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The Good Stuff #17: New Villains, The Return of a Hero, Skrully Motives, Samuel L. Jackson is Nick Fury, No More Flight Simulators for Hal Jordan! CLICK HERE!
Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Posted By: Kevin Powers
The Good Stuff. Of course, that all comes down to personal opinion and what your general tastes are. Here at the Comics Bulletin, you can speak your free mind and discuss this blessed art-form with other individuals who are just as passionate about comics as you are. At Comics Bulletin, we pride ourselves on great reviews, fantastic features and a spectacular atmosphere for discussion. Our reviews are second to none covering every corner of the industry from the big guys to the little guys. But sometimes a comic book that doesn’t achieve a certain mark features a scene or a moment that really stands out. A 2.5 bullet book could have the best scene of the week’s stack, but the overall book could come up short in a reviewer’s opinion. So here it is, a column devoted to those moments, a “best of the week” type thing that acts as an addition to our extraordinary reviews. Feel free to agree, disagree, call for the tar and feathering of Kevin Powers, but take a second to check it out; maybe you missed some of the Good Stuff and you can grab it with this week’s stack.
Good Stuff #17: New Villains, The Return of a Hero, Skrully Motives, Samuel L. Jackson is Nick Fury, No More Flight Simulators for Hal Jordan!
Where is it? Action Comics #864
Written by: Geoff Johns
Cover by”Kevin Maguire
Three weeks in a row, three iconic covers on three of DC’s longest running titles. This cover is a little different than the last issue of Superman and the last issue of Batman. Rather than a straight-forward pin-up shot, this cover pretty much covers everything that has taken place in Action Comics since Geoff Johns took over. There’s Bizarro, the Bizarro Justice League, Mon-EL, Lex Luthor, Dawnstar, Earthman, Lois Lane’s haircut (although, that’s not only Johns), Chris and of course, Zod, Non and Ursa. While the Action Comics Annual concluding the Zod storyline hits stores today, it is still crucial to the continued evolution of Superman. I also like how this cover plays off of the moment from Infinite Crisis when Superman-2 punches through the sanctuary where he, Alexander Luthor, Prime and Lois Lane-2 lived. But this cover also tweaks that idea to fit the Superman mythos. It looks as though Superman is punching through Kryptonian crystals and it’s a nice touch to see the shards shaped like the “S” shield.
Where is it? DC Universe Zero
Written by: Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns
Art by: George Perez, Doug Mahnke, Tony Daniel, Ivan Reis, Aaron Lopresti, Philip Tan, Ed Benes, Carlos Pacheco, JG Jones
Who is it? Libra
Admittedly, I know next to nothing about this character aside from the description from Wikipedia. With the return of Barry Allen and the Final Crisis in the multiverse saga, I’m generally intrigued by the character just based on the Wikipedia explanation. Apparently this guy founded the Injustice Gang; he used a device to steal the powers of the superheroes and then turned the device on the universe, trying to become a god. In turn, his essence was spread throughout the universe. There can be a number of explanations explaining how Libra is back, frankly, I like the potential behind this character so you can tell me anything and I’ll eat it up. Now he’s a harbinger of a new, evil god. He’s trying to unite the villains under his leadership with promises that they will receive anything they want. I’m really intrigued by this new character, it’s fresh, it’s not another version of Lex Luthor (that we know of) and he’s answering to a higher, evil power. The religious whackos are always the most dangerous aren’t they?
Where is it? Green Lantern #30
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Ivan Reis
What is it? The Manner in which Hal gets Sent to Abin Sur’s Crash Site
Okay, so technically we actually witnessed this moment a few years back in the first issue of this series, but now, it’s official. Way back in Showcase #22, test pilot Hal Jordan was being lured to a crashed alien vessel while sheltered inside a flight simulator. This has forever been the way that Hal Jordan came upon Abin Sur; the ring lured the entire flight simulator to the crash site. Do you see where logic becomes an issue? As a Hal Jordan fan, I have never liked the flight simulator idea all that much. It’s problematic, how does a guy cover up a green force ripping a flight simulator out of the ground and hurling it across the desert? Not to mention a green superhero appearing shortly thereafter. No amount of Oan magic or mind-wiping is really going to cover that up. However, Geoff Johns has updated Hal’s origin to make it a little more logical. Instead of being in a flight simulator, Hal is in the cockpit of a destroyed jet when the green force pulls him, and only him, to the crash site. Everything else is pretty much history. In terms of basic logic and not having to deal with any type of cover-up, having Hal lured to the ring in such a manner just makes the whole secret identity thing less of a hassle. Johns also adds in a line referring to Guy Gardner and John Stewart when Abin Sur tells the ring to find the closest candidate. I also like that Johns adds in his own elements of the Green Lantern mythology by keeping the Green Lantern emblem out the white circle on Hal’s chest.
