The Lighter side of comic books 2…..

The lighter side of comic books…

Comic Book Stock Watch-Weeks of 1-16-08 & 1-23-08

 Welcome back to the comic stock watch where we take a look at those books that stood out, either in a good way or not so good!  

 RISERS 

BOOSTER GOLD #6 (DC Comics)-I’ve been with this book since issue #1 and I have to admit that it’s fast becoming my favorite title. Basically it’s Exiles of the DCU but done in a much better way. This ish featured the return of the Blue & Gold and if you’re not sure what that means, check it out. Heck, even if you DO know what that means, check it out!

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #14 (DC Comics)-I’m telling you, jump on board now because each ish from here on out promises to be one huge jaw dropper after the next. We get to see the introduction of the new Jason Todd, Red Robin, as well as get set for a clash of the titans next ish in Monarch vs. Prime.

PENANCE: RELENTLESS #4 (Marvel Comics)-What is fast becoming the best mini-series in years, Penance #4 is a must read. The continuing quest for vengeance of Robbie Baldwin brings him head to head with longtime Fantastic Four Foe, Dr. Doom, who holds the prize he seeks the most…..Nitro. The way Robbie outplays Doom in this is SWEET!

X-MEN #207 (Marvel Comics)-WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention wow? This stunning conclusion to perhaps the best X-men story of all time leaves you shaking your head in wonder and shock. I won’t ruin it for you but when they hyped this as a mega-event and that things would never be the same again….well, they were understating it!

FALLERS 

TEEN TITANS #55 (DC Comics)-This really kills me to put this on the falling list but I seriously did not like this ish. I know that there has to be a brief lull after the titanic events of the past few issues but this was just UGH! I’m really hoping it was a one ish funk because I do love my Titans.

FLASH #236 (DC Comics)-Yes, I will continue to put this on the falling list until one of two things happen. 1) They get a new artist or 2) They get rid of the kids!  But I feel change is on the horizon for this book. Don’t count this as official or anything but I get the feeling Wally’s time as the Flash will be short-lived as I feel we will be getting an old Flash back, ala Barry Allen, soon.

MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #4 (Marvel Comics)-Ok, the novelty has worn off and now it’s just getting old and stupid. Just let them eat each other and be done with it!

NEW EXILES #1 (Marvel Comics)-Speaking of good concepts gone bad, here we have the relaunch of good old Exiles, complete with a tweaked roster and more inter-group intrigue than world hopping. They are really getting away from what made this book great, seeing all the different realities. There is a time and a place for inter-group conflict, now isn’t the time.

 FINAL THOUGHTS 

Next week will bring us the first look at the new Captain America as well as (hopefully) a pretty intense fight between Monarch and Prime. Plus, over in Mighty Avengers, we should FINALLY get into the Symbiote storyline…..but you never know with Bendis!

Later all!

Marvel movies back on track!

The following news came from www.superherohype.com. If you’re a fan of comics, they this is GREAT news!

Marvel Studios and WGA Sign Interim Agreement!

Source: Marvel Studios, WGA

January 24, 2008

Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced today that they have reached an interim comprehensive agreement that will put writers immediately back to work on the Marvel Studios development slate. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.”We’re very excited about our summer releases, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ and look forward to resuming work with writers on our future projects including ‘Captain America,’ ‘Thor,’ ‘Ant-Man,’ and ‘The Avengers,’” said Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel.

“Marvel Studios’ signing of an interim agreement with the Writers Guild is more good news for our membership,” said WGAE President Michael Winship and WGAW President Patric M. Verrone. “Marvel is committed to fairly compensating their writers and now they can move forward with their planned production schedule.”

Marvel Studios recently launched its independent live-action film studio to develop, produce, and fully finance Marvel movies, which will include two of this summer’s most anticipated releases – Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man will be released by Paramount Pictures on May 2, 2008, and stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Incredible Hulk, which will be released by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2008, is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt.

