X-men Reckless Abandonment + ASM - No Turning Back

X-men Reckless Abandonment
Words by Brian Wood and Seth Peck
Artworks by Lopez, Azaceta, Southworth, Palo and Mogorron

With the aftermath of Mutant fallout, sides are chosen and the X-family has been on opposite ends of the planet. Taking time away from Utopia, Storm leads a task force that is trying to the last remnant of Proto-mutants. These supernatural beings have lasted within humanity for generations. (Mr.Sinister is one of those beings, however in a more power maniacal presence.)

Now to help aid this lost soul, they try to connect with them on a even playing field. But the outcome is a big surprise! Plus the introduction of a new mutant who has a unique ability to control machines (like another fellow X-man) ** Could it be a rebirth of a new generation?


Amazing Spider-Man - No Turning Back
Words - Dan Slott / Art by the amazing Camuncoli!

The Lizard no more-
Many years ago Dr. Curt Connors sought a cure to regrow his arm, but in doing so cursed himself with a genome that cause him to transform. This unique superhuman ability gave him powers of strength, stamina, energy, and able to regrow limbs at will. As the Lizard, he no longer retained his human side but as a true beast able to use his "fight or flight" reflex at level 10.

As a human Connors was a humble man, till the loss of his wife and son. Without no one to turn to, Morbius sought a cure to aid his friend from his ailment. Only to find the hunger within the Horizon Labs, driven out by the same person he came to help in the long run. It becomes the biggest fight of Peter/Spidey and Morbius's lives as they redefine what makes them hero or villain.

Batman Detective Comics Vol2 - Scare Tactics

Written & drawn by Tony S. Daniel, other tales by Gregg Hurwitz, and James Tynion IV
Featured artists with Sandu Florea, Kudranski, Ed Benes, Rob Hunter and many more

The fear-
Over the years Batman/Bruce Wayne has fought many enemies. Sometimes he has had to fight the battle within his psyche, or losses with his past. In recent tales, his nightmares are becoming real, old foes are gaining strength once more (allies of the Court of Owls). Old Gotham was a different place, of a past life, but like all things it never goes away like a cut that never heals.

From Scarecrow, Black Mask, and Mr.Toxic, to the rebirth of Two Face/Harvey Dent. Each of these are players in a dangerous new game with Gotham being the winning trophy or disaster. To the hallowed halls of Arkham Asylum where few dare tread upon the dark side of Gotham's most feared evils. But it turns out they may be what the city needs to save itself.

The Dream- In the bonus issue #0 it covers Bruce's journey, and another foundation of growth and loss. Being tested by what could drive him to be more than human, channelling pure energy from negative. With trust, heart, belief, and lies, it all becomes a test of faith into what it means to be himself.

Along with Two Face's journey, from the darkness of the streets to a journey of enlightenment. However noble the cause, there is always a reason for the dark to be hiding within.

Each issue in this book covers a different facet of hero or villain's perspective. Detective Comics really branches out in some unique directions that keep readers captivated till the last page.

Batwoman Vol2 To Drown the World

Darkly Written by J.H. Williams & W. Haden Blackman
Gorgeous Art+ Covers by Amy Reeder, and Trever McCarthy

Twists and Turns-
The hunt is on for the missing kids, from the water spirit that stole people's souls. However, there is more to the lost beings, for there are monsters that exist in reality. The D.E.O commissioned Kate under pretense, and to secure her treaty to serve their purpose of hunting these demons. One part Arkham Asylum, another a twisted nightmare, there is no dream left unturned by this organization known as Medusa. Founded under the belief of control and no free will, only by the promise of mother giving them absolute power over all.

Thy word be true-
Kate , Agent Chase, an unlikely duo but forced to work side by side (they may not agree) but they do turn things around. In book one, they came at odds because they worked on opposite sides of the law. Now banded together for the same cause, driven to push one another to their limits. No longer enemies, but allies to protect humanity against the evils of this world. While Bette deals with her coma, Jacob comes to her bedside to help her find the way back from her sleep.

