship with Marvel Comics. Trying to adapt years of story between Dracula and the Nightstalkers into a 94-minute film, the work is generally universally panned as being atrocious. Combined with a terrible dubbing into English by Harmony Gold of Robotech fame, the film features terrible plot, characterization, and action. However, the film has several elements working in its favor. Following the popularity of the Blade film series and the prominence of vampires in modern culture, there’s certainly an audience for some of the things the work represents. Even more than that, it is an obscure oddity most people are completely unaware even exists (so far as its one of the few Marvel animated films that doesn’t rank a Wikipedia page, instead part of the Tomb of Dracula article) making it rather unique. But what makes it worthy of a DVD edition most of all is the prominence of bad films as seen as humorous. Consider Tommy Wiseau’s the Room and its consistent use on [adult swim] on April Fools’ Day or the following behind Mystery Science Theater 3000 and RiffTrax. Something like Dracula could become a classic especially if you add commentary tracks as a bonus feature heckling the product. Comments from the source material’s creators like Gerry Conway and Marv Wolfman moderated by someone like David Goyer (the mind behind the Blade films and television series) would be gold. Another option could be comic book geek comedians like Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, and/or Kevin Smith.

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The End Of Young Justice

Terry — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:48:23 +0000

The End of Young Justice by Jerry Whitworth

On January 28, 2013, multiple sources have confirmed the end of the animated series Young Justice on Cartoon Network (as well as Green Lantern: The Animated Series). The show, which featured a group of young superheroes working under the Justice League of America, is the latest series from Greg Weisman to be canceled after only two seasons (his last series Spectacular Spider-Man suffering a similar fate) with some comparing the creator to Joss Whedon (The Avengers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as both generate critically acclaimed television series that do well with ratings and acquire a cult following with fervent fans but end up canceled nonetheless. Young Justice is also the latest in a series of television programs broadcast by Cartoon Network canceled when enough episodes were produced to run the show in syndication. The non-announcement of the cancellation came as CN dropped a press release of its Fall 2013 lineup which saw the series absent with rampant speculation of the series’ demise later confirmed by unnamed insiders at Warner Bros. To say the loss of the show is a disappointment is an understatement as the series not only appealed to comic book/superhero media fans but the complex stories and characters broke into the market of youth interested in anime. Lets take a look at Young Justice and why it became so beloved by its fans.

Young Justice started out as an ongoing series (after the one-shot Young Justice: The Secret and mini-series JLA: World Without Grown-Ups, both from Todd Dezago) in 1998 from Peter David (Hulk, X-Factor) and Todd Nauck (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Wildguard) featuring the modern day teenage sidekicks of the Justice League of America forming its own group in the tradition of the Teen Titans (who by this point had grown into adulthood). The series focused largely on a club-like atmosphere with humor and comedic antics but often shifted to concentrate on the drama associated with being young (and the hormones it entails) and the responsibility of being heroes. The comic would come to an end in 2003 to make way for the new Teen Titans series from rising star Geoff Johns of the Flash and JSA fame. Greg Weisman, an editor and writer for DC Comics in the 1980s, would create the popular television series Disney’s Gargoyles which premiered in 1994 and ran for two seasons before being canceled and resurrected as the much despised Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles without Weisman which was canceled after thirteen episodes. Working on various television series over the years, Weisman would helm a new Spider-Man animated series with Victor Cook (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated) in 2008 in Spectacular Spider-Man that thoughtfully blended elements of the comic, Ultimate comic, and film series along with original concepts from Weisman and his team. Despite being a success with fans and critics alike, the show was canceled after two seasons when Disney bought Marvel Comics and wanted an in-house animated Spider-Man series that wasn’t produced by rival Sony Pictures. Taking the success of Spectacular into account, Weisman was quickly snatched up by Warner Bros to work on its animated adaptation of Young Justice with Brandon Vietti (The Batman, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Batman: Under the Red Hood).

Upon being tasked with creating the new Young Justice series, showrunners Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti had access to virtually every teenage character in the DC Universe (save Wonder Woman’s cast who was tied up in a separate adaptation, though this would later change) and sorted through dozens of characters before resting on their “Team” in Superboy, Robin, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Artemis, and their own original character Aqualad. DC Comics, excited about the series and wanting to tie it in with their comics, adapted the new Aqualad in the pages of their hit limited series Brightest Day by fan favorite Geoff Johns and took their new multiverse’s Earth-16 and evicted the Super-Sons in favor of making it the Earth the television series (and accompanying comic book series) take place upon. In 2010, the series premiered on Cartoon Network (a mostly animation based station owned by Warner Bros that would be home to animated television series based on DC Comics since 2008) as a preview of the series for its 2011 release. Young Justice was almost immediately well received critically drawing comparisons to the wildly-popular Justice League animated series that came prior and would win an Emmy award in Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

What set Young Justice apart from many other cartoons is its complex characters and plots. Despite having a cast larger than almost any other show on television, each character had a unique voice with a background that reflects their behavior. Even the so-called boyscout Superman is given a degree of humanity in coming to terms with suddenly having a younger brother of sorts in Superboy as he spanned a journey of denial and avoidance to eventual acceptance and trust. The show tackled many issues from the obvious like the raging hormones and frustration facing teenagers to what could be rather taboo for Saturday morning with racism in dealing with the three different colored races of Mars (Miss Martian, a White Martian, is embarrassed and in denial of her appearance due in part to the position of her people in her society choosing to pretend to be a Green Martian). Another example of racism crops up with Atlantis and the racial tension between the human-like Atlanteans versus those that have more fish-like features. Along this line, the world of Young Justice is extremely well thought out, constructing entirely unique societies for the series such as in Mars and Atlantis. What likely sets the series furthest apart from any other animated series is its use of supervillains.

Gone is the traditional stories of bad guys just smashing into heroes during robberies, kidnappings, or assassinations (generally speaking) to a more Machiavellian approach in the Light. Some cross between the Secret Society of Super-Villains, Kingdom Come‘s Mankind Liberation Front, and Marvel’s the Cabal, the Light represent a threat so grand to the heroes of Young Justice that you legitimately believe the struggle made by the Team may in fact be futile (so far as even if the Team wins a conflict, we learn they did little to harm the over reaching plans of the Light). In fact, with the current storyline based in part on the Legends event with Apokolips’ Glorious Godfrey turning the people of Earth against its heroes (with some subtle nods to current news media from outlets like Fox News and MSNBC), it makes the protagonists’ struggle that much more impossible. In this manner, a show like Young Justice works so well because you care about the characters in it and become invested in watching each week to see if your favorite character even managed to survive to see the following week. In other words, it’s what television should be: smart, entertaining, and engaging.

There are a number of petitions floating around to try and save the series as well as calls to contact Cartoon Network to voice opposition to Young Justice‘s cancellation. Likely the best bet to try and save the show is to demonstrate to Warner Bros there is still profit to be made from continuing the series, be it on Cartoon Network or another station (like the Hub who runs several cartoons based on DC Comics’ properties in syndication). So, buy the DVDs and comics below, download the episodes legally on iTunes or Amazon, and try to get the word out that time is running out to save one of the best animated series in recent memory.

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Real Life Superheroes: Comic Books and Pro Wrestling

Terry — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 22:47:38 +0000

Hulk Hogan

Real Life Superheroes: Comic Books and Pro Wrestling by Jerry Whitworth

Some of the earliest fighting systems created by mankind were boxing and wrestling. While intended for use on the battlefield, these forms would also become competitive sports as evident in the Olympic games of ancient Greece. Mythological heroes of this time period would include the Argonauts, such as the Gemini. Brothers Castor and Polydeuces/Pollux, the Dioscuri (better known today as the Gemini) were reportedly two of history’s greatest wrestlers. However, according to Greek myth, the greatest wrestler (and also an Argonaut) was Heracles, arguably the greatest mythological hero in human history. Heracles would represent the most prevalent archetype for heroes in our history in the strongman, such heroes that have existed in this vein include Gilgamesh, Thor, Beowulf, Hercules, Hanuman, Sha Wujing, Raijin, Samson, Superman, and Captain Marvel. It’s little wonder piecing all of this information together of the similarities shared today by comic books and professional wrestling. In essence, both derive from mythology. For pro wrestling, it’s some amalgamation of wrestling competition and hero plays (another ancient Greek tradition). For comic books, it’s the modern storytelling of heroes, performing great feats of bravery while combating the nigh-unimaginable threats that plague humanity. Therefore, it should be of little wonder how these elements have intermingled through the years since their mutual advents.

Karol Krauser

While challenging to establish a viable timeline describing at what point the two forms of media converged, an early example interestingly enough is with Superman. Often credited as the first superhero, Superman was published by National Allied Publications in 1938 where he proved to be a great success with the emerging audience for comic books. Following this, Fleischer Studios was tasked with adapting the character for a series of animated shorts that premiered in 1941 (which National invested a great deal of money into because of the quality of product Fleischer was known for creating). When the time came to transfer the static, two-dimensional figure of Superman to a dynamic, three-dimensional figure rendered for animation, animators employed a real life model for the Man of Steel. Their choice was none other than future professional wrestler Karol Krauser. While this career path came some years after modeling for Fleischer, Krauser would go on to join three other wrestlers to form the Kalmikoffs, a fictitious stable of Russian brothers. The Superman comics themselves would infrequently involve itself in the world of professional wrestling such as in Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane #8 (April 1959) where Lois must deal with a wrestler suitor in the so-called Ugly Superman and Superman #155 (August 1962) where Superman must battle real life wrestler Antonino Rocca who was supposedly empowered by Mister Mxyzptlk. The same month Superman battled Rocca, another wrestler would play a critical role in the origin of another world famous superhero.

