tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288958232024-03-07T20:04:34.210-05:00Comic ReviewsI spend a lot of time and money buying and reading comics. Most of the time I'm happy with my choices, sometimes not. I'm hoping,that with my reviews on what I've read, I might spare someone else dissapointment. I'll read anything, but I can't afford everything. If there's something you'd like for me to read, let me know. If you take the time to read this, please, take the time to let me know what you think. I may not agree with you, or you may not agree with me. But, so what. That's life.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.comBlogger5008125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-72805683890822007882011-01-31T23:10:00.010-05:002011-03-27T17:26:06.728-04:00Chuck vs the Push Mix - Season 4 - Episode 13- NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoLvgIVLfln8YptV8LdsZ3wDZ-kYzDQSQbshcnl0dBSjqEgFK_6IPABv6eUb-PzsrJ7Uc-B7IolJCeB6JP3sIo5pY2L4ecjQ1lTZmwUx4XN6kPBNyKG8VkMkRStjdw-3VEriQ/s1600/chuckpushmix.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588860557961815250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoLvgIVLfln8YptV8LdsZ3wDZ-kYzDQSQbshcnl0dBSjqEgFK_6IPABv6eUb-PzsrJ7Uc-B7IolJCeB6JP3sIo5pY2L4ecjQ1lTZmwUx4XN6kPBNyKG8VkMkRStjdw-3VEriQ/s400/chuckpushmix.jpg" /></a>Most of this episode revolves around the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hospital</span>. Elle goes into labor, and Casey is there, hopefully, recovering from his recent injuries in his mission with Sarah. I'm sure this isn't the first time, in the course of his career, that he's been hurt this bad . . or this close to death's door. I'd imagine that it's just part of the reality of the job. Anyways, of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">course</span> Awesome is freaking about about the baby's arrival. He's had everything so carefully planned, but . . now that the actual day has arrived . . he feels like he's not ready at all. One of the things he's asked Chuck with for help was the 'push-mix' . . the music that Elle would listen to as she's delivering the baby. He <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wants</span> it to be perfect. However, Jeff and Lester overhear this conversation and intercept the CD before Chuck can fill it with '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">hippy</span>-crap'. Hence the name of this episode's title. Suffice it to say that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jeffster</span> screws it up, and somehow they end up in the hospital performing 'Push It' over all the loud-speakers. It really is hilarious. Especially when they get arrested. Anyways, in this episode Chuck's goal is to get Sarah back home from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span>. He's tired of just sitting on his hands while Sarah does all the work. He feels like he should be helping her. Plus, while visiting Casey, he had become conscious enough to get the half of the eye Sarah gave him during their scuffle to Chuck. With it Chuck tries to find out who made it, linking it back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span>, and hopefully finding out where Sarah and his mom were being held. Right now the only information they have is something about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contessa</span>. As it turns out . . the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contessa</span> isn't a woman, but rather a boat . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff's</span> base of operations. So . . long story short . . Chuck tricks <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span> and his men into coming to his father's cabin. There he informs him that he'd planted a virus in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff's</span> computer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">transferring</span> all of his data-base to the computer in the cabin. And by also tricking him into saying his password, he can also access it all. So in the end . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span> and his men are arrested by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beckman</span>, and everyone else is saved. Also, later, while sitting outside of the delivery room . . Chuck finally proposes to Sarah. As the episode ends we see them embrace and kiss. I'm glad we got some of these story-lines wrapped up. Now they can approach the second half of the season trying to wrap up the rest. Plus I'm sure we'll have some more of the usual screw-ball hi-jinks that we get with this series. But . . that's why I like it.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-30392161510690889552011-01-31T23:06:00.010-05:002011-03-27T16:29:50.515-04:00Chuck vs the Gobbler - Season 4 Episode 12 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-VA89UKtOuXF5i95wRM0_00QvXriva1gRnhU32mStwWe3XMMlKK17AZ2wGd1RpHAt_v7zHjqG_NJZmGmic8kHJ450zDrHWscjgOosAv8Nb_m05q6pvGMJcf5O926DmziJs4v/s1600/chuckgobbler.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588854535524337618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-VA89UKtOuXF5i95wRM0_00QvXriva1gRnhU32mStwWe3XMMlKK17AZ2wGd1RpHAt_v7zHjqG_NJZmGmic8kHJ450zDrHWscjgOosAv8Nb_m05q6pvGMJcf5O926DmziJs4v/s400/chuckgobbler.jpg" /></a>This episode has a few storylines going, but . . for this episode, at least . . the put the proposal on hold. Well, mostly because Sarah is with Volkoff. The episode starts out with Morgan asking Casey for his help. With Sarah out of town, and undercover, he's worried about Chuck . . his 'frame-of-mind' . . his spirits. Morgan's afraid that Chuck will get depressed, worrying about Sarah. However, Chuck seems to be all smiles. He's trying to look on the bright side of things. Sarah is trying to finally bring down Volkoff, and . . in doing so, he'll also get his mom back. Anyways, with Sarah's mission . . she tries to explain to Volkoff that she and Chuck got caught up in the CIA life. A life that was never really their own. So now . . she wants to cash out and run away with Chuck. And she convinces Volkoff that he can help her do that. Of course Volkoff is suspicious, but . . he's intrigued as well. And of course Frost warns Volkoff that Sarah will betray them. So as a test, he gives Sarah a suicide. It's a prison break for one of his top men . . Yuri the Gobbler. Shortly afterwards, while Casey, Chuck, and Morgan are inside Castle waiting for word from Sarah, something happens that makes them think that they're under attack. But . . it's actually Sarah. She's snuck back so that she can ask for her team's help with this mission. Plus I think she wanted an excuse to see Chuck. They decide to have Chuck enter the prison posing as a criminal, and Casey and Morgan as guards. Immediately Chuck announces that he wants to be 'top-dog', and picks a fight with Yuri . . arguably one of the biggest, meanest looking guys here. Of course, using the intersect, he beats him pretty easily. With Sarah as the 'get-away' driver, they quickly return him to Volkoff. Volkoff seems happy for his return . . at first. But it isn't long before he draws a pistol and shoots him in the head. It appears that Yuri's left eye is false, and . . it contains Volkoff's secret database. After killing him, Volkoff plucks it out of his head and plugs it into his computer. Soon Sarah gets another mission from Volkoff . . she's to kill John Casey. Casey gets a text from Sarah to meet up. Of course Chuck wants to go along, but Casey won't let him. And of course . . Chuck follows him. Casey and Sarah meet up on the ninth floor of a building, while Chuck tries to follow him up to help. So while Casey and Sarah are fake fighting, and exchanging information up high . . Chuck is busy fighting Volkoff's men down low. Casey gives Sarah an idea for a plan. He wants her to throw him through a window, and he'll land on some scaffolding about 40 feet below. They do so but, when he lands on the scaffolding, it breaks, and he falls the rest of the way to the ground. As far as Sarah knows . . she's actually killed Casey. When Chuck sees this, Volkoff's men knock him out and they quickly take off with Sarah and Frost. But . . Casey is tougher than he looks. At the end of the episode we see him lying in a hospital bed, unconscious. As well as Alex, Chuck, and Morgan all standing around watching. Chuck tries to tell Sarah what's happened, but . . she can't answer her phone. Meanwhile, it appears that Morgan and Alex's relationship is progressing. At one point Chuck sees her coming out of Morgan's room wearing one of his vintage tee-shirts. Something that he won't even let people touch . . let alone wear. And there's a little brew-ha-ha about Elle and Awesome's baby. Elle's frustrated because Awesome doesn't seem to be participating in the planning process as much as she'd like. So she tells Chuck that without his help, she's decided to name the baby Grunka. Of course it's all a ploy to get Awesome to freak out and contribute some kind of idea. When he does, they decided on the name Clara. Anyways, Mike, Jeff and Lester are all involved in this part of the story, and it provides some of the comic relief. This was another interesting episode. I'm glad that they got off of the proposal thing for a little while. Who knew a soap-opera would look like this?comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-32486987902712196342011-01-23T17:43:00.008-05:002011-03-27T15:18:26.721-04:00Chuck vs the Balcony - Season 4 Episode 11 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi674FU6MeoTLmreARCGIbex2mLjGY6Lyryz6d2EyRD0PwKCsF93VyYiolIW3blm2ov5TRTSSP_X4gANA-SB3OTKkHIVJLR0o6mYhHEbu85NhsJPZJx7_GmX0lDswtuF4PTsP6S/s1600/chuckbalcony.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583621159701281826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi674FU6MeoTLmreARCGIbex2mLjGY6Lyryz6d2EyRD0PwKCsF93VyYiolIW3blm2ov5TRTSSP_X4gANA-SB3OTKkHIVJLR0o6mYhHEbu85NhsJPZJx7_GmX0lDswtuF4PTsP6S/s400/chuckbalcony.jpg" /></a> Of course there's the usual spy and intrigue to this story, but . . the real crux of the episode is Chuck's attempt to propose to Sarah. It seems like whenever his plans seem to be coming together . . something happens to derail everything. When it comes down to it . . he just wants it to be perfect. His latest attempt involves a romantic dinner. But after Sarah tells him about one of her own parents botched attempts . . he decides that it's to cliche . . and has to stop all the wheels from turning. While this is going on . . in the French wine country . . Loire Valley, to be specific, there's recently been an agent killed. He hid a secret <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nanochip</span> in a wine cork there, which he stole from a French terrorist, Pierre Melville. Shortly before his dying breath he had injected it into a cork and now the CIA wants Chuck and Casey to recover it before Pierre gets his hands back on it. Casey has to pose as Mr Carmichael's manservant. Meanwhile, Sarah is volunteering to do whatever is necessary to bring down <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span> and bring in Chuck's mother. When Chuck tells Morgan about the mission, they decided that this Chateau will be the perfect place for Chuck to 'redo' his proposal. Once there, it's Casey who really figures out what's going on. While hiding in the wine-cellar, he overhears the terrorists talking. They've found the injection gun, and through it have determined exactly which type of wine that the cork is maintaining. From there it's pretty cut and dry. Chuck recovers the chip, and Sarah saves Casey and takes out the French terrorists. But after returning, General <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beckman</span> wants Sarah to return and to sell the chip back to Pierre. What Chuck doesn't know that is that Morgan has gotten everybody in on the proposal plan. Sarah and Casey are both trying to help Chuck finally make this thing happen. Of course Chuck doesn't know that. The problem is, according to the Generals plan, after the buy goes down . . Sarah going to be arrested as a traitor so that she can later escape and join <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff's</span> crew. Of course this completely wrecks the proposal. And at the end of the episode Chuck is once again left teary eyed holding the ring-box in his pocket. At Buy More, there's another misunderstanding brewing around Lester. His "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hinjew</span>" parents have decided that he should partake in an arranged marriage. The bride will be visiting soon from Lester's ancestral homeland . . . Saskatchewan, Canada. Of course he doesn't want any part of this. And of course the woman ends up being a knock-out. It's hilarious when he tries to 'woo' her with his Indian heritage by transforming the Theatre Room into his own Indian 'man-cave' . . with Lester playing the Sitar. This freaks her out, but after explaining his attempt to impress her she decides to give him another chance. His back-up plan? Well . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jeffster</span>, of course. And, of course . . this freaks her out even more. Lester has messed it up again. This was another funny, and moving episode. I like the way that they're trying to balance the stories of all these characters here. My only concern is that they're going to decide they have to many <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">storylines</span> going and get rid of some of them. There is an awful lot going on. But . . I still love it.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-16719607179894020292010-12-30T21:38:00.017-05:002011-03-13T10:04:58.733-04:00Justice Society of America Special #1 - DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJsXwWBU2qUwjBseQ2_nuH3hOHTf3mGQCAvY9yEyB5fNqOXgizy7ga1JYnjoxAsl23x4Zg-UrvEzqgZKwD2ar1saTOQpidBo13gzm94bdVlldyZbcNGxcUQJSGE8vVwv_SrQT/s1600/jsaspec1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583560099312445282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJsXwWBU2qUwjBseQ2_nuH3hOHTf3mGQCAvY9yEyB5fNqOXgizy7ga1JYnjoxAsl23x4Zg-UrvEzqgZKwD2ar1saTOQpidBo13gzm94bdVlldyZbcNGxcUQJSGE8vVwv_SrQT/s400/jsaspec1.jpg" /></a>With the ending of his own series . . <em>Magog</em>, this issue serves to wrap up the whole Gog / Magog storyline. Well . . sort of. At the end of his own series, Magog and N.I.L.8 were kind of running around all over the place smiting those in defiance of Magog . . non-believers. Which, I would think, would be most of the world. Anyways, they've come across this 'wonder-tech', and it seems to be controlling Magog. His friend, who took over the N.I.L.8 armor, seems to be doing this of his own volition. I guess he succumbed to the cult. He drank the cherry <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kool</span>-Aid. And of course the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> gets involved because . . well . . Magog used to be one of their own . . David Reid. So they feel kind of responsible for him. Even though he's burned them numerous times. Anyways, long story short, David ends up gaining control. It seems his consciousness was fighting the 'wonder-tech' the whole time. Or it could have been the intervention of his one-time friends. Whatever happens . . David regains control and ends up having to take out his childhood friend in order to stop N.I.L.8. But even with it's host dead, the armor still keeps attacking. Apparently it wants a host, but doesn't necessarily need one. And in the end . . there's a big explosion with the 'wonder-tech', and David has to contain it as Magog. Which seemingly leads to his demise. At least that's what the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> thinks. We see, however, that he's simply been transported back to Albion. Where his 'sister' and 'mother' still seem to be set on getting Magog to reassert his control over this union. But David is still refusing to give in to him. Anyways, in the end . . as far as the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> and the rest of the world is concerned . . Magog goes out a hero. Also Axel files on Magog, the Gog tech, and the revolution have all disappeared. As well as the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA's</span> files on their one-time team-mate. However, David does goes a bit of a cryptic message to Axel. And there seems to still be a spark of life in the bunker where the N.I.L.8 armor came from. Obviously . . the story is far from over. But for now . . David has set out on a new path in Albion. Actually . . he's probably relieved to be away from all the stress and turmoil that he's had to face for every waking moment since becoming Magog. At first, Albion probably seems like a bit of a vacation spot for him. However, I don't think that will last for long. Scott <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kolins</span> did everything for this book. The guy has really become quite a 'catch' for DC. My only complaint about this whole book would probably be . . while there's some beautiful pages in her . . the problem I see is that when Scott does everything . . there's also some pages that look kind of rushed. But I'm sure it's hard to take on this whole book like that. Don't get me wrong. The guy is definitely talented. Personally, I just prefer substance over quantity. But that's just my own opinion. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book. And it was nice to see this story-line wrapped up . . sort of.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-33248967789652002702010-12-30T21:37:00.031-05:002011-02-27T15:38:17.819-05:00Green Lantern #57, #58, #59, #60, #61 and #62 - DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAESCyDbYAmCBD0NSTOW2sVyGhFnzgXNtMYUpedS1AUGeGo5LC_3PfdG146x8PXJ8AQxS5s-IJMu_KHzL-1LJ0fQN_KHAm98Nfq2qyqPBY7MYtuK4TsgKE9esTAIaTRgqUYHN/s1600/gl57.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576210280353007314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAESCyDbYAmCBD0NSTOW2sVyGhFnzgXNtMYUpedS1AUGeGo5LC_3PfdG146x8PXJ8AQxS5s-IJMu_KHzL-1LJ0fQN_KHAm98Nfq2qyqPBY7MYtuK4TsgKE9esTAIaTRgqUYHN/s400/gl57.jpg" /></a>We start out in issue #57 shortly after Hector Hammond has stole <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze's</span> Orange Lantern from him. We catch the end of the battle, but . . Hector decides that he's more interested in obtaining Carol, so . . he heads out. Leaving Hal to console, or argue with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze</span>. For a being of Avarice, he seems to have a hard time holding onto those items he covets the most. Anyways, while this is going on, back on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamaron</span> they're dealing with a crisis of their own. They've rebuilt the Star Sapphires central power battery, but . . without the entity . . whom appears to be running loose on Earth with all the rest of them . . without him, it (?), to power the battery, the Queen is left using her own strength to try and keep things going. Which is why they've got Carol, back on Earth, hunting down the Predator. I'm not sure if I've got this correct, but . . it appears that their entity has taken the Predator as it's host. So I guess Carol is trying to wrangle him and get him back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamaron</span>. She doesn't accomplish that, but . . in the process of the Queen trying to help her people, she comes to the realization that Love, or power, isn't what her people are missing. What they're missing is Hope and Faith. If she can restore their Faith and Hope in their mission to find and spread Love throughout the universe, they may be able to continue without the entity's help. After Carol separates the entity from the Predator, and takes it back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamaron</span> . . the Queen realizes that Carol can best encourage the Hope and Faith that her people seem to be missing. Carol comes to the realization that it's not the entity that is corrupting it's chosen hosts . . it's the other way around. The entity sought out people devoid of love . . it's opposite. And in doing so, it itself becomes corrupted. Watching Carol discover this, and confront it . . the Queen comes to a decision. 