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Flashpoint #5 & Justice League #1

DC’s 52 relaunch finally came to fruition this morning (08/31/2011) with the release of Flashpoint #5 and the first issue of DC’s new relaunch, Justice League #1. The aforementioned comic books are the only two comics being released this week by DC; the rest of the DC relaunch titles will be hitting comic book stands throughout the month of September.

Like so many other comic book aficionados I was at my local comic book shop, Merlyn’s, and in line for my copies of Flashpoint and Justice League. My initial reaction when DC first announced their plans for a complete reboot of the DC Universe was optimistic, but as more and more details have surfaced within the last couple of weeks my optimism has slowly whittled away. However, after reading the conclusion to Flashpoint #5 I was pleasantly surprised and Justice League #1 has the potential to be great if carefully handled.

Flashpoint #5

Flashpoint #5 cover by Andy Kubert & Sandra Hope

Flashpoint #5 continues directly from the last panel of Flashpoint #4. In the finale of Flashpoint #4 the Reverse-Flash finally presents himself to Barry Allen also known as the Flash. At the beginning of Flashpoint #5 the Reverse-Flash explains to the Flash the root cause of ‘Flashpoint’ and why the universe has suddenly changed with the Flash and the Reverse-Flash being the only entities that notice the alteration. In a stunning revelation that is depicted through a series of fractured flashbacks, which is described as being physically painful for the Flash, the reader is shown how the world of Flashpoint was created and why the timeline has deviated. Surprisingly enough the real culprit is not the Reverse-Flash and even though he receives much benefit and gain from the altered timeline he did not cause it.

After this disclosure, the Reverse-Flash claims to be separate from the timeline, which would allow him to kill Barry Allen without harming his own existence. However, Batman who lays nearby, due to injuries, has plans of his own and ends the Reverse-Flash’s scheme before it hatches.

Flashpoint #5 Variant by Rags Morales

Now that the Flash knows the truth he begins to hatch an idea of his own and proceeds to right his wrongs by using the Speedforce to correct the timeline in order to save the world from destroying itself. Like a lightning rod the Flash is drawn to his mother during a mad dash to the past. After conversing with his mother and explaining the events that have led to the point of his arrival he begins his journey once more with a heavy and saddened heart. As he runs through time a mysterious, unnamed woman presents herself and aids the Flash in combining the three timelines that exist into one a single timeline. One that strengthens the universe, instead of splintering it.

After this jarring event, Barry Allen awakes in a new world at the crime lab where he works. He immediately seeks the council of his friend, Batman. After explaining the events of Flashpoint to Bruce he presents him with a letter from his father, Thomas Wayne who wore the mantle of Batman in the world of Flashpoint, to prove his tale to his closest friend and ally. After Bruce reads the letter from his dead father the issue ends with a Bat in tears and removed from his cowl.

Justice League #1

Justice League #1 by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

Justice League #1 begins with Thomas Wayne as Batman being chased by paramilitary helicopters in Gotham City as he chases a dangerous extraterrestrial. In the midst of the shootout Hal Jordan, as the Green Lantern, shows up saves Batman, destroys the helicopters, and teams up with Batman to chase down the newly transformed alien. As the two plunge into the under dark of Gotham City the creature sets, what appears to be a bomb, upon the sewer wall. Hal blindly charges the creature in order to stop it from detonating the device, but ultimately the bomb goes off anyhow killing the alien. Protected by one of Hal’s constructs Batman and the Green Lantern then proceed to banter about another alien that resides in Metropolis who might be able to help them figure who the suicidal, transformer extraterrestrial might be.

Batman and the Green Lantern in the Gotham City under dark

From this scene the first issue of the Justice League then segues to a high school football game where a young Cyborg successfully wins another game. In the stands the woman who helped the Flash combine the three timelines is depicted watching Vic’s football game. At the same time Vic is conversing with his father over the phone after the game, while talent scouts fight over him, the Green Lantern and Batman locate Superman. While Hal cockily tells Batman how he is going to wrangle Superman into place a young Kal-El blurs out of the building and easily puts Hal to the ground with smirk of his own. The issue closes with a great piece of art showcasing the new Kal-El.

A sense of youth and mystique is casually sprinkled throughout the issue. When the Green Lantern finds Batman he is stunned that he actually exists. Batman is an urban legend in this new combined timeline and few believe he actually exists. Hal is obviously very young and full of vim and vigor akin to his pre-Parallax and Silver Age self. The brief introduction of Vic as he victoriously leads his school to another win provides the impression that he has yet to become Cyborg and his knowledge as well as the rest of the population’s knowledge of superheroes, is moot at best. Superman has only recently outed himself as a superhero and most people and other underground heroes and villains are afraid him because of his immense power. Even Batman remarks to Hal about Superman’s dangerous amount of power. A power that Hal finds himself underestimating at first contact with the Man of Steel.