Crusher Hogan

In the pages of Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962), Peter Parker is empowered after being bitten by a radioactive spider and uses these newfound abilities to try and earn money. His earliest bid was in battling Crusher Hogan, the star wrestler of his league who offered a cash prize to those that could last three minutes in the ring with him. Parker, who Hogan dubbed “a little Masked Marvel,” easily defeated the wrestler which lead to Parker being discovered by a television producer and some time later his fateful encounter with the unnamed Burglar at a television studio he failed to stop that murdered his Uncle Ben (leading to becoming the hero Spider-Man). Marvel Comics would also infrequently dabble in the world of professional wrestling as time passed. Spider-Man would again battle another wrestler in Amazing Spider-Man #139 (December 1974), this time one empowered by one of his greatest enemies in the Jackal who gives disgruntled wrestler Maxwell Markham an exoskeleton to become the Grizzly in order to enact revenge on J. Jonah Jameson for costing him his job. In Thor #290 (December 1979), the Norse god becomes embroiled in a feud between wrestlers El Vampiro and El Toro Rojo, secretly an Eternal and a Deviant respectively. The latter would return to align with the Avengers in 1994 as part of the Delta Force. The same year Thor would tussle with El Toro Rojo, a group of female wrestling supervillains that would infrequently battle Earth’s heroes emerged in Marvel Two-in-One #54. Originally a group involved with the Femizon time traveler Thundra, one of the Grapplers’ members in Screaming Mimi would go on to trouble the Avengers (before later becoming their ally). In 1985, Marvel comics would introduce the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation (UCWF) which essentially featured characters with super powers battle each other that once counted Fantastic Four’s the Thing as its champion. One of the organization’s wrestlers, Demolition Man (or D-Man), would become an unofficial partner to Captain America. In 1992, Marvel would adapt the characters of real life promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in its own comic book series which lasted twelve issues.

El Superbeasto

DC Comics and Marvel wouldn’t be the only game in town to produce professional wrestling comics. Image Comics would also be involved with several wrestling books over the years. In 1999, WCW talent and high-level New World Order (nWo) wrestler Kevin Nash created and co-wrote a comic series called Nash through Image about a character based on him in a post-apocalyptic future which lasted two issues and a preview book. In 2002, two issues of Holy Terror would be published featuring wrestling blended with the supernatural (something not unfamiliar with adaptations of luchadores, or Mexican wrestlers, into other media). For 2007, Image would publish another wrestling story by translating and reprinting French comic creator Jerry Frissen’s Lucha Libre (the term for Mexican wrestling). In 2007, the publisher printed Rob Zombie Presents: The Haunted World of El Superbeasto featuring a former luchador trying to save the world which was adapted into an animated film two years later. While not beginning with Image, Rob Zombie would earlier produce the adventures of El Superbeasto in Rob Zombie’s Spookshow International in 2003 through MVCreation before going to Crossgen and eventually ending up at Image.

Undertaker

Archie Comics would introduce its own fictional wrestling organization in Intergalactic Wrestling in the pages of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures #7 (December 1989). In the story, the Ninja Turtles are kidnapped in order to drum up business and television ratings for promoters Stump and Sling (not unlike what Mojo did with the X-Men). The promotion would become a fairly frequent aspect of the series employing characters like Leatherhead, Ace Duck, Cudley the Cowlick, Cryin’ Houn’, and Trap. In 1991, Valiant Comics would begin producing licensed comics based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) beginning with WWF Battlemania with a focus on the Ultimate Warrior, who was suppose to take Hulk Hogan’s mantle as the company’s protagonist only to eventually fizzle out, and the Undertaker, pushed as the brand’s antagonist. The series would last five issues and four “illustrated action books.” Creator Richard Dominguez as part of his Azteca Productions company published El Gato Negro in 1993 about a vigilante luchador who inherits his grandfather’s mantle to avenge the death of his best friend. In Love and Rockets #46 (November 1994), Rena Titañon is introduced as a female wrestler who the Hernandez brothers would occasionally return to throughout their career across various series. In 1996, Rafael Navarro would begin publishing the adventures of crime-fighting luchador Sonámbulo. That same year, the Ultimate Warrior would begin self-publishing a series based on his character through his Ultimate Creations studio that lasted four issues with a Christmas special. For 1999, Chaos! Comics began producing comics based on the WWF featuring characters like Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, Chyna, and the Rock. The Undertaker would garner an ongoing series through the publisher written by Beau Smith (Guy Gardner: Warrior, Wynonna Earp) that featured various wrestling characters such as Paul Bearer, Kane, and the Ministry of Darkness. Dark Horse Comics in 2004 released two series based on wrestling in The Nail (by Rob Zombie and Steve Niles) and El Zombo Fantasma. In 2007, the critically-received Headlocked from Visionary Comics Studio began publication first as a one-shot and then a three issue mini-series the following year. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, formerly WWF) wrestler, commentator, and on-air personality Jerry “the King” Lawler would provide covers for the one-shot and first issue of the mini-series (one of the series’ artists, Michel Mulipola, wrestles under the name Kid Liger).

Chikara

The comic book world wouldn’t be alone in adapting the world of professional wrestling into its stories. In fact, wrestling personalities like A.J. Lee, Alex Shelley, Bryan Danielson, Christopher Daniels, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Daffney, Gregory Shane “Hurricane” Helms, Jeff and Matt Hardy, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Kid Liger, Kofi Kingston, Leva Bates, “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush, Matt Striker, Mick Foley, Raven, Rey Mysterio Jr, Rob Van Dam, Stevie Richards, and Velvet Sky are all admitted comic fans. Interviews for some of these performers and others have become an infrequent feature on the Marvel Comics website and WWE champion CM Punk would pen the introduction to the Avengers vs. X-Men trade collection. The line between superhero/supervillain and pro wrestler was rather blurred around the 1980s/1990s when the so-called gimmick wrestlers were at their peak, especially at the WWF. Characters like Ultimate Warrior, the Undertaker, Legion of Doom, Kane, Doink, Demolition, the Patriot, Big Van Vader, Goldust, Mankind, Papa Shango, Aldo Montoya the Portuguese Man O’ War, Damien Demento, Mantaur, Max Moon, Dungeon of Doom, and the Brood looked like they hopped off the printed page into reality. In 1996, WCW wrestler Sting would begin appearing at shows based on the suggestion of fellow wrestler Scott Hall in an appearance loosely based on James O’Barr’s the Crow. That same year, Kaiju Big Battel premiered which focused on tokusatsu (Japanese live action program with superheroes and/or special effects), lucha libre, comic books, and Japanese pop culture. WWF wrestler “Hollywood” Gregory Helms in 2001 began performing at the promotion as the Hurricane, a superhero wrestler with a costume heavily influenced by the Green Lantern. The following year, wrestler and comic book fan Mike Quackenbush formed wrestling promotion Chikara in Philadelphia (a city famous for its Extreme Championship Wrestling, or ECW) with his tag team partner and friend Reckless Youth featuring American lucha libre with a heavy emphasis on geek culture (predominantly comics and video games), so far as many of their posters and DVD covers as homages of famous comic book covers (Chikara premiered its own webcomic in 2012). Also in 2002, wrestler Raven would co-write Spider-Man’s Tangled Web #14 in a story featuring Crusher Hogan. In 2003, Rey Mysterio, Jr. would begin a mostly annual tradition of appearing at WrestleMania in a costume inspired by a superhero. Such characters have included Daredevil, the Flash, the Joker, Captain America, Iron Man, Silver Surfer, and Spider-Man. In 2010, WWE would self-publish their own comics about their characters through Titan Publishing in the WWE Heroes series with an accompanying mini-series called TimeQuake: Dead Man Walking featuring the Undertaker and another planned centering around John Cena called TimeQuake: Gladiator.