Faces-
From Batman's tales, villains of the dark emerge with new identities. Succumbing to the wills of Medusa, they become new beings with abilities they weren't capable of before. Kate, and her new allies work together to find out what drives them to seek this divine power. Like all things, there are hidden secrets in those we call friends.

Films you should check out

A Beginners Guide to Endings
Written and Directed by Jonahthan Sobol

Welcome to a family, knitted by trust, lies, and stuff no one should really know about. With a father who unravels his families life by ending his, seeing their lives change forever. There is the retired boxer, the young blood, the ladies man, the kid, and the lost boy. Each of these five brothers face a destiny united, or try not to fall apart in the face of danger. Starring an all star cast, Harvey Keitel, Scott Caan, J.K. Simmons and many more. This film will bring a smile to anyone's bad day.


Safe
Directed by Boaz Yokin
Two outsiders, one a former hit for hire, the other a young prodigy who hates numbers. One fateful turn brings these strangers together, only to find them in a tangled web that involves more than what they see. At times it can be frantic action paced, and another it balances drama. Surprises me that Jason Statham can equal two parallel levels of storytelling very well. And the mystery is something worth keeping your eyes on.


UnKnown
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Doctor Martin Harris is your typical traveller, with a beautiful wife, and a trip worth taking. All goes south when he loses his briefcase, and wind up in an accident. So things get better right? Nope way worse, he loses his identity, has no identification, literally he does not exist. Even worse is that band of people keep chasing him, and taking out others in the way. Only does he befriend a former german statsi, and the same taxicab driver that saved his life.

This is not your typical movie, watch it carefully and put the pieces together
If that doesn't convince you, it stars Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, and Frank Langella

Batwoman Vol.1 Hydrology

Art and story by JH Williams III and (secondary writer) W. Haden Blackman

The Other Side
Enter Kate Kane, a runner for hire / heroine of the underworld or voiceless populace of Gotham. Unknown to the topside city, she is a mysterious being that no one know unless in dire straights. Except a certain Dark Knight keeps a watchful eye over her actions depending on circumstances. Kate Kane is like no other that wields the Bat symbol, standing alone taking on evildoers in the shadows.

What makes her unique is her drive, past, present and future is her identity wrapped in mystery. Even GPD can't track her real ID, nor can the crime bosses tag her whereabouts. On top of that a mysterious entity is draining life force from the living and no one knows why.

Note: This is not a book for young eyes, its mature themed and contains a lot of graphic content. Very different aspects within this series really break it from the norm. Including the fact that Kate Kane is a lesbian (note - it is an aspect of her life only those closest know about her). Plus her father (a veteran) knows of her escapades, and it has to deal with her tragic past.

One thing is for certain, Batwoman will keep you glued to every page. don't miss it!

Under the Dome

Presented by Amblin Ent.
Producer - Brian K Vaughn & Stephen King

Welcome the Chester Hills, a busy town, filled with a community of kind folk. Until something earth shattering occurs, changing them forever and it isn't made by humans. A supernatural event creates a dome covering the entire town, no way in or out. The story so far follows a wandering fellow with, a some dark history. A news reporter who has a knack for being in the know of what's going on. A sheriff and deputy who are keeping an eye on things, along with a fire dept. who is trapped on the other side. And a mayor who is not telling the townsfolk the honest truth of what's going on.

Based on a Stephen King novel, it unravels a bizarre mystery that has many connections to the people that live within it. Who can be trusted? Who is on the other side?

Keep up with the new series @ www.underthedome.com/

Catwoman vol.1 The Game

Written by Judd Winick
Art by Gulliem March

With Selina Kyle, her life as a Cat burglar was always about the rush. Never did  it ever reconnect back to her home base, or hurt someone she cares about. Or did the times she ran into Batman (how does he do it?)
Now she's crossing paths with some of Gotham's finest, and nightmarish fiends. This tale takes Selina from her past and present, dealing with choices and obstacles she made along the way.