'The Lantern does not need totems. It needs our absolute faith in the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC8hwGOI8emFD_Exbdt49-RT4R40MogIZ9IKcuWyLgBmY0fs5YmICOom9fl7_66tMk5v4z2PH63fsDmsz0OVLDCapOqkHjZeYRecLVdbh3GtC2HxaDQjTuqtcDOz4ReKS7oxT/s1600/gl58.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576901587485987762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC8hwGOI8emFD_Exbdt49-RT4R40MogIZ9IKcuWyLgBmY0fs5YmICOom9fl7_66tMk5v4z2PH63fsDmsz0OVLDCapOqkHjZeYRecLVdbh3GtC2HxaDQjTuqtcDOz4ReKS7oxT/s400/gl58.jpg" /></a> power we wield.' So in her dying breath, she appoints Carol as the new Queen of the Star Sapphires. But the real revelation in this story, I think, is that if all of this is true . . this could change the whole dynamic of how the various Corps wield and harness their powers. Plus, think about it . . could it be that Hal corrupted Parallax? And not the other way around? This could change everything. But . . we'll see how Geoff Johns expounds on this interesting paradigm as this story progresses. In issue #58 we see <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> as they begin scouring the Earth for the being that is also in search of all the various entities . . Scar. Or is it Krona? I'm not sure which, but . . either way, these two unwitting allies don't have any clue as to who it might be. We also see that Carol has decided to sink herself into her new role. Despite Hal's objections. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze</span> is holding somebody for Hal, who seems to know a little bit about his background. He taunts him by telling him that he knows that he was ripped away from his family, and that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze</span> isn't his real name. And while this is going on, there's some speculation on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">OA</span> as to why no one has heard from Hal since they defeated <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nekron</span>. 'I'm beginning to suspect Hal Jordan's ring is either malfunctioning . . or he doesn't want the Guardians to know what he's up to. But the truly important part of this issue is about a little girl from Michigan . . Nicole Morrison. She's been abducted, and apparently through her compassion and forgiveness for the man holding her . . the Blue entity, Adara has chosen her to be her new host. Which brings Saint Walker to Earth. She seems to want to fill everyone with Hope. She also eludes to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze's</span> past. 'I am here to give you Hope. Your parents are still alive. And they still miss you.' And then she goes to work on Hal. But before anything can really happen . . Barry Allen, the Flash, shows up. 'We need to talk about you and your new friends, Green Lantern. Right . . NOW!' <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBLBlfv1RWeZwIdGpypDJTaIcZ86egwrC6uBmcoU_WgHVri0isRpieLvrh_03WsTdm5oSkoqFi5cEAJM66eC-pgqtRp6UZUtQVobIfRmb4N1kXICqpJoJMEZKN2tfav6x3G2z/s1600/gl59.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576909888624436018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBLBlfv1RWeZwIdGpypDJTaIcZ86egwrC6uBmcoU_WgHVri0isRpieLvrh_03WsTdm5oSkoqFi5cEAJM66eC-pgqtRp6UZUtQVobIfRmb4N1kXICqpJoJMEZKN2tfav6x3G2z/s400/gl59.jpg" /></a>It seems <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span>' demolition, or murder, of the inmates in the buses in issue #58 has caught the attention of the Justice League. Flash, as well as Superman and Batman, are concerned about the people that Hal seems to be working with lately . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larfleeze</span>, and in issue #59 . . the Indigo Tribe. Whom now seem to be in control of the Black Hand. The tribe has come to Earth with their entity, Proselyte, who chooses a man, Shane Thompson, to be it's new host. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Everyone's</span> immediate concern is . . 'Black Hand?' The Tribe has shown up before, when they needed them. But it surprises them to see Black Hand amongst their entourage. It turns out that their Indigo rings give their bearer 'Compassion'. But when it's explained to them, it sounds more like 'brainwashing'. And it opens up another question, 'So if the rings are forcing you to feel compassion, Indigo-1 . . what are you like without them? To which she describes, 'We are all born again.' Forcing Hal to ask another question, 'But were you all like Black Hand? Maniacs and murderers?' But rather than wait for the answer, Adara tries to help them find it. Between Saint Walker and Adara they figure out . . 'I can't sense any Hope inside of them. It appears as if Black Hand's emotions are being controlled by the ring. Perhaps that applies to all of them. The Indigo Rings are capable of channeling other light from the spectrum. I did not realize it was a necessity.' And then . . Scar shows up with Parallax. But it seems he's not interesting in re-inhabiting Hal. Instead . . he takes over Barry. So in issue #60 . . it's pretty much just a knock-down-drag-out fight between Hal and Barry. And much in the way of the Black Lanterns, Parallax taunts Hal by rehashing the failings of their friendship. But Scar shows his face, and we find out that either he's controlling the emotional spectrum's entities, or . . he seems to be trying to goad them all into coming to one place . . Earth, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYEafsnXTjpVrM-GCfDN-JkhlbDOa9wLh3h_1oyjD5Ns-bCpxXFBcmOaiVNr7B0SswWZFMBWqAF20mJzAF_1_TtOSKlTHlMemqBBJxU1VEwS9Ncy7DFhOSA4myHsosyKe-_7b/s1600/gl60.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576929282110975794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYEafsnXTjpVrM-GCfDN-JkhlbDOa9wLh3h_1oyjD5Ns-bCpxXFBcmOaiVNr7B0SswWZFMBWqAF20mJzAF_1_TtOSKlTHlMemqBBJxU1VEwS9Ncy7DFhOSA4myHsosyKe-_7b/s400/gl60.jpg" /></a>so that he can work out his plan. Pretty much all of the big players of each Corps, including the entities and their hosts, have shown up to try and fight this guy. Well . . all except for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> . . who gets a call from his Corps-members, and races off to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. You can follow that story in the <em>Green Lantern Corps</em> title. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> seems more interested in finding his own spectrum's entity, the Butcher, rather than following through on his agreement to help Hal. But when Scar pulls out the Blue, Yellow and Indigo entities from their hosts . . we find out his real identity . . Krona. I mean . . if you've been following this book, and the Corps' book . . we kind of knew who this was going to be. It wasn't a huge surprise, but . . it was a nice reveal. In issue #61, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> finally catches up with the Butcher, and we see it pick it's host. But it's not who we think it's going to be. We see convict getting ready to be executed for his crimes against humanity, and with his final words he taunts the father of the girl whom he killed. So when he comes busting in, I expected him to choose the convict as his host. But instead . . he chooses the father of the victim. 'James Kim of Earth. You have great rage in your heart. And I am hungry.' But that's when the Spectre becomes involved. It seems that the Spectre and the Butcher have a bit of a history. But before the Spectre can strike him down . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> claims him as his own. But of course the Spectre has something to say about that. And while they argue . . the Butcher takes Mr Kim as a host, and then proceeds to strike down the convict. Something we find out from this exchange . . and the few previous possessions that have occurred with the other spectrum's entities . . it seems that the emotion that each of these <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">spectrums</span> embody isn't it's driving force. The Butcher's rage, Parallax's fear, Adara's hope . . the emotion attached to them isn't what drives them . . it's what feeds them. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkl0DqWuVhjzVjZwKUnfpR2UWhjI5cbWDd54UuHi7D0Ez0xv-QCQs5vFfIM1JbUIu66-Y2oQ-CBTYR4PT0dbVJXx5-9cJKwmoYdAahds6yOACr7biSPv76cYvrHktTlfQ0hXM/s1600/gl61.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578454994077199970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkl0DqWuVhjzVjZwKUnfpR2UWhjI5cbWDd54UuHi7D0Ez0xv-QCQs5vFfIM1JbUIu66-Y2oQ-CBTYR4PT0dbVJXx5-9cJKwmoYdAahds6yOACr7biSPv76cYvrHktTlfQ0hXM/s400/gl61.jpg" /></a>So as Carol discovered back on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamaron</span> . . it's not the entity that corrupts the host . . but the other way around. Or rather it's the raw emotion that the entities consume that seem to send them into their blind emotional rages. And when Mr Kim's rage is abated . . the Butcher can no longer get what it needs from him. And it chooses another host . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span>. However, in it's transition . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span>' willpower, along with the Spectre's help, stops the Butcher from doing so. And instead it becomes a prisoner of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span>' Lantern. It seems that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> has gotten what he came for. But what about the Spectre? There's usually always some fallen soul in his wake. Well . . he begins by holding Mr Kim in judgement . . for the death that he was responsible for while inhabited by the Butcher. But <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> stands up for him . . questioning the validity and function of the 'eye for an eye' principle. To which the Spectre replies . .'You dare to question scripture?' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atrocitus</span> tells him, 'You may be objective and calm in your judgements, Spectre, but once you pass the you are no longer haunted by their victims. But the victims are our families and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">hauntings</span> never stop. No matter what blood has spilled. There will never be enough to balance the scales. So if you wish to judge James Kim, you must first judge me.' And the Spectre tries, but . .'You cannot be judged. Not now. Your mission against Krona is a holy one. But know that it will not last forever.' And finally, in issue #62, we begin the prelude to the <em>War of the Green Lanterns</em> storyline. We start out by learning a little about Krona's history. Including something I didn't know before . .'He was responsible for the accidental creation of the anti-matter universe and all that it gave birth to: <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span> and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponers</span>, the Anti-Monitor, and ultimately, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro's</span> Yellow Ring.' We also find out that Krona discovered the pocket dimensions where a lot of the various Corps members keep their Lanterns. So most of the issue is spent in a <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFxKpLfGCNApIU3HuuzuLfbYi55tsORaCmU5vwbGutxaCAMtQXbJ-DqfAgls1WY6vfP9qN3XStFgNRrURwKl-NB-9j4WttlzlP0k886T0ejrbO-G9l9_LKh0G5L0Vm8S1dCD0/s1600/gl62.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578460736537111154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFxKpLfGCNApIU3HuuzuLfbYi55tsORaCmU5vwbGutxaCAMtQXbJ-DqfAgls1WY6vfP9qN3XStFgNRrURwKl-NB-9j4WttlzlP0k886T0ejrbO-G9l9_LKh0G5L0Vm8S1dCD0/s400/gl62.jpg" /></a>big fight between Hal, his colleagues and Krona. But, there were a couple of 'key' moments. Having been a scientist for the Guardians . . way back when, we find out that most of the things that the various Corps now use, where actually created or designed by Krona. So there's very little they can throw at him that he hasn't already thought of, or created. Also, Krona has an 'ace' in his pocket in the form of Hector Hammond. He's still possessed by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ophidian</span>, so . . Krona can control the entity, and thereby ,through association, Hammond's powers. Which seems to be enough to turn the tide of battle, and allow Krona to obtain the rest of the spectrum's entities. Well . . I would assume . . all except for the Star Sapphire's. But I'm not sure about that. Next thing we know, Hal's waking up in the Justice League's infirmary, and Krona has retreated into space . . the Lost Sector, maybe? I assume to plan and begin his war. But before heading off to give chase . . with the rest of his colleagues from the various Corps . . he gets a stern scolding by the 'big-guns' . . Superman, Batman and the Flash. They're trying to get him to accept their help. But, as friends . . I don't think he wants to involve them unless he absolutely has to. But there's something left hanging between Hal and his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> peers that's going to have to be resolved sooner or later. But right now . . we're heading off into the <em>War of the Green Lanterns</em>. And it looks to be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">doozy</span>. Oh yeah . . there's a little preview at the end where we get to see some of the original interaction between the Guardians and Krona . . as well as a hint at some of what led to his expulsion. As well as a peak at Hal's future. Or rather, I guess, what the Guardians perceive it to be. It's also by Geoff Johns and Ed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Benes</span>. Geoff Johns and Doug <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mahnke</span> have done a fantastic job of bringing us this story. And in expanding upon, and explaining aspects of the Green Lantern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">mythos</span>. There's lots of little 'ah-ha' moments throughout this storyline. Doug has lots of help with the art throughout this series. It all looks great. But he also has some nice help with the variant covers. They include covers by Adrian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Syaf</span>, Alex Garner, Frank <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quitely</span>, Gene Ha, and Ryan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sook</span>. This continues to be one of my favorite series out there. And what I believe to be one of the best written. I cant' wait to see where we go from here.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-61368791877190054722010-12-30T21:37:00.026-05:002011-02-24T11:13:05.938-05:00Green Lantern Corps #51, #52, #53, #54, #55, #56 and #57 - DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJwNaQvf_pdkOMS3eEXWYONgEOX83uXBDJusIdvF7GPMY6AhWEiaLxgjKFMlgOiQdp7_W78qAPfAn8cuqBlullRYf-FgvrwUSHaZEzpitFhLftWHD2Wj_jzYnTEO1C_MF8nKV/s1600/glc51.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568009344611692354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJwNaQvf_pdkOMS3eEXWYONgEOX83uXBDJusIdvF7GPMY6AhWEiaLxgjKFMlgOiQdp7_W78qAPfAn8cuqBlullRYf-FgvrwUSHaZEzpitFhLftWHD2Wj_jzYnTEO1C_MF8nKV/s400/glc51.jpg" /></a>We start out this batch of issues with the Revolt of <em>the Alpha-Lanterns</em> storyline. In it, Hank <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw</span>, the Cyborg-Superman has captured <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span>. He looks like he's using him to torture the Alpha-Lanterns, one by one, but actually . . he's trying to get him to covert them back to their original state of being . . their human being. Or . . being human. Somehow someone has convinced him that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> can change them back. And if that is so . . he would also be able to, somehow, change him back. No matter what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw's</span> done throughout the years, it seems that it always comes back to him wanting to be human again. He even orders Lantern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Glibberquip</span> to blow his head off in front of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span>, and Lantern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stel</span>, to show them how serious he is. Plus I think it was a way to demonstrate to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> just how complete his control is over these Alpha-Lanterns. He then has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> experiment on Lantern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hraalkar</span> . . unsuccessfully. And next is Lantern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Horroq</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nnot</span>. Anyways, Kyle, John and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span> are still hiding in the bowels of the planet, so . . they work there way down to where <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw</span> has sent the rest of the robot population. They try to use the planets resident's respect for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stel</span> to rally them against <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw</span>. But they are completely under Hank's command. So, with not many options being left open to them . . Kyle decides to call in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hannu</span> . . one of the Lost Lanterns. He shows up about <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbejP_QtdHFgB04MVPXEsCx82AWmM-B1n75OvFTU-DY-kBbo3w4W2Kxr-vhONY7A_o1Ux1YlCYfGMj_JSDuea7JFkqjwwkS7qpAuHEysUzrty0mXkN9E1BbjpPdTOOQ5dVaUE/s1600/glc52.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568014410215522002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbejP_QtdHFgB04MVPXEsCx82AWmM-B1n75OvFTU-DY-kBbo3w4W2Kxr-vhONY7A_o1Ux1YlCYfGMj_JSDuea7JFkqjwwkS7qpAuHEysUzrty0mXkN9E1BbjpPdTOOQ5dVaUE/s400/glc52.jpg" /></a>the same time as <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boodikka</span>. Whom <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshsaw</span> has sent to check in on the 'servants'. Even though these two were captured together, for years, with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw</span> . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hannu</span> is unrelenting with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boodikka</span>. His initial attack breaks her battery, which loosens <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Henshaw's</span> control over her. And before she passes, she uses her own energy to recharge the Lantern's rings. But . . then we find out . . she doesn't pass. Somehow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span> and John save her. And while this is going on . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> actually figures out how to remove the power battery from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Horroq</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nnot's</span> chest . . essentially returning her to her original form . . with a few pieces added, and exchanged . . of course. And that's when John and Kyle's plan to attack, with the support of all of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grenda's</span> robot population, occurs. In the battle Hank's body is destroyed. His essence tries to take residence in the newly revitalized <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boodikka</span>. But her willpower is just to strong for him, and she ends up destroying him. Well . . at least as far as we know. For now. When they all go back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">OA</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> uses what he's learned to give the rest of the Alpha-Lanterns . . if nothing else, at least the return of their human emotions. Physically they're still Alpha-Lanterns, but . . at least now their decision making process will be a little clearer. They're no longer more machine than man. And for their sacrifice in battle, the Guardians grant <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Boodikka</span>, John, Kyle, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hannu</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stel</span> Honor Guard status. Basically allowing them to operate in any sector they choose. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWStClPMbAWcyZC5w1-xSKUTTo1wAHUXNBLkpQQS6B8Vudt3hmg2royQxvtrh_-pJychYaQS6Sd6JpHYBlEIpOnKh-KnyeimcDPEa4Egelaer_SaZCxaYPVkgjSWWwqVuEPja8/s1600/glc53.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568019135099792818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWStClPMbAWcyZC5w1-xSKUTTo1wAHUXNBLkpQQS6B8Vudt3hmg2royQxvtrh_-pJychYaQS6Sd6JpHYBlEIpOnKh-KnyeimcDPEa4Egelaer_SaZCxaYPVkgjSWWwqVuEPja8/s400/glc53.jpg" /></a>The Guardians want them to be an inspiration to the rest of the Corps. Meanwhile, back on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> has come across a net of some sort that's been left behind. It's made out of the energy of the White Lantern. So he's decided to try to use it to make a weapon to fight <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span>. And in issue #53 his plan finally comes together, and . . he strikes. But not in the way you'd expect. He goes to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Korugar</span> and starts some trouble to attract <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora's</span> attention . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro's</span> daughter. But she's not there right now . . Kyle is instead. Somehow the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> has configured the net from the White Lantern into his shield, and now at his request it creates the perfect weapon that he needs for any situation. Kyle calls out for her, and when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span> finally does show up . . the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> makes short work of both of them and then captures her and takes her back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. He tells Kyle to warn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> that he has his daughter, because he wants to kill him. The reason he hasn't drawn him directly into battle is because . . for what he's done to him, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>, and the entire anti-matter universe . . the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> wants him to die on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. Kyle goes back to Earth to warn him, but . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> doesn't seem very eager to help, or to try to save his daughter. Which brings Kyle and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> to odds. Kyle just wants <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thaal</span> to come back with him to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span> and help him save his daughter . . Kyle's girlfriend. But for some reason . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> wants nothing to do with this mission. We also find out that the truce <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx9FGLLjTTVV2wpmdllJDvBrEuEPA3abBO7A0z1EI0clkeVWyRibIsp_kxKQ7pbuXHc0S89UrDWc6raJapdl_RI8iCeHim6VKc1ffaRHzqzd_Mr6GdtIAMV1jHmnucMHefcKz/s1600/glc54.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568023708959016962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx9FGLLjTTVV2wpmdllJDvBrEuEPA3abBO7A0z1EI0clkeVWyRibIsp_kxKQ7pbuXHc0S89UrDWc6raJapdl_RI8iCeHim6VKc1ffaRHzqzd_Mr6GdtIAMV1jHmnucMHefcKz/s400/glc54.jpg" /></a>between the Green Lantern Corps and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps is not violated so long as they don't use their rings. So instead, Kyle returns to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-error">OA</span> and enlists the aid of his fellow honor guards. In the meantime, back on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> tells his story to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_59" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span>. We find out how, and why, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_60" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponers</span> decided to make the yellow rings in the first place, and then what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_61" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> . . and later his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_62" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps, did to enslave and disparage the entire <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_63" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qwardian</span> race. It actually all revolves around the being that they looked to as their god . . the Anti-Monitor. Anyways, Kyle and the rest of the Honor Guard show up on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_64" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. With every intention of rescuing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_65" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span>, but . . they aren't prepared to deal with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_66" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer's</span> new weapon . . the net made of White Light. Therefore, he makes pretty short work of all of them. Well . . all except Kyle. He's managed to stay out of the battle in lieu of searching for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_67" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span>. By the time he does find her . . and they abscond with some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_68" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer's</span> own weapons to fight him with . . their fellow Lanterns have all been subdued. However, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_69" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer's</span> own fellow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_70" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qwardians</span> consider him an outcast. Since he's the one that forged the original ring for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_71" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span>, the entire planet blames him for everything bad that's happened to them. And honestly . . they've been through a lot. But the point is . . they don't really care if the Green Lanterns kill him or not. However, I'm sure they're more than a little dismayed when next . . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwayEntNtA1cs0839xVSOIeOpkpJJ0X9T1alHraQSEfP3TmyV6bmzdmBCoObF5T1zib-_IlDVKVqkb3ktobOFimEEaqHPSWM4kLHEbHYfEp3FBmAWqHzeUwRJXOp7E9Ag3oLr/s1600/glc55.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571064679703681442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwayEntNtA1cs0839xVSOIeOpkpJJ0X9T1alHraQSEfP3TmyV6bmzdmBCoObF5T1zib-_IlDVKVqkb3ktobOFimEEaqHPSWM4kLHEbHYfEp3FBmAWqHzeUwRJXOp7E9Ag3oLr/s400/glc55.jpg" /></a>the entire <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_72" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps shows up at their doorstep. Well . . everyone except for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_73" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span>, that is. However, it isn't long before he joins the fray as well. As he explains it to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_74" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> . . 'I sent my troops ahead, as any wise General would. I arrive on my terms . . not yours.' And we learn that Kyle and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_75" class="blsp-spelling-error">Thaal's</span> little tussle back on Earth was kind of a prelude to what happens here. Apparently the 'no rings' policy, as far as the truce between the Green Lantern Corps and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_76" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps, also applies here. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_77" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps want to wipe out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_78" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. Or at least it's population. And obviously the Green Lantern Corps can't let that happen. But . . they have to figure out how to stop them without breaking the truce. As we learned from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_79" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> in issue #55, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_80" class="blsp-spelling-error">Attrocitus</span> is on Earth trying to find out who is behind the abduction of all of the entities . . and where they're taking them. Apparently <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_81" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span> knows that it's Scar, but . . he doesn't know where Scar is at. However, he does know that the only way they'll be able to stand up to Scar . . especially with the power of the various entities, is with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_82" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro's</span> help. But he won't do that if the truce is broken. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_83" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hannu</span> is the first to jump in. He doesn't like to use his ring anyways. And Kyle and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_84" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sora</span> gather up a bunch of weapons from the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_85" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer's</span> arsenal. Issue #56 ends with the Corps . . or rather the Honor Guard, standing side-by-side with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_86" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qwardians</span>, ready to face off against <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_87" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> and his Corps. In the final chapter, Firestorm is also drawn to this planet . . apparently<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl7zTp6f701rhRio4SQks4tNQWhsBzdtbnOvur6IEm-q_xFrnL_UZBIC4H21DGMOXyBCl4bUIF55HCOaWpx6Q8mNR7NGdRaXK4oDsgsPX2qwozhAcw73t3iHJut14dOWcSZik/s1600/glc56.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573676092173515058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPl7zTp6f701rhRio4SQks4tNQWhsBzdtbnOvur6IEm-q_xFrnL_UZBIC4H21DGMOXyBCl4bUIF55HCOaWpx6Q8mNR7NGdRaXK4oDsgsPX2qwozhAcw73t3iHJut14dOWcSZik/s400/glc56.jpg" /></a> by the use of the White Light. He's actually in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_88" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">search</span> of the Black Lantern version of himself, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_89" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deathstorm</span>. So this is kind of a cross-over with <em>Brightest Day</em>. And it will probably serve to explain, in that book, how Firestorm ended up being in the anti-matter universe. And more specifically on the planet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_90" class="blsp-spelling-error">Qward</span>. Anyways, Ronnie and Jason are hell-bent on finding him because the evil guy has absorbed Professor Stein and Jason's own father into his own matrix. And since Firestorm doesn't have any kind of truce with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_91" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> Corps, he's more than willing to help out in this battle. But even with his help, things are pretty much a stalemate. However, we do get a bit of a twist at the end. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_92" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> seems to have beaten the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_93" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span>, but instead of killing him . . he offers him a position on his Corps. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_94" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> is now a Yellow Lantern. And . . there's another question I have about the end of this story. When <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_95" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinestro</span> and the rest of his Corps head back to Earth . . including the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_96" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span> . . it appears that the White Lantern net is no longer attached to his shield. So . . where is it? He may have it. It's never really explained that he doesn't. But when we see him last, it doesn't appear to still be attached to his shield. So . . where is it? Hopefully that will all be explained in the Firestorm part of this story. But, we also find out at the end, from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_97" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ganthet</span>, that not only do they face Scar when they return to Earth, but also . . Krona. Remember when, way back when, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_98" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> were tricked into <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZcfgAr0h4YjMtMpxb91nQAUrIA-07XfuDkycW_xrQMRKAFl7ZWsL3JMLTB-DNmwVgo6ikYX6LA65QCVb-FR92Q6f2TC7LBEGOkZBw5dgMA8ALz405ahhZSLUEixCYDHUyuu/s1600/glc57.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573682389927971122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3ZcfgAr0h4YjMtMpxb91nQAUrIA-07XfuDkycW_xrQMRKAFl7ZWsL3JMLTB-DNmwVgo6ikYX6LA65QCVb-FR92Q6f2TC7LBEGOkZBw5dgMA8ALz405ahhZSLUEixCYDHUyuu/s400/glc57.jpg" /></a>believing that he was still in his other dimensional prison? Firestorm appeared to be the only one that suspected things to be different. Anyways, this is all leading into the next big storyline . . <em>War of the Green Lanterns</em>. The first part of this group of books . . <em>the Revolt of the Alpha-Lanterns</em>, is brought to us by Tony <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_99" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bedard</span>, with Adrian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_100" class="blsp-spelling-error">Syaf</span> and Vicente <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_101" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cifuentes</span> doing the art. And it really does look fantastic. <em>The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_102" class="blsp-spelling-error">Weaponer</span></em> storyline is also brought to us by Tony, but with Tyler <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_103" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kirkman</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_104" class="blsp-spelling-error">Batt</span> doing the art. It looks just as good. The thing I like about this book is the diversity of characters. There are so many great, and interesting characters here. And it appears that Tony is going to introduce us to as many of them as possible. And now that Hal and Guy each have their own books, we get to see more of Kyle, John and the rest in this one. This book is a great read . . and an action-packed thrill-ride through each of it's pages. I look forward to it every month.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-74649761322844329362010-12-27T00:17:00.007-05:002011-01-16T15:17:53.320-05:00Smallville - Luthor - Season 10 - Episode 10 - CW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEoVwTfb7q0lGk4aUitEyqBFvTtyTNb1VAUjgkJ4a_Ljl9yBNQIMjeDNSQ-S36TiisXbks-fHAmt2p6gOlDsjB1MgHrUt6HJF9NdwMJLCh2O1CqOWmlYUg1bLKyXaKAf6zIIo/s1600/smallvilleluthor.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555747426282041650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEoVwTfb7q0lGk4aUitEyqBFvTtyTNb1VAUjgkJ4a_Ljl9yBNQIMjeDNSQ-S36TiisXbks-fHAmt2p6gOlDsjB1MgHrUt6HJF9NdwMJLCh2O1CqOWmlYUg1bLKyXaKAf6zIIo/s400/smallvilleluthor.jpg" /></a>This episode introduces Clark to alternate universes. In this one, Clark is transported to the world where he's been raised by Lionel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Luthor</span> . . rather than the Kent's, and he's taken on the persona of Ultra-man. He's a very evil and power hungry man on this world. Anyways, Tess is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bequeathed</span> a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kryptonian</span> relic . . the mirror-box, by her estranged father, Lionel. Clark finds it, while at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cadmus</span> looking into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lex</span> clone that's on the loose. When he activates it the two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clarks</span> switch places. On the other Earth he finds out about Tess being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Luthor's</span> daughter, and that this other Clark had held this world in a grip of fear. Fearing for his own world, he tries to find the way back. Of course he does, and all is put right. But I think the real purpose of this story was to work Lionel back into the mix of things. When Clark does finally find the other world's mirror-box, with Ollie's help, he comes back but . . Lionel is close by. Somehow Clark doesn't know it, but Lionel has also come back to his Earth with him . . on his heels, or coat-tails. And it looks like he's decided to lay low and get the feel for this Earth before he makes any big moves. This also resolves all the secrets that Tess has been hiding. Her and Clark talk about Alexander, and her being the bastard child of Lionel. So far it seems like Clark trusts her. But it's probably tenuous at best. And . . they haven't told everybody else yet. I'm sure there will be some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">dissenting</span> opinion. I think this is shaping up to be a great season. I can't wait to see how it all shakes out.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-36087453328260501382010-12-27T00:16:00.006-05:002011-03-13T11:35:55.752-04:00Chuck vs the Leftovers - Season 4 - Episode 10 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsICwqlsPMD7DNAzyFwYN77m8-9utGcKX7TF0aYE9WnfqLFxSKpBizX9G1muilvTGNcZaCEl0Wr0AEP9cysJofE_ituIXS0u4sLifb1AoTCaDGR3xi7Jl59OXL1FxEs7-Dlds/s1600/chuckleftovers.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583585011237541170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTsICwqlsPMD7DNAzyFwYN77m8-9utGcKX7TF0aYE9WnfqLFxSKpBizX9G1muilvTGNcZaCEl0Wr0AEP9cysJofE_ituIXS0u4sLifb1AoTCaDGR3xi7Jl59OXL1FxEs7-Dlds/s400/chuckleftovers.jpg" /></a>In their Thanksgiving episode, we get even more revelations about Volkoff and his relationship with Chuck's mom. It appears that in the many years that she's been working for him . . deep undercover for the CIA . . he's actually developed some pretty deep feelings for her. That, apparently, is why he always seems so protective of her. We thought it was because he knew that she was a double-agent . . or maybe suspected so. But actually . . he's in love. Well . . as in love as a guy like this can get. In usual Chuck fashion, he and Elle don't really celebrate anything traditionally. Instead, they have an after Thanksgiving left-over dinner. Anyways, first Sarah and Chuck are attacked by some of Volkoff's assassins. They seem to be holding their own, but . . they're still outnumbered. Until Chuck's mom comes along and saves the day. Actually, she was ordered by Volkoff to take out Chuck, when he learned that he was still alive, so technically . . these guys are working for her. They take her into custody and try to interrogate her. During which Volkoff captures Jeff and Lester, and places a bomb inside the Buy More. He's threatening to take them all out unless Frost is returned to him. They end up in a confrontation outside of Castle, where Volkoff learns that Chuck is actually Frost's son. Which also occurs just as Elle calls to invite everyone over for dinner. So . . long story short . . Volkoff meets everybody, after which . . he still wants to kill them all. But Frost won't let him. But she also won't leave him. Sarah realizes, and tells Chuck that she's doing so to ensure that they all stay alive. Because of Awesome and Elle's involvement in all of this . . plus Awesome's revelation that Chuck is still in the spy-business . . Awesome gives Chuck his father's computer back to him. Of course he solves the riddle that Elle couldn't, and . . ta-da . . the Intersect is back in Chuck's head. All of this is interwoven with hilarious scenes of the Buy More, as well as Morgan and the rest of the 'Nerds'. I especially thought the scene with Chuck and Morgan, deciding that they need to get some training in, attend a kick/strip class. That's what I think I like so much about this show. There's the scenes of action and adventure, but then . . there's also the scenes of sheer stupidity. I love it. I think it's great. But now I have another show to watch . . <em>the Cape</em>.