Santo

Of course, professional wrestling is not unique to the United States. In fact, it’s significantly more popular in Mexico and Japan. Mexico wasted even less time than the USA to adapt one of its heroes to the printed page. The closest identification of what luchador El Santo means to Mexico in wrestling terms is to mention what Hulk Hogan means to the US. However, this doesn’t do justice to what Santo means to Mexico. It would be more accurate to take Hulk Hogan, Superman, “Davy” Crockett, and Ronald Reagan and blend them together to give some idea of what kind of fame Santo has in Mexico. In 1952, Santo would be adapted to a comic book and his exploits would span continuously for thirty-five years across four series. Santo would go on to not only be Mexico’s greatest luchador but also one of its biggest action stars starring in fifty separate films. A fellow luchador who shared similar fame was the Blue Demon who would get his in own comic series in 1970 in El Increìble Blue Demon and later in La Leyenda de Blue Demon. Another luchador who made the jump to comics was Huracán Ramírez who starred in Huracán Ramírez El Invencible beginning in 1968. Tinieblas would get his own comic in 1976 for El Imperio De Las Tinieblas that lasted three years with a second series called Tinieblas, El Hijo de la Noche in 1991 that lasted four years and another series that started in 2000 using just his name as the title. In 1986, Sensacional de Luchas would begin which featured stories of various luchadores over its nine year run including El Santo, Blue Demon, Rayo de Jalisco, Tinieblas, Black Shadow, Lizmark, Fray Tormenta, Ángel Blanco, Los Villaños, El Canek, El Satánico, La Bestia, the Killer, Bello Greco, Kung Fu, Atlantis, Super Ratòn, César Curiel, Enrique Vera, Fabuloso Blonde, Butch Masters, Rayo de Jalisco Jr, El Perro Aguayo, Konan, El Médico Asesino, Cavernario Galindo, El Matemático, Black Shadow Jr, El Solitario, Kato Kung Lee, El Indómito, Murciélago Velázquez, Dos Caras, Tarzán López, Ringo Mendoza, Espectro Jr, Octagón, Fuerza Guerrera,Vampiro, Ray Mendoza, Volador, Máscara Sagrada, Dr. Wagner, Blue Panther, Love Machine, Último Dragón, Pierroth, Kendo Star, Black Magic (Norman Smiley), Super Porky, Masakre, Jaque Mate, Cien Caras, Mano Negra, and many more. Some of these luchadores and several of their children and nephews went on to work for WCW in the 1990s generally in its burgeoning cruiserweight division (bringing lucha libre to the North American market). Following the demise of Sensacional de Luchas, some years would pass before new luchador comics reached the hands of its fans. Místico (known today as Sin Cara in the WWE) would break this dry spell with Místico El Principe de Plata y Oro in 2003. For 2005, the adopted son of the Blue Demon would get a comic series in Blue Demon Jr. El Legado as well as the youngest son of El Santo in El Hijo del Santo for Santo, la Leyenda de Plata. Cibernético would star in his own comic in 2007 in El Ojo Cibernético, e Historias de Carretera.

Kinnikuman II

Japan has had a long love affair with wrestling (or puroresu) and comic books (or manga). In fact, some of its most famous wrestlers started out as comic characters. In 1968, Ikki Kajiwara and Naoki Tsuji began producing Tiger Mask through Kodansha about a wrestler who made a career famously as a villain that was inspired to become instead a hero when a young boy who reminded him of himself wanted to grow up to be like his in-ring persona. The series would be adapted into animation, films, and video games and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) would license the character in the early 1980s and have wrestlers don the costume throughout the years. A similar story followed with Jushin Liger, likely the most popular wrestler in Japan’s history. Created by famous mangaka (comic creator) Go Nagai (Cutie Honey, Devilman, Mazinger Z) for famous studio Sunrise (Mobile Suit Gundam), Jushin Liger was an animated series in 1989 about a boy who could summon a suit of biomechanical armor to battle the evil forces of the Dragonites. Nagai would adapt the series for Kodansha’s Comic Bom Bom and the property’s popularity saw NJPW license the character with wrestler Keiichi Yamada assuming the identity which he has remained as since. Many comic series in Japan have featured pro wrestlers including Airmaster, Baki the Grappler, Dragon Ball Z, Tenjho Tenge, and Tough/Shootfighter Tekken (one of the Four Great Ones in Cromartie High School models his face make-up after famous wrestler the Great Muta) but a series that featured pro wrestling and is arguably the comic most known for its use is Yudetamago’s Kinnikuman for Shueisha’s Weekly Jump in 1983. Originally a parody of Ultraman, the series evolved to revolve around wrestling featuring superheroes and aliens. Toys from the series would make its way to the USA in the M.U.S.C.L.E. line and an anime (animation) based on the series’ sequel Kinnikuman II would air in America as Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy. The sequel series would go so far as to parody the nWo with the dMp (Demon Manufacturing Plant) which included Kevin Mask (based on Kevin Nash). Two other comic series involving wrestling are Toshimichi Suzuki’s Wanna-Be’s and Ikki Kajiwara and Kunichika Harada’s Pro Wrestling Superstar Retsuden consisting of semi-biographical stories of wrestlers like Dory Funk Jr, Terry Funk, Stan Hansen, Abdullah the Butcher, André the Giant, Mil Máscaras (one of the original “Big Three” luchadores along with El Santo and Blue Demon), Tiger Jeet Singh, Shohei Baba, Antonio Inoki, Karl Istaz, Ric Flair, Tiger Mask, Hulk Hogan, Bruiser Brody, and Great Kabuki (one of the first Japanese wrestlers to compete in the United States in the National Wrestling Alliance, or NWA).

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Peter Parker No More: Review of Superior Spider-man #1

Terry — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:01:09 +0000

Superior Spider-man #1

Peter Parker No More

A Superior Spider-man, But an Inferior Parker

Review of Superior Spider-man #1
By Jerry W. Vandal

Story by: Dan Slott
Art by: Ryan Stegman
Colors by: Edgar Delgado

“Promise me you’ll keep them safe. Hm. That’s all I…ever…,” were Peter Parker’s last words as he died in the body of Dr. Otto Octavius. It’s an echoing statement that circles back to his failure to save his Uncle Ben—a lesson he learned when he failed to value the responsibility that came with power. More importantly, it circles back to what has made the character Marvel’s (and maybe the entire comic industry) most relatable, beloved character—the need to do more for those around him than himself.

That could explain the outcry from fans that ran into online photos of the ending to Amazing Spider-man #700 two weeks before its release and some of the death threats to writer Dan Slott that followed. That ending showed Otto Octavius, in the body of Peter Parker holding his own dying body with Parker stuck inside. As he was dying inside the body of his enemy, Peter managed to make Otto understand not only why he did the things he did as Spider-man, but made the villain decide to take a different path. Octavius would carry the burden and responsibility of being Spider-man. And Peter Parker, trapped in the body of a villain who almost destroyed the world died.

So where does that leave Spider-man now that Dr. Octopus is the man behind the web-swinging? Over in Ultimate Spider-man, Miles Morales has continued on the legacy in the same fashion as his predecessor —a young man simply trying to do the right thing. Otto however, is not of that breed. Certainly Peter Parker’s last words in Amazing Spider-man resonated with him so much that he realized that he himself could be better. But as he takes on a new batch of the Sinister Six, not only does he feel the need to speak of his superiority (a contrast from Parker’s quick quips) but he draws blood, much to the confusion of the new villains. Otto knows Peter held back his strength, but he has no intention of doing so. Starting from issue 1, no matter the promise he made to Peter, Octavius is still Octavius. He’s going to do things his way. And as he’s proven over the years, he is willing to take extreme measures. This is also Slott continuing what he attempted during the Spider-Island arc. What he attempted in was to show that Peter Parker, while being the everyman, was also special. An entire population of people with spider powers, but so few of them used those powers for anything resembling an altruistic purpose. And that’s what makes this new “Superior,” Spider-man interesting. Otto is not an altruistic person. He’s driven by his ego. He has always done things for his own benefit. How does he live up to his promise to keep the people in Peter’s life safe when all he’s ever known is how to live for himself?

One of those people makes an appearance in the first issue of Superior Spider-man. Mary-Jane’s character has had it rough over the years. Somewhere through the years she became the problem for writers trying to keep the massive amount of Spider-man books fresh (or at least their marriage was often to blame). Dan Slott has created a very likeable MJ though—and in the wake of One More Day, one who also has a bigger burden to carry. So when Otto and her sit down for a dinner, one can’t help but think about how far away from being a full-fledged villain he really is as he has no issue at all taking advantage of Peter’s relationship with the Mary Jane to sit down with a beautiful woman. There’s a very sinister smile as he’s on the phone with her that catches the eye like a bolt of lightning out on the ocean. There’s something dark inside of this man. I understand people’s qualms about the direction of Spider-man, but there are interesting dynamics going on whether it be with Mary-Jane, or even any of his co-workers at Horizon Labs or the new Sinister Six.

There’s also Dr. Octavius’ own legacy. To the world, he’s dead. He’s nothing more than a super villain with extraordinary potential who wasted it all in numerous failed attempts to control the world. As he begins his work at Horizon Labs it occurs to Otto that his latest batch of inventions will give merit to the genius of Peter Parker. It will be Peter Parker who will receive credit for the work he will do that will change the world—not Dr. Octavius. And there are an interesting set of inventions. As Max Modell, the boss at Horizon Labs points out to the former Dr. Octopus, his inventions could create serious harm in the world. Otto quickly lists all of the good they’re capable of. But, in conjunction with who Otto Octavius is, even after his speech and memory recall of Parker’s life in Amazing Spider-Man #700, he still has it in him to do what Dr. Octopus would do. I think that adds an interesting bit of characterization to be explored.

And then there’s the surprise cast member at the end of the book. There’s a voice forcing its will on Octavius. That voice inside of Otto that keeps him from killing is none other than Peter Parker.

