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So, Ben Morse sent me this link the other day and I opened it (as, I suppose, you’d expect). “Okay,” I thought it myself, “It’s new animated series toys. That’s cool. Look, we have Hawk and Dove in the background there and I think that’s Wildcat kind of out of focus in front. Is that a non-pink Sinestro? Huh, weird. Of course, we have out GL and Supes and Flash and…HOLY $H!+!!!! Is that Aztek?!?! Yeah it is!!!

Do you smell comeback? Cause I do.

And now, let’s do the news dance boogie.


About Time!

The excitement over the return of Hal Jordan continues, as Green Lantern: Rebirth #2 Second Printing (SEP048386) is now sold out at DC Comics.

Congratulate the underachiever at Silver Bullet Comic Books. Just don’t mention that his older brother, Issue #1, is already on his like 18th printing or whatever.

God, it took this issue long enough, huh? It just sold out? Man, do I hate slackers.


Redbird: Not Even a Has-Been, It’s a Never Was

DC has announced that all three issues of Razor’s Edge: Redbird #1 will not be published, and all orders are cancelled.

Some birds just aren’t meant to fly. See Newsarama for the proof.

Now, it is tempting to label this as some sort of punishment/revenge being enacted on Brubaker because of his leaving DC soon. And yes, the timing is rather awkward. However, I just don’t see DC being that petty. There is no evidence out there whatsoever to support a kind of vendetta relationship toward the departing Brubaker. Then, you add in that Brubaker has flat out said that this is not the case and it becomes particularly unlikely. It is a convenient conclusion, certainly, but a bit silly.

Plus, the rumor mill seems to be pointing toward Pearson’s lack of productivity being the real reason the project has been derailed. This would especially be an issue since Pearson is not only the artist on the book, but the plotter as well.

As far as taking the story elsewhere and publishing with another company (imagining that it was something like pre-orders being low that derailed the series, not personnel issues), it can’t happen. Redbird is owned by Wildstorm, not be either Brubaker or Pearson so taking the ball to a different field just isn’t an option.


He Covers the Comics the People Read

What are comics, exactly? More than just words and pictures, art and story, it is the illustrated story taken to the next level. Truly “more than the sum of its parts”, comics (or sequential art) is a fusion of ideas put into visual form. A narrative, displayed not only in words but in illustrative form. Comics aren’t the first art form to tell a story however; since the dawn of man, art, however primitive, has been used to convey emotion, action and at its core, life itself.

Although text, words, dialogue balloons and so forth are thought of as integral to make comics “comics”, one of the things that sets ‘great’ comic artists away from merely ‘good’ is the ability to tell a story merely on the strength of the artwork. The common euphemism, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, comes to mind as you think of artists with the ability to convey character, turmoil, struggle and anticipation all with a wordless image. In comics this is sometimes a lost art, but for the covers that are meant to be more than just a “pin-up”, you see to the core of what comics truly are.

In his brief time in the comic industry, James Jean has quickly established himself as on of the most in-demand cover artists of his time. Beginning with his cover work for the critically acclaimed Fables (DC/Vertigo), Jean has gone on to contribute to several titles for both DC and Marvel. In 2004 he was awarded the Eisner Award for “Best Cover Artist”, beating out several top names including Brian Wood, Sean Phillips, Joshua Middleton, Dave Johnson and Scott McKowen. Add to that the prestigious inclusion into the Gold Medal Society of Illustrators LA, American Illustration 22 & 23, as well as the Society of Illustrators 45 & 46, and you’ve got a force to be reckoned with.

Jean was the best cover artist of 2004. You didn’t even make Employee of the Month once in 2004. Do you really have the right not to visit Newsarama and read all about how much better he is than you or I? No…no you don’t.

I don’t have much to say except that Jean’s work is truly incredible. Head on over to his website for copious amounts of evidence to back up my point.


Fallen Angel Lives Up to Its Name…or Does it?

Though DC’s solicits apparently confirmed what its fans feared – that is, Fallen Angel was ending with issue #20, creator Peter David had some words of hope on his weblog. On Thursday, David posted:

“As anyone who has read the DC solicits knows, issue #20 is slated to be the last one for DC. At this point, DC has no plans to do trade collections of the remaining books in the run.

