Why 'The Avengers' is important (to me)

"I have had a dream all my life, and it was not this good."

Joss Whedon spoke those words in Hall H at Comic-Con almost two years ago. He was joined on stage by "The Avengers" cast and the crowd was going wild.

Seeing it first hand I can say the noise level was so high that it almost was dream-like. It was a magical moment. I still remember the looks of amazement on the faces of the people around me.

"The Avengers" as a movie is a dream come true.

I best explained this to a co-worker today. For nerds and comic geeks, this is one of the biggest things in our lifetime. Second only to a "Justice League" movie.

My co-worker tried to understand what I meant and said "So is this like the excitement I would have seeing Axl and Slash performing as Guns 'N' Roses again?"

YES!

For my entire life there has always been "The Avengers." I have early memories (man, I must have been 4-years-old) of Captain America and The Hulk. My brother and I would play in the park as Avengers all the time. In school, my friends and I would dream cast roles.

I wish I would have kept those. Late 1980s actors as the Avengers? Sweet.

But, for some reason, the thought of an "Avengers" movie was so close, yet so far away. It always seemed "too big" to be made. It was long thought to be a dream project that was just that, a dream.

And it kind of feels like that still today. As of writing this, I'm about 30 hours away from seeing the film. Thirty hours away after 30 years of waiting.

My 11-year-old niece Zoe is excited to see the movie too. I can't imagine what my 11-year-old self would do in that position.

So, don't write "The Avengers" off as just another comic book film. It is far more than that.

It is a dream come true for many wonderful and patient people

WonderCon 2012: DC storytelling continues to evolve

Unlike Comic Con, WonderCon is about actual comics more than TV and movie stars. With that in mind the two major publishers were on hand to announce what's coming up for some of their most popular titles.

The big news for DC is that "Batman: Earth One" will be out in July and has Batman as he's still figuring things out and learning how to be the famed hero. Eddie Berganza, executive editor, said the story will also take Alfred in a different direction, with the character resembling Liam Neeson in "Taken."

"Batman: Earth One" is fresh off the success of "Superman: Earth One" of which volume two will be released in November.

Writer Bryan Q. Miller announced that the digital first comic "Smallville: Season 11" will be released weekly on Fridays beginning April 13. The story will pick up six months after the series ended with Clark embracing his destiny and defeating Apokolips.

All the series characters will return and continue to face various threats as they take the "next mid 20s step in life."

Also launching digitally first are "Batman Beyond" and "Justice League Beyond." Many of the writers and artists on the panel discussed how the rise of digital comics on computers and tablets has forced creators to rework how they write and draw.

There was also talk of new additions to the new 52 including the return of Grant Morrison's "Batman Incorporated," which involves Bruce Wayne travelling the globe and recruiting new crime fighters to carry the Batman banner.

Two of the most intriguing titles were "Earth 2" and "World's Finest."

"Earth 2" harkens back to the Justice Society of America story of alternate Earth versions of classic heroes. "World's Finest" features Huntress and Power Girl being marooned on our Earth and trying to navigate a new existence.

Other additions include "Dial H," a mythology heavy story and the newest entry in the Dark group, "G.I. Combat," a book with dinosaurs and superheroes and "The Ravagers" a "Teen Titans" spin-off starring Superboy.

Other Highlights:

"Animal Man" and "Swamp Thing" crossover
"I, Vampire" and "Justice League Dark crossover
Amanda Waller's appearance in "Teen Titans"
Suicide Squad vs. Resurrection Man
Free Comic Book Day teases for Captain Marvel and Green Lantern

A DC New 52 title almost snuck through

Sunday night. I was bored out of my mind.

I went onto 4 Color Fantasies Internet storefront just to browse around. I had already purchased the "Fringe" comics written by Joshua Jackson (review to come!) but I was looking for a cheap, one-and-done comic to kill the boredom.

I had heard many good things about "I, Vampire" so I thought I'd give it a shot. Hey, it was only $1.99.

Holy crap! The book is pretty good.

I am a total newbie to the characters of this book, which apparently go back to 1981.

The plot has vampire Andrew trying to talk down another vampire, Mary, from doing something really horrible. You see, he sired her and it all went downhill from there. While he can keep his sanity and vampire condition in check, she cannot and wants total power.