Personal Thoughts

Personally I thought that the writing of both comics was superb. I particularly enjoyed the final issue of Flashpoint. I think that Geoff Johns is a talented writer. The twists and turns, as well as the lead up to the conclusion, were all executed very well. The writing for Justice League #1 was solid and it seems as if DC will be focusing more on the interpersonal relationships of the characters and their development in order to flesh out more detailed personalities and relationships. Considering the amount of information required to reboot an entire fictional universe the first issue of the Justice League was a solid start and if continually written properly could yield amazing results. However, on the flip side it could also be very easily bungled and DC could lose fans. I do have high hopes though and I think that after the first Justice League arc wraps up we will be able to see the overall direction of DC as well as its sustainability.

The artwork for Flashpoint as a whole is phenomenal. The color really pops and Andy Kubert and Sandra Hope did an excellent job of creating numerous pieces of eye candy. As a writer, usually the story stands out for me rather than the art, but in the case of Flashpoint the art outpaced the story arc more often than not. The artwork for the first issue of Justice League #1 was spectacular! Jim Lee is a living legend and the characters possess a youthful appearance that is apparent even without the Geoff John’s masterful storytelling. The coloration is splendid and bright, which catches the readers eye.

Overall my impressions of the two comic books is favorable; however, I know that I will be purchasing less DC comics in the long run. With so many restarts my budget unfortunately cannot afford fifty-two new series. I would highly recommend these two titles, especially to newcomers. The entire DC relaunch is geared for new readers, so if you have had any inklings to read DC this would be the most opportune time.

Again, thanks for reading my synopsis and review of Flashpoint #5 and Justice League #1! Check back here for more DC relaunch coverage as the new 52 releases throughout the month.

Wolverine #14

With DC relaunching their entire lineup and DC half-assing the ending to the majority of their series I have been reading more Marvel lately. I particularly enjoy the current Wolverine run and I think that Jason Aaron has done a fantastic job creating a truly memorable Wolverine tale. After reading the conclusion to "Wolverine's Revenge" yesterday evening I was almost drawn to tears. I felt horrible for Logan and was somewhat left in awe at the Red Hand's ingenious scheme.

SPOILERS

The Red Hand trains five of Wolverine's children to be brutal killers and then has them battle Wolverine, to the death, without either party knowing that they are his children! The Red Hand then watches and waits till Wolverine slaughters his foes and reaches the Red Hand's hideout. At that precise moment the members of the Red Hand (men, women, children, and the elderly) all commit suicide and leave Wolverine a video and documents informing him that he has killed his own children and that he will never achieve vengeance because they have killed themselves before he could act.

END OF SPOILER

The Red Hand's plot is sick, but effective. The last panel has Wolverine shown in anguish as he grapples with his actions. The plug for the next comic looks amazing. Wolverine will return to the Canadian wilderness where he will shed his humanity and become feral once more.

I highly recommend this comic and I would follow Jason Aaron closely. He has amazing talent. His writing is subtle and heavily nuanced, but the climax follows through and emphasizes his writing ability by drawing the reader in emotionally.

Wolverine #15

DC's Deadman coming to the CW

With Smallville wrapped up, after its tenth season last May, the CW is taking another stab with another famous DC character by creating a television show based on DC's Deadman. Deadman was created in 1967 by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino and has remained one of DC's long standing characters.

Deadman featured in Strange Adventures

Wrought with morale ambiguity, arrogance, and a sense of superiority Boston Brand lived life literally and figuratively without a net and on the edge. After his demise Boston Brand was 'reborn' as Deadman, a spirit who could possess others in order to right the wrongs of their past while he searched for his own salvation.

Recently Deadman was prominently featured in DC's Brightest Day maxi-event where he narrated most of the core comics, while simultaneously battling his own inner-demons as he traveled around the galaxy and globe conversing and aiding the heroes of DC.

Deadman

The television show is categorized as a drama and will be directed by Supernatural creator, Eric Kripke. The series will focus on Boston Brand, aka Deadman, as he possess others and helps the possessed overcome their problems.

Eric Kripke

I am huge Supernatural fan and Smallville was an excellent series based off one of my favorite DC characters, so I am very hopeful and excited for the series hopefully it lifts off well once it hits television screens and has a long and fruitful run like Smallville.

