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Sorry for the lack of a column last week, I was having technical difficulties; I was without cable for 8 hours, 6 of which I usually spend writing the column. But we’re back.
Tim, how did you spend last week?
Oh, you know, the usual. Went to work, went to the gym, went to class, saw The Kingdom, celebrated my friends Tim Sheridan and Dan Seremet’s birthdays (the 27th and the 25th respectively). Mostly though, I just missed you. A week without a Mathan column is like a week without oxygen, no joke.
Links
Our DC Boards are always a fun place to visit. We talk about DC’s greatest and underrated teams and about breakout stars.
Tim, you linking anything this week?
You know it! The readers at Comics Should be Good voted on the top 100 characters from Marvel and the top 100 characters from DC and here are the results. Plenty to agree and disagree with, complete with fan write-ups for each one. Read and enjoy.
What I’ve Read Recently
Black Canary Wedding Planner – Finally read this book. It was a nice fun little prelude for the Wedding Special. It was nice to see Ollie and Dinah interacting on the little things.
I read this, what, three weeks ago and I already don’t remember a single thing about it. Is this the one where Dinah and friends go out and try on lingerie?
Okay, so I remember that then.
Green Arrow Year One #5 – Fearless Ollie. The birth of trick arrows. This series really has me wishing I could see Ollie in solo action again. Maybe DC should have run this like they did Nightwing: Year One (and Batman: Year One) within the main title.
All-Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder #7 – How is it that this and All Star Superman can both be books that you don’t think about, just sit back and enjoy, but for two entirely different reasons? At least a Black Canary got some action.
Sexy, mask wearing action! Behold, the new comics sexual revolution.
On a side note, I still totally don’t care about this book.
Batman #669 – Seriously, I love what J.H. Williams III did with style on this arc. I never thought I’d get used to his working without Mick Gray’s inks, but this arc made me forget all about Gray. I really can’t wait to sit down and read this whole thing in one sitting.
Not as strong as the previous two chapters but still just great. My favorite Morrison Bat story of this run…and possibly to date (suck on that, Gothic).
Astro City the Dark Age #4 – While delays kill any momentum built, every Astro City issue still blows me over. And you’ve got to love Royal’s sacrifice for Charles. Still, it’s going to be torture waiting for the next installment of the Dark Age.
Countdown to Adventure #2 – I love the new status quo for Adam Strange. I would completely support a title that revolved around working stiff schlep Adam Strange and total bad ass Champ Hazard. Especially if they were roommates! But why was Batman on the cover and not in the book?
Because there’s nothing Batman can’t do!
Hellblazer #233-236 – It was to see John get his swagger back in #233 and “Joyride” is a really interesting book. I dig the preying on those who have suffered a loss. As plot point, not as a practice.
Parallax #1 – First off, great looking book. I do hope Kyle’s fans will stop whining now.
And why should we?! Hal Jordan fans got to whine for ten plus years and I’m still not sure they’ve stopped.
Good, if sort of unnecessary, story though.
Countdown #32 – Loved seeing Kara and Courtney trying to snag a drink. And of course the Rogues rock.
The Programme #3 – Every issue of this mini leaves me wanting more. Whether it’s the art, the dialogue or the story I’m enjoying this mini, probably too much. Oh and stunning cover.
I don’t know, the cover didn’t do much for me. But the miniseries is good stuff. Seems like it is in Milligan’s wheelhouse.
The Highwaymen #4 – Equally eye-catching cover. I love the interaction between Able and McQueen. I love the action in this title period. Great cliffhanger too. I really, really hope that Garbett gets steady work after this mini.
Supergirl & the Legion of Super-heroes #34 – A vengeful Wildfire? Interesting. I dig the fact that Bedard is playing up the fact that the Legion existed prior to issue #1. I do miss lesbian Vi. But I love Calero’s art. I’ll be sorry to see him go.
Countdown to Mystery #1 – Of all of the main/backup story minis, this is the most balanced in terms of having enjoyable stories all the way around. I love Justiniano and Wong as a team, and seeing them render the Fate story was a treat. Segovia is certain on my radar after his striking work on the Eclipso story. Odd how the Countdown mini I looked forward to the least was the most enjoyable.