We learn of her past as a young thief on the streets, and finding shelter with a lady named Lola. A former showgirl, turned aid to those in need, and also helped others in the long run. Along the way, she begins to understand her former life is beginning to collide with her current one. Run ins with Bruce / Batman in some memorable ways. In addition, an array of new baddies are after our lady cat when a bungled assignment goes south (and it involve Gotham's finest).

Cleverly and smartly written, and sexy, sleek gorgeous art on every page.

Suicide Squad Vol. II Basilisk Rising

Written by Adam Glass
Art by Fernando Dagnino
(Covers by Ken Lashley & Rod Reis

Harley & Co.s big adventure!
Before the team was getting along till Harley lost her marbles, and planted Joker's mug on Deadshot. (who's been affected by the Joker Curse). It sounds weird, but it does have effects throughout this series. Not only does every choice have consequences, but the two end up working side by side (even against their team!) Things get even more messy when opponents wind up dead before they even declare victory. And Waller's "eyes" may also be deceiving her in the long run.


Regulus and other bad dudes
Turns out some baddies from the past have re-emerged on different sides. Deadshot's former identity was one of those that barely survived his last mission before his side by side team up with Harley and friends. Oddly enough he never got along with anyone before. Catching up with others, now on crosshairs creating alliances to take down Waller's armada of "peacekeepers". The biggest shift in gears is not knowing what side anyone is on, in volume I it was revealed that anyone could be "a mole".

Waller's true agenda
Playing out similarly like a Detective Comics tale, every page unfolds a clue towards where the true "villains" might be. But with everyone at one another's throats, some take the mantle in becoming leaders in the worst circumstances. Who lives, and who dies doesn't depend on guts or glory anymore, its built on trust whether they are the watcher, or the doer.

Want to keep up with this ongoing series? Visit the official site @ www.dccomics.com/comics/suicide-squad-2011/suicide-squad-21

For your weekend 6/15 - 6/16

The Terminal -
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones (and many more)
A lone fellow gets left behind by his country, settles in an airport until his clearance is ok'd. In the meantime he finds a life behind the hallowed walls of JFK airport, friends, and family. What he left behind was a different life, only to venture through unknown territory, or go home. What would you do if you were stuck in an airport longer than expected?

Morning Glory
Directed by Roger Mitchell
Starring Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, and Harrison Ford (+many more)
Being the head of a morning show is no picnic. And one lone young lady lands the job of a lifetime. That show everyone watches in the morning, all eyes are on its presentation, style, and expression. How can she change it before the show is let go?

Take Me Home Tonight
Directed by Michael Dowse
Starring Topher Grace, Anna Faris, Teresa Palmer, and Dan Folger (plus many more)
Life in the 80's was different, a young guy with a steady job (but with an education that could take him anywhere). Settles on a job with Suncoast video, until he stumbles on his high school crush. Setting his life on a roller coaster ride, he tries to prove to himself, friends and the one who got away he can still live his life the way he wants to.

Hot Tub Time Machines
Directed by Steve Pink
Starring Adam Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke (and Chevy Chase) (+ many more)
What would you do if you were given a second chance? Well a set of characters find themselves sent back in time, thanks to a hot tub time machine. Braving their past, they set their futures in motion (or one of their crew doesn't come to be)/

Batgirl Vol.2 (New 52) - Knightfall Descends

Written by Gail Simone
Art by Adrian Syaf, Ed Benes, and Vicente Cifuentes
(and Covers by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau)

When Barbara Gordon took the mantle of the cowl, she vowed to take a stand. Finding out the truth behind Batman's reason for being a hero, there was a time she took the gauntlet against her dad's wishes. Driven to make things better for her hometown, she found out a hidden truth and power behind the mask and cowl. Only for all of that life to be taken away by the Joker (years ago) *Note the intro issue in this collection retells Babs origins on becoming Batgirl, and her loss during "Death in the Family".

Fast forward to the present, Babs now encounters a new rogue set of characters led by a sinister character named "Knightfall". For those keeping track, there was another being carrying that moniker, a deranged psycho that took on the entire Bat family. With a spin on things, this new Knightfall turns out to be a woman, redeemed as part of Gotham's royalty with her own set of bodyguards. Given control and power, she pushes Babs to her limits, until she finds aid with Melody McKenna (a detective from her dad's team) and Batwoman (more on her later).

