Happy Halloween Everyone!

 

DC New 52 Picks - Week Three Reviews

I continue to review some of the new titles that I came across a week ago, and I have to say, this is a pretty successful relaunch so far, with the third with of publishing being the STRONGEST in my estimation.

Lots of good books, a few forgettable ones, and then some that caused some "controversy".

Ready? Let us begin. 

Batman #1 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo - Ah... Mr. Snyder... again. And he hits his 3rd consecutive plus point in this whole reboot with his impressive Bat-writing which, my friends, will go down there together with Bob Kane, Jeph Loeb, Greg Rucka, and Grant Morrison to name a few. There I said it. Scott Snyder is one of the best Batman writers of all time. Period.

From the opening page of the book, we immediately see the dark and dangerous Gotham city and it gets even better with Snyder showing us all of the popular inmates of Arkham Asylym (and I mean everybody) going  toe to toe with the Batman. Then if that wasn't enough entertainment, Snyder throws in his ingenious plot twist, one that sees a familiar foe fight side by side with the Bat himself. And he does this marvelous opening sequence in just 7 freaking pages, which Capullo illustrates masterfully, unlike anybody I have ever seen draw a Batman action scene. 

And for those not keeping tabs at home, just a reminder: Bruce Wayne is back as Batman. So normally, former Batman Dick Grayson is back to being Nightwing, Bruce's son Damian Wayne is the current Robin, and finally, Tim Drake is Red Robin. The fun part is that Snyder uses a genius plot device that involves a newly developed face recognition gadget to introduce all of these four characters in one splash page. And speaking of gadgetry, we get to see Batman's good 'ol cave, complete with all his high tech toys... including the old school '89 Batmobile. All of this too looked great, because Capullo's great attention to detail.

The flawless execution of the story is what makes this all work, and Snyder does that by showing us both Bruce Wayne and Batman. He shows Bruce Wayne's plans for Gotham which immediately the notion that the man behind the mask is just as focused on saving the city he loves under just as he is hell bent on ridding Gotham City of evil when he wears the cowl at night. That's good stuff. Then he caps it off with some clever detective work with the GCPD, leading us to a cliffhanger that had me saying: 'the fuck!?'

When it comes to the art, I had nothing bad to say about Capullo here as you can see on the first two paragraphs. I just love how he draws Batman and his uncanny ability to illustrate exagerrated, but real facial expressions in his characters that brings a lot of emotion to each page. Case in point: Jim Gordon's splash page. 

All in all, this is the perfect Batman for the new generation. And with Snyder and Capullo teaming up for this, we can all say that the Bat-franchise is in good hands.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Wonder Woman #1 by Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang - I was doubtful when I heard that crime-noir writer Brian Azzarello is gonna do Wonder Woman. You know why. But then I read this, wonderful book... and I just knew that we are going be in for a fun ride with Dian... and the crazy Greek gods.

Yes. The Gods are fucking crazy. Azzarello plants his seeds in this first issue by having Diana save a young lady named Zola from brute centaurs in bloody panels that I certainly liked. I mean, who doesn't like Wonder Woman acting like a warrior princess ala-Xena? Be it slashing and headbutting centaurs, I love this new version of Diana. Fierce, powerful, steady and... tall. And I mean, freaking tall. But at the same time, Azzarello shows us the soft side of this woman (with that scene where she checks on a bloodied Hermes), so its not like she's a blood-thirsty Red Lantern.

There's a lot of Greek mythology involved in here, and that's the stuff that I dig. Its interesting and it adds a whole new dimension to this Wonder Woman series.  I don't want to spoil anything here plot-wise, but I'm going to tell you that Zola is involved BIG time with one of these gods (if you're reading or have read Greek myth, then you'll know what I'm talking about).

I enjoyed Cliff Chiang's art, and its phenomenal in this issue. His effective paneling portrays the intense action perfectly, and his sometimes rough pencils is awesome.  He doesn't miss a beat until the end of the issue, and he does a great job making the sexy scenes work, meaning, he is able to make it look sexy without making it too gratuitous.

Great introduction for our new Wonder Woman. And seriously, I want more. And that's coming from somebody who hasn't read any Wonder Woman comic. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

Birds of Prey #1 by Duane Swierczynski and Jesus Saiz - This one is a shocker. Shocking because I didn't expect much from BoP, but damn, this is one of those books that mixes an ass-kicking caper story with sophisticated sexiness so well, turning this into a fun and entertaining read with female fatales in the lead.

