This is Entry 230: The New 61?

I haven't put up this week's review of the comics I got this week. I've had some life stuff come up that I won't bore you will & have been busy away from the computer. The review will most likely be up this weekend if not early next week.



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I was over at Comics Alliance & they had some promos images from Marvel Comics next big event called "Point One". To read their coverage & see the promo images go here. Upon seeing the images & reading what little has been revealed it brought up something I've been thinking about lately: what will be Marvel's response to DC's "New 52". I'm guessing that this it. In thinking of what a Marvel response would be called I came up with the name "New 61" since I thought they might try something similar to get new readers too.

How did I decide on the number? Much like how DC likes the number 52, I think Marvel also likes the number 61. 1961 being the year the first issue of Fantastic Four came out, the book that started off the how "Marvel Age of comics" & this being the 50th anniversary to that event why not reboot/relaunch? DC did that in 85! I thought about using the number 616 but thought was too high & Marvel official doesn't use that number (at least they say they don't but it has popped up in a few of their books over the years). So I went with the lower number & thought it would be easier for them to put out 61 books a month as opposed to 616 books a month. I don't anyone could do such that high number to get out something that people would think as being quality.  I also had a thought that 61 being a larger number then 52 that it could be Marvel's way of saying DC up. "We did 61 books while you only did 52. *sticks out tongue*"

Using some of the imagery/style from their "Point One" Promos, I made this:

I sure hope that it didn't take Marvel longer then 30 seconds to do that gradient background because that's all the time it took me in Photoshop. :)

I make a reference back to a earlier "event" that Marvel made a big deal over: The Heroic Age. That "age" is only like a year or two old. I did think about referencing another similar "event" they did: The Dark Reign by saying 61 exciting new comics setting the stage for who reigns in this new age but I thought it would be too long & kind of hokey. I wasn't sure I even wanted the word "exciting" in there for a thought that the tag line might be too long with it.

Now I enjoyed what I read during that reign & that age mostly because they were none events.At least I thought they were none events. There were just comics with a DR or HA header on the cover which meant that they had some involvement in the events of that "event". I thought it worked because you didn't need to read a main book (there was none) that then tied into other things. You could just read what you want. The more you read the more of the "event" you knew about but you could just read a small number of books & not have to worry about reading other stuff because of the times they didn't crossover all that much.

But then that's sometimes Marvel's problem: they don't crossover. Events from an Avengers comic might not matter to events in a X-Men comic (But then it seems that most events from the X-Men comics in the past few years haven't really matter to the rest of the Marvel comic books so why would it work the other way around). Events in an Avengers might not matter in an Iron Man comic even though he was present for said event from the Avengers comic. That how it is currently they have 2 events running at the same time: Fear Itself & Spider-Island. Or at least I thing they are happening at the same time, the books are coming out of the same times. I'm not reading any of the SI stuff (save for 1 books so far but that book had Frog Man in it & Frog Man is cool) & I'm reading 2 books that have ties to FI (Iron Man & Avengers Academy) but I'm reading the main book. I haven't heard that they are referencing/referenced each other but if they were happening concurrently wouldn't they have to? They use similar locations & characters.

Take Spider-Man for example, he's involved in both events: he not only has his own books to be in & has storyline/Spider-Island stuff there, he also in the Fear Itself books which has storyline stuff to deal with & he's also (sort of) in the FF books which has it's own storyline stuff there. If that is all taken place at once, Spidey is a busy guy! What with him currently wearing 3 different costumes (his normal one, his FF one & the one he got in FI). Where does he store the one's he's not wearing at the moment? The Negative Zone? Aunt May's house? The Daily Bugle? In a Phonebooth?

But now I think I'm rambling but I have thought about a number of these things. I just haven't put them up here on the blog since I think it's just me rambling & people might not want to read about that. But then isn't that what a Blog is for: a place for you ramble on about stuff? :)

I think I finish up but before I do, I made something in response to at least a part of hubbub surrounding "Catwoman #1":

Because that's what the DCU needed more sex! :(

I'll be back soon with my thoughts on the books from this last week of the launch issues of the New 52!

Until then: Stay Jazzy everyone!

- Brian

This is Entry 229: Hey Look! More stuff went down!