Batwoman - a mysterious being who take the mantle after the original died (see Batman RIP, and The Return of Bruce Wayne for details)

Doctor Who Series 7 Part II Review

Recovering after losing the Ponds at the end of their journey. The Doctor passes through an early Victorian, London to encounter "The Great Intelligence" who is now in the form of Dr.Simian's body (or existence). Time, and time again the Doctor encounters "The Impossible Girl" someone he lost during an encounter with Dalek's that used humans as vessels. Only to find out she is very much alive in the same time stream that Amy and Rory lived within.

Putting all of his clues together, the Doctor finds out his journeys are at an end with this companion. Unable to determine how she came to be, she becomes his reason for exploring every timeline possible to find out who she truly is. But that doesn't explain how Clara is able to cross time streams, sometimes she remembers who the Doctor is, or doesn't. It becomes a intertwined game of "Cat and Mouse" with the Doctor finding out that this mystery is just as vast as his own lifeline.

With clever writing, and unique storylines Series 7 Part II continues an extraordinary tale that is worthwhile viewing. What makes it unique is that part I&II are told in a backwards / forward type of writing. Meaning the beginning is the end, and the end is the beginning. Including the answer to one of the greatest mysteries "The Name of the Doctor". Every episode in this two disc set has a unique flow, every episode is unique and must be viewed to figure out how things have come to pass. And the Doctor is never alone, he always has his friends.

What's to come? Later this year, Matt Smith and David Tennant (no.10) band together in a huge adventure!
Better yet, this zero episode also celebrates 50 years of the series. 11/11/13

Doctor Who Series 7 - Part Two - Companions Pt II

Of all the timelines journeyed with Matt Smith as Doctor no.11. This singular collective pushes just as many boundaries, including allies of a lizard, bounty hunter, and a ninja (dressed as a posh chambermaid). There are many diverse allies throughout the millennial for 11 but they are most significant. It is truly rare that so many are able to cross time streams to find their true selves, but once they do their journey is far from complete.

With the Ponds, it was a different journey, of both life / death and rebirth until the "Weeping Angels" forced a bad sign upon them. Thankfully their adventures with the Doctor allowed them to find one another, and eventually a better life even in another realm. For Clara, it became more of a rescue / reunion / total mess of memories overlapping one another. Behind that mystery lied clues to the Doctor's truth / lies / identity / and the bending of time and space.

Of the lizard lady Vastra - a bio engineer and scientist, in the past was highly regarded in her field and home planet. The hunter Skraat, a well known soldier across star systems. At first he didn't go by his conscience, but his military prowess. With the Doctor's help, he found out that true capabilities lied elsewhere across the stars. As for the ninja Jenny, her former line of work was set in dangerous territory, upon finding a new line of work it teamed her alongside the lizard scientist.

Throughout time and space, there are allies and there are enemies. These are just a small example of the individuals that Doctor no.11 has worked beside to keep things in the balance.

Doctor Who S7 - Part Two Backup file - Companions Series 7

In part one, the future foretold of a world where Dalek's could take control of anything living or dead. Carla Oswald is one of those such beings, and also gave the good fight once again after. Part two, being his companion is a test of both faith and trust. I give kudos points to Jenna Louise Coleman for playing this role so well, sometimes she even emulates Matt Smith's a bit too solidly. In part, Carla is a diverse twisted mystery, with being imparted in the Tardis's memories, she is not an ordinary companion like the past. Carla is a unique character that impacts the Time Lord's journey's much more so than the Pond's (Note: there are still reflections of Amelia's writings in part of this timeline)

Past companions left an impact with the Doctor with trust, faith, patience, and sometimes emotionally. There is not ally that has ever been identical, or a copycat of another. It is truly unique how some of them actually know of another's family line. But there is never a moment where the storyline isn't impacted by the choices they have made along with the Doctor. Sometimes even changing their own lives, past, present, and future.