Her plan is to basically take over the world and kill everyone. But, since this is in the DC Universe there is a hitch.

One of the best lines is Andrew telling Mary "And you think you and your army stands a chance against Superman and a half-dozen Green Lanterns and Wonder Woman and--"

She cuts him off with "Shhh. I'm hunting wabbits."

That one single panel shows off what's right about the book. There are huge stakes. Tons of vampires against the DC heroes, wow. And the book has some humor to it, helps counteract all the blood and killing. Writer Joshua Hale Fialkov does an amazing job to balance the two and push the book to the max.

Especially with the ending. I didn't see it coming. It's like an epic "Lost" style cliffhanger that makes you wonder where the book is going next.

I'm not a huge fan of the art by Andrea Sorrentino. Not to say I hate it, but it's a very unique style that really fits the gothic tone of the book, just not my thing.

And this book and the time when I purchased it shows off another great feature of the New 52 system, especially with online books. I kind of fell in love with this one, now I can immediatly buy the next issues without having to wait for a comic store to open and drive down there.

The future looks bright for the book, especially with Batman showing up in the fifth issue.

Ranking the New 52: Part two

Just finished reading all the second issues that I wanted to in the DC Comics New 52.

And I'm happy to say there has been some movement in the rankings. I was happy that some issues actually got better. Usually the sophomore slump kills that.

So, without further ado here are the new rankings. I've added the previous rankings next to them to see movement:

1. "Batgirl" (No. 1)
1. "Aquaman" (No. 2)
2. "Nightwing" (No. 3)
3. "Justice League" (No. 5)
4. "Red Lanterns" (No. 4)
5. "Animal Man" (No. 5)
6. "Green Lantern Corps" (No. 9)
7. "Batman" (No. 10)
8. "Demon Knights" (No. 8)
9. "Detective Comics" (No. 7)
10. "Flash" (No. 11)
11. "Mister Terrific" (NA)
12. "Batwoman" (No. 12)
13. "JLI" (No. 13)
14. "Wonder Woman" (No. 15)
15. "Static Shock" (No. 17)
16. "Resurrection Man" (No. 14)
17. "New Guardians"(No. 20)
18. "Green Arrow" (No. 22)
19. "Green Lantern" (No. 29)
20. "Action Comics" (No. 32)

Also decided to drop "Suicide Squad" and "Red Hood and the Outlaws" after the second issues, so they are off the list.

A sneak peek of third issue rankings will find "Batman" moving up along with "Green Lantern Corps." "Batman" may turn out to be one of the best books if it keeps going how it is.

My DC New 52 drop list pt. 1

As Stephanie and I continue to cover DC Comics New 52 initiative, there are bound to be comics that either of us end up not liking.

And since we're not made of money, there are books that we're bound to drop; or just stop reading.
So far I've read 32 of the 52. I think I'm really at the point where I might be done with trying new ones out. I think I may try "Superboy," perhaps "Mister Terrific," but that's it.

Out of those 32, I've decided to drop seven books: "Justice League Dark," "Red Hood," "Teen Titans," "Suicide Squad," "Hawkman," "Firestorm" and "Stormwatch."

In this post I'm going to talk about the four books I like to call "one and done." These are comics that I gave one issue to catch my interest and did not.

"Stormwatch" probably has the easiest excuse: it was not reader friendly at all. To be fair, I've never read a "Stormwatch" comic previous to this. What interested me what the addition of Martian Manhunter and writer Paul Cornell.

Cornell's "Action Comics" run with Lex Luthor as the lead character was amazing stuff. It was like the crack of comics to me, I would have paid a lot more for each issue than I did.
The problem was that outside of Martian Manhunter I had no clue who these characters were and it read like I should. The dialogue was good, but I was just confused. And when I'm paying $2.99 a month, I don't want to be confused.
I also read "Fury of Firestorm" because of writers Gail Simone and Ethan Van Sciver. Also, to be fair, I've never really been a huge fan of Firestorm. But, with these guys behind the book I thought I'd give it a try.
Now I've read that "Blackest Night" did happen in the New 52 universe, so I thought "OK, cool." What I didn't think of was that overall "Blackest Night" happened, but that doesn't mean every single thing during "Blackest Night" happened.
Like everything to do with the character of Firestorm.
This book is not only a total reboot of the character, but just not my cup of tea. I get that the two characters don't like each other, but then the race card gets thrown in and I'm just out. Like with "Stormwatch," I liked most of the dialogue just fine.