It's yet another week so it's time for for of Dc's "New 52". I've got 4 books & most of them Batman related to talk to you about. But first some of the ones I past up on:

- Batman #1: a  guy who works at the store tried to sell me on the book by saying that Scott Snyder was writing the book and that pretty much meant nothing to to me. I just wasn't interested in the book so I didn't buy it. I did look through it I just wasn't interested in it.
- Bird of Prey #1, Blue Beetle #1, Supergirl #1 & Wonder Woman #1: I looked through the books, didn't see anything that really grabbed me.
- Captain Atom #1, Green Lantern Corps #1 & Legion of Super-Heroes #1: didn't see them. Might of missed them.

Onto what I bought:

Catwoman #1: Thinking back on what I've read by writer Judd Winick I'd say I like his stuff. And from I seen of the art from Artist Guillem March I 'd say I like his art. And with this issue I'd say I liked it. March does draw some nice looking ladies. If you like boobs or at least Catwoman's boobs, then you'll like this issue!

But I'm not sure I liked the over sexualized natural of the issue. It does end the issue of Catwoman getting it on with Batman. I was not expecting that ending since I don't read a lot of Batman comics but in the ones I have read I don't think I've ever read any where you actually see the two of them getting it on. I read a lot of comics but I haven't read many where you see two people having sex.

On odd sidenote: when Catwoman was dressed in her bartender disguise, she kind of looked like a redheaded Morgan Webb. Not sure that was the intention but that what I thought of when I saw her.

Nightwing #1: Cick Grayson's time as Batman is still in continuity. They start off the book with him saying that he was Batman for a year but is now back as "himself": Nightwing! I'm not sure why they went with red on the costume & not the traditional blue but I can live with the change. I also noticed tat some elements from his Bat costume made there way over to his new Nightwing costume.

I originally wasn't sure about the book but in reading what the first arc was going to involve (Haly's Circus, where the Grayson family worked & where his parents died) would be coming back to Gotham for the 1st time since the incident (that's according to the comic) & he would facing his past intrigued me a bit. So, I decided to pick it up. What did I think of the 1st issue? It was good. It nicely set up the Circus plot line & the antagonist for the next couple of issues or so (I'd tell you the character's name but I don't think they said his name in the issue).

I don't think I've read anything by writer Kyle Higgins before. The artists' name (Eddy Barrows) seems familiar. So I might of seen his art before or at least read his name before. It's nice art.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1: This wasn't one of the books I had on my "pick up" list but it was on the "look at at when it comes out" list. There were questions I had about the book. the biggest is still not answered after this issue: did Roy Harper ever loose his arm or did that event never happen in this New 52 universe?. I'd consider this book to be similar in tone to Suicide Squad: small group of mercenaries for hire doing "bad" stuff & killing people.

Red Hood/Jason Todd's time as Robin is still in place in the New 52 which means over the course of about 6, 7 years Batman has had at least 3 Robins (Dick Grayson, Jason Todd & Damion Wayne). Roy Harper's time as Speedy is also reestablished.

I've been wondering about the Teen Titans timeline. I started to wonder about before any of the books came out, Justice League gave me some stuff to wonder about regarding it. With this issue, it gave me more to wonder about it. Mostly in relation to Starfire & her involvement. She was still with the team but I wonder for how long? I might have to read/look at the Titans book when it comes out next week. They do mention that Starfire & Dick Grayson (Nightwing) had a previous relationship. Also, Starfire feels very cold & distant.  At times, it seems like she has been on earth for awhile while other times it seems like she just got to earth.

I don't like the Bat in the O's of the word Hood. It looks stupid. It's there to tell people this is a Batman book but it's not really. The only person who has a connection to Batman is Jason Todd & it doesn't seem like he wants anything to do with him anymore.

Like in Catwoman, if you like Boobs or at least Starfire's boobs. You like this book! Also, like in Catwoman: there is sex but you don't see it. You see that 2 characters (they are on the cover but their name isn't in the title) are going to off to do it & then you see them afterwards.

DC Universe Presents #1 or DC Universe Presents Deadman #1: 1 of 2 anthology books in New 52 (I'm counting All-Star Western as the other one). The first couple of issues will be devoted to Deadman. About the only thing that I liked about the book "Brightest Day" was the Deadman sub-plot. This is where he meet up with him in the New 52. Well... I saw online that he was the Hawk & Dove book but this is where he has his "main" story.  In the past I've liked what I've read by writer Paul Jenkins & this is a good story. It's probably one of the better, might be the best Deadman story I've read so far. Might be one of the better things I've read that's been part of the New 52. It nicely sets up what Deadman's back story is (in 1 page) & then spends the rest of the issue presenting the start to an interesting story. It's gives the best explanation for why he does what he does. I've always though that was ill defined in other Deadman stories I've read.

