Review: Legion: Secret Origin #1

My Legion flight ring is of surprisingly decent quality. I expected the gold paint to look a lot yellower in person, but it has a nice metallic sheen to it and looks a little more expensive than the free lantern rings did. It's way too big to fit around my tiny child fingers, but I can wedge it in between my fingers long enough to get out a cry of "Long live the Legion!", and it looks nice on a chain. It's definitely worth spending the $2.99 if your local comic shop is participating in the giveaway.

I'm a little less enthused about the comic that came along with it. I don't think Secret Origins is a bad comic, and I think there are a lot of people who it will appeal to, but I don't think I'm one of them. I've been trying to stick with Legion Lost, and have actually been enjoying the main Legion of Superheroes title, but for the most part, I found this one to be dull. I enjoyed Brainiac 5 largely because of my pre-existing love for the character, and Phantom Girl was the only character who really jumped off the page for me. We hear about these characters, but we don't get any moments that allow us to really connect with them. In a 6 issue series, I think it's important to have that right from the start.

The comic opens with a bit of backstory that begs to be read in a deep, boomy voice. It looks like we're about to get a nice action scene, but the action is already over and done with, and we get an exposition heavy conversation instead. I started to get interested when Brainiac 5 showed up, but we got more narration instead. There's a foiled assassination attempt that's less interesting than it has any right to be, and more of that exposition laden dialogue. We do get one wonderful Brainy and Phantom Girl scene, but it's over all too quickly. By the end of the issue, we've gotten even more exposition, seen plenty of Legion's trademark character introduction boxes and what looks like the start of the team.

Most of my limited Legion knowledge comes from Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes, and I really think a deeper knowledge of the Legion would've increased my appreciation for this book. This is a tweaking of the previous Legion origin, and I think a lot of what makes this book intriguing comes from seeing what's different and wondering why. This might be a great read for readers who already know and love these characters, but this issue doesn't do much to sell what makes the Legion great. I can see this being a good story in trade, but right now I don't have any interest in seeing what happens next month.

This is the rare occasion when I think readers will be pleasantly surprised by how the art looks in comparison to the cover. Chris Batista's done a lot of Legion work in the past, and his familiarity with the characters really helps here. He gets in some nice facial expressions, and does a great job handling the Legion-verse's futuristic tech. Phantom Girl has sported some of the Legion's goofiest costumes, and it's nice to see her looking so classy. I'm not sure if he had a hand in updating the Legion costumes, but either way, they look terrific. There are some interesting reoccurring elements that really give you a sense of what style is like in the 31st century. It's clear a lot of thought was put into these changes.

This is the most accessible Legion title by far, and it's a shame that I don't really feel like I can recommend it on its own. It's worth picking up if you can get the ring to go with it, but otherwise, I think this one is just for the Legion die-hards. I'm dropping this one for now, but I plan on looking into it again once the story concludes. Hopefully, it'll make for a better introduction to the Legion when you can read it all in one go.

By Marceline with No comments

Review: Wolverine and the X-Men #1

Now this is really interesting to me, and maybe only to me, but here goes: when I first began contemplating the way to review this issue, I realized what I want to say is, "this is too far removed from reality." You'd be right to smack me across the forehead. I'm reviewing comic books and I'm expecting them to be close to reality?

It's undeniable that the X-Men have created a reality of their own; either within or beside the reality of the Marvel U, it's their little niche. Now, the opening conversation of this book, between Wolverine and Professor X, contains the following exchange:

• Wolverine: You sure you won't reconsider, professor? Your newfound sarcasm aside, we could really use your help around here. I could use your help. I'm not sure I know what I've gotten myself into.
• Xavier: I'm not sure you do either, dear boy.

Ignoring how bizzare it is to write Wolverine uttering the phrase, "Your newfound sarcasm aside..." since when is Xavier an English butler? I hear him speak in John Cleese's voice throughout this scene, and there is no reason why that should ever be the case.

In fact, I eventually realized that there's an element of Fawlty Towers to this whole issue, except that for the most part Logan and Kitty are in Basil's position. The state inspectors, who are clearly highfalutin archetypes, are rich guests, and the day is spent trying to cover up the eccentricities and failings of the establishment. Naturally, hilarity ensues! I say this as a fan of Fawlty Towers, by the way, but the problem is that I just flat out do not want an X-Men sitcom out of a flagship book like this. It's not what I thought I was signing up for.

