Category Archives: dc
The Death Of The Family Is Promised In Batman #17 On The Wednesday Run – February 13, 2013
We’ve been here before. Sort of.
Flashback: It’s the fall of 1988 and I, along with thousands of other Batman fans, excitedly pick up the double-sized Batman #426. The Mike Mignola cover (along with a wave of advertising) promises that the “A Death in the Family” four-part storyline, written by Jim Starlin ad illustrated by Jim Aparo, would prove absolutely epic. The final page, a preview of what was to come promised that “Someone will die because the Joker wants revenge. But you can prevent it.”
Me? How? I’m just a reader!
That fall, DC Comics made readers writers – and the unprecedented responsibility of a characters life – or death – was in fandom’s hands!
Saturday At The Movies: Constantine
What do you do if you know you’re dying and that when you die, you know that you’re going to hell?
If you’re the conniving yet charismatic rogue mage John Constantine, you do the only thing that can be done: you hasten the inevitable.
That’s sort of the premise behind the famous comic book character’s story arc in the 2005 film called, appropriately enough, Constantine. Directed by Francis Lawrence, his big screen debut after making a name for himself in music videos, and starring Keanu Reeves as the titular anti-hero, Constantine wasn’t all that well received by either critics or fans upon it’s debut. But in the seven years since it’s release, a near-cult audience has embraced the film and hope, an emotion not necessarily synonymous with the character himself, abounds in terms of a sequel being made.
That time may soon be upon us. Until then, there’s still the original to affectionately watch and discuss.
Hellblazed Reading – An Era Comes To An End With DC/Vertigo’s Cancellation Of John Constantine: Hellblazer
A week ago, DC Comics announced the cancellation of Hellblazer.
Bullshit was my first thought.
There are certain instances where, in comics, because you’ve read a particular title for so long, because you’ve enjoyed the stories so much, you grow an affinity for a character as if they were, well, a friend. That’s how I felt about John Constantine, the English protagonist of the series. And there are many other Hellblazer comic book readers out there that feel the same way.
Hellblazer – nay, John Constantine: Hellblazer, the publication’s true, long-form title – is currently the longest running, uninterrupted, monthly series from either of the big two comic book publishers, DC Comics and Marvel Comics. Indeed, it’s the longest running title from Vertigo Comics, DC’s mature imprint, in the history of that offshoot. That’s something the company, the editors, and the various writers and artists on the series, should be quite proud about. And in many ways, it’s not damn well surprising.
National Comics: Madame X Tells Your Halloween Future On The Wednesday Run – October 24, 2012
With Halloween only a week away, it makes sense to be reading comics about serial killers, cults, vampires, werewolves, demons and other sorts of monsters, real or imaginary, don’t you think?
I mean, one has to get into the mood of the season, somehow. Bite size Kit Kat, Aero and Coffee Crisp bars and Reese’s Pieces or Smarties boxes, bought in bulk bags at the local supermarket, although a fine start, doesn’t seem to scratch the Halloween itch nearly enough.
So, how about a visual tale of psychics, tarot cards, crime and…lawyers? Would a mysterious character called “Madame X” help scratch your Halloween itch?
You bet she would!
The Waiting Is Over But The Joke’s On Batman #13 On The Wednesday Run – October 10, 2012
A year in the making.
That’s how long it’s been that the fanboys and fangirls of DC’s “New 52” have been waiting for the return of Batman’s arch villain, the Joker.
Oh, yeah, you remember: the final scene in the pages of last September’s Detective Comics #1 - the scene where Joker really goes off the deep end and, as part of some sick, twisted scheme, has his outer epidermis savagely sheared from his face and left behind, pinned to a wall as a trophy – no – as a warning, for Gotham’s finest?
A “rebirth”, Joker called it.
We haven’t seen him since that issue. And now it’s October. 2012. And Joker’s back. You don’t get a better Halloween treat than that, do you? Yes you do!
There’s a trick to go with that treat!
Double Down On #0’s With Justice League And Sword Of Sorcery On The Wednesday Run – September 19, 2012
The months of August and September of 2011 were two months that, in terms of comic book sales, were owned by DC Comics. With the launch of the company’s “New 52” initiative, many new and/or lapsed comic book readers were enticed to pick up and read the art form again. Even more importantly, many of those readers seemed to have stuck around over the last eleven months.
Some have gone on to say that DC actually saved the floundering comic book industry. I’m not so evangelical in my beliefs, but DC did do good, by and for, a great many people over the last year.
This month, they’re attempting to re-fire what they started in 2011 by publishing a line-wide #0 issue for every title. This particular issue will be a sort of “origin” tale for a superhero or superhero team – a great jumping on point for even more new readers. The issue will also plant seeds for pivotal 2013 storylines. Two such issues stand out this week.
Superman and Wonder Woman’s Super Smooch Tops The Wednesday Run – August 29, 2012
What? What? What? They did what now?
I know this is DC’s New 52, and that the New 52 means change, but this is just…ludicrous! Look, I’m all for new stories shedding new light on old characters, but there are certain things that are sacrosanct.
When we’re talking about comic book superheroes, those things, ultimately, are: character name, general physical appearance, general costume motifs, and, of course, a love interest. When we’re talking about the most globally iconic superhero of all, well, Superman needs his Lois Lane – and Lois Lane needs her Superman! They define each other!
So what’s all this nonsense about discarding everyone’s favourite black-haired, intrepid Daily Planet reporter and reimagining Supes’ singular love interest as…the Amazonian Princess herself, Wonder Woman? Huh?
It’s A Beautiful And Wonderful Batwoman #12 On The Wednesday Run – August 15, 2012
Flying rodents seem to be popular this month on The Wednesday Run.
Throw in a heroine with a dash of fiery red hair, a bunch of monsters, an urban legend and a certain Amazonian princess, and you’ve got a can’t miss hit of epic proportions.
And that’s just the story! I haven’t even started on the artistic merits of such a comic book! The twelfth issue of the monthly Batwoman series is the one comic you must run out and pick up today! Read the rest of this entry
