Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Direct Currents: Wednesday, June 30, 2010



DAYBREAK: David Finch's "Brightest Day"

"Brightest Day"cover artist David Finch spoke about why he loves drawing Deadman and Aquaman for the bi-weekly event title, what he finds challenging about Firestorm and a tease about another big project.

Veitch's Tour of Duty With The "Unknown Soldier"

CBR News spoke with comics veteran Rick Veitch who gave us an exclusive inside look at the process involved with illustrating the standalone story in "Unknown Soldier" #21, on sale today.

Catwoman Is Real And Working In New York


Everyone Is Talking About It

& looking for responsible parties.

Wonder Woman – Bring On The Haters

So Wonder Woman has a new costume. And a new origin. What has the response been? Well, it’s not good.

Reactions to Wonder Woman's New Look

With DC's revelation of Wonder Woman's new direction and costume, reactions have been flying fast and furious across the internet, from mainstream media outlets to fans to Lynda Carter herself.

Wonder Woman's Dated New Duds, or: Desperately Seeking Zeus-an


The ComicsAlliance Roundtable: Wonder Woman's Costume Change

DC Comics announced yesterday that Wonder Woman's getting a new costume design courtesy of co-publisher Jim Lee, who I've heard also does art. It's a pretty huge change (into pants!), and so to mark the occasion, Laura Hudson, Caleb Goellner, David Uzumeri, David Brothers and I are taking a look back at some of the other costumes Wonder Woman's sported over the years, from the Golden Age to today.

So Aquaman found this on the bottom of the ocean by CHRIS SAMNEE


Wondering About Wonder Woman? Dan DiDio Explains the Costume Change [Interview]


J. Michael Straczynski on Wonder Woman Coming to America and Covering Up [Interview]


Artist Don Kramer on WONDER WOMAN Changes, New Look


Putting Wonder Woman In Leggings

Today, Jim Lee announced his new costume design for Wonder Woman. My first reaction was “finally, she’s covered up a bit”.

Numbercrunching: Wonder Woman #600 – One More Diana


BLOGS


Amazon Princess
If I had a daughter...

The Aquaman Shrine
Aqualad by Tory Schafer, Age 7
Batman and Aquaman by Mohanad Huthyfa Age 9

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
The Inglorious Return of Biker Slut Wondy

Firestorm Fan
Firestorm Original Art Splash Pages

Girls Gone Geek
Wonder Woman’s Wardrobe Malfunction

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Superman #700 Part 2

1984 Black Canary Postcard by George Pérez

P6199


With her sonic Canary Cry and her martial arts skill, Dinah Lance fights crime and injustice.

I believe I first encountered Dinah Lance while thumbing through my visiting uncle's copy of Green Lantern/Green Arrow #84. That would have been around 1983, when he paid us a visit after having left the states to live in Hawaii. I remember our visiting a friend of his with a comic collection that filled bookshelves, and being quite envious, even if a lot of it was head comix and Howard the Duck.

This particular issue stuck with me because of the gorgeous Neal Adams/Bernie Wrightson art. Up to that point, I don't recall having seen drawings that were so lifelike, especially the lovely ladies and little details like Ollie's beard and turtleneck. I also wasn't familiar with super-heroes that came across as helpless as Green Lantern after a disguised Black Hand had slipped him a mickey. I haven't even seen a reprint of that story in over a decade, but my mind readily conjures images from the book as I recall them nearly thirty years past.

Of course, this all has little to do with the Black Canary. Like Clea in the stack of Dr. Strange comics my uncle left me, Dinah was just the girlfriend, sometimes in a costume, but rarely more than a few steps above damsel in distress. I didn't much regard Dinah before Justice League International, and even then she was just a straight for the goofier characters to bounce off of. Dinah was gone inside a year, so that she could be victimized and de-powered in Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters. If I had to guess, I'd say her serial in Action Comics Weekly was the first time she registered as worthy of notice, in part because she'd burnt the terrible replacement costume that reared its truly ugly head in the early-to-mid '80s. I gave her points for sheer audacity, plus the serial was drawn by Randy DuBurke, whose long forgotten style merged Paul Gulacy with Bill Sienkiewicz. This led to my buying her four-issue mini-series, and even a few issues of the ongoing that followed, but the scripts by Sarah Byam left me cold.

As I became more invested in the DC Universe after ditching Marvel in the speculator years, I learned the history of Black Canary. I respected that she was one of the longest active comic book heroines, with membership to major super-teams, and had even been retconned into a JLA founder. Still, I struggled with my respect for what Black Canary represented and the character's shoddy treatment as a hanger-on for decades.

Finally, Chuck Dixon and Gary Frank crafted the first Birds of Prey special, and even though it was Oracle who had brought me to that party, it served as a vehicle for elevating Dinah's regard. Over a hundred issues of the estrocentric team book were fueled by Black Canary, and the premise ran out of gas once she was removed. All in all, I still vastly prefer the original Batgirl and her Earth-2 counterpart the Huntress, but I've always wished Dinah the best, though she rarely gets it.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Direct Currents: Tuesday, June 29, 2010



WONDER WOMAN Gets a New Costume, Direction in Issue #600

WONDER WOMAN #600 comes out this week and apparently with the milestone issue comes a new look and direction for iconic character

JMS Talks WONDER WOMAN's New Look and New Direction

Wonder Woman's new business-casual costume is making national headlines, we talk to J. Michael Straczynski about it

Variant Covers!

: BATMAN: RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #4 by Cameron Stewart, TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT #1 by Chris Sprouse, BRIGHTEST DAY #6 by David Finch & ZATANNA #3 by Brian Bolland

Paul Cornell: Ready For "Action"

With Paul Cornell's first comic as a DC exclusive creator ready to hit stores, the writer known for his takes on British superheroes explains how he'll make America's longest-running comic book a supervillain punch-up.

DC Heroes Kick it On French Sneakers

Comic book fans are constantly representing their favorite superheroes with T-Shirts and baseball caps among other apparel, so why should sneakers be any different?

Philip Tan Tweets Artwork Like You Wouldn't Believe

Philip Tan's career in comics has spanned "Spawn" and Grant Morrison's "Batman and Robin," and you've probably seen a wide range of reactions to his work regarding the latter. What you haven't seen if you've not been following Tan's Twitter account, however, are the stacks of sketches and commissions that he frequently posts, all of which would be worthy prizes for art buyers who happen to run across his table in an artists alley somewhere.

Early Michael Avon Oeming Penguin Sketch

"found some files of old sketches I'll keep uploading"

Wonder Woman #600 Adam Hughes pin-up


Wonder Woman #600 Nicola Scott pin-up


Comics Alliance's The Top 5 Episodes of 'Batman Beyond'

All in all, there were 52 episodes of "Batman Beyond" (plus a couple of appearances on the "Justice League" cartoons and a crossover with "Static Shock" and a pretty awesome movie), so over the past week, I've been sitting down with the entire series to pick out the five best!

