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Review: Aquaman #40

Posted on March 25, 2015 by

One of the great successes of the new 52 relaunch by DC Comics was the treatment given to Aquaman. Almost immediately upon his return it was evident that something was going to be done differently, and that the character was going to be treated in a manner that was more deserving of his past. What is potentially worrisome therefore is that DC is launching into another mini-reboot, and it is one which will incorporate in aspects of continuity from before Flashpoint. While this might not be the best news for the character as the company heads into Convergence, it at least provided one more opportunity to tell another great story, and that was to determine the fate of Arthur’s mother, previously assumed to have died. As the events of Maelstrom have been laid out it is evident that she did not die, but this alone was not enough to guarantee the success of this story arc.

As the previous issue demonstrated, Aquaman was able to find his mother, but also that she refused to believe his lineage. As was hinted at this was due to her desire to refuse to believe, in order to not revisit her past, but as a plot device it was fairly weak. This carries on this issue as well, as she continues to struggle with this aspect of her past. It is an unfortunate development, as it takes away from what would otherwise be a strong character and a strong premise. Evidently there are plans somewhere down the road for the reintroduction of this character, but this reintroduction was not as strong as it could be as the writing of the character let her down a bit. Although it was in the interest of setting up a battle, it likely could have been handled in another way, unless there is a desperate need for this angle in a future story. Hindsight may prove to be more insightful, but at the moment, this let this story down, at least partially.

Aquaman thus heads into Convergence with one of its weaker stories behind it. It is unlikely to have a dire effect on the character or the series as it is already plotted to return in June after the crossover, but this story arc left an unfortunate impression on the series before heading into hiatus. As DC brings back the old Aquaman for a bit, this story arc was one which was more representative of the older Aquaman’s failures. It will be interesting to see how Convergence changes the character as the success of this character is interesting to note, especially that there will be an Aquaman movie at some point. For the time being Aquaman fans will have to be happy for the previous 40 issues, even if the end was a bit mediocre.

Story: Jeff Parker Art: Paul Pelletier
Story: 7.7 Art: 7.7 Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read

Review: Supergirl #40

Posted on March 18, 2015 by

It was a bit of surprise to learn that this was the final issue of the series as we have seen it under the new 52. Convergence is coming which is seemingly going to throw characters back together from pre- and post new 52, and that is going to happen first next month with the appearance of Matrix Supergirl in a one-shot. Although the series has done a decent job of selling comics as opposed to some other series which will be ongoing after Convergence, it appears that this might be the end for the time being for Supergirl as no new series is poised to take over in the post Convergence landscape.

It was with this ignorance that I approached this latest issue of Supergirl, and perhaps this benefited me in my appreciation of the issue. The story has followed Kara through her exposure to the Crucible Academy, first as a student and then as its foe and finally as its liberator. What this series has managed to do is to produce a standalone story arc which hasn’t been affected by a crossover into some Superman story arc which has been to the detriment of the series on numerous occasions. The story line with the Crucible is nothing special, but still helps to tie some science fiction into the character while also reintroducing Maxima into a different light than what she had been known by before. Supergirl is forced to fight against the mad genius behind the Crucible and manages to save the day alongside her allies.

This accomplishes that this does not really feel like a final issue. In retrospect after finding this out, a little bit of the plot seems to be shoe-horned in, but equally it felt almost like the lead up into a new story arc. One might say that this series ends much as it started, with a lot of missed potential, but at the very least this series ends on a relative high note, maybe not accomplishing what it could have, but having been a mostly entertaining run throughout, including this issue. It is likely that Supergirl will not be gone for long as the character inevitably resurfaces, and to carry on from where it left off might not be the worst for the series or the character.

Story: K. Perkins and Mike Johnson Art: Ema Lupacchino
Story: 8.2 Art: 8.2 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Read

Around the Tubes

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Brett

It’s new comic book day! What’s everyone excited for?

Around the Tubes

CBR – Your Guide To Understanding DC Comics’ “Convergence” Timelines – For those that need the help!

Talking Comics – Comics and Human Rights: The Importance of Representation in Comics. A Social Psychology Perspective – A really good read.

Around the Tubes Reviews

Bleeding Cool – Cluster #1

Talking Comics – Danger Club #6

CBR – Descender #1

The Beat – Imperium #1

Comic Vine – Injustice: Gods Among Us Year Three #19

CBR – The Multiversity Guidebook

ICv2 – Princess Decomposia and Count Spatula TP

CBR – Thor #4

Paste Magazine – Uncanny Avengers Vol. 2 #1

Bleeding Cool – Wytches #4

Around the Tubes

Graphic Policy Radio, LIVE This Monday

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Brett

This Monday Graphic Policy Radio returns! The show airs LIVE this Monday at 10pm ET.

