Mr. H, Author at Graphic Policy

Author Archives: Mr. H

Remembering 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Mr. H

Today is a day for remembrance. I don’t care what your political affiliation may be, I want you to think back to that infamous day. For on that day we were not rich or poor, defined by any color or even good or bad people. We were simply just Americans. Americans who were trying to deal with an injustice that many of us until then thought only existed in the pages of comic books. We were wrong.

Evil didn’t just exist in a comic book, no. Luckily for us, neither did heroes. I will never forget what real heroes did for us that day. How they put their bodies and lives on the line without even a second thought. I often wonder could I summon such courage had I have been in their shoes. I’d like to think I could, but thanks to these spectacularly selfless people I may never have to.

So I ask any of you who reads this today, to take a moment of your time and remember them. Remember those brave souls who lost and gave their lives, so that we may live a better one when we wake each morning. Please remember that spirit and fire you felt when you witnessed this unfathomable tragedy. Though fourteen long years have passed, it is so easy to have a short memory. Don’t. Today when you bow your head in silence, pay homage to those who had the courage to do whatever needed to be done. They don’t need medals or awards or parades. They simply need your thanks. Remember their loss was our loss. I’m not interested in theories or conspiracies. No, not today.

Today just give them what they eternally deserve. Today we grieve for only one day, and for one cause. Today we are One America. God bless us all. May we never forget. May we never surrender, and thank God for heroes.

Commentary

Review: Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #5

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Mr. H

“The Final Vow”

Here it is. The Final battle. The ultimate conclusion of The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows. Before we get started, I must say that I absolutely dig the cover of this issue. The three members of the Parker family with their backs against the wall, united against the ultimate threat: Regent (Well for the purpose of this story, the ultimate threat but to me not really. I guess I’ll just go with it) I’m just so darned happy to see a Spider-Man that is back where he belongs: with his family. Truth be told, I haven’t been extremely impressed with this mini series as a whole, but Dan Slott has really swung me around as of last month. Enough introduction, true readers, here we go…

Where we last left off last month, Spidey was defeated by the über villain Regent, and entombed in a glass prison to have his powers siphoned off and to never be seen again. Well that ain’t gonna happen on account that the Parker women (his wife MJ and his super powered offspring Annie May) have set out to rescue Peter and kick some Regent tush in the process. (Easier said than done ladies, this bad guy did just wipe out half of the Marvel pantheon of Super-heroes. Nothing tougher than a couple gals from Queens i guess!)

Meanwhile Regent is back at his HQ, finishing off the last of former Avenger Hawkeye (Who is just awesome in his Nick Fury role, eyepatch and all) and his resistance forces. Things are looking grim when Hawkeye takes his final shot with an arrow that has tech designed to stop Regents powers. He cocks the bow back, fires and.. Regent catches and snaps the arrow! Hawkeye is in a state of bewilderment and wonders how this is possible and Regent simply says “My Spider-Sense, was tingling.” (That line gave me chills) Now it appears it is truly hopeless for our heroes as Hawkeye believes if this is true, then Peter must be dead.

Wait, the action doesn’t stop there as we now join back with the “Spider-Girls” (MJ and Annie May) who are presently kicking butt on Regent’s scientists and henchmen. For me it was a joy to watch Annie May, (a character we long thought dead and never to return) kick major butt just like her pop. I could tell Slott really enjoyed writing her this issue, and we got the whole apple doesn’t fall far from the tree thing in full motion here. Adam Kubert does a fantastic job of bringing her to life and captures Annie’s personality and it’s a joy to see. Also hearing MJ and her daughter banter back and forth about code names made me chuckle quite a bit. When MJ puts on the armor and says she’s already got a codename: Mom. That was just perfect. Things go south when Regent realizes that the gals are interfering and then he takes the fight directly to them. All this occurs while Spidey is in his suspended state and has to witness the death of his family. In true Spider-Man fashion, he realizes this does not have to be and he fights. He fights harder than he’s ever fought before, because his wife and daughter are on the line. Like we’ve seen in many moments in Spider-Man lore, the one power that cannot be siphoned is his will. The indomitable will to never ever give up. That is one of the reasons Spider-Man to me is one of the greatest heroes ever. So he shows it once again and through sheer desire breaks free of his prison and decides to end this battle once and for all and with his family by his side.