I’d like to restate that Dan Slott received death threats because of this. On one hand, that’s completely insane and those who did so need to seriously look at their own lives and realize just how little they learned from the Peter Parker they loved so much as to threaten another man’s life. It does however echo the affect this character has had on people. His death meant something. As I read issue 700, knowing what the outcome would be, my heart beat at every failure of Parker in Otto’s body. And reading his final words I felt that it would be a good a time as any to yank the web-head off my pull list. Not because I was irate with the decision. I wasn’t necessarily happy. I felt I should drop the book though because there was finality in Peter dying. But I had to give Superior Spider-man a try if only. Dan Slott has proven to be a very good writer, especially in his handling of Parker after One More Day. There’s also a lot of complaining about how complacent comic books can become. It’s the reason Marvel touts an event every summer that will “Change the Status Quo”. Of course when they do something like this that actually has an impact on the direction of the book books get dropped and internet forums rumble with the battle cries of angry fanboys and girls. This is Marvel though. The same guys who let Spider-Man reveal his identity to the world only to go through all types of hoops and shenanigans to erase that. And dead in the Marvel Universe? Bucky didn’t stay dead. Magneto and Sabertooth have both had their heads cut off and their doing rather well for themselves.

Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be out May 2, 2014 and if anyone thinks Peter Parker won’t make a return right around then…well pay a little more attention to marketing. For now though, if you stick around I think you’re going to find Dan Slott exploring why Peter Parker is so important .A man like Otto is going to prove that as Spiderman, Parker could have done so much more with his strength instead of holding back. He’s going to show had Otto been bitten, he would be a smarter, more fierce, more powerful, more feared Spider-man. But, being a better Peter Parker? That will be the more interesting exploration. Peter was always been meant to represent the normal guy. He wasn’t a super-solider. He’s wasn’t a billionaire. He wasn’t a god. He had normal jobs and had to pay rent. He was just a good person just trying to do good. In his death he represents what people should aspire to. Otto may prove to be the more effective Spider-man. But he’s going to come up short in being Peter Parker. And while waiting for his eventual return, I think, especially in the hands of Dan Slott, that could make for an interesting story.

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Creator Profile: Jerry Ordway

Terry — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 04:22:17 +0000

Jerry Ordway

Creator Profile: Jerry Ordway by Jerry Whitworth

Truly a modern day master in the field of comic book art, Jerry Ordway has applied his craft for over three decades in the field while working on some of the most groundbreaking stories in comic book history, arguably most known for inking George Pérez’ art in Crisis on Infinite Earths and for his reinvention of Captain Marvel following Zero Hour: Crisis in Time.

Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ordway was a fan of Marvel Comics including Iron Man, Daredevil, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, and the Avengers (having been exposed to many of them through the Marvel Super Heroes cartoon), leading to his decision to pursue a career in the industry. While attending Milwaukee Tech High School, Ordway took three years of commercial art courses before a semester at Milwaukee Area Technical College which led to work as a typographer at Altenhoffen Typographers. In 1977, Ordway took a trip with some fellow artists to New York to try and show his art to Marvel Comics (meeting with Jim Shooter) and DC Comics (with Vince Colletta) but struck out, deciding to abandon his dream of working in comics. Ordway joined a commercial art studio in downtown Milwaukee to work as an assistant to the photostat department worker who suffered a stroke some months prior and Ordway apprenticed therein working his way up through the business.

The young artist would get to demonstrate his creative line art at the studio when he produced work for coloring books for Western Publishing (Golden Books) in Racine, Wisconsin which included licensed comic book characters from Marvel and DC. When Ordway heard DC Comics would be having a talent search at the 1980 Chicago Comicon, he used samples from these pages to demonstrate his abilities to Joe Orlando in order to hire him. In fact, as DC had to approve the art used for the coloring books from Western, the company was trying to get a hold of Ordway for a job offer and Orlando’s assistant Paul Levitz recognized his work immediately. Beginning with Mystery in Space #117 in 1981 with Carmine Infantino’s “The Lazarus Fire,” Ordway would start inking for DC. Some time prior to coming to DC in the mid-1970s, Ordway saw his original story “The Messenger” published in fanzine Tim Corrigan’s Superhero Comics #4 (1975) and locally self-published two issues of his original fanzine Okay Comix, featuring his creation Proton, which included fellow local artist Mike Machlan to ink one of the stories in the second issue (Ordway having studied comic art with Joe Kubert’s “How I Draw Tarzan” feature in a DC Treasury Edition and a booklet sold by Charlton Comics that taught basics).

Debut of Infinity, Inc

Jerry Ordway worked for the commercial art studio and DC Comics for six months before accepting an offer from the latter as a full time freelance artist in February 1981 (Ordway was originally offered the opportunity to ink Marv Wolfman and George Pérez’ New Teen Titans but turned the job down before finally taking the plunge later). Ordway would begin inking his first regular gig on the monthly title All-Star Squadron featuring essentially all of DC’s Golden Age heroes (even inventing new ones), eventually becoming the book’s ongoing artist and worked with its scribe Roy Thomas (one of Ordway’s idols for his work on the Avengers) and Mike Machlan to co-create the spin-off Infinity, Inc. which featured an offshoot of the Justice Society of America’s proteges and children (similarly to the Super Squad). In 1984, Ordway helped found Milwaukee-based Jumpstart Studios alongside Machlan, Al Vey, and Pat Broderick and would later add John Statema, Mark G. Heike, and Bill Jaaska. The following year, Ordway had left DC to follow John Byrne to work at Marvel Comics. Originally, this was to ink Byrne’s art on Squadron Supreme but that would instead change to the monthly Fantastic Four title. DC Comics had wanted to bring Ordway back into the fold and when Dick Giordano was too busy to ink the historic Crisis on Infinite Earths limited series featuring the work of Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, it was offered to Ordway to bring him back. Following Crisis, Superman would be reinvented for a new generation from the vision of Marv Wolfman and John Byrne. Ordway would come on as artist for the Adventures of Superman under Wolfman eventually taking over the book as writer and artist working on the title in some capacity or another for over two years. Two years later, Ordway would return to scribe the title for another two years including its historic five hundredth issue. When Ordway left Adventures the first time, it was to take over writing duties for the Superman title itself after the departure of John Byrne for the two year break in between. Ordway would return to Adventures in 1998 where he co-wrote the book with Karl Kesel. Ordway would contribute to such advents of the Superman mythos as Clark Kent’s post-Crisis proposal to Lois Lane (coming up with the idea initially himself) and the “death” and return of Superman. During this six year stint with Superman, Ordway would provide the art for the comic book adaptation of the 1989 Batman film and collaborate on the one-shot adaptation of Lois & Clark, The New Adventures of Superman.

Power of Shazam

Following his extensive time with Superman, Jerry Ordway inked the spiritual sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths in Dan Jurgens’ Zero Hour: Crisis in Time. Ordway’s next project maybe what the creator will forever be best known for since. During the Golden Age, Fawcett Comics created a character named Captain Marvel who in time rose to be the top seller in the industry. However, due to his similarities to Superman, National took Fawcett to court to eliminate its competition. After a lengthy battle, it was agreed Fawcett would pay a fee to National and couldn’t publish Marvel without their permission (essentially killing the character). However, in the early 1970s, DC Comics decided to resurrect Marvel by licensing the property but the return was largely brief (though, the character would pop up on occasion in the years that followed, such as in All-Star Squadron, and would often be found battling Superman in different books for some reason or another). Following Crisis on Infinite Earths, Marvel was given another push but again was squashed. In 1991, DC would purchase the rights to Marvel and the character would finally get his chance under the pen of Jerry Ordway following Zero Hour (though, work on the book began several years before the event was planned and Ordway’s graphic novel arrived months before the event’s publication). In 1994, DC would publish an original graphic novel written, drawn, and painted by Jerry Ordway called Power of Shazam! (Marvel Comics having copyrighted the Captain Marvel name while the character was out of print and DC couldn’t use it on promotions including book covers) which reinvented the character yet again. Captain Marvel was the favorite character of Ron Killian of the Turning Page comic book store where Ordway would hang out in Milwaukee. It was through Killian that Ordway was introduced to Golden Age comics and where he became a big fan of C.C. Beck (who co-created Marvel). While Ordway added a modern sensibility to Marvel (admitting to borrowing elements from the Spider-Man tales of his youth), he also rooted the character deeply in various aspects of its mythos from its life as a Fawcett creation to what creators added afterward. Perhaps most sensational was the beautiful art of the piece, essentially a sequential painting that would’ve been a great piece of comic book literature even if it had no words.

