Wonder Woman Vol.1 Blood

Wonder Woman Vol.1 Blood (New 52)
Written by Brian Azzarello
Art by Cliff Chiang

A new retelling of the Amazon princess, but her origin is so twisted up in knots. What is truth? For the Amazons, most cannot conceive kids of their own accord, within the home world of her people there are no men. But her mother Queen Hippolyta did something that no mortal human would dare do. Conceive with a higher being.

Now it is the fall of the Gods. The powers that be have dissipated being sent across the stars. Diana now matured and on her own quest of identity. Only to find out from returning home that her true purpose was all a lie. Plus her aunt Hera seeks the throne that her husband left behind. Oh and he goes by the name Zeus, might be a problem.

Along with Hermes, and Zola (a new ally from the Earthian plane, turns out she is a mom to be) Only one problem, no one knows who the dad actually is. With all sides turning the tide of existence, it becomes a mission of protecting the future versus the fallen Greek Gods.

But wait, notice there’s mention of Steve Trevor. Ah ha! Well he comes by the island later. This new chapter is all about Diana and her new friends. I actually dig the fact that Diana chose to leave the island of her own accord. Oddly enough she wasn’t chased away, but this new chapter doesn’t disclose right away just how long she’s been gone. This new story so far, examines things from a “back and forth” fashion so its best to read it over to make sure you haven’t missed anything.

This “New 52” version of Wonder Woman is an exciting tale so far. So its definitely worth checking out.
Even if you’re a past fan of the character, this new rendition mixes unique concepts that actually affect her world and the DC universe to come.

Action Comics - Superman Vol.1 Men of Steel

Superman – Action Comics – Vol. 1 Superman & The Men of Steel
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Rags Morales, Andy Kubert, and Brent Anderson
Covers by Andy Kubert

Superman began as a character with an origin as a being from a planet named Krypton. Being called the “Last Son” for a reason, losing his home world to its ruin. There have been many revisions to the iconic characters beginnings, but this one is quite different. No long a simple farm boy from the start, but already finding himself in the middle of all sorts of chaos. Aside from being heroic, he’s deemed inhumane and superhuman from all sorts of people across the nation. However his powers have grown exponentially from the first time living amongst humans. This honestly feels like a super rushed edition of the show Smallville. (Oddly enough it took the writers for that series nearly ten years to get him off the ground. Here in the New 52 Edition, Kal-El can already fly)

Good ol’ Grant Morrison has taken the helm of the iconic “blue blur” and reshaped him to work with the current generation of readers, both young and old. Its actually inspiring to see the origin being retweaked, it no longer feels like the early days of the original characters humble beginnings. Plus his home planet Krypton is represented in a whole new way. Jor-El and Lara are not only scientists but those of power, working to make a better future for their planet. (Of course the Phantom Zone already exists, but the ones locked within the other side are to be determined… in the Smallville version of Krypton Zod & his allies were kept away for many years. It seems to be taking several hints of where things could possibly go.

Jon & Martha Kent are also redesigned, there’s even a bonus tale that foreshadows how the two came together. And the arrival, that would change their lives forever. However unlike the Smallville series, Jon and Martha are no longer with us in this new retake on Kal-El’s new journey. But he does have fond memories of what was, including the ship (it is also connected to the planet’s energy and memory data collected from eons ago, and a part of Clark himself). And the true body armor(s) origin is also explained within the new “Brainac” battle chapter. It’s a humbling, yet unique surprise on how it becomes a part of Kal-El’s untapped abilities. (Including the fact that Kal-El can bleed, fall from the sky, and does bruise!)

These eight issues that give Superman a much needed reboot work in a solid fashion. It doesn’t feel sluggish, but a steady active and ongoing storyline that will keep readers along for the ride. Although it may be a remix of what was done in the past, it’s a fresh start for the iconic hero.

Plus the art in each issue is simply stunning. There is so much going on in each panel, its worth a second glance in every page. On the plus side, it never feels dull or inactive. Even the quietest moments are the most exciting. In addition there are some moments where the tale goes back and forth, it leaves it up to the reader to put the tale together themselves.

Overall, Superman – Action Comics (New 52) is an awesome project.
 

Justice League vol.1 Origin

Justice League Vol.1 – Origin (New 52)
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Jim Lee & Scott Williams

Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman. The gang’s all here, and not quite a team, yet anyways. The team may be familiar, but the attitudes are completely different. What some fans may remember is the teamwork the crew used to have. That concept still exists, but here it is shown that the members of the JLA are at all odds with one another.

With the “New 52” line, everyone is re-introduced to the gang. But they are aware of the deeds each hero is capable of, and their powers. There’s even a hint of the “multiverse”.. hmm maybe that’s what the DC crew was up to.

However the storyline rewrite, Batman is still the “guy in a bat suit”, while working alongside power enabled heroes. Although the others may have powers, they still retain human characteristics. (Including Cyborg, even with his newfound abilities **those are also given a push!)