Overall: Now I don’t want to ruin the conclusion to this story, if you’re a true Spider-Man fan you will love it. In a series that has skewed from who the character is at points, it closes with what makes him great and true. (In my opinion it is the second best moment of Slott’s historic run following only behind, Peter’s relinquishing of the Spider-Man mantle to Dr. Octopus in Amazing Spider-Man #700) I won’t say this was a perfect story, it certainly was not. It was as good as it needed to be. We got to see Annie again and get some closure to that storyline that has been dangling for decades now. We got to see Peter back with MJ which writers should know is where he belongs. Family and responsibility are the cornerstones of Spider-Man and I never got why writers have shied away from it. I hope we see more of this Spider-Man in the future, it was a reward for us long, long time readers. Most importantly, we got to see a Spider-Man who sticks to his morals and his fortitude to save the day. Comic books come and go and creative changes are a plenty, but great moments are eternal. I’m happy to say Mr. Slott, you’ve given us another one. Thank you.

Story: Dan Slott Art: Adam Kubert
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Grayson #11

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Mr. H

“The me you think you know”

This month we open right up with action, action, action! Agent 1 is down from his heinous attack by the Agent Killer (that’s my name for this character) Agent 1 looks up just in time to see his assassin and it appears to be… Dick Grayson?? Wait no, AK just got attacked by Dick Grayson! (So.. will the Real Dick Grayson please stand up?)

Just then Agent 37 (our Dick) says what most of the readers must have been thinking. He asks if the killer is really Clayface (from his old cape and cowl Gotham days), and tells him it’s been boring and done so many times before. (Hush, the new 52, etc.) He banters on with his doppelganger and begins to slowly realize this can’t be Clayface, and he’s intrigued. His curiosity starts to turn to worry though when the villain starts talking more. Little by little divulging things only a member of the Bat Family or someone close to them would know, which is bad news. Agent 37 is becoming more unnerved by the moment and wants to shut it down, but now he is on the end of someone maliciously taunting him. The mystery foe gets deep in his head with all the mentions of Dick’s past tragedies and failures. The verbal onslaught makes Grayson sloppy and he starts to fade quick. It’s then apparent that Dick is no match at this moment and falls to his deadly foe.

It is here that the writer reveals to the readers who was masquerading as Dick Grayson, and I must say I am glad they didn’t go the old tired route of Clayface or one of the other Bat Villains. Instead they gave Dick and all of SPYRAL a new antagonist to work with. Which is just fine with me. Having not been too familiar with this character as others, I’m not sure it packed the emotional gut punch it was supposed to for me, but it still worked well.

Overall: I’ve said it before, this title presents Dick Grayson at his very best. The spy shtick suits him nicely and his humor is a breath of fresh air. The mystery keeps compounding which I am enjoying and can’t wait until Dick finally gets the chance to reunite with some more familiar characters very soon. I in no way want this title to come to an end and just force Dick back to his Nightwing role. This is like a hit tv show that just keeps getting better and is about to hit it’s stride. So please tuck the capes in the suitcase for a little while longer please DC Comics and throw him in an Astin Martin and have him cruising the mountainside and crank it full throttle! (After all James Bond should not have to sully himself leaping across rooftops at night) One thing this issue taught me is Dick, like the folly of most great dashing spies needs to keep it in his pants more. After all, Hell hath no fury like a… whoops, may have said too much. I’m stowing all communicators and SPYRAL IDs until next month. See you then. Agent H out…

Story: Tom King and Tim Seeley Art: Mikel Janin
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Definite Buy

Review: Superman #43

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Mr. H

“The secret’s out and we’re all friends here”

This issue does finally what we’ve waited for since this “DC You” revamp, and that’s answer just what the hell happened to Superman’s powers? We start the issue off with Lois and Clark in bed. (not to worry, nothing happened, Superman just burned up all his clothes with his new Solar Flare power and Lois put his cape in the wash) Clark realizes he’s back at Lois’s apartment in her bed and she replies “Couldn’t put Superman on the floor, could we?” (Classic Lois, gotta love her) As Clark gets his bearings he sees that more company is there, his best pal Jimmy Olson (Though he likes to be called Jim. Good luck bud, you’ve been Jimmy for over 75 years so deal with it.) and fellow Daily Planet colleague, Condessa.