The 7 Scenes We'd Want To See in a Cary Bates Superman Movie


EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Joker's Asylum: Clayface"

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Joker's Asylum: Clayface" by writer Kevin Shinick and artist Kelley Jones. The one-shot oozes its way into stores Wednesday, June 30.

Exclusive Preview: JUSTICE SOCIETY #40 (+ GREEN LANTERN #55)

An exclusive preview of this week's JSA and a bonus look at Green Lantern #55 with Lobo!

BLOGS


Amazon Princess
Amazonia elseworlds cosplay wonder woman

The Aquaman Shrine
DC 75 WB Store Ad - 2010
Aquaman Desktop Wallpaper
Happy (Belated) Anniversary Arthur & Mera!

Being Carter Hall
Read: Brightest Day #3

Comics Make Me Happy!
You Asked For It...

Every Day Is Like Wednesday
Arthur Curry vs. The World

Reilly2040's Blog
Green Lantern Corps #49

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!
Well, since Broody Superman is going to be "walking the country..."

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Supergirl In Next DC Animated Movie!

Justice League of America #13-15 (11/07- 1/08)



Black Canary sent her fiancé Green Arrow home while she chaired a meeting of the Justice League to deal with their members' kidnappings. Vixen, Black Lightning, Hawkgirl, Superman, Red Tornado and Green Lantern John Stewart were in attendance. Dinah decided to split the group in two and investigate different sites, while Stewart recommended Black Lightning stay behind to safeguard their headquarters. Stewart also teased Jefferson Pierce that his new bald look was probably a "negative combover" to conceal natural balding.

Green Lantern led Red Tornado and the wounded Hawkgirl to St. Vincent's Hospital, where Wonder Woman had been abducted. Killer Frost was still around, taking out Red Tornado in seconds (big surprise.) Green Lantern clobbered Frost, then had to deal with a more personal foe, Fatality, complete with her new Sinestro Corps power ring. Having easily swiped the ring and contained the last survivor of Xanshi, Stewart moved on to the Shadow Thief. However, the Lantern was felled from within, as Poison Ivy activated and overpopulated flora in his digestive track. Elsewhere, most of the other Leaguers were captured, and all were bound for torture.

Superman and Black Lightning tracked down the Hall of Doom, but their assault on the base wasn't entirely successful. Superman nearly ended up on the receiving end of Lex Luthor's kryptonite blade, until straggler Firestorm transmuted it into a plastic butter knife. However, Lex Luthor still had over a dozen super-villains to call upon. "I have to admit, this looks pretty bad. I just got out of the hospital, I'm outnumbered, you guys are the frickin' Legion of Doom... but I do have an ace up my sleeve." He'd slipped Batman a ballpoint pen on the way in, and the Dark Knight had seen to the release of all prisoners.



Red Arrow armed Hawkgirl with a couple of his arrows, but neglected to stop Cheshire when Kendra noted she was escaping out a window. Roy instead drove a shaft through Fatality's hand. This freed Green Lantern up to concentrate on Dr. Light. Once dispatched, Stewart turned back to Fatality.

Black Lightning thanked Firestorm, and tried to get him to put Red Tornado back together again. While outside Jason's skill set, the useless android was beyond repair anyway, as usual. Gorilla Grodd attacked all three heroes, but was buried by Geo-Force, who'd taken offense to the super-gorilla's stated intent to eat him.

Green Lantern John Stewart was joined by fellow corpsman Hal Jordan, and the pair held Lex Luthor down while Superman peeled off his armor. The Man of Steel wanted to know what Luthor was really up to, not the cock and bull story he laid on the Legion of Doom. There would be no time for that, as Amanda Waller and Task Force X swooped in to arrest all the super-villains. The warrants were in order, so Black Canary released the prisoners without a fight. She had a wedding to get to in a few hours, anyway.

Firestorm was making the rounds with the League when Batman essentially drafted him against his will to join the team. "That wasn't an offer, son. It's the way it's going to be. You're too powerful to be out there unsupervised." Wonder Woman agreed, and Superman welcomed Jason to the team.

The Injustice League" was by Dwayne McDuffie, Joe Benitez, Ed Benes, Victor Llamas and Sandra Hope.

You can read this story from different perspectives at the following blogs:

Monday, June 28, 2010

Direct Currents: Monday, June 28, 2010



JONAH HEX (2010) Screenplay

The following screenplays are uploaded for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and no copyright infringement is intended.

'Superman/Batman: Apocalypse' Cover Art Revealed

Before we begin, let's just get the obvious out of the way - yes, we're looking at yet another DC Universe Original Animated Movie starring Superman and Batman and seemingly based on Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner's "Supergirl" storyline from the second volume of "Superman/Batman."

Lauren Donner Wants Wonder Woman, Tori Black Beats Her To It

 

Wonder Woman Can Save The World, an essay by Lynda Carter

“Did you bring your Lasso of Truth?” people ask me, and I have to laugh...

Wonder Woman #600 pin-up by Phil Jimenez


Jeffery Klaehn's Chuck Dixon Interview

A chat with writer Chuck Dixon about his early influences, superheroes, CrossGen, the comics industry, and continuity.

Blast From The Past: Marvel And DC Royalty 1976 Announcements

Following up on the DC and Marvel letters send to freelancers and printed by Bleeding Cool this week, we take a look back to 1976, courtesy of Scott Edelman. Here are the original letters from both DC Comics and then Marvel in 1976, announcing that they would be paying creators for further exploitation of their work…

ComicsAlliance's 20 Best Superman Panels

When "Batman" #700 hit shelves two weeks ago, we here at ComicsAlliance decided to celebrate the Caped Crusader by offering up a list of my favorite Batman panels, Now, with "Superman" #700 released yesterday, it's the Man of Steel's turn!

ComicsAlliance's 18 Best Batman Panels

This week saw the release of Batman #700, a pretty huge milestone for the series (if, you know, you ignore the fact that there were also a #0 and a #1,000,000, making this the seven-hundred and second issue of "Batman"), and in celebration, I've gone through my archives of Batman stories to find 18 of my all-time favorite panels!

Tony DeZuniga: The Pinoy Mind behind ‘Jonah Hex’

Veteran artist Tony DeZuniga talks about the creation of Jonah Hex, his career and his new graphic novel Jonah Hex: No Way Back.

Numbercrunching: Justice League – Rise Of Arsenal #4

 

What If… Mark Millar Wrote For DC Comics Again?

Inspired by a Millarworld thread, how would famous DC comic book scenes have read if they’d been written by Marvel-exclusive writer and creator of Kick-Ass, Mark Millar? He’s known for taking comic book characters and making them suitable for thirteen year old boys. But he’s been at Marvel a long time. Surely the pull of 1700 Broadway must be hard to resist.