I look forward to the rest of the story & to see who will be the next headliner for the book.

So that's it for this week. Up next week is....

The last set of the #1's come out: I'll be picking up All-Star Western #1, The Flash #1, Justice League Dark #1 & a strong maybe to Teen Titans #1.

The other books that are coming out are: yet another attempt at making the King of the 7 Seas look cool (Aquaman #1), the last Batman book (Batman: The Dark Knight #1), G.I. Joe... sorry.. I mean Blackhawks #1, 2 books that have ties to the Brightest Day event (The Fury of Firestorm #1 & The Savage Hawkman), the last of the Lantern books (Green Lantern: New Guardians #1), a book that will is cashing on the vampire fad (I, Vampire #1), Voodoo #1 (which I know almost nothing about other then it lady with a mystic glove thingy) & the last Superman book (Superman #1).

See you next time. Until then: Stay Jazzy!

- Brian

This is Entry 228: And yet even more went down!

It's another week & I'm back to talk about the DC Comics I picked up this week. This has proved to be the week I picked up the most so far. Week 1: 1 Book (Justice League) & in Week 2: 2 Books (Batgirl & Justice League International). So by that logic It's week 3 so I should have picked up 3 books, right? That was what I was planning on but I found 2 more books that I thought were worth buying. Before I talk about them, I few other things first off.

Last Saturday, I was watching Doctor Who on BBC America & I saw the commercial that DC has put out for the New 52. Which I think I've touched on before but I'm exactly sure which post it was so I can't link you over there. But I can link you to the commercial: View it on YouTube here. After the ad was over I turned to My Mom, who does not read comic but does watch Doctor Who & I asked her if she wanted to read some comics. I did that partly jokingly but her answer was truthful & that answer was "no". That's what I think is wrong with the ad: If you don't already read comics why should you care?

A better ad would have been someone from the company (Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Dan Didio, Grant Morrison, Bob Harras, etc.) had come on screen & explained why you should read these comics. Oh... wait. They did that. To see that video: View it here. But video is a bit too long & still might not appeal to the no reader. The ad would have to be shorter, it would be too expensive to do air a multi-minute ad. They need give the no reader the 30 second pitch of why they should read their books. The commercial currently airing do not do that. It's just a series of images with a vaguely rock track playing along with it. It didn't sell me on the comics. Didn't sell my non reader mom on it. Not sure it's sold anyone on it.

As I mentioned last time, every time I've been into my local Comic Book store I've seen new people& they are buying stuff. This past Wednesday I saw the a couple (I'm guessing they were husband & wife) buy the most I've heard so far. When I was there & milling about they bought 2 of the Marvel Select action figures (which aren't cheap, each figure is at least over 20 dollars), a Statue (which was priced over 200 dollars) & a pile of comics. Not sure what they had in there pile but it was at least over 10 books. So.. the store made some money that day.

But.. getting to the comics! I did have the 3 I was looking forward to reading: Batwoman #1, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E & Suicide Squad #1. But there were other books! 3 books caught my eye but I only bought 2 of them. The one i thought was interesting but not enough to buy was Superboy #1 I thought the idea behind it was interesting but as i said not enough to buy. I would check out future issues to see where it goes. I did also flip through Deathstroke #1, Resurrection Man #1, Legion Lost #1 & Batman & Robin #1 but didn't see anything in those issues that grabbed me.

On to the 3 books I was looking forword:

Batwoman #1: a comic that was been a long time coming. It was originally slated to come out months ago (January or February) something happened & it didn't come out but was going to come out sometime. That time was now! But as I read this book I just couldn't shake the feeling that the books seems to be working off of the past universe. It seems like a Pre-New 52 book. Also, if you had not read the previous stories with Batwoman (like her run in Detective Comics which was awesome) you might be a bit lost since they directly reference it & just assume you know what they are talking about. It's fine 1st issue. The art by co-writer J.H. Williams III is what sold me on the previous Batwoman stories & is still a strong point (if not the strongest point) of the book. I'll continue to read it but it still felt like it was written & drawn before the New 52 happened. It was just dropped in because they had said with going to come out.

