Flashpoint Thursday?

Legion of Doom #1 was a bit of a let down, and I hadn't expected much of it in the first place. Heatwave is a bit of a crap villain, and making him crazy for fire just makes him seem dumber in my book. I found the book 20 or so pages of Heatwave nattering away to himself about killing Cyborg and escaping the superjail, and it gets old fast. The art is quite good, but nothing spectacular, and I'm sure the final page will be a nice thing for fans of the character who appears (who I won't reveal), but it's not enough to bring me back. Thumbs down.

Wonder Woman and the Furies #1 was a good read, with the strongest thing about it being it actually explains how we got to the Amazonian-Atlantean war. The story feels very organic, from Diana leaving Themyscira out of curiosity for the outside world, deciding to unite the two mythical kingdoms though marriage as well as dissenters coming up with a way to ruin everything. The whole scheme looks to be a puzzler, and I'm interested enough to stick around for another issue. The art got a bit too "vector graphicy" for my liking, but in the spots that it isn't reduced to fit the panels it looks really good. The only thing I ended up questioning in this issue was a lack of Mera. I know this is a Wonder Woman book, but Aquaman seems really easy-going when it comes to marrying someone other than the one he loves, for whatever reason. You'd at least think he'd mention her...

Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1 was nice, but didn't really wow me with story. It had some nice cameos, and the interaction with Boston Brand and the Graysons was good, with Dick seeing right through Boston. The art was good, and fits the story well. J.T. Krul didn't really wow me with his Green Arrow, and I'm sorry to see that this mini isn't that great either. My hopes are raised with the last few pages promising some conflict next issue, and I'm willing to stick around for those beautiful covers.

Gorilla Grodd #1, it's a good thing this s only a one-shot, because it was boring. Grodd is bored in his kingdom, and that translated as boring from off the page. the final page promises some Gorilla vs. Amazon action (hopefully), but that is nowhere near enough to save this story. Catman makes an appearance in the final pages, and I can't help but think with the popularity of Gail Simone's Secret Six, a one-shot from his perspective ON Gorilla Grodd ruling Africa would have been much more interesting. The art is fine, but Grodd's facial expressions don't seem to match up with his dialogue, which may be hard to do with a gorilla anyway, I don't know.

Flashpoint Failure Follow-up

Another week of Flashpoint tie-ins and another let down from me, maybe when I cull my list a bit I'll dive into some more detailed reviews. Soon I'll be finished with my university commitments, and then it's only my new PS3 and L.A. Noire standing in my way to fantastic bloggery. Anyway, this week brought four more books, along with some nice pins and (more importantly) some nice comics.

Emperor Aquaman #1 was the big draw for me this week, as I had wanted to read about his exploits since seeing the first cover art. Lots of people see Aquaman as a bit of a joke in the superhero department; you wouldn't want to joke about this Aquaman, he'll sink your continent. Everything felt a little obvious as I read it, there weren't many surprises to be had, but it was still enjoyable and the art was spot on as well. So with promises of more earth-shattering events in this mini, I'm definitely sticking around.

Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown #1 didn't have as much Nazi killin' in it as I would have liked, but it still gave a solid start to the mini-series. I'm a little surprised we moved out of WWII so quickly, but I suppose it wouldn't be super relevant otherwise. Frankenstein is an interesting character, who hunts down evil with a supernatural zeal. It's nice to see he doesn't get on well with all the members of the Creature Commandos, and that he isn't the perfect hero. The art for 'Frankenstein' is really great, so bring on issue #2.

Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1 gave us a lethal pirate and caring father wrapped up in one, as well as some nice water-based combat. Deathstroke is a man on a mission to find his daughter, and god help anyone who gets in his way. The art on this mini isn't as polished as "Emperor Aquaman" and "Frankenstein" but it fits the story well. And with the final page tying into Flashpoint #2, I'm looking forward to Deathstroke's tussle with Aquaman next issue.

Citizen Cold #1 helps to set up Leonard Snart as a hero rather than a villain in the Flashpoint timeline, even though he's a villain anyway. It's nice to see that Cold isn't so different from his regular counterpart, and I like that the citizens of Central City are so willing to watch him murder someone and cheer about it. Scott Kolins on art works well with the story and helps to tie it together with his recent work on "The Flash". The issue ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, and with the Rogues looking like they're got a plan for Cold, the next issue will hopefully provide some nice tension.

It was nice to see all the minis this week are worth sticking with, but I'm really looking forward to the Deadman mini-series coming out next Wednesday. Flashpoint!