Nothing so impressive with the writing, but Swierczynski (fuck, that name is hard to spell) manages to pull it off with some decent dialogue,  a possible darker past for Black Canary (murder references in her speech bubbles, anybody?), and a new character - the tattooed and feisty Starling - who right now is by far the winner for my "Best New Character" award in this DC reboot, even though I don't know where the hell she came from. Being mysterious works doesn't it? 

Now let's take about Jesus Saiz' art. Its no doubt, the best part of this book, hands down.  His rendition of the woman anatomy isn't perfect, but he  managed to draw it realistically. There are a couple of T&A shots here and there, but Saiz made sure that it isn't the only thing that you're going to notice, mixing it with fluid action sequences (e.g Black Canary's first kick). Balance my friends is the name of the game, and Saiz captured that perfectly.

And let us not forget: Saiz illustrates the best car crash scenes EVER. Its forceful, in-your-face, and his level of detail  when it comes to all these stuff and debris flying around is spectacular. That's probably my most favorite part in this book.

So with that said, BoP works, but I just wish that the next issue (see? I got tired writing his last name) will avoid that flashback-present-flashback formula because it gets too confusing and in my opinion, not the type of structure you would want your readers to encounter in a #1 issue. Otherwise, its a solid title, and its worth giving it a second shot.

Rating: 3.5/5

Click on the jump for more reviews...

I don't know what this is for, but what the hell... It's Batman by Phil Noto

From his blog:

"Batman - I was working on a very quick little Batman piece for something and it soon turned into this."

Something? Could it be a new DC graphic novel or one shot? Or could be hinting at doing something for DC related to the New 52 Batman? Because from the looks of this, its like a damn cover art. 

I know I'm not supposed to over-analyze things... but this is Phil Freaking Noto we're talking about.  And everything he does is noteworthy.

(You gotta love the Joker background doing his best impersonation of "The People's Eyebrow".) 

'Threesome Art' - 09.26.2011 - The Bat and The Cat Special

Its been a pretty controversial week for DC because of what some people say as over-the-top, gratuitous sexual innuendos in some of their titles like Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 and (probably the HOTTEST book this week) - Catwoman #1.

So with that said, here are three of the awesome art picks that shows the goddamn Batman amd Catwoman's relationship (with relation to the ending of Catwoman #1) as interpreted by Eric Canete and Phil Noto. 

Click on images for biggies. 

Canete sent a powerful message to DC with his strip, while Noto... damn, Bruce and Selina just chillin' with pizza's and beer? That's a series that everybody's going to follow!

Graphic Novel Review: Batman - "Gotham By Gaslight"

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

Written by Brian Augustyn

Art by Mike Mignola

Inks by P. Craig Russell

Published by DC Comics

Time for some old graphic novels folks, and this one I picked up from the grave is one that was published months before I was born. 

Published in February 1989,  Batman: Gotham By Gaslight is an Elseworld story that re-imagines the whole Batman mythos in the year 1889, pitting the Caped Crusader himself up against a slick and dreaded opponent who stalks and kills women in the shadows... the famed Jack The Ripper. 

Written by  Brian Augustyn, the story is a straightforward mystery-detective thriller set in the late 1800s steampunk age, designed by Augustyn to keep readers engaged in its rich, history-influenced plot, while making them guess until the big finale.

Batman vs Bane & A Hospitalized Jim Gordon Seen In 'The Dark Knight Rises' Premiere Trailer

This is what we've been waiting for folks. Only small details about the film, but damn its real good.




What happened to Jim Gordon? Why is he hospitalized?

And Batman looking afraid and backing away from a hulking guy?

Awesome.

Witness The Beginning: Batman: Year One Animated Film Trailer

DVD Box art for Batman: Year One

Finally, the story of how the greatest crime fighter this world came about is going to be told  in an animated feature film by Warner Bros and DC Comics as part of their DC Universe Animated Original Movies that includes titles like:  Green Lantern: First Flight, Justice League: The New Frontier, Batman: Gotham Knight, Superman: Doomsday and the most recent All-Star Superman direct-to-DVD films.

The film is based on the classic 1987 story arc written by Frank Miller with art by David Mazzucchelli that appeared in Batman issues #404-407. Its an origin story, mainly telling the whole origin of how Bruce Wayne became the Caped Crusader starting from the murder of his parents up to his first adventures as Gotham's heroic outlaw.

Batman: Year One is memorable because of its realistic depiction of its characters (notably Jim Gordon) and based on the trailer, it looks like the animation studio decided to keep that element in the film while mimicking Mazzuchelli's old-school art in the process.

