Great weekend this weekend. Like, monumentally saw. I saw my boys, the New York Mets, rip the Nationals asunder on Saturday at Shea and then, later that day, went to the Tribeca Film Festival and took in 7 Dwarves, the top grossing German film of last year (what…I have a thing for German film, so what?). It was very Mel Brooks-esque and even though it was dubbed instead of subtitled (only Japanese monster movies should be dubbed, all over foreign films deserve subtitles), I still enjoyed it. Not sure if it deserved to be the top German money maker, but it was fun.
And speaking of movies, let’s get this thing out of the way first.
A Hazy Shade of Superman
Today, Warner Bros. Pictures unveiled the first image from the highly anticipated action adventure “Superman Returns,” starring newcomer Brandon Routh as the Man of Steel.
Get your bathing suit on and get ready to be swept up in a tidal wave of knee jerk reaction at Comic Book Resources
So this is fine. I’m not particularly moved or frightened by it. It is one out of context still shot, nothing worth getting up in arms about. Remember X-Men and how much everyone hated the costumes when they first saw them. Remember how much most of us loved X-Men? In other words, a single shot of a man in costume does not a movie make. Let’s not assign it too much worth, okay?
From Smallville to Metropolis. Emulate Much?
This May, “Superman” gets a new creative team to help guide the Man of Steel through the shadowy and dangerous Post-“Countdown” DC Universe. Mark Verheiden, the new writer, is well acquainted with Clark Kent. Joining Verheiden is artist Ed Benes. CBR News spoke to Verheiden about Superman and what he has planned for The Man of Steel’s never ending battle.
Join Mark on the train to the big city at Comic Book Resources
Why does everyone love Bizarro so much? I mean, I get it, he talks funny. Besides that though…what’s the big deal?
Villains United…For Maximum Sales Efficiency!
The excitement of COUNTDOWN TO INFINITE CRISIS continues with the early sell-out of VILLAINS UNITED #1 more than two weeks before reaching stores on May 4!
Now, DC Comics rushes this issue back to press for a new printing featuring a striking new sketch cover spotlighting The Secret Six by interior artist Dale Eaglesham.
Dig that “striking new sketch” cover at Comic Book Resources
The sad irony of this situation is that I actually prefer this “new” cover in comparison with the original. I don’t know why. It does strike me as a bit more dynamic and the inclusion of more obscure characters probably does not hurt. And just who are those obscure characters you ask? Well let me put on my Mathan hat and we’ll take a look.
In the foreground, we of course have Catman who is, according to Gail Simone, is primed for a comeback in this book. Behind and to his left (crouching) is a character that looks a bit like Joker’s Daughter from Kingdom Come, so my guess is that is who she, just the current version. Behind Catman is his right is a character that looks a bit like Marvel’s new female Scorpion, but is, of course… actually, honestly, I don’t have a clue. All I am sure of is that it isn’t really Marvel’s new Scorpion. In the second row, behind Joker’s Daughter, is the incomparable Deadshot. On the opposite of the page from him is Chesire, Arsenal’s former lover and the gal who recently raised hell in Manhunter. She’s particularly interesting since her Manhunter appearance would seem to indicate she was part of the Society, but now…apparently not. A falling out perhaps? We shall see. Rounding out the Six is what appears to be a Parademon, which is odd. I thought they lacked conciousness or independent thought. Still, that’s what that fella looks like.
Jesus and Batman: A Match Made in Heaven (If You’ll Pardon the Pun…)
Although Jesus Saiz didn’t know the DC Countdown to Infinite Crisis was related to the Omac Project, when he signed on to do some of the artwork for that special, it didn’t matter to the artist because “anytime Joan Hilty asks me to do something, I’m clever enough to obey,” Saiz told THE PULSE. However, once Saiz read Greg Rucka’s script for the limited series, the artist said he was immediately “attracted to the elements of paranoia and feeling of insecurity that overshadows the characters in this tale.”
Like Brother Eye, gaze down upon The Pulse from above to see beautiful art.
First off, if you liked the art on OMAC (or Omac, depending on which website is covering the book), do yourself a favor and check out the first 8 issues of Manhunter. And then check out the next two because, by then, you’ll realize how great a book it is.
Anyway, Saiz’s art is right on par in OMAC with his Manhunter work which means it is quite excellent. You can see my full review of the book down below in the reviews section, if you so choose.