On this episode:

We discuss the finale of All-New X-Factor. Issue #20 wraps up Peter David’s latest run of Marvel’s X-Factor. We discuss the series and those revelations at the end.
This summer Marvel’s universes smash together creating an All-New Marvel with Secret Wars. We chat what this means for the 616, Ultimate Universe, as well as the return of Marvel Zombies, Age of Ultron, Future Imperfect, World War Hulk and more.
DC Comics brings back the old and mixes it with the new when Convergence comes out for two months. We discuss what this all means for the DC Universe and what to expect after.

We’ll be discussing all of that and more! We also want to hear what you think. Call us at (619) 768-2952 and let us know your thoughts, or Tweet them to us @graphicpolicy.

DC Wraps Up the Convergence News

Posted on December 2, 2014 by Brett

DC Comics has released more details about what we can expect for Convergence, their two month event that mashes together various worlds, and version of the DCU.

Week three focuses on DC during the 80s, while week four looks at characters across the multiverse as it existed before Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Check out below for what you can expect with the creative teams, descriptions, and some images.

Week Three

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS

Writer: Marc Andreyko
Artist: Carlos D’Anda
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb

After a year under the dome, the Outsiders have gone their separate ways, but when OMAC attacks, Batman must find out if they have what it takes to still be a team.

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artists: Roberto Viacava and Andy Owens
Colorist: Sotocolor

Superman and Supergirl try to escape the city through the Phantom Zone, but they enter a portion they’ve never seen before and learn that Supergirl is destined to die if they return to their proper time and dimension. True story.

WONDER WOMAN

Writer: Larry Hama
Art and Color: Josh Middleton

White-jumpsuit-clad Diana Prince is in the grips of a Domesday cult when her lover Steve Trevor leaps into the fray to save Etta Candy from vampires of Red Rain.

THE FLASH

Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Federico Dallocchio
Colorist: Veronica Gandini

Trapped in Gotham, Barry Allen has nowhere to run. He fights on, seeking justice as well as a way to save the city. But he faces a Tangent Universe foe that thinks faster than the Flash could ever move.

SUPERBOY AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES

Writer: Stuart Moore
Artists: Gus Storms and Mark Farmer
Colorist: John Rauch

While Brainiac 5 struggles to break through the dome, Superboy tries to keep the Legion of Super-Heroes spirits up—but then the Atomic Knights ride into town.

GREEN LANTERN CORPS

Writer: David Gallaher
Artists: Steve Ellis and Ande Parks
Colorist: Hi-Fi

Say the Oath, save the world! If only being the Green Lantern Corps was that easy. Hal has resigned, John is busy, and Guy is pissed. Together for the first time—they’ll save Gotham or die trying.

SWAMP THING

Writer: Len Wein
Artist: Kelley Jones
Colorist: Michelle Madsen

Swamp Thing struggles to survive when the dome cuts off his contact with the Green.

JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA

Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Artist: ChrisCross
Colorist: Snakebite Cortez

With their heavy hitters sidelined, Elongated Man must lead the much-maligned “Detroit Justice League” against the overwhelming power of the heroes from the Tangent Universe!

HAWKMAN

Writer: Jeff Parker
Artists: Tim Truman and Enrique Alcatena
Colorist: John Kalisz

Hawkman and Hawkgirl put their Shadow War on hold as they face the anthropomorphic might of rat-men and bat-men in the deadly land of Kamandi!

NEW TEEN TITANS

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Artists: Nicola Scott and Marc Deering
Colorist: Jeromy Cox

Titans Together! Fighting against the might of the Tangent Universe’s Doom Patrol, we are reminded why this is the greatest Titans team of all.

Week Four

PRE-CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, Earth 2

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Writer: Dan Abnett
Artists: Tom Derenick and Trevor Scott
Colorist: Monica Kubina

Older and in full retirement under the dome, members of the Justice Society get the chance to regain their youths to stave off forces from the Qward Universe. But the promise of youth comes with a deadly price.

INFINITY INC.

Writer: Jerry Ordway
Artist: Ben Caldwell
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

The young heroes of Infinity Inc. must choose between the path set for them by their parents or the one they’ve set for themselves as they face post-apocalyptic Jonah Hex.

DETECTIVE COMICS

Writer: Len Wein
Artists: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz
Colorist: Felix Serrano

Helena Wayne and Dick Grayson fight side by side in memory of Bruce Wayne as they decide who will become the next Batman.

ACTION COMICS

Writer: Justin Gray
Artists: Claude St-Aubin and Sean Parsons
Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski

Superman teams up with Power Girl, but can they stop a nuclear strike from Lex Luthor and Stalin of Red Son Moscow?