“We are not, however, quite dead yet.

“Watch this space for further updates.

“PAD”

While David declined to elaborate on the meaning of his post when asked by Newsarama, an indication of the portability of to new locales is evident in the book’s indicia, and known to fans of the series – Fallen Angel is creator-owned by David and series artist David Lopez. One of a small handful of such titles to be set in the DC Universe (Bloodhound by Dan Jolley was another – the character is co-owned by Jolley, Drew Johnson and DC), Fallen Angel could see a move to a different publisher.

Hope springs eternal at Newsarama

This could work.

But…how do I put this…it’s not something I am holding my breath on. Sorry, but sometimes the Reaper of cancellation just can’t be avoided.

Unless the title is Spider-Girl. And then, for some reason, you’ll always be in the process of being cancelled, but never really cancelled.

Actually, there you go then. Maybe Fallen Angel could be DC’s Spider-Girl. Stranger things have happened.

Right?


The Artist of Sector 2814

Since Kyle Rayner became Green Lantern, some comic fans have been calling for the return of Silver Age GL, Hal Jordan. Although Jordan returned as the Spectre, there still was something missing from his heroic days as the GL of sector 2814. The Geoff Johns penned Green Lantern: Rebirth marks Jordan’s return. Although artist Ethan Van Sciver wasn’t much of a Green Lantern or Hal Jordan fan, due to the other creators involved, he wanted to be a part of the Rebirth team. He quickly read up on the character and admitted having a new perspective on Hal Jordan was important. Van Sciver said, “It’s best to not be too beholden to past artists, if you want to create something fresh.”

Wrap yourself in warm green plasma energy and rocket off to Van Sciver moon stronghold at The Pulse

Not a lot of new stuff here (except for….THE SHARK!!!!!), but Van Sciver is such a great interviewee that I highly recommend giving it a read. Fun/funny stuff.


The Diggle Conspiracy

Conspiracies live in the shadows. In the darkness, the conspirators quietly consolidate their power. They regularly subvert the law to protect their schemes. When someone uncovers a conspiracy often the only tools they are left with to confront it are their own cunning and brute force. The heroes in Andy Diggle’s comics have all found themselves reluctantly drafted into a war with a devious and secret enemy. In Diggle’s Vertigo Book, “The Losers” a rogue Special Forces unit clashes with a cabal of evil operating from within the CIA. In Diggle’s DC Mini-series “Adam Strange,” the space faring hero finds himself up against a secret group who has hijacked the planet Rann, and in Diggle’s latest series “Silent Dragon” a creator-owned six issue mini-series from Wildstorm Signature, a man finds himself battling two conspiracies. CBR News spoke to Diggle Friday morning via e-mail about “Silent Dragon,” “The Losers” and the eye-opening truths behind the comic, and the conclusion of “Adam Strange.”

Make sure no one is following you. Go to the diner, sit in the back booth facing the door. Wear white. The code word is Comic Book Resources

I dedicate this article to my friend Tim Sheridan who loves Losers, a book, sadly, I cannot seem to get into (I bought the trade, I gave it a shot…honestly). That Silent Dragon art looks muy incredible though.


OH I WONDER WONDER WONDER WHO WROTE THE BOOK OF CON

DC Invades San Francisco!

One of the larger announcements for the just-wrapped DCU panel was that Ivan Reis will be the new penciller on Teen Titans. That and more came out of the just under an hour and a half long panel at WonderCon. Starting things in order then…

But first – while a good portion of what was discussed at the panel has already been announced, many previously known items were expanded upon, and art shown. As always, if your favorite project from one of the above-named imprints is not listed, it does not mean it is cancelled or dead – just that nothing necessarily new was announced at the panel.

Read the disclaimer? Good, now read the actual article at Newsarama

Saturday’s DC panel at WonderCon in San Francisco looked like the packed bench of the McCarthy show trials, as somebody on stage quipped (but there were too many of them to tell who). Bob Wayne was joined by Jeph Loeb, Bob Schreck, Mark Chiarello, Mark Verheiden, Alex Ross, Greg Rucka, Geoff Johns, Gail Simone, and Dan Didio. And yet it was the bench itself that was pleading the fifth, no matter how much the audience wanted to know about “DC Countdown” and how it will affect every DC storyline for the rest of the year.