Maybe that's unfair of me, because in a way it's sort of inherently comedic, the notion of a 200+-year-old samurai with built-in claws opening a school for people with super powers that also includes interdimensional gateways. Maybe I'm playing into some kind of dork stereotype by taking this stuff too seriously. But if I am, I don't think it's my fault; I think it's Marvel's for establishing the precedent that X-Men is serious business, that it's about civil rights and fundamental moral questions like what it is to be human and the meaning of personal freedom. And I'm not trying to suggest you can't include humor in that, either. It's just that this whole issue is a joke, and the punchline turns out to be the leader of the Hellfire Babies—kid villains introduced in Schism over whom I'm still scratching my head—sicking some kind of giant worm monster on the school while the highfalutin tea-and-crumpets inspectors crap their pants.

Some of the moments we've been given here are thoroughly and truly funny, like Beast's unfortunately timed mad scientist tirade and the psychic defense class for which Mr. Uptite the English Inspector Butler declares the students should all get "As in standing around." I would also like to say that, for the tone that's been adopted here, Chris Bachalo's exaggerated pencil work is very appropriate, and also that his rendition of Idie is frighteningly cute.

There's so much potential in the cast that's been assembled here, and in the fresh status quo of the X books. Schism was positively ham-fisted, but it got things where they need to be. I desperately want to read a book about this school that addresses the major problems it inevitably will face without treating the whole thing as a joke. I'm not looking forward, for example, to plots being sidetracked for more scenes where Kid Gladiator says things like, "Kiss my hand, puny earth creatures!" and I'm expected to giggle. And I'd love it if we could get rid of this whole development where evil genius toddlers are the villains. That's stupid, and I'm not going to insult anyone's intelligence by elaborating on its stupidity. It's clearly stupid.

One more thing. Toad. I feel sorry for Toad. The guy just wants a bed. I'd like to see him join a union, maybe get together a little Occupy Marvel Universe. Do we really find it that funny to crap all over janitors?

By T.K. Tunstal with 1 comment

Review: Avengers Academy #20

I like Veil. I always liked her. I always liked every single character in this book, including ones like Speedball that I've never actually cared about before. (I'm serious—I slogged through that whole Civil War mess without giving a damn, but Gage gets his hands on the guy for a few issues and I just want to know he'll be okay.) But I'm mentioning Veil specifically because I've noticed she's an easy target due to her fear and self doubt. Plus, she does seem to have a slight case of Rachel Leigh Cook in She's All That syndrome.

But I've never subscribed to the notion that the angsty, down-on-herself teenager archetype has to be a bad character. Maybe it's because I, unlike most literary-minded adults, never got over The Catcher in the Rye, but I think it has more to do with Gage's knack for taking super-powered characters and bringing them into the real world. I've always wanted to hang out with Veil and tell her I think it's actually pretty cool that she can turn into smoke, which might be praise along the lines of Holden Caulfield's "do you want to phone the author up and chat" test.

If you don't like Veil, but you do like Avengers Academy (and if you don't like Avengers Academy, I don't like you), then what I'd point out to you is this: the series opened with Veil, and its 20th issue—the one that closes out its old status quo and is an end of sorts—is centered entirely on her. I won't pretend I can say exactly what the reason is for that, but it's as clear as you can get that Maddie's vital to this story. 

This is the kind of issue that, if it were a WB drama, would be advertised something like, "On a very special Avengers Academy, it's a time for new beginnings... and goodbyes to old friends." Avengers books aren't supposed to go like this; you don't spend a whole issue saying goodbye and sorting out social dynamics. But the strength of this book has always been social dynamics, not the super-villains that the team has faced or the cameos or the crossovers. That's why Avengers Academy is such a refreshing super hero book, and why it's allowed to get away with an issue that reads more like a prime time teen drama than a cape adventure.

Of course, there's always a certain amount of apprehension that comes with a shift in status quo on a title you like, and I was feeling that throughout. We all knew that Veil would be saying farewell, but losing Justice and Speedball was unexpected. It's strange that I was just as sad to see them go as Maddie. They were characters that I felt really belonged at the academy, and frankly, it's kind of amazing that in only twenty issues, Gage has been able to take characters with long-running histories and cement them in my brain as faculty.

Emotional content like this can live or die by its art, and Tom Raney, the one-time penciler on this issue, has given us a mixed bag. He's clearly capable of delivering the goods when it comes to expression, but for every clean-lined and believable face there seems to be a total derp one. It's probable that his strong points are not really being played to on an issue like this—if the opening splash page that loosely links back to Fear Itself is any indication, Raney's in his element when drawing battle scenes involving monsters and costumes, which would certainly justify his employ at Marvel. I don't want to wrongly trash him when I say I'll be glad to get another artist on the next issue of Avengers Academy. This just isn't the right book for him.