DC's New 52 Logo Set

Courtesy of Bleeding Cool, I came across an image showcasing all of the new logos to be used in DC's new line up releasing this September. Some of the logos are more retro, others they revamped completely, and some are completely new. I really like the Nightwing, Blue Beetle, and myself. As always, feel free to comment and point out your favorite DC logo!

Green Lantern Corps #63

As my friends, family, and colleagues know I am a huge Green Lantern fan and aficionado. I subscribe to the big three: Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and Green Lantern Emerald Warriors, and pick them up faithfully every release date. All of the aforementioned have had phenomenal runs thus far. However, since the conclusion of "The War of the Green Lanterns" the quality of DCs comics on a whole has slipped drastically.

Personally I think that in an effort to meet deadlines (which DC is infamous for missing) they have been hurrying and churning out the last several issues of their entire line up en masse with very little quality control. Everyone is so 'onboard' with the new 52 that they seem to have forgotten about the readers.

I have always preferred DC over Marvel, but lately I find myself reading more and more Marvel because they are at least consistent in their quality and direction. It seems as if the writers and artists pushing for DC's new 52 have their own agenda and if everyone else does not fall in line or see 'their' vision they are proverbially fucked.

If I were a writer for DC and had poured my heart and soul into a series and was then told that I had only a handful of issues to sow up a dozen issue story arc I would be pissed and I would half ass my way to the finish line in anger.

I would rather have a line up of high quality, late comic books than 52 new ones that can only exist by destroying numerous series that have just recently hit their stride story and art-wise.

After reading Green Lantern Corps #63 I was thoroughly peeved. It was just a mishmash of 'perspectives' strewn together that really furthered no plot. It was not apart of something larger or even a one-shot arc akin to the way Emerald Warriors has been implementing since the conclusion of "The War of the Green Lanterns."

In a nutshell Green Lantern Corps #63 is the first Green Lantern comic book that I have been disappointed with and sadly it was the last before 52's new relaunch. And, it is not because of lack of talent...it is because of laziness and a lack of focus on DC's part.

Instead of ending with a bang they went out with a whimper. Hopefully the reboot stuns and amazes, because this comic book fan is now a Green Lantern Corp skeptic.

Hawkeye #1 (1994)

Just finished reading Hawkeye #1 from the second volume of Hawkeye, which published in 1994. Great read. If you would like to starting reading Hawkeye this would be an excellent place to start. The art is fantastic and the story starts off with a bang. You get a great feel for the character and the writer does an amazing job of filling in his backstory when necessary. Check out the first two covers from the four-part series below:

The Human Torch to be Relit Come November?

The comic book industry has always been rocked by numerous and frequent character deaths and rebirths. Often times killing off some of their largest characters in an effort to shake up their fan base with the hope that sales will spike based upon the sudden jump in publicity.

Last spring Marvel’s longest running series, the Fantastic Four, just shy of their 600^th issue, experienced a death in the Four that crept across numerous magazines, newspapers, and ePublications reaching muggles and wizards alike. The Human Torch, aka Johnny Storm, was killed of in Fantastic Four #587 resulting in the dissolution of the Fantastic Four and thus the creation of the Future Foundation. The remaining three members of the Fantastic Four mourned the death of Johnny Storm and proceeded to enlist Spiderman as their new fourth. In order to preserve the Human Torch’s memory the new Fantastic Four renamed the group while simultaneously continuing forward to the future by becoming the Future Foundation. After the death of Johnny Storm the Fantastic Four serial ceased to exist and the Future Foundation released its first issue in its wake, which continued where the Fantastic Four left off in issue #588.

However, amongst comic book preview guides and various internet leaks Fantastic Four #600 is featured hinting at a possible return of the Human Torch. These guides showcase both a Future Foundation issue as well as a Fantastic Four issue. With Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four in its 50^th year of publication, as Marvel’s longest running series, and Marvel’s precedent of splitting a successful series into two equally successful franchises it makes sense economically for Marvel to split the Future Foundation series into two runs.

Covers for Future Foundation #12 and Fantastic Four #600 have been released and interestingly enough the cover of Fantastic Four #600 depicts five members: the Human Torch, the Invisible Woman, Mr. Fantastic, the Thing, and Spiderman. This begs questioning: Will there be five members in the Fantastic Four, or is the cover merely depicting the transition between the two titles? And, is the Human Torch truly Johnny Storm, or a replacement with same alter ego?

My money is on Johnny Storm returning as the Human Torch come November, fully lit and ready to fly. I think that Marvel will ‘rebirth’ Johnny Storm in an effort to pay homage to the late Jack Kirby and the 50^th anniversary of the Fantastic Four. There has been fan backlash in accordance with Marvel’s laissez-faire attitude towards Kirby’s legacy and his creations. Without Jack Kirby and Stan Lee there would be no Marvel, much less a successful one.

