Comics are Awesome III

[andersonh1]

Aquaman #20
This storyline with Dead Water is pretty much a horror movie with superheroes, or a 60s "base under seige" Doctor Who plot. There's a small group of humans trapped in an isolated location, stalked by a monster, with a dark secret of some sort behind why the creature exists. They all try to stay alive while figuring out a way to stop it, and prevent any future creatures from being created. That's what's going on here, and the team of Aquamarines manage to kill Dead Water, who reverts to one of the base staff after death, while Aquaman and Mera head down into the water itself, passing prehistoric creatures as they descend. At the bottom of the pool of water, which Atlanteans can't breathe (so they've had to borrow scuba gear), they find what looks to me to be cracks with reddish light emerging. I'm honestly not sure what it's supposed to be, but I suppose that'll be revealed next issue.

Action Comics #977
The first issue post-Reborn gives us a few answers as to how Superman's history has changed now that he's merged with New 52 Superman, but it doesn't get very far down that road. He and Lois are both working at the Daily Planet, and there are some annoying hints that he's using old nerdy Clark persona, at least to some extent. After getting used to Lois and Clark enjoying a close, loving and mutually respectful relationship for the past two years, it grates a bit when she calls him "Smallville", though I suspect it's meant to be teasing rather than derisive. This feels like some regression in the wrong direction. Not that I mind a return to the Daily Planet and a more classic Superman setting for both Clark and Lois, but I have grown to enjoy their life on the farmhouse out in Hamilton, and I'm not eager to leave that behind.

In any case, despite life being good, and memories of the old timeline fading, Superman remains uneasy. He knows there was something other than Mxyzptlk behind the changes to his life, and he decides to head to the Fortress of Solitude to review his life. He reviews it via a sort of 3D holographic display where he's among the events, even though he can't affect them since they're just a recording. I didn't read a lot of Superman in the 2000s, but I have read both Birthright and Secret Origin, and I'm assuming that Secret Origin remains the official origin story, given the way Jor-El, Lara and other characters appear in the flashbacks. I thought it was a weak story myself, and I didn't like a lot of Birthright either. I still prefer Man of Steel by John Byrne myself, but I suppose that's long since been largely overwritten.

While Superman is reviewing his life, someone is sending out a holographic representation of himself to contact Superman's enemies, old and new. He starts out with Metallo, who still looks like a metallic skeleton, though the man promises to rebuild him. He also contacts Blanque, introduced during the 8-issue Lois and Clark series. We're building up to what we've seen in some of the previews, with all of Superman's major enemies banding together to attack him.

Titans #10
The issue is largely a knock-down fight between the Titans and the Fearsome Five, more enjoyable to read than to recap. The Five are about to drain away Nightwing's skills and Flash's speed powers, when the rest of the Titans arrive and are having a tough time with the fight when Bumblebee tips the balance, only for Psimon to steal part of her memories before the Titans can push back and win. The Five are sent to prison, and Nightwing tracks their sponsors back to another old enemy: H.I.V.E. Up next: Deathstroke, who someone has finally remembered is an old Titans enemy. Looks like a crossover between Titans, Teen Titans and Deathstroke is happening next month.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #18
It's interesting to watch the Sinestro Corps and the Green Lanterns as they continue their uneasy alliance, with a massive yellow power battery being constructed beside the main power battery of the Corps. Space Ape and the lava lantern vanish due to a temporal anomaly at the beginning of the issue, and it's not until the last few pages that the rest of the Corps learn about that. In the meantime there are lots of little character moments to enjoy, from Kyle encountering old girlfriend Soranik, to Guy and Arkillo apparently having reached an understanding, to John being determined to make the arrangement with the Sinestro Corps work without any delay. There's also a revelation that Hal and Kyle are not assigned to any sector, so they can troubleshoot, which makes sense.

And then at the end of the issue, Rip Hunter turns up in GL headquarters, wearing a Green Lantern ring and warning that the Corps has been erased from the future. Rip Hunter looks more like his "Legends of Tomorrow" actor than the old comic book likeness. Who knew? Yay synergy or something.