Frankenstein Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1: I hadn't read any of the previous stuff involving this character & decided to pick up purely on what little I had read about the book. After reading this issue I sort of wished like I had read some of the older stuff so I'd have a better handle on what was going on. Much like with Batwoman they refer something from older stories like your just to know who/what they are. They do explain some of the stuff like what does S.H.A.D.E. stand for (Super Human Advanced Defense Executive) which was one thing I was wondering about. In the issue they reveal that Ray Palmer exists in this new universe & is the U.N. Science Liaison to the organization (He created the shrinking technology they use. No mention if he's The Atom or not). They also made mention of a "Langstrom Serum" in reference to a character (one of the member of Creature Commandos, who also exist in this new universe & also work for S.H.A.D.E.). So, Kurt Langstrom exists but Man-Bat might not? I sort of wish the artist (J.G. Jones) who did the cover had done the interior art. The art by Alberto Ponicelli did a fine job on the art & it fits with the book. It's just not my favorite art style. There are some interesting concepts presented in the books (S.H.A.D.E's HQ & the character of Father Time being 2 of them) but I wasn't completely sold on the story. So, a large part of the story takes place in a place called Bone Lake, Washington. I live in Washington & had never heard of it. I asked my parents if they had heard of it, they had now. I looked it up online & there is a Bone Lake, Washington but in the comic there is a lake there. In the photos I saw there is no lake near Bone Lake. There is a lake called Bone Lake but that in Washington County, Minnesota. But in the comic it states that the town's name is Bone Lake & it's near a lake in Washington state.

Suicide Squad #1: I'm starting to think I might be in the minority of people who liked this issue. I wasn't sure what to make of this comic before it came out. I thought it was a fine first issue (most of the New 52 comics I've thought have been fine). It sets up who the members of the team are, what the team's purpose is & some has some nice action in it. Now I hadn't read any of the old Suicide Squad comic but I had a general idea of who that team was & this was in line with what I thought. (That might be good or bad). At times it did feel like Marvel's Thunderbolts which I guess is their version of the SS & a book I was more familiar with. I didn't mind Harley's new costume all that much (but wouldn't mind an explanation of why it changed). I like Deadshot's old mask over the one he wears in this issue. 1 thing I did notice was that on the cover it lists 1 artist (Federico Dallocchio) on the book but inside there are listed 3 artists (Dalocchio, Random Getty & Scott Hanna. I'm not sure who's art is whos' but I liked the art from the middle part of the book more then the art from the first part of the book (I suspect that that art is either Gettys' or Hannas'). I will be coming back to see where this book goes.

On to the 2 books other books I bought: Demon Knights & Mister Terrific.

Demon Knights #1: I have read some of writer Paul Cornel's previous stuff (His Lex Luthor story in Action Comics was awesome). I don't think i've seen any of artist Diogenes Neves' art before. As for the characters in the book (Etrigan the Demon, Madame Xanadu, Vandal Savage, The Shining Knight) none would say I had an opinion on any of them either way. I just hadn't read enough to form an opinion. I did know who they were (at least I knew of the older version of the Shining Knight, the new version was new to me). The story read nicely, I liked the art, it established the characters nicely & set up things for the next issues (there be dragons to fight!). I do wonder how this book will tie into Madame Xanadu's appearances in other books (like Justice League Dark).

Mister Terrific #1: I was already half sold on the book for 1 kind of stupid reason: I heard rumors that Karen Starr (the alter ego of Power Girl) was going to be a character in the book. Is she? Yes. But was that really worth the buy? no. I bought it because it was a pretty good issue & set up a storyline that I want to see where it goes. And it doesn't hurt that Karen Starr is there. :) They don't say that she's Power Girl & she doesn't show having any super powers but just that she exist in someway is fine for now.

Not sure I had read anything by Eric Wallace (the writer) or by Gianluca Gugliotta (the artist) before but they I didn't read or see anything truly bad in the book (some of the facial expressions were a bit odd but I could get past that). I hadn't read much or knew much regarding the character Mister Terrific other then he's smart (3rd smartest in the world according to the book) & a member of the JSA (who don't exist, at least on his earth). I do sort of miss his jacket.

Well... that's it for this week.

As you may notice that the number & which comics are listed has changed. It's gone for "New 11" to the  "New 12" to the "New 14". What number will it be at next week? I don't know. We'll just have to see.