Am I the only one who thinks that classic OMAC and MODOK should throw down? Sure, I understand the two have nothing in common beyond acronyms for their names, but really, what else do we need? I say Marvel and DC patch fences and make this happen yesterday.
Cooke-ing With a Green Flame
Darwyn Cooke is teaming up with writer Geoff Johns to tackle a character both are familiar with, Hal Jordan in the pages of Green Lantern Secret Files 2005. Cooke said he and Johns clicked and their collaboration was “kinda easy, because we both ‘see’ Hal in very similar terms.”
To see if “kinda easy” looks “all sorts of great” take a gander at The Pulse
I can’t imagine being so talented that I can draw a story in three different art styles and then, later, talk about it like it was the kind of thing that I could and do do everyday. If I could draw one panel (ONE PANEL!) with anything remotely close to Cooke’s talent, I’d be shouting it from the rooftops. Him though, ain’t no thing for him. God…I have no interest in being a comic artist, but I still can’t help but be a little jealous.
The Great Machine: Take 2
Readers can sample one of WildStorm’s most exciting new titles for FREE with the EX MACHINA SPECIAL EDITION #1 (PROM60067), scheduled to arrive in stores on May 4!
This special edition reprints the Eisner Award-nominated debut issue of EX MACHINA, written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Tony Harris & Tom Feister. It features a sensational brand-new sketch cover by Harris.
Revisit the beginnings of the administration at Comic Book Resources
I love the idea of free comics, especially of great stuff like Ex Machina. I’m just not sold on it as an instrument of getting people interested in the title. Releasing a free issue #1 when the series is entering its second year seems a bit…late to the table, if you will. Like I said, I think free always equals good, but I wonder if this sort of promotional item would work better if it was released earlier. Certainly, in the case of Ex, it is in no danger of cancellation. However, DC tried this with Fallen Angel as well and again, did it after the first year of the title had elapsed. It failed to save the title and any guessing about whether or not an earlier release would have is pure conjecture, but to go down that road, I think an earlier release would have been a better idea.
However, free comics are always cool, so yeah for free!
IPC Characters, Not to Be Confused with IBC Root Beer (Mmmm…Root Beer)
With the resurgence of the IPC characters in the upcoming Albion series by DC’s WildStorm, Titan Books is going to showcase some IPC staples in collected editions. Senior Editor at Titan, Nick Jones said the publisher is starting with The Spider and Steel Claw because, “they are two of the most recognized and well-remembered out of all the IPC characters, certainly amongst fans of Lion and Valiant.”
Visit your friendly neighborhood soda jerk and then come right back here to The Pulse and catch up with the IPCers.
To my British readers (if you, in fact, exist) I pose this query: Are you excited for these reprints and/or the new upcoming stories? I ask because regardless of how much I hear of this project, I remain rather unmoved by it in one direction or another. So, perhaps it is a cultural thing. Or perhaps not. Actually, as long as I am at it, any non-Brits out there excited for this project? Any reason, beyond Mr. Moore. Drop me a line at parallax2@juno.com and explain it all to me. Thanks.
A Little (Humorous) Salt In That Wound
From : ‘Ted Kord’ (tkord@kordindustries.com)
Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 3:59 PM
To: ‘Joe Quesada’
Subject: Referred by Kevin Smith via Ollie Queen
Because nothing heals comic rage like humor, report to Buzzscope for your treatment.
I included this link because a.) I thought it was mildly amusing and b.) it illustrates a point I brought up in this week’s Roundtable (PS read the Roundtable weekly. It is great stuff and while I don’t comment on every edition, when I do it is “blow your hair back” brilliance. Or something. But yeah…it’s good.).
There is this weird dichotomy in the comic industry where no one seems to be able to decide which of the Big 2 are being more disrespectful to the characters, the continuity, and the fans. Some would insist that Marvel clearly hates all of its fans and DC is the company who isn’t afraid/embarassed by history. This humor piece, of course, suggests the other side. Odd, no?
COMING ATTRACTIONS
BATMAN #639
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: this book has been DC’s most pleasant surprise in the past six months. Smart, funny, and the only Bat book that is making the post-War Games continuity work for me. Now that JT stands revealed as the Red Hood, I’m excited to see how Winick maintains the title’s momentum, sans the mystery angle. And we still have to reach that roof sequence from the first issue of the previous arc where Batman and Red Hood face each other, maskless. TENSION!!!