Where is it? Iron Man
Directed by: Jon Favreau
What is it? Nick Fury, Directror of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Iron Man was a damned good movie. There was a hell of a lot to like and I was really entertained. Marvel did an excellent job with their first solo outing and I’m really excited to see what’s coming next. However, there is of course one moment in the film that everyone is buzzing about. Of course, you had to stay for the end credits but the heavily rumored scene with Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. was there. Not only was it totally kick-ass to see Nick Fury, but it was Samuel L. Jackson, the basis of the ultimate version of Fury, and he wants to start the Avengers. This was definitely a major moment that rounded out a really strong film.
Where is it? Green Lantern #30
Written by: Geoff Johns
Art by: Ivan Reis
What is it? Hal Jordan Shows “No Fear”
I love Ivan Reis’ artwork, it’s absolutely beautiful. I also couldn’t be happier that I get to see it in its full glory with my favorite character almost every month. There’s just an amazing level of detail, consistency, crispness and just all around beauty to Reis’ work on Green Lantern, whether on Earth or in space. There was a page he drew back in issue #16 where Hal creates soldiers from Vietnam, World War II and War on Terror to name a few, to beat down the terrorist who kidnapped him. That single page is probably one of my favorite images and I would love to get my hands on a full color print of it. However, there is a two-page spread in this issue that quickly shoots its way up my “favorite images” list. After Hal gets the Green Lantern ring and learns the mechanics of it all, he causes a fellow pilot (and antagonist) to lose control of his jet at fifteen thousand feet. Hal flies underneath the jet and grabs a hold of it, leveling it off. The two-page spread features Hal underneath the jet, a green force field surrounding him and the jet, and two Green Lantern energy symbols emanating from his chest. Not only is this foreground image fantastic, but the background of clouds and the sun beating off of the jet’s tail is gorgeous. Adding to the beauty of this image is what Hal says: “No Fear.”
To DC’s Merchandise department: PLEASE make a poster out of this. This image alone is worth the cover price and it’s simply stunning.
Where is it? Teen Titans #58
Written by: Sean McKeever
Art by: Carlos Rodriguez
Who is it?Miss Martian
You want to talk about Obscure characters, let’s talk about M’gann M’orzz A.K.A. Miss Martian. She was created back in Teen Titans #37 by Geoff Johns and was a member of the team during “One Year Later.” Personally, I have found the character to be rather intriguing especially since she poses as a green Martian but in reality, she is a white Martian. Because of that fact alone this character is perfect for a book focusing on teenage superheroes, but Sean McKeever adds a fantastic depth to the character and her “split personality.” At the conclusion of the second “Titans of Tomorrow” story-arc, a future, evil Miss Martian somehow bonded with the present Miss Martian and essentially lives inside the character’s mind. Now, Miss Martian is haunted by her future self who causes her to have black-outs and can take control whenever she feels like it. It’s really quite insane and McKeever focuses the majority of this issue on the character and her dilemma. McKeever really writes this issue extraordinarily well and even if you don’t read Teen Titans regularly, this is definitely an issue to check out. We join Miss Martian on a journey to control her evil future self and try and establish some semblance of a normal life. Of course, we are in the midst of the “Terror Titans” arc, so let me just say I felt really bad for her at the end of this issue. Seriously, check out this issue it’s a great character piece and very well-written.
Where is it? Thor: Ages of Thunder
Written by: Matt Fraction
Art by: Patrick Zircher and Khari Evans
What is it? Thor vs. the Frost Giants
Matt Fraction’s stock rises week after week over at Marvel. He’s quickly becoming the next Brubaker and Bendis combined with the way he can write both gritty crime and superhero fare. Last week, he took a swing (no pun intended) at the God of Thunder, Thor. Ages of Thunder is a journey into Norse mythology, a very “Tales of Asgard” type story split into two parts. Both halves of the story essentially deal with the same concepts, Loki devises a plan, the Enchantress is involved and the Frost Giants play a role. While this is a story that takes place in the past, it most certainly keeps the same momentum that has been building in J. Michael Strazcynski’s run on the main Thor book. While this issue does focus primarily on Loki and the Enchantress, Thor makes some fantastic kills that are sure to whet any reader’s appetite for superhero smack-downs.