The books I'm looking forward to new week is: Catwoman #1, DC Universe Presents #1 (which will be featuring Deadman) & Nightwing #1. Other books coming out next week is Batman, Bird of Prey, Blue Beetle, Legion of Super-Heroes, Red Hood and The Outlaws, Supergirl & Wonder Woman.

The next post here will mostly be about a character who has been popping up in New 52 comics. Who are they? I don't know. DC hasn't told us.

Until then: Stay Jazzy everyone!

- Brian

This is Entry 227: Fall TV Preview!

So, we are going to step away from DC Comics for a moment to talk about the upcoming Fall TV season. Well.. as I found that the season already started 2 Fridays ago. But most of the networks are starting to roll out the new shows & new episodes of returning show this week. This will be happening well into November. But most of the premieres will be happening with in the next month.


To see where I found me list go here. I'll be breaking it down by day, time & channel. This is using the U.S. times & channels. If you live elsewhere check you local listings.

September 14th (Wednesday)

America's Next Top Model at 9pm on the CW: yeah. This for some reason this show just draws me in. I seen most of the past seasons (if not the complete season, a few episodes from that season). This season it's an All Star edition with 14 past contestants are back for a second chance at the top!

September 19th (Monday)

Dancing with the Stars at 8pm: Much like ANTM, this show just draws me in for some reason. I think I've seen every episode of this show.

Castle at 10 pm: awesome show! You should be watching this show if you don't already watch it. The show's premise is this: The show follows novelist Richard Castle (played by Nathan Fillion) who shadows NYPD Detective Kate Beckett (Played by Stana Katic) on case & together they fight crime! There is other stuff but that's the basic premise. Go watch it!

Other stuff you could watch on Mondays:

Two and a Half Men at 9 pm on CBS: This will be the 1st season without Charles Sheen. His replacement (or sorts) is Ashton Kutcher. It should be interesting to see how they write out Sheen & write in Kutcher.

2 Broke Girls at 9:30 pm (but after the Premiere episode moves to 8:30 pm, still on Monday) on CBS: A new comedy about well... 2 broke girls who work at waitress' in New York City.

American Pickers at 9 pm & Pawn Stars at 10pm on the History Channel: 2 shows always worth a watch.

The Playboy Club at 10 pm on NBC: one of the few 1960's era based shows that are premiering this fall. This show takes place as... the Playboy Club in Las Vegas (I think).

September 20th (Tuesday)
NCIS at 8 pm on CBS: like Castle, NCIS is another awesome show. It follows the Washington D.C. based Naval Criminal Investigational Service (NCIS) lead by Special Agent Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon). Another show you should be watching

NCIS: Los Angles at 9 pm on CBS: Like NCIS but in LA. Not as awesome as NCIS but still pretty good. The 2 shows have different feels to them which is good. I just like the original better.


Other stuff you could watch on Tuesdays:
- Glee at 8 pm on Fox: if you into that sort of thing. I've seen an episode here & there. I'm still not sold on the show.

The cast of "New Girl"

- New Girl at 9 pm on Fox: This new comedy starring Zooey Deschanel (Fox has cornered the market on Deschanels since Zooey's older sister Emily is on Bones). I've actually seen the pilot episode of the this show & it's was actually pretty good. Had some nice moments, nice character inactions, a few good laughs. In the show, Zooey's character has just broken up with her boyfriend & wants to start over so she moves. Into an apartment she'll now share with 3 guys, 3 straight guys. Of course hilarity ensues.  Something I'd think about watching more episodes of.

September 22nd (Thursday)

Who will be your replacement?

The NBC Comedy block (Community at 8, Parks & Recreation at 8:30, The Office at 9 & Whitney at 9:30): The 1st hour is better then the 2nd hour. I will tune into to see who'll replace Michael Scott (Steve Carell's character) as the Boss in The Office. Whitney is a new show & I'm not sure if I want to watch that. I am wondering where the show 30 Rock will end up since I didn't see it on the schedule & I don't think it was cancelled. Maybe it will come back mid season?


Other stuff you could watch on Thursdays:
- Charles Angels at 8 pm on ABC: a reboot of the old 70's TV show. Might be good, might not be.

- Prime Suspect at 10 pm on NBC: the American version of a British show. Maria Bello takes over the role original done by Helen Mirren.

September 24th (Saturday)

Doctor Who at 9 pm on BBC America: Time Travel! Aliens! Robots! Bow Ties! British People! Scottish People! Other Awesome Stuff! Watch it!