This is one of those rare issues in this series when none of the four human lanterns get the focus, but the entire ensemble cast gets some lines and some significance to the plot. This book seriously has more regular and recurring characters than just about any other DC book, and it's a lot to juggle, I'm sure. But I enjoyed all the little moments before we move on to the next storyline.

[Sparky Prime]

Space Ape and the lava lantern vanish due to a temporal anomaly at the beginning of the issue, and it's not until the last few pages that the rest of the Corps learn about that.

I'm thinking the planet they were on is where Hal made his new GL ring and left Krona's Gauntlet... If so, it's good to see that little over-site on Hal's part, just leaving a weapon that powerful unprotected on some random planet, being addressed. Now if we could just find out what happened to the Templar Guardians, and who/what sent the GL Corps to that previous universe...

Great to see that it looks like Saint Walker going to begin recruiting new Blue Lanterns again. Still think Ganthet and Sayd should have done that to begin with though. Even if they had resurrected the Blue Lanterns, they were still very small in number. Be interesting if Mogo becomes their homeworld, along with Green and Yellow.

Ironic to see Guy has to be the 'adult' to break up the fight. Great to see all these different characters getting a chance to shine in this issue.

[andersonh1]

Space Ape and the lava lantern vanish due to a temporal anomaly at the beginning of the issue, and it's not until the last few pages that the rest of the Corps learn about that.

I'm thinking the planet they were on is where Hal made his new GL ring and left Krona's Gauntlet... If so, it's good to see that little over-site on Hal's part, just leaving a weapon that powerful unprotected on some random planet, being addressed. Now if we could just find out what happened to the Templar Guardians, and who/what sent the GL Corps to that previous universe...

Great to see that it looks like Saint Walker going to begin recruiting new Blue Lanterns again. Still think Ganthet and Sayd should have done that to begin with though. Even if they had resurrected the Blue Lanterns, they were still very small in number. Be interesting if Mogo becomes their homeworld, along with Green and Yellow.

Ironic to see Guy has to be the 'adult' to break up the fight. Great to see all these different characters getting a chance to shine in this issue.

Agreed, good stuff all around this issue.

[andersonh1]

Superman's red shorts to return in Action 1000?

http://insidepulse.com/2017/04/16/dc-co ... y-into-it/

Hey, about this business with Superman’s shorts– or “The Modesty Briefs Affair”, wherein people, including me, have speculated that the reason Superman doesn’t wear red trunks anymore is because Siegel and Shuster’s heirs figuratively “sued the pants off him” (to quote a FB pal): I want to reconfirm that everything I have said, and will say here, is just that—SPECULATION. It is based entirely on rumors I have heard from various current and former DC folks and other people inside the industry. Let me reaffirm: I could be wrong.
But since when has that ever stopped anyone on social media? So, in true Donald Trump fashion, here’s what I think happened to The Man of Steel’s pants:

(Remember, this is all distilled in my head from an assortment of inside rumors and confidences from within the industry. I COULD BE WRONG. But please feel free to get worked up, if that’s what you’re here for.)

Someday, I would love to read the settlement that finally ended the nearly 70 years long legal struggle of Superman’s creators and their surviving heirs, to recoup a bigger share of the profits generated by their invention. I’d at least like to read a summarized brief of Warner’s legal arguments over the years. My guess is that one of the provisions of the settlement is that the heirs are enjoined from speaking about it, and I wouldn’t expect Warners to either. So we may never know.

Ultimately, I think this final chapter of the war— this final case— came down to a fine-tooth, point-for-point argument over specifically which defining characteristics of Superman were actually created by Jerry and Joe before they came to DC and started laboring as “work-for-hire”.

For example, Superman’s red boots replaced his Greek lace-ups AFTER Jerry and Joe signed him over. Likewise, the “S” emblem continued to evolve from the original while Jerry and Joe were under contract, as did much of his likeness and appearance– EXCEPT for the modesty briefs. Apparently, that’s the one original characteristic that persisted unchanged from before the boys ever approached DC until the resolution of this case.