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEWS: TEEN TITANS #84, THE WEB #10

A divided Teen Titans go on a hunt for Raven. Plus a bonus preview of the final issue of THE WEB

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Batman Beyond" #1

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Batman Beyond" #1, the new miniseries detailing the DCU adventures of Terry McGinnis as told by Adam Beechan and Ryan Benjamin. The future arrives on June 30.

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
Comic Book Zodiac - Pisces
Comic Book Zodiac - Aquarius
"Batman XXX"

Every Day Is Like Wednesday
Or maybe just a minor art mistake...from Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #3

Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!
The Physical Prowess of Guy Gardner

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
2007 Paradise Press Inc. Justice League Unlimited Martian Manhunter Origin
2007 Paradise Press Inc. Justice League Unlimited Martian Manhunter Activity Pages

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Superman #700 Part 1

Justice League of America Wedding Special #1 (November, 2007)



After Hal Jordan dropped the ball in a variety of areas related to the bachelor party of Ollie Queen, Batman stepped in to help out. This included asking John Stewart to decorate the Hall of Justice for the festivities.

At the party, Roy "Red Arrow" Harper gave Ollie a big hug and told Queen he loved him. The former mentor grumbled about the PDA, which his son Connor Hawke explained was a means of lowering "his score on the Kinsey Scale," coupled with "Sleeping with Black Canary. Repeatedly."

Green Lantern Hal Jordan took fellow corpsman Stewart aside to thank him for his help, and to ask if John would be alright with assuming his membership duties in the Justice League for a while. Jordan repeatedly stated his concern about dumping baggage and responsibilities on Stewart, but his concerns were just as often dismissed.
"You always end up having to take a lot of crap. My backup. The 'Black Lantern.' All of that."
"Other people's problem. Not mine... It doesn't matter who's carrying how much, just that somebody's got it."

Meanwhile, in Manhattan, the Jason Rusch/Gehenna version of Firestorm was following a "lead" on the disappearance of Professor Martin Stein that both parties were sure was a trap. True enough, as Killer Frost turned up to deal them some grief, but the transmutation of a warehouse floor into a pool of antifreeze cooled things down quick. However, Firestorm was then attacked by the trio of Lex Luthor, the Joker and Cheetah, who left the hero in critical condition as they absconded with Frost.

An army of villains, including but in no way limited to Fatality, Major Force, the Key, Cheshire, Skorpio, Sinestro and so very many more, plotted to essentially unionize to defend and preemptively attack super-heroes. Most of the Justice League fell to a series of ambushes, with Hawkgirl being allowed to escape to warn those remaining in the Hall of Justice of the attacks. John Stewart cradled Kendra as Superman declared, "You all heard the man-- the party's over!"

"Unlimited, Chapter 1: Injustice League" was by Dwayne McDuffie, Mike McKone and Andy Lanning.

You can read this story from different perspectives at the following blogs:

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Direct Currents: Sunday, June 27, 2010



Winick Humors "Power Girl"

With his first issue on stands now, Judd Winick explained to CBR how a mix of humor, action and pathos is the key to establishing Karen Starr as her own heroine with her own unique voice and villains in "Power Girl."

Mark Hamill Won't Voice The Joker Again After 'Batman: Arkham Asylum 2'

Fans of Mark Hamill's voice work as the Joker in the animated "Batman" universe now have an extra reason to pick up "Batman: Arkham Asylum 2," as the video game sequel marks his last time ever playing the Clown Prince of Crime.

Jeff Lemire on Superboy #1 & beyond

“Superboy will hit the ground running, delving deep into what it would really be like to be a super-powered teenager in the heart of rural America.

Todd Klein's Logo Studies: Our Favorite Looks at the Art of Lettering

For almost 30 years, Todd Klein has been one of the most prominent letterers and designers in comic books, working on everything from "Legion of Super-Heroes" to "Sandman." He's one of the true craftsmen of one of the most often-overlooked aspects of comics, and while it's not surprising that he devotes a lot of time to discussing lettering and logo design on his website, the depth of information he presents and the entertaining way he does it is one of the true gems of the comics Internet.

The ComicsAlliance Mixtape: 13 Songs We Wish Were Comics

Have you ever been listening to a song and suddenly thought "Hey! That title would make a great comic!"? If you're like me, this happens all the time, and I decided to do something about it.

Peep Ward Sutton's take on Vivid Entertainment's new Batman porn

The Village Voice cartoonist Ward Sutton looks at the recent BATMAN XXX movie via the healing medium of funny drawings.

What Hollywood can learn from 'Jonah Hex'


Comic Book Legends Revealed #266


EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: Gotham City Sirens #13

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Gotham City Sirens" #13 by the creative team of Tony Bedard, Peter Nguyen and Andres Guinaldo. The issue hits stores next Wednesday, June 30.

BLOGS

The Aquaman Shrine
Solo #5 - Aug. 2005
Super Friends #4 - April 1977
Group T-shirt from Russell Burbage
Aquaman's Energy Tips

Comics Make Me Happy!
Martian Manhunter: Blank Canvas for Symbols, Too?

Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman #1 (February, 1987)

Firestorm Fan
Geoff Johns on Firestorm in Brightest Day

The Idol-Head of Diabolu
Justice League Manhunter from Mars Symbol
2007-2008 Paradise Press Inc. Justice League Unlimited Coloring And Activity Book Covers

Once Upon A Geek
Ring Capacity by Kirby Krackle – Green Lantern Nerd Rock

Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!
Golden Age Idol: Justin Wright

Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
Review: Supergirl #53
Supergirl Preview Page In Superman #700

Friday, June 25, 2010

Superman #15 (March, 1988)



Winged thieves commit skyrise burglaries in Metropolis. Superman gave chase, but strips of lead foil blocked his x-ray vision. Maggie Sawyer's daughter had run away from her home in Star City. Toby Raines, Sawyer's lover, consoled her.

Skyhook ran the aerial theft ring, transforming children into winged creatures, and his newest inductee was Jamie Sawyer. Maggie borrowed Jimmy Olsen's signal watch. After a tiff with Lois Lane, Superman answered the signal.



Flashback: Maggie's marriage to James Buchanan Sawyer ended in divorce with her declared an unfit mother. Because of her alternative lifestyle, she lost visitation rights.

Superman captured one of Skyhook's mutated kid thieves. The Man of Steel and Maggie Sawyer tracked Skyhook down, but the villain grabbed Jamie as a hostage. Maggie grabbed her daughter's leg as Skyhook took flight. Skyhook dropped the pair over the city. Confident Superman would save them, Maggie pumped Skyhook full of lead. Kal-El did his part, and joined Maggie in rounding up 22 more kids. Jamie was returned home to her father, with goo from the process still clinging to her arm.



"Wings" by John Byrne with Karl Kesel.

I totally missed the not-so-subtext when I read this as a rather dense 'tween. I just thought Maggie Sawyer worked too many hours around bad men wearing swim trunks and thick mustaches to properly oversee her daughter. I'm not 100% sure I knew women could be gay then-- at least outside of Penthouse. I was aware of gay men from the Blue Oyster Bar, but I don't think "lesbian" or even "flannel" were in my vocabulary yet. I do know from too personal and reflectively tragic experience "mullet" wasn't.