FLASH #221
Rogue War Part 2. What else do you need to know? Answer: nothing!
HUMAN TARGET #21
My favorite title since its release. The comic that got Janelle reading and enjoying comics on a monthly basis. My favorite Vertigo release since Unknown Soldier (yeah, I said it). The best running commentary on life in America in comic form today (and perhaps the top ten in any medium). It all ends here. I can’t even contemplate a world where I’d miss it.
OPINIONS ON THE WORK OF PEOPLE FAR MORE TALENTED THAN I
BIRDS OF PREY #81
Huntress’s new line of work, as revealed in this issue’s coda, is an interesting one, but something I am convinced is legit. For some reason, I still think she is working for Oracle, but I can’t figure out how or why. Either way, I believe she is still on the side of angels.
Great to see Wildcat and Black Canary’s interactions here, especially since Simone writes such an excellent Ted. A strong “new status quo” issue.
MANHUNTER #9
My review is coming this Thursday, but for now just let me say: this book just makes me so crazy happy.
OMAC PROJECT #1
The Rucka strikes! And I am pleased!
To address one detraction that I have read and I can kind of see, yes, Batman does look a bit ineffectual here. To that, I say, finally! One of the biggest complaints leveled at Batman these days is that he is too good, too perfect. Well, here is a situation that rectifies that. Even Batman sometimes comes against something that, at first, he finds himself completely unarmed by. I thought it worked.
Besides that, it was great to see Sasha again and to see the Rucka getting a chance to write her. Nice to see an interesting character that could have just been forgotten about forever get another shot at some on-panel time.
This is a more procedural, less action oriented comic and as such, not for all. I, however, am digging the espionage aspects and the good person stuck in a very bad place noir vibe. Plus, once Batman does find his footing again…oh boy…I think this situation is going to get even uglier.
SEVEN SOLDIERS KLARION THE WITCH BOY #1
Every review (I guarantee) is going to make mention of one aspect of this book so I will get it out of the way first. Morrison’s recasting of Solomon Grundy as multiple undead worker drones is a sick, horrifying, and therefore, quite excellent, move. This is slavery taken to the next level and you’ve got to be pretty cold if it doesn’t turn your stomach.
The art is fabulous, by the by. My favorite work of any of the minis yet. Plus, Frazier colors his own work and he seems uniquely suited to the task. The blue and white skin tones of the town’s people are ghoulish while still being human and his realization of the fire and brimstone preacher-esque town preacher succeeds in being very real and, still, a depiction of the most frightening monster in the story. The Seven Soldiers batting average improves once more (only Shining Knight stands out as a disappointment for me).
TEEN TITANS #23
Good melee conclusion. Lots of Titans, lots of blows being thrown, lots of Dr. Light proving that he is the real deal once more. The best part though: Cyborg proving how tough he can be and that no one need question what gives him the right to be as prominent a Titan as he is. The Speedy moment is also rather handled, nothing too preachy or too casual about it, which I was nervous that it could go either way.
While it will be sad to see McKone go, at least he is going out at the end of this storyline, at the top of his game.
TRIGGER #5
Wow…things just got really dirty. I think the sex and language aspects of this book just exploded from last issue. It’s a bit of a shock, but I attribute to a purposeful one. As we get deeper into the mystery and further into the seedy world below the Ethicorp approved sterile surface, the “smut” factor rises. As “Carter” himself theorizes, by “protecting” us, all Ethicorp has really done is pushed “inappropriate behaviors and desires” into being more hidden and being more depraved and extreme.
Of course, maybe everyone just got a potty mouth.
****REVIEWS FROM THE FUTURE****
Sorry to disappoint folks, but there was absolutely nothing in the first view pack that I had any interest in reading, so I’ve got no reviews from the future. Next week, the feature shall return. Keep the faith.
And that’s a rap. Please drop me your faint praise and damning criticism via e-mail at parallax2@juno.com or simply click the link below. And to openly discuss the column with your peers, head on over to the message board and make your feelings known.
Un Gajje Has a Thing for German Films. But, Really, Who Doesn’t Love Ladies in Lederhosen?