Jimmy is all sorts of distraught as he thinks he may have inadvertently spilled the beans on Clark’s big secret. Everyone assures him this is not the case, but how can they be sure? Someone knows. One thing is for certain it’s not good. While Condessa consoles Jimmy, Lois gets real with Clark over a microwave meal of Lean Cuisine. (Lois is not the happy homemaker type clearly) She then tells him even though she has reported on him for most of his career, there is still so much she does not know. So she hits him with some hard questions: “Why did he settle in Metropolis?” “Does he have some sort of master plan?” “What if he goes rogue one day?” “Can he control this new Flare power?” (Good questions, that one would expect from the most intrepid reporter on the planet) She tells him that the public deserves the right to know these answers. Clark tries to change the subject but Lois brings up back when Superman was in his early days, she saw her father and Lex Luthor torture him to get answers. Lois tells Clark she is not like them, she will not brutalize him even for the sake of a great story in print. With that being said Lois said she’s decided to keep his secret. He’s always been Clark Kent to her first, and she’s even fell in love with him. Clark puts the brakes on and tells her that he belongs to someone else. (Wonder Woman, duh she sees the news Clark!) Lois in true Lois fashion responds saying she’s got someone too and besides she knows she’s not “mythological” enough for his taste. (Ha! best line of the book) When someone gets Lois and writes her so well, it’s hard not to make a case for these two not to be together. They are just iconically eternal. The name just rings. Lois and Clark. There was even a show about it with the super talented Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain in the 90’s too. I digress, we can’t get what we want in fandom all the time. Sigh.

Just as the two finish up their heart to heart, they realize they are being watched. Lois’s phone has been transformed with robotic tri pod legs and a villain name Hordr (lame name I must admit), is using it to blackmail Superman. Lois instinctively smashes the phone before the demands can be explained and Clark admonishes her. She says he can’t be serious but tells her, he has to play along. At least for now. Then Clark gets ready to rush off to save the day and Lois tells him she’s coming with him. He explains it’s too dangerous, bla, bla, bla and she says she is a part of both his lives. (Good for you Lois, he may wear the cape but you have the backbone)

The remainder of the issue is Lois and Clark setting out to confront Hordr (maybe if I keep saying it, nope the name still sucks) which they do with some surprising results. I won’t ruin the revelations here, but I will say Lois’s reason for what she did with Clark’s secret made me sympathize with her greatly. As for how Superman’s powers are depleted, it was serviceable enough.

Overall: I wanted answers, and this issue (and writer Gene Luen Yang) gave them to me. What it also did is remind me that Lois and Clark should be together. Sure the Wonder Woman thing is cool, but he belongs with Lois. Aside from the complications of a possible human/ Kryptonian pregnancy, I don’t see any reason to keep them apart. I’m not a fan of the new villain either but it is better than writers rehashing old storylines and getting overused villains out of the sandbox all the time. This was definitely the best chapter of this story yet. I even thought Romita Jr’s, art was above what it’s been the past year. (Truth be told, I am a life time fan of the Romitas and both John Sr. and John Jr. are my favorite all time Spider-Man artists.) Now that the genie is out, it’s going to be hard to get the cape back on it. I sure know they will try their best though, and after this month I can’t wait to follow along. Remember kids to beware your phone because once something is in cyberspace it never dies. Also it could secretly be a super villain’s robotic booby trap to blackmail you too. Till next month, if you need me I will be watching Lois and Clark reruns remembering what was.

Story: Gene Luen Yang Art: John Romita Jr.
Story: 9 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Steven Amell proved the stars come out to fight at SummerSlam 2015

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Mr. H

“Hooray for Amellywood”

As a life time Pro Wrestling Fan and Comic Book Geek extraordinaire, something very special happened last night in the Barclay Center in front of a large attendance crowd and myself watching at home on the WWE Network (For the low price of just $9.99) WWE hosted their annual summer spectacular: Summer Slam, which is second to only Wrestlemania in terms of yearly importance. Picture if the NFL had two Super Bowls a year and you get the idea. Just like Wrestlemania, Vince McMahon and Co. always try to pad the card with as much action and grandeur as possible. Usually that means bringing in a current celebrity to add some intrigue to an under promoted match to boost interest. Now this does not always go well and I can list a few: Pete Rose, Mickey Rourke, Seth Green, Donald Trump and last night, Jon Stewart. (Although if Trump had hit John Cena with Stewart’s chair it probably would have boosted his poll numbers.)