I'm sure this film will be awesome. Another wonderful addition to my DC collection. Check out the trailer below.

Batman: Year One has a scheduled release date of October 2011. 

[video via ComicVine and DVD art from JustPressPlay]

2011 DC Reboot: Relaunches For Batman Books... Dick Grayson Is Nightwing (Again) & Barbara Gordon To Return As Batgirl!

So many updates in just one day and I just happen to catch up with all of the latest juice. If you have just tuned in to this news, let me fill you in: DC has decided to renumber and update all their titles and superheroes, with 52 number1 titles to be released in September. 

Now here we are with the first major updates that would affect the Batman Family of books:

Information on DC's plans for the Batman and his comrades has surfaced and IGN has got all of the blow by blow details for that, but here's a quick roundup of the BIG CHANGES to our Dark Knight and his comrades for easy reference.

The list after the jump.

Latest Comic Book Reviews (05.14.2011): Moon Knight #1 and Batman: Arkham City # 1

Since Blogger did their maintenance thingy a day ago that wiped out my Moon Knight review, I'm reposting it again together with my thoughts on the surprisingly-good video-game prequel Batman: Arkham City # 1. 

Before you click ok the jumpie link down there, let me note that the titles are rated by the number of stars I give them, with 5 stars being the highest. That means if a title gets a rare 5 stars, then that should be really m'effin good! 

Now that we got that out of the way, go and read all my reviews after the cut.

Graphic Novel Review: Joker

"Joker"

Written by Brian Azzarello

Art by Lee Bermejo

Colors by Patricia Mulvihill

Published by DC Comics

The team of Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo never ceases to amaze and entertain me with every work they've done.  Their insightful take on the mind of Superman's greatest foe Lex Luthor in Lex Luthor: Man of Steel was impressive, and I loved the fact that they avoided telling a boring origin story and instead,  attempted to "break-in" into the mind of the genius bald-headed villain by telling a story through  Luthor's perspective.

This one is no different. 

Joker is released from the bars of the dreaded Arkham Asylum after many years and though glad that he out of the penitentiary, the clown immediately realizes that the people he trusted took everything that he has thinking that he was dead for good. Frustrated, he goes on a mission to take back what is "his" and begins the journey of rebuilding his criminal empire together with his newest recruit - a man named as Jonny Frost - who also serves as the narrator of the novel.

Comic Book Review: Superman: 'For The Man Who Has Everything'

 "For The Man Who Has Everything"

Written by Alan Moore

Illustrated by Dave Gibbons

Published by DC Comics

Before Alan Moore alienated himself away from DC Comics, he was on a roll writing the greatest comic book novels we could ever imagine and  literally "owned" every other writer back then. And in 1986, he did some of the best superhero stories, including this one which was published in Superman Annual # 11.

It is Superman's birthday, so Wonder Woman and Batman together with Robin (Jason Todd) decided to go to the Fortress of Solitude to greet the Man of Steel and surprise him with some gifts. Instead, they were the ones surprised with great horror as they see Clark in a state of limbo, with an alien plant on his chest, wrapped around his torso.

Apparently, this is the doing of the evil alien known as Mongul, and as he shows himself to the heroes, he explains what is the thing that has caused Superman to go in to a coma state: the plant is known as "Black Mercy" and it basically creates a very realistic dreamworld for the host based on his/her's deepest desires - and in Superman's case: he is living on Krypton with his father Jor-El and Lara very much alive, and he's also got a loving wife and two kids - a dream he is having trouble to let go.

From there, its up to Wonder Woman, Batman, and Robin to figure out everything and hope that they could save their friend before Mongul kills them all and continues on with his plans of conquering the world.

Threesome Art for Today - 04/20/11

Here are three of the most awesome artwork I found. Hope you like it!

Superman/Batman by Coran "Kizer" Stone

Kick-Ass by Dan LuVisi

Hellboy by Chris Stevens

Greg Horn's Batman and Catwoman Portrait Will Blow Your Mind...

Saw this Greg Horn portrait posted by Comics Alliance's  Laura Hudson:

Catwoman on all fours. Tongue out. Batman from behind. Milk. Everything seems very "horny" here. 

Perfect for your "role-playing" fantasies to say the least. 

Batman Maekz Hulk Angry... Smash Time!!!

 

These kids are cute. 

via foundshit.com

Made For Primetime TV: The Art of Corey Smith

Its really bad day for me here at work, and after all the B.S today I'm glad I'm still able to find something to be happy about: ART.