My 'best of' New 52 list

1. "Batgirl"
2. "Aquaman"  
3. "Nightwing"  
4. "Red Lanterns"  
5. "Justice League"  
6. "Animal Man" 
7. "Detective Comics"  
8. "Demon Knights" 
9. "Green Lantern Corps"  
10. "Batman"  
11. "The Flash" 
12. "Batwoman" 
13. "Justice League International"  
14. "Resurrection Man" 
15. "Wonder Woman" 
16. "Batman and Robin" 
17. "Static Shock" 
18. "Capt. Atom" 
19. "The Dark Knight" 
20. "New Guardians"  
21. "Superman" 
22. "Green Arrow" 
23. "Justice League Dark" 
24. "Red Hood"  
25. "Teen Titans" 
26. "Suicide Squad" 
27. "Hawkman"  
28. "Green Lantern"  
29. "Firestorm"  
30. "Stormwatch"  
31. "Action Comics"

This is based solely on the first issues alone. Many of these spots have changed since I've read the second issue, and that list will be along at the first of next month.

 

I can say there are at least 4-5 books that I plan on dropping. I will pick up five additional books to make up for that.

DC new 52: The second issues

Today we continue our ongoing DC new 52 coverage with reviews of three of the best comics of the relaunch.

"Justice League #2"


Geoff Johns and Jim Lee pick up right where No. 1 left off with an awesome battle featuring Superman vs. Green Lantern and Batman. The artwork in the fight scenes is superb as the green of Hal Jordan's constructs really pops off the page.

Johns quickly establishes that this is not the Superman or Lantern that everyone is familiar with by having them exchange a lot of snarky banter during the fight. In a clever bit of role reversal, Green Lantern has to convince Flash to join the fight, while Barry Allen is the voice of reason who claims he can't come because he has to work.

Perhaps the most fun aspect of this whole sequence is that it's Batman who puts stop to everything with diplomacy and understanding.

While the first issue established that super-humans aren't seen as the heroes we know them as in this new universe, the second issue builds on that idea by having them openly flaunt longtime characteristics and ideals. However, it's those changes that makes the story interesting and a definite page turner.

"Nightwing #2"


I was on the fence about adding "Nightwing" to my pull list but ultimately couldn't resist reading Dick Grayson's return to normal life, following his stint as Batman.

The first issue jumped right in with Grayson acknowledging how being Batman improved his skills and helped him rediscover who he really he is. It's nice to read a story that doesn't completely rewrite history and has nods to some of the pre-established universe.

The first arc of Nightwing's story will deal with him returning to Haly's Circus, where he grew up and lost his parents. In "Nightwing #2" Grayson battles a mysterious a assassin who thinks he is Gotham's fiercest killer and reconnects with a dying Mr. Haly who leaves him the circus.

One of the things I've always found surprising about Dick Grayson is how he gets so many women. This time it's an old friend from the circus, Raya, who he romances on one of Bruce Wayne's private jets. Ok the private jet helps.

After another attack from the assassin, Mr. Haly dies in Dick's arms telling him everything can be traced back to secrets surrounding the circus.

What has been great about "Nightwing" is seeing Dick get back to his roots and enjoy life without the added responsibility of being Batman and caring for Damian Wayne. He is once again a carefree young man who fights crime because he wants to, not because he has to.

Dick is also scheduled to make an appearance in the next issue of "Batgirl" so it will be interesting to see if any of the drama he's dealing with affects his relationship with Barbara Gordon.

"Action Comics #2"

Other than "Batgirl" and "Justice League," there was no comic I was more excited to read than "Action Comics." Unfortunately, the first issue was majorly disappointing. It mainly involved Superman running from government officials who threw everything at him but the kitchen sink to bring him down. And who else would be leading the charge but Lex Luthor.

The issue ends with Superman finally being brought down, so "Action Comics #2" begins with him held captive and enduring intense torture and questioning. The surprise here is that issue two was a huge improvement with Superman displaying some great personality in his banter with Luthor and Lex showing signs of the sociopath he will become.