Gage was recently interviewed about his soon-to-be newest position writing X-Men: Legacy. He said that the big difference between X books and AA is the former have typically focused more on faculty where the latter is really about students. Avengers Academy #20 really drives that point home. We're about to get a big injection in the student body, and as is always the case with change, part of me doesn't want it to happen. But Gage has never disappointed me, and as the issue draws to a close he seems to be trying to reassure through Pym's words: "Our full-time students will continue to be our focus. But why limit ourselves? Why limit them? ...Welcome to a new era for Avengers Academy!"

That's good enough for me. Color me optimistic.

By T.K. Tunstal with No comments

Review: Daken - Dark Wolverine #16, Pride Comes... Part 1

Writing a character like Daken must be tough. His essential aspect is control, and as a writer you've got to be fighting with yourself not to control him. He could never work in bondage—he'd clearly die sooner, and Daken doesn't die easily.

That's why I had a hard time making up my mind about Rob Williams's Big Break arc. He's found a way to chain Daken, and it's been ugly. But it's starting to pay off, big time, in what's clearly the strongest issue Williams has written since taking over the title and what's setting out to be a very powerful new arc. It's proof not only that he understands this character through and through, but that he's capable of taking advantage of Daken's unique role in the Marvel U to tell stories we've never seen before. That's something modern cape comics are always in desperate need of. And with the return of Matteo Buffagni, whose pencils first defined the characters we got to know in Big Break, it's delivered in the dark and clear style that perfectly suits this super hero-crime-noir epic.

When Daken first encountered Heat, a new and supremely addictive drug, I was afraid that it was just there to be a drug. This book has always included plenty of sex, and I worried that the story would coast from drugs into rock 'n' roll. Instead Heat has proven to be a means of placing Daken in the most compromising position we've ever seen him in, all while crafting a tight and engrossing murder mystery that's legitimately kept one step ahead of me every issue.

The thing that's so compelling about Heat is that it's somehow able to dampen Daken's healing factor. Contrary to what you'd expect, that's exactly why he finds it so irresistible—that same healing factor has never let Daken enjoy drugs before, and he's actually found fighting without it to be a thrill in itself.

Issue sixteen opens just as Daken is on the cusp of realizing how great a price he's paid for the drug, but instead of devolving into a super hero D.A.R.E. ad the plot has quickly progressed towards a climactic revenge showdown and the resolution of the "claws killer" mystery. Daken, stricken with a diminished healing factor as he struggles through withdrawal and now targeted for extermination by the military, attempts to track down his newly revealed nemesis before he completely loses his criminal empire; our hard-boiled FBI agent, Donna Kiel, meets up with Moon Knight—but he knows that something isn't right. There's an undercurrent through it all that promises things are nearing a boiling point, reinforced by a tightly executed cliffhanger ending.

Up until this point, we've never seen Daken as anything but indomitable. His overwhelming charisma and his natural pheromones mean he's always in a position of control, and that control is what he lives for. Now, for the first time, Daken is facing an enemy who has manipulated and deceived him the way he's done to so many others.

Rage is often used by comic book writers as a cheap way to generate drama: a loved one was murdered, and the hero's hell bent on getting justice. But Daken's is a rage much more familiar. It's the rage of hubris turned to humiliation, and here it's absolutely palpable.

By T.K. Tunstal with No comments

Review: Justice League Dark #2

The magic side of the DCU is my sweet spot, and the first issue of Justice League Dark hit it full force. From showing off what made some of my favorite characters great to introducing a truly terrifying supernatural threat, the first issue of the comic delivered a great story and showed a lot of promise for issues to come. It goes without saying that I was only expecting bigger and better things from issue 2. The solicit mentioned world destruction. The cover promised Zatanna and Constantine burning witches. How could it be anything but awesome?

While Justice League Dark #2 lacked the witch burning featured on the cover, it was still a thoroughly entertaining comic. It looks like we're getting into some of the things Peter Milligan really excels at here- screwed up relationship dynamics, unexpected plot twists, and some really terrific character work. I missed seeing Shade the Changing Man this issue, but characters like Deadman, Dawn Granger, and John Constantine made great use of their increased panel time. In many ways, the conflict between Deadman and Dove was the driving force behind the issue, and there were some big developments for other members of the book's cast. I'm still anxious to see the whole team assembled together, but I don't mind the process being drawn back as long as we keep getting great character moments. Everyone but the yet to be seen Mindwarp has had a chance to shine, and I'm sure he'll get his spotlight soon.