But dear Carla is something else, her being has actually been a part of time itself all along. From each journey, even the Doctor finds himself being a bit more chipper, and a bit more happy. (Ever since the loss of the Ponds, it brought him down like never before) Is he more human because of these people? I believe so, throughout Series 4 to 7, Matt Smith's doctor has really gained a unique persona because of the friends & enemies his character's made during the four season trek.

What's to come this winter will be the most diverse and insane idea ever. Bringing two timelines together and another unforgettable journey. It just feels weird that Matt is walking away from the role so soon. But he is a talented fellow, and the world is his Tardis after all. I have yet to watch the 2nd disc of Part II. With Clara it is rare that such a companion could change everything in such a big way. (and it doesn't hurt that she's amazingly beautiful) +

Darkness, and an Amazon takes the lead

Two graphic novel reviews for you fellow readers this weekend.
Up first: Justice League Dark (New 52)

Written by: Peter Milligan / Art by: Mikel Janin
Leader: Madame Xanadu
Zatanna, Constantine, Deadman, Shade, Mindwarp, and Dove

From the underworld, there are untold horrors that could twist reality and imagination. With Madame Xanadu, capable of understanding these visions, or nightmares calls upon those who are capable of putting these creatures away. When some heroes fall, others will arise, taking the lead that many others wouldn't dare challenge.

Although this new team may not get along, they push their wits, psyche, and strength to overcome what few could comprehend. Enchantress, and ancient mystic crosses two realms, splitting literally in half. Finds a new identity in another woman's identity, finds aid in those she finds comfort. Differences aside, this supernatural tale takes on different mediums in storytelling, very few series are capable of pushing in so many directions.

Note: there is some aggressive artwork within this series! Out of the New 52, it is a bit more daring in the character direction department, I have rarely seen some of the team members like this before. Ever since Brightest Day and Darkest Night, the entire DCU has changed entirely. Especially Deadman, who is now capable of fusing with the living at a whim, and witnessing visions through someone else's eyes (wait till you find out who).

Overall, definitely a series worth following, and it constantly evolves with each issue. A must buy!

Wonder Woman Collection 2: Guts (New 52)
Written by: Brian Azzarello / Art by: Cliff Chiang & Tony Akins

After the great odyssey that Diana found herself taking (along with some new allies). Every thing she thought she knew turns out to be a bold faced lie. Upon catching up with Eros (on Earth as a bounty hunter wielding two guns), re-connects with the maker of her Lasso of Truth (Hephaestus). Forging out a new truth, those that were once "sons" of Amazons are very much alive, just left behind making weapons for battle.

Forward, on a quest to bring back Zola from the clutches of Hades (yes folks, its time to visit the underworld). Oddly enough things are not what they seem, as the tides turn, trust is founded in those Diana has entrusted her faith towards. It becomes a rescue mission of two women, with one bound to wed the ruler of the other spectrum.

For a second volume, this is a very diverse, dark, yet interesting chapter in Diana's new adventures. In the past it relied more on readers knowing the origin of the Grecian gods. Within this new series, it seems to take on a whole new format, making them take on human characteristics (which are unique for each one). Including Cliff Chiang's art style and Brian Azzarello's creative writing style, constantly evolving with everyone we as readers interact with. It is truly becoming a unique series design of its own accord that is rare with DCU.

Community S3 - The Rebirth

Community S3
NBC / Universal
Harmon / the wacky crew
2011-2012

The 3rd -
With rejuvenation, the study group pushes onward to gain knowledge of what they must know. However there are many paths they must take. Not including: time travel, unwrapping mysteries of the universe, changing timelines, fixing the school, and becoming video game characters!

Phew that's a lot, and its all packed together in 22 lovely episodes. Every one has matured! The world cries happily! And then it needs a kleenex (there are some serious tender heart moments this time around) We finally learn why Abed is Abed (in a Doctor Who style) . Oh and Yahtzee is actually a portal to different alternate dimensions where anything, and will happen because of the roll of the die. And the two part documentary "Blankets vs Pillows" it is an epic episode that will change your life forever.