Law of Diminished Expectations, perhaps?
Batman Confidential #9 – I know I’m not supposed to, but I really don’t like the man the Joker was before he became the Joker. It was kinda neat to see the tender side of Bruce Wayne, though. And the vindictive side too.
Green Arrow & Black Canary Wedding Special – I dug it. Every superhero wedding should be just like this. The honeymoon, not so much. I didn’t like the Snapper Carr jokes; that guy rocks! I did like the ending, if only because it made me hunger for the debut of the series more than I though possible! And it’s being drawn by Cliff Chiang!
CLIFF CHIANG!
JSA Classified #30 – Huh? Wha? Um, I really like the way Sanchez draws Wildcat.
Oh…so very ugly. Ugly ugly ugly. Did I mention ugly?
But, worse, the bottom completely falls out of the story. I don’t think I like the way a single character was written in this book. And what the heck is the plot again?
Wonder Woman Annual #1 – It’s been so long I completely forgot how things left off. And what was up with all of Diana’s rogues showing up? And I do think that the whole “golem” stuff was just sloppy research.
Or maybe that’s the way it is on New Earth. Remember, the old rules, origins, etc no longer apply. This world is CRAZY!!!!!!!
Ahem. Anyway, totally fine story, I guess. It read decent enough on its own that it was okay for me to completely avoid revisiting the previous chapters because I was too lazy to go into the long box for them. But, so not worth the hype or the wait.
The Spirit #10 – Truly, truly enjoyable adventure. I loved the first page the most. But the whole thing was fun. I love a good poke at current events.
Four Horsemen #2 – See, Snapper Carr does rock. Creepy book. Glad to see Mr. Terrific doing his best Oracle impression. Equally nice to see Wonder Woman save Superman’s hide.
Justice League of America #13 – Great looking villains, except obviously for Lex. This was a pretty fun issue. I really feel like there’s a viable threat for the JLA. I also liked Supes not ratting out Vixen.
Great looking? Really? I was way disappointed in the art. The last time we saw this guy was on the cheesecake-tastic Poison Ivy issue of Detective Comics and it was over the top but fit the personality of the villain. Here, the cheesecake is gone, but it has been replaced by bland, pseudo-Image stylings.
Fun, though, to be certain. I won’t say it has completely won me over yet, but I liked it, I did.
Deathblow #7 – This issue has completely turned me off of bionics. 100%.
Whereas I am totally turned on by them now.
Wait…that sounds wrong.
Countdown #31 – Dug the Crime Society. Dug the Mxy interlude. Loved the Joker origin, though it completely undermines the story in Batman Confidential.
Blue Beetle #19 – Man, that ending was just tugged at my heart. I feel so bad for Brenda, she’s had a tough existence. I liked how Peacemaker’s lessons came into play later in the issue. I really liked Traci making a cameo. Oh and I liked seeing Business Suit Lex again.
Wait…what?
(Goes to grab the issue)
Where is he? He’s not here Mathan. What page should I—
Oh wait, this is one of those things where we pretend something is in a really good, but struggling book to get people to pick it up and get hooked? Sorry, didn’t realize.
Wow, look, there he is on page 7. Awesome!
Teen Titans #51 – Finally. I’ve been waiting for them to make an appearance in this title again. It seems like the book hasn’t been the same since we last saw them. No, I’m not talking about Conner and Bart. Nope, I’m not talking about the Titans of Tomorrow. I’m talking about Wendy and Marvin. Good cliffhanger.
I will agree with the cliffhanger. Not so much with the W/M (as they are known to their friends). Although he does nicely highlight how the OYL launch never really came together.
Crossing Midnight #11 – Is it wrong that I feel Tarimoku’s pain over the loss of innocence? I don’t think he’s going about it the right way, but I think the bad things are coming from a good place.
The Flash #232 – I’m enjoying this book. I like Acuna’s art. I like the family nature of this title. I’ve got no problem with anything that’s happened since it came back.
And I’m just not feeling it. For one, I don’t really like the kids. And that’s a problem since the book is really “Flash’s Kids†not “Flashâ€. For two, while I appreciate Waid trying to do something different by ditching the first person Wally narrative, it has rendered Mr. West a cipher. Every time he’s on panel, he seem distant and cardboard like. A sad fate for one of DC’s better realized (personality-wise) heroes.