Once again, the art by Mikel Janin is absolutely fantastic. His facial expressions are especially strong- he really helped sell Dawn's hurt, frustration and anger throughout the course of a book, and the little smirk that a bloodied Constantine wore tells readers just what they need to know about the character. The twisted spread near the beginning of the book is incredibly detailed, and I spent a long time looking at the destruction littered across the page. Milligan asks for a lot from Janin here, requiring him both the sweet and the gruesome, and Janin always delivers. Colorist Ulises Arreola adds in some nice little details, like the red glow around Deadman, that really compliment Janin's work.

Milligan promised that this series would be emotionally dark, and it's this issue that's really given an idea of what that will mean. At times, some of the series main characters feel downright unlikable, but their actions still ring true to me. What really makes their behavior work for me is that it feels like a natural result of the situation that they're in, not jerkishness for the sake of angst. Even when they're not facing the incredibly powerful Enchantress, it doesn't look like the Dark crew will have an easy go of it, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Milligan takes some of these characters in the issues to come.

While I've already recommended this title to fans of Vertigo and DC's magic cast of characters, I'd also suggest that Dawn Granger fans give this a try. I think her portrayal here is much stronger than it is in Hawk and Dove, and it looks like she's going to be sticking around for a good long while. Justice League Dark remains a solid supernatural title with beautiful art. It doesn't quite feel like a team book yet, but I'm sure it will soon, and I look forward to seeing the adventures that this motley crew will have. This remains one of my favorite DCnU titles, and I can't wait for issue 3, witch burning or not.

By Marceline with 5 comments

Comics You Should Be Reading: Green Wake

There's no comic quite like Green Wake. Were I pressed to compare it to something, I'd name Silent Hill- both are set in mysterious, horrific towns that seem to draw you towards them. That understand the worst things about you, and the best ways to haunt you. Towns that, for most who come across them, there is no true escape.

The series primarily focuses on Morley Mack and Kreiger, whose unusual appearance has yet to be explained. Like many tales, this one opens with a murder. But as Mack and Kreiger begin their investigation, we soon learn that Green Wake is not an ordinary place. The town's strange nature is revealed to the reader gradually, at a pace that will make them more curious rather than leave them irritated. Some questions receive answers quickly, some are built into bigger mysteries, and some solutions are only teased at. And as readers start to learn more about Green Wake, they may become more and more reluctant to understand the truth at the center of it.

What I love about Green Wake is that in spite of all its strangeness, it's a true detective tale at its heart. When I read it, I feel like David Lynch decided it might be fun to try adapting a Dashiell Hammett classic. Writer Kurtis J. Wiebe, who also created the madcap, mad science gone wrong action series The Intrepids, does a beautiful job of setting the scene with his gripping prose. Every character in Green Wake, even the minor ones, has a clear voice and leaves the reader wanting to know more about them and what brought them to the town. The more I learn about Green Wake, the more fascinating its residents become, and now that the series is an ongoing, I hope we'll have the chance to hear plenty of their tales.

Green Wake was originally intended to be a miniseries, and had ended at issue 5, I would have been satisfied. The town still has many, many mysteries, but character arcs were sufficiently wrapped up, and readers were given enough information to develop their own theories about the town's nature. The series' new start keeps what was great about the original series while taking it in a new direction. In issues to come, it appears we'll be getting more of an ensemble cast, and I expect the introduction of new characters will only deepen the town's mythology. Issue 6 of the series gave us a few tantalizing pieces of information that I think will play a big role in the issues to come.

The art plays as big a role as the writing when it comes to establishing the town's atmosphere. Riley Rossmo's scratchy, dreary style is ideal for the town, and his beautiful shading and colors give readers a real sense of what living in Green Wake would be like. There's more detail in his work than you might notice at first glance. His backgrounds can be surprisingly intricate, and his facial expressions and body language are absolutely incredible. I mentioned before that Wiebe gives every character a unique voice, and I feel like his work shines its brightest near the end of the first storyline, and Rossmo layers on top of that, giving them little tics that make them feel like living, breathing people. I'm excited by the way certain changes to the town since then have changed his style, and I hope future issues give him more chances to experiment.