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-11841444634140960272010-12-21T10:14:00.015-05:002011-01-16T15:17:11.191-05:00Brightest Day #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15 and #16 - DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JxHhKDadY2N3M4VFy1wzMzz5GZnyDKqny-Ek1XsoB0LoFNZjWWxJ2l4uqvT3gdf_9um6eIA95M_lRg7R09kCMaixLKRLB9kvBnGaKXpY3_96JG9vFOXjYmmQlwLvgVRuaHJr/s1600/briday8a.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560241833695373874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JxHhKDadY2N3M4VFy1wzMzz5GZnyDKqny-Ek1XsoB0LoFNZjWWxJ2l4uqvT3gdf_9um6eIA95M_lRg7R09kCMaixLKRLB9kvBnGaKXpY3_96JG9vFOXjYmmQlwLvgVRuaHJr/s400/briday8a.gif" /></a>I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to go about this, but . . I've got a whole lot of issues here, so . . I guess it's best just to get started. As we go through these 8 or 9 issues, a lot of the story revolves around Boston Brand and Dove. They're on a mission, by the White Lantern Ring . . the one on Boston's finger, that keeps talking to him . . they're on a mission to find 'the new Protector'. The problem is, they have no idea who or what they're looking for. The White Ring can be pretty vague when it's talking to it's 12 disciples here. Well . . maybe disciple isn't the best word. It's not like they're serving the White Ring . . or even understand it. It's more like . . they all know that the White Ring brought them back, and . . they're all just trying to figure out why. And, even though the White Ring is pretty vague . . it still speaks up and creates havoc for them all whenever they get off in a direction that the White Ring doesn't approve of. They've been given life, and power, and free-will . . as long as they continue along the path of the goals of the White Ring. It doesn't sound very benevolent to me, but . . I'm thinking at this point . . it's more like it's just misunderstood. Anyways, Boston and Dove are off on their mission, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECburg8Fx855H86yi54C5Mr_7T10rIRR_dk4hDRUVXuZqOpcoSBF7iwWiH_KlBlV9ipgOgBlcWWULrZsx5_OYc4Yrxc-behqdXEGV_AahJ4UvZRX0pRMycfAfLP6KbPHThygI/s1600/briday9a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560244978437125330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECburg8Fx855H86yi54C5Mr_7T10rIRR_dk4hDRUVXuZqOpcoSBF7iwWiH_KlBlV9ipgOgBlcWWULrZsx5_OYc4Yrxc-behqdXEGV_AahJ4UvZRX0pRMycfAfLP6KbPHThygI/s400/briday9a.jpg" /></a>after separating rather quickly from Hawk. Apparently whatever his purpose . . it's divergent from the other two. Although . . I thought his mission was to protect Dove. Anyways, their search is pretty futile until Batman returns. Boston is convinced that he's the only person smart enough to be the 'new Protector'. But . . his assumption turns out to be erroneous. But he does learn another lesson. 'Quit Searching. Live Life. The Chosen One Will Come To You!' And during the course of this . . a spark ignites between Boston and Dove. There may be a bit of a romance brewing here. Or is it just a connection between their individual connections to this White Light? Also during the course of these issues, a whole lot of stuff happens to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span>. It starts out we he and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">M'gann</span> searching for this other Green Martian that attacked her. He's been told by the White Ring that he needs to 'Burn Down The Forest', so . . when he finds the psychic dead zone in what is now Ollie's forest in Star City . . he thinks that's what the ring is talking about. Of course it doesn't help that his powers run amok as soon as he enters the forest. It appears that his psychic and physical selves are at war with each other. Also, since his return, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVqsXe59IzFnJ_sYzLT2sSzebtIyfAOIxOHsBybUJ-sAkfE4BuTsD6ZSy0-fTFtnU7xVDnytlZRxWqRZNXL5bzcPEe8nXTAY_nQk6YY4fQVY0Hk8wqBaNneSVbS4oyTi2LBZc/s1600/briday10a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 262px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562855528274054386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipVqsXe59IzFnJ_sYzLT2sSzebtIyfAOIxOHsBybUJ-sAkfE4BuTsD6ZSy0-fTFtnU7xVDnytlZRxWqRZNXL5bzcPEe8nXTAY_nQk6YY4fQVY0Hk8wqBaNneSVbS4oyTi2LBZc/s400/briday10a.jpg" /></a>his proximity to plant life acts much the same way as Arthur's to sea life . . they suck the life out of everything within close proximity to them. Anyways, it's not long before Ollie gets involved and helps him get out of the forest. Once he gets a chance to clear his head he realizes that the ring is talking about the forest that he's brought back to life on Mars. So he heads there, where he finds <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">D'kay</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">D'razz</span> trying to corrupt everything that he's tried to recreate. Apparently she was a very powerfully psychic Green Martian that was imprisoned for her erratic beliefs. In that prison, deep under the surface of Mars, she also survived the extinction of it's people. When Professor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Erdel</span> brought <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span> to Earth . . all those years ago, he apparently also pulled her along for the ride. However, she wasn't ready for the psychic assault of all the minds on Earth, so she retreated and hid in human form for all these years . . forgetting the memories of her Martian heritage. That is until <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span> died, and his telepathic burst awakened her. But she still thought that she was alone until she saw on TV that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span> had returned. So now, I guess, she wants to be part of Mars' return. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq5FyKESnd2fKJLvyivwYIY7pocNor0c_9P2cWCHrVGZZHOVmI4u5KMbPYP4PSWFziuAe2VohpE2r29ca_xWGdAhiLZr1JXPdMVn3DAmz4XtjSflmGEVFgKTbc5Z4mKRND8jh/s1600/briday11a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 260px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562859024568039890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq5FyKESnd2fKJLvyivwYIY7pocNor0c_9P2cWCHrVGZZHOVmI4u5KMbPYP4PSWFziuAe2VohpE2r29ca_xWGdAhiLZr1JXPdMVn3DAmz4XtjSflmGEVFgKTbc5Z4mKRND8jh/s400/briday11a.jpg" /></a>She tricks <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span> into thinking that in a burst of White Ring power, he brings everything, and everyone on Mars back to life. He also apparently lives out this fantasy for what he believes to be the next 25 years. That is until events in this fantasy convince him that he's dreaming and that he needs to awaken. What <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">D'kann</span> has neglected to tell him is that he's brought the plant life on Mars back to life by siphoning from the plant life of Earth. In order to bring one back, he'd have to destroy the other. Which obviously <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">D'kann</span> doesn't really care about. But obviously <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">J'onn</span> is going to have to decide between bringing Mars back, or . . giving up on the whole idea. On <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hawkworld</span>, Carter and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera</span> find out that this world is ruled over by Queen Shrike. Who is actually <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera's</span> original mother . . from way back in Egypt . . Queen <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Khea</span>. Apparently her, and Hath Set's mission is to activate the gate that he's created out of the bones of all of Carter's and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera's</span> resurrected lives. They need Carter and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera</span> to be in contact with it to activate it. They capture <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera</span>, and through that lure Carter into their trap. In the process, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shiera</span> kills Hath Set . . which Queen Shrike would've done eventually, anyways. And now it appears that she's got her doorway and sights <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71tJ0v-W06BD2I56O1na2sWkPtGpVKFazB9mLJSCdGmAUlyO9s6enM-aztBd_VkK4dhDimeFRqcRlEW5y1kzPljLO6xzXPDR_8WTmeiADLdSpj0eGxUv2MUTVwdEOJ0q5kQqr/s1600/briday12a.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 259px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562867969279753410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh71tJ0v-W06BD2I56O1na2sWkPtGpVKFazB9mLJSCdGmAUlyO9s6enM-aztBd_VkK4dhDimeFRqcRlEW5y1kzPljLO6xzXPDR_8WTmeiADLdSpj0eGxUv2MUTVwdEOJ0q5kQqr/s400/briday12a.gif" /></a>set on Earth. But actually . . she and her army head to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zamaron</span>. Although, I'm not really sure why . . yet. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aquaman</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> are on a mission of their own. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aquaman</span> has recently found out that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> is actually one of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atlanteans</span> that was banished to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xebel</span>. She originally came here to kill Arthur . . because of her people's hatred towards him and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atlanteans</span>. But she fell in love with him instead. Now her sister, Siren has shown up and is trying to finish what <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> started. Anyways, there's another person from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xebel</span> here also . . Jackson . . Black Manta's son, and the future <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aqualad</span>. The reason he's so important to everyone is because in his powers he holds the key to open the portal between <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xebel</span> and Earth . . which lies in the Bermuda triangle. Siren and her people want him so that he can open the gate and they can exact their revenge upon the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Atlanteans</span>, as well as the land-dwellers. I'm not sure how Black Manta plays into that whole plan . . other than the fact that he's Jackson's biological father, but . . apparently Siren wants to use him for some reason. Anyways, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aquaman</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> want to stop all of this because . . well, who really wants an <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYufQYpxyhElG27DSkNhihZkEqroBeqHrGGYyKzzMMhM2hnVf7KEap9Gww2MZMQHDHIV_TeoJYD2kpyc3tfA3xgFTygUQJSGm-SnPGiq_o-PtXfXJsa6a1aM8WjW-oxFwPs1/s1600/briday13a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 260px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562863101243103954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLYufQYpxyhElG27DSkNhihZkEqroBeqHrGGYyKzzMMhM2hnVf7KEap9Gww2MZMQHDHIV_TeoJYD2kpyc3tfA3xgFTygUQJSGm-SnPGiq_o-PtXfXJsa6a1aM8WjW-oxFwPs1/s400/briday13a.jpg" /></a>all out war between the denizens of the deep and the rest of Earth? Anyways, during the course of all this, Jackson finds out his true origins from Arthur. His mother was a surface dweller, and when Jackson was born . . she died. His powers came about because of experiments they did on him when he was an infant. And at first he lashes out at Arthur, until . . he realizes just how much alike the two of them are. Although their two circumstances are quite different . . their way of looking at the world . . and their place in it . . is quite similar. And then . . we have Firestorm. First of all . . this is a character that's near and dear to my heart. I've been following Ronnie and the Professor ever since their very first mini-series back in 1978. I've read every appearance of his since. I'm thrilled the Geoff Johns has taken an interest in him and is trying to once again adapt him to the current times, and state of affairs within the DC Universe. This is a great character, and I was really upset when the first series was cancelled. In fact, at the time, I even submitted a few story ideas of my own, to try to keep the character alive . . a way to explain some of the things that had happened at the end there. Anyways, I'm just happy that he's been given some new life, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y7yjjfoP4vndj9q9lX_MsTLfVE_rrlyWagQJAVpGPXIiReqOBNpA4qqyX6lWjO_tS5ca-MPA7nH8oKjC1cQh30x1jiIthLHUxwOW_BnUpeXG4dfXw5qIAFgMKCBMQ3GUFfhg/s1600/briday14a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 264px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562867190933077842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y7yjjfoP4vndj9q9lX_MsTLfVE_rrlyWagQJAVpGPXIiReqOBNpA4qqyX6lWjO_tS5ca-MPA7nH8oKjC1cQh30x1jiIthLHUxwOW_BnUpeXG4dfXw5qIAFgMKCBMQ3GUFfhg/s400/briday14a.jpg" /></a>and a new purpose. Even if, right now, it appears that fate may be the end of the entire DC Universe. Anyways, what's happened is that now Ronnie and Jason inhabit the Firestorm matrix. Each providing their own unique wisdom and guidance. And either can be in the driver's seat. But, there's also someone else in there. Apparently, because of their respective guilt or regrets, neither of them have been able to let go of the negative, or dark side of their egos. Thus creating a third ego inside of the matrix, and . . he calls himself <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deathstorm</span>. He looks like the Black Lantern version of Firestorm. Probably because that's the way that both of the boys see him. And that's part of what they both feel most guilty about . . the things they did as a Black Lantern. Anyways, this entity has released itself from the matrix, and has assimilated the Professor and Jason's father, Alvin, into it's own being. We also find out that this version of Firestorm can transmute organics. Which is how he appears to bring the Black Lanterns back to life, when he transmutes the fallen heroes out of the dirt around him. But the Ronnie/Jason version of Firestorm <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoAOT6bYuRn_RZpOeQrRbiGw5ryjb04UNGFFttCBX9R2J59u6j1Autdv_8st4_DYdeYl9Y2tiwGP445taRUnHj_JjjH2MlFsLNBMH9gVCmGnTbtAz7A9HxOHl2YV7v2PY5tc5/s1600/briday15a.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 257px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562874142866640978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoAOT6bYuRn_RZpOeQrRbiGw5ryjb04UNGFFttCBX9R2J59u6j1Autdv_8st4_DYdeYl9Y2tiwGP445taRUnHj_JjjH2MlFsLNBMH9gVCmGnTbtAz7A9HxOHl2YV7v2PY5tc5/s400/briday15a.gif" /></a>isn't without a set of it's own improvements. First of all, they're much more powerful together than either of them were separately. But, in that power comes a price. They have to stay calm and focused because . . they appear to be the living embodiment of the 'Big Bang'. The Professor theorizes that the accident that originally created Firestorm . . bonding his and Ronnie's lives together, forever . . was actually him not only recreating the 'Big Bang', but . . also capturing it. Thus creating the Firestorm matrix. So . . if they should become agitated or upset . . the resultant release of energy could be a spark for the next 'Big Bang'. In the end, the boys decide to go to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> to try to seek some help. But, while being examined by Dr Mid-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nite</span> and Ray Palmer, the boys become upset and it appears that they explode, literally, in a cacophony of rage. The issue ends with them appearing to be the only living thing within an overwhelming vastness of darkness. Obviously they didn't destroy the DC Universe, but . . what did happen? And what about the good Doctor and Ray? I think this is a fantastic series and I've loved every issue in it. I think Geoff Johns and Peter J <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tomasi</span> are doing a great job with the story. Obviously all these individual stories are connected, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzzwBzUbpme3jQmv5xz4ncbUt1_mvl9AxI-xnMhmDrUJOslfluGWjD3c90AuyNBXUpQcNtntHtXvcb7EJGIf-wNbiTAODiq81hHjR44He9FFBND_2tw4nD_AvqvqtfrowjBsO/s1600/briday16a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562876915574495218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzzwBzUbpme3jQmv5xz4ncbUt1_mvl9AxI-xnMhmDrUJOslfluGWjD3c90AuyNBXUpQcNtntHtXvcb7EJGIf-wNbiTAODiq81hHjR44He9FFBND_2tw4nD_AvqvqtfrowjBsO/s400/briday16a.jpg" /></a>but . . we don't get to see the picture as to how . . yet. I also think it's a good idea to leave Max Lord out of this series, as he's the chief protagonist in the <em>Generation Lost</em> series. His story is being explored and expanded upon there. But, he is brought up every once in a while here. Really the only one of these resurrected 'heroes' that I'm a bit confused about is the Reverse Flash. But, I still have to catch up on the Flash book, so . . hopefully I'll know some more then. Anyways, this series has also brought together a fantastic pool of talent. The art chores on these books have been shared by Ivan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reis</span>, Patrick Gleason, Adrian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Syaf</span>, Joe Prado and Scott Clark. Not to mention some beautiful covers by David Finch. Anyways . . I've really been thrilled with this book so far. I'm sorry that it took me so long to get this posted . . personal problems and issues, and all. I guess I was just a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">overwhelmed</span> by what I was trying to bite off here, plus . . this is post #5000. I wanted to make it a good one, and about a book that I really enjoyed. I think I put a little bit to much pressure on myself. Oh well. Such is life. Anyways . . it feels good to get that one out of the way and to move on to whatever the future may hold. I'll try to post as much as I can, but . . with my personal life it's been getting harder and harder. But I promise . . I'll do what I can.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-3068339859496480942010-12-21T10:12:00.013-05:002011-01-09T12:34:52.863-05:00Justice Society of America #42, #43, #44, #45 and #46 - as well as Justice League #48 - DC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSnR8V5274esX2bSRXaJif1IXC1NH3-DoiX7RypXoktLLK0GAwwbnW3uV5mRjwRr1AFJB2X2IKJnUs6oldXlrzNYr68v9sQqRNfComESE5sg6_IbP3cht8NRl0EgUKJ80VTbr/s1600/jsa42.