Hear from DC’s loaded (but tight lipped) bench at

DC came strong to WonderCon, dropping hints and showing slides for the next year’s worth of product. Bob Wayne initiated the action, beginning the show with a plethora of slides, emphasizing the diversity and breadth of upcoming projects. Panelists discussing the DCU included: Bob Wayne, Dan DiDio, Bob Schreck, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, Jeph Loeb, Mark Chiarello, Alex Ross, Gail Simone, and Mark Verheiden. Lots of news were announced including a new Supergirl ongoing, The Insiders, Alex Ross’s Justice, Fallen Angels ending at # 20, DC Countdown information, and lots more.

Here at DCNV, there is no such thing as Convention Coverage Overkill so click another link about it, this one from The Pulse

You know how this works. Me, steam of consciousness reacting as I read. Enjoy.

Good for Gail Simone, keeping Lana Lang around but working not to make her or Lois just be annoying or petty or both.

That’s a great look Manhunter cover. By the way, Manhunter is a great book. Read it…now!

Wow…orders going up on Legion. Is black now white? Are dogs meowing and cats barking? I think the comic book apocalypse may now be upon us.

Ha! That isn’t the real Countdown cover! Haha! (jerks)

Hmm…the Maximums? What does that name sound like? Oh, right, I remember now. This is the arc where Loeb teaches us all how much better the DCU is than the Marvel U. Thanks a bunch Mr. Loeb. Where’d we be without you?

“Dan Didio, speaking about the All-Star line, said that DC didn’t feel the need to create another universe, a la Marvel’s Ultimate universe, but the stories told under the All-Star banner will be iconic in nature. All-Star Batman and Robin will start in July, with All-Star Superman starting in September.”

So what is it then, if not another universe? Will these be in-continuity stories, just in the past (for Batman/Robin) or in the present/future (Superman)? And if they aren’t, if they are just good stories that are taking place separate from the DCU’s reality, isn’t that the very definition of a new universe? I think we are playing a game of semantics here.

That’s kind of cool how that Robin story came about. Like that interviewer got to witness Gotham Central history in the making.

KANO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will he fight Johnny Cage of Sonya Blade? Sorry…bad Mortal Kombat joke. (Are there any good ones).

Sweet! Reis on Teen Titans. I love McKone, but this certainly softens the blow nicely.

Johns is right. OMAC does sound cool.

“It makes you feel dirty after you read it, but in a good way.” Mmm…sign me up now!

Ahh, the Paradise X team. Goody. I SO love that series. (Sarcasm, by the by).

I really hope Simone is right about Byrne’s art on Action Comics because that cover……not so good.

I like that All Stars Superman cover a lot. So simple, but so good.


DC News Doesn’t Stop At the DCU

This evening at WonderCon in San Francisco, DC Comics held their Beyond DC panel, focusing on their Wildstorm, CMX, Humanoids and Vertigo imprints. While a good portion of what was discussed at the panel has already been announced, many previously known items were expanded upon, and art shown. As always, if your favorite project from one of the above-named imprints is not listed, it does not mean it is cancelled or dead – just that nothing necessarily new was announced at the panel.

The panel was hosted by DC’s Bob Wayne, who was joined by Howard Chaykin, Swamp Thing writer Josh Dysart, and Vertigo editor/The Witching writer Jonathan Vankin.

On to the panel:

Yes, on to it. Why are you still here? Click the link to Newsarama for goodness sake.

The WildStorm portion of the DC panel at Wonder Con discussed several new and upcoming projects including: Silent Dragon, Matador, Olympus, Legend, City of Tomorrow, and Albion, to name a few. Andy Hartnell, Geoff Johns, Devin Grayson, Howard Chaykin, Joe Casey, Andy Diggle, Warren Ellis, and Kurt Busiek are just a few of the writers working in the WildStorm Universe. J. Scott Campbell, J.H. Williams III, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Leinil Yu, Butch Guice, Brian Stelfreeze, Gene Ha, and Shane Oakley are just some of the artists involved in upcoming projects.