The only real awkwardness came when Lois showed up at the base to whine about Superman's imprisonment. This wasn't the strong, capable Lois we've come to know and love. This Lois was whiney, spoiled and self-involved. Hopefully, the character evolves once she becomes more central to the story.

As much as I liked issue two, the cliffhanger made it seem as if the upcoming action will revolve around a love triangle. While I trust Grant Morrison's writing, I have to ask, a love triangle? Really?

After careful consideration, I've decided to give "Action Comics" one more issue before I make a final decision on whether or not to take it off my pull list. However, right now it's not looking good.

Top selling 52 books

So we are done with the total month of DC Comics New 52.

Of course, "Justice League" was the top book out of all the new releases. But, there are some surprises in Diamond's list of the top selling comics.

2. "Batman"
3. "Action Comics"
4. "Green Lantern"
5. "The Flash"
6. "Superman"
7. "Detective Comics"
8. "Batman The Dark Knight"
9. "Batman and Robin"
10. "Green Lantern: New Guardians"

"Batgirl," "Wonder Woman" and "Green Lantern Corps" followed.

What is not surprising is the total dominance of the Bat titles. People love them some Batman.

A bit surprising to see "Flash" so high up, but it's still a good thing.

The worst selling titles? "OMAC," "Men of War" and "Static Shock," which is too bad because it is a good book.

All about 'Castle'

My love for "Castle" is well documented, so stick with me.

The first Richard Castle graphic novel was released last week: "Deadly Storm."

The graphic novel is based on the Derrick Storm novels that Castle has written (and have been talked about extensively on the show.)

Of course Castle doesn't write the graphic novel, but comic veterans Brian Michael Bendis and Kelly Sue Deconnick do along with art by Lan Medina.

And you wouldn't even notice.

The book has the same style and humor that the character of Castle projects.

The plot follows private investigator Storm pulled into working for the CIA and assassins. "Castle" fans are used to only hearing about Storm in passing, so this is a big treat to be able to read his first adventure.

And the book is REALLY good. There are twists and turns (including one I didn't see coming at all), laughs and some good action moments. Reading it, the thought of "this could be a great movie" pops up now and again.

The art is also well-done, especially making Storm look a lot like Nathan Fillion... or Castle as you will.

Another fun part of the graphic novel is on the sleeve: a list of other books by Castle. And near the end of the book it goes into great detail to tell the plot of each Castle book. And that part is really fun because it plays on moments from the show where Castle talks about how he got the idea for that specific Storm book.

Speaking of books, the newest Nikki Heat book, "Heat Rises," was also released recently AND debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Seller list.

That makes me really happy to see that the little show that could is doing great and is a full fledged hit and franchise.

I've only started to read the book, but was already hit by the dedication:

"To Captain Roy Montgomery, NYPD. He made a stand and taught me all I need to know about bravery and character."

I really started to get a little emotional, then I remembered it's just a television show...

Three reasons I might like 'Wolverine and the X-Men'

Already blogged about how the X-Men are splitting into two groups.

As with that blog, I think it was obvious I wasn't really excited about any of it.

Until now...

So Wolverine is building a school for mutants back in New York, where they started.

OK, cool. But, the name is kind of cool.

The Jean Grey School of Higher Learning.

Not only is that a pretty nice name, but you have to figure it's going to piss Cyclops off.

And then we get a tease of what the school is going to look like:

I am really digging the futuristic and sci-fi take on it. Plus, a place for Iceman to chill.

And this last photo just sealed the deal that I will be picking up the first issue:

Count me in!

Tim's DC new 52 week four thoughts

With week four (I'm counting "Justice League" as week one) I got a hold of three comics.

But not ones I was eagerly waiting for. More like, well I guess so.

Since I enjoyed "Detective Comics" a few weeks ago I decided to stick to the character and go with "Batman."

Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo are the creative team on this one and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I kind of liked it.

It starts off with Batman talking about how people describe Gotham City in two words. We get the usual "cursed," "hopeless" etc. But the action kicks off at Arkham where Batman starts describing Gotham through certain villains.

Like Two-Face means Gotham is at odds with itself.

Then a big twist of sorts, Batman teams up with The Joker to kick the crap out of all the villains.

Of course it turns out to be Dick Grayson inside, but still kind of fun.

The big part of the book deals with Bruce Wayne attempting to make Gotham into a better place by modernizing and cleaning up the city.

