Batman #2 & Justice League #2 -- Reviewed.

Batman #2
It keeps getting better as Snyder creates another charcter in the series, the city of Gotham. We care about the city and its relationship to Bruce Wayne and his family legacy. With this along with interesting dialogue and character development, we also get introduced to a new villain in an exciting way.
To sum it up: This is the best series so far from the relaunch.
Overall Grade: A+

Justice League #2
Try to think of this series as an all out action series. Does the Justice League really need character development amongst its popular characters? Yes, of course but not as much as a singular character series and what we do have is enough to actually 'get the league together' in this series that examines the actual formation of the popular team. Superman is actually the bada$$ here as Green Lantern, Batman, and Flash try to hold him off.
Really fun read.
Overall Grade: A-

Animal Man #2, Action Comics #2, and Detective Comics #2 -- Reviewed.

Animal Man #2:
Still ahead of the game is DC's riveting, trippy and exciting story that delves deeper into Animal Man's family and especially his daughter. Animal Man and his daughter go on a journey to a place where the 'connectedness' is finally seen within our world. The more and more this story plays out, the more and more I can see it as a film. Almost as good as the first issue.
Overall Grade: A

Action Comics #2:
I was worried that this storyline could suck but I gave it another chance and I'm decently happy that I did. Though not as good as Detective Comics or Batman, it still tells a rich story but foreshadows too much with John Henry Irons, John Corben, and Brainiac. Interesting dialogue move this story in a nice direction but Superman is 'still' fighting the same characters. Spokes people mentioned that this Superman is placed 10 years from the current time line. So, why have him deal with the same villains? We need a new threat. Superboy seems to be the best Supes title so far. We'll see come next week if Superboy holds up.
Overall Grade: B+

Detective Comics #2:
I'm really digging this and Batman right now. Demented and mysterious. More of Bruce Wayne is examined before Batman and Jim Gordon continue their investigation of the Dollmaker. Crazy ending. The artwork and writing are exceptional and make this a neat read.
Overall Grade: A

Comic Book Reviews - DC's Relaunch - Week 4

It's been awhile. I'm sorry. I was on vacation and didn't have time to get on here for my usual weekly cyber-therapy/geekdom experience.

Flash #1:
Thoroughly entertaining and an unusual, yet welcomed story line. We get to know Barry Allen throughout this entire issue. This was a well done introductory on the character and an interesting mystery captivates Barry as he moves to understand a crime that involves one of his friends from childhood.
Overall Grade: A-

Superman #1:
I just haven't been all that impressed with the Superman comics. Action Comics' next issue could prove me wrong but this was very 'decent'. Yes, Superman is my favorite character and will always be but this was just a dialogue heavy issue that looks to change audiences' perception of Metropolis, the Daily Planet, and Lois and Clark's relationship. Superman ends up saving the day in usual fashion. I'll likely stick around for a couple more issues to see what happens.
Overall Grade: B

I, Vampire #1:
This was better than I was hoping. It wasn't great but it was a good read, though it seemed short. Andrew(a vampire) looks to prevent an all out war on the humans which is being lead by his ex-lover. It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next issue.
Overall Grade: B+

Aquaman #1:
To be honest, this was the best comic of this week. It starts with the notion that Aquaman is a joke. The author is banking on this and it works. We also get to see how Aquaman came to be and how he views his powers. I actually care about Aquaman!!! This has never happened and I look forward to the next issue.
Overall Grade: A

DC Comics Relaunch Recap

I'm really trying to get into DC's relaunch and so far I've been impressed. Granted, I'm not reading every new title because I have to balance my other interests and obligations with my day to day busy life. Graduate school can test me from time to time. Anyways,I'll just break down with a short review on the three comics I've read thus far.