After Who (all the cool kids call it Who), at 10 pm BBC America will be airing a show called "The Nerdist": I know nothing about this other then it might be a televised version of Chris Hardwick's podcast of the same name.

Saturday Night Live at 11:30 pm on NBC: I don't know who the host or musical guest will be at the moment. 

September 25th (Sunday):
Fox's Animation Block (The Simpsons 8 pm, The Cleavland Show 8:30 pm, Family Guy 9 pm & American Dad 9:30 pm): the shows are hit or a miss for me. Depends on the episode if I like the show(s).

Pan Am at 10p on ABC: It's the 1960's, Pan Am still exists as a thing (it was an Airline company). From what I've gathered the show will focus on the Stewardess (now called Flight Attendants).

September 28th (Wednesday):

Mythbusters at 9pm on Discovery: another awesome show returns for new episodes!














October 21st (Friday):
Grimm at 9 pm on NBC: The shows' premise is set in present-day Portland, Oregon where a homicide detective learns that they are a descendent of & last of a group of hunters known as "Grimms". They now have to fight to keep humanity safe from the various evil storybook characters/creatures.

October 23rd (Sunday):

Once Upon a Time at 8 pm on ABC: Along the same lines as Grimm, this show's premise is a woman with a troubled past is drawn into a small town in Maine where the magic and mystery of Fairy Tales might be real.

October 27th (Thursday):

Wood. heheheheheheheheheheh

Beavis and Butt-Head at 10 pm on MTV: They return!




















And that's pretty much it for the show I'll be watching/checking out this Fall Season.


I'll most likely make another post after I seen some of this stuff & tell you want I think. I'll be back later this week with another post regarding the this week's DC Comics.


Until then: Stay Jazzy!


- Brian

This is Entry 226: Got ya Covered!

This was some I made a week or so ago. I put it up on Facebook but I forgot to put it up over here. So... Here it is:

It's a fake cover I put together. It's a visual companion to a comment I had been hearing around the 'net since the announcement of "New 52" was coming out. That comment being "DC's New 52 is their version of Marvel's Heroes Reborn.

For those who do know or don't remember that event/line of books. Head over to Wikipedia & read their  entry on it: Heroes Reborn.



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In other news: My Life in a Longbox has gained yet another follower. This brings the count up to 7. Slid is the name followers' name. So, welcome aboard!

That's all I got for now. Until next time: Stay Jazzy!

- Brian

This is Entry 225: To Reboot or not to Reboot?

One of the more interesting & thought provoking videos I've seen regarding DC's "New 52":

The Escapist : The Big Picture : Continanity: Rebooted

Until next time: Stay Jazzy!

- Brian

This is Entry 224: Even more went Down!

It's another week & I'm back to talk more about some DC Comics. As you can see my banner for the post is slightly different. I'm taking a page/idea from the world of Fashion.

The term "The September Issue" as I understand it means that the September issue of those fashion magazines (Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, etc.) devote all & some portion of that issue to talking about that Fall's fashion trends. So, I've devote some of my post this month to talking about DC reboot. I didn't put up this banner for my discussion on Justice League since it was released in August & I hadn't thought it up yet.

Before I get to the 2 books I bought. I'll give come quick reactions to what I saw in some of the books as a took a quick look through them at the store:

Action Comic #1: Meh. I'm not so hot on DC starting some of the New 52 book in the past (five years ago). I'd rather them start it in the here & now then have some flashback later on. Or just let the information trickle out in the story.

Animal Man #1: Did not like the art. I don't care how great a story it might be but if I don't like the art of comic book. I'm not going to read it.

Batwing #1: The art looked painted. Not sure why they did it this way.

Detective Comics #1: I know i pick this one up & looked through it but I don't remember anything about it. Must of flipped to fast. I might look through it again.

Green Arrow #1: He apparently is wearing the suit from the "Smallville" show now & his facial hair was drawn weird in the book.

Stormwatch #1: What's up with Martian Manhunter's head? It's got like gills on the sides of his head now. Also, why is he even in this book?

Swamp Thing #1: meh. But that's how I feel about the character in general.

There was a few books I didn't even see the store I go even had (Hawk and Dove, Men of War, O.M.A.C. & Static Shock). Not sure I just didn't see these books or the store just didn't order any of those books.

Also, In the past 2 weeks I've been coming into the store around the same time. Both weeks I've been seeing new people in the store. I see then DC Comics in their hands. So, that's 1 thing DC has going for them. I'll wait to see these people are around in 6 months.


