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.

Superman - Reign of Doomsday

Superman – Reign of Doomsday
Written by Paul Cornell
With additional tales from Damon Lindelof, Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, David S. Goyer, Richard Donner & Derek Hoffman

Introduction to the end of Action Comics
I remember the first Superman issue I read as a kid. My grandma introduced me to the red & blue hero with an issue featuring the triad of troublemakers from Krypton. Oddly enough I found out those three were part of the Superman film that Richard Donner made several years ago. And I dug for some time to find the original issues that branched out the character. Eventually my mom suggested to write to DC Comics, lo and behold a bit later I received a letter that there would a collection of the first issues from the origins of Action Comics with Superman. And that’s where my journey began.

Doomsday
During the mid 90’s, DC was having tussle with writing tales. So to gain some readers, they actually brought in a fearsome beast that tussled with the lead hero. And for the first time, Superman actually died and readers didn’t know if he was going to come back. Until a gang of four characters masquerading as Superman took the helm, and fought evil. But the most bizarre part of this tale, was that one of these heroes was actually a villain. Until the “real” Kal-El took the helm again, literally rising from the grave (or another timeline), (I actually began to wonder if some of the writers from Doctor Who were writing Superman tales.) (*Oh wait they do, what are the odds?)

Darkest Night
So flash forward to the present, a dark tale rushes over the entire DC Universe. A dark world where those that perished, had a day to return to the living world. But with only one consequence, they weren’t truly alive. With life and death out of balance, every being in the universe could regain some existence but at the cost of Black Rings (a power that was unheralded by the Lanterns). Except that the Black Ring actually controlled unknown powers beyond the stars. This bizarre chapter, actually brought back the dead Kal-El revisiting everything he lost falling to Doomsday. Eventually having to submit to one exisitence, the Superman we know in the recent tales is the one from another universe. So parallel worlds collide, even with the Final Crisis making things even worse (the dead heroes battle over protecting the stars, and Batman actually dies)

Getting the bizarre tales out of the way, Superman has been through tons of intense tales. Some amazing, and some that left us scratching our heads. We were lucky enough to receive Smallville in a ten year run that dazzled viewers with the origins of Kal-El’s misadventures of being human, and superhuman. It actually pushed DC’s team of writers and artists to go even further. Even some of the most well known names in storytelling took on several episode archs to shape the character into what conceived with their imaginations. (Oh and Doosmday shares an origin tale with Clark, how crazy is that!?)  And to the series finale, when Clark finally dons the suit and cape, stopping Darkseid’s home world from colliding with Earth.

Actions Comics pushed over 900 issues of storytelling, more so than any other publisher in existence. But the most critical decision was to wrap it all up in the most clever way. Doomsday, the big burly alien that took Kal-El off the pages for awhile actually makes a big comeback. From Lex becoming a beyonder, an extension of light and dark, to every one donning the shield taking a stand to protect Earth. This finale is truly a gem, every tale offers a bit of excitement and some shocking moments. Even the cover of the hardbound collection makes you wonder what is on the pages within the book.

Being a longtime Superman and comic book reader, I felt that it offers enough suspense that it could parallel a film being made. Plus there are some bonus tales from various names, including Richard Donner (who directed the first Superman film with Christopher Reeves donning the suit). This is a collection that is worth owning, and reading over again. I cannot imagine a better way to explain this book. I just feel bummed out that DC Comics retweaked Superman all over again. But thanks for the memories.

The Incredible Hulks - Twofer

The Incredible Hulks – Dark Son
Covers issues 612-617
(2011)

Written by Greg Pak with Scott Reed
Art by Tom Ramey, Barry Kitson with Brian Ching

Dark Son covers a lost chapter in the Hulk’s ever changing life. Hiro-Kala is the long lost son of the Worldbreaker during his "exile”.  By using his planet’s core, it channels its energy to give him unknown powers (however they are channeled with Skaar) *Skaar was the firstborn son, where Hiro is the latter. It’s a total eye opener from the lost pages from Planet Hulk.