Now is the perfect time to start reading Green Wake. One storyline has just concluded and another has just begun, so readers can get some gratification before diving into a new sea of mysteries. Green Wake isn't a series for everyone- it's dark, violent, often grotesquely so, and town's unfathomable nature is sure to frustrate some readers. But for anyone who appreciates an unusual, eerie tale, who loves to try and figure things out or just be lost in a mystery, Green Wake can't be beat. Both its art and its storytelling are masterful, and its characters are wonderfully constructed. Green Wake is truly different from every other comic on the market right now, and that's what makes it a must read.

If you're interested in catching up with Green Wake, you can read the first issue for free here. You can also grab the Green Wake Volume 1 TP off Amazon or from your local comic shop.

By Marceline with No comments

Review: Daredevil #5

One of my favorite parts of every new issue of Daredevil is the very beginning. For those of you who don't read Daredevil (you really should), each issue begins with a newpaper styled recap of what came before. I don't normally pay attention to recap pages, but there's always plenty to enjoy in Daredevil's, whether it's humorous comments about the Marvel Universe or lines that slightly bend the fourth wall. What really got me this time around was the caption under the photo of Daredevil, which comments on how he "seems to almost be having fun these days". It sums up exactly what I love about this series, and made me eager to tear into this issue.

Last issue's cliffhanger quickly led into an action scene, which was made all the more enjoyable by Matt Murdock's commentary. That he was able to take out this crop of baddies so easily added a lot of impact to his struggles later on in the issue. If a guy can take out six armed mercs wearing night vision goggles without breaking a sweat, then you know that any villain who gives him trouble must be scary stuff. I have a soft spot for any character who wears a luchador mask, and I'm eager to see what Mark Waid has planned for the new baddie Bruiser. His logo littered costume makes me think of the wonderful superhero series Tiger & Bunny, and I hope we get to find out a little more about his list.

Many of the questions raised in the last issue were given answers here, and I'd probably be expecting this story to wrap up in issue #6 if it weren't for some new elements introduced that seem to be building to something really big. It makes me wonder if this case will ever get a clean ending. I loved that Matt isn't even making the most basic efforts to hide that he's Daredevil from Austin Cao. Quite a few fans have been speculating that Austin will join the book's main cast, and this seems to back up that line of thinking. Of course, at this point, I could completely believe that Matt's given up on trying to conceal his secret identity, which makes Foggy Nelson's attempts to keep up the facade all the more amusing.

Speaking of Foggy, this was a really great issue for him. I've liked him since the start of this Daredevil run, but his concern for Matt here really increased my appreciation for the character. I don't want Matt to go back to being miserable all the time, but I like that Waid's acknowledging that things aren't always that simple. I've mentioned before that I really can relate to this take on Daredevil, and as much as working to have a positive outlook on life has helped me, it's not a magic fix for everything that's wrong in my life. This was a nice carry over from issue one, and I hope we'll get to see Foggy and Matt talk about this soon.

Paolo Rivera is a tough act to follow, but Marcos Martin is doing a terrific job of it. Sound effects and panel layouts continue to be used brilliantly and remain one of my favorite aspects of the book. His line work is smooth and sharp, and he creates some really terrific poses, especially near the end of the issue. The facial expressions are also great- the scene at Kristen and Dina's apartment had a bit of a Cliff Chiang vibe, which is always a good thing. Javier Rodriguez returns as the book's color artist, and his work continues to make the book feel bright and fun. What really excites me about the art in Daredevil is how much it embraces the fact that it's a comic book. Onomatopoeia is a huge part of what makes the medium fun, and I love how well it's used here.

When a comic is as consistently good as Daredevil is, they don't seem to get as much attention has they should for being great. That's a shame, because I have had a blast reading every issue so far, and I think there are a lot of comic readers that would feel the same if they gave this book a chance. When I pick up a new issue of Daredevil, I know I'm going to love the heck out of it before I even turn the first page. The comics world needs more constants- books you can count on to be terrific no matter what. Daredevil is one of those constants. It's reliably great to look at, reliably fun, and just a great comic reading experience every month. I really think this is going to be remembered as one of the all-time best Daredevil runs, and I'm excited to be reading it while the story's still unfolding.