There’s a storm coming. Seek shelter at The Pulse. Ha. The storm is actually there. Fooled you.

The Vertigo/WildStorm panel at Wonder Con revealed some of their upcoming plans, releases, and other bits of information. Attending the panel were: Bob Wayne, Howard Chaykin, Joshua Dysart, and Jonathan Vankin. New projects were announced including The Fountain and Mnemovore. Upcoming plans for existing stories were revealed and lots more during the Question and Answer session at the end of the panel.

Lots more?! How much more?! Only one way to find out: clicking on over to The Pulse

Wait. Brian Vaughan was recently called to jury duty. And now a character in one of his books is. Weird coincidence.

Astro City begins! Splendid! Huzzah!

I’m psyched for Chaykin’s City of Tomorrow. I think. If it’s the book that I am thinking of I am. If it’s not then…well, I have no idea what City of Tomorrow would be. Or what the heck book I’m thinking of.

The 36 issues of Planetary announcement was exciting at first: “Yeah, more Planetary!” Then it made me nervous: “Oh god, the series won’t finish in my lifetime!” Then it was announced that it was 26 issues, not 36. And I breathed a sigh of relief. But then I got to thinking about what could have happened in those extra ten issues. Now, I’m depressed all over again. I, apparently, have absolutely no control over my emotions.

The Fountain!!!!! WHEE!!! (Sorry Ayn Rand fans, not the same story.)

Yes, Peter, write another Vertigo series…and then slowly making it over as Human Target II. It shall be excellent.

Finally! Some news on Matador! An urban serial killer does not exactly sound unique, but come on (said Gob), it’s Stelfreeze art. I’d be crazy not to buy it.

Ahh, City of Tomorrow is what I was thinking of. Gooooooooooooooooooooood.

I think I may be one of eight comic fans alive who didn’t fall in love with League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Loved the concept, yawned over the execution. I’m going to hell for saying that, aren’t I?

Surely there is a better pitch for Mnemovore than the one offered. An injured athlete sees weird things happen in a hospital. And?

“Wayne then asked the audience, “Who has seen Constantine?” After seeing how many hands have gone up, he then asked, “How many are thinking of seeing the movie?” When no hands go up, Wayne said, “Thank you.””
Huh…that’s a weird little exchange.

Nothing scheduled for Hard Time vol. 2? Uh-oh…that could be bad. Sorry Mathan.

“QUESTION: What’s up with Team Achilles? Unanswered.”

Nice to see that the Micah Wright issue has gone away, huh? Also, evidently, that all the bad blood has been dealt with.

“Not 100 Bullets because it’s difficult to read.”
Way to pitch for the imprint there Chaykin. Still, honesty appreciated.

“My choices: Damage Control, which was hated by many at Marvel, but loved by Stan Lee. We need more funny books.”

Recommending an almost decade old short lived Marvel book at a Vertigo panel? You are one crazy cat Chaykin, you really are.


COMING ATTRACTIONS

SEVEN SOLDIERS #0

What can I say? It’s Grant Morrison. This thing is going to be huge and it starts here. You didn’t really think I’d dare miss it, did you?

BATMAN #637

I had such little expectation for this book, I thought it very unlikely that I would buy it past the first issue of Winick’s post-War Games run. And now? It’s the Batman book that I am most excited for.


OPINIONS ON THE WORK OF PEOPLE FAR MORE TALENTED THAN I

This week, I’ve already reviewed TRIGGER #3 (check it out here if you don’t believe me) with a review for Human Target #19 on the way this Thursday. In the meantime, here are my short takes on last week’s books.

BIRDS OF PREY #79

I confess that I did not read the Thorn/Rose mini that Simone did last year, but I still dug her writing of the character here (which is apparently a bit different than the way Thorn is usually portrayed, but I only know that from others posting). Black Canary is the MVBP (Most Valuable Bird of Prey) of this issue with her standing up to Batman and picking up on a clue that Oracle missed. The Batman scene, in particular, is a treat for those who wish Bats would just get over himself and get a better attitude about his fellow heroes.

GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH #4

Best single moment of this issue? Green Arrow using the ring and realizing how hard it truly is.

Sinestro gets to be truly scary which I’ve never seen before, so I applaud Mr. Johns for actually proving to me that this guy is a dangerous villain not to be trifled with.

He continues to also write a truly excellent Kyle. I am sad that Johns will be focusing in on Hal in his new series because, to be honest, I have found his work on Kyle to be much more dramatic and interesting than his writing of Hal. Of course, I am more inclined to Kyle in the first place, so a bit of that may be coloring my opinion in this case.

And speaking of coloring, great art again, across the board.

MANHUNTER #7

A great book that continues to be great. Seven issues in, I can’t pick out a bad one in the bunch. Plus, it is great to see one of the promises of Identity Crisis be realized here as the events of that mini continue to reverberate through the DCU.

TEEN TITANS #21

Another book dealing with Identity Crisis fallout and I think that is just excellent.

Nice to see that at least Mia is worried about what might happen if she’s injured in battle. I know that bugs a lot of people so her telling Robin to just let her take care of any wounds she might sustain is (hopefully) a step in the direction of addressing those particular concerns.

Storywise, I am excited to see Dr. Light reclaim his mantle as a bad bad guy (not a pushover one) and the possibility of a “Speedy saving the day” moment that ranks up with Connor Hawke’s Green Arrow proving himself against The Key his first day of the JLA beat. Of course, that could prove just a little too predictable. Eh…cool is cool.

EX MACHINA #8

I love how Vaughan writes the Mayor. He is sarcastic, funny, and compassionate, oftentimes all at once. He never sounds cardboard cut out good and generally does not speak like a pre-programmed politician. Everyone in the book gets great dialogue, but Hundred’s interaction with his co-workers and friends is what truly makes it for me.

Well, that and a bat wielding, Hazmat suit wearing villain who may very well hold the key to Hundreds own ability and lead to the exposure of their origin.

JSA #70

Finally, I’ve got the book in the right order with the right pages and guess what? It actually makes sense to me now. Between this and Teen Titans, Johns has revitalized my interest in the time traveling story device. Vaughan’s work on Runaways can only help as well.


****SPECIAL TREAT: ADVANCED REVIEW****

FLASH #219

I am so anxious to get to the Rogue War storyline that I might be being just a bit unfair to this issue, but I can’t say for sure. It is great to have Zoom sprung and bedeviling Flash once more. I really like his “I’ll make you better” motivation and how clear it is that he believes it. I also enjoy that even though we know Zoom thinks and believes these things, Johns makes it clear that this does not mean he is a sympathetic character who we should pull for, but instead remains a dangerous, dangerous man who could end your life before you take your next breath.

That having been said, I was kind of bored with this story. Justiniano’s art certainly does not help matter in that arena (see my Flash #1/2 review this Thursday for a more full explanation of my feeling toward Justiniano’s work). It’s weirdly distorted nature works well for the villains, particularly Zoom, but that nature pervades the entire book thus rendering the effect, in essence, inert. However, I don’t think the art is to blame here (at least not entirely)

Why? Because even though his style is not my cup of tea that’s not why it didn’t connect with me, I don’t think. His art was similarly “wrong” in the Pied Piper Rogue Profile issue and Flash #1/2 and both those books were quite well for me. So, despite moments like Zoom’s “defense” of some police officers or Wally’s stream of consciousness assessment of Wonder Woman (brought on by the Lasso of Truth, the pesky bugger) that really worked for me, the story on the whole left me a bit…empty. Maybe it really is the coming of Rogue War, as I guessed above. But, either way, this issue is the rare issue of Flash that did not work for me.

Whew…I do love the convention coverage columns, but damn they require a lot of reading and writing. And God knows neither of those are my strong suit. So, I’m going to take a nap and you should go read Marvel News and Views. Unless you read that first. In which case…well, I won’t say I’m pissed, but I am a bit hurt. I thought we had something special.

GAJJE-AID 2005, Sponored by GAJJEADE Sports Drink, Coming this May. Be there. There is no other option.