The point is, that all too often these “Celebrity Showcases” tend to fail expectations. Well that ended last night. I’ve often said that watching the WWE is like watching real life Superheroes battle it out for supremacy in a 14 x 20 ring. So many parallels can be made: the iconic music, flashy costumes, crazy storylines and more often than not, high-flying. True it is not a real sport and should never be considered as such, it is coined as “Sports Entertainment”. It is however born from Greco Roman wrestling which is very real and it pays homage to that amazing art, albeit through acting and pageantry on a grand scale.

With that said, Steven Amell (better known as Oliver Queen/ Green Arrow from the CW Network’s hit show Arrow) gets this. He has a major key component that most “guests” don’t. He is a lifelong fan. He knows the business (terminology, kayfabe, physical demands, etc.) but most import he has respect for the heritage. I have followed Amell since he’s come on the scene with Arrow and watched many interviews with him. He has always said he is a life long fan of the WWE, and coming from Canada that’s no surprise. Like Hockey, so many of the greats have come from the Great White North. (Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Sami Zayn, Chris Jericho, Edge, Trish Stratus, I could go on but the column would never end) \

When it was rumored that Steven Amell wanted to have a match after he appeared at Monday Night Raw earlier in the year, I was a little worried. My trepidation decreased when I knew whom he would be feuding/ working with: Cody Rhodes aka Stardust. Rhodes is a self proclaimed comic geek as well and this was a breath of fresh air. This had to be done well. They couldn’t take it too seriously and most important of all, it had to be fun. Rhodes current character Stardust is a spin off of his older brother Dustin’s iconic Goldust character from years past.

Where Goldust was more focused using bizarre and psuedo-erotic behavior to disarm his opponents, Stardust is just bizarre on a cosmic scale. For every hero you need an intriguing villain. For that villain to be effective they need to believe they are the hero. Stardust was the perfect foil for Amell’s Arrow persona for this very reason. The feud was predicated on the fact that Stardust couldn’t distinguish Amell’s role onscreen as Oliver Queen to him being a real life fan of WWE. Simple, plausible but Cody Rhodes went above and beyond for the big sell on this. Let’s just say it paid off swimmingly. The build up for this was slow and steady, with Amell showing up on Raw and then Stardust attacking him via Amell’s Twitter page @amellywood (You know like all the tough guys do these days) with both stars going back and forth jawing for months when finally August 10th it got physical.

Amell was there at the show, front row in a fan capacity when he was being taunted and then physically shoved by Stardust. Amell was not to let this stand and in a single bound he sprung to action by leaping over the top rope (which was awesome) and went right at Stardust. The fisticuffs quickly disapated as this was designed to be the tease for the eventual Summer Slam match.

Of course we as fans knew the fight was coming, but for storyline purposes they did not yet have the “green light” for Arrow and Stardust to tangle. However then WWE COO Triple H made the match official and history was set to be made in New York. To add to the entertainment intrigue, they gave each man a tag team partner. For Amell he got red-hot newcomer Neville and Stardust got teamed with the meanest man in England now dubbed “The Cosmic King” Wade Barrett.

When these addtions were announced, I knew WWE was handling this right. Of course many would want a one on one epic showdown between Amell and Stardust, but this was the absolute right call. Amell is in great shape but he is not a wrestler and safety is key when you get in that ring. This is Sports Entertainment after all, not Bloodsport with Jean-Claude Van Dam. The stage was set and all the players ready, only one question remained. “What would Amell wrestle in?”

Well his entrance made me and hopefully most comic geeks proud. (It would have obviously been a bit too much and probably uncomfortable for him to wrestle in his full Arrow gear, so we got a cool compromise: Leather Arrow hoodie/ jacket and black ring shorts and wrestling combat boots) I have long dreamed of seeing one of my favorite super heroes do “battle” inside a WWE ring, and thanks to Amell and WWE Creative brass I got it. The match itself was exactly what it should have been: a fun little showcase letting Amell get payback on the nefarious Stardust and live out his and our dreams simultaneously. It didn’t go too long or get silly and unlike every single other celebrity guest, Amell didn’t go all “glory hog” on us and actually let his tag team partner get the win and the spotlight. (Right call WWE. Right call.)

Overall it was a great spectacle and was very hard not to get caught up in the hype. It certainly delivered on my end. We even got to see Amell fly off the top rope to the bad guys on the outside! The end result was the good guys getting the win with their hands raised and sending the fans home happy.