Further Reading:
The Outing of Maggie Sawyer, Part I
Part II

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Direct Currents: Thursday, June 24, 2010



Movieline EXCLUSIVE: Nicolas Winding Refn Explains His Wonder Woman Movie

Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn created something of a fanboy stir last month when he dropped hints about wanting to adapt Wonder Woman for the screen. Nevertheless, Refn does have his eye on the D.C. heroine whose route to the screen has been troubled, to say the least. He shared a few insights into his approach to the story, why it can rival Batman, and what kind of villain it really needs.

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD First Clip

See the first official clip of Batman: Under the Red Hood, as Batman faces down a vicious new vigilante. Due out July 27, 2010.

You’ll Believe A Man Can Walk – DC’s New Superman Reality Show

I thought we’d all learnt our lesson from the Death Of Robin.

Gates Plots New Course for "Supergirl"

STERLING GATES spoke with CBR News about taking the series off on its own following the "War of the Supermen" crossover and his plans to build up both Kara Zor-El's civilian identity and rogues gallery.

THE BAT SIGNAL: Adam Beechen

Adam Beechen, the writer behind DC's in-universe relaunch of "Batman Beyond," explains his history with the Dark Knight, from comics to cartoons and how the two play off each other, from Terry McGinnis to Zur-En-Arrh.

Jeff Lemire Signs Exclusive With DC Comics


Timm Sets DCU Animated Features Record Straight


Pajiba's 15 Worst Comic Book Movies Of All Time


Bob Greenberger at Dick Giordano's memorial service


Batman Drives In Style With Custom-Made Tumbler Golf Cart


BLOGS

Who should be the villain in a Wonder Woman movie? (Amazon Princess)
Wonder Woman Travel Mug (Amazon Princess)
2010 DC Comics Wonder Woman Logo Bandz (Diana Prince: Wonder Woman)
"Blood of the Twilight Reign" by Manhart and Nasser from House of Mystery #276 (October 1979) (Diversions of the Groovy Kind)
Sword of the Atom #3 (November, 1983) (Power of the Atom)
Poll Results: The Gang; Back Issue Box DNAoSupergirl #4 (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)

Secret Origins Annual #1: "The Secret Origin of Captain Comet" (1987)

Cover detail by John Byrne


Golden Age comics weren't nearly as sanitary as most folks seem to think, but writer/historians like Roy Thomas managed to regurgitate their tales through the filter of bland Silver Age Comics Code Approved drivel throughout the 70s and 80s, spoiling these greats for a generation or two.

While DC celebrated its 50th anniversary with character deaths and revision/deconstruction, sometimes documented in the front of Secret Origins, the back was devoted to dry recitation of yellowed tales about characters dismissed as too inherently dated to rate an update. Instead of the most dynamic and lush artists of the Golden Age drawing these heroes, Secret Origins had bottom feeders whose clinical, impersonal styles had fallen out of favor at DC after twenty years as an anchor around the company's neck.

For instance, there's Captain Comet, appearing in a tale by Thomas and Ron Harris with poorly meshing inks by the usually swell Bruce D. Patterson. Following a revised Doom Patrol origin by Paul Kupperberg and John Byrne in his prime, Comet couldn't have been more off-putting and pedestrian.

The retelling opens in 1951, with a grim, more detailed description of the onslaught of the giant tops that were originally set-up at the end of Strange Adventures #9: "The Origin of Captain Comet!" (June 1951). Captain Comet then made a more visually dramatic debut, crashing through a police barricade at super speed. At a sprawling Midwestern university, Professor Emery Zackro heard the news on the radio, and launched into a fairly faithful flashback to Comet's first story (which had been told in chronological order, not the hopscotch of this telling.) Now, the first version was drawn by Carmine Infantino, and though not as expressive as he would be in later years on The Flash or Adam Strange in Mystery In Space, was still a beaut'. Harris' take could only have been more bland if he didn't have Patterson's embellishment, and his mustache on Zackro is so long and straight it breaks panel borders. Running the same number of pages as Comet's two-part debut, this version still seems drawn out and slow moving. There's greater detail being imparted, but it proves unnecessary baggage. Also, the gangster's bullet bounces off Adam Blake's brow instead of his chest, all the better to fit it in long, skinny panels. Though quite faithful to the original's plot, the storytelling here lacks the bounce.

Another important distinction is that the seeming subtext of Broome's seminal story is dialed down to a barely audible hum. Look at Broome's opening captions and Blake's emotionally troubled reaction to his mutation separating him from all of humanity. However evolved Blake may be, he's clearly lost something essential to modern man that plagues him. Whether he was gay, had a micropenis or hid a skirt under his spacesuit is unknown to me, but at least by 1951 standards, there has got to be something "wrong" with Blake for him to whine to a Stan Lee degree. I lean toward closeted homosexuality, myself. For instance, Blake saves a hot blond from a dangerous fall with his telekinesis, and then proceeds to not score with the chick, who never appeared again. What red-blooded hetero would allow such a bird to escape? But no, Blake runs to Prof. Zackro, an apparently unmarried older fop with dandy Victorian facial hair. Zackro helped instill in Blake a fear of ever revealing his terrible "secret," and how the resultant media attention would ruin his life.

Combining a belt with suspenders wouldn't be the choice of a queer eye, but his asymmetrical winged buckle was to die for! That belt sure didn't get in the way of Blake's casually disrobing in front of Prof. Zackro, with whom he soon came to live. Yep, just two straight guys, living together, teacher and student, sharing a "secret" they mustn't share, and all with no women in sight. Sure. Move over Northstar, because the granddaddy of metaGLBT wants to finally out himself, right?

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Review: Joker's Asylum Harley Quinn


As someone with a fairly long pull list and a predilection for Superman titles, I don't often get buy issues on a lark. I usually have a big stack waiting for me already. So it really takes something special to lure me into buying a stand-alone issue ... a convergence of events.

It happened last week. There were only 3 books in my file. I have always had a fascination with Harley Quinn. And I really like the artwork of Joe Quinones. With those things lining up, how could I not buy Joker's Asylum II:Harley Quinn.

I am glad I did. While not as haunting as the Mad Hatter one shot, this one was certainly entertaining and had a great ending. It am so glad that I didn't pass this one up. James Patrick, someone whose work I have never read, spins a nice story.

As with all the Joker's Asylum books, this one has the Joker 'hosting' the story in a framework style. I usually think that these pages are wasted, not necessarily adding much to the story. But here it worked wonderfully.

As the Joker discusses Harley, he pets a cute puppy. He then challenges the reader to figure out why he has the puppy with him. I have to tell you, I worried about the well-being of that little dog.

But on to the story.

The issue starts with Harley attacking the guards at Arkham and escaping. Despite being close to release, Quinn says that this is Valentine's Day, the one day where she needs to be with the Joker. And since he is on the outside, she needs to be too.