As a result, the briefs are the one thing Jerry and Joe’s family were able to hold onto– or regain. DC can’t use the pants without paying the heirs a little something— or so I’m told. Word on the street is that someone at DC or Warners is angrily determined never to pay for those shorts, so off they came!

Now, there is also buzz that Dan Jurgens, and others in the company, have campaigned hard in favor of the traditional, classic, populist brand, appearance and costume– and that Diane Nelson or someone up top recognizes the dollar value of that brand as being worth much more than what it costs to rent the shorts from the heirs.

This buzz suggests that Superman will be restored to his true self in ACTION #1000– which would be awesome in the extreme— an historic comics event tantamount to “The Death of Superman”. I think it would heal and restore a great deal more than just #Superman. I think the effects would be restorative across the industry. I would expect a revamp and revitalization of the movie franchises to stem from it, eventually– worth millions in revenue.

Again, just rumors and speculation. I could be wrong. Have I mentioned that yet?

But, checking out the vibe at DC these days, I have to say I detect a gathering of life force. I think DC is getting its head out of the old “everything must be Batman” days and getting its mojo back, folks. Mark my words and stay tuned!

[Sparky Prime]

I'd very much have to doubt dropping the red trunks has anything to do with the legal battles between DC Comics and Siegel and Shuster’s heirs... I get such legal battles can get nitpicky over the smallest of details, but despite what ever appearance Superman's costume takes, their heir's would get paid 'a little something' for the use of the character regardless of the red trunks. Besides, as the guy in the comments section points out, there have been appearances of the old costume, such as in Convergence, Lois and Clark, and flashbacks during Superman Reborn. Not to mention merchandise that still uses the old costume.

[Sparky Prime]

Green Lanterns #21
With his brother flat-lining, Dr Polaris does all he can to try to save his brother's life, but it's not working. Simon gets him to agree to let him try to use his ring to heal him, like he did with his own brother. But it doesn't work either. Distraught, Dr. Polaris pulls the Watchtower from orbit, setting it on coarse for the city. Simon and Jessica manage to stop it and return it to orbit but Dr. Polaris gets away, and now blames the Lanterns for the death of his bother. Later, Simon and Jessica receive a summons from John and their rings automatically begin to take them to Mogo.
I have to say, it was good to see re-establishing a Green Lantern villain who is down to Earth... so to speak. The GL titles have been focused on so many different cosmic threats for so long, it's good to see a GL villain who is just trying to save his brother rather than universal domination. I just wish these last several issues didn't feel so completely disconnected from the ongoing plot. Rami summons the Lanterns home after their visit in Gotham for an *important mission*... Well it must not have been that important, because the Dr. Polaris situation had nothing to do with him, nor have we even seen him since then. Then John tells two Lanterns to bring the Simon, Jessica and Rami to Mogo... Only then he apparently remembered he can have their rings automatically recall them, while totally forgetting about Rami.

[andersonh1]

I can't bring myself to avoid spoilers sometimes.

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/04/26 ... -spoilers/

The five year New 52 timeline is gone, thankfully, and it looks like almost all of the post-Crisis Superman history is back, officially. The New 52 costume is apparently another variant that Superman wore for awhile. I'll review the full issue once I've read it later on today, but needless to say, I'm glad to see DC take things in this direction.

But he's not exactly post-Crisis Superman any more, even though that run of stories dominates who the character is.

http://www.newsarama.com/34245-superman ... riter.html

As writer of the twice-monthly series Action Comics, Dan Jurgens thinks of the current, post-"Reborn" Superman as a "new person," one formed from the history of both "New 52" Superman and post-Crisis Superman.

As "Superman Reborn" revealed, someone messed with Superman in the past and split him into two, causing him to live two distinct lives - one as the "New 52" Superman and the other as the post-Crisis version

But DC's "Superman Reborn" crossover put those two lives back together, creating a new gestalt version of character (and his continuity) that now serves as DC's Superman going forward.

[andersonh1]

Action Comics #978
The tour through Superman's revised continuity continues, all the while the unknown individual continues to gather up Superman's most powerful enemies. I'll go ahead and spoil his identity because it's not hard to guess. Hank Henshaw/ the Cyborg Superman has so far put together a group consisting of Metallo, Blanque and the Eradicator, with Mongul next on the list for the "Superman revenge squad".