Ex Machina #30 – That Christmas Eve scene was cute. Mitchell’s trophy room was pretty swank. And I really, really like how Vaughan has kept the politics in this book. But I’m curious what’s going to happen in this trip.
Catwoman #71 – Man, I really loved this issue. Bats plus Helena always equals a great moment. Selina’s nightmare and fears rang so true. And I so didn’t see the twist coming. Pfeifer is still one of my favorite writers out.
Why don’t more people buy this book!
Checkmate #18 – I’m actually kinda rooting for Waller in this, the same way I rooted for Matt Damon in The Departed. And I think that this book is so great it’ll even handle the burden of the New J’onn.
I too was struck by an appearance by New J’onn that didn’t make me, reflexively, very, very angry. The last time that happened was, well, Catwoman #70. But before that, never.
Trials of Shazam #8 – Judd’s re-imagining of Atlas blew me away. I was slayed. And I like Apollo’s reluctance to give up his life. This was a really, really strong issue.
Nope, it’s not column time yet. Y’see Tim and I want to do another Bizarro column, where we ask the questions and you guys answer them. So for the next few weeks, we’ll be including our questions for you in the column.
This Weeks Bunch
1) Good news; you get to greenlight DC’s next title. You pick the creative team and who stars in the book. Bad news; you’ve got to axe a book to do it. So give me your new book (creative team and all) and the book your canceling.
2) I keep hearing how DC seems to have it out the heroes of the Justice League International. What’s that all about?
3) I have a Black Adam t-shirt that I want to wear to the mall, but I keep hearing conflicting reports. Is Black Adam a hero or a villain?
4) Just how many dead ex-girlfriends does Kyle Rayner have?
And now for mine!
5.) DC needs an existing female character promoted to A-level status and you’re the only one who can help! What character do you choose, why, and what’s the catalyst than springboards her to the big leagues.
6.) Who’s Triumph and where should I know him from?
7.) I like those slow issues where we sort of see a day in the life of a hero. Recommend me a few good ones.
8.) Everyone was up in arms about Flash and now everyone seems happy. What was the story there?
D Castillo is behind the lens.
Mathan and Tim… with all the talk of the new Justice League movie coming out… it may seem like a dumb question but who would you cast as the Justice League. It’s your turn to be casting agents… I can totally see Nathan Fillion of Firefly as Hal Jordan and Jay Hernandez from Hostel as Kyle Rayner…us latinos stick together! Who would you chose for the League?
First off; there’s no such thing as a “dumb question.” Even though our answering this question will probably have little effect on the movie or even on the world at large, it’s still not a “stupid” question.
According to Entertainment Weekly the story centers on the Big Seven and one villain, so for the sake of brevity we’ll be limiting our casting to those in the script.
Superman – For Supes I’m going for Tom Welling. The guy deserves to finally graduate in every sense. Plus if that Superboy lawsuit tries to reach out for Smallville money DC can point to this movie as proof that he wasn’t playing Superboy.
I kind of agree with the idea that Mr. Welling deserves a reward but he’s just so…blah on Smallville. When he plays Bad Clark, he’s actually quite good, the rest of the time though…wallpaper.
But who else would I cast? Brandon Routh was a not too bad Supes, but I’m pretty sure they’ve already said he won’t be involved, so I’ll nix him.
I had a moment watching Heroes when I thought Jack Coleman (the guy who plays Claire’s dad, HRG) could make a good Clark, but he’s too old, I think, for this project. Damn Hollywood and its youth orientation.
Thus, I cast James Marsden. Why? Because he was a better hero than Superman was in Superman Returns and he did it without powers.
Wonder Woman – I’ve got to go with Angelina Jolie. She’s got an exotic look, she’s played statuesque heroines before. And we know that in real life she’s concerned with saving the world. She’s also got a decent following.
Maybe it is just a Tomb Raider thing, but I have an aversion to Jolie in this role. More than a little unfair, but there it is. Any chance Morena Baccarin could pack on some muscle? If so, let’s choose her.