In cooperation with other studios, Marvel previously produced a long succession of hits, including the “Spider-Man,” “X-Men,” and “Fantastic Four” franchises, Ghost Rider, and Daredevil.

The WGA recently entered into interim agreements with The Weinstein Company, United Artists, Lionsgate, Worldwide Pants, Spyglass Entertainment, MRC, Jackson Bites, Mandate Films, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.

                                                  

New Avengers: Illuminati

(This piece is yet another I did for www.craveonline.com, it’s a nice lead in to the upcoming Marvel event. Secret Invasion. )

The New Avengers: Illuminati

As any comic fan not living in a box can tell you, things are turning a little Skrully in the Marvel U. With the upcoming Secret Invasion storyline set to be the biggest comic universe shake-up since Crisis on Infinite Earths, now’s the time to take a step back and look at the group of heroes that are sure to be found partly responsible, the secret group of heroes known as The Illuminati.

ORIGINS

In the aftermath of the Kree-Skrull war that ravaged Earth, a group of heroes consisting of Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Professor X, Namor, Black Bolt, Dr. Strange, and the Black Panther arranged a meeting in Wakanda to debate the need of a united body of heroes (similar to the United Nations). It’s brought up by Iron Man that numerous heroes contained information that could have prevented the war if only that information could have been combined, hence the need of this group. Though hotly debated, it was agreed upon that such a group was needed by all, save the Black Panther, who took issue with the self-righteous attitudes of all involved and predicts disaster. With the formation of the group settled between the remaining heroes, they then turned to their first order of business, sending a message to those that just fought upon our planet, the Skrulls.

Their goal set, the Illuminati traveled to the Skrull homeworld where they warn the

Empire not to attack Earth again but are unable to escape afterwards. Captured by the Skrulls, the group is analyzed and their reactions monitored until Iron Man is able to lead an escape. But the realization of this trip is apparent, another attack by the Skrulls are inevitable as the Skrulls start to make use of the data they compiled.

OVER THE YEARS…….

Over the years the Illuminati has reformed at various times to deal with threats to the Marvel U. One such threat was a being known as the Beyonder who was responsible for what was called The Secret Wars, where various heroes and villains were abducted to fight for the amusement of this super-powered being. It is learned in the pages of the Illuminati limited series, through Professor X, that the Beyonder is an Inhuman who was a mutant before being exposed to the Terrigen Mists. He also senses the presence of the Beyonder in the Asteroid Belt of the solar system, prompting the Illuminati to confront him and eventually convince him to leave the universe.

Another time in which they were re-formed was when Mr. Fantastic reveals to the others that he has been collecting the Infinity Gems, which as you may know, was what almost allowed the mad Titan Thanos to completely dominate the whole universe. After some hesitation, the group collects the remaining Gems, reforming the Infinity Gauntlet. With the gauntlet complete, Richards attempts to will the Gems out of existence but is unable to do so, receiving a stern reprimand from Uatu, the Watcher. It is then decided that each member would hide one of the gems so that they may never be combined again. (hmmmm, since it was discovered that Black Bolt was a Skrull impersonator, I wonder if we haven’t seen the last of the Infinity Gauntlet.)

OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS…………

Along with the big event gatherings like the ones listed above, there have been a few times the group has come together for more worldly reasons. Such was the case when they approached Noh-Varr (a Kree warrior that attempted to take over the world) to persuade him to use his powers to protect Earth and Such was the case when they decided to banish the Hulk from Earth. (Though it should be noted that Professor X was not involved and that Namor refused to be a part in this, stating that the Hulk would return to seek vengeance, which did occur during the recent World War Hulk saga) Shortly after the Hulk incident, the group decided to dissolve over a disagreement concerning Superhuman Registration, with only Iron Man and Mr. Fantastic being for it. (Thus setting the stage for Civil War)

SECRET INVASION……….