By Marceline with No comments

Review: The Flash #2

The concept of The Flash is a criminally underrated one. I think that the concept of a speedster is so simple that people underestimate their powers and don't really think about what being able to move that fast means. If you are one of these people, you need to read The Flash #2. This issue doesn't spend a lot of time explaining the speed force(thought we do learn a little), or feature big, epic fight scenes (though there is some nice action). What it does do is demonstrate how awesome The Flash can be in simple, subtle ways. Manapul has always been great at showcasing speed, but here, he does something a little different and lets the reader see the way The Flash can see the world when he's standing still. The look of pure joy on Barry's face when he puts everything together in his head and realizes what he can do is wonderful, and I was smiling right along with him.

This issue also continues the story of many Manuels. There's nothing wrong with this plot, and if it was in another comic, I might've been really involved in it, but right now, I think it's getting overshadowed by the sheer visual spectacle of this comic. When I reached the very cool cliffhanger ending, my first thought wasn't about what people are trying to keep Barry from finding, but about how great the panel looked. The story in Flash is a perfectly good one, but I think it's always going to be overpowered by the impressiveness of the book's art. Batwoman managed to get to a place where the storyline does as much to draw readers in as its jawdropping art does, and over time, I hope The Flash will get there too.

The characters, however, are something I'm really invested in. I want to see how the charismatic Manuel Barry knew in his youth wound up the way he did. I want to see Barry keep experimenting with his powers Love triangles frequently annoy me, but I'm actually really enjoying the one here. I think that's largely because both Iris and Patty are likable and have good chemistry with Barry, and there are no silly misunderstandings or people getting screwed over. Normally, I dislike undoing relationships, but it really weeks for me here. I don't think Barry and Iris ever had much of a courtship in comics, and they were married back in the 60's. With Barry dead for decades, modern readers haven't gotten to see much of the two of them together, and I didn't particularly care about the couple when Barry came back. I'm pretty certain that a Barry/Iris pairing is still the endgame, and I'm glad I now have a chance to enjoy the build-up.

There were a few lines from Barry that felt overly explanatory, but the back and forth between characters is another one of the issue's strong points. The dialogue feels natural, but there's also an interesting sort of rhythm to it that makes it very readable. I like these characters enough that I occasionally wish we'd heard a little more from them, but at the same time, I appreciate that Manapul and Buccellato held back a little and sometimes just let the panels speak for themselves. No one here talks just for the sake of talking, and I admire the restraint of any writing team that can resist going for goofy jokes when they have a superhero standing in the mud alongside pigs.

Somehow, Manapul's art is even more beautiful than it was the month before. The visual storyline here is practically peerless, and I don't think there's ever been a better feature for Manapul's style than the little boxes he uses to illustrate "Flash sigh" to readers. I keep picking up the book and looking at the pages over and over- there's way too much to appreciate here to read this comic only once. Manapul's watercolor heavy technique is really unusual, and it's a testament to Brian Buccellato's talent that his colors work with it so well. Manapul's uncolored pages are gorgeous, and I think it takes some real skill to alter them without taking away from any of their beauty. The two of them are a brilliant team in every respect, and I hope they keep on working together for a long time.

I've seen a lot of lamenting about the lack of titles to give younger readers, so I really want to take the time to suggest this book to anyone who's trying to find a good comic to give a kid. The Flash is a light, fun title that should be appropriate for kids old enough to have outgrown Tiny Titans. One of the most important things a story can do is encourage children to use their own imaginations, and I think The Flash does that in spades. I'm pretty far removed from my own childhood, and as I put down this book I couldn't stop trying to picture the world the way The Flash does. It's a great introduction to one of DC's greatest superheroes, and giving it to kids while they're young will assure the next generation never doubts the awesomeness of a speedster.

By Marceline with No comments

52 Review's Source Wall - Episode 2: The Deadman's Chest

And we're back ladies and gentleman! After a bit of a delay, Eric Holodnak and Bobbinette Carey return with a slightly Halloween themed episode of The Source Wall (formerly just the 52 Review). Several suggestions were taken into an account, some changed were made now, some have to be made later, and some (like me being replaced with someone less annoying) were just not touched upon.

On this episode, we go over several demon and monster based books. Demon Knights, Justice League Dark, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and, because no one demanded it, I, Vampire. Then we talk about if it's possible, in a world like DC's, to have an actually effective horror line. Join us won't you?

And, as always, feel free to comment with suggestions and niceties.

THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM MAY CONTAIN HARSH LANGUAGE

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

And if you want to just watch the full version because you've got that sort of time:

(VIDEO COMING SOON)

Changes in the works:

We are aware that it's still a little rough. We're working on a new location that doesn't have the atrocious echo so, bare with us. For now, I hope you can still enjoy us in the rough, as it were.