One thing I really love about this book is how it really does a great job of focusing on the duality of Quinn, the conflicting parts of her personality. Sometimes that is shown verbally ... such as Doctor Arkham questioning why Harley would throw away months of cooperation with this escape.

But it is also shown visually and when it is done right, it works beautifully. Take the panel above. Sure Harley is talking about how much she loves the Joker and needs to be with him. And her ponytails even frame her face in a heart-shape, accentuating this romantic talk. And yet her expression is absolutely feral, twisted in rage. Love and anger mixed together.

She flees to the city and heads to the Joker's hideout only to discover that the Clown Prince has been kidnapped. Boss Falcone has taken the Joker with the plan to auction him off to the highest bidder. The Joker has made enemies on both sides of the law it seems.

Harley vows to get her puddin' back and enjoy Valentine's Day together.

As much as I loved the heart-shaped pony tails panel, I loved this one even more. Here is this beautiful women talking about lemon ganache candies but brandishing this assault rifle. It is another way of showing the different sides of Harley.

Quinn dons her clown outfit and heads to the 'auction'. There she continues showing us what a free-wheeling character she is. She says 'I'm rubber and your glue. Whatever you say bounces of me and makes a six inch exit wound out of you.' I love the perversion of this school age taunt. She then becomes a whirling dervish killing all of Falcone's men and tossing a grenade as an exclamation point to the fight.

Falcone still needs a little convincing and nothing will persuade more than a bullet to the knee. He tells Harley where the Joker is stashed. As she leaves, she tells Falcone to send a nice Chardonnay to the Joker's old hideout or she'll come back to finish the job. She asks for a nice Chardonnay ... in the midst of all the carnage. Fantastic.

After similarly dispatching some GCPD troopers, she is on her way to save her Puddin'.

Once there, she realizes she is out of bullets and needs to resort to some old tricks like 'acid in the squirting flower' trick. To be honest, I think this is the first time I have actually seen this trick work. Usually Batman is dodging this.

At last ... she has her Mr. J! But when she checks the room where he supposedly is ... the chair is empty. And someone else is there.

Yep ... it's the Batman.

I love this panel. Since these Joker's Asylum stories aren't Batman stories, he usually has a very small part to play. Usually he appears like a force of nature. Here he simply looms silently in the corner.

He tells Harley that he has rescued the Joker and brought him back to Arkham.

Why did he rescue the Joker? Because he realized that it would be easier to bring him to Arkham and have Harley follow the Clown Prince there willingly than it would be to fight Harley and bring her back by force.

If she wants to be with the Joker, she needs to go back to Arkham. Batman even promises a romantic dinner setting if she will go. After a brief contemplation, she agrees.

I loved this. It reminded me of one of Harley's first stories Mad Love where Batman tells the Joker that she is a more dangerous foe than the Joker ever will be. Here, the Batman would rather take on the Joker than fight Harley. Throughout the book we see how the crazed passionate Harley Quinn is a very capable fighter. Who would want to fight her?

And yet she also has this sickeningly sweet side, holding her hands out cutely as she asks to be brought in.


I think no panel better sums up the Joker/Harley relationship than this. Look at the absolute mania on her face when she sees the love of her life. She is beside herself with glee for seeing him. Despite being strapped to a gurney, it's the perfect day. In the meantime, he looks almost glum asking where is his present.

She is funny, cute, sexy, passionate, romantic, intelligent ... and well a little crazy. I bet a lot of people would gladly embrace her as a paramour ... at least for a little bit.

And so we get to the end of the story and the Joker's concluding comments. He shows how the puppy has a dead bird in its bloody maw and says that it shows that even something adorable can be dangerous sometimes. A perfect assessment for Harley.

Overall I thought this was a great little story showing the complex nature of Harley Quinn ... both the good and the bad. I love how it clearly intimated the respect that the Batman has for her as a foe. I was very entertained.

Lastly, I really like Quinones' art. He really does a great job here, keeping Harley cute and deadly. Quinones does expressions really well allowing the reader to really flesh out what the characters are thinking. I also applaud his ability to draw Harley in a realistic way without veering into cheesecake or provocative poses. Really a nice job here. I hope he continues to find work at DC.

Overall grade: A

Direct Currents: Wednesday, June 23, 2010



Paul Cornell: A DC Exclusive

The writer who made his name on cult Marvel hits like "Captain Britain & MI-13" moves lock, stock and barrel to DC with his incoming run on "Action Comics" getting the ball rolling towards its 900th issue.

Did DiDio Really Use McDuffie’s JLA And The Great Ten To Defend DC’s Diversity Record?

In a recent interview at CBR talking to Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, the question of criticism of DC’s handling of racial matters in its books was broached...

Western Meets Noir in GUÉRA's Art on SCALPED

Artist R. M. Guéra talks extensively with us about his art on Scalped, other titles, and his working relationship with Jason Aaron.

Infographic: SUPERMAN History: 1938 to 2010

A look back at the rich history of the Man of Steel.

10 Things You Might Not Know About SUPERMAN

As Superman sets to celebrate 700 issue of his eponymous comic book, we look at some lesser-known facts about the Man of Steel.

The Many Tomorrows of Superman

Longtime DC Comics editor Bob Greenberger stopped by COMIC SHOULD BE GOOD to examine Superman's past in expectation of J. Michael Straczynski's first issue of "Superman," which hits stands tomorrow, June 23.

Chip Kidd's introduction for the Absolute Edition of All-Star Superman


EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Batman: Streets of Gotham" #13

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Batman: Streets of Gotham" #13, written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko with art by Dustin Nguyen and Jeremy Haun. The issue goes on sale June 23.

Exclusive Preview: ZATANNA #2

PAUL DINI's 2nd issue of ZATANNA ships this week and we have an exclusive preview.

Preview: Justice League: Generation Lost #4

DC's biweekly Justice League event continues here! The heroes of the once-great Justice League International – Booster Gold, Captain Atom, Fire and Ice – have reteamed in order to stop a threat to all mankind.

PREVIEW: Green Lantern Corps #49

Brightest Day continues scorching with "The Revolt of the Alpha Lanterns" as the Alphas seek to recruit John Stewart, Kyle Rayner and even former Guardian Ganthet into their ranks! What is their ultimate goal – and who is the mastermind behind it all?

PREVIEW: Green Arrow #1

BRIGHTEST DAY shines its light on Star City in this oversized first issue from up-and-coming writer J.T. Krul (BLACKEST NIGHT: TITANS, GREEN ARROW #30) and future superstar artist Diogenes Neves (New Mutants)!

PREVIEW: "The Flash #3"

DC Comics has released a preview for "The Flash" #3 written by Geoff Johns with art by Francis Manapul. The issue, which features the recently resurrected Captain Boomerang, is scheduled to hit stores next Wednesday, June 30.