Looking through the “New 52” saga, it actually works for the League. Plus for an extra dosage of awesome, a familiar villain is encapsulating on the DC universe. A world ender or control freak, either way it is a nasty foe (and it’s more than one).  From all sides they unite, or they all fall apart. This new envisioned version of the JLA works on so many levels.

But the best part of it all is readers don’t have to be fans of past works. Given its renewed piece of storytelling, new fans can enjoy it as well. Not having to know everything about the characters beforehand.  Geoff Johns writing style makes it clear that this is not the same team as before. And I can’t wait to see what further adventures this “New 52” JLA goes toward next.

*BONUS – At the end of the collected volume are excerpted notes from Steve Trevor about the ongoing events from Diana’s misadventures. And a note from Atlantis. Plus a fan guide of the new redesigns of each member of the JLA. + STAR Labs Dossier on key members.

Batgirl the Darkest Reflection (New 52)

Batgirl Vol.1 – The Darkest Reflection  (New 52 Series)
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, + Covers by Adam Hughes

When we last left off… Barbara Gordon was playing her role as Oracle. At the time, Batman Inc. was just getting off the ground, and making its worldwide tour. With every person taking the helm of the Bat, and making it their mission to protect their home turf. For so long she was unable to walk, helmed to a wheelchair until some aid was found that would enable her to move again. That was then, this is now, months later with therapy and recuperating Batgirl is back in action.

Like all Bat tales, with rewards comes tests of strength. Turns out a new villain is causing a ruckus all around Gotham. From taking names to a list, those who survived events they should not have. Coming to terms with this mysterious fiend, tests every bit of power that Batgirl wields, as a hero and as a human being.

338 – An ongoing wave of violence takes over people’s minds, and its because of some number. And its up to Babs to save the day (with some help of course).

What I enjoy about Gail’s writing style is that it feels like a tale worth reading. Sure its got action, drama, and suspense, but It has feeling. May feel down, but it helps you get back up. I can’t think of many writers like her, even with her brief time writing Wonder Woman’s tales, it worked so well. Glad to see her taking the reins with Batgirl’s new adventures. Plus seeing Babs back in the suit is altogether awesome, and fun again. I actually missed seeing the character going about the city and doing what she does best, being Batgirl.

Even more diverse is the art, its gorgeous, fluid and always in motion. In some scenes its still but feels like anything can happen, even in quiet moments to kick back and breathe. Its rare that books like this give both the reader, and the story time to “stretch their legs”. Plus the reader also works together to figure out what the title for this chapter actually means. And that’s another thing to love about this series. 

Frozen Heat - A Richard Castle Novel

Frozen Heat – A Richard Castle Novel
2012 – Crime & Drama Series

From the series Castle, as a novel it’s a different set of characters. (but pretty much the same pathway) In its fifth season, the show now carries on with Kate & Richard’s romantic side (and keeping it secret). But in the novel series, it establishes that the duo “Nikki” and “Rook” already let the info loose. (and some of the crew is okay with that). This novel however covers the silent tale of Nikki’s mom’s mysterious past, and those involved. And as it turns out, everything about her mom’s real identity and bizarre murder always haunted her. (keep in mind faithful Castle fans, this might be spoiling your dinner)

Overall, its an awesome story that takes the duo on an amazing journey. Even with a few bumps in the road, and getting into trouble (plus getting out of it). What makes it interesting is how in-depth with every detail about their surroundings and the characters they run into (especially those that are helpful, or watching their back). This time around its not just involved with NYC alone, but Paris, and Boston (her mom and dad’s hometown). Like the show there is so much untapped mysteries from both lead characters, there are so many more cases to explore. So Castle fans, kick back and enjoy the ride! 

Star Wars Scoundrels - Timothy Zahn

Star Wars – Scoundrels
By Timothy Zahn
2013 – Lucasbooks Publishing

*This novel’s tale takes place after  A New Hope / before Empire Strikes Back
So where to begin, well for starters it fills in the gap on how Han & Chewie became broke after saving the galaxy. Well becoming heroes, to the most wanted pirates in the stars. For one, Han lands a nice gig offer that would pay a great deal, since it can’t be done by the amazing duo. Han inquires with several characters, some with backgrounds that are filled with trouble, and others that are downright shady.

What makes this job even sweeter? How about taking on the biggest gang in the stars? Black Sun, a group that was notorious for inserting themselves with either the good or bad guys. Then again, in the Star Wars universe nothing is ever “black or white”. But they were part of two different sides that caused all sorts of trouble, even with the right price. (*mostly the case for Han, Chewie, and Lando)

So how to summarize this tale? Take a mixture of Star Wars, and Ocean’s Eleven,  mix well with The Usual Supsects (oh and there’s a fun surprise worth following from start to finish). And it’s someone no one saw coming, and it’s a familiar name in the Star Wars Legacy.

Honestly I can’t write about this book without giving too much away. But I am a Zahn fan, his writing style gives every character a voice, even when nothing is going on. It still feels like anything can happen, but its best to read some parts of the book carefully, since there are subtle notes on who’s who and their true intentions.

For even more fun, there are excerpts of forthcoming books included. And they also happen after this fun tale. Like every Star Wars story, its never finished until the last page.