Nevertheless, check out the Fantastic Four #600 cover, the Future Foundation #12 cover, and several teaser images that cropped up during my research of the countless leaks and articles surrounding the Fantastic Four and the Future Foundation.

Also, remember to pick up Future Foundation #12 and the Fantastic Four #600 once they release in early November to see if Johnny Storm returns to the mantle or if Marvel found a ‘replacement.’ As always feel free to comment and debate below.

Stormwatch #1

DC just released the cover for Stormwatch #1, which releases in September. Personally I am really looking forward to this one, because it features Martian Manhunter but regardless I thought I should share the cover art with everyone.

New Half-Black, Half-Hispanic Spiderman a Controversy?...Really?

With DC's focus on diversity with their new 52 lineup around the corner Marvel seems to have followed suit by replacing the recently killed Ultimate Spiderman, Peter Parker, with Miles Morales, a half-black, half-Hispanic Spiderman. His racial background, for some inane reason, has caused quite a stir within numerous media outlets including the oh, so 'reputable' FOX News. For whatever reason these media leeches have latched on to this announcement with much prejudice and racism. Instead of embracing a new character and analyzing how the writers at Marvel plan to further their newest addition or how Miles Morales' origin story is going to develop they are squabbling at that fact he is half-black, half-Hispanic.

Honestly, it is 2011 people...get over it. People are people. Do not focus on race, age, religion, politics, etc...focus on the art. That is what we are here for...the art, the culture, the happiness, and the willpower it takes to create something beautiful and inspiring.

I am definitely curious to see where Marvel takes the new Ultimate Spiderman story-wise, and I am also looking forward to cracking into Marvel's Spider-Island event. As an aside I just wrapped up Spidey's Fear Itself tie-in and it was masterful to say the least. By far one of the best tie-ins to a miniseries. It is going to be a good summer for Spidey.

Here are a couple of shots of the new Ultimate Spiderman:

Uncanny X-Force #14 Preview w/ SPOILERS

Normally Marvel does NOT do preview shots of their comic books, which might be the wiser decision of the two considering they are out to sell comic books and not give them away for free; nevertheless, Marvel has decided to provide a chunky preview of the Uncanny X-Force #14 which releases in September. Check out some of the preview here:

Flashpoint #5 Cover

Here is the quicky of the week. Flashpoint #5 cover by legendary artist, Andy Kubert. It is absolutely phenomenal. The final issue of Flashpoint looks amazing and hopefully DC will not rattle the cage too much with the conclusion of Flashpoint and their new 52 relaunch. Regardless, this piece of art is stunning.

Cowboys & Aliens Based Upon Graphic Novel

Trailers, concept art, and cast interviews for Jon Favreau‘s Cowboys & Alienshave dotted television and movie theater screens for months now and with the film releasing the Friday before last (7.23.2011) it seemed as if the in-and-outs of the film, as far as the origin, cast, and hype had to come to fruition, but I was shocked to learn that Cowboys & Aliens is based upon an eponymous graphic novel.

In 2006 a graphic novel created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, written by Fred Van Lente (who also wrote the novelization of the film) & Andrew Foley, and penciled by Luciano Lima was released by Platinum Studios entitled ‘Cowboys and Aliens‘ thus inspiring the creation of the film. Amazon has an original printing of Platinum Studios‘, Cowboys and Aliens, available for a hefty $59.95 price tag, but if you are interested in a little Cowboys and Aliens comic book action check out its sequel, Cowboys & Aliens: Worlds at War, which released in 2007 as a webcomic.

Below I have included the lead poster for Cowboys & Aliens the film as well as the Cowboys and Aliens graphic novel cover.

Green Lantern #1 Penciling by Doug Mahnke

With DC’s 52 relaunch only a month away more and more preview content is becoming available. Many pages from the largest series, that will be premiering in September, have been released to various news outlets and I will be posting them as they become relevant here on the Martian. The Green Lantern art caught my eye this past day, so here is a sneak peek at page 14 of the new Green Lantern comic serial releasing in September by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke featuring Sinestro and Atrocitus grappling with one another.

The Avengers Snipet Trailer

The last fifty seconds or so of Captain America yields this clip, which spills right over into an Avengers teaser, teaser trailer. Hopefully this will harken to a full-fledged teaser trailer within the next couple of weeks.