BLOGS

chibi wonder (Amazon Princess)
Crisis on Two Earths Model Sheets - 2009 (The Aquaman Shrine)
I guess Green Arrow really does have an arrow for every occassion. (Every Day Is Like Wednesday)
1988 Justice League International Postcards: Martian Manhunter (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
DC Adventures RPG – Coming Soon! (Once Upon A Geek)
1988 Justice League International Postcards: Captain Atom (Power of the Atom)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

1988 Justice League International Postcards: JLI Group Shot



JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL
They are among the most powerful beings in the galaxy. They come from many nations, from other worlds. They embody the noble traditions of the Justice League of America and the Justice Society. This team of heroes fights for the benefit of all humanity as the Justice League International!

THE SET INCLUDES 15 FULL-COLOR ORIGINAL POSTCARDS FEATURING:
ROCKET RED * MAXWELL LORD
BOOSTER GOLD * BLUE BEETLE
GNORT* MISTER MIRACLE
GUY GARDNER * BLACK CANARY
BATMAN * MARTIAN MANHUNTER
GREEN FLAME * ICEMAIDEN
CAPTAIN ATOM * BIG BARDA
JLI GROUP SHOT

Drawn by Kevin Maguire
Inked by Joe Rubinstein
Colored by Steve Oliff


$5.00 U.S. * $7.50 CAN.

Direct Currents: Tuesday, June 22, 2010



The Rebirth of the DC Universe

Geoff Johns discusses the challenges of executing Brightest Day as well as his future as DC Entertainment's Chief Creative Officer.

Catching Up With DC's Co-Publishers

Dan Didio & Jim Lee spoke with CBR about the current state of the entire DC line, including the death of Ryan Choi, Vertigo characters that are and could be, WildStorm's licensing ambitions and share exclusive art.

An Interview with Jonah Hex Co-Creator Tony DeZuniga


The Appeal Of Jonah Hex: A Guest Column By Jimmy Palmiotti


The cover of the Absolute Edition of ALL STAR SUPERMAN


Exclusive DC Preview: SUPERGIRL #53 (New Story Arc)

A new story arc "Who is Supergirl?" begins in the aftermath of the War of the Supermen and we have an exclusive preview

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Joker's Asylum: Killer Croc"

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Joker's Asylum: Killer Croc," by Mike Raicht and David Yardin with a cover by Francesco Mattina. The issue hits stores June 23.

BLOGS

Nobody’s Favorites: Forever People '88 (Armagideon Time)
Batman In The Future! (1950) (Atomic Surgery)
Brightest Day Hawkgirl Heroclix (Being Carter Hall)
Flash Facts: Galactic Dispersal (Crimson Lightning)
1998 DC Direct "Faces of the DC Universe" Wonder Woman Mouse Pad (Diana Prince: Wonder Woman)
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Case of Batman II! (Gone & Forgotten)
2002 Aquaman Color Art by Craig Rousseau (Justice League Detroit)
New Bizarro Girl Theory? (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)

Monday, June 21, 2010

Green Lantern Annual #3: "In Blackest Night" (1987)



The Guardians of the Universe sent Green Lantern Katma Tui to a recently discovered "inhabited world...in the black and lightless void known as the Obsidian Deeps," to appoint a Lantern Corpsman as protector of that space-sector. After much effort, Tui found the world through its gravity field, sparsely populated by bipedal, frog-like silicone-based life forms. Tui's power ring detected a worthy subject amongst the people,and Katma said hello, eliciting an ear-splitting scream. Using her Lantern ring to translate, Katma learned the selected representative's name was Rot Lop Fan, and needed a bit of time to calm him. Flying in as she did, by the light of a small green beam, how was Fan to know anyone was there? Tui attempted to explain her mission, but for the same reason she startled Fan, she was doomed to fail. What does a light source or a color mean to an eternally sightless race?

Time and again, Katma Tui was frustrated by untranslatable words in trying to explain the Green Lantern Corps, but was hampered by the fundamental concepts being lost on Rot Lop Fan. "Stranger? I am sorry that you cannot make me understand you. Though what you say is alien, it has the ring of truth..." Fan's words inspired Katma Tui. "Certainly it's unorthodox, but I'm sure the Guardians will turn a (untranslatable) just this once..."

Katma Tui gave Rot Lop Fan his power ring, and asked him to imagine the shape and weight of a bell. Fan's race was familiar with sonic instruments, and he successfully created a bell with his ring. Tui then explained this bell could "emit sound waves that you can shape into solid forms." Doing so, Fan exclaimed "By the Primal Chime! Will you listen to that!"

Katma Tui learned which pitch Rot Lop Fan found "soothing and restful," then came up with a variation on the Green Lantern Oath he could understand...

In loudest din or hush profound
My ears catch evil's slightest sound
Let those who toll out evil's knell
Beware my power:
The F-Sharp Bell!

Green Lantern Katma Tui gave F-Sharp Bell Rot Lop Fan a modified uniform, and didn't bother about the ring's vulnerability to the color yellow, for obvious reasons. She then had to return to Oa and explain to the Guardians of the Universe that while they had gained a new Corpsman, he was not a Green Lantern. The Guardians understood the cause for Rot Lop Fan's uncertain status as a Green Lantern Corpsman, and promised not to keep him in the dark for long. Later, while taking in some R&R, Katma realized that was the first time in her years of service she'd heard a Guardian make a joke. "She felt vaguely uneasy for the rest of that day."

"In Blackest Night" was by Alan Moore, Bill Willingham & Terry Austin. It was one of the first GLC stories I ever read, and a favorite.

Direct Currents: Monday, June 20, 2010



BATMAN: CITY OF SCARS


BLOGS

Aquaman Monopoly Art by Mike Allred (The Aquaman Shrine)
Brightest Day #4 - Aug. 2010 (The Aquaman Shrine)
DC Super Friends #28 -Aug. 2010 (The Aquaman Shrine)
Aquaman's Energy Tips (The Aquaman Shrine)
Atari Force (Armagideon Time)
Tyroc: The First Black Legionnaire (Black Superhero Fan)
Batman playing cards (The Comic Treadmill)
Origin: Jonah Hex #8 (October 1977) "The Mark of the Demon" (Diversions of the Groovy Kind)
"The Vow of a Samurai" (from Jonah Hex #39, May 1980) (Diversions of the Groovy Kind)
Firestorm Brightest Day HeroClix (Firestorm Fan)
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Mad Hatter's Hat Crimes! (Gone & Forgotten)
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Catwoman's Catnapping Caper! (Gone & Forgotten)
Happy Father's Day (Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!)
Howard Porter Martian Manhunter Convention Sketch (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
2010 HeroesCon Head Shot by Kevin Maguire (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
2010 DC Heroes Roll Call Wall Scroll (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
Zatanna Gallery by Mitchell Breitweiser (Justice League Detroit)
THE FLASH #199: "Flash? - Death Calling!" (Kingdom Kane)
"The House Where Evil Lived" from House of Mystery #3 (Pappy's Golden Age Comics Blogzine)
The Brave and the Bold: The Lost Issues (Power of the Atom)
Golden Age Idol--The Marksman!! (Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!)
Review: R.E.B.E.L.S. #17 (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)
Ten things I previously did not know about Wonder Woman (Warren Peace Sings the Blues)