Superman's continuity has been changed by the Reborn storyline. Prior to that story, Superman was definitely and entirely the post-Crisis Superman, but the New 52 version has been inetegrated into his life, along with Jon, so things have changed. But the vast majority of his history is still intact. The issue includes scenes and redrawn panels from Secret Origin (the most recent and honestly my least favorite Superman origin), Clark's proposal to Lois (from Krisis of the Krimson Kryptonite), the Death of Superman, and Reign of the Supermen, though the 90s Superboy is excluded, oddly. Jonathan and Martha Kent died without ever meeting Lois or Jon, so that's a major change. The two page spread showing Superman's many enemies and costumes is clearly drawn from the 80s and 90s. Among the costumes is the classic, the gladiator outfit from Exile (so did he still execute the pocket universe Zod? the guilt from that is what led to Exile), the one from the day of the Krypton Man (which was based off John Byrne's Krypton designs), Electric blue and one or two others. The New 52 costume is now the one he was wearing when Lois found out she was pregnant, and Jon was born in the Fortress of Solitude rather than Thomas Wayne's Batcave during Convergence. I think Jurgens and whoever else came up with the timeline made things more complicated than necessary by leaving out the Kents, because otherwise most of the old issues wouldn't really change, based on what's depicted here.

And the 5 year timeline of the New 52 is gone. We're back to 15 years, as far as I can tell, judging by Jon's age.

The Lois and Clark series and the time in California is explained by Clark taking some time off after Jon was born, and operating more covertly with the black costume. The family spent a few years there and then moved to Hamilton, while Lois and Clark went back to work at the Planet. Basically, the continuity has been altered in such a way that most of what we've read over the past few decades is more or less the same, and New 52 Superman isn't five years of material that has to be excised. The stories and enemies still happened in some form, mostly. It's a compromise, and while there are things I would change, it's a lot better than what we had a few years ago during Truth, or at the beginning of the New 52 when all of the post-Crisis history had been jettisoned.

The final incident of note is that Mr. Oz again speaks to Superman, warning him that he's up against something way too big to handle by himself, and he then destroys the statues of his parents. That seems odd to me, and like the omission of 90s Superboy, has to be significant.

So good issue, answers a lot of questions and while it gives us some retcons where I prefer the original story, things are far better than they could have been.

[Sparky Prime]

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #19
Rip Hunter tells the Lanterns he's come back in time to the day before the Green Lantern Corps disappears from history because of another time traveler, Sarko. While Rip fills them in, Sarko meanwhile tells Gorin-Sunn and Prince Lorix (Space Ape) he's the last advocate of the Yellow light of Fear from a future where the Sinestro Corps no longer exists. It seems the partnership between the two Corps will eventually become so strong that the Yellow light will be abandoned and the Sinestro Corps members become Green Lanterns. Sarko wants to prevent this, and for the Sinestro Corps to reign supreme. The Lanterns aren't so sure they believe Rip, but take him at his word and prepare, as the prism beasts under Sarko's control arrive at Mogo. Hal goes to face them to buy the Corps time to plan and prepare, but finds the beasts are immune to his constructs...

Sarko as far as I can tell is a brand new character. It's interesting he calls himself an advocate for the Yellow Light of Fear. Guess that basically makes him a Sinestro Corps fan boy as he doesn't appear to have a Yellow power ring. Which makes sense if the Sinestro Corps is gone by his future timeline. I'd have to imagine he will be getting a ring sooner or later though.

[andersonh1]

Sarko as far as I can tell is a brand new character. It's interesting he calls himself an advocate for the Yellow Light of Fear. Guess that basically makes him a Sinestro Corps fan boy as he doesn't appear to have a Yellow power ring. Which makes sense if the Sinestro Corps is gone by his future timeline. I'd have to imagine he will be getting a ring sooner or later though.

Does he look Korugarian to you? He seems to have that crimson skin like Sinestro, Soranik or Katma Tui.