Flashpoint Failure

Well, I've dropped the ball again. The new Flashpoint comics weren't in until Friday, and I was working on an assignment all weekend. And if this weeks comics don't come in today, I won't be able to pick them up until Friday, and I need to study for my exams.

That said, Flashpoint #2 was an interesting comic that didn't really gel together, as it tried to portray the whole world instead of stick to Barry Allen's story and explaining it through him. That said, the final page again held a surprise for readers, and things aren't turning out great for Barry.

Batman - Knight of Vengeance #1 was easily my favourite of the mini-series last week. Thomas Wayne makes a great Batman, and in his shaky concept of justice (goodbye Killer Croc) he is a clear distinction from his son. the art was interesting, and the darkness and gritty quality of it really fits the title. The mystery fo the Joker's identity is driving me to stick with this one (Just for you internet, I think it might be a brain damaged Bruce). Bring on issue #2.

Secret Seven #1 was a bit of an interesting ride, but I found it left me confused. I've never read anything with Shade the Changing Man before, and so I know nothing about him. I learnt he was sent to Earth to hunt insane criminals and that he wears a vest that gives him special powers. This vest has malfunctioned and made itself more powerful, but I still don't get how it works. Still, the art was very science-fiction matching the story, and the Enchantress should help drive this tale. I'll be getting issue #2.

Abin Sur - The Green Lantern #1 was clearly modelled off the Green Lantern movie concept art. While this is not a complaint, it felt like a bit of a cop out, bastardising the Green Lantern mythos in an alternate timeline to get a bit more money. Still, the story was fine, but not interesting enough to hold my attention for another issue.

The World of Flashpoint #1 really didn't do it for me. Traci 13 lost her family and now she's training to be a stronger magician. Her dad is part of a council looking to destroy the Amazons and the Atlanteans with a massive laser from space. She doesn't want it to happen, but the countdown has started. That's about all that happened. No thanks.

Flashpoint Revelations

Called it. Totally called it.

Flashpoint #1 - Review

After what feels like months of waiting (oh wait! It was.), Flashpoint #1 is finally here and the world of Flashpoint is ready to be explored.

After a glance back at Barry Allen's life for the new readers, The Flash is thrust into the world of Flashpoint, a world much like his own. But it's as Barry goes to don his costume that he notices his ring is missing and takes a quick tumble down the stairs to land at the feet of his mother; a victim of the Reverse Flash's backwards method of revenge on Barry Allen; killed years ago but alive and well today.

From here we're given a broader view of the world we're in. Millions have died at the hands of an ongoing battle between Atlantis and Themyscria, and the "heroes" that remain are ready to put an end to it. We get to meet the agents of S.H.A.Z.A.M., the leaders of the Secret Seven, the Outsider and Cyborg, along with a bunch of other characters DC has teased over the months. Honestly my favourite is Batman so far, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

Andy Kubert's art here is crisp and clean, and I really like it. His rendtition of a brighter (but no less dark) Gotham city is really great. Kubert is a quality artist and so I'm not surprised he's done another good job here, so I'm looking forward to the different artists for the mini-series instead.

The last page reveal in this opening issue is something that really surprised me, and will make me sure to watch the rest of this series like a hawk. Honestly, as the final page of The Flash #12 revealed, I'm a little disappointed that the Reverse Flash is to blame for Flashpoint, even though I really like him. Even so, being introduced to the new versions of our favourite characters in the way we are has grabbed my interest, and I'm going to be sure to check out the mini-series starting next month. Either way, Flashpoint is a quality read that I was happy to finally hold in my hand. I went out and bought it, I suggest you do the same.

NB: It still makes me mad that I spoiled the big reveal for myself by accidentally looking straight at the text bubble on the last page, stupid brain.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12

Issue #12 of the Flash is, in all honesty, a disappointing close to a good series. Johns uses this last issue to tie up the lose ends of the murder cases, but those only exist to propel the scarlet speedster into Flashpoint. There are some interesting moments with Hot Pursuit and the Reverse Flash, and some nice character work between Barry and Bart Allen, as well as the "love-triangle" between Patty Spivot, Iris Allen and Barry, but ultimately the issue didn't really wow me.

It is disappointing to see that we couldn't get a full issue of Francis Manapul's art, but Scott Kolins fills the void admirably. It just seems strange that DC would put 5 pages of Manapul's art inbetween Kolins', but that's their decision to make.