Justice League of America #1:
This is not your ordinary JLA read but rather an introduction to characters and the eventual formation of the league. People may complain that the story mostly just involves an overly arrogant Green Lantern and a Batman that once again shows that he knows more than anyone else. The origin story of a troubled high school football student(Cyborg) serves as a subplot. Regular comic book fans will understand what will be the eventual villain as Green Lantern and Batman make head way on a mission that leads them to Superman at the end of the issue. Even though the dialogue may have been just decent, the potentials for this story are EPIC. Line this up with the fantastically detailed artwork and you have a pretty solid first issue.
Overall Grade: A-

Action Comics #1:
This examines a much younger Superman tackling smaller issues than the usual global threats he usually encounters. Not just the costume is new. Even where Superman/Clark Kent works is different (perhaps, just initially). This Superman is more forcibly idealistic and acting as more a leader than a follower of American values. Lex Luthor, yet again, plays a part in Action Comics. It is understandable that an introduction of characters is needed but I hope that in future issues Lex Luthor only has a minor supporting role. Everyone has been there and done that. Is it to appease new readers? Perhaps. I just hope Superman goes through a self discovery of how to actually be Superman. The first issue is kind of like the first episode of "Seinfeld". All of the characters are there but it isn't EPIC funny until they understand what works and what doesn't. It is crucial what comes next in Action Comics. A platform is set. This could be typical or legendary as the story arc comes to a close.
Overall Grade: B

Detective Comics #1:
I was more impressed with this than Action Comics and I'm a bona fide Superman fan! The artwork shines as Batman comes into contact with the Joker again but not is all as it seems. Great storytelling surround this comic and leaves you wanting more once the last page is read. I don't wanna spoil too much.
Overall Grade: A-

"Flashpoint" -- A DC Comics Contender

Ok, so before the lights go out and DC relaunches all of their characters in a few weeks, they are giving us a great set of stories called "Flashpoint". It's sort of an alternate reality where Barry Allen(Flash) is the only one who notices that changes have been made to the universe. Of course, when I saw a Flashpoint for Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and Superman I got a little overwhelmed and thought this was just a quick marketing ploy before DC relaunches and continuity is changed. I got to reading some Flashpoint and let me tell you, it's not cheap at all. What if Batman was Thomas Wayne and Bruce was the one who died in that alleyway on the fateful night? Hal Jordan never received the ring? Wonder Woman and Aquaman are at war? Some believe that some of what happens in Flashpoint will carry over into the relaunch. That remains to be seen. However, at this point, I love the storytelling and am anticipating the last issue in a few weeks. Great work DC! If you're a comic book fan, don't miss out on Flashpoint and the relaunch!!!

NEW "Man of Steel" Superman pic!!!!

OMG!!!!! This looks amazing!!! I CANNOT WAIT!!! Superman looks to be actually destroying things in this new film. I can't believe I have to wait until June 2013!!!

Click on the pic for an even closer look!!!

Laurence Fishburne as Perry White!!!

Seriously this cast is just getting out of hand. Could the Superman reboot titled "Man of Steel" be 'too good'? Personally, I think this is a fantastic choice. Fishurne is just a great character actor and always brings something to every one of his roles. The closest role Fishburne has played to Perry White is probably as Ethan Hunt's boss in "MI:3". I can see him having a lot of fun with this film.

I mean think about this movie. I've never seen a cast like this, well, ever. It means a lot to me that Warner Bros. is really trying to make this film perfect. Superman is like my idol and the talent involved in bringing this film to life is extremely exciting to hear.

In case you haven't been following the news, the full cast and crew thus far:

Henry Cavill - Superman/Clark Kent (Tudors TV series, upcoming "Immortals")
Amy Adams - Lois Lane (The Fighter, Doubt)
Christopher Meloni - General Lane? (Law & Order:SVU, Wet Hot American Summer)
Michael Shannon - General Zod (Revolutionary Road)
Antje Traue - Faora (Pandorum)
Diane Lane - Martha Kent (Unfaithful, Secretariat)
Kevin Costner - Jonathan Kent (Untouchables, Field of Dreams, Dances with Wolves)
Russell Crowe - Jor-El (Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind)
Julia Ormond - Lara Lor-Van (Legends of the Fall, Sabrina)
Laurence Fishborne - Perry White (Searching for Bobby Fisher, The Matrix Triology, Mystic River)
Harry Lennix - General Swanwick (Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions)

Zack Snyder is directing. Story by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer. Screenplay by David Goyer. Produced by Christopher Nolan.