By Electric Nerd with 4 comments

10 Comics That Would Make Great Cartoons

Like many comic fans, I love cartoons. Cartoons helped introduce me to a bevy of comic book heroes, and I've continued to enjoy animated series as I've gotten older. There are some characters, like Batman and Spider-Man, who have seen several different animated series, but many more great comics and characters who deserve a chance to have their own cartoon. Here are 10 comics, in no particular order, that I think would make great cartoons.

1. Reed Gunther

The wild west is a terrific setting for cartoons. There's a lot about the setting that's familiar, but the environment lends itself to adventure, and clever writers can have a lot of fun playing with well worn tropes. The always wonderful Reed Gunther starts an often goofy but always lovable cowboy, who in place of a horse, rides a bear named Sterling. He is sometimes joined by Starla, a spirited rancher who plays off Reed beautifully. Reed Gunther is only 5 issues in, but the comic is so well paced and so packed with action that there's already a lot of great material to work with - giant snakes, monster making idols, and Reed and Sterling dealing with the dangers of the big city. A good cowboy cartoon could be huge, and I think Reed Sterling would make a great one.

2. Dial H For Hero

If Cartoon Network ever runs out of things to add onto the end of Ben 10's title, Dial H For Hero would make the perfect substitution. In Dial H For Hero, a group of kids stumble upon "H-Dials"- devices that allow them to become superheroes of their own creation. While in most cases, the hero was just a kid transformed into an adult superhero, at other times, the behavior of the H-Dials was more interesting. When the series' primary villain tried to use a H-Dial, he found he could only use it to become a hero. It overwrote his villainous nature and forced him to act heroicly while using the dialer's powers. In another storyline, the hero created by the kid using the dial was so well formed that he completely took over the child's personality. His memories were gone, and he recognized himself only as the character that the kid had imagined. These little things could make for some compelling season storylines, and the general premise of the series is perfect for both cartoons and toys.

3. Avengers Academy

Mettle is a meme of 4Chan. Reptil can turn into a freaking dinosaur! There is no reason that Avengers Academy shouldn't be huge with older kids. Reptil would work as a great carryover for kids who are outgrowing The Super Hero Squad Show, and the series would be a fantastic way for Marvel to introduce more obscure characters to a younger audience. The school setting will give kids a sense of familiarity, and there's enough angst and romance to win over kids who might not otherwise want to sit down with a show about superheroes. Avengers Academy is easily one of the best comics Marvel is publishing right now, and it deserves the kind of attention an animated series can bring.

4. The Intrepids

Cybernetic bears! Attack baboons! All the jetpacks you could ask for! The recently concluded series The Intrepids did its best to put all the fun it could into mad science, and largely succeeded. It centers around a team of 4 superheroes working to hone their skills while fighting to stop mad scientists from ruining the world. The art has this Darwyn Cooke-esque vibe that'd translate beautifully to animation, and the retro-pulp comic vibe would lend a lot of atmosphere to the series. The main cast is likable and compelling, and there are enough mysteries in the series to keep viewers interested to the very end. An Intrepids series would be a wonderful way to get some bright, action-packed fun at the end of the day when all I want to do is lie around and watch cartoons.

5.  Supergirl's Cosmic Adventures

I cannot praise Landry Walker's Supergirl's Cosmic Adventure in the 8th Grade enough.  The comic is smart, hilarious, and avoids all the cliches that plague stories centering on middle schoolers. It's one of my go-to books whenever I have the chance to gift a comic to a kid, and it's the first thing I recommend to parents looking for a female-led series for their daughter. Landry Walker has said he had plans to continue the series if DC was interested, and I'd love to see him get to do that in cartoon form. Now is the perfect time to launch a new show about a female superhero. There are tons of girls who've learned to love superheroes thanks to the plethora of comic based movies, and the new My Little Pony has proven that female characters won't scare off a male audience. There are already some plans to use Supergirl in the upcoming DC Nation animation block, but I'd love to see Cartoon Network take things one step further and develop a full Supergirl series based on this great comic.

6. Atomic Robo

Atomic Robo is a series about a robot created in 1923 who works with "Action Scientists" to take on paranormal threats, most of which are the plots of dastardly villains. Robo's rogues gallery contains both genuinely threatening villains as well as guys like Dr. Dinosaur, who tried to pretend he built a time machine out of sticks and rocks. Every storyline Atomic Robo has seen is packed full of fun, cartoon friendly ideals, from a vampire dimension to a ghostly version of Thomas Edison. Science and adventure go hand in hand in the Atomic Robo universe, and the series' title character is the comic world's answer to Forrest Gump. Robo's decades long history of daring exploits have left him just on the fringe of many important events in history- often in surprising and hilarious ways. An animated short has been teased, but a full-on animated series would be even better.