The Flash #12 is, honestly, a disappointing way to see the series off (cancellation wise, a strange move for DC as even though it suffered from some bad delays, people were still invested in seeing it succeed). All I can say is that it'll relaunch after Flashpoint, with something drastically different about the Flash, otherwise why not give it a three month break instead of a cancellation. It just seems like the 'Road to Flashpoint' could have been it's own mini-series (a one-shot is all it really needed ala 'Batman: The Return'), and it kind of ruined 'The Flash' to have it shoved in there.

Whatever happens, I've got my eye firmly fixed on Flashpoint, and I'm interested to see what happens throughout the series and the fallout from when it's all over.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12

The final step closer to 'Flashpoint' #1 as it comes out today alongside 'The Flash' #12. Unfortunately I won't be able to pick up up until tomorrow because I have work, it's killing me. Still, the cover for 'The Flash' #12 is nice, so until I can get my comics tomorrow, this'll have to tide me over.

Flashpoint Friday (in America) #02

It's Flashpoint Friday time again over at DC's The Source blog, and today they're offering up a mix of interior and cover art. So far there's 'Deadman and the Flying Graysons', 'Canterbury Cricket" and 'Batman - Knight of Vengeance' interior art and 'Kid Flash Lost'. The piece that really caught my eye though was some Emperor Aquaman art featuring Mera (click for a full view):

Now I think we know where Wonder Woman got her helmet, and why they left Mera's head off the cover of 'Emperor Aquaman' #2...

Deadman and the Flying Graysons covers

I'd just like to take a moment and say how much I am in love with the covers for the "Flashpoint" tie-in "Deadman and the Flying Graysons". Cliff Chiang is the man responsible for these masterpieces, with Mikel Janin doing interior art.

The three issue mini-series is written by J.T. Krul, who is currently writing "Green Arrow" for DC. The tie-in focusses on Deadman (presumably still alive as Boston Brand) and Dick Grayson (with alive parents?) performing in their travelling circus and supporting the resistance against the Amazons. I'll be getting every issue of this mini for sure.


"Deadman and the Flying Graysons" #1, in stores June 15th.


"Deadman and the Flying Graysons" #2, in stores July 20th.

Flashpoint Friday!

It was Flashpoint Friday in America yesterday so we got some new art and a few good interviews over at CBR, I urge you to check them out. On my part I stole some Emperor Aquaman artwork from The Source, enjoy!



spooky...

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #11

The penultimate issue of "The Flash" answers most of the questions that the previous one had raised, as well as beginning to build a clear road to Flashpoint.

We get to see some nice character moments in this issue, as Johns brings the core members of the Flash family together to give Barry Allen an intervention. Barry hasn't made time to slow down for his extended family since his return for the speed force, and last issue's breakdown between Barry and Bart drives the conflict.

Of course the murders taking place are integral to the plot of the comic, and probably the story of "Flashpoint" as well. I should never have doubted Geoff Johns.

This issue sees Francis Manapul take a break from art duties (perhaps due to the delayed schedule?) and instead brings in Scott Kolins. At first I was dismissive of Kolins' depiction of Barry and the other supporting characters, but he settles into a better style early into the issue and does a commendable job. The flashback scenes are really great, and the final page reveal is drawn with all the jagged style it deserves.

The final issue of "The Flash" hits shelves on the 11th of May along with the first issue of "Flashpoint", and I'm excited to see what sets up Barry's crossing over to the world of Flashpoint. Stay tuned for reviews of the final issue of "The Flash" and "Flashpoint" on the 11th of next month, it's going to be a busy day.

Flashpoint: Week Five (29/06/2011)

The final Wednesday in June (the fifth Wednesday?!) sees us off with two one-shots and another mini-series.

Project Superman #1

By: Scott Snyder Lowell Francis, Gene Ha

FLASH FACT! They experimented on him in a lab for years!

I'm not quite sold with this mini yet, I may just be getting the first issue. Still, it should be interesting to see how Superman is different having grown up in a lab. Nice cover too.

Green Arrow Industries #1

By: Pornsak Pichetshote, Mark Castiello, Viktor Kalvachev

FLASH FACT! He makes money from war!

A Green Arrow one-shot by people I've never heard of? Okay.

Canterbury Cricket #1

By: Mike Carlin, Rags Morales

FLASH FACT! His power is his curse!

A new character that looks like a cricket? Hell yes. I'm interested to see what this one is all about, and I can't go past "His power is his curse!". I also love to see a comic/character based in England, could it be my love of England? Or my Australian-ness?

NOTE: I should point out that all the Flashpoint mini-series coming out this month come with a free Flashpoint pin featuring the re-imagined logos of the core characters. To me that's a good enough reason to buy the first issue of any of them. Even Kid Flash Lost!