WORLD’S FINEST COMICS

Writer: Paul Levitz
Artists: Jim Fern and Joe Rubinstein with cartoons by Shannon Wheeler
Colorist: Paul Mounts

The Seven Soldiers of Victory regroup to defend their city against the Qward invasion, while cartoonist Scribbly Jibbet transcribes their adventures.

PRE-CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS Earth 3

CRIME SYNDICATE

Writer: Brian Buccellato
Artist: Phil Winslade
Colorist: Lovern Kindzierski

The Crime Syndicate’s absolute control of their city is challenged when the dome comes down and changes everything. Now, Superwoman is on death row while the rest of the team fights One Million Universe’s Batman and Superman!

PRE-CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, EARTH 4

BLUE BEETLE

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artist: Yishan Li
Colorist: Dave McCaig

Hub City is on the brink of collapse and anarchy! But its heroes—Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, and Question—find inspiration and strength from the most unlikely source.

PRE-CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, EARTH S

SHAZAM

Writer: Jeff Parker
Artist: Evan “Doc” Shaner
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

It’s Shazam versus Steampunk, as the world of Gotham By Gaslight takes on the Captain Marvel family and friends.

PRE-CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, EARTH X

PLASTIC MAN AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Writer: Simon Oliver
Artist: John McCrea
Colorist: John Kalisz

Plastic Man and the Freedom Fighters are on the gallows in a New York taken over by Nazis, when robot super-heroes attack from Futures End and enemies become allies.

MULTIPLE EARTHS

BOOSTER GOLD

Writer: Dan Jurgens
Artists: Alvaro Martinez and Raul Fernandez
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor

Trapped with Rip Hunter and other time travelers, Booster and his future self must work together to get out of prison and off the planet.

(via IGN, Nerdist, Entertainment Weekly, Newsarama)

DC Comics Spills More Details about Convergence

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Brett

Taking place in April and May 2015, Convergence is a massive two month publishing move for DC Comics that takes advantage of their multiverse to bring what hopefully is interesting stories. The company has revealed plans for their first ten releases, and have given some more insight into what we can expect for the next ten.

SUPERMAN: MAN OF STEEL

(Writer: Louise Simonson; Artist: June Brigman and Roy Richardson, with color by John Rauch)
Metropolis was taken when Superman was missing, so it’s up to Steel to guard the city from the heroes of GEN13 in his absence.

BATMAN: SHADOW OF THE BAT

(Writer: Larry Hama; Artist: Philip Tan and Jason Paz, with color by Elmer Santos)
A year ago, Batman got trapped in Metropolis when hunting down Azrael. Now he must team with the man that replaced him, and see how differently they operate as Batmans.

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

(Writer: Ron Marz; Artist: Mike Manley, with color by Sotocolor)
The levity of the JLI team collides with the severity of the world of Kingdom Come.

CATWOMAN

(Writer: Justin Gray; Artist: Ron Randall, with color by Gabe Eltaeb)
A year under the dome can change anyone, even Catwoman. She’s set aside her life of crime to become the protector of Suicide Slum, but when the dome falls she will face her greatest challenge—Kingdom Come Batman.

SUPERGIRL: MATRIX

(Writer: Keith Giffen; Artist: Ramon Bachs, with color by Hi-Fi)
What do Supergirl, Lady Quark, and Ambush Bug have in common? Well… nothing really. But that didn’t stop us from sticking them in a story together. You are SO welcome.

SUPERBOY

(Writer: Fabian Nicieza; Artist: Karl Moline and Jose Marzan Jr, with color by Hi-Fi)
Has Kon-El earned the right to be the man of steel? Kon will have to prove his mettle in battle against the Superman of Kingdom Come! But what if the only way to save Metropolis is to lose the fight?

AQUAMAN

(Writer: Tony Bedard; Artist: Cliff Richards, with color by John Rauch)
Trapped in the domed city, Aquaman struggles with the loss of his hand as he confronts a deadly adversary—Deathblow.

SUICIDE SQUAD

(Writer: Frank Tieri; Artist: Tom Mandrake, with color by Sian Mandrake)
When Kingdom Come’s floating fortress of New Oa threatens Metropolis, it’s up to Amanda Waller to put together a team of the city’s deadliest villains to stop it.

GREEN LANTERN/PARALLAX

(Writer: Tony Bedard; Artist: Ron Wagner and Bill Reinhold, with color by Paul Mounts)
Rookie Green Lantern Kyle Rayner gears up to battle invaders, but is he ready to fight Hal Jordan, also known as Parallax?