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557688935465347874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSnR8V5274esX2bSRXaJif1IXC1NH3-DoiX7RypXoktLLK0GAwwbnW3uV5mRjwRr1AFJB2X2IKJnUs6oldXlrzNYr68v9sQqRNfComESE5sg6_IbP3cht8NRl0EgUKJ80VTbr/s400/jsa42.jpg" /></a>I had to include Justice League #48 here because it's all part of <em>the Dark Things</em> story-line. This is the cross-over event between the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> this year. James Robinson does a great job with the story, and I'm really enjoying Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bagley's</span> work on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> . . and by association, this entire storyline. Well . . except for issue #43 which is the epilogue to this series, and sets the groundwork for the future of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span>. Well . . kind of. It actually sets the stage for Alan Scott's next evolution and role within the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span>. As well as Jade and Obsidian. Anyways, that issue is by Jesus Merino. Also Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bagley</span> not only did the covers, but . . if you take all 5 chapters of this story-line, it provides a nice panoramic view of both teams. My only concern is that Mark does some work on the 150<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> issue of Ultimate Spider-man, and . . there's reports of him going back to Marvel to do some more work. I'm afraid this may be his swan-song as a DC artist. I don't know that for sure, but . . if so . . that would definitely be a loss for DC. As well as the readers. I think he's brought a great energy to the titles that he's done over the last year or two here. But . . such is the way of the comic book creator. Right? Anyways, Issue #42 shows us the amalgamation of Jenni-Lynn and Todd . . Jade and Obsidian. Apparently their respective powers exemplify the light and dark natures of the Star-Heart. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtp0QEOSo14pWmDZeTuM9hTH0zr00qnx5dKA2lj_uG7egK8qsb0f7gyNH4tnxTJXgBp9UUEbvz1CGyvhzrk_jTO5D7g3j8jTAzILFckjqQoNs2L2XMP_wC9aVCNeh3tyi2nWoq/s1600/jla48.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557691883321215090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtp0QEOSo14pWmDZeTuM9hTH0zr00qnx5dKA2lj_uG7egK8qsb0f7gyNH4tnxTJXgBp9UUEbvz1CGyvhzrk_jTO5D7g3j8jTAzILFckjqQoNs2L2XMP_wC9aVCNeh3tyi2nWoq/s400/jla48.jpg" /></a>With this new more powerful Star-Heart on the scene . . and their already seeming lack of control of their powers over the years . . especially Todd . . it seems as if they've been drawn together to form a physical manifestation of the Star-Heart persona. But, part of it is also because, for some reason, the Star-Heart is afraid of Jenni. Or at least uncomfortable with her. I think it all has to do with her being dead . . then a Black Lantern . . then resurrected . . and in this issue, for a short period of time, a White Lantern. Anyways, it's that power that she's tapped into that she eventually uses to break free of her brother. Although it breaks both their hearts as they can now never be within about a half mile of each other, as the temptation for this amalgamation will be to strong for either of them. Anyways, Faust figures out that the Star-Heart isn't actually there because Alan is really only a construct. He figures this out because the Star-Heart is using Fate to bind the heroes. Therefore, the real Alan/Star-Heart must be someplace else, and consequently . . they can attack without fear of consequence. Unfortunately . . for the Star-Heart, after this revelation Fate regains his composure, and after dissipating the Alan construct . . they force Alan and the real Star-Heart to return to the moon to face this army on it's own. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyUJ7h9dricTMZBlRivuPMNSw3q5VKovA-tRTzMIZqH8UzLymBWaLFGeRxJ2XPZoPb3UgOl0JD3X1pMTRdCr00mA6vyJcFylaB2miKeVOPngc6CFarOGKJetMGu6k_fDQIIb8/s1600/jsa43.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560219787096175810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyUJ7h9dricTMZBlRivuPMNSw3q5VKovA-tRTzMIZqH8UzLymBWaLFGeRxJ2XPZoPb3UgOl0JD3X1pMTRdCr00mA6vyJcFylaB2miKeVOPngc6CFarOGKJetMGu6k_fDQIIb8/s400/jsa43.jpg" /></a>And that's the beginning of the end. Alan shortly regains control, and the war is over. However, for Alan . . it's a tenuous relationship at best. Because of the Star-Heart's increased power he has to remain in control at all times. The slightest misstep and everything starts all over . . again. Finally in issue #43 . . the epilogue . . we find that Alan has decided to keep the Star-Heart's city on the dark side of the moon in tact. In fact it's become a safe-zone, of sorts, for all types of magical creatures from Earth. He's also become their leader . . for lack of a better term. Maybe administrator is better. And he's formed alliances with many other magical worlds. This includes Sorcerer's world, the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> dimension, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gemworld</span> . . to name a few. Most of this issue is spent with Alan explaining all of this to Todd, as well as the dangers of him and his sister falling into the trap of the Star-Heart again. It's nice to see Alan and Todd talking like this again, but . . I don't think Todd fully accepts his father's reasoning. I have a feeling this is going to be something that's going to come back and bite them all in the butt again . . sooner or later. Also, between parts 5 and the epilogue . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">JLA</span> #48 and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> #43 . . it seems like there's something missing. Almost like there's a part of the story in there that we didn't get to see, or something. I don't know . . maybe it's just me. Overall I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was a good run. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlv926mzDBuxdffd5pSgxnVmi86rwCvbpnQMRu3fjbxcViNJtwmOxSX3hazwJ6DxX0ILkidZTnW5i_g5EFA-QzNyIwRkiUfqNtevsw2hNszPucQCBuDmfNpPUgPkUGFLv79_N/s1600/jsa44.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560223159130820018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlv926mzDBuxdffd5pSgxnVmi86rwCvbpnQMRu3fjbxcViNJtwmOxSX3hazwJ6DxX0ILkidZTnW5i_g5EFA-QzNyIwRkiUfqNtevsw2hNszPucQCBuDmfNpPUgPkUGFLv79_N/s400/jsa44.jpg" /></a>Then in issues #44, #45 and #46 we start off in a new direction, under the tutelage of Marc Guggenheim and Scott <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kolins</span>. It starts out that there's this guy (?) that's been locked in this Afghanistan prison for the last 5 years. Two months ago he breaks out, and a couple of weeks later ends up in Monument Point wreaking havoc. It appears to me that all of this happens before <em>the Dark Things</em> story-line. The story actually starts out in the present, with Jay being asked to become the new Mayor of Monument Point, and . . then we flash back 2 months to what I assume are the events leading up to this. The reason I'm pretty sure this occurs before <em>the Dark Things</em> is because Alan is seriously hurt . . paralyzed actually, and taken to a hospital in Florida. So, in the course of stopping this obviously super-powered terrorist, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">JSA</span> pretty much lay waste to this little town. After they beat him, the stop to survey the damage and Wildcat asks . . ' . . what have we done?' In issue #45 we find out that this new 'super-villain' is actually connected to a mission Jay and Alan had during WWII. Since they were being kept out of Germany by the Spear of Destiny, they decided to do what they could in Japan. They were ordered to destroy a secret project called '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Drachen</span>'. What they found was a baby. So obviously they couldn't bring themselves to destroy it. Fast forward to the present and '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Drachen</span>' is this new <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWHKW5x9iccUulyYp48gcRZUAdI1igYnOizRswSHxDrqAdQTsvgG6uWu9iGv2uU1AgfI5J_GMt2LfTLl0d8aFxshF_xzvKL0X9MYBSe-A-MQl62uukc9JVs4goPQddAfR9Fl0/s1600/jsa45.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560232147388951954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWHKW5x9iccUulyYp48gcRZUAdI1igYnOizRswSHxDrqAdQTsvgG6uWu9iGv2uU1AgfI5J_GMt2LfTLl0d8aFxshF_xzvKL0X9MYBSe-A-MQl62uukc9JVs4goPQddAfR9Fl0/s400/jsa45.jpg" /></a>'super-villain' that they're calling Scythe. So <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ultimately</span> Jay and Alan are responsible for everything that's happened here. Which forces Jay to decide that he's going to stick around and help them rebuild. Then in issue #46 we find out, for sure, that this is actually happening after <em>the Dark Things</em>. Alan talks to Dr Mid-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nite</span> about how he's pure energy, but . . he's taken physical form. And with all the concentration he has to wield to keep the Star-Heart in check . . he doesn't have enough energy to heal himself. They've got Scythe locked up in a local back vault . . which Michael converted into a prison cell, but . . he still appears to be pulling some strings. The Mayor's aide, Mr Hogan, has hired a Dr Chaos for some reason or another. All we know is that at the end of the issue Lightning loses her powers, and appears to be dead, as does the new Mayor . . Mayor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Voytek</span>. Of course it doesn't help that Todd decides he wants to enact some revenge on Scythe for what he did to his father. He ends up distracting Jay right when he's needed most. The blurb at the end of all of this . . for next issue is . . 'Things get worse!' That doesn't bode well for . . anyone. I like the story-line so far. I'm just a little confused about the timeline. In the beginning of all this Jay was being asked to be Mayor . . after <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Voytek's</span> death. Then we see that Scythe broke out of his cell 2 months before that. He attacked this city 3 weeks after <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSL9YPN2qqsIQzVaS1_LJwk5ccPUGrayp-q5GHyACQ_u9203wm9q_W7oO4zkCJ1Chjs4K73BgSrU84TTvlbHZ22vorlq7VUgWwXUk0z85ELXu6QU36GQtfVdlmAA51-w4h3g1/s1600/jsa46.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 267px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560236898337213906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSL9YPN2qqsIQzVaS1_LJwk5ccPUGrayp-q5GHyACQ_u9203wm9q_W7oO4zkCJ1Chjs4K73BgSrU84TTvlbHZ22vorlq7VUgWwXUk0z85ELXu6QU36GQtfVdlmAA51-w4h3g1/s400/jsa46.jpg" /></a>that. The initial attack is when Alan was paralyzed. So I'm not sure how this all fits in with the previous story-line. Or, maybe . . I'm just reading to much into all of this and I just need to accept the story for what it is, and not get all caught up in the continuity of the situation. Right? It certainly sounds like a plan to me. Anyways . . great covers by Shane Davis. And on issue #46, Mike Norton steps in to help out Scott on the pencils. Oh yeah, and the title of this story-line is '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Supertown</span>' . . for whatever reason.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-47724477821924783802010-12-04T22:04:00.006-05:002010-12-28T09:51:10.553-05:00Steve Rogers - Super Soldier #2, #3 and #4 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjrnPsAcDrNTIG5U7zwq-yO3PjQkHfnwnE2ErlbJEnDIaHL1HemNNgA13MNOcdD8zrkcSp0hy3Pci_7lSntMtrIXeO1sq9qj7aU3Nm4gwlkb9QIc5YP8CnO5epU2BezEySf9W/s1600/srss2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555383740471353490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjrnPsAcDrNTIG5U7zwq-yO3PjQkHfnwnE2ErlbJEnDIaHL1HemNNgA13MNOcdD8zrkcSp0hy3Pci_7lSntMtrIXeO1sq9qj7aU3Nm4gwlkb9QIc5YP8CnO5epU2BezEySf9W/s400/srss2.jpg" /></a>Captain America is somebody that I've always held a passing interest in. However . . I can't afford everything. So . . I don't usually follow this book, or character on a regular basis. I do however know enough about the character that I'm not usually lost if I decide to pick up a few issues . . or follow a mini-series. I really liked the story about Cap's return, so . . when I saw this mini-series coming out, I decided to give it a shot. Of course it didn't hurt that Dale <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Eaglesham</span> was doing the art. I think he's a great talent. I love his work. Anyways, in the first issue we saw that Doctor Erskine . . the original doctor that created the Super-Soldier formula . . apparently he had a grandson. And, as evil genius' progeny are apt to do, he's also decided to follow in his grand-father's footsteps and is trying to recreate, or refine, the formula. However, he doesn't appear as altruistic as his grand-father, as he's attempting to mass produce it and sell it on the open market. However, when Steve goes to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mandipoor</span> to confront him, the professor is as shocked as he, as he claims that he was developing it as a cure for cancer. But he doesn't tell him much else as a sniper bullet then ends his life. Steve's also surprised to see the the professor's wife bears a striking resemblance to his first love, Lieutenant Cynthia Glass. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV13cUc-2StYIl6Gr0Q_o5iAfbc-Xsub5lmzqTgqtJzWLwx1UrhzXS93RcaaC0d_qvOgBdHhbrXdPymXalbm0QCU2AxkC3jae-6XOSEziNIejPvMtpE-4PBPmSki6OV6dyjMc-/s1600/srss3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555384615924833906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV13cUc-2StYIl6Gr0Q_o5iAfbc-Xsub5lmzqTgqtJzWLwx1UrhzXS93RcaaC0d_qvOgBdHhbrXdPymXalbm0QCU2AxkC3jae-6XOSEziNIejPvMtpE-4PBPmSki6OV6dyjMc-/s400/srss3.jpg" /></a>But she died back in WW II, so . . this can't be her. It isn't long though before we find out that the actual person behind all of this madness is the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span>. He's an enemy that Steve has faced before. But in his previous demise, his soul, or personality, was captured within an electronic device. He can now apparently move from one electrical device to another at a whim. So he's infiltrated the professor's company, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nextin</span> Pharmaceuticals. He built a construct to pose as his head of security, and then he built a woman to be his wife, Anita . . who also resembled Cynthia, to lure Steve into the picture. Anyways, by the end of issue #2 the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> has deactivated the serum in Steve's body, and has reverted him back to his 98 pound weakling self. I assume that the reason he doesn't also age is because the serum is actually still in his bloodstream. It's just dormant. I guess. Anyways, Anita helps him get back to normal, and then . . they're off to stop the sale of the formula. In issue #3 we learn a lot about what made Steve the man he is. And it doesn't really have a lot to do with the formula. Sure it helped him achieve physical perfection, but . . the drive, the stamina, the desire for truth and justice . . those things all came from Steve's adolescence and his personal experience. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvXlyr9flccKZ6ABLAZ4dwvwPJ7RWh6gKEmt4xHVi5wcztDePqzotkQgdTk5-AXti1UJ4scALrnkf7_G4FYehjwz1-7xN3ohsQSt-Lqd71mhxjl2Y9exP0QAqGBsLohLvm9u0/s1600/srss4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555392354580712482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvXlyr9flccKZ6ABLAZ4dwvwPJ7RWh6gKEmt4xHVi5wcztDePqzotkQgdTk5-AXti1UJ4scALrnkf7_G4FYehjwz1-7xN3ohsQSt-Lqd71mhxjl2Y9exP0QAqGBsLohLvm9u0/s400/srss4.jpg" /></a>And then all the fighting and strategy and such was taught to him when he joined the armed forces. So . . keep that in mind, because next Steve takes down the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span>. With Anita's help of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">course</span>. She sacrifices herself. During the course of the fight Steve gets the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> to destroy everything else in the bunker. So when they shut down the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">satellite</span> and cell transmissions, he has nowhere else to go but into his creation . . Anita. However, with the Beast's help, they've rigged her so that signals can get in . . but nothing can get out. And then Steve shuts him off. Unfortunately you know the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> will be back. He's not going to be taken out that easily. But in the epilogue we find out the he's not the real villain here. At least . . he's not the brains behind the whole thing. We find out that Dr Erskine faked his death. And then, with what looks to be a government type, they massaged the circumstances so that it looked like the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> had manipulated this whole series of events. When actually they were the ones putting all the pieces into place. Since Steve took out the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> he has no reason to suspect, or look in their direction. And they are proceeding with the Super-Soldier program. But they're focusing on Steve's social/economical background as well as his body type. They've got a dozen or so young men around Steve's original age . . with similar life experiences that they're keeping an eye on. So, nothing will be happening soon . . probably. But . . it's still in the works. This is all going to come back to bite Steve sooner or later. I thought Ed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Brubaker</span> constructed a great story here. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Machinesmith</span> part of it all was a bit predictable, but . . I liked the little twist at the end. And of course Dale's art looked fantastic. Overall this storyline probably wasn't to important to the character, other than putting into motion a series of events that will affect Steve in the future. But . . it was interesting. And . . I liked it.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-39777029569705081362010-11-22T23:27:00.007-05:002010-12-26T23:03:58.706-05:00Smallville - Patriot - Season 10 - Episode 9 - CW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeViWnYKDFB5mIH9kmLbkvNgKs-4IYXFaWih16-U8xRGq48_LUG9_kBuzxsKDML6EwCPG0DmJt_3qf7EChOc5XMFsw5w5xwb0AiDaGrfq95gYxdGpN3l5J-tXv2lyptigXkven/s1600/smallvillepatriot.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 471px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 381px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553147868271637122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeViWnYKDFB5mIH9kmLbkvNgKs-4IYXFaWih16-U8xRGq48_LUG9_kBuzxsKDML6EwCPG0DmJt_3qf7EChOc5XMFsw5w5xwb0AiDaGrfq95gYxdGpN3l5J-tXv2lyptigXkven/s400/smallvillepatriot.jpg" /></a>This episode introduces us to one of my favorite characters from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Battlestar</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Galactica</span> . . Colonel Ty. However, on this show, he's General Slade Wilson. Yes . . the same Slade Wilson that becomes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Deathstroke</span>. But we don't get a hint of that until the final scene of the show. Anyways, General Wilson is in charge of enforcing the Vigilante Registration Act, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">VRA</span>, now that it's been passed. And he's willing to do so passionately. AC, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aquaman</span>, also shows up this episode with his new wife . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span>. The General uses <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">AC's</span> acts as a soapbox for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">VRA</span>. But what Clark later finds out is that the 'oil rigs' that AC and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span> have been destroying around the globe, are actually covers for the deep-sea prisons that the General is building to hold the opponents of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">VRA</span>. Which coincidentally look surprisingly similar to the various facilities that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lex</span> had built when he was trying to capture and study the meteor freaks. Anyways, Ollie decides to be the first person to sign up. Clark actually wants to do it, but Ollie tells him that he's to important to the cause. He agrees to do it, and if anything goes wrong . . which you just know it does, Clark and AC will have to come to his rescue. As it turns out . . this is exactly what the General is counting on. While he's got Ollie sequestered, he easily captures AC when he shows up to his rescue. Then, with Lois' help, Clark finds out that the only platform that's actually operational is in Alaska. When Clark shows up, the General captures him with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kryptonite</span> bars, and then activates the auto-destruct sequence. 