Great scene and a classy move from a real true fan. Amell may be the hit star of one of the best shows on TV these days, but I in no way object to him doing more matches in the future. He was natural in the ring and seemed to have a lot of fun. Maybe one day he will join NXT and have Emily Bett Rickards as his manager. (One can certainly hope) Thank you Steven, for showing us that you have more than just acting in your quiver. You’ve done us proud. Take a bow (or bow) sir. You’ve earned it.

Batgirl: R.I.P: Yvonne Craig Passes Away

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Mr. H

“Who was this masked madam?”

It’s certainly a sad day for me. One of the tv icons I was fondest of growing up has passed away. Yvonne Craig (age 78) who is best known (at least to me) for playing Batgirl in the now classic 60’s live action incarnation of Batman, is no more.

She had a long suffered bout with breast cancer but she kept on the fight like a true hero would. She was a pioneer in women playing caped heroes onscreen.

A fun fact is she was so popular as Commissioner Gordon’s daughter on the show that it forced DC Comics to include her in the monthly Batman adventures of Detective Comics. She made her debut in 1967 in Detective Comics #359. (Which now will be very sought after).

The point is folks, Barbara Gordon the character that so many love, may not have happened if it wasn’t for the memorable actress playing her first. Yes, I know Yvonne is known for so much more than donning a mask, but to me I’ll always remember her speeding through Gotham City on her motorcycle looking so glam and ready to kick butt. Sure the entire show was campy but it was still grand and served as most people’s introduction to Batgirl. Today she still serves as the only on-screen portrayal of Barbara Gordon that matters. (Sorry Alicia Silverstone, but we’d like to use some Bat-Wake spray to make us forget that awful acting in Batman and Robin movie, and the movie all together!)

Somebody please tell Alfred to make room in the cave for another display. Today another crime fighter hangs up her boots and comes home. Goodbye Mrs. Craig, thank you for all the memories and say hello to Caesar Romero, Burgess Meridith and Frank Gorshin for us! Gotham City will definitely be less safe without you.

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #49

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Mr. H

“With unholiest honor”

Welcome back shell heads! With only one issue to go till the big 50th issue spectacular, I wasn’t sure how this one was going to go. If I had to guess it was going to be all build up with the big melee taking place next month as we salivate impatiently. Well that was not at all what happened.

The issue opens up with Baxter Stockman and The Shredder ready to bask in the glow of the Turtles defeat only to find that they have become even stronger in numbers. Who is helping our heroes? None other than Shredder’s own ninja Foot Clan themselves. Stockman is livid and senses a double cross is afoot. (pun not intended) The Shredder realizing who has defied him, unceremoniously summons for his granddaughter Karai. However Karai is not present and she is confronting the Turtles. She tells them not to mistake her aid for mercy, as it would be dishonorable to watch them die at the hands of non warriors. Before they can thank her, she informs them that they will fight to the death here and now. (Sheesh, they would have been better off on their own)

They all get ready to throw down, when Splinter (Formerly leader of the Foot Clan, Hamato Yoshi) intervenes. While he applauds Karai on her sense of honor, he informs her that death this way would be dishonorable as well. He speaks of her grandfather, The Shredder and says the only way it should all end is between the two warriors once and for all. As her grandfathers blood and chunin (Ninja Field Commander), she agrees to consult him in person. She will take her enemies to him.

At this very moment we see that in a remote laboratory, Professor Honeycutt, is instructing his robotic assistant Fugitoid about the status of Donatello’s synthetic shell transplant. (Remember, thanks to Bebop and Rocksteady, Donnie’s physical body is on life support with his original shell destroyed) To the good professors dismay, Fugitoid does not share his sense of optimism. He informs Honeycutt that they are far too low on the special mutagen that is necessary to make the transplant complete. As this conversation is going on we see a big green hand with claws and a tail to emerge from the shadows holding a large vial of mutagen. My guess like probably a lot of long-term readers is that person is actually the Cajun alligator, Leatherhead. Is he friend or foe though? We will have to see.