GREEN ARROW

(Writer: Christy Marx; Artist: Rags Morales and Claude St-Aubin, with color by Nei Ruffino)
Oliver Queen meets Connor Hawke for the first time, but is he ready to hand over the Green Arrow mantle to his son?

(via Blastr and HitFix)

Random

DC Comics Reveals More Details on Convergence

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Brett

Last week DC Comics revealed the cover to their big event next year Convergence. Now, They’ve revealed even more details about what we can expect during the event including plot details, creative teams, and teaser images. Check out below for what you can expect.

SUPERMAN

Superman and Lois deal with the impending birth of their child as he is called in to protect the city. Dan Jurgens (W), Lee Weeks, Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund (A).

THE ATOM

Ray Palmer finds that Ryan Choi is still alive. Together, they meet and confront Deathstroke, the man responsible for “killing” Choi, before fighting the invading Extremists. Tom Peyer (W), Steve Yeowell and Andy Owens (A).

BATGIRL

After a year in the dome, Stephanie Brown is not sure she wants to be Batgirl again. But when Flashpoint Catman attacks, Red Robin and Black Bat call her back into service.Alisa Kwitney (W), Rick Leonardi and Mark Pennington (A).

NIGHTWING/ORACLE

Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon reevaluate their relationship under the dome (wedding!), but Flashpoint Hawkman & Hawkwoman attack, and everything changes. Gail Simone (W), Jan Duursema and Dan Parsons (A).

SPEED FORCE

Wally West and his kids are separated from Linda, which was bad enough, but when the dome falls, Flashpoint Wonder Woman comes for them. Tony Bedard (W), Tom Grummett and Sean Parsons (A).

TITANS

Starfire and Donna Troy come to get Roy Harper who has gone into seclusion since the death of his child and loss of his arm, but then Arsenal has to choose between his team and resurrecting his dead daughter. Fabian Nicieza (W), Ron Wagner and Jose Marzan (A).

JUSTICE LEAGUE

When Supergirl, Zatanna, and Jade went to Jessie Quick’s baby shower, they didn’t expect to be taken to another planet for a year, or to be attacked by Flashpoint Aquaman. Frank Tieri (W), Vicente Cifuentes (A).

THE QUESTION

Two-Face is fighting another world’s Harvey Dent, and it’s up to Renee Montoya as the Question to help him beat the odds. Greg Rucka (W), Cully Hamner (A).

BATMAN & ROBIN

Bruce Wayne and Damian have friction with Red Hood before the Extremists attack. Ron Marz (W), Denys Cowan and Klaus Janson (A).

HARLEY QUINN

Harley Quinn is enjoying her normal life under the dome until Catwoman and Poison Ivy draft her to fight Captain Carrot. Steve Pugh (W), Phil Winslade and John Dell (A).

(via iO9 and CBR)

DC Comics Expands Its Convergence Art and Reveals a Logo

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Brett

Earlier this week, DC Comics announced their next big event Convergence, which seems to bring together numerous storylines, as well as expand their Multiverse. Today, they revealed more of the announcement image drawn by Carlo Pagulayan and Jose Marzan Jr. with colors by Hi-Fi. It also now includes the logo for the even.t

Convergence is a two month event comprised of a nine-part weekly comic book written by Jeff King and Dan Jurgens and drawn by Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, and Ethan Van Sciver. It also has 40 distinct, two-part miniseries written and drawn by some of the most exciting creators in comics, it’s an event told at an unprecedented scale.

DC Comics Announces Convergence

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Brett

DC Comics has announced their next big event Convergence. Comprising of a weekly comic book series with veteran TV writer Jeff King making his comic book debut as the lead writer on the 9-part series and 40 brand-new 2-part miniseries written and drawn by an exciting and diverse array of star talent, whose teams and titles will be announced in the coming weeks, Convergence is one of the most epic and inclusive events DC Comics has ever constructed—touching upon every facet of DC Comics’ rich publishing history.

If you’ve been reading The New 52: Futures End and Earth 2: World’s End, now is the moment you’ve been waiting for. All things converge as readers get to experience the DC multiverse like never before—hundreds of heroes, hundreds of villains, numerous worlds, and universe altering events all in one place, one time.

Taking place outside of time and space—on the question mark, just below Earth 29 and above Chaos, on the Map of the Multiverse—and introducing the new villain—Telos, this massive event will be published throughout April and May.

Look for Convergence beginning April 1, 2015. Convergence #0 will be co-written by Jeff King and Dan Jurgens and be illustrated by Ethan Van Sciver. Convergence #1-8 will be written by Jeff King with art by Carlo Pagulayan and Stephen Segovia. All issues will include covers by Ivan Reis and Joe Prado.