Martian Manhunter – I think that Laurence Fishburne would be perfect for the part. In The Matrix he played coolly detached which is kind of J’onn is. He can also play intimidating, which is how I imagine J’onn is. I think that Fishburne could pull off this role.
I stand by my Carl Lumbly choice. He was MANTIS for goodness sake!
Green Lantern – The article says it’s John Stewart. You need someone who can play cerebral and is used to reacting to stuff that’s not really there, that’s why I’m thinking Isaiah Washington would work in this role. On Grey’s Anatomy his Preston Burke was often the smartest guy in the room. And Washington had to “perform” fake surgeries believably.
I said it before, I say it again. Richard T. Jones.
Anyway, good choice either way. But if Denzel wants to do it, he gets the nod. Because, he’s Denzel. Guy’s already practically a superhero, why not make it official.
Batman – American Beauty has been in heavy rotation on Cinemax lately, which has me wondering why I haven’t seen Wes Bentley since. I demand more Wes Bentley and I demand that he be cast as Batman!
Again, acting on the premise that Bale won’t be cast, I’d choose Bentley too. I remember espousing to my friends, when the rumors of a Gotham City show were being tossed around (you got it, sort of, it is called Smallville and focuses on Clark instead), that Bentley would be perfect. I still stand by that, terrible role in Ghost Rider or not.
The Flash – The article says that it’s Barry Allen. I drew a complete blank on this one. For the life of me I can’t think of any actors who “look” like Barry. Um, I’ll say Justin Timberlake, because deep inside of me beats the heart of a 14 year old girl.
Justin makes us all feel that way.
Still, I’m thinking someone more along the lines of, well, Nathan Fillion. Real, corn fed, Midwestern look to him. Although, Fillion is, of course, Canadian. But that’s the way it goes sometimes.
It should be noted that I love the idea of Ryan Reynold as Flash (I just like the guy, okay?) but not as Barry Allen Flash.
Aquaman – You want a rugged guy who’d kind of distant and might actually give the character a cred boost. I think that Clive Owen could really make Aquaman viable in the eyes of the public. And really, this flick is Aquaman’s last chance.
I like the Owen suggestion, but I’ll stick with John C. McGinley, thanks to his proverbial “guns out to here†and his overall ability to be caustic and menacing.
Max Lord – Yup, he’s the mystery bad guy. For my money you can’t get a better Max than George Clooney. He’s charming, persuasive. Plus then the movie would be all meta with the “good guy goes bad.”
Ooo, I like. Very much.
Here’s what we said a year and a half ago! (Look at how few actors I know.)
And here’s what Entertainment Weekly readers think on the subject.
Tim, does the notion of a JLA movie fill you with excitement or dread?
Both. Theoretically, it could be great. But theoretically usually has little to do with budget, running time, plot, etc. I am not, shall we say, optimistic.
Julian L. Smith‘s mythology is not strong.
Please explain to me how/when Darkseid split the Olympian Gods into the Roman and Greek factions?
It was actually pretty easy in reality. Y’see the Olympian Gods already had a following in ancient Greece, where they were worshipped. But a young Darkseid, then known as Uxas, took a trip to Rome.
On this trip he told tales of the Olympian Gods and their power. Thus a following grew in Rome. The Olympian Gods recognized this and created avatars of themselves so they could take advantage of the situation. But by creative the avatars they divided their power in half. Darkseid recognized this would use it to his advantage later.
And that’s the tale of how Darkseid bested the Olympian Gods.
Tim, is Darkseid overrated?
I don’t know…I don’t love the guy (he’s sort of bland), but I hesitate to call him overrated. I put him in the box with the rest of Kirby’s New Gods. Obviously, I just don’t get it. And I’m fine with that, thank you very much.
“Don’t get me? Don’t…get me? Well…fine. I don’t care. I didn’t want you to get me anyway.â€
**“notgonnacry notgonnacryâ€**
Admiral Snackbar’s all in a lather about continuity…again.
Didn’t Oliver Queen have a Year One Annual in 1995 by Chuck Dixon? Where does that fit in all these origin tales?
Um, it fits neatly?