7. Gladstone's School For World Conquerors

Even the name sounds like the title of a cartoon! Gladstone's School For World Conquerors tales place at an underground academy for the children of supervillains, and plays with the concept of good and evil in really interesting ways. In this universe, the battle between heroes and villains is a lot like professional wrestling, but the kids have no idea everything is staged. The cast is delightful, from the wonderfully named Martian Jones to   the slightly tsundere Mummy Girl. There's a little bit of an anime vibe to the series that I think would appeal to a lot of viewers, and so many little things that I'd love to see animated, like Kid Nefarious' scarf. This comic is flat out hilarious while still managing to tell compelling stories- in some ways, it's like an all-ages take on Runways- and I think any cartoon based on this book would find a huge audience.

8. Justice League International

Some members of the JLI crew were used to great effect on Justice League Unlimited, but it's a mystery to me why they've never had their own animated series. It's a comedic take on superheroes. What's not to love. There's plenty of comedy in that series that would make it a great show for a younger audience, but it'd also be easy to ramp things up a little and create something like Archer with superpowers. As silly as Justice League International could sometimes get, the bond between these characters never felt like a joke, and it's something that I think would make the series relatable in a way many superhero shows aren't. Right now, there's a brand new Justice League International book at comic stores everywhere, and a show like this could convince people to give the new series a try and to go back and check out the old one. There's still so much potential left in the JLI concept, and a JLI cartoon would be the perfect way to make use of it.

9. Captain Britain and MI:13

If Marvel ever were to start creating shows for an older audience the way DC has with some of the DCAU and their direct to DVD movies, the tragically canceled title Captain Britain and the MI:13 would be the perfect way to do it. So much about the series is silly and/or fantastical- Dracula lives on the moon, superheroes wield Excalibur, a member of MI:13 is a Skrull version of John Lennon. But in spite of all that, the series had a tremendous emotional weight to it, and moments that could have easily come across as goofy were really powerful. By the same token, the series managed to find some real humor in dark places, and even when the comic felt a little more serious, it never stopped being fun. The comic is cartoon-y enough to make a great animated series, but is adult enough to really appeal to an older crown. Marvel has struggled to find success with their international heroes, and putting a terrific character like Captain Britain in the spotlight would be an excellent way to change that.

10. Super Dinosaur

Do I even need to write anything here? Super Dinosaur is a comic about a kid genius and his best pal, a genetically altered, superpowered Tyrannosaurus. Having once been a child myself, I can say with some confidence that  this is the kind of show every kid wants to see. The toy line alone would be incredible, and the action scenes that pit Super Dinosaur against the series many awesomely named bad guy dinosaurs would be even better. Super Dinosaur's creator, Robert Kirkman, is the man behind Walking Dead, which has had tremendous success as a TV series. It stands to reason that some of his other comics could be television hits too.

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Panels Of The Week - Week Of 10/19/11

Another Wednesday is upon us, and that means another week of recapping the very best in panels! From pantless robots to an unusual brand of popcorn, there were lots of fun panels to be found in this week of comics. Here they are, our top 10 panels of the week!

10. Batman: Odyssey #1

Batman: Odyssey cranks me out, but I love the coffee.

9. Atomic Robo And The Ghost Of Station X #2

If I can figure out a way to use the word "robutt" in everyday conversation, I think my life will be complete.

8. Darkwing Duck #17

Just a really fun panel for any fans of Disney toons.

7. Hellblazer #284

Horrid? Look lady, that is a pretty stylish jacket.

6. DC Universe Online Legends #16

Normally, I'm not really into this comic, but this was just one great moment of a surprisingly fun issue. The Guy Gardner panel alongside it was also terrific.

5. Uncanny X-Men #544

Panels like this are always fun for fan speculation. It looks like readers may have been given some pretty big hints of things to come.

4. Wonder Woman #2

Don't even think about messin', folks.

3. X-Factor #226

Lookin' kinda Jakita Wagner there, Monet.

2. Birds of Prey #2

I'm really enjoying Starling. Thought this bit was nicely done.

1. Batman #2

The only thing better than Batman being a total badass is Bruce Wayne being a total badass. He looks like a superhero even without the costume.

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