Osiris Rises

This revised edition of Captain Marvel proved to be a success with reprints of the book selling well for many years (only recently finally going out of print) and the work winning Comics Buyer’s Guide Fan Award for Favorite Original Graphic Album of 1994. This success would mean Jerry Ordway was given the opportunity to turn Power of Shazam! into an ongoing series. The creator would continue the trend started in the original piece by seeing Marvel and his alter ego Billy Batson struggle with his daily life while crossing swords with many of his Golden Age foes updated for the present (even bringing many other Fawcett superheroes along the way). Of course, Ordway would pen the inevitable showdown between Captain Marvel and Superman, taking advantage of Silver Age villain Lord Satanis who, following Crisis, was re-imagined as Lord Satanus where, with his sister Blaze, was the half-demon spawn of the wizard Shazam. Ordway scribed the title for its entire run of some four years. Characters of Ordway’s run would later find renewed fame under the pen of Geoff Johns of the hit series JSA, featuring Black Adam as a reformed anti-hero in a modern version of the Justice Society of America. In between his work on Superman and Captain Marvel, Ordway collaborated with Al Gordon on an original, creator-owned project in WildStar: Sky Zero at Image Comics. In the years that followed Shazam!, Ordway would work as writer, inker, and/or artist on various projects including the Avengers, Hulk, USAgent, Azrael: Agent of the Bat, Walt Simonson’s Wonder Woman, Alan Moore’s Tom Strong, Top 10, Warren Ellis’ Planetary/JLA: Terra Occulta, Just Imagine Stan Lee with Jerry Ordway Creating JLA, and his creator-owned graphic novel The Messenger.

Human Bomb

When it was decided to provide an official sequel to Crisis on Infinite Earths in Infinite Crisis, Jerry Ordway was put on tap to provide inks for the limited series as well as some interior art. In this sequence, Ordway was a thread that inked the three major crises that shaped DC Comics. Following this new Crisis, Ordway was again provided the opportunity to work on both the Marvel Family and Earth-Two. Following the events of Infinite Crisis, a limited version of DC Comics’ multiverse was reintroduced including Earth-Two (home to the Justice Society of America, All-Star Squadron, and Infinity, Inc.). The event would also reveal that Power Girl was in fact the same Power Girl that resided on Earth-Two having been one of the few survivors of the Crisis on Infinite Earths that was not retroactively altered. In the pages of Justice Society of America, Ordway would draw the return of Power Girl to Earth-Two and its Justice Society Infinity (merging the old and new groups into a single entity). Shortly thereafter in that same title, Ordway would also draw the post-Infinite Crisis version of the Marvel Families in wake of its upheaval in the pages of 52, the Trials of Shazam!, Black Adam: The Dark Age, and so on. Jerry Ordway would later be featured in an issue of Modern Masters by TwoMorrows Publishing and would work on the title Red Menace as well as become a cover artist for various DC Comics titles. When the Warner Archive Collection released the live action Shazam! television series on DVD, a variant edition was produced featuring a cover by Ordway. Presently, Jerry Ordway is providing art for the mini-series Human Bomb.

For the latest on Jerry Ordway, read his blog, follow him on Twitter and check him out on Facebook.

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Thunderbolts Issue 2 Review

Terry — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 22:12:15 +0000

Thunderbolts Issue 2 Review By Jerry W. Vandal

Bullets, Brawn and Bedlam
Written by Daniel Way
Pencils by Steve Dillon
Colors by Guru FX
Cover: Julian Totino Tedesco

“If you’re looking for options…you’re looking at the wrong guy,” Frank Castle stoically mouths off to Red Hulk after the crimson behemoth shrugs off the demand for him to release Venom with a simple , “or”. It’s a statement that sums up the make-up of this team. Venom, Elektra, Deadpool, Punisher and Red Hulk aren’t together to like one another or get along. They’re a group of individuals put together to get a job done. And that job involves leaving a rather large amount of blood behind them to seep into ground.

“No longer will large-scale aggression be ignored, or hidden, or condoned—it will be met in kind… and with overwhelming force,” is how Red Hulk describes the violence that is about to occur on Kata Jaya (an island off the coast of Madripoor) to some of its officials. It’s a statement about what this book is about—that being screw diplomacy. If you’re a bad guy doing bad things to your people—the Thunderbolts are going to be a black and red storm of mayhem.

Thunderbolts looks to be a great collaboration between Daniel Way and Steve Dillon and an interesting stint for the combination of these characters. I’ve always liked the concept of the Thunderbolts, but it’s never been a book that has made its way into my pull list. The combination of characters however resonated with me for some reason—perhaps my guilt of not picking up Venom on a monthly basis—perhaps the prospect of seeing Dillon draw Frank Castle again—perhaps the great job Way did on Deadpool. Perhaps, and most likely the great cover done by Tedesco. Looking at covers a few months back of the upcoming Marvel Now! books this one jumped out at me. If this team was comprised of Spot (who had an interesting role in Mark Waid’s last couple of issues on Daredevil), Captain Ultra, Squirrel Girl and Ant-Man Tedesco’s job on the issues first cover (and second) would have made me put in $3 to check this book out even though he is not on involved in the interiors.

Speaking of interior, Dillon’s artwork is a very clean style that somehow screams grit. The details in the lines around his eyes I think are what sell the hardened lives of so many of the characters in this book (and his run on Punisher with Jason Aaron). These guys look mean and not to be trifled with—considering the goal of this Thunderbolts cast, he’s a perfect artist to depict this crew of bruiser, stabbers and shooters.

And Daniel Way is proving to be a versatile writer. Thunderbolts is going to have more serious tones than his previous work on Deadpool. In issue two he’s already begun to establish that there’s some alpha male tension between the guys, sophomoric when dealing with Deadpool, while Elektra remained very quiet. Her quietness in this issue is fitting as she’s the assassin of the group. The other members are not really known for their covertness—but it’ll be interesting to see if Elektra’s role remains this way. Venom doesn’t like Deadpool. Deadpool, stops Elektra from taking off her wetsuit to focus on the job (apparently Wade can focus). Venom doesn’t care for Red Hulk’s silence about where their information is coming from. And Frank makes it very clear he is not afraid of the hulking Ross. So there’s lots of tension between the characters and that should make for interesting stories when these guys aren’t shooting and smashing stuff. And there’s plenty of action. Even Red Hulk’s declaration to the Kata Jaya officials, while in conversation had a rather large explosion to it.

And then there’s the cliff hanger. The reveal of where Red Hulk is getting his information about the dictators and countries he’s keeping an eye on. I’ll leave that bit out. I see the cover is out for issue 3, but don’t bother with a google search to check it out. Go pick up the first two issues. I think you’ll be surprised by a book that may slip through the cracks of your pull list. The first issue is a drawn out conversation between Ross and Castle with a page for each of the other Thunderbolts as they’re being included. Some mimes get shot by Deadpool, so if I’ve done a poor job of selling how good a book this is going to be, please check it out just for that. I will admit a little disappointment to in reading it, but only because I wanted to see this group together. And issue 2 does that really well and has me excited for what’s to come. It also made me appreciate the first issue more as Daniel Way tells a story. There’s going to be a lot of action. A lot of bullets. A lot of blood. But, I think as this book unfolds we’re going to end up with something more. That being a book about that says something about the time we’re in and the kind of brute force it might take to change that. I’m not advocating or dismissing the course. But I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.

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Five Weapons: Interview with Jimmie Robinson

Terry — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:55:39 +0000

Five Weapons #1 (of 5)

Five Weapons: Interview with Jimmie Robinson by Jerry Whitworth

Comic Art Community: For those who haven’t yet seen the solicitations or the four-page preview at Comic Book Resources yet, could you tell us the premise of your upcoming series Five Weapons for Image Comics in February 2013?

Jimmie Robinson: In a nutshell, this is like a teenage Sherlock meets The Hunger Games. Sherlock doesn’t use weapons, but you still wouldn’t beat him even if you had a gun. Why? Because Sherlock can find your weakness at a glance. That’s what I wanted to do with Five Weapons. In fact, I go out of my way to leave clues for the reader to figure out how cliffhanger on their own.

I thought wouldn’t it be cool if the hero’s advantage was his disadvantage. So I created a school where everyone has a weapon. A school for young assassins. And each weapon has their own club. Each club has their own class president. And in order to graduate from this school you have to pass not only math, science, English and all that, but also your selected weapon class. The meat of the story comes into play when a new kid is transferred to the school. This new kid has NO weapon. In fact, he refuses to use any weapon. We’ve seen this story before in comics and movies. It’s the typical outsider who challenges a pre-existing system with a new method of thinking or action. Well, I took that platform and gave it a few spins around the block. There are things I can’t tell up front, but it won’t be so simple as that old Hollywood formula.

Five Weapons #2

CAC: Something like this is rather innovative for an American comic book. It seems more at home as a novel, feature film, or anime series. Where do you draw some of your inspiration for Five Weapons?