'I'd rather die taking you down than to let you continue to fighting against the freedoms of the American people.' Well . . that might not be exactly what he said, but . . you get the idea. Anyways, during the course of this, Clark looks at Slade with his X-ray vision and finds the Omega symbol branded on his skull. He thinks that's the mark of the beast that he let through the opening when he sent the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kandorians</span> off . . the 'Darkness' that he's been worried about. He's already seen it in Granny Goodness and Gottfried. So he knows it's still out there. So . . the facility is destroyed. Of course Clark survives. And on the final scene of the show we see Slade coming out of an operation with a metal plate over his left eye. Anyways, while that was the main action . . the back story is Lois' induction into Clark and Ollie's club. She actually does quite a bit to help them this episode, and . . Clark realizes that he's a better person because of her. Their strength comes in their unity, cooperation and trust. They can accomplish much more together, and as part of 'the team', than either of them can if they tried to attack the problems solo. There's also a nice little moment in there between Lois and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mera</span>. I thought it was a nice episode, and it really moved the story-lines along. Not only the one about the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">VRA</span> and Clark and Ollie's team, but . . Lois and Clark's as well. We're only about half way through the season, so . . there's still plenty of time for just about anything to happen.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-43405818067105114692010-11-22T23:26:00.004-05:002010-12-27T09:51:07.139-05:00Chuck vs Phase Three - Season 4 - Episode 9 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoi2bq_DOgD7ANACtiHMLMxGOnklA2cfrQ54DwrfwYgABJA23oltQcxWqJLADi3NY2KYuhAcvCBJQzG2CayShySkt1cog0IW-WUZS7Q8ejPNMVOH7r4_9KAVTzb-GaCHJS8V/s1600/chuck_main.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 337px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555355400581247730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoi2bq_DOgD7ANACtiHMLMxGOnklA2cfrQ54DwrfwYgABJA23oltQcxWqJLADi3NY2KYuhAcvCBJQzG2CayShySkt1cog0IW-WUZS7Q8ejPNMVOH7r4_9KAVTzb-GaCHJS8V/s400/chuck_main.png" /></a>Most of this episode is spent with Sarah busting heads as she works her way through Thailand. She's found out that the Belgian has Chuck hidden in a secret base there, and she goes all 'Batman' on the locals trying to get information. There's even rumors, or urban legends, started about her as 'the giant white she-male'. Not exactly how I'd describe her, but . . whatever. Anyways, it isn't long before Casey and Morgan join the search. Basically, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Belgian</span> is trying to use psychological torture to get Chuck to activate the Intersect. At which point . . he can access it, and sell all the information. But . . nothing seems to be working. When his gang of rescuers arrive, the Belgian is beginning phase three. That's where he erases everything else out of Chuck's head . . leaving only the Intersect. When they arrive, the Belgian tells them that the process is almost done . . and it takes a while for Chuck to recover when Sarah disconnects the machine, but . . after a short period of time, Chuck seems to be back to normal. Minus the Intersect of course. It's still not working. Meanwhile . . back in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Burbank</span>. Elle has found the computer that we all saw stashed away under the seat of her father's old Mustang. After a hilarious series of swapping electronic favors for medical procedures, Awesome gets the Nerd Herd to work on it and at least get it operational. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt3RAF2ZLtnruBKc49bGTe72Iwoq9Cav8M6iX26G_egbK-0zVSQyn2voVd5tJ_OxjOe3NSV5oPq-_OpBRY7CIHM45t_R4OfVKckSPAItaM1s48X1H9SQcBwEXIP4qZNcNEf8q/s1600/chuckphase_2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 384px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555368258778297346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt3RAF2ZLtnruBKc49bGTe72Iwoq9Cav8M6iX26G_egbK-0zVSQyn2voVd5tJ_OxjOe3NSV5oPq-_OpBRY7CIHM45t_R4OfVKckSPAItaM1s48X1H9SQcBwEXIP4qZNcNEf8q/s400/chuckphase_2.jpg" /></a>It wasn't doing anything when they first found it. But they have to figure out the password. Which of course Elle knows because it was something between her and her father. At the end of the episode they see something on the computer, but . . we don't know what it is. At least not yet. It isn't to hard to figure out that this all has something to do with Chuck getting the Intersect operational. But all we can do is let it play out until the next episode. By the way, I forgot to mention it the last episode, but . . the Belgian is Richard Chamberlain. I didn't actually recognize him last time, but . . we see more of him this time. Overall, I liked the episode. I think, basically, it showed Chuck, and of course Sarah, that there isn't really any way to get the Intersect back up and running without some form of technology. They've tried fear, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">anxiety</span>, emotional turmoil, but . . nothing seems to be working. Until they find some piece of his father's technology, there's not really anything they can do. Luckily, and coincidentally . . Elle has found just that piece in her father's old car. Unfortunately . . nobody else knows it . . yet. Hopefully all of that will unfold in the next episode when everybody spends Thanksgiving at Elle's. Anyways . . another cool episode from a very fun series.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-26904063411630004712010-11-20T23:08:00.004-05:002010-12-12T13:37:08.728-05:00Smallville - Abandon - Season 10 - Episode 8 - CW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj4-JkiWMleaMy6VdGDkZkIWffUFXT19z0OC3yeOYSpbfMt_GGG_vIzLkdf7xShN5TqMm-XgGeXHjB1REjevtW6BL8SkjEFmhg7EhhH7v8T8NNbYrpVq-CBkpu4PQSmztIjUT/s1600/smallvilleabandon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 332px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549851106287644610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj4-JkiWMleaMy6VdGDkZkIWffUFXT19z0OC3yeOYSpbfMt_GGG_vIzLkdf7xShN5TqMm-XgGeXHjB1REjevtW6BL8SkjEFmhg7EhhH7v8T8NNbYrpVq-CBkpu4PQSmztIjUT/s400/smallvilleabandon.jpg" /></a>This episode focus' on two of Clark's supporting characters . . Lois . . and Tess. Lois, while moving in with Clark . . kind of reluctantly, kind of overtly . . comes across a box of her mother's things that she had forgotten about. When her mother died of cancer, she left some things for Lois in a box that ended up in the back of her closet for all these years. What she learns through this experience, and the video tapes that her mom leaves her, is that the guilt and confusion that a child feels as they're growing up . . especially when they have to deal with situations, such as losing a parent . . most of the time, those feelings are magnified by the child's lack of knowledge or insight into what's really going on. When parents don't sit down to thoroughly explain things to their children . . they formulate answers with the limited knowledge that they have. And whether they're right or wrong . . those answers become their beliefs. Anyways . . Lois is feeling the guilt over not having visited her mom during the final weeks when she was in the hospital. But as she soon learns from the tapes . . that was her mom's choice. This leads her to the revelation that before she can move on with her life . . and her life with Clark, she first had to resolve the issues she had over her mother's lose. From there . . she deduces that in order for Clark to move on he's also going to have to heal this rift between he and his father, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jor</span>-El. So . . she heads down to the fortress. When Clark realizes what she's done, and comes to get her, he views a recording of his parents saying goodbye to him, shortly before he left Krypton. It was an image, and side of his parents that he hadn't seen before. The long and short of it is . . Lois and Clark are moving on with their relationship, and . . there may be a wedding in the near future. Also, during all of this, Tess comes across a few revelations of her own. She discovers that she'd grown up in an orphanage . . which she had completely forgot about. And she found a new menace for Clark in the visage of Granny Goodness. Along with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Desaad</span> and Gottfried, they plan on becoming <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Darkseid's</span> new trinity. She also discovers that she was actually the daughter of Lionel <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Luthor</span>. I'm not sure what those revelations will mean for her future, but . . I don't think she's revealed them all to Clark yet. Anyways . . I thought it was a great episode. Considering that it's the final season, it seems like a lot of new plot-threads are being introduced. I can't help but think about what that means for the future. On a side note . . I think the new season of <em>the Human Target</em> is a definite improvement over last years. I didn't think last year's was terrible. But . . this season seems a lot more exciting. They've introduced a couple of new female characters. And Baptiste has recently come back. Anyways, this series shows a lot of promise. If you're a follower of <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Smallville</span></em>, you'll definitely like <em>the Human Target</em>. Give it a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-61965874485539456022010-11-20T23:06:00.006-05:002010-12-27T09:23:49.232-05:00Chuck vs the Fear of Death - Season 4 - Episode 8 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_5pawNBZQPycwRP7MzLAXX_Edr74GFzqS99OwuTy3V2R_ITcxxrDAgJe3ixCXOj7sQiY_ayDqboxRlLa9gdwo5nW8_24ssYQkUooCFGbIWS2J8G2_YpTJBwBrNGpVW2VQ85k/s1600/chuck_main.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 337px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555367582782140018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_5pawNBZQPycwRP7MzLAXX_Edr74GFzqS99OwuTy3V2R_ITcxxrDAgJe3ixCXOj7sQiY_ayDqboxRlLa9gdwo5nW8_24ssYQkUooCFGbIWS2J8G2_YpTJBwBrNGpVW2VQ85k/s400/chuck_main.png" /></a>At the end of the last episode Chuck's mom used something to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">suppress</span> the Intersect in Chuck's head. This episode, Chuck, with some help from the CIA, try everything they can think of to get it back up and running again. After several failures, they determine that the only way to get it operational is to put Chuck in a situation where he fears his own death. The problem is . . anytime Chuck gets in trouble, if he can't handle it himself . . Sarah usually pulls him out of it. As long as he feels he's got that safety net, he's never going to break the psychological rock that's been placed in his mind. However, by the end of the episode Chuck is in exactly that position as he's been captured by the Belgian. This is a guy who's selling fake diamonds that are actually a cover for micro-chips that are loaded with CIA, and US Government information. However, when he finds out that Chuck is trying to steal the diamonds, he somehow learns that Chuck is actually the intersect. So by the end of the episode he captures Chuck and decides that he's going to use the information in Chuck's head to make his money. Since they have no idea where they're at, or what the Belgian is doing to Chuck . . Sarah, Casey and Morgan decide to go after him. Sarah, especially, is feeling guilty because she feels that Chuck has done all of this to prove to her that he's a spy. Anyways, in a side story . . Jeff and Lester are getting suspicious of all the hot girls that have come to work at the Buy More lately. 'And why are they all named Greta?' This episode the new girl is actually Summer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Glau</span> . . you know, from the <em>Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles</em>. It's a hilarious side story which Casey and Morgan end up having to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">diffuse</span>. Now I have to go watch the next episode to see how they're going to find and save Chuck. This is a great show.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-74245895889906263152010-11-20T22:59:00.005-05:002010-12-20T17:14:41.806-05:00Incredible Hulk #611 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOj060ktIozq7d99-ydXtPpzY122Vhe6xj8ONXbxRWp8mVLJrX3qfhmjxUVAUyrdlIk7wNn34mQWxDLWkEvEeTtr9k1Kw7kS-l5eXUTYliL_O5PDojHI8y5aW_GQHIgfPIsjn/s1600/inchulk611.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 490px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 391px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541848056617942450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOj060ktIozq7d99-ydXtPpzY122Vhe6xj8ONXbxRWp8mVLJrX3qfhmjxUVAUyrdlIk7wNn34mQWxDLWkEvEeTtr9k1Kw7kS-l5eXUTYliL_O5PDojHI8y5aW_GQHIgfPIsjn/s400/inchulk611.jpg" /></a>This is a fitting conclusion to this title . . at least from my point of view, because it'll be the last one I pick up. I still have Hulk issues #24 and #25 coming up, but . . when I'm done with that . . I'm done with the Hulk. This was kind of a stretch for me anyways . . as far as following the characters. But I had picked up the new Hulk series from the beginning. And with this whole Hulk-War thing . . and the cross-over with this series . . I thought I'd follow it for a while and see what happens. But, I'm getting bored, and . . I need to cut back on some titles. So . . that's how I made the decision. However, that's not to say that I haven't enjoyed Greg Pak's stories. And I love Paul Pelletier's work. I think he's hugely underrated. It's been interesting watching them put together a 'Hulk-family' here. It also looks like Greg is going to be taking the Hulk in some new directions. After Bruce absorbs all of the Gamma-Radiation, to save the 'Hulked-Out' heroes, we find out that he's even stronger than before. So they bring in Skaar to take him out. After all, that's what Bruce has been training him for this whole time. But . . there's a complication. The Hulk is truly a monster, but . . he's also a very smart monster. He still has a lot of Bruce's intellect. He appears to no longer be the 'rampaging Hulk' of yesteryear. Like I said, it should be an interesting story, but . . I can no longer justify picking up these titles every month. I've enjoyed the ride, and I might be looking in on it every now and then. But it won't be consistently. But if I do pick it up . . I'll let you know what I think.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-35811691604536638562010-11-20T19:01:00.020-05:002010-11-23T09:36:23.863-05:00X-Men Forever 2 #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRk8soqjHO4Js44-zE4mH8_cya6XxqeK6NaJYYZcxrTnX52NAN4UgzYuWYMSyxJft3xFgWD4wTOBnJ94l0-lBYgsyoIwEdOrdJulijzIeZCyOBFK8Ij_lHa9mAq1dlrxtjKql/s1600/xmenforever205.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541786559395512882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRk8soqjHO4Js44-zE4mH8_cya6XxqeK6NaJYYZcxrTnX52NAN4UgzYuWYMSyxJft3xFgWD4wTOBnJ94l0-lBYgsyoIwEdOrdJulijzIeZCyOBFK8Ij_lHa9mAq1dlrxtjKql/s400/xmenforever205.jpg" /></a>I know this is taking on a lot, but . . since I'm behind, I decided to go ahead and do all of these issues. We'll see how it goes. In issue #5, the X-Men have gone into the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlock</span> tunnels in search of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sabretooth</span> and Moira. We ended the last issue with Masque deforming the faces of Remy and Scott. And of course there's a struggle between the X-Men and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlocks</span>. But eventually calmer heads prevail. However, shortly after that happens, and Masque fixes his tampering . . a squad a SHIELD agents shows up. So now everybody has to clear out. The SHIELD agent's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">comms</span> aren't working down here, but they all know as soon as the do Ziggy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trask</span> will have a squad of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">neo</span>-Sentinels down here. The X-Men head back to the mansion, but the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlocks</span> allow themselves to be captured . . knowing that their other members will ambush this little party long before they leave the tunnels. However, they find <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Calisto</span> has some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlocks</span> of their own waiting for them. And she seems to be working for the Ghost Panther, back in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Genosha</span>. Anyways, we also saw last issue the Mystique has asked the X-Men for asylum. She claims that she's tired of seeing loved ones dying. And since Kurt and Rogue are all that she has left . . she apparently wants to spend some time with them . . or protect them. You know she's up to something else, but . . we don't know what yet. But while she's there, Moira wants to examine Mystique's and Rogue's blood to find out what makes them immune to Burnout. And since Kurt's immunity transferred to Rogue when they switched powers . . she also has a base reading to work off of. And in Alaska . . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW0Sxv2z6srPId5RrAH12mI3_JV_mCiFRk1w-I2yKZ5C0G2sV8kQRFArcSjH21uB_bTnVbFoaHfo4UQowgicrnzAd-aUXxnJZgo3vwXnmQXRChuODtrSNczYOWEByf_xqLd1P/s1600/xmenforever206.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 264px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541819961175124114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW0Sxv2z6srPId5RrAH12mI3_JV_mCiFRk1w-I2yKZ5C0G2sV8kQRFArcSjH21uB_bTnVbFoaHfo4UQowgicrnzAd-aUXxnJZgo3vwXnmQXRChuODtrSNczYOWEByf_xqLd1P/s400/xmenforever206.jpg" /></a>Dr Hanover is worming her way into the Summers family . . and closer to Scott's son. But . . who exactly is Robyn Hanover? I think she's . . Mr Sinister. Obviously Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Claremont</span> is writing all these stories. But issue #5's art is brought to us by Rodney <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Buchemi</span>. In issue #6, Chris touches on several different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">storylines</span>, but most of the book is about Robyn's attempt to abscond with Nathan. Corsair tries to protect him, but the Marauders are there also. Even as tough as the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Starjammers</span> are . . the Marauders are a hard nut to crack. Anyways, Moira has been able to use what she's found in Mystique's blood to help boost up Creed's healing factor. It's not strong enough to regenerate his hand or eyes, but . . she's working on it. And in the meantime Kitty has fashioned a cybernetic hand for him. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Calisto</span> has taken the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlocks</span> to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Genosha</span>, and the Ghost Panther. He claims that the island is on the brink of war, and that the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Morlocks</span> can help him stop it. And Scott who sensed something was wrong in Alaska, when Corsair's communications broke up . . is trying to get either the X-Men or SHIELD on alert to help him . . if need be. Obviously it needs be because the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Starjammers</span>, as well as Alex and Lorna, are fighting the Marauders, but they're not making much headway. The issue ends with Corsair <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">teleporting</span> to the school to warn Scott. However when he gets there he mistakes Creed for the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sabretooth</span> that's attacking him in Alaska. He's ready to blow his head off. The art in this one is by Tom <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grummett</span>. Issues #7 & #8 wrap up this Mr Sinister storyline. And as with the first 30+ issues of this series, Chris has it loaded up with twists and turns. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPu9BDkKMmbkYb48JLCiIUu7IzeMp50c4AHPYe1WYUmi8FhvgzqzIz-wx0fwb1rS4tp2IdworWLwTMs_nm9Xrob7s7bMOnWMhoHqPylU_x6ewr6oCfeE0Uca5SFoIZzK52dB1/s1600/xmenforever207.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541819512142333218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPu9BDkKMmbkYb48JLCiIUu7IzeMp50c4AHPYe1WYUmi8FhvgzqzIz-wx0fwb1rS4tp2IdworWLwTMs_nm9Xrob7s7bMOnWMhoHqPylU_x6ewr6oCfeE0Uca5SFoIZzK52dB1/s400/xmenforever207.jpg" /></a>First of all . . Mr Sinister, is actually a 10 year old boy. Yes he's immortal and has lived forever, but . . somehow he got stuck at this age. The '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinisters</span>' that end up out in the real world are simply his constructs. Plus he's found that the Marauders, and anyone else really, takes him more serious if appears as a full-grown adult. So even though Scott thought he killed him . . obviously he didn't. Also the X-Men have finally gleaned that these Marauders are simply more constructs, clones, of Mr <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinister's</span>. But that's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sabretooth</span>. When he gets to Alaska he takes on the Clone of himself. And after he takes him down . . he takes his hand and eye for himself. He wants to see if Moira can use them to fix him. For a little while Malice takes over <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hepzibah</span>, but Lockheed is the one that finally ferrets her out. However, when Alex cuts off the broach around her neck, he leaves it laying on the ground. A little while later Mystique picks it up. But I don't know why. Sinister also throws a little psychological attack at the X-Men when he attacks them with a clone of Logan. Remy ends up taking him down, by blowing his head off, but we all know he's not that easy to kill. And before he does so, Logan has a little fight with Kitty. She's got the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Adamantium</span> claw on her right hand, but it appears that she's got some bone talons that are popping out of her fingers on her left hand. Nobody knew about those. And in the end, after the Marauders are beat, her and Remy decide to stay behind. They say to help watch over the Summers family. But Kitty is staying behind because of her injuries . . and also, I think, because she knows that the Logan clone might <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_hksm4_il81q1VHgl0dMnU51GUWSdE1XujkoTvjYA-HTvZgWbOZX982kava2Nht0Mpbtz0KIoRcv1lpOXf_0VGOjjAFmMU_ulIIRqrvK8oif7q8bTLeC3GLJ9GIsyfnF43zd/s1600/xmenforever208.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542037559481809746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_hksm4_il81q1VHgl0dMnU51GUWSdE1XujkoTvjYA-HTvZgWbOZX982kava2Nht0Mpbtz0KIoRcv1lpOXf_0VGOjjAFmMU_ulIIRqrvK8oif7q8bTLeC3GLJ9GIsyfnF43zd/s400/xmenforever208.jpg" /></a>not really be dead. And Remy is staying behind to keep an eye on Kitty. Which is probably a good thing because Dr Hanover has come out of this whole thing without revealing that she's actually an agent of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sinister's</span>. So who knows what she might stir up. And we see that Sinister has decided to stay hidden for now . . to continue his games. We also get a couple hints at some other story-lines. In Japan, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> is upset because she wants some kind of vengeance on Logan. But now that he's gone, she feels that she's been cheated of her revenge. It appears to have something to do with Jean because she vows to make her suffer. And in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wakanda</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ororo</span> has made the first strides in what will probably be the war that the Ghost Panther warned <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Calisto</span> about. She wants <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wakanda</span> to annex the island of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-error">Genosha</span>. The art in issues #7 and #8 is brought to us by Ron <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lim</span>. In issues #9 and #10 we're dealing with the aftermath of the Marauder's attack in Alaska. I'm thinking of them as one story because this is the beginning of a new story-arc. Or, because it's Chris writing this . . and his story-arc's never really end, it's probably more like an extension of the previous one. Anyways, Kitty has stayed behind to rest while her wounds heal. But I think there's 2 things going on. First I think she was pretty freaked by seeing Logan again. Even if it was just a clone. And I don't think she's even told Jean what happened, yet. Secondly, Kitty is having nightmares about this encounter . . and the possible repercussions. But mostly, I think, she's worried about the noticeable changes that have been happening to her lately. She thought that she just have Logan's claw, but . . she's starting to think that she may have <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs26Xd1DrYHcI6YM1QA6w7T-uuMO7BpUI42zx7H6MUz_NFFt7OOP4zazgTz17CkbuVSa3H9sZTNgzo587dQRCSbtWc_fNsClvqd0tubZ0P2EChvfh-EbOC-VbMCFhu1CVVU2fJ/s1600/xmenforever209.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542044768150345394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs26Xd1DrYHcI6YM1QA6w7T-uuMO7BpUI42zx7H6MUz_NFFt7OOP4zazgTz17CkbuVSa3H9sZTNgzo587dQRCSbtWc_fNsClvqd0tubZ0P2EChvfh-EbOC-VbMCFhu1CVVU2fJ/s400/xmenforever209.jpg" /></a>absorbed a portion of his psyche . . and it seems to be exerting more and more control. Anyways, Sinister seems to be out of the picture right now. But, Dr Hanover has stayed behind. And since she seems to be the kind of professional that the X-Men need right now . . she's kind of entrenched herself within their ranks. She's also gotten very close to Nathan. We do see a passing thought with Scott, though. He remembers someone vaguely like Robyn, back when he was in the orphanage. She was also a psychiatrist. And he seems to remember that they kind of resemble each other. Sooner or later he'll put those pieces together. Also, we see that Sinister is still interested in Nathan as he's convinced that he is the key to Burnout. Anyways, Kitty knows that it's not that easy to put Logan down . . even if he is a clone. So she goes back out in search of the body. It's gone. But she uses some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">Shi'ar</span> technology to track his mutant signature, and she finds that he's gone back to Japan. Which is also connected to her, as she's been dreaming in Japanese lately. She heads off to Japan, not only to find Logan but also to warn <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span>. But she finds that things are a lot worse than she had anticipated. Even without Logan involved . . Clan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_38" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yashida</span> has made a pact with the Hand and are now working in concert with them. And <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_39" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> has exerted her power and influence to become the head of the Consortium. All of this is being done because of the anger and betrayal that she feels over the X-Men. But when Kitty steals one of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_40" class="blsp-spelling-error">Starjammer's</span> skimmers to head to Japan, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_41" class="blsp-spelling-error">unbeknownst</span> to her 'Lil '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_42" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ro</span> and Lockheed were on board. So now not only does she have to find Logan . . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxtR0y3JQcuJD1kJdnIUThjr4mHvuTumTUQgQPpuIM8tAxLy1Sg0OEXCodc0CwPdu8dHOCCL1F6ZpQkE1OAi9G2L2IGfL_GS55SmEd94oSDjD5Efzd4qdcQ9H01fnfLvHxlIb/s1600/xmenforever210.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542747292133806210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxtR0y3JQcuJD1kJdnIUThjr4mHvuTumTUQgQPpuIM8tAxLy1Sg0OEXCodc0CwPdu8dHOCCL1F6ZpQkE1OAi9G2L2IGfL_GS55SmEd94oSDjD5Efzd4qdcQ9H01fnfLvHxlIb/s400/xmenforever210.jpg" /></a>while dealing with all these revelations about someone who used to be one of the X-Men's allies, but she also has to try to keep these 2 safe. But that's going to be easier said than done, because . . now that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_43" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> is the head of the Consortium, she also has control over SHIELD. And since Ziggy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_44" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trask</span> also hates the X-Men, it's not to hard for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_45" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> to get SHIELD to do her bidding. So while Kitty is fighting Logan, and trying to escape from his murderous impulses . . she then comes face to face with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_46" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> . . and her new-found SHIELD friends. But it's not long before Remy and Jean show up in search of their friends. But in the confusion, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_47" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> makes off with 'Lil '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_48" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ro</span>. We'd gotten a glimpse of how <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_49" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wakanda's</span> annexation of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_50" class="blsp-spelling-error">Genosha</span> is starting to progress . . with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_51" class="blsp-spelling-error">Orora</span> and the Ghost Panther being the leader of the respective sides of that impending war. But what I didn't expect was at the end when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_52" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mariko</span> offers 'Lil '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_53" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ro</span> up to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_54" class="blsp-spelling-error">Orora</span> for trade in trying to acquire <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_55" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wakanda</span> as an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_56" class="blsp-spelling-error">allie</span>. And the only witness to this little transaction is Lockheed. As expected, Chris is the driving force behind this series. With Tom <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_57" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grummett</span> being his accomplice. He seems to be Chris' go-to guy for the art on this series. Because even when he doesn't do the interiors, he still does all the covers. But the interiors on these 2 issues are done by Mike <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_58" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grell</span>. Which was a pleasant surprise, for me. I really like this series. I know it falls outside of the accepted continuity of the current X-Men story-lines, but . . I like that we're getting familiar story-lines and characters, but with a little bit of a twist by Chris. It's not the Ultimate Universe, but rather another way the X-Men <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_59" class="blsp-spelling-error">could've</span> gone had Chris not taken his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_60" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">sabbatical</span> from the series. I like it's because it's a bit nostalgic, and fresh . . all at the same time. Plus these twists that Chris throws in here keep surprising me. He's a fantastic writer, and was born to write this series.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-50530237625067022292010-11-20T10:31:00.005-05:002010-11-20T11:03:14.653-05:00Curse of the Mutants: Storm and Gambit #1 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj4-pHQAbic7xE_kDzJaThMl0IC788hspmzlIFD4oKX35PZ2soxyEjVBIhbyhUVcqQfTl_U8xpfjhyphenhyphenZudF3Pj8vRzQtSwOjvH26N6Jb1U_Fuq51qeldPCzGkxZEcsyUn0plfh/s1600/xmencomsg1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 264px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541657215767508562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNj4-pHQAbic7xE_kDzJaThMl0IC788hspmzlIFD4oKX35PZ2soxyEjVBIhbyhUVcqQfTl_U8xpfjhyphenhyphenZudF3Pj8vRzQtSwOjvH26N6Jb1U_Fuq51qeldPCzGkxZEcsyUn0plfh/s400/xmencomsg1.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span> . . this is one of those periphery books that I was talking about. This one I decided to pick up . . for the most part, because Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bachalo</span> does the art. He's easily one of my favorites. So any chance to see some more of his work . . is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> by me. I've already read the first 4 issues of the new X-Men title, with it's Curse of the Mutants story-line. And this one, I think, fit's in somewhere during issue #2 . . or maybe between #2 and #3. Anyways, with Scott's plan to bring Dracula back . . hoping to thwart <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xarus</span>, they need someone to go after Dracula's body, and his head. So in this issue, Storm and Gambit are the ones elected to head to the Vampire island to recover the body. As a note, I understand that the first couple issues of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Namor</span> are spent with him recovering the head. I haven't decided if I'm going to pick those up yet, or not. Anyways, this is an action packed issue, with Storm and Gambit up to their necks in Vampires and Vampire blood. Along the way they come across Janus, first son of Dracula. I think he's helping them because he's not necessarily happy with the way that the Vampire-nation has progressed since his father's demise. He should be in power, but . . he's not. There's other factions at work here. And I know I'm jumping ahead, but . . I have to wonder . . what's Janus going to do when he discovers <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xarus</span>' plans? He's seems to be more than willing to help the X-Men with the return of his father. But . . he's got to have some ulterior motives. Anyways, Storm and Gambit are victorious on both fronts here . . they recover the body, plus . . Storm finds and deactivates the source of the shield covering the island. Unfortunately, in order to do so . . Storm has to sacrifice some innocents. The Vampires in control of the shield are hooked up to children through feeding tubes. But there's not really any way to shut down the device, or disconnect the tubes, without massive blood loss and death. So, it's either continue with the plan, helping the X-Men in their ultimate goal, or . . not do it and watch as she and Gambit suffer an evil fate. Storm does the right thing . . the only thing, really . . but . . in the process, it may have changed her forever. 'When I joined the X-Men I was a different woman. I swore never to take a life. But that changed. I made an exception. And exceptions became justifications. Taking a life became less horrifying. And today I crossed a line. I took another life. Not a monster or a Vampire. An innocent. I'm worried now. Because I wonder, the next time I cross that line . . will it be too much to bear?' Because of Storms conflict, I thought it was an interesting . . and relevant, story. I think Chuck Kim did a great job with it. And of course I wasn't disappointed with the fantastic art of Chris <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bachalo</span>. There were some really cool panels in this book. As an overview, I kind of have to wonder what they're setting Storm up for here. She obviously spending more and more time with the X-Men. Which leaves less and less time with her husband. But the more time she spends with the X-Men, I think she's questioning their motives, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">their</span> actions and their agenda. I think eventually she's going to reach the point where she's either 'all in, or all out'. And if she decides that she's 'all out' . . what happens then? Anyways . . it's just something to think about. I thought it was a good book, and I'm glad I picked it up.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-43198616376730895762010-11-18T00:21:00.010-05:002010-12-20T17:05:03.140-05:00Ultimates Avengers 3 #1, #2, #3 and #4 - Marvel<div><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551861798078655090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxMV6uharf0bHIrMlG2vPCAYezn1WRF3n-mAxnnJ5ErxWBR4EiDcWDaUApiZFG2Xrq7CSOqIkVLhTtWZNKTjobxBDWS5SgFZX-vEP7Y5slFYD0u8Uvs6q1KMQNoNybe6nBm4O/s400/ultavengers31.jpg" />I love the Ultimate Universe . . I think there is a great cast of characters here. I also love the 'break from conformity' that we get with these stories. I just have to keep remembering that the Avengers here are the 'covert' team. And that the Ultimates are the 'main-attraction'. I guess I'm just not used to that paradigm, so I get surprised every time I start reading a new one of these mini-series. Anyways, in this story we find out that there's someone out there who is trying to consolidate all the various factions of the vampire underworld. Plus . . he has aspirations of adding the 'super-hero' element to his consolidated army. In the first few issues it's kind of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inferred</span> that the culprit is none other than Tony Stark. He's wearing an older Iron Man shell, and . . his name is Anthony. We also find out that he's only been recently bitten, and is already using his intellect to try to do what the various vampire leaders have been talking about doing for <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo47XtvHDrVQIJOldrH3LNmcDCFGuSjy2kIuAUd0v9z0vVOYx-xxIM-_Hpab4VRvrVyUDgIH5hOFhisy8XW95gwX54KemJE1Mwvot2DVO12dogqrf7MV0Y_pmscnLtm4bLcX3/s1600/ultavengers32.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552034717433512290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixo47XtvHDrVQIJOldrH3LNmcDCFGuSjy2kIuAUd0v9z0vVOYx-xxIM-_Hpab4VRvrVyUDgIH5hOFhisy8XW95gwX54KemJE1Mwvot2DVO12dogqrf7MV0Y_pmscnLtm4bLcX3/s400/ultavengers32.jpg" /></a>years. In the first few issues things start to look bad for the 'super-heroes' already. First we see a new 'hero' develop, Ray Connor. He's the new Daredevil, and he's already being trained by Stick. However, he's barely on the scene when he and Stick are taken out by a vampire attack. And specifically . . the Nerd Hulk. It appears that Bruce was also recently 'converted', and is eager to prove that he can be more of an asset to this team than he was to his previous one. It isn't long before Anthony uses the Hulk, and his internal tracking device, to lure Nick Fury and his hastily assembled Avengers into a trap. They're lured into the sewers of Manhattan where Cap, Steve Rogers, is the next one bitten. Anyways, while all of this is going on, Blade is also working himself into this story . . from the outside in. He's just going about his normal routine . . killing vampires, when he also gets propositioned by Anthony to join his new Vampire nation. That's when he learns about Anthony trying to 'recruit' some super-hero <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6OWsiMtsltZm-68jqWZZviNV7mrPWzrYMfN0Kaqt-OhA4xL_srAFijPVujAvi9lsdOEHw1VIjRCzDlL_wzbzp7s0Rh7hlZMy0NFIxeiG2LfJVAKc0DCEm79h8iv18TXXmxFw/s1600/ultavengers33.