I've always wondered why he never did that before.

The dialogue is the best part of the issue with a lot of snappy lines and great character moments.

Best line saw Bruce with all three Robins (past and present). He had just put in this special contact lenses that are hooked up to the Bat-computer.

Tim Drake: "Tell me he's not using facial rec for the party."

Damian Wayne: "The party? He's using it to remember who YOU are, Drake."

Grayson: "And...zing."

For the most part I didn't have an issue with the art. Some panels looked a little rushed, but overall it still looked and felt like a Batman comic.

Speaking of former Robins, "Red Hood and the Outlaws" was another one I picked up.

It starts with Roy Harper in some foreign jail and escaping with the help of Red Hood and Starfire.

I read a great description for the book online, someone called it "The Expendables with capes." And it's true, a lot of people die in the first few pages.

Now Jason Todd and Harper have a great chemistry together so the book works, but the glaring sore thumb is Starfire. Especially when it's explained that her race has a very short attention span and she doesn't remember a lot. She doesn't even remember her time in the Teen Titans.

A lot of people were pissed off by this, but my thought is that it is some sort of a plot point. Maybe she lost her memory somehow or it's not even Starfire.

I really dug the art in the book by Kenneth Rocafort. It's very gritty at times, but it fits perfect with the book.

And last, but not least is "Green Lantern Corps."

If "Green Lantern" was a bad first issue for new readers, then this book is the perfect jumping on point.

The whole book is about Guy Gardner and John Stewart on Earth doing regular things.

Gardner is answering questions about being a Green Lantern (all the while answering questions new readers might have) and trying to get a job as a high school coach.

Stewart, who is also an architect, is trying to explain to some building developers how they can make their building safer.

You get a sense of how each Lantern is and who they really are before they go back into space and into the world of the Lanterns.

Of course there is a bad guy in the book. This mysterious one is killing various Lanterns and whole worlds. So, perfect for Gardner and Stewart to handle.

DC New 52 halfway point

This Wednesday marks well into the halfway point of DC's New 52 relaunch.

On the menu for today's comic purchases for me?

"Green Lantern Corps" for sure. Also going to try out "Red Hood and the Outlaws." "Nightwing" is another huge purchase.

If I have extra money to spend I'll take a look at "Batman."

Since we are at the halfway point I thought I'd share what are my top five favorite issues so far:

1. "Batgirl"

2. "Red Lanterns"

3. "Justice League"

4. "Animal Man"

5. "Detective Comics"

Why "Batgirl" as my No. 1? Simple, the story was great, dialogue was funny, the art was fantastic, it was reader friendly while at the same time respectful of the character's history. It doesn't get any better than that.

As far as the final week I am beyond excited for "Green Lantern: New Guardians." I might also pick up "The Savage Hawkman," "Flash" and "Aquaman."

Tim's DC new 52 week three thoughts

After a successful first two weeks of the New 52, DC Comics was looking to keep the momentum going with the third week (and second week of full releases).

I was mainly excited due to the start of the "Green Lantern" releases with the flagship title and "Red Lanterns." I also threw Stephanie for a loop with deciding at the last second to not buy "Grifter" and go for something else.

If all the other titles in the New 52 were about grabbing new readers, then "Green Lantern" No. 1 was about keeping existing readers.

While the other books started over with new story lines, this book picks up literally minutes after the last issue. Sinestro was chosen to be a Green Lantern again and helped Hal Jordan defeat Krona. And Jordan just didn't defeat Krona, he killed the unkillable Guardian. That freaked the other Guardians out enough that they booted Jordan back to Earth and out of the corps.

The book picks up with the Guardians telling Sinestro that the ring chose him for a reason and he must protect his sector and home planet, which he finds out is now being enslaved by HIS lantern corps.

Meanwhile Jordan is on Earth, ringless, and directionless. His life is a mess. He has no job, no way to pay rent and no car. That Green Lantern ring sure made life easier, eh?

I won't go into it more, but needless to say that it's not really new reader friendly. But, considering that this book is one of DC Comics best selling titles, there is no need to rock the boat. That's like completely changing a highly rated television show. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

"Red Lanterns" on the other hand is very new reader friendly... and quite good.

Where the Green Lanterns' power source is willpower, the Red Lanterns are powered by rage. The book starts with some evil aliens torturing people until a Red Lantern shows up.