Most recently, Iron Man called a meeting of the Illuminati one more time to show them the body of a Skrull posing as Electra. He feels that this Skrull is just one agent of many and that they are planning a secret invasion of Earth…noting that the group may be responsible due to their traveling to the Skrull homeworld many years ago. This notion was soon proved correct as Black Bolt reveals himself to be a Skrull and attacks. It takes everything they have but the five remaining members defeat the imposter Black Bolt and a pair of superpowered Skrulls that showed up. Following this, they begin making plans to detect and stop the invasion but soon realize the futility of it since they cannot trust one another.

So, as they say, the stage is set for the next big event in the Marvel U. If it’s half as good as Crisis was, then we are in for a huge treat! Stay tuned to Craveonline.com and The Comic Corner for continuing coverage of this sure to be monster event!

Death, The high cost of living….A different look at the passing of Heath Ledger.

Unless you’re living in some remote desert community (and if you are, you aren’t reading this), then you know that Hollywood had lost one of their own this week, one Heath Ledger. At 28, he had the acting world ahead of him and he will be missed. The rumor mill is circulating with the events surrounding his death and all the theories are well documented so I don’t need to touch on them here. Instead, let’s take a look at his ties to the comic book world and what his death will mean for the upcoming Dark Knight movie.

Now I really don’t want to seem insensitive to this tragedy, my deepest sympathies goes out to his family and loved ones, but I want to look beyond the moment a bit, and think long term. For all his acting credits, nothing Heath did really stood out as unforgettable (I’m not counting Brokeback Mountain, the subject matter brought that to prominence more than his acting) but if previews and trailers are to be believed, he may have found that in his final finished role, as the Joker. I’m not trying to make a mountain out of a molehill here but there is precedence to this sort of thing. Look at The Crow, for example, with Brandon Lee getting killed in the final stages of that movie. His death took an already excellent acting job and launched it into cult status as well as unforeseen financial success. Honestly, if he would have never died, then that great movie would have earned so-so at the theatres and would have soon been forgotten…..a gem lost to the everyday person.

 

 

With that being said, you have to think that with this happening like it did, and the type of role he’s playing, that this really has a huge shot at being something special. As sad as it is to say, you know that Warner Bros. is weighing sadness with elation at this happening. No, I’m not saying they wanted him dead or are in any way happy for his death but you have to believe some ‘beanpusher’ or ‘suit’ has brought up the idea of the increased revenue for the film this will make……..it’s big business, how could they not?

Personally, I was looking forward to this movie before his death and still am. This won’t change me seeing it but it has to effect how I view this movie….as it will anyone who watches it. How could I sit in the theatre and not have these events playing in my mind as every word comes out of his mouth? Heath, for good or ill, the role of the Joker will be the icing on your legacy. Your career will be greatly viewed by how this one acting job comes across. But don’t worry; I think it’s in safe hands….as safe as an insane clown’s hands can be.

INTERESTING HEATH LEDGER COMIC BOOK FACT: Did you know Heath turned down the role of Spider-Man? He did and it eventually wound up in the hands of Tobey Mcguire…..I guess I’ll forgive you for that one, Mr. Ledger.

Rest in peace.

                                                                

The Road to Final Crisis…Part III

  Welcome back, loyal readers! Today I will be putting up part 3 of my 4-part Road to Final Crisis that I wrote for craveonline.com (a pretty cool entertainment site, check it out!) http://www.craveonline.com/ over the past month. I hope you enjoy and again, feel free to let me know what you think about this, or anything else comic book related!

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Welcome back to Crave’s continuing look back to the major events leading up to DC’s next major story, Final Crisis. In part 1, we took a look at the origin of the multi-verse, traveling back to the golden age of comics with DC’s first super-team, the Justice Society of America, and in part 2, we looked at it’s destruction in 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths. Now, in part 3, we will come full circle with the 2005 smash hit, Infinite Crisis.