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But on to the 2 DC books I picked up: Batgirl #1 & Justice League International #1

First up: The JLI. Before I get into the book it's self. Lets' talk about the cover:

The Original Cover

The Altered Cover DC started to use a few days later.

The Cover to Issue #1

The lower right hand cover has gone through a lot of work since it first came out in Early June. First, there was a mystery woman down there (I still don't know who she is). Then, there wasn't anyone there & now there is someone there. That person is Godiva!

Who?

Yeah. I only vaguely know who she is (What I knew before read this issue was that there is a DC character named Godiva & she has big blonde hair. Now I also know she's British).

I will say this there is 1 thing the JLI book has over the Justice League: all the members on the cover show up in the issue & they go off to do something. Pages 1 & 2 it's stated that a team should be made. Pages 3 & 4 the team members are chosen. On Page 8 you see the entire team together & in costume. By Page 11 they are off on a mission. By page 16 they are fighting monsters. I'm guessing this what will take the Justice League at least 2 more issues to do.

Also, on page 1 it establishes that The Creeper, Metamorpho, B'wana Beast & Congorilla exist in the New 52 (They are seen in splash page montage of various characters).

I'm still not completely sold on Booster Gold's costume. I don't like the "W" on the costume, It seems pointless. It would work better if there was.. oh... I don't know... a W in his name. The rest of the costumes seem better good. Godiva's seems extreme generic. It's almost like no thought went into it. 

There was also one thing I keep on thinking "Where is Skeets?" Did Booster just forget him at home or does Skeets, Booster's sidekick/personal assistant not exist in this New 52? Hope this point will be resolved in future issues.

2 more things: 

- In this issue Batman doesn't seem like such an dick as he comes off in . But this Issue does happen 5 years later.

- Apparently Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) is Tony Stark now because the issue talks about them getting the team's jet from Queen Industries.

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Up next is Batgirl #1

One of the few books that truly had the Internet as buzzing. I wanted to pick this book simply to see how to do they resolve the whole "Hey! I'm not paralyzed from waist down anymore!" thing. Well... They do. And *Spoilers to a almost 30 year old story* she was still shot by the Joker & was paralyzed. But after 3 years of not being able to move or feel her legs, a "miracle" happened. It's said like one morning she just woke up & could feel/move them. We are not told what this miracle is but I sure hope that when they reveal what this "miracle" is that it's not something like Marvel did in the Spider-Man story One More Day: Ms. Gordon made a deal with a demonic force (it's not the devil because that would mean that the comic was favoring Judeo-Christian themes) so that she could use her legs again.

As for the story it's self: it was a fine 1st issue. It set up who Barbra is, what her backstory is, started to establish who her supporting cast is, set up a Villain & showed her out kicking some ass as Batgirl.

Not much else to say. A newspaper article is shown to have been written by Jack Ryder, who is the alter ego of The Creeper & a couple mistake Batgirl for Batwoman during on scene.


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Next week....

I'll be picking up 3 books: Batwoman #1, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 & Suicide Squad #1. Other books being released next week are 2 of the 4 Green Lantern books, Demon Knights with Etrigan the Demon, one of the Legion of Super-Heroes books, Mr. Terrific (which I've heard rumors might have Power Girl in it), Deathstroke, Grifter, Resurrection Man & Superboy!

Until next time: Stay Jazzy!

- Brian

This is Entry 223: Brian on the Aisle #10

Movie Poster!

Well... for this tenth entry of the "Brian goes to the Movies & then Blogs about them" I went & saw: X-Men:  First Class. You might be saying to yourself:

 Self, didn't that come out a few months ago & it's shortly coming on DVD/Blu-Ray soon?

Uh... it's a bit odd that you refer to yourself as Self but yes. It did come out a few months & is shortly to be out on the movie playing discs. But as said in posts past I live just a few short blocks from a 2nd run movie theater & if I don't mind waiting I see most major movies at a discounted price (3 Dollars). Knowing that it was soon to be on DVD/Blu-Ray & that the theater stops playing said movies when they do that I had only a short while to see it. So, I did that yesterday.

What did I think about it? Was good. I think that my viewing of the summer comic book movies is in an interesting order. I saw Green Lantern disliked it. I saw Thor next, liked it. Now I seen this & not sure if I liked more or less then Thor but I have 1 left: Captain America: The First Avenger. So, that should be the best of the four. Yes, I know that Cowboys Vs. Aliens was based off of a comic book but it's not super hero related so I'm not counting that. Plus, I don't really want to see that movie.