JR: Actually, the inspiration comes from an old myth. Even the title spins off the name of the myth. The name of the story was PRINCE FIVE WEAPONS. It’s a telling of one of the incarnations of the Buddha

It goes that the Prince was sent to a school where he mastered five weapon skills. Once he learned everything he could from his master he left to go back home. On his way home he went through a forest and ran into a monster called Sticky Hair. The Prince used his weapons. But each one he used failed. He even used all five of his limbs (head, arms, legs) and still it had no effect. But the monster was confused because the Prince did not show any fear — even when everything failed him. So the monster asked him why was he not afraid. The prince said he had a secret weapon *inside* him that could not be consumed and the monster thought that even if he ate the prince he would not be able to win. Thus, the monster let the prince go. Now, since this is a telling of the Buddha we can read into his secret weapon as his divine understanding of life, spirit, or a simple trick. Whatever the interpretation is up to the reader. What I took from it for the comic is that he didn’t win until he used his mind to win.
That’s where my mind started to run. Obviously, I changed damn near everything, but the concept is the same. It’s not a matter of how powerful the weapon is that your opponent carries… or even how powerful the opponent is. It’s really how you can size them up, find their weakness and build upon that. Just look at Lex Luthor. Just a man. And yet, he give Superman so much grief. Same with The Joker. Just a crazy guy. No special powers, but he can find the right place to put a dagger in your back and twist it.

Jade the Blade

CAC: Would you give us some background on your Sherlock transfer student prince? Who is he and how did he come to matriculate at the Five Weapons school for assassins-in-training?

JR: Our lead character is Tyler Shainline. In the world of Five Weapons the Shainline family are treated like celebrities. Think of them as The Kardashians or a *blank-fill-in* famous personality. In school everyone gives Tyler a wide berth due to his family’s notoriety, in particular his father who is a well-known assassin. So when Tyler decides not to join any particular weapons club at school nobody forces him to do otherwise. The faculty don’t want to upset Tyler’s famous father, or the influence he brings to the school, and the students fear that Tyler will kick their butts — even without a weapon.

But there’s a reason for that because we learn that Tyler is not all that meets the eye.

Rick the Stick

In the Five Weapons universe the assassins have strict rules about how their community if governed. They have a distinct class structure. Assassins are rich and wealthy and live in nice mansions and estates, but their staff and servants are poor and prohibited to use weapons of any kind. This also applies to the infrastructure around them. Store keepers, garbage men, whatever. Either you’re an upper class elite assassin with a weapon, or you’re an unarmed commoner who *serves* them.

Perhaps you can guess what’s going on with Tyler and why he doesn’t use a weapon.

But how and why Tyler enters such a school I will have to leave on the page for the reader because that’s part of the core and twist of the story. And trust me, it’s more complicated than you might be thinking right now.

Joon the Loon

CAC: In the promotional images that have come out thus far, we’re given a glimpse of Darryl the Arrow, Jade the Blade, Joon the Loon, Nat the Gat, and Rick the Stick. Are they the presidents of the five clubs and would you tell us a little bit about each club?

JR: Yes. Each class has a student president who best represents the abilities of the weapon. These are the opponents that Tyler Shainline will have to face — without a weapon.

However, that’s not all he has to deal with. Each class also has a teacher. These teachers are the true masters of the weapon. The teacher in the knife class is named, Kurasawa; the Staff teacher is Mr. Log; the Archery teacher is Ms. Featherwind; the Exotic weapons teacher is called L’Harma; and the gun teacher is called, Old John Boy. So Tyler has to deal with the faculty, too. But his primary opposition on the school staff is the principal, who is named simply Principal O.

Darryl the Arrow

But Tyler has friends and allies in the school, as well. His friends Dennis (a transfer student from India) and Hannah (from the Himalayas) often help with information they hear around the school hallways. Even better is his ally in the Nurse’s station. Not only does she help Tyler, but sometimes she even covers for him. We find out why she does later in the series.

Tyler will need all the help he can get. Unlike some of my other books this time the lead character is constantly at a disadvantage. And each time the rules of the game will change. Each weapon club has their own set of rules. The challenge in the knife club will be different than that of the gun club. Not only are the weapons different, but also the personality quirks of each class president. Jade the Blade is pure confidence. Rick the Stick is a street thug bully. Darryl the Arrow is very smart and calculating. Joon the Loon is completely unpredictable. Nat the Gat is methodical and religious. Cracking the lock of these diverse personalities and weapon skills will be dangerous and often work only by the skin of Tyler’s teeth. Bomb Queen got away with almost everything. She was a slick villain and she was always very confident and brash. In Five Weapons, Tyler will have to gamble because he may know your weakness is your confidence, but turning that against the opponent is not an exact science.

As a writer, sometimes it has been tough to find the right balance and also create and solve a mystery with each issue.

Darryl the Arrow

CAC: I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to ask about the property most associated with your work. The latest mini-series for Bomb Queen had taken the character into a completely new setting and it would seem as if it was the character’s final chapter. Is this the end of the Queen?

JR: Nope, Bomb Queen still has life in her. I admit, I painted her into a far and remote corner off into the future, however in comics that’s never a final barrier. Time travel, alternative universes, clones (which she is one), supernatural elements and other story paths are always available. In fact, I have two stories that I want to develop for Bomb Queen. Whether they end up being a one-shot or another story arc is up to the future.

I’m also still keen on a team up one-shot with Kirkman’s Battle Pope. He agreed to the idea a long time ago, but as we all know he is a busy man. Also, he wanted to write it so, again, the ball was in his court. A Bomb Queen vs. Battle Pope would be just brilliant. The Queen has been to the realm of Hell already (vol. 4) and she has also traveled through dimensions (Hack/Slash crossover) so it’s actually quite easy to bring her back full circle to her existing franchise.

I get email from readers all the time and one of the things most people miss is the old New Port City. The Queen’s city of crime just didn’t get enough of a spotlight in the series and a new story could fix that and bring her back for new readers. The only problem is upping the ante. Readers expect more violence and over-the-top gore and wrongness. I don’t want to be *bad* just for the sake of it. I want to have a solid story.

The first issue of the five-issue limited series Five Weapons will arrive on store shelves February 27, 2013 and a preview for Five Weapons can be found in Bomb Queen volume 7: End of Hope available in stores today. Bomb Queen Deluxe Edition volume 1 collecting the first two mini-series and the one-shot Bomb Queen vs Blacklight: Catfight will be available wherever books are sold February 26, 2013.

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NIGHTWING #15 Review

Terry — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:46:09 +0000

NIGHTWING #15 Review by Jamie Dunst

Kyle Higgins: Writer; Eddy Barrow; Artist; Eber Ferreira: Inks; Rod Reis; Colors; Carlos M. Mangual; Letters; Greg Capullo & FCO Plascencia: Cover

So, it’s Nightwing’s turn to get tormented by the Joker and holy cow, does he get it good from him in this issue. We start off with the Joker offing Jimmy the Clown and leaving him for the circus people and Dick Grayson to find Jimmy is discovered having ingested the Joker toxin so he looks like the Joker and he’s got a sign attached saying “Nobody likes a knockoff”. Realizing that none of the circus performers are safe, Dick has them all leave town for their own safety. However, Sonia Zucco decides to stay in town which Dick doesn’t like but can’t do anything about it and they wind up getting closer. However that’s all interrupted by the Joker.

Nightwing enters an abandoned building where he finds Raya who has been effected by the Joker toxin and attacks Nightwing. Te battle doesn’t last very long as Raya can’t handle the Joker toxin and dies but not before telling Dick how sorry she was about everything. It’s as Nightwing is mourning the loss of another friend that he sees an invitation written on Raya about Amusement Mile and Hayley’s Circus and the issue ends with Dick racing to Amusement Mile to save his friends and employees.

I don’t know what to say about this issue except it was freaking intense. Between the writing and the art, there was just nothing to complain about this issue and it felt like everything was building to this going all the way back to #1. I cannot wait to see how this all ends for DIck but having heard an interview with Kyle Higgins, you can bet it’s not going to end very smoothly and the effects of the next issue is probably going to weigh very heavily on Dick going forward. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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STAR TREK: TNG/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2 #8

Terry — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:39:20 +0000

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2 #8 Review by Jamie Dunst

Scott & David Tippen: Writer; Gordon Purcell: Pencils; J.K. Woodward: Painter; Tom B. Fong; Lettering; Jacen Smith: Assistant Editor; Denton J. Tipton: Editor

This issue starts off where the last one left off with the away teams of Worf, Amy, Rory and some security guards about to enter the engine room with a ton of Borg while at the same time another group comprised of the Doctor, Captain Picard and Data are about to enter the Bridge with even more Borg. The two groups fight their way through making enough distractions for each other trying to keep the Cybermen occupied until the Enterprise arrives which they do with a surprise for the Cybermen in the form of a gold infused particle beam that weakens them greatly which allows away team to finally confront the Cyber-Controller. After a bit of a struggle, the away team get the upper hand and are able to destroy the Cybermen’s ship.

On the TARDIS, the conduit Borg tries to take over the the Doctor’s ship, but with the help of Data, he’s defeated and pushed out into the Time Vortex. Commander Riker takes a bit of time to mourn his friend who was now lost to the Borg but thinks of better times and how he did help the Federation one last time. The Doctor and his companions are ready to get back to their Universe. Commander Riker asks the Doctor if they will remember this little adventure which the Doctor says yes and no. With the total destruction of the Cybermen in this Universe, all of their time tampering will have been undone but everything that was experienced in the present will remain and with that the Doctor, Amy and Rory leave to go back to their Universe. Elsewhere, we see the Borg communicating with each other on how to assimilate a Time Lord

Well, this was just a brilliant story. It meshed two well established science fiction franchises together. It told a great story where all the main characters got a moment to shine and the interaction was fantastic. I thought the writers got all the character’s voices pitch perfect and the art throughout this series was just simply breathtaking. I cannot wait to get this again in a trade because I’m sure it will be just as awesome and now that I know this is going to have a sequel, I have something to look forward to.