And not just any Red Lantern, but the most popular one:

Dex-Starr, the seriously pissed off Earth house cat.

Readers are then introduced to other Red Lanterns, including the leader Atrocitus. Almost everything about the Red Lanterns is explained to readers in an interesting way. In fact, even long time readers learn something new, which was very cool.

The goal of the book was even explained, the Red Lanterns will go around the universe seeking vengeance against those who do unspeakable evil. But, not the "you're going to jail" type, but the "I'm going to spit napalm vomit all over you" type.

Big props to writer Peter Milligan and artist Ed Benes for putting out one of the best New 52 books yet.

This was my big impulse buy: "Suicide Squad."

For those who don't know, the plot behind this book is super villains offered the chance to get out of jail in return for doing suicidal missions for the government. The book has been around for a long time, this reboot just has a new team.

The big addition is Harley Quinn, otherwise known as the Joker's girlfriend.

The entire plot of this first issue is just setting up the team and explaining who the various members are through flashbacks and such. That also proves to be a bad thing as Deadshot's "Secret Six" history seems to be a bit changed.

Other than the two, the team also includes Rick Flag, El Diablo, Voltaic, Black Spider and King Shark.

King Shark shines a lot in this first issue and will be a fan favorite. I think it helps that Gail Simone made him awesome in "Secret Six."

The book ends on a GIANT cliffhanger. Like a "how the heck are they going to do that" cliffhanger.

Out of the three I think "Red Lanterns" was the high point of the week for me.

DC new 52 week two: Steph's impressions

Week two of DC's new 52 relaunch featured some big name titles. I checked out four of the top books released and put together this quick review.

In "Batgirl #1" Gail Simone had the unenviable task of plausibly reintroducing Barbara Gordon as Batgirl. Having written the character as Oracle in "Birds of Prey," Simone is intimately familiar with the inner workings of Barbara's mind. This familiarity has helped her craft an ingenious first issue that not only introduces a new version of an old character but also ties into Barbara's past storyline from "The Killing Joke." The instantly interesting story has made in the best of the relaunch so far.

Grant Morrison is one of the most prolific and popular comic book writers working today. When it was announced that he would be writing "Action Comics," it made it an instant must have. However, the new Superman origin story had a few too many changes to feel comfortable. Superman now wears jeans and combat boots, lives in the poor neighborhood, punishes the rich and is a bit of a douchebag. Even in the midst of a relaunch, Superman should remain the most stable character. The changes do not enhance or update the classic hero, therefore the book felt like it was too much, too soon.

"Justice League International #1" introduces a new team of heroes that works within the system in conjunction with the UN. The original League is still off saving the world, but this League is different in that in features team members from around the globe. The group includes Fire, Ice, Guy Gardner, Rocket Red, August General in Iron, Vixen and Godiva. Its leader is Booster Gold, while Batman shows up uninvited. The initial culture clashes provided a lot of humorous lines, and it will be interesting to see how Booster fares as a leader. This was perhaps the most unexpectedly funny book of the bunch.

"Static Shock #1" didn't stray too far from its already established character traits. Virgil Hawkins is the same wise-cracking teenager with a nice family who uses his electromagnetic powers and scientific intellect to stop criminals. In the first issue, Static is targeted by a mysterious organization when he stops a robbery at S.T.A.R. Labs. The one major change so far is that Virgil and his famil have moved to Metropolis. Other than that, it was great to read that the humor and style of the characters were still in place. This could possibly replace "Action Comics" on the pull list.

Marvel asks 'What team will you choose?' pt. two

And just like that Marvel has fully announced the two opposing X-Men sides.

Without further blogsense here's Wolverine's side:

Not sure I'm happy with Quentin Quire being on Wolverine's team. The kid is basically a psychopath (yes, I know fits perfect on Wolverine's team...). Also looks like three people were hiding in Strong Guy's shadow including Multiple Man.

My first reaction is to say "meh." Guess I'm not #TeamWolverine.

Maybe Cyclops will have a better roster of people:

Wait, nope... never mind.

I am slightly intrigued by Psylocke being on both sides and Domino being on Jubilee's team, but not interested enough to drop down any money.