There was 1 kind of major part of the movie that I'm not sure worked all that well: The Era. Sure, they say it's the 1960's & keep showing things from the swinging '60s (Clothes, Cars, Reel to Reel Tape Players, JFK, etc.) but all background stuff. It just didn't seem like the 1960's. Doctor Who on a smaller budget (I'm not sure but this is a movie & Who is a TV show which to me means less money behind it) seemed to have done the 60's quite nicely a few months back. This version of the 60's just seemed off. The X Uniform I think do not look like something that would have been present during the time period. I just looks too modern. If you can put the "what era are we actually in?" out of your mind you can have a quite nice time at the movies. It's not a bad movie.

There was few nitpick things:
- I'm not sure Havok's powers work that way. I think I knew what they were going for "He's Cyclops' bother so his powers should work in similar fashion" Uh... no. Just because their brothers doesn't mean they have similar powers.
- Beasts' makeup from X-Men 3 looked better. It just looked more Beasty to me. I will say that I did think effect done with Beast's feet while he wasn't so furry earlier on in the film did look cool. I did make me wonder how he got his feet into his shoes. They looked like he folded his toes under & that can't be comfortable to walk like that.
- Banshee wasn't Irish or at least he didn't sound Irish. Yes, he could have been the American born child of 2 Irish immigrants but that's not how it's in the comics.
- Why kill off the only black mutant before he has a chance to really do anything?

I have a pretty good basic knowledge of the X-Men mythos & who people are but I just didn't know who Azazel (red Nightcrawler) & Riptide (who I had to look up online for his character's name since I don't it was ever said in the movie & I missed during the end credits) are. I might do some more research on them later on, I might not.

I thought it was a fun movie. I liked the relationships between Charles, Erik & Raven. I thought the scenes of Charles attempting to pick up women (Your a mutant, I'm a Mutant, Mutants are sexy, let's have sex) was funny. I liked the cameo in the movie (one of the better cameos from the Marvel movies since it's slightly served a story purpose).

What do I give it? 3 mutated genes out of 5. I did think about of saying 3 X's out 5. But XXX is something else :)

Until next time: Stay Jazzy everybody!

- Brian

This is Entry 222: It went Down!

Get use to seeing this since I'll be using it for the next month :) Also, you'll notice it now say New 12 instead New 11 as previous posted. I decided to add the Nightwing book to the list.

So.... yesterday the 1st of the "New 52" books came out. It was Justice League #1. What did I think of it? It was an ok book. Not really a spectacular book, just ok. In all the 1st issues I've read over the years this this was ok. Now as a "we are introducing a new universe & this is your first look" it was... uh... ok. Maybe less then that.

The issue set up (for the most part) the book/storyline but not the universe as a whole. Which is ok but the way the book was being advertised it seemed like "To know what is going on in the New 52, you must pick up Justice league #1 or forever be lost! *evil laughter with a lightning strike in the background*"

The book does not set up the universe or the team very well. About half of the team doesn't even show up in the book! It's mostly the Hal & Bruce Show with a special appearance by Superman (on the last page) & a subplot involving the man who will become Cyborg. I still don't understand why Cyborg is even a member of the team (to me he will always be a Teen Titan). I would have much rather had Martian Manhunter on the team. Make it a true classic JL line up.

What did I think of the writing? Fine. Geoff Johns' writing for me is a hit or miss: I'll either like or not. (Example: Blackest Night is Awesome, Brightest Day is Crap.) The issue had some nice exchanges between Batman & Green Lantern. I chuckled to myself aloud at some of the lines. The pacing of the book was bit slow but but then Mr. John likes to slowly build. I read somewhere that the 1st storyline will be 6 parts so hopefully the League is up a running by or before issue #3.

What did I think of the art? Nice. It's on level of what I've come to expect from a "Jim Lee drawn" book.

Would I pick up Issue 2? I might pick it up at the store & flip through it. Not sure I'd buy it.

Next week as you can see on the Checklist we have 2 books I've been looking forward to: Justice League International #1 & Batgirl #1. There are 11 other books coming out like Action Comics & Detective Comics being the 2 biggest of the set. But JLI & Batgirl are those I'm really looking forward to. I might flip through/buy AC depends on what I see in it.

Until next time: Stay Jazzy!

- Brian