REVIEW SECTION

MOVIES
Jonah Hex review by Devin Faraci of CHUD
Jonah Hex – Shea Hennum Goes To The Movies for Bleeding Cool
Jonah Hex review by Brian Prisco for Pajiba
Jonah Hex: The CBR Review

COMIC BOOKS
AICN Comic Reviews Shipping Week: 6/9/10 (AICN)
The Buy Pile 6/16/10 by Hannibal Tabu(CBR)
CBR Reviews Last Week's New Comics (CBR)
The Week In Ink: June 16, 2010 (Chris' Invincible Super-Blog)
What I Read This Week : Monday, June 14, 2010 (El Jacone's Comic Book Bunker)
Comic shop comics: June 9th (Every Day Is Like Wednesday)
Comics Of The Weak: No More Tangles (The Factual Opinion)
Reviews and Celebrations with SallyP (Green Lantern Butt's FOREVER!)
Wednesday Is Still Free Comic Book Day For All I Care #68 (...nurgh...)
Spent Time Reading Comics This Past Week (Once Upon A Geek)
Green Lantern #54 (Reilly2040's Blog)
And Then I Read: BLACKEST NIGHT 8 (Todd Klein's Blog)

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Direct Currents: Saturday, June 19, 2010


Krul Takes Aim at "Green Arrow"

JT Krul spoke with CBR about the launch of his new ongoing "Green Arrow" series, stripping the hero of his friends and family and redefining Oliver Queen's place in his hometown of Star City and the entire DCU.

Green Lantern Poster From The Warner Bros Lot

A very Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern in this poster, seen by one happy snapping Bleeding Cool reader on the Warner Bros lot. Who happily had his/her camera with him…

Was Monster Society Of Evil Canned For Racism?

It’s been on the books for a while. DC’s plans to publish a DC Classics Archive edition of the famous Captain Marvel and The Monster Society Of Evil arc...

TOTAL RECHARGE: Bedard on "Green Lantern"


THE BAT SIGNAL: Judd Winick

With back-to-back Red Hood projects hitting in comics and animation, the writer who returned Jason Todd from the grave digs into his Batman writing methods, his opinions on animation and a new "Superman/Batman" story.

DeZuniga Rides With Jonah Hex

Artist Tony DeZuniga spoke with CBR about co-creating the grizzled anti-hero, his spontaneous inspiration for the character's signature facial scar and his thoughts on the upcoming film starring Josh Brolin as Hex.

MARK BAGLEY Double Dips on JUSTICE LEAGUE/ SOCIETY Crossover

The fan-favorite artist talks to Vaneta Rogers about handling both ends of the Justice League/Justice Society crossover.

YAR! Yanick Paquette Draws A Cutlass for BRUCE WAYNE

Yanick Paquette is handling the drawing chores for Bruce Wayne's pirate turn in next week's Return of Bruce Wayne #3, we talk about the issue

DC UNIVERSE ONLINE E3 Trailer - The Next Legend

The Next Legend is YOU! See how you'll interact with the major villains and heroes of the DC Universe in this new trailer presented at E3 2010. DCU Online ships November 2, 2010 for PS3 and PC!

PREVIEW: "Power Girl" #13

DC Comics has released a preview of "Power Girl" #13 by the all-new creative team of writer Judd Winick and artist Sami Basri. The "Justice League: Generation Lost" tie-in is in stores next Wednesday, June 23.

DC Preview - THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #2

Paul Levitz's return to the LSH continues and a member decides between the Legion and the Green Lantern Corps.

PREVIEW: "Justice League of America" #46

DC Comics has released a preview for "Justice League of America" #46, the first chapter in the James Robinson written JLA/JSA crossover. The issue, featuring art and cover by Mark Bagley, hits stores on June 30.


BLOGS

Wonder Woman by Jenny Frison (Amazon Princess)
The Music of DC Comics Preorder (The Aquaman Shrine)
The Aquaman Chronicles #19 Out Now! (The Aquaman Shrine)
2010 DC Heroes Wonder Woman Comic Cover Tin Sign (Diana Prince: Wonder Woman)
Brightest Day, Blank Slate Era, Firehawk’s lineage, and Charred Action Figures (Firestorm Fan)
Birds of Prey #2: White Witch, Crazy Bitch (Girls Gone Geek)
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Joker's Happy Victims! (Gone & Forgotten)
The Diabolu Idol-Head: Eighth Most Important Martian Manhunter Adversary (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
2010 DC Heroes Roll Call Wall Scroll (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
Jesse James Is A Total Wuss...I Mean Badass!! Hit Comics #46 (1947) (Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!)
Review: Tiny Titans #29 (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Who's Dat: Wyldheart

Click for D.E.O. Special Report File

PERSONAL DATA

Real Name: Gillian Wahrman
Other Aliases: Wyldheart
Occupation: Student
Marital Status: Single
Known Relatives: Nadjia (adoptive grandmother,) Abriam (adoptive father,) Dathan (adoptive uncle)
Group Affiliation: Symbolix Corporation
Base of Operations: Hollis-Reynolds Academy for Girls near Richmond, VA
First Appearance: DAMAGE #3 (June 1994)
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 120 lbs.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black with white streaks
Other Distinguishing Features:

HISTORY

Abriam Wahrman was on an East African hunting expedition when a sonic boom and mysterious figures in the distance caught his attention. The figures vanished, but Wahrman did find an infant girl lying in a high tech carrier within the bush. Wahrman became the child's foster father, and soon discovered she had amazing powers that grew as she aged. Wahrman and his family trained the girl, Gillian, in their use. Gillian Wahrman became a student and occasional young agent of the Symbolix Corporation, codenamed "Wyldheart." She was nearly killed in a training exercise by the beastly Troll, fostering continuing animosity between the two. Wyldheart was forced to again confront Troll in an effort to protect and observe the test subject Telemachus, also known as the hero Damage. Partnering with Damage led Wyldheart to meet Iron Munro and the New Titans, as well as causing conflicts with The Baron and Steelhawk. Once Damage learned of Wyldheart's connection to Symbolix, he cut ties with the girl, despite her aid and the fast bond they shared. Gillian tearfully implored, "All right-- I'll go. I... won't bother you anymore-- but please let me help you!" It was not to be, as Wyldheart left Damages life for good, returning years later to attend his funeral.

POWERS & WEAPONS

Gillian Wahrman can manipulate energy into constructs like force shields, as well as project multi-pronged energy beams. She is also capable of high speed flight.

Note:
Some sources claim that Wyldheart came from New Genesis, but if so, she would be the rare survivor of the recent "Day Evil Won," which was preceded by the death of the New Gods.