With DC's New 52 is full swing, Marvel needed to do something eXciting and cool. Yes I like the idea of fans choosing sides, but I think Marvel didn't think of another team that fans would choose.

#TeamDC

Tim's DC new 52 week two thoughts

DC Comics big relaunch event continued this week.

As we've stated before, Stephanie and I are splitting both comics and formats up. We are not getting every issue, but tackling as much as we can.

This week my must-buys were "Detective Comics" and "Animal Man."

Both, as it turns out, are a bit on the horror side.

The entire plot of this issue is basically Batman tracking the Joker down. And seriously, isn't that good enough?

You get a number of scenes showing just how crazy Joker is and on the other side how methodical Batman is. I won't spoil the end, but the last page... man, I could hardly look at it.

The book is written and drawn by Tony Daniel (with additional art by Ryan Wynn) and I must say that I really enjoyed both aspects of his work. There is a four page fight sequence that is beautiful and most of the dialogue is Batman's thought process while he's trying to counter Joker.

Overall the dialogue was great, there were a few lines that made me roll my eyes like this Batman one:

"Forget about it Joker. You can't run. I OWN the night."

But for lines like those there are great exchanges like this:

Gordon: "And Gotham is a hell hole. Always has been. Always will be."

Batman: "Like hell it will."

My question about "Detective Comics" is if it's a prequel like "Action Comics?" Some things like Gordon being younger and the police shooting at Batman look prequel-ish.

But, the first lines of the issue seem to contradict that, where Batman states that the Joker has killed 114 people in the last six years.

Either way, I'm hooked.

One title I took a chance on this week was "Animal Man."

Just as a point of clarification, I never read Grant Morrison's run on the title. My entire Animal Man history is based on his appearances in "Justice League" and various crossovers.

But, I like the concept.

Animal Man is a grounded guy. He's got a great wife, two cool kids and a pretty nifty superpower. You see Animal Man can tap into the abilities of animals. Like in this issue he's getting shot at so he locks into the hide of a rhino. He then taps into a cheetah and gets super speed.

The book starts off in a great and meta way. The first page is a magazine article about Animal Man and when you turn the page it goes to him reading the same magazine in the kitchen.

The issue follows Buddy as he's juggling family life with his new job as an actor and wanting to go out and fight crime. He gets his chance when a grieving father holds kids hostage at a hospital. After saving the day he finds a crazy side effect, blood is pouring out of his eyes.

The end of the book deals with his daughter Maxine manifesting a superpower. And not the good kind of superpower.

I'm talking "straight out of a horror movie" superpower. And a pretty sweet cliffhanger if you ask me.

Writer Jeff Lemire has huge Morrison sized shoes to fill, but gets the character perfectly. You know a book is good when you can care about characters four pages in.

I am not a huge fan of Travel Foreman's art, but I am no art critic. I think his style fits with the horror aspect of the book, which looks like that's where the book is headed in future issues.

Marvel asks 'What team will you choose?' pt. 1

DC has a lot of comic fans buzzing with the new 52 relaunch. Just look at our site in the past few weeks and you can see that.

Marvel isn't taking things lying down.

In the current "Schism" storyline, Cyclops and Wolverine are headed toward a giant fight that is going to basically tear the X-Men in two.

The entire X-Men universe is headed toward a "Regenesis."

Little by little, Marvel has been announcing the rosters for the X-books based upon the two sides.

We wont get the final roster for a few weeks, but here are the teases startinbg with Wolverine's side:

The Uncanny X-Force team looks to be Deadpool and Nightcrawler, but isn't he dead? Look closely and see that red mark above his eye? I think that is the Age of Apocalypse Nightcrawler. It's also safe to assume the shadow above him is Fantomex.

Wolverine and the X-Men has Wolverine obviously along with Iceman, Shadowcat and Lockheed the dragon. If you look closely to the left of Wolverine you can see Toad in the background.

The X-Men Legacy team looks to be led by Rogue along with Gambit and Joanna Cargill. I have no clue who the person in the shadow is.

The X-Factor team looks a lot like the old, normal X-Factor team, just without Multiple Man. Havok leading the team could be pretty cool too.

Goodbye Borders, it was fun while it lasted

Everyone knows by now that Borders Bookstore is closing.

I am a bit angry about it. For years I would see beyond idiotic things going on there and wonder "how do they stay in business?"