"Superman Returns" Deleted Krypton Scene

This was ultimately and obviously deleted from the film, "Superman Returns". I can totally see why it was, but would rather had them delete the entire movie from my memory. Yeah, I'm still upset about what happened to me in 2006. This scene was actually really well done and I know it must have killed Bryan Singer to cut it from the film but it didn't add anything to the story they were 'trying' to tell. Let's hope the reboot blows us away. This is actually a pretty neat deleted scene.

Most Anticipated Films of 2012

Most of you know that the next Batman is in production and a teaser trailer is scheduled to run in front of the last Harry Potter film. Besides the next Bats film(Summer 2012) and the Supes reboot(December 2012), I'm looking forward to the following films:


John Carter (formerly titled John Carter of Mars)
This film is being directed by Andrew Stanton("Wall-E","Finding Nemo", and writer of all the "Toy Story" films). This is his first live action film and I couldn't be more excited. Some of the screen shots, which can be seen via ComingSoon.net look breathtaking. Hollywood has been trying to make "John Carter of Mars" a feature film since the 1930s. The technology hasn't been possible until recently. This will also probably catapult the film's protagonist into stardom - Taylor Kitsch(Gambit from "Wolverine: Origins").

Synopsis of film from ComingSoon.net:
Based on the classic science fiction tales of Edgar Rice Burroughs (best known as the creator of "Tarzan"), John Carter celebrates his 100th anniversary next year, appropriately timed against the film's March 9, 2012 release. Featured in eleven serialized tales, beginning with "A Princess of Mars," Burroughs' "Gentleman of Virginia" is a former Confederate soldier who, in the aftermath of the Civil War, finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars (or, natively, "Barsoom") and who is forced to fight for his place among the planet's diverse alien species.

Bond 23
This is being directed by Sam Mendes ("American Beauty", "Road to Perdition"). After the semi setback of "Quantum of Solace", this film looks much more promising. Also, it appears that Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem will likely be involved as villains in this film. So, needless to say Daniel Craig's Bond will have his hands full.

Star Trek 2
Abrams. Star Trek = enough said.

The Amazing Spider-Man
I'm actually really interested to see what how this film turns out. I like all of the cast already and I really enjoyed the director's last film, "500 Days of Summer". Marc Webb has a very unique style that I believe will translate really well to the universe of Spider-Man.

Bourne Legacy
Jeremy Renner is locked to star in a spin off of the Bourne series which is supposed to tie in with Jason Bourne somehow? The director, Tony Gilroy, seems to be a great choice. I enjoyed "Michael Clayton" and especially the feel of it.




2012 is shaping up to be one hell of a movie year and I only listed 'my' most anticipated films. These along with Superman and Batman!!! As long as I see these films before the world ends, I'd die a happy man.

New Justice League Promo Pic!!!

I just love Jim Lee and am pretty excited for the relaunch from DC Comics. As you may notice, Superman has the most obvious change to his costume. Wonder Woman is also not wearing the tight granny panties anymore. The costumes were changed in order to make the heroes more practical and, well, more modern. I'm really digging Superman though. Some people have problems with all the changes going on with their favorite heroes but I believe change is a good thing in this case.

Julia Ormond cast as Superman's Mom; UPDATE: Christopher Meloni as a General

Deadline is reporting that Julia Ormond is being set to star as Superman's(Kal-El)Kryptonian mother, Lara, in the highly anticipated reboot of the Man of Steel. Actually, I used to have a huge crush on Julia Ormond when I was 14 years old after seeing her in "Legends of the Fall" and "Sabrina". Yeah, I like all genres. She was recently in Steven Soderbergh's "Che" and David Fincher's "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". The cast rocks so far.

Henry Cavill ("Tudors", upcoming "Immortals") - Superman/Clark Kent
Amy Adams ("The Fighter", "Doubt") - Lois Lane
Michael Shannon ("Revolutionary Road", "Boardwalk Empire") - General Zod
Antje Traue ("Pandorum") - Faora (Krypton villain and ally to General Zod)
Kevin Costner ("Field of Dreams", "Dances with Wolves") - Jonathan Kent
Diane Lane ("Unfaithful", "Secretariat") - Martha Kent
Russell Crowe ("The Gladiator", "A Beautiful Mind") - Jor-El
Julia Ormond (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “Legends of the Fall”) - Lara
Christopher Meloni ("Law & Order: SVU", "OZ") - General
Meloni's involvement just broke today. For more info click here

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