Along for the ride are some of Bruce’s crew. A-Bomb (Rick Jones), She-Hulk (Jen Walters), Red Hulk (Betty Ross) *resurrected! Last time I read a Hulk tale, was when she died..  Oh and she does not play nice! And Amadeus Cho, genius, and big fan of the Hulk. Lyra (alternate realm) daughter of the Hulk.
Skaar – Hulk’s firstborn son from the Planet Hulk mini-series.

All of these unique characters band together for a cause. To protect their homeworld, and to face any unknown threat even if its family.

The story is really interesting, but most of its opening focuses on Hiro-Kala. A powerful being yet troubled by his father’s reason for leaving him behind. Plus its compelling to see Bruce’s strength as being a leader. But its unique to see a team of Hulk’s band together, and it makes every page worth turning.

The Incredible Hulks – Heart of the Monster
(2011)
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Paul Palletier and Tom Grummett

What if you could wish for anything? Turns out everyone has a wish, but the answer may not be what they want. Its power can channel anything from the universe. Is it really worth it?

It all begins with Betty (now stuck in her Red Hulk form) taking up Tyrannus’s offer to be his significant other. Monica (a scientist from AIM) is also seeking the fountain of youth. But once its tapped, its powers go out of control and anyone who has a wish will find its answer. With Hulk’s family on guard, and the big guy himself near the fountain, anything is possible.

A main highlight of this mini-series is that the Hulk takes the limelight. It becomes a mission where Hulk has to take the reigns over Bruce. And it makes the reader wonder if we might even see Bruce ever again. Along for the ride, Dr. Strange joins the cause to see what can’t be seen. Acting as a guardian, he helps his friends find a way to make things right.

What I enjoy about this tale, is seeing Betty and Bruce work together. Although in their Hulk’d out form most of the story, their powers are the center of the adventure. On the plus side, they come to an understanding of one another that I don’t believe they’ve ever had in the past.

Every page is a treat, and there is much going on, its best to read this one twice (you might have missed something!) And to sum up, this is a Hulk any fan would want to read. 

Batgirl - the Flood

Batgirl –The Flood
DC Comics
(2010/2011) Run

Bryan Q. Miller (Writer)
Art Team 1= (Pencils) Lee Garbett, Pere Perez
Art Team 2= (Inkers) Jonathan Glapion, Richard Friend, Rodney Ramos, Pere Perez, Walden Wong, Trevor Scott
Art Team 3= (Colors) Guy Major
(Letters)Pat Brosseau, Travis Lanham, John J. Hill
(Cover Artist) Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

With a revamped DC Universe, there’s a new Batgirl. Stephanie Brown, inducted by Oracle (Barbra Gordon) thanks to a nod from Tim Drake (Robin III). Now she finds herself challenged by Gotham itself. From old Batman villains, to a few new ones she meets during her run in the night. An old enemy of the Birds of Prey rears its ugly mug, Calculator. But no thanks to fate Wendy (one of the villains kids) joins Oracle’s team. (Not knowing what and who saved her years ago) Plus a new detective joins GCPD, and works with Steph and her friends. (and has his own past to deal with)

So far this sums up the first two issues. But the ongoing tale is about Gotham falling to Calculator’s dark plan, with technology as his connection to the people. It becomes a no brainer on how he manipulates anyone with touch of a keyboard and some code. Odd part is, the code makes everyone turn into zombies, unaware of their surroundings only knowing to take on any hero left standing.

Next up, Clayface shows his handsome face in town, ready to dish some pain. And cause all sorts of trouble for the new Batgirl.

And it turns out that Steph is good friends with Supergirl (Kara). Upon her return from New Krypton, the two become fast friends. But a girl’s night out turns awry, when a certain vampire escapes from a film screen. And its up to these two heroic ladies to save the night.

Best part about this new series is the writing. As always its intense and always on the move. But it doesn’t feel rushed, its balance with action, suspense, and comedy. Plus the art is always something worth looking at every panel, especially with so much going on. And the covers are simply gorgeous, and definitely reflect on what’s happening in each issue.

Only letdown is that its just a few issues, but it leaves so much open to the reader. So much that they can’t wait to see what happens next.