Also, swirling about the rumor mill is that the central plot of the Avengers will involve Loki summoning the Skrulls via the Cosmic Cube (featured at the end of Thor). Sounds very interesting and Secret Invasion-esque to me. Regardless of the film’s true plot it looks to be shaping up to be a fantastic film and I cannot wait till 5.4.2012 rolls around.

Update: I just returned from watching the new Captain America film, and I was definitely quite impressed. Probably the best superhero film of the year. Nevertheless, the Avengers trailer at the end of the film is a lot more impressive than the clip that I attached to this post; so, I apologize for the lack of finesse, but as soon the official teaser trailer is released online I will create a new post showcasing the new trailer.

I would definitely check out Captain America if you have the funds and the time. It is well worth the money and even if you have just a passing knowledge of Captain America lore the film did nicely by explaining his origins while not bogging the viewers down with unnecessary details.

The Avengers

I grabbed this Avenger poster featuring the entire lead cast (Black Widow, Iron Man, the Hulk, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye, Nick Fury) of 2012′s the Avengers from the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con while I was wrapping up my “Top Ten @ the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con” article for the Examiner. I’ve been starin’ at it for days and it reminds of the original Star Warsposters…I love it! Check it out! (Click to enlarge…it’s a lot more impressive that way.

Also, even though the first poster released is fairly simple I still dig it. It’s elegant in its simplicity.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance

Nick Cage will be starring again as the eponymous character in the, short-of, reboot of the “Ghost Rider” franchise and unfortunately there hasn’t been much buzz about it. I sporadically get an article here and there about the film that occasionally flits across my desk, but nothing truly substantial. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to come across some new stills from the film as well as a promotional poster that had been plastered on the side of the wall.

What little I have read about the film has peaked my interest though. All of the previews have had stellar comments about the movie and I think this will be a viral hit once it hits theaters February 17th, 2011.

I honestly have not read many of the Ghost Rider comics and I am most definitely a noob when it comes to the lore. I do like the premise, however, and as an aside I was also surprised to learn that the new Ghost Rider comic series that just recently released featured a female Ghost Rider. So if anyone has any knowledge or back story on this please drop me a comment.

Check out some of the stills and posters below, and like always feel free to comment.

Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis’ Aquaman #1 Preview

As most people know I am not a huge Aquaman fan, but I am a huge Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis fan. Geoff Johns during an interview said that Aquamanwas one of his favorite characters and at his behest is heading the newAquaman reboot which will release this September along with the other DC relaunch titles. Here are the first four pages of the new Aquaman series:

It's a Batman Extravaganza!

So, after work today I picked up my obese black and tan Dachshund from my parents house and fretted on home only to be bombarded by an immense amount of awesome Batman news via MacBook.

First off, “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises” promotional movie poster, which released today, features the Bat logo framed by collapsing Gotham (presumably) skyscrapers. Supposedly the Superman logo is hidden in the lower left-hand corner of the poster, hinting at Christopher Nolan producing credit in Zack Snyder‘s Superman reboot (The Man of Steel), however, I was unable to ‘see’ the logo even when it was directly pointed out to me. It very well could be just another rumor amongst rumors, but regardless here is the poster in all its batiness:

Also, in Bat news was the much speculated CE of Batman: Arkham City was finally leaked via Best Buy. Thus far no details on what the $100 package will include, but if it is anything like Arkham Asylum’s CE package it will be a for sure must have. Here are some shots of the upcoming title, which releases this October:

And, finally, but not least importantly, is the newly released cover for Batman #2 featuring the artistic talent of Greg Capullo. I cannot wait for DC’s relaunch so that I can dive into the new Bat Family titles; I have a feeling I will be reading a lot more Batman come this fall. Here is the aforementioned cover in color followed by the same cover in black and white (I am particularly partial to the black and white cover myself…variant perhaps?):

Well, there you have it. Batman in all his awesome-ness. As always feel free to comment, and keep on readin’!

WATCH Flashpoint #5 & Justice League #1 FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Wolverine #14 FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH DC's Deadman coming to the CW FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH DC's New 52 Logo Set FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Green Lantern Corps #63 FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Hawkeye #1 (1994) FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH The Human Torch to be Relit Come November? FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Stormwatch #1 FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH New Half-Black, Half-Hispanic Spiderman a Controversy?...Really? FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Uncanny X-Force #14 Preview w/ SPOILERS FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Flashpoint #5 Cover FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Cowboys & Aliens Based Upon Graphic Novel FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Green Lantern #1 Penciling by Doug Mahnke FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH The Avengers Snipet Trailer FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH The Avengers FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis’ Aquaman #1 Preview FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

WATCH It's a Batman Extravaganza! FULL MOVIE ONLINE STREAMING

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