For a good example, take a look at the prices of Blu-ray discs there. You could regularly see new releases with "regular" prices of $30 or more. Even with a 30-40 percent off coupon the price of the disc would be a lot more than anywhere else.

It wasn't the employees fault, they were awesome people. At the Riverside location, near my house, they would talk to you about what you were buying, suggest new books etc. The cafe people were extra amazing.

Going into the liquidated store is borderline depressing. It's like a good friend is moving away.

I don't feel bad about getting some great discounts, after all I have spent a small fortune there over the years.

When they advertised prices at 60-80 percent off I decided, OK, I'll go in one last time and "say goodbye."

I was lucky enough to get the trade paper back of "Flash: Rogue War" for $7.

Then it hit me.

Back when the store first opened in 2005, on my very first visit, I purchased an ice blended Chocolate Javakula (man, I'm going to miss those) and a copy of "Flash" No. 224 (brand new off the racks).

What was the big storyline going on during "Flash" No. 224?

"Rogue War."

I had not remembered that fact until I got to that issue's point in the TPB.

I think that's a pretty cool first and last purchase at the store I loved.

DC: Some of the 52 not interested in

To finish off our coverage of the new 52, these are the titles that we have absolutely no interest in buying.

In most cases it's just hard to afford to buy all 52 issues.

I don't want to just flat out bash a book or the writer/artist. I think they are all great and talented people, it's just the overall idea of these books that doesn't make me as excited as with "Green Lantern."

So, let's just get this over with.

Tim:

"Men of War" - A military themed book lead by a man named Rock (as in Sgt?). This unit will apparently be going after super villains.

"O.M.A.C." - The evil Brother Eye... yeah, lost me right there.

"Voodoo" - While I was happy that "Grifter" from WildC.A.T.S. gets into DC, this one doesn't do anything for me.

"I, Vampire" - Vampires, no thanks.

"All-Star Western" - Didn't see the "Jonah Hex" movie and have no interest in a Hex comic.

Stephanie:

"All-Star Western" - See Tim's reasons above.

"Hawk and Dove" - This is more a personal choice as I've just never been a fan of any incarnation of this duo.

"Swamp Thing" - There's a lot of buzz around this title, but it's just not my cup of tea.

"I, Vampire" - I really can't fit anymore vampires into my pop culture schedule.

Stay with us in the coming weeks as review new books when they come out and continue to discuss the progress of the DC relaunch.

DC: 'Justice League' No. 1 review

"Justice League" No. 1 is finally out in stores (and online)!

And I just have to say straight out that I enjoyed every single panel of it.

First off, the book starts off five years in the past where the heroes are meeting for the first time.

So in this issue we have Green Lantern and Batman meeting/arguing/teaming up against an alien threat. The dialogue between the two is spot on.

Yes, we are getting a lot of information that we've known before (who the Green Lanterns are, Batman is just a man) but a majority of people getting this issue might not be up to speed like the rest of us nerds.

That exchange also provides a great moment where Batman just figures out how to de-ring Green Lantern.

We get a quick glimpse of pre-cyborg Cyborg, so also safe to assume this arc will detail how he becomes a hero. You also get bonus points for finding the strange woman from the end of "Flashpoint" No. 5 in the Cyborg scene.

The end of the book has Batman and GL finding Superman, who knocks Hal Jordan out and a last page teaser says next issue "Batman vs. Superman."

The art in the book is perhaps the best thing I've ever seen. Jim Lee was born to draw this comic and he really solidifies the title (I gave him) of the best comic artist ever.

A lot of fans might be turned off by this re-telling of origins and first meet-ups, but like with other projects, I have faith in writer Geoff Johns. And let's face it geeks, DC wasn't making a ton of money off just us. They need to grow, grab and appeal to new readers.

Us longtime comic readers, like with the comic companies, have to adapt alongside them. If the comic industry dies, we ALL lose.

Plus, Batman is my favorite character. In sixth grade I even had Batman shoes!

This "version" of Batman isn't drastically different, it's the same old Batman we all love. He de-ringed Green Lantern for God's sake!

And what great exchange with that:

Green Lantern: "You won't do that again."

Batman: "Not unless I want to."

My advice for any angry fans? Just wait. It will all pay off.

For everyone else? Hold on because it's going to be an awesome ride.