Flashpoint: Week Four (22/06/2011)

Week four of Flashpoint should be an interesting one, adding more to the world of Flashpoint, and more badges for me.

Lois Lane and the Resistance #1

By: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Eddy Nunez, Sandra Hope

FLASH FACT! She is ready to reveal the Amazons' secret!

I'm hoping this'll be a kind of thriller comic book, with people trying to keep Lois quiet, type thing. We'll have to wait and see. Still, Etrigan's on the cover. I like Etrigan. He rhymes.

The Outsider #1

By: James Robinson, Javi Fernandez, Kevin Nowlan

FLASH FACT! He won't join the war! (It could dirty his new suit.)

The cover is enough to grab my interest, especially as I have no idea who the Outsider is. But he sounds smug, and therefore cool.

Kid Flash Lost Starring Barry Allen #1

By: Sterling Gates, Oliver Nome, Francis Manapul

FLASH FACT! Where is he? Or should we say when?

Honestly I'm not really interested in Kid Flash (I find him kind of annoying, I suppose), so I might not be getting every issue of this mini. I'm getting this for the pin.

Reverse Flash #1 (one-shot)

By: Sean Ryan, Joel Gomez, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes

FLASH FACT! He's more powerful than ever!

I really like the Reverse Flash as a villain, so I'm always happy to see him pop up in a Flash comic. Even so, I'm surprised this is only a one-shot as the Reverse Flash is a major Flash villain and as "He's more powerful than ever!" I really want to see more.

NOTE: I should point out that all the Flashpoint mini-series coming out this month come with a free Flashpoint pin featuring the re-imagined logos of the core characters. To me that's a good enough reason to buy the first issue of any of them. Even Kid Flash Lost!

Flashpoint: Week Three (15/06/2011)

Week three of June brings us Deadman and Dick Grayson, Wonder Woman and Gorilla Grodd.

Deadman and the Flying Graysons #1

By: J.T. Krul, Mikel Janin, Cliff Chiang

FLASH FACT! For their last performance - an escape act!

The covers for this mini-series are all done like old fashioned circus posters, and they all look fantastic so far. It'll be interesting to see how Dick grew up with his parents, as well as the not-dead Deadman.

Wonder Woman and the Furies #1

By: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, Ed Benes, Scott Clark, David Beaty

FLASH FACT! If she can't have the world - no one will!

Alongside Emperor Aquaman, we've got extra Amazonian Wonder Woman. And it looks like she'll be teaming up with Hawkgirl and a few of the other premier DC women. Should be interesting.

Grodd of War #1 (one-shot)

By: Sean Ryan, Ig Guara, Francis Manapul

FLASH FACT! Africa belongs to him!

The first of the four one-shots for June, with a cover by the fantastic Francis Manapul. I'm not a fan of Gorilla Grodd, but if it's just a one-shot, why not get it?

NOTE: I should point out that all the Flashpoint mini-series coming out this month come with a free Flashpoint pin featuring the re-imagined logos of the core characters. To me that's a good enough reason to buy the first issue of any of them.

Flashpoint UPDATE

I thought I'd break up the monotony of listing my Flashpoint picks by featuring some awesome artwork I just saw over at DC's The Source Blog.

First up we have the finished cover for the first issue of Batman - Knight of Vengeance:

And then we get some more of Badass Emperor Aquaman:

I cannot wait for this event to hit.

Flashpoint: Week Two (08/06/2011)

This is the week that Flashpoint gets interesting for me, with three mini-series premiering and the second issue of the main series hitting the stands.

Flashpoint #2

By: Geoff Johns, Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope

The world-changing miniseries continues! Where are the World's Greatest Super Heroes? Barry Allen is on a mission to find out or die trying - and that may be what's happening as he tries to make lightning strike twice!

Meanwhile, around the submerged Paris, the pirate Deathstroke confronts Emperor Aquaman!

As if the cover isn't enough to get you excited, the solicitation promises Deathstroke vs. Emperor Aquman, something I'm looking forward to quite a bit.

NOTE: This issue is shipping with a free Flaspoint ring (the same quality as the Green Lantern ones, don't get too exicted). Still, enough to make non-believers pick up the second issue.

Emperor Aquaman #1

By: Tony Bedard, Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes

FLASH FACT! He will drown the world - then rule it!

This is probably the mini-series that I'm most looking forward to. Aquaman is a hard character to get the reader to take seriously, but adding this kind of militaristic quality to him might make it work.