Created by Tom Joyner and Bill Marimon

Strange Adventures #10: "The Air Bandits From Space!" (July 1951)



People on Earth were dying from lack of air! Mysterious machines had landed-- invulnerable to attack-- that were drawing away the world's precious atmosphere! But in the fearful crisis, Earth found its champion-- the extraordinary and heroic Captain Comet-- who alone of all humans possessed unique futuristic abilities that enabled The Man of Destiny to seek out and defy an incredible enemy that none could withstand...
The AIR BANDITS FROM SPACE!
by John Broome (writing as Edgar Ray Merritt,) Carmine Infantino & Bernard Sachs.

As reported previously, and repeated here by a haggard reporter out of "Las Negas," six giant spinning tops would siphon all the planet's air within a day, emitted radiation that put approaching humans down, and shrugged off a-bombs. Humanities only hope was Captain Comet, who had just visited the city to combat this threat.

Back in an unidentified Midwest city, Professor Emery Zackro listened to the report over the radio. He recalled giving Adam Blake three times the amount of poison to kill a normal man, but left the future Captain Comet unaffected. "It must be that my futuristic body is immune is immune to this acid!" This had been yet another test of Blake's abilities, which were proven again when lethal radiation from the top left Captain Comet with only a slight tingle as he raced toward against its desert trek. Comet ripped the otherwise impervious metal skin of the top with his bear hands, making his own entrance into its belly. Captain Comet determined there was nothing inside but machinery, as it was being remote controlled.

Exiting the top, Captain Comet used a blackened piece of glass and his own incredible vision to see the radiomagnetic waves controlling the top came from near the moon! Swiftly returning to Zackro's lab, Comet constructed a spaceship with 200,000 horsepower. In minutes, this "Cometeer" craft sped its master to the dark side of the moon, where the Captain found an alien vessel larger than a terrestrial ocean liner! Maneuvering through an open hatch, the Cometeer landed inside, where the Man of Destiny found hundreds of humanoid aliens in suspended animation! The craft seemed to be running on auto-pilot, but one alien awoke. "Ana dok? Who's there?"

Making instant telepathic contact, Blake learned this was "Harun... leader of the Astur race... This creature has a brain almost equal to mine in power!" The Astur were a peaceful lot from an airless world, until a passing star caused "landquakes," forcing scientist-leader Harun to evacuate the population. Over a thousand years later, the ship's auto-pilot found Earth an acceptable replacement world-- once all that air was removed! Captain Comet girded himself for fisticuffs, but that option was dismissed by Harun. Instead, they would play a game of Echek, in which the first person to pick a white pellet blindly from a vase containing 100,000 black pellets makes the other their slave. Harun could detect the difference in weight from black to white pellet, and picked a winner in his fourth try. However, Captain Comet's fingertips were so sensitive, they could detect differences in color, and pullet a white pellet on the first try.

A poor sport, Harun whelched on the bet and fled the room. Captain Comet killed the tops' remote control, then pursued. Harun tried to revive his people to kill Blake, but the Man of Destiny had already determined they were all dead, their corpses perfectly preserved for a century! Horrified, Harun committed suicide by throwing himself out an airlock. Blake tried to save him, but even he wasn't fast enough to beat the ravages of outer space. While in his Cometeer, the alien craft's auto-pilot reset, carrying a ship of the dead in search of a more hospitable world. "What irony!"

Blake returned to Zackro's lab to strip off his uniform and secretly enjoy the global acclaim lavished on Captain Comet!

This two part origin was a fun story with nice art, and is available in full here...

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Direct Currents: Tuesday, June 15, 2010



DC Comics Solicitations for September, 2010

DC Comics has released solicitation information and images for new comics and products shipping in September 2010, including the latest from "Brightest Day," "Return of Bruce Wayne," "Teen Titans: Games" and more.

The second wave of DC Direct’s ARKHAM ASYLUM figures

Bates Joins the "Last Family of Krypton"

Carey Bates once again dons the cape and shield after nearly two decades to explore the world-changing effects of an entire Family of Steel arriving on Earth in a new miniseries returning the Elseworlds to the DCU.

Comic Book Legends Revealed #264

The Dark Knight - DC 75th Anniversary

Warner Bros. releases "THE DARK KNIGHT" on iTunes as part of the DC 75thAnniversary celebration. The release will be an iTunes Extra with 31 Minutes of Bonus Features, available to Download customers for the first time ever.

Another look at 'I'm for everyone'

In his weekly 'Grumpy Old Fan' column, ROBOT 6's Tom Bondurant examines Superman, his ethics and his place within the DC Comics universe and the world at large.

Being Jonah Hex: Palmiotti & Gray Visit Hex Set

Writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray spoke with us about the time they spent on the set of the big budget Hex movie, Josh Brolin's performance and what the movie means to the future success of the DC Comics series.

Comics You Should Own

Greg Burgas is now in his fifth year of telling you what Comics You Should Own, so its time to look back and check out the comics that have made his list so far, including runs from "Animal Man," "Amazing Spider-Man" and more!

DC Preview - BRIGHTEST DAY #4

We've got a few preview pages focused on the Hawk's from this week's BRIGHTEST DAY #4

Exclusive DC Preview - R.E.B.E.L.S. #17

It's a DC Cosmic 3-way between Rannians, Tamaranians, and Thanagarians, which is never good

Exclusive DC Preview - MAGOG #10

Tommy Tomorrow and his Planeteers stop by Keith Giffen's MAGOG and we have an exclusive preview

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: "Azrael" #9

Courtesy of DC Comics, CBR presents an exclusive preview of "Azrael" #9, written by Fabian Nicieza with art by Ramon Bachs and John Stanisci and a cover by Francesco Mattina. The issue hits stores on June 16.

BLOGS

Mike Auckland (Amazon Princess)
The New Aqualad (The Aquaman Shrine)
Justice League of America: The Nail (The Aquaman Shrine)
Showcase #100 - May 1978 (The Aquaman Shrine)
Aquaman The Play (The Aquaman Shrine)
Aquaman Print - 2010 (The Aquaman Shrine)
DC Universe Classics Hawkman Toy (Being Carter Hall)
The Phantom Stranger by Chris Samnee (Comics Make Me Happy!)
Rogue Spotlight: Abra Kadabra (Crimson Lightning)
Friday Favorite: Tim Drake Wayne (Girls Gone Geek)
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Man in the Iron Mask!" (Gone & Forgotten)
1984 Jemm, Son of Saturn Full Page Ad (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
Saturninan Salutations: Klaus Janson (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
"J’onn J’onzz’s greatest enemy?" (The Idol-Head of Diabolu)
Download from Imagination Central (J.M. DeMatteis' Creation Point)
Green Lantern #54 (Reilly2040's Blog)
Batman Explains Why The BP Spill Is A Good Thing (Slay, Monstrobot of the Deep!!)
Mythology: The Art Of Alex Ross (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)
Review: Outsiders #30 (Supergirl Comic Box Commentary)