In Part 1, Thor beats the crap out of a few Frost Giants with Mjolinir. Later on in Part 1, he confronts one of the giants, tosses Mjolinir through the giant’s head and then proceeds to rip the head off. In fact, Thor does this with many of the giants he drags a net full of Frost Giant heads through the streets of Asgard.
In Part II, there is an equally crazy kill as Odin orders Thor to kill a Frost Giant who is chasing down Lokl and the Enchantress. Thor must slay the giant to protect the people of Asgard. One might think a Frost Giant would make a formidable foe for Thor, but if Part I was any indication; you know that’s not going to happen. In order to slay the giant, Thor simply flies straight through the giant’s head. These kills are somewhat hysterical, purely bad-ass and really show of the might of Thor.
Where is it? Legion of Superheoes #41
Written by: Jim Shooter
Art by: Aaron Lopresti
What is it? “Encyclopedia” Article About the Legion Flight Rings
The Legion of Superheroes has always been my weak spot. For some reason I could never really wrap my head around everything happening with those particular characters. However, I have recently gotten a better grasp of everything thanks to Geoff Johns’ “Legion” story arc in Action Comics and from reading Jim Shooter’s on the Legion title. Shooter’s run has been a little bizarre and a little sexed up, and a bit soap opera-ish. I’d be a liar if I don’t you I didn’t like it. It is definitely an interesting book and for me, I really like having a better grasp of the Legion. With that said, I commend Shooter and editor Mike Marts for including the 3 page explanation behind the Legion flight rings and the customizations based on each of the bearer’s. I found this 3 page section of one the most useful pieces of information regarding the Legion I may have ever read. If DC ever decides to do a “DC Universe Secret Files and Origins,” they most certainly have the Legion covered.
Where is it? New Avengers #40
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Jim Cheung
What is it? Skrulls and Why They Come for Us
Skrulls are everywhere. Marvel has crafted a rather fun campaign revolving around the Skrulls where readers are left second guessing their favorite characters and even accusing one another of being Skrulls. We’ve seen the impact of the infiltration from Earth’s point of view, yet we’ve seen very little from the Skrull side of things. This issue changes that as it focuses completely on the Skrulls and the beginnings of their plans to invade Earth. This issue really explains everything from inner strife amongst the Skrulls all the way to who the Skrull Princess will pose as on Earth. There is really a lot to read in this issue and a lot explained. We see the Elektra Skrull, hints that Bucky may be a Skrull, why the Skrulls look like X-Men and a Skrull reveal that is too shocking to be completely true. Even though the guessing game will continue this week, you really need to pick up this issue of New Avengers , it is without doubt one of the most important “Secret Invasion” tie-ins thus far.
Where is it? DC Universe Zero
Written by: Grant Morrison and Geoff Johns
Art by: George Perez, Doug Mahnke, Tony Daniel, Ivan Reis, Aaron Lopresti, Philip Tan, Ed Benes, Carlos Pacheco, JG Jones
Who is it? Barry Allen
Last Wednesday I woke up and check my Comics Bulletin News e-mail to a number of e-mails reading “Flash is back!” I wasn’t sure what it was until I read an e-mail from the Daily News which had an article revealing that Barry Allen was back. I’ll admit I was confused, at the New York Comic Con, a rumor I heard floating around was “Flash Rebirth” was coming from Johns and Van Sciver. Clearly, that’s not the case as DC Universe Zero seemed to bring back Barry Allen. Even before I had my hands on the issue, I thought “Maybe it’s Bart,” but no, Grant Morrison confirmed it was Barry Allen. So when I picked up the issue, I thought the narration was one of the strongest parts of the issue. While I’m not sure how I feel about any of the heroes being “gods” as some other readers have suggests Barry has become, I do like the concept that Barry was absorbed into either the universe or the multiverse. I assume this can be explained by using the speed force, but nonetheless, it’s interesting to note that Libra, the villain of Final Crisis and Barry Allen, the apparent hero of Final Crisis were both absorbed into the universe at one point. I’m intrigued by where this could go, I just hope Wally doesn’t suffer to make room for Barry.
DC Universe Zero
Thor: Ages of Thunder
New Avengers #40
Teen Titans #58
Green Lantern #30
Daredevil: Blood of the Black Tarantula
Check back next week to find out what was “The Good Stuff”
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Thanks for reading,
KP
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