Meanwhile at the Foot Clan’s Lair, the ultimate odd couple of Stockman and the Shredder are having a couples spat. The Shredder will have none of this insolence and prepares to smite Stockman, when Karai bursts in to save her grandfather. The Shredder then orders his ninja to seize her. (some gratitude there, pointy helmet) She apologizes for her transgression, but that’s not all! She’s brought The Shredder’s worst enemies right to him in the heart of his secret lair. Before he can sentence his blood to death, Shredder is calmed down by his beloved and listens to her proposal. It’s very simple. The best of the Saki Clan (Shredder, Bebop, Rocksteady, Bludgeon and Koya) vs. the Yoshi Clan (Leonardo, Raphael, Michaelangelo, Metalhead and Splinter) in a battle royal to the death. Surprisingly it does not end there and we actually see a good one. (Won’t ruin here uh, uh you’ve got to read)

Overall: This issue had a lot of build up and a surprising amount of action too. It was well-balanced. There were noticeable changes in the art though and thought the Turtles didn’t look so great when they were posing, but was fine and fluid when in battle. The Shredder still looked amazing though. The creative team has been building to this for a long time now and the payoff promises to be big. Rumor is that one or even more of the Turtles could die. It has a big final showdown feel for sure. In the words of good Ol’ J.R. “This one is going to be a slobberknocker!” One month is too long to wait, but lots digital pizza on me guys! See you in 30…

Story: Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz Art: Corey Smith
Story: 8 Art: 7 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: DC Comics: Bombshells #1

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Mr. H

“A Justice League of their own”

DC Comics: Bombshells opens its tale with an all too familiar setting. A young boy and his family are exiting from having just seen an iconic presentation of “Zorro” and they unwisely venture into a dark alleyway. Of course true to the test of time, a man suddenly steps from the shadows wielding a gun in his hand. Even the narrator’s booming verbage “Out for a summer stroll, an unsuspecting family couldn’t possibly know what lay in wait..”, leads you to believe you know what’s coming next. If you’ve read a comic before you know what a young couple going down a dark alley with their young son, represents.

All of a sudden, in a moment that twists what we know and hangs it upside down by its ankles we are treated to something new. We hear the phrase “Who is this masked madam?” , as we are treated by a young redhead in a modified baseball uniform, complete with bat-symbol jersey and ball cap with bat ears, with her wooden bat thrashing the would be attacker! (Biff! Pow!)

This scene was tremendous and a breath of fresh air I have to say. I was very worried that they were going to go the time-honored route of showing Bruce Wayne’s origin (Yet again!) but they quickly swerved me and pulled out this amazing intro. What made it even better was the fact the narrator’s voice was actually an announcer’s voice doing an intro for a baseball game at Gotham Stadium. By day she is a star player for the local Gotham Knights, but by nightfall she is the Batwoman! (How simply elegant and appropriate) What makes this even better is she still wears her mask on the field thus preserving her secret. Ah but even during a game does not mean time off for our sporty heroine, as a gang of muggers are attempting to rob the fans in the front row. How does she avoid this catastrophe? Why, she throws a wicked curve ball at top velocity right into the stands hitting the mugger in the jaw! The Batwoman makes short work of the hoodlums and then hits the showers. Not before bowing to the crowd to bask in the credit first. (very cool, nice break from all the grim who stick to the shadows archetypes)

At this moment we are introduced to another strong femme, Detective Maggie Sawyer of the GCPD and significant other of one Kate Kane: the true identity of the beloved Batwoman. (I have to give the writer’s credit here for going this route and using this iteration of Kate Kane rather than taking the easy way out and using the Kathy Kane version) This take on a such a modern style relationship done in a 40’s time period is very intriguing to me. Maggie is certainly the more gung-ho of the two while Kate still has reservations about the public perception. They are two strong-willed and intelligent ladies. Their banter is fantastic and Kate has the line of the book. “Also, Hemmingway can’t shoot anything better than whiskey.” Classic.

After some minor bickering, the lovely couple retire to their chambers only to be woken abruptly by a loud noise from the roof. Maggie grabs her gun and Kathy follows her to the roof only to find a helicopter piloted by none other than Commander Amanda Waller. She asks the girls “Would you like to end the war?” (Hmm Waller in any form is never good news. Be wary ladies.)

As we look up to the sky we are whisked to Greece where above a remote island, two groups of aircraft wage aerial assault on each other. The US forces seem to have the upper hand until two pilots are blindsided by an attack and one is completely obliterated. The other pilot makes his escape but crashes down in the waters below where he is washed up on a most unusual shoreline. As he lay unconscious he recalls the sight he saw above a short time ago, thinking he saw Valkyries but he knows he is not dead and not in Valhalla. So where is he? As he looks around he sees a small gathering of tall beautiful women cloaked in sheets and wielding weapons.