INFINITE CRISIS

As the original Crises was meant to consolidate and simplify the DCU, Infinite Crisis came about to try to stem a tide of violence and darkness that was prevalent within DC. Modern day heroes had become conflicted and more violent. Such events as the death of Jason Todd, the breaking of Batman, and the deaths of Superman and Donna Troy as well as the creation of Brother Eye and the betrayal and subsequent murder of Maxwell Lord by Wonder Woman had become the norm.

Locked within their pocket universe since the end of Crisis on Infinite Earths, Kal-L (Earth 2-Superman), along with Earth-2 Lois Lane, Earth-3 Alexander Luthor, and Superboy-Prime have been witness to this decaying of morality among the heroes and conclude that they chose the wrong world to let stay. With that in mind, they escape from the pocket dimension, determined to fix their mistake.

Upon escaping, Kal-L seeks out Power Girl (His cousin and fellow survivor of Earth-2) to enlist her help in restoring Earth-2 (which he considers perfect), hoping that his world would restore the health of his dying Lois. Afterwards, Kal-L tries to enlist the support of Batman, trying to convince him that the bad nature of today’s Earth was the cause of his recent hostility and mistrust. Pulling out a kryptonite ring (To no effect since it’s not of Earth-2), Batman rejects Kal-L, refuting his claims. Soon after, Batman learns that Superboy Prime was responsible for the destruction of the JLA Watchtower.

Alexander, meanwhile, reveals to Power Girl that he and Superboy-Prime have been leaving their pocket dimension for some time, manipulating events and preparing an inter-dimensional tuning fork (out of the corpse of the Anti-Monitor) so that, using various heroes and villains he’s captured, he can create the “perfect” world.

Over in Smallville, Superboy-Prime attacks this worlds Superboy, Connor Kent, beating him nearly to death while claiming his superiority as the one ‘true’ Superboy. During the beating, Connor manages to send a distress signal that calls everyone who’s ever been a Teen Titan and anyone working with them. In the ensuing battle, Prime kills many heroes before the Flashes (including Kid Flash) force him and themselves into the Speed Force, leaving behind only Jay Garrick (the original Flash) and severing the connection to the Speed Force in the process.

   Seeking to create his perfect world, Alexander begins restoring multiple Earths, including Earth-2, transporting the remaining Earth-2 heroes there. On Earth-2, Lois Lane dies and an enraged Kal-L attacks Superman until Wonder Woman arrives to break it up. As this is happening, an aged Bart Allen returns, soon followed by an escaped Superboy-Prime wearing a suit of armor that stores yellow solar power.

As Batman is preparing a strike force to destroy Brother Eye (which he does do), Alexander begins selecting and merging worlds. Firestorm manages to stop him while Connor, Nightwing, and Wonder Girl release the towers prisoners. Superboy-Prime shows up at this point and kills Connor in a fight that destroys the tower. The remaining multiple Earths then merge into a single, new Earth.

Back on Earth, a horde of supervillians attack Metropolis, opposed by heroes, retired and current. There are many casualties on both sides, most due to the arrival of Superboy-Prime. (I want to take a second and point out a serious flaw in comics. How after each use, a supervillian gets easier and easier to beat. Case in point, Doomsday is taken down in ALMOST ONE PUNCH!! Yes, it was a combined punches by both Kal-L and Superman but this is still freaking Doomsday! He’s genetically engineered to adapt and become stronger after each fight and at this point, he’d already fought Superman multiple times! It should have taken Superboy-Prime, at least, to take him down…..and even then, it would have taken a minute or two.) During the fight, Prime decides to destroy Oa, planning to collapse the universe. On the way, Prime kills a TON of Green Lanterns before Kal-L and Superman fly him through the remains of Krypton and its red sun, destroying his armor and de-powering all three. They land on Mogo (the sentient Green Lantern Planet…..that’s right, a SENTIENT PLANET that’s a Green Lantern!) where Superman knocks out Prime but Kal-L dies.