ComicsAlliance has this 'Best Art Ever' feature every week - where they showcase some of the most amazing works of art we can ever find on the internet. And I think that's what separates them from other sites, because they just make me drool and appreciate such works.

Today they have this guy Corey Smith from New Zealand who goes by the handle CS-HOWLER on deviantArt - and if you check out this portfolio here, you will find familiar comic book characters drawn like they are ready for a primetime TV slot. 

Which brings me to a comparison: I featured Marcio Takara's works before here too which almost has the same style - animated TV style with a more cartoonish feel to it, and i can't help but compare that to the works of of this NewZealander guy.

My verdict? CS-HOWLER wins. Just check out this Batman version of his:

Looks bad-ass? Wait till you see some of my favorites from his portfolio after clicking on the jump. Don't forget to visit his page. (link above) 

No Pencils, No Papers... Just An Ipad? No Problem For Jim Lee [Video]

Oh. My. Goodness. 

Jim Lee drawing Batman on his iPad using his fingers. Yes, his... frigging' fingers!!!

[Video from iGeekTrooper via Comics Alliance]



It's almost ridiculous when he says that this work of his is kind of like crap, but hell, I would give anything to have a talent like that!

Awesome and inspiring work, Jim.

Cool "Animated" X-Men, Avengers, and DC Art from Marcio Takara

I'm not reading comic books lately so I'm on the hunt again for some of the finest works of art on Deviant. 

This time we have Brazilian comic book artist Marcio Takara, who according to his official website - has been working with illustrations, character design and graphic design since 2000. He also did comicbook work for companies like Marvel Comics (SpiderMan & Fantastic Four: Hard Choices), Chimaera (Consortium of Justice), Image Comics (Dynamo5) and Boom! Studios (The Incredibles). 

I frankly like his style - like its really made for animation shows that we see on TV. And to be honest, I have never seen such a clean and fine style of drawing like he has. How come animation studios don't get this guy to do their flicks? This guy is absolutely fit for that in my opinion, and its a shame that we are not seeing his illustrations come alive - literally - on our TV sets.

Anyway, check out more of my favorites from his deviantArt page featuring our guys from Marvel and DC.

Click to enlarge the images

Superman and Batman Both Get Porn Parody Treatments [Trailers]

Two of DC's most iconic characters must be happy now that they are getting their own porn parodies. Written and directed by porn director extraordinaire Axel Braun and produced by one of the largest adult companies Vivid Entertainment, Superman XXX (a parody of Superman Returns) and Batman XXX (a parody of the classic 1960's Batman TV series featuring Adam West) is sure to knock the socks of any comic book fan (and porn fan for that matter)... at least based on the trailers.

They certainly look cool, with a high-grade of production for a  XXX film and features the best adult stars today such as Lexi Belle and Tori Black (I'm a fan of those two haha). I'm sure going to grab one of these DVDs. I just hope that my video guy has them or I'll be damned.

Watch Superman XXX: A Porn Parody trailer below and Batman XXX after the jump. [SAFE FOR WORK]

Anne Hathaway and Tom Hardy To Star As "Catwoman" and "Bane" in The Dark Knight Rises

This just in for ComicBookResources' Facebook update.

Multi-talented actress Anne Hathaway was selected to play as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman alongside Christian Bale's Batman in Christopher Nolan's final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises as confirmed by Warner Bros.  She will serve as the love interest and nemesis of billionaire-playboy Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Here is the announcement from WB's press release:

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story."

 

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, "I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies." Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. The Dark Knight Rises is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company

Hmm... I'm trying to imagine her in that sexy catsuit...

Damn, can't we just have pictures already? Oh I got an idea: try to imagine her in that catsuit while striking a pose like the one she did in the rated-R movie Havoc (where she appeared nude... yes, I'm probably going to hunt down a torrent of that movie):

Stanley "ARTGERM" Lau's Artwork Reeks of Awesomeness

Another week, another new gallery. This time, its `Artgerm and his works that are featured today. He's one of my favorite artists out there in deviantArt. 

I think I first fell in love with his art with his Flash and Impulse airbrush which I also showed here somewhere (I forgot what the entry was and I'm too lazy to try to find it now so I apologize..), and now I see more new illustrations and man, they are beautiful! I'm kinda biased with DC characters so you would definitely see a whole of 'em here, but he's also got some cool Japanese heroes too so I threw them in.

Take a look at more of my favorites from his gallery after the jump:

Batman