It is truly hard to define what this show is: A) pure joy, B)madness, C)inspirational, D)awesome-sauce, E)it may rock your face

Season 4 just wrapped, and Season 5 is a go! Become a part of the Community revolution #sixseasonsandamovie https://twitter.com/search?q=%23sixseasonsandamovie&src=hash

Birds or Prey Vol.2 and Logan & Gambit - Victims

Welcome to another issue of graphic novel reviews. This time around two entrees', first up BoP Vol.2 (Swiercynski & Foreman) + Wolverine & Gambit - Victims (Loeb & Sale)

Birds of Prey Vol.2 - Your Kiss Might Kill
Written by Duane Swiercynski
Art by Travel Foreman + Variant covers by Stanley "Artgerm" Lau

Black Canary only wanted the best for her crew, but with so many issues among the members things get dicey. From outsiders looking in their investigation, to the Owls sending a Talon, and Poison Ivy of all people becoming the evil that they feared (but in a good / bad way that no one could see coming)

Although it is a small collection of issues, it covers plenty of back story and includes issue #0 (a prelude). However the main story is about the trust between the team. Ivy is also a prime focus in what her true intentions were all along being brought into the crew.Whatever challenges the ladies face, they work at all odds to stay alive, even in the worst circumstances.


Wolverine & Gambit - Victims
Written by Jeph Loeb
Art by Tim Sale

Two of Marvel's leading X-men buddies team up to solve a crime case involving mystery, intrigue, and murders in London. But like all stories involving these two, they have issues only they can solve (even without violence). I find it interesting that most of the time that they interact, which is rare in recent tales. Although there are a few bouts in the story, they are rare but connected for a reason. But the main connection is their love lives, the women they've met and connected their hearts with. Until a new "Jack the Ripper" rears its ugly head, and harms many unsuspecting victims.

**Note: This is definitely not a book for young readers, it takes on a more darker, sinister spin with these two formidable heroes. I honestly that there were more books like this that focused on what makes characters like these protect those that many couldn't without the strength to do so. Maybe there's a hidden message somewhere, but it is worthwhile reading.

Evil Toasters, Days of Summer, and Supes Unbound

A trio or reviews for your weekend!

Caprica 1.0 - A SyFy team Production (contains Cylons, please use respectively)
Before the Cylons took over, they had a beginning. Two families fighting for their destinies, Graystone and Adama (yup that Adama). Their introduction unfolds in the ever evolving city of Caprica. But not only in the real world, but the digital one that is interconnected with all technology. Until a horrible event occurs, their world is shaken finding truths in mysteries, and it could be start of something even worse.
(*this us a two part release, with 1.5 continuing after the heart wrenching conclusion)

Ice Age - Continental Drift (family filck)
The last movie in the fun family comedy continues. With the gang back for a new adventure, fighting mother nature and learning what it takes to be a family. (and fight a band of pirates unlike any quest they've taken before!) Definitely fun for the whole family.

500 Days of Summer - Comedy
With Joseph Gordon Levitt playing a heartstrung fellow in search of Zooey Deschanel's love. Except its not an ordinary love story, boy meets girl, girl changes boys life forever. Oh, and it even has back and forth storytelling to keep you going. But it wraps up nicely with a twist.

Superman - Unbound  (a DC Comics film)
(*Based on the graphic novel "Superman VS Brainiac" **a prelude to New Kyrpton storyline, before "The New 52" relaunch.) Starring Matt Bomer (Clark, Kal-El), Stana Katic (Lois), and Molly Quinn (Supergirl) and many more!

This dark and gritty tale takes the superhero to new heights. Taking up the mantle watching over his cousin Kara, has taken Clark to a new destiny. No longer alone as a Kryptonian, their fates unite in challenging a familiar foe from their past / present / and future. Everything is on the line with danger across the galaxy. Brainiac in his true form wields unknown capabilities that the two heroes can barely take upon. Will they be able to save a part of their past?