Again, back on Earth, Batman almost crosses the line and shoots Alexander but is talked down by Wonder Woman, allowing Alexander to escape (to be later killed by the Joker, in fitting fashion, who was feeling kinda left out.).

We are left with Batman, Wonder Woman, and a de-powered Superman meeting up in Gotham, deciding that each needs to find themselves again…. as well as Prime being held prisoner in the heart of a red sun, surrounded by Green Lanterns. Our last image is of him carving an S on his chest and looking all demented and drooling a bit.

FINAL THOUGHTS

As with most DC events, I really enjoyed this book (I have it in hardcover) and found it a fitting sequel to the classic original. Infinite Crisis is one of those books that every time you read it, you notice something different and can you ask for anything better than that? Also, it’s after this series that we have DC’s one year later, where they jump ahead one year in all their books, and 52 begins as well, filling in the time missed and leading up to what I shall cover in the final part of The Road to Final Crisis, Countdown. So join me again next week as I finish up this 4 part extravaganza with a complete rundown on all the major happenings in our favorite weekly title! 

Secret Invasion…Is Anyone Who They Say They Are?

If Infinite Crises is set to be DC’s big gun of ’08, then you can call Secret Invasion the cannon of Marvel’s flagship. Set to be primarily an eight issue limited series with lead-ins and tie-ins to be found in the pages of Mighty Avengers, New Avengers, and Avengers: Initiative, this story is primed to have serious repercussions throughout the present, future, and even past Marvel.

THE PLOT

The beginnings of this story is more than likely going to be found waayyy back at the end of the Kree/Skrull War when the Illuminati (a group of heroes secretly representing the Earth and the superhuman community….consisting of Iron Man, Mr. Fantastic, Black Bolt, Dr. Strange, and Prof. X) traveled to the Skrull Empire to confront the Skrull Emperor. They attacked the capital city and threatened war if the Skrulls returned to Earth, but in their arrogance they were captured and experimented on. They manage to escape but not before the Emperor received the data he wanted.

Fast forward to last year when, during a battle between the Hand and the New Avengers, it was revealed that their leader, Elektra, was in fact a Skrull in disguise! Beyond the initial thoughts of the possibility of DareDevil sleeping with a Skrull (my initial thought, at least), the suspicion that anyone could be a Skrull leads to a high level of distrust between the New Avengers….even to the extent that Spider-Woman steals the Skrull body to take to Tony Stark.

Of course shocked by this revelation, Stark places Spider-Woman on the Mighty Avengers team and hastily reassembles the Illuminati group one last time to inform them of this new threat. But to the surprise of all, Black Bolt reveals himself to be a Skrull and attacks the group with the help of two other super-powered greenies! Soon defeated thanks to the ingenuity of Iron Man, the remaining members decide they can’t trust one another and then goes there separate ways.

INTERESTING TIDBITS

Ok, according to interviews with Brian Michael Bendis (who is writing this series), this Secret Invasion has been in the works for years….since Avengers Disassembled. He also stated that Secret War and New Avengers #1 are two pivotal stories leading up to this. Story wise, the Annihilation story that took place in 2006-07 is the main reason that the Skrulls will be upping their invasion plans, since they are now without a home world.

ROLL CALL-SKRULL STYLE

Here’s the known people shown to be a Skrull so far.

Elektra-Discovered by the New Avengers after her death. (Poor DareDevil!)

Black Bolt-Discovered by the Illuminati. (no wonder the Hulk beat him in WWH!)

The Revolutionary-Revealed in Avengers: The Initiative, Annual #1

An Unknown Camp Hammond Resident-Also revealed in Avengers: The Initiative, Annual #1

Irving Griffin-Feature Editor of the Daily Bugle

FINAL THOUGHTS

 Personally, I’m more excited to read Final Crisis but this is definitely one I will be reading so keep your eyes glued to The Comic Corner for continued updates on this upcoming mega-event