Basically all that Green Arrow Annual #7 does is make an addition to the origin that everyone at the time was familiar with. After Ollie falls off the ship, but before he washes up on his “origin” island, he washed up on a smaller isle where one Nicholas Kotero, a serial killer, is.
After that adventure he goes onto the other island where his origin plays out just like everyone’s come to expect.
Tim, don’t serial killers spice up every origin?
You know it, I know it, the American people know it.
Glen is so metal, Metallica is afraid of him
(Metallica is metal, right? Otherwise that totally doesn’t work.)
In Metal Men #2 there is a group called the Robot Renegades. Who are they? Is this the first appearance of the group?
Sadly I’ve got no idea who most of these guys are, but they certainly look cool. And yes, Metal Men #2 is their first group appearance.
I am happy to share with you what I do know.
The Robot Renegades are all about freeing their robot brothers and sister. They might even be Robotic Revolutionaries. Or maybe the Tech Panthers?
My high school played the Tech Panters in football every year. For a bunch of future engineers, they were a surprisingly aggressive crew.
Anyway the Robot Renegades are a team made up of some recognizable and some new characters.
Body X is apparently a “robot brain in a living body.” That “living body” is a female one.
U.N.I.O.N. is actually made up of nanobots that can disperse to attach and rejoin.
Warbox is described as “the walking arsenal.” And given his imposing form I’m guessing he’s the muscle of the group.
Manhunter Lud is apparently a traditional Oan Manhunter, but freed of its original programming and looking out for the robotic species. Oh and he’s sporting an eyepatch for some reason.
Lastly is L-Ron the former lackey of both Manga Khan and Max Lord is now on his own and no longer a friend of humanity. (If you listen closely you can hear the JLI fanboys weeping into their pillows in frustration.)
Tim, even Grant Morrison’s cast off ideas rock. Is there no limit to his genius?
There is one, and it is called Kid Destiny.
Julian L. Smith, the Element, and Firestorm, the man who manipulates elements, are a great team.
Assuming Firestorm pulls thru, being “potentially the most powerful man on the planet”, where will he end up? I’m guessing as a JLA reserve member?
Well considering that McDuffie closed out Jason’s solo title and stated in interviews that Firestorm’s story wasn’t over and that he’d play a role in the future, I’m guessing that he’s got plans for the character.
Given that John Stewart and Firestorm are part of McDuffie’s JLA I see John taking Jason under his wing. Both of them have the potential to be powerful and both need concentration and visualization to fully utilize their powers. So I see them as a natural fit in terms of mentor/rookie relationship.
But I’m certain Firestorm will end up on this run in the JLA.
What do you think Firestorm’s future holds?
A Fudgie the Whale cake for his birthday! But, shhhhhh, you gotta keep that under your hat. He totally doesn’t know.
Shay missed the in-joke
In a Nightwing annual, Dick gets married at Wayne Manor as a sting and some of the Titans show up for the ceremony, but they all kept talking about exploding vicars what was that all about?
The exploding vicar in question.
Funny story, I mean if you find murderous teammates interrupting weddings “funny.”
Y’see way back in New Titans #100 Starfire and Nightwing were supposed to be married. On their wedding day a fully corrupted Raven showed up, killed the Vicar and really put a damper on the ceremonies. Thus the marriage was halted and those two lovebirds went their separate ways.
I mean at least Black Canary and Green Arrow actually got married before any death happened. That counts for something, right?
Tim, if you got a wedding invite to a DCU wedding, would you take it?
Hell yeah! You just know that Wonder Woman has a few too many and starts to talk about how she’s always a bridesmaid and never a bride and that she doesn’t need a man, but sometimes just wants one so she can feel special.
And then, there I am. Around 6 feet tall, shaved head, and oh-so ready to listen.
Also, I’d totally get to hang out with Batman all night and be all sarcastic about the rest of the guests. Come on, you know he’s totally that guy at the wedding.
Shay respects the family unit
How many times has the guy been nearly married?
C’mon, you can’t fault the guy for being a romantic. I mean when you hear about women complaining that their boyfriends who won’t pop the question it just makes you shake your head sadness. But Dick Grayson, he’s on the opposite end of the spectrum.