Everything is not pleasant because the warrior women want answers for retribution for the intrusion on their sacred island. The pilot identifies himself as Steve Trevor and the ringleader Princess Diana, lets him know he will stand trial to answer for his transgressions. He tries to explain that he was being attacked by enemy forces and was just trying to protect himself. Diana informs him while that might have been the case, the fallout of bullets from their war in the sky has claimed many victims. Women and children alike have fallen because of the bullets that have rained down. She takes mercy on him but he must still answer to her. (I found this interesting because I have always wondered what would occur if this was happening over a crowded area. I mean what goes up, must come down and it’s not like bullets just evaporate. This was a very interesting plot point here that I feel should come into play more often in comics in movies during epic battles.)

Overall: The majority of this issue served as an introduction to this brave new world (Where women handle every corner of society: business, marketing, even all sports) being adapted here. I loved every second. It all clicked wonderfully. The characters were colorful. The dialogue was snappy and the twists on classic icons were well welcomed. Both Marguerite Bennett and Marguerite Sauvage blew me away. Everything about the comic felt right. The art was a perfect fit. It was a mix of cheesecake and unique stylization which really gave the book a distinct identity. True it’s being published in 2015, I felt like this could have been ripped directly from the 1940’s without seeming corny or dated. Even though concept of this was born from some variant covers and collectible statues, it translates quite well and really holds its own here. With Agent Carter being at the height of her popularity over at Marvel, this was the perfect time for DC to pull the trigger on this franchise. The remainder of the story served as introduction to a very familiar female icon that had a twist too cool to ruin in these paragraphs here. This book definitely got the sleeper of week award here for me. Enough of me gushing. Go out and give this a view. It may not be a mad man’s world anymore but these ladies do such a bang up job, that it is just fine with me. I cannot wait to see where it goes next. Now if you need me I will be busy taking cocktail orders in the women’s wing of a smokey lounge till next month. Have a good one…

Story: Marguerite Bennett Art: Marguerite Sauvage
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Definite Buy

Review: TMNT Color Classics Vol.3 #8

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Mr. H

“What lies on rooftops?”

This month we get a change of scenery from the dank, dark sewers to the wide open snowy rooftops of New York City. (Movin’ on up) The story opens with a few splash pages of an airline jet and at first you think that it’s April O’ Neil but then it is quickly revealed that none other than the Shredder’s ruthless granddaughter Karai, is back. Her demanding presence does not bode well for our half shelled heroes.

We switch from the skyline to the mountain scene as Casey Jones and his pregnant girlfriend Gabe are enjoying the view (She says they don’t have this in Massachusetts and as a native I chuckled, we just have winning sports franchises and endless traffic) when a nervous Casey musters up the courage to pop the question. A tearful Gabe says yes and they quite literally ride off into the sunset. Now I didn’t remember reading this part when I was younger but reading it now it wasn’t a happy moment. To me Casey and April were always meant to be together, they were Dawson and Joey before the Creek ever existed. They were the ultimate “ship” for those familiar with the term. So to see the end of that here was kind of sad, even if it was now rendered in gorgeous full color. (Fanstastic job Adam Guzowski)

Switching gears, we turn to the other side of that once famous couple as April O’Neil is on a blind date. The guy is a sleaze and gets a little grabby under the table so naturally April being the stand up gal she is, makes sure he regrets it. She just recently moved to Los Angeles for a change of scenery and wonders if she’s just traded the view for some new problems. (Ya think?) I have a major complaint with this scene however. No it’s not the fact April stood up for herself or the coloring (again fantastic stuff) but with the way she was drawn here. I don’t know if the artist was particularly lonely the day he penciled these pages but April’s breasts seemed to have doubled in size from last issue. I mean they are popping out at the reader and the guy sitting across the table from her. Maybe this was done to remind us what a dunce Casey was to let her go or try to put her in a different light but, for me it just did not work. I found it off-putting and not a way to treat one of my favorite literary heroines.

Next we find Splinter still injured and barely hanging on to consciousness in a dark corner. He sees a silhouette and wonders if death is coming for him. A voice speaks to him and assures him it’s not death and in a total Terminator moment, says to come with him if he wants to live. Subtle request there, shadowy man.