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Hawkeye #6 Review

Terry — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 21:32:01 +0000

HAWKEYE #6 Review by Jamie Dunst

Matt Fraction: Writer; David Aja: Arist; Matt Hollingsworth: Colorist; Chris Eliopoulos: Letterer; David Aja: Cover

This issue is called “Six Nights in the Life of Hawkeye” and it’s basically what you get. We see Hawkeye dealing with all kinds of things from Thursday, December 13th to Wednesday, December 19th. During these 6 days, we see Clint deal with all kinds of things from having to unpack and decorate his apartment to untangling electronic wiring to fighting A.I.M agents and once again dealing with those annoying Russian mob guys who say “Bro” twice in every sentence. I love how the days are out of order so you can see the effect in one day and how Clint got there in the following page. It’s something that Matt Fraction uses in this book a lot and it really works here.

I have more or less run out of ways to say this book is all kinds of awesome. I love Clint’s characterization in the book. Matt Fraction really seems to get the character and this is some of the best Hawkeye I’ve seen in quite awhile. I love the interactions he has with Tony Stark, Wolverine and Spider-Man. Also, I think this is the first issue we actually se Hawkeye in costume which has got to be some kind of record when it comes to superhero comics. The Russian Bro guys are getting on my nerves a bit and we will be seeing the interaction between them and Clint come to ahead in the next issue I would assume but this is what I don’t get. Clint is a card-carrying member of the Avengers. He could call the Hulk and Iron Man and this mess would be over and done with but then again, how much fun would that be? I’m curious to see how Clint deals with this gang’s latest threat that he move out of his building or harm will come to his neighbors and as always, I look forward to the next issue.

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Holiday Art From Comic Art Commissions Artists

Terry — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 23:49:13 +0000

Holiday Art From Comic Art Commissions Artists

Comic Art Commissions is a place where buyers hook up with artists for commissions or art jobs of all types.

Comic Art Commissions.com

Here is some great Holiday Art from members of Comic Art Commissions with links to their profile pages. Bookmark this page because I will be adding new images as they come in!

Holiday pinup by Michael Munshaw

Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Ismael Alejandro Moreno Ozuna (IAMO)

Black Cat by Gerben den Heeten

Snowman by Bill Mckay with colors by Sanju R.Nivangune

Deadpool by Dan Capitumini

Santa Vs The Gift From Planet X by Manny Aguilera

Christmas Morning by Glauber Lopes

Agency Publishing Christmas Pinup by Antonio Bifulco

Christmas Tree by Anil CS Rao

Holiday Card from Michael T. Gilbert

Holiday Pinup from Judit Tondora

Zombie Reindeer by Jesse Campbell

Happy Holidays from Andrea Montano

Christmas Tree by Alberto Rios

“Black Cat” by John Johnston

“Santa and Rudolf” by Eric Ninaltowski

“Karaoke Claus” by Patrick Harrington

“Gail Scott” by Mark Toner

“Peanuts Christmas” by J. Christopher Schmidt

“Pirate Queen” Christmas by Clint Hilinski

“Joulupukki/Father Christmas” by Gregory Giordano

“Christmas Legion Of Doom” by Dan Nokes

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Valiant Entertainment Holiday Card

Terry — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:52:25 +0000

Valiant Entertainment Holiday Card

From everyone at Valiant Entertainment, have a very merry holiday season and a Valiant New Year!

We’ll see you in 2013!

Valiant Entertainment

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Christmas Wishes from Boom Art Department

Terry — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:35:52 +0000

Christmas Wishes from Boom Art Department

Boom Art Department wishes every partner, artist, publisher, family, friend and foe…

An amazing X-mas and a truly BAD-ass 2013!!

ChEeRs, everyone!!

” Only love can be divided endlessly, and still not diminish.”

–
Greetings,

Richard Boom

CEO Boom Art Department
http://www.boom-art-department.com
http://www.facebook.com/BoomArtDepartment

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Horror Christmas

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Megas XLR: Interview with Jody Schaeffer

Terry — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:24:18 +0000

Megas XLR cast

Megas XLR: Interview with Jody Schaeffer by Jerry Whitworth

Comic Art Community: One of the best animated series produced in the United States during the 2000s, it’s interesting that Megas XLR was produced by creators relatively new to the animation industry at the time. Further, those creators have gone on to becoming movers and shakers in animation today. Could you tell us a little bit about that time at New York’s School of Visual Arts that gave the animated world the likes of Jody Schaeffer, George Krstic, Chris Prynoski, and Tony Cupo and how these elements came together to dream up the concept for Lowbrow, or what fans know today as Megas XLR?

Jody Schaeffer: Well, truth be told, we weren’t all that new to the biz when we produced it. Linda Simensky, the producer we ambushed, was actually a friend because I took a class of hers back in SVA. Chris P had a series under his belt (MTV Downtown, which only went for one season), and George was head writer on that. And before then, Chris directed the animated hallucination sequence in the Beavis and Butthead movie. That one was fun to work on, lol.

So really, between us we had several years of production experience before delving into Megas. But SVA was seminal to our careers because it introduced us to people in the industry such as Linda. There was still quite a lot going on in East Coast animation at the time, and the School of Visual Arts let us tap into that. We’re still east coast boys at heart.

Coop

CAC: Could you tell us about the genesis of Megas? George Krstic has said it came about while playing video games with you about a show that mashed up a lot of your interests together. What were some of your influences and what was the creative process like making the pilot (and how it changed when the series was ordered)?

JS: Well literally what happened was, while we were playing games, I told George that it boiled down to its most basic, what I wanted to see on TV was “a big fat screaming idiot driving a giant robot”. It sort of snowballed from there. George came up with the Glorft, Chris designed the original Megas concept, it was really a collaborative effort.

Basically we knew we wanted to portray everything we got a kick out of, and looked for ways to incorporate it. We had all the usual influences: giant mecha, pro wrestling, cars, we loved them all and wanted to see them all mashed into one show.

Megas

CAC: I understand you supplied the hardware used to create the pilot. Chris Colon of Two Strangers One Podcast was curious what software you used and I heard that you had to Frankenstein your computer in order to get the project made. While Flash animation and 3D CGI are quickly becoming the norm for modern animation, you guys were really pioneers spending your own time and money to make your own product the way you wanted it to be made. Why did you decide to take this route, what issues did you face, and roughly how long did it take to produce the pilot for the animation phase?

JS: Oh, geez, that was fifteen years ago now. I couldn’t tell you what pieces I bought, lol.

But I can tell you why. We weren’t seeing anyone out there making cartoons the way we wanted to see them, so we knew we’d just have to make one. And the only way to do that was if we had our own rig.

Coop

CAC: You transferred the pilot to VHS cassette and took it to San Diego Comic Con to your friend and former teacher Linda Simensky, an executive from Cartoon Network. How did that series of events come about and what transpired from the convention to being contacted about interest in the show to Megas XLR competing to be the next Cartoon Cartoon?

JS: Oh, it was easy enough. It was an excuse to go to Comic Con! Lol…

Linda knew we were coming and she was happy to sit with us for a moment and take our pitch packet. From there she was sufficiently interested in what we had to offer to let us make a pilot at the Burbank studio. Like I said, she already knew us from her class at SVA. Granted, she knew me as “that guy that always fell asleep in her class”, but in my defense I was working full time and commuting to school five days a week. She’s also very understanding.

New Jersey

CAC: Working up the pilot at the Burbank studio, did you know the show was going to compete to see if a series would be ordered? And after Megas won, it took roughly two years for the show to hit the air. Is that common or did you guys run into any snags during the process of turning the pilot into a series? I recently heard the story about how Bruce Campbell was cast for the show after Chris P put the “Battle Royale” script in his hands at a convention and was surprised that it only took a week or so before Bruce was in the recording booth.

JS: Yes, we were aware it was part of their competition. We were pretty confident about it, tho. We were just that stoked about making it.

We hit a big snag, actually: September 11. We were on track for a greenlight when the towers fell, and everything got put on hold. Everyone was in shock. I had friends that worked there that were headed in when the planes hit. It was grim. In that context, our delay was no big deal.

Once things got rolling tho, they moved quickly enough.

Megas XLR

CAC: What were some of your most memorable “geek-gasms” from working on the show’s two seasons?

JS: There were so many. Getting to work with Bruce Campbell was one. Peter Cullen and Frank Welker were also a big deal to us. And getting Steve Blum and Wendee Lee to be main characters??? I still geek out over that one!

I still talk to Steve and Wendee. That’s another reason to geek out, lol. They love Megas almost as much as we do! They saw what we were trying to do and were on board from the getgo!

Megas XLR

CAC: Despite Megas XLR fostering dedicated, hardcore fans, the show unfortunately ended after two seasons. I think many, myself included, have a hard time believing the show’s audience was that small that the series came to a close. How did you find out about the show being canceled and what was your reaction to the news? Was there any immediate attempts to try and resurrect the series or look into a change of venue?