Deathstroke and the Curse of the Ravager #1

By: Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Bennett, John Dell

FLASH FACT! He will stop at nothing to find his lost treasure!

I'm not a usual reader of... whatever comic that Deathstroke is in? I know he's a master assassin/fighter type person, but the pirate angle has my interest. Mostly I'm reading this to see some more of the dynamic/battle between Deathstroke and Emperor Aquaman.

Citizen Cold #1

By: Scott Kolins

FLASH FACT! He loves someone he should not!

FLASH FACT! I'm only buying this for the pin! Still, could be interesting.

NOTE again: I should point out that all the Flashpoint mini-series coming out this month come with a free Flashpoint pin featuring the re-imagined logos of the core characters. To me that's a good enough reason to buy the first issue of any of them. Especially Citizen Cold!

Flashpoint: Week One (01/06/2011)

While the first issue of Flashpoint hits shelves on the 11th of May, the next event for DC doesn't get into full swing until June when the 16 mini-series and 4 one-shot comics roll out. Over the next week I'll be updating the blog with a list of the Flashpoint comics I'll be purchasing week-by-week in the month of June all of which I intend to review when I get them. So here we go:

Batman - Knight of Vengeance #1

By: Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso, Dave Johnson

FLASH FACT! He spends his days running Wayne Casinos!

This one looks like it'll be good, you can't really go wrong with Batman. I'm guessing that Wayne Industries is just being replaced by Wayne Casinos, maybe Batman's parents weren't the philanthropists we've come to know in the regular DC universe.

The World of Flashpoint #1

By: Rex Ogle, Paulo Siquiera, Shane Davis

FLASH FACT! Everything you know changed in a flash - but how?

While this mini-series may not be integral to understanding the world of Flashpoint, it should provide a good overview of all the other mini-series that DC is pumping out. And with a cover like that, how can it not be exciting?

NOTE: I should point out that all the Flashpoint mini-series coming out this month come with a free Flaspoint pin featuring the re-imagined logos of the core characters. To me that's a good enough reason to buy the first issue of any of them.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #10

Last issue gave us the final page reveal of Hot Pursuit's identity: none other than Barry Allen. Of course it's the Barry Allen of a parallel universe, but still, shock!

This issue sees Barry trying to keep up with Hot Pursuit, who has the ability to steal the Speed Force from Barry to power his Cosmic Motorcycle (very Tron), as well as solve the murder of the Elongated Kid. Kid Flash raises an interesting point involving Barry and his continued avoidance of his own "Flash family", something that will surely come to a head as we dive into Flashpoint. Will he escape to the parallel universe of Flashpoint for good?

Honestly, the murder plot seems to slow the story down, as readers will definately be more interested in Hot Pursuit and the actual 'Road to Flashpoint', but of course it all ties together. Ace blood analyst and friend of Barry Allen, Patty Spivot is reintroduced in this issue, but whether she'll stick around will have to wait until next issue.

As usual Manapul's art is pretty spot on, but this issue doesn't give him much of a chance to spread his artistic wings.

Of course this issue gives us the obligatory ad for Flashpoint, showcasing the Reverse Flash. Why is that only a one-shot? I can understand the Gorilla Grodd and Canturbury Cricket one-shots, but you'd think Reverse Flash would at least get a three issue mini-series.

Pushing it to the Limit

Alright, I'm back.

It seems impossible, I know, but here we are. This year is going to be a doozy, by all means. University is in its third year, so the assignments are harder and require more thinking. I'm editing the Verandah Journal, which is going to be great experience but also a hard job, even with the great people I'm working with. And if that wasn't enough, I'm the president of a club at university, and it we want to get it up and running properly it's going to be a lot of effort and paperwork. And then there's my job, which (somewhat thankfully) I'm not getting much work from lately.

BUT, there is a light shining on the horizon. A new dawn is coming and it will flame across he land and illuminate all the dark places in the universe. Heroes will rise and villains will fall. Reviews will be written, and comprehensive information will be obtained. A storm is coming, and I'm going to stand in the eye and scream for more.

Flashpoint is coming, so stay tuned.

I've been gone a while...

Wow, i'm quite disappointed in myself really. There I was, vowing to post twice a day, everyday, and it's been a month or thereabouts since my last update.

So why have I stopped by today, you ask? To tell you m new favourite artist in comics. Francis Manapul. The man draws a comic book like no one else, so he's earnt his spot up there with Oliver Coipel in my books.

I'm quite enjoying The Flash at the moment, with Manapul on art and Johns writing, you can't really go wrong. So, until next time (if there is a next time), have a good one.