Finally we are at the meat and potatoes of the issue and the Turtles make their grand entrance as they scour the city’s snowy rooftops and Raphael.. steps in poop. No, seriously he does. I found it funny because you never see comic book heroes engage in such ribaldry. He reacts natural as the rest of us would and flips out and wants to quit the mission. His brothers try to talk him into staying but to no avail, his hot-headedness gets the best of him and he takes off. Now any one who watches a scary movie knows, when you split from the pack usually bad stuff happens. It remains no different here as Raph, is attacked by a shadowy ninja who wants to kick his shell in something fierce. Here we are treated to an epic rooftop battle and the way the art comes alive, I can’t help but think of Frank Miller. With the added color it is quite a thing of beauty. (Fingers crossed one day that Mr. Miller illustrates the Turtles on some project)

The remainder of the issue is a poop-less confrontation between the Turtles and Raph’s ninja foe as well as more on Splinters odyssey. The pieces continue to fall in place for the big battle and I want a front row seat. (No scalping tickets please)

Overall: This was a fun issue and I always love revisiting the past and my childhood. Plus I haven’t had the opportunity to write poop in a review before which is fun too. My disappointment that there was no Shredder really didn’t drag it down either. I enjoyed the rooftop battle immensely and the banter between the Brothers in Shells was cool as always. Other than the depiction of April’s ridiculous mammary glands, I found no fault this month. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t spectacular either. It was kind of there. So like a season ticket holder I will be there, with hopes of a higher performance. Till next month, should be a shell of a time!

Story: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird Art: Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird and Jim Lawson
Art: 8 Story: 6 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Pass

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Green Lantern #43

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Mr. H

“As worlds die”

This month is a real treat as prolific artist Ethan Van Sciver takes on guest penciling duties for this issue and knocks it out of the park. On to the action though, we start on a remote distant planet where Black Hand is trying to resurrect the recently dead to no avail. He is quite troubled by his powers not working. His hands are currently stone and he is reduced to weeping at his plight. Van Sciver’s pencils are fantastic here as he actually makes you feel sympathy for this horrible being. (Something I would not think possible) Instead of using his touch to resurrect the dead, it is now inexplicably turning them to beings of stone. Writer Robert Vendetti here, conveys Black Hand as a lost child who is so alone. This is a far cry from the demonic despot he has been portrayed before. This dynamic sucked me in right away. Kudos to you, sir.

We venture across the cosmos to the confines of a lone ship floating in vast nothingness. The crew aboard: a gentle being named Virgo, a ruthless hunter named Trapper and of course the star of the show, former Green Lantern now an army of one: Hal Jordan.

Hal is intent on finding out what happened to his former fellow Green Lantern Corps as well solving the mystery of the stone transformations. He is using his gauntlet and will to create tools to help him construct a special space suit that will allow him to masquerade as a different being to get answers. Again the pencils here just really bring this to life and remind you of why Van Sciver was “the” Green Lantern artist for quite some time. Hal has some touching dialogue as he notes he was always so busy being a Green Lantern first, that he never stopped to see the roses. Little human moments like this show Hal’s non cocky side and they really flesh out his character more.

Hal finishes his suit and orders Virgo that no one touches his stuff but him and to watch over Trapper while he’s on his mission. Hal needs the suit because where he’s going the spectrum of his green energy would be detected and make him an immediate threat.

Here we get my favorite panel of the book in the form of a splash page, showing the giant known as Relic maintaining the mystery artifact that is the Source Wall. Hal manages to get to Relic undetected and is even able to ask a few questions. Relic states it is a positive outcome that the Green Lantern Corps are no more. (C’mon we all know they are still kicking around, they have their own title each month but for this issue we suspend disbelief and roll with it.) Hal not pleased with the comment goes to leave, when Relic informs him that Black Hand was already here. Cue the ominous music, that is not good.

Back on the ship Virgo senses Hal might need some assistance and tries to don the Gauntlet but the energy defenses attack him. This act unwittedly alarms Relic of his presence and Hal hightails it back to the ship. Things have just gotten worse.The rest of the issue shows Hal rushing back to save his friend, arguing with his sarcastic ship Darlene and us being introduced to a new group threat.

Overall: I thought this month’s adventure was far better than the previous and the best installment of the “Renegade” storyline so far. The pacing was great, there were no slow spots and of course wonderful art from Mr. Van Sciver. (They definitely need him back on this title, pronto) I really enjoyed the switch of desperation in Black Hand’s character and Virgo’s attempt to be a hero. We all know the Corps are out there and it’s only a matter of time before they make their presence felt. However if we keep getting issues like this, I’m more than fine with the delay. 30 days seems like sufficient time to recharge the Gauntlet, and I have a feeling Hal and Co. are going to need it. See you across the stars next time readers…

Story: Robert Vendetti Art: Ethan Van Sciver
Story: 8.75 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

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