His first love was Barbara Gordon, but she wasn’t the first woman he proposed to. The first woman that he almost married was Starfire, who was like his first adult relationship. And honestly who wouldn’t propose her?
Be honest, if your first wedding ended up with your bride-to-be almost making out with your now evil, thigh high and thong wearing goth friend, you’d try to get married a lot, too, wouldn’t you?
Next up was Emily Washburn, but it was a faux marriage. She was suspected of being a black widow type so he married her to find out the truth. Truth was, she wasn’t. But they weren’t actually married and while Dick wanted to have a relationship with her, she was all turned off by the whole “thought you were a killer/didn’t actually marry you” aspect of their relationship.
Dick finally proposed to Babs right around Infinite Crisis but things didn’t work out.
But seriously, there’s nothing wrong with proposing to every one you’re serious about. I mean look at Elizabeth Taylor. The key is to either break things off before the wedding or get a quick annulment because divorces can get costly.
(Oh and homosexuals, I’ll keep fighting the good fight for you, I mean you guys deserve miserable loveless marriage and bitter divorces just as much as heterosexual Americans.)
Tim, all this talk of nuptials has me frightened about relationships. Well, that and HBO’s Tell Me You Love Me. But I’m not wrong about Dick, am I?
Nah, you aren’t. He’s an incorrigible romantic who wants to love the world.
By marrying it one (sexy) woman at a time.
Isn’t that beautiful?
Julian L. Smith acknowledges what we all know deep down inside, J’onn’s African-ness.
So, again, back to my Black JLA: Mr. Miracle (Shilo), Firestorm, Mr. Terrific, Muhammad X, XS (pluck her from the future), Bloodwynd, Martian Manhunter (he’s a brotha) and…? Round this out for me. Vixen? Thunder?
That’s your JLA? Man, I wouldn’t trust your JLA to look after my car, I’d get it back and no hubcaps and my radio’d be missing.
Ho-ooo! You are correct, sir!
I’m sorry, that was wrong. I don’t have a car. I don’t even know how to drive. It’s just I’ve been hanging out with Don Rickles lately and I guess he’s rubbed off on me.
Back to your JLA, I’ve got to pick between Vixen and Thunder? Let’s weigh the pros and the cons shall we?
Vixen
The Pros – She’s an established hero and a JLA member. She’s unpredictable and her affiliation with the Suicide Squad might make for an interesting dynamic when facing foes and with her own teammates.
The Cons – Despite being the second most tenured hero on the team, she’s lacking any real following. She ranks just about Muhammad X in terms of “who are they and how to their powers work” category. Even though she was part of the Squad, you’d also have to figure out what she’s doing on this team with these heroes.
Thunder
The Pros – She’s a second generation hero who’s used to running with under the radar teams composed of mismatched heroes. Her relative inexperience lends itself to her being the “rookie” on the team. Her youth makes it all the more likely that she’d join this team as an act of rebellion.
The Cons – It may be hard to separate her from Grace. Her presence on the team might attract unwanted attention from Black Lightning and/or her former teammates on the Outsiders. Do you really want the two female team members to be “fish out of water?”
Despite the cons, I’m going with Thunder. Even though Mari’s going through some things in Justice League of America I’ve yet to grow attached to her, while Thunder would be the main reason I might consider picking up Batman & the Outsiders. Maybe.
Tim, do you see things differently?
Do I have to choose either?
Vixen has yet to grow on me in the League so I wouldn’t recommend her.
I don’t read Outsiders so I have no real feeling on Thunder as a character, but her inclusion would bring the “Black Lightning would never have a daughter out of wedlock or get divorced or do anything remotely human when it comes to relationships†crowd out of the woodwork and I can barely stomach them complaining about books I don’t read.
How about Skyrocket, from Power Company, instead? We get the rookie element (as this is her first time on the JLA) but she’s an experienced hero in her own right, like Vixen. Voila!
That does it for another column. We’ll be back next week with for the usual Q&A stuff. Email me your questions or post them on our thread!
Before I go here’s my question to you now that you’ve had a week to think it over, what’d you think about the Black Canary/Green Arrow Wedding Special?
“This is not rocket science; this is easy to learn.”