JS: It took them a while to come to a decision and tell us. They had Teen Titans and Ben 10 in their roster and tho our ratings were doing on par with theirs, CN felt that they didn’t need three in-house shows that went after the same basic demographic. We also skewed a little older, and that wasn’t a good thing back then.

Since it took so long to tell us, we had already sort of figured it out by the time the news came. There was no talk of resurrection at first, mainly we just wanted to move on to the next thing. A while later tho, we began to reflect on how cool it was, and how we still had stories to tell.

CAC: And you guys certainly moved on to work on other projects. Chris P founded Titmouse, George worked on the first two seasons of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and you worked with Titmouse as well as on series like Issues (about superheroes in therapy) and Mad (based on concepts of the popular magazine). How did you find out about Cartoon Network abandoning the domestic airing rights to Megas XLR? Also, what happened following that news?

JS: We found out when we started poking around and asking, really. We were curious if there was any way we could work with CN to revive the property. It’s safe to say we were shocked, lol.

As for what happened following, well, you’re seeing it unfold in real time. You’ll know something as soon as we do!

Megas XLR cast

CAC: Based on the work you and your fellow creators have been doing in recent years, it would seem you all have a fairly good working relationship with Cartoon Network so that certainly gives some hope to fans. That said, given CN can’t air Megas in the US anymore, are you still just negotiating with CN alone or have you guys started talking to other networks, say Disney XD, Nickelodeon, or the Hub to see if there’s interest in bringing the series back into syndication on one of those channels? With Motorcity just coming to an end on Disney, Nickelodeon renewing interest in its action content with Legend of Korra, Ninja Turtles, Kung Fu Panda, and Power Rangers, and the Hub licensing series from Time Warner (Batman: TAS, Superman: TAS, etc), a series like Megas has a lot of potential with another station.

JS: I can’t discuss what we may have in store for Megas. Again, rest assured when we have some news to tell, you will be in the loop!

To learn the latest developments on Megas XLR, follow the Twitter feeds of its creators:
> Jody Schaeffer

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Fantastic Four #2

Terry — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:03:06 +0000

Fantastic Four #2

FANTASTIC FOUR #2 Review by Jamie Dunst

Matt Fraction: Writer; Mark Bagley: Penciler; Mark Farmer & Mark Morales: Inks; Paul Mounts with Wil Quintana; Colorists; VS’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer; Bagley, Farmer & Mounts: Cover

The issue starts off with Ben Grimm on Yancy St. yelling at the Yancy Street gang to protect their block while he’s gone or else. It was two pages long which totaled 9 panels and I loved every panel of it. It was kind of touching at points and I thought it was a good way to start this issue. The scene jumps to Reed and Scott Lang discussing the Fantastic Four’s current problem with their unstable molecules and the reasoning Reed wants to keep this problem a secret for now. While Scott doesn’t like it, he agrees. We then move over to Sue introducing Medussa to the Future Foundation. I liked how Medussa says to Sue that nobody bowed to her and the response Sue says that at least they stood still for almost a whole minute. I thought that was a cool scene. We then get a cool two page scene with She Hulk and Thing competitively are working out before getting summoned to a meeting

At the meeting we see the Fantastic Four with their replacements minus Johnny’s who seems to have forgotten to ask someone to replace him. Johnny asks his girlfriend Darla and shows her what it means to be a member of the FF by brining her into the past for a quick mission. The issue ends with the Future Foundation saying goodbye to the Fantastic Four, Franklin and Valeria as they take off in their ship and go off into time and space. The issue ends with Scott saying how their time as FF member won’t last long and they won’t even know the Fantastic Four is gone.

I loved this issue. It was great. There were so many great moments in this issue that made me remember why I had loved this team all those years ago. I loved the interaction between Thing and She Hulk and from those two pages, I wonder if there could ever be a possible relationship between the two characters. I think that would be fun. I loved how Thing got all excited piloting the ship and Franklin and Valeria are acting like children asking if they there yet. Fraction seems to get the characters and Bagely’s art is as always Fantastic. I see over-lapping with the FF series and I am assuming #2 of that series will have some of this in there and probably a bit more after the two hundred forty seconds that this replacement team are supposed to take over for the FF. I would imagine that starting with #3, the two books will split off into their own thing but as for this series, I think it’s one of the best things I’m reading and I can’t wait to see the Fantastic Four in time and space.

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BATGIRL #15

Terry — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:46:28 +0000

Batgirl #15

BATGIRL #15 Review by Jamie Dunst

Gail Simone: Writer; Daniel Sampere: Pencils; Vicente Cifuentes: Inks; Ulises Arredia: Colorist; Dave Sharpe: Letters; Ed Benes & Ulises Arredia: Cover

This issue starts off right where the last one left off with Batigrl facing off with the Joker with Barbara’s mom tied up and Joker proposing marriage to Batgirl. The confrontation between Joker and Batgirl gets pretty intense at times with some very good moments throughout the book. What I loved was that interspersed throughout the issue, you have a flashback with the Joker actually talking about his plan for something like this a Arkham Asylum doctor. The Joker talks to the Doctor about a few things but most important what he would do if he ever met a nine year old girl named Sasha which by coincidence, the good Doctor has such a daughter.

We see James Gordon Jr. realizing that he set up his sister a little too well. He tries to contact the Joker which doesn’t seem to go over to well and James finds himself realizing that he actually needs to help his sister by issue’s end. I loved the confrontation between Barbara and the Joker where at one point she goes off on him really goes to town on him beating him senseless. She of course realizes that the Joker is always one step ahead and Batgirl is forced to leave her mom behind and ends up at a church surrounded by a bunch of the Joker’s goons. What I found most chilling about this issue was the flashback dialogue between the Joker and the Arkham Asylum Doctor which is leaves us hanging and wanting answers. It’s chilling which is why we love the Joker so much. I’m very intrigued by this portion of the Death in the Family story and I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

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GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15

Terry — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:18:27 +0000

Green Lantern Corps #15

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 Review by Jamie Dunst

Peter J. Tomasi: Writer; Fernando Pasarin: Penciller; Scott Hanna: Inker; Gabe Eltaeb: Colorist; Dave Sharpe: Letterer; Trevor McCarthy: Cover

This issue starts out pretty much where the last issue left off. Guy Garnder no longer a Green Lantern and I would assume in the garage of his house. As one would guess, Guy is pretty distraught over what happened. He was finally a bigwig in the Green Lantern Corps with his name in the book of OA and he’s visibly upset over the fact that he’s not longer wearing the ring. There is a six panel page showing Guy stripping off the GL costume and putting back on his leather jacket and motorcycle helmet which I really enjoyed. Also, in the previous three pages that totaled 12 panels total, 4 of them show that experimental Green Gauntlet that Guy once used before. Foreshadowing? I sure as hell hope so.

Elsewhere, we see John and Fatality talking about why Fatality is locked on to a piece of Mogo. They also talk about the past and it’s a nice moment and there seems to be even more foreshadowing with a possible romance between John and Fatality whose real name is Yrra. Not sure if that was ever mentioned before but it’s a nice little nugget of information that I’m sure Green Lantern fans will burn into their memory banks to try and stump each other later on. I do like that these two are on a mission to try and reform a planet. It seems very appropriate for John who destroyed two planets, one of which was Fatality’s. This should be a interesting team-up and considering the Zamarons are now working with the Guardians, I’ll be curious to see how these two fight the Third Army together.

Elsewhere, we see the Guardians looking at the carnage their new Third Army throughout the Universe. We see that Salaak is listening in to their conversation in horror. Suddenly, Ganthet realizes that someone is listening in on their conversation and Salaak is discovered and subdued fairly easily. Ganthet explains to Salaak that free-will is a cancer in the Universe and that it needs to be squashed. Salaak feels like a fool for so blindly following the Guardians and question the loyalty of the more free thinking Green Lanterns. The two page scene ends with trapping Salaak which was kind of weird to me. Why lock up Salaak instead of making him another member of the Third Army? I guess we’ll find out soon enough although I’m kind of glad Salaak is still alive albeit incarcerated.

Elsewhere we see Gerard and his father watching a football game when Guy calls to check in. Papa Gardner gives Guy a piece of his mind for interrupting his life and wasn’t impressed with the people with powers. Guy just wanted to check in to see that everything was okay and goes on to fight crime his way. Guy thinks he doesn’t need his badge or his power ring to do good so he goes on busting heads and getting information about crime in his city while pretending he still has his ring. All the information gets Guy into trouble though as he busts in on a major operation and it turns out that Guy actually took out a bunch of undercover Federal Agents and the end of the issue has Guy’s sister putting him under arrest. Well, let’s see Guy get himself out of this one. Not a bad issue. So far, I haven’t really seen much in the way of the Third Army although, I’m not reading Red Lanterns so there is that. Having said that, I liked this issue well enough. I feel bad for Guy and hope that he can get himself out of this pickle he now finds himself in and I know that green gauntlet will come into play at some point. Maybe next issue? Tune in.

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