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552883252749532530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6OWsiMtsltZm-68jqWZZviNV7mrPWzrYMfN0Kaqt-OhA4xL_srAFijPVujAvi9lsdOEHw1VIjRCzDlL_wzbzp7s0Rh7hlZMy0NFIxeiG2LfJVAKc0DCEm79h8iv18TXXmxFw/s400/ultavengers33.jpg" /></a>vampires. He gets involved with the Avengers when they take Cap back to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Triskellion</span>, after he's bitten. I have a feeling that Cap's Super-Soldier-Serum, that's coursing through his veins, will be able to counteract the viral assault. But . . as of these issues we don't see that happening, yet. In fact Cap tries to take a bite out of Blade . . when Blade tries to 'Stake' him. But he's got to know that won't have any affect on him . . seeing as he's already half Vampire. But he uses the distraction to break free, and join up with the rest of the Vampires. That's when Tony, and Gregory Stark get involved. It turns out the Anthony that's running around in Tony's old armor is actually Anthony, 'the greatest Vampire hunter of all time'. He's the one that trained Blade, as well as Stick and Stone and Shaft, and personally recruited Matt Murdock as the original Daredevil. Apparently, about a month ago, one of the Vampires got the drop on him. Anyways, by the end of issue #4, Nerd Hulk decides that he wants to make a play for the leadership role. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZR0YnFvGet7aMFiA_wuelc7K04pageJfyyz9mAxIJDn0zej1uk_1RzEvy3jwIaQh6Ahe6mYhTZxhBDxcqxEAqYmR-kHW17BuEnp8hHVzPojYcVewYYXv1by4IfJQ50kVqjY/s1600/ultavengers34.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552885731990452290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRZR0YnFvGet7aMFiA_wuelc7K04pageJfyyz9mAxIJDn0zej1uk_1RzEvy3jwIaQh6Ahe6mYhTZxhBDxcqxEAqYmR-kHW17BuEnp8hHVzPojYcVewYYXv1by4IfJQ50kVqjY/s400/ultavengers34.jpg" /></a>After antagonizing and challenging Anthony . . he swiftly takes him out. 'Gamma Radiation mixed with Vampire blood? I won this fight before I even showed up, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">dumbass</span>.' So now the question is, how will this change in leadership alter the Vampire's plans? And . . when will Cap get back to being himself, and go postal on these creatures of the night? Mark <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Millar</span> is doing a great job with this story. But . . I expected nothing less. I'm also thrilled with Steve Dillon's art. His art is so crisp and clean, it's the perfect antithesis for the dark nature of this story. Plus it looks really good. The covers are by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Leinel</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Yu</span>, Ed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">McGuinness</span>, Olivier <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Coipel</span> and Greg Land respectfully. They all look stunning. My only question is . . why are there Vampires everywhere nowadays? They're plaguing the X-Men right now, as well as the Avengers, the small and big screen, and a variety of other places. All of the sudden they've become the chic anti-hero? It's interesting, but . . it's all getting to be a bit to much for me. Vampire stories, for me, are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span> every now and again. But right now . . everywhere you turn they're popping up. Kind of like the Marvel Zombies a year or so ago. Anyways, I like this title, as well as this group. I think the Ultimate Universe is putting out some great material. It's interesting, full of fresh ideas, and . . they aren't afraid to shake things up a bit. I've enjoyed every one of their titles.</div>comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-62639277379165647202010-11-18T00:20:00.006-05:002010-11-20T22:45:48.750-05:00Ultimate Spider-man #13, #14 and #15 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgOdIov5zfikYAxNT5MRYaaHEpkDDNccxrbRHR8i5e6zpNhO3hVB3Er40a-IGf6x2EO4Yrp1bzr_hpxxva-yNsyAlLiEeY4y36CTzisx_7hvd2_8oP9csNShOUkNt57V7csaY/s1600/ultcsm13.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541826863456641666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgOdIov5zfikYAxNT5MRYaaHEpkDDNccxrbRHR8i5e6zpNhO3hVB3Er40a-IGf6x2EO4Yrp1bzr_hpxxva-yNsyAlLiEeY4y36CTzisx_7hvd2_8oP9csNShOUkNt57V7csaY/s400/ultcsm13.jpg" /></a>I know . . I always go on and on about how good this series is . . and really, the entire Ultimate Universe line. But . . I really, really like these books. Spider-man is one of my favorite characters anyways. And the opportunity to see him in his teens, I think, creates some of the best Spider-man stories I've ever read. Add to that the fantastic writing of Brian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bendis</span>, and David <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LaFuente's</span> incredible interpretation of this character . . I've been hooked since the very beginning. Now . . there's even more good news on the horizon. The issue after #15, with normal numbering, would've been #150. So they're switching back. One, because of the milestone with this title. But also because it's the 10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary of the Ultimate Universe. There's a variant J Scott Campbell cover. And also . . in future issues . . we're going to be seeing the Ultimate Universe version of . . the Black Cat. I can't wait. Anyways, with the current issues, we get parts 5 & 6 of <em>Tainted Love</em>. In issue #13 we see this Chameleon type character trying to slip into Peter's life. He'd already gone to live with Aunt May. And has things entirely <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">f'd</span> up with the whole love triangle of Peter / Gwen and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">MJ</span>. But at the end of issue #12 he discovered that Peter was actually Spider-man. So with the help of some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">MGH</span> (mutant growth hormone), he's out trying out Spider-man's powers . . and costume. It would actually be pretty funny, if Peter wasn't stuck in such dire circumstances, and . . the guy has decided to use Spider-man's powers to make him and his sister rich. Oh yeah . . there's 2 of these guys. Apparently brother and sister. While the brother is out mucking about with his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">new found</span> abilities, the sister is holding Peter and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> hostage. Their original plan was to make some money off of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ's</span> identity. You know, being rich, and a publisher and everything. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWNs2EnjAyUIrKZLFwGJwEnTsxB_1FZlBXo7NUmY1Vsavgn2oh7XwyN7PbT7SKz3ir070L-k1uOe1lTEWBYWJKWfYPlfry0aqkVnjw8DgTpUQTULP0Xbb5Uk0pNLZNkp819eI/s1600/ultcsm14.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541828068112731202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWNs2EnjAyUIrKZLFwGJwEnTsxB_1FZlBXo7NUmY1Vsavgn2oh7XwyN7PbT7SKz3ir070L-k1uOe1lTEWBYWJKWfYPlfry0aqkVnjw8DgTpUQTULP0Xbb5Uk0pNLZNkp819eI/s400/ultcsm14.jpg" /></a>But then they stumbled across Peter. Anyways, in the process of all this . . without to much of a leap of logic, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> figures out that Peter is actually Spider-man. Not to mention that both of these creeps also know his identity. And once they decide that Spider-man can do so much more for them than <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> ever could . . they shoot him. But the problem with their plan is . . once the news hits of Spider-man's apparent crime-spree around town . . May gets upset, so she asks Bobby and Johnny to go out and find him. Which doesn't take them to long. Spider-man as a bank-robber isn't to hard to find. And even though this guy is getting more used to Peter's powers . . and he seems to have some kind of power of his own, he's still no match for these kids who have seen more action than him, and have actually been trained in the use of their powers. After Bobby and Johnny follow him back to where they've got Peter stashed . . they make pretty short work of him. But then the problem becomes . . what do they do with them? Not only do they know Peter's identity, but also Bobby and Johnny's. So it probably wouldn't be to much of a stretch for them to piece other things together. So they end up turning them over to Carol <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Danvers</span> at SHIELD. What else could they do? Oh yeah . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> isn't dead. Apparently the bullet just grazed his head. He's in bad condition, but they save him when Johnny rushes him to the hospital. Anyways, both of these issues were brought to us by Brian and David. However, Sara <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pichelli</span> does the art for issue #15. This issue is kind of the aftermath of the previous storyline. Peter is trying to put his life back together, but he finds out that some people just aren't willing to forgive him . . Gwen. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">MJ</span> is trying to be understanding . . she knows this wasn't really Peter's fault. <img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541828365270048962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDCyEz_ZfSGRbYzMc_CFTIWVSfIvY3mwqKTiISAFoNI3vqdVkRNHI13YAz0UyAaKF-8xVoXsvq5W1ue141MqcuDxHc1yF1kZ3RumU6WW9toVgElE0QQoT0lBo4TARQxhCTWzf/s400/ultcsm15.jpg" />But Gwen isn't so forgiving. By the end of the issue she ends up leaving. He also gets a lecture from Aunt May and Carol <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Danvers</span>. Although May's was probably more upsetting to him . . Carol's is the one that's on his mind, and that he has to worry about. It isn't really so much about what she said, as how she ended the conversation. 'I can't order you to stop . . civil liberties and all that. But the next time something like this happens, you're going to force me to have to make a decision on your behalf. And I really don't think you'll like it. Go home, Peter Parker.' It sounded more like an ultimatum, than necessarily a threat. But the one shining point . . as Peter's trying to sort out this whole mess, is that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> puts out a story telling the world exactly what has happened to them. But in it . . he does not reveal Peter's identity. It turns out, after everything he's been through . . <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">JJ</span> has become one of Peter's, and Spider-man's staunchest supporters. 'God gave me the power to help Spider-man. I know this now. I will fight this entire world for him.' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whodathunkit</span>? Oh yeah . . and that girl . . the one from the mother and daughter crime team, the Bombshells . . she started going to Peter's school. That can't be good. So now that everything has been tossed into the hamper, and stirred about like a salad . . now that Peter's life is in complete shambles . . Brian can start putting together the pieces and figure out where this character goes from here in the 104 page 150<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> issue extravaganza. Of course, 52 of those pages are reprints, but . . it's still an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">oversized</span> issue. And with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Skottie</span> Young and David doing the art . . it should be fantastic. I really can't overstate how good this book is . . and has been . . continually. If you're a Spider-man fan at all . . and the least bit interested in this book . . you should <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> pick it up. You won't be disappointed.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-45992546104052874372010-11-18T00:19:00.008-05:002010-12-20T18:37:03.624-05:00the Invicible Iron Man #29, #30, #31 and #32 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL46lwsqbuiFYwWrg1p7eklZ5ugSfVYCmR4TJzNNOYQ3wKGEUJFplh3BgCTONmjqM9QQjGxkWGTaBb1NGlj24UYeuwvszGDoUHJtRyzFX1_ekfAcXADj1LTNLVO1I2rua3Koe/s1600/ironman29.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541844901026523906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLL46lwsqbuiFYwWrg1p7eklZ5ugSfVYCmR4TJzNNOYQ3wKGEUJFplh3BgCTONmjqM9QQjGxkWGTaBb1NGlj24UYeuwvszGDoUHJtRyzFX1_ekfAcXADj1LTNLVO1I2rua3Koe/s400/ironman29.jpg" /></a>Matt Fraction adds a really cool element to the story in issue #29. Justin and Sasha Hammer are working on getting their company off the ground . . as Tony pulls himself away from the defense contracts that made him who he is, and tries to get his new company Stark Resilient off the ground . . the Hammer's want to fill Tony's vacant shoes. That's how they came up with their own super-soldier suit . . Detroit Steel. But they've come on the scene like a bull in a china shop. They seem to be trying to bully themselves onto the scene. And I don't think the US Government is any happier about the arrangement than is Tony, but . . with him not filling their contracts, they have to turn to somebody. Plus Sasha has an 'in' with the Government since she's now the Director of SHIELD. Anyways, the cool idea is that the Hammer's introduce a new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ap</span> for kid's phones. It's a game. They get to be the back-up for Detroit Steel, and take down targets as well as bad-guys. What they don't know is that they're actually controlling the drones that accompany Detroit Steel. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAI-SGq0l-NDG1D8pxKGoutyTpCTjZjK2d0TPIeY8g-g1LViASbkLyWhow9w23wyYZwK-3y5YXFgDRG6nrCRchZIR-M2FSExx96CdZzSPdZGSDloBSO1oX7vGw1cXh_wHhxxD/s1600/ironman30.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541847538407953618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAI-SGq0l-NDG1D8pxKGoutyTpCTjZjK2d0TPIeY8g-g1LViASbkLyWhow9w23wyYZwK-3y5YXFgDRG6nrCRchZIR-M2FSExx96CdZzSPdZGSDloBSO1oX7vGw1cXh_wHhxxD/s400/ironman30.jpg" /></a>Their idea is that the drones will be harder to fight, because they'll be 'wild-cards'. And, should a player lose the game and get killed, they can simply transfer the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">uplink</span> to another willing participant. They have an endless supply of drone-pilots. While all of this is going on, Pepper is also fitted with a new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">repulsor</span>, and has the opportunity to become Rescue again. However a problem arises when, at a gala, Tony and Pepper realize that their respective <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">repulsors</span> are . . well, they repel each other . . kind of like two opposite magnets. So while they can be in the same room, it looks like they won't be able to be intimate again . . or even hug or kiss . . at least until Tony figures out how to fix things. In the interim . . he approaches Justine Hammer and decides to take her out on the town. Or at least for one hell of a ride. He starts showing off his new armor and ideas to Justine, and baits her into activating the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">enhanciles</span> that Zeke <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Stane</span> implanted within her. It turns out that's what this whole trip was really all about . . Tony wanted to see what her capabilities were . . he wanted to know what he was up against. He destroys a car in the process, b<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieetM7Yr6NBZ3EW5qvvBweckmjTDOuwrNaYvGuMJsKW4V-tsLPDb4paf2Kf6AlhrnnpElfVrB7sNTHCzcSdJ2Y0EK_IjBR2hXpxe3DQlxpSYOCVTc5yTpaco0QDR4g2LLcxAZz/s1600/ironman31.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552905595429837042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieetM7Yr6NBZ3EW5qvvBweckmjTDOuwrNaYvGuMJsKW4V-tsLPDb4paf2Kf6AlhrnnpElfVrB7sNTHCzcSdJ2Y0EK_IjBR2hXpxe3DQlxpSYOCVTc5yTpaco0QDR4g2LLcxAZz/s400/ironman31.jpg" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ut</span> . . with Pepper's help, he sends Justine running in retreat. Unfortunately, the woman's scorn is felt shortly after when Tony debuts his new car on the test track. They're immediately besieged by the Hammer drones. Not only do they get their first prototype destroyed, but . . Tony is convinced that they have someone working within their new company that is spying on them for the Hammers. He then starts trying to pinpoint the people he can trust. Unfortunately they have a public demonstration of the car scheduled, and Tony can't get it all figured out in time without affecting their publicity negatively. The good news is that when the Hammer's decide to attack . . they show their hand when the phone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ap</span> activates and the field of conflict is recognized as Tony's test track. That's when they realize how these drones are being used. But it may be to little to late as Detroit Steel also shows up for the attack and Iron Man has to fight him, while trying to keep the civilian audience safe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20UdeltTD6qTQF2cW0zjGUTWU-bVXRS4NX5sk38RnTWf5GhQAtzuAl3naeVXeIj8Xzo0xL92yj5prxSLwVTuX17lv8ZGRpWU2Z1NRNukIvSrQEfgnN_obQ8zGi6WONf046hQn/s1600/ironman32.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552909697175413858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20UdeltTD6qTQF2cW0zjGUTWU-bVXRS4NX5sk38RnTWf5GhQAtzuAl3naeVXeIj8Xzo0xL92yj5prxSLwVTuX17lv8ZGRpWU2Z1NRNukIvSrQEfgnN_obQ8zGi6WONf046hQn/s400/ironman32.jpg" /></a>Luckily, he's got War-Machine and Rescue to help him. But they come up with a plan. First they have to shut down Seattle's cell-towers so that they can cut off the connection between the operators and the drones. Secondly, Tony figures out that they're actually targeting they <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">repulsor</span> tech. So if War-Machine and Rescue power down . . they'll effectively be invisible to their tracking systems. The problem with that is . . if Pepper powers down she'll go into cardiac arrest. They'll have 14 minutes to revive her, until . . they can't. And Tony's part in all of this is to take off with the car and try to save what little they have left of their company. So it's a race . . all the way around. And all of this is leading up to Iron Man #500, which will immediately follow issue #33. Which will be where this current story-line wraps up. I think Matt Fraction and Salvador <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Larroca</span> have done an incredible job with this book. The stories have been at break-neck speed . . with lots of cool ideas from Matt. And they've been visually attractive as well. I've always had a passing interest in Iron Man, which is why I decided to pick up this title when it first came out. I haven't been able to put it down since. I can't wait to see how this storyline wraps up . . as well as where things go after issue #500. The best is yet to come.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-43786685750916533212010-11-15T10:53:00.009-05:002010-12-05T13:16:58.432-05:00Smallville - Ambush - Season 10 - Episode 7 - CW<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zLoRTzF7cakkFLd_UMBNjsgL44P6mlBuizVpLnDpPtcvbMiqOhAujJtK-s-FO_uGVQxmDjUX5hnSnmLoZ1nNSRoHPVFv8-rI-0QGvFTeEjN4g_OjZmPu2U4q-H_f8TQReZZR/s1600/smallvilleambush.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547259091760501026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zLoRTzF7cakkFLd_UMBNjsgL44P6mlBuizVpLnDpPtcvbMiqOhAujJtK-s-FO_uGVQxmDjUX5hnSnmLoZ1nNSRoHPVFv8-rI-0QGvFTeEjN4g_OjZmPu2U4q-H_f8TQReZZR/s400/smallvilleambush.jpg" /></a>In this episode, the General and Lucy come to visit Lois and Clark. The premise of the story is that, basically . . he's coming to test Clark. Obviously, being a father, he knows when his daughter is getting serious about someone. So he wants to make sure that her beau is of the quality of standard that he believes that his daughter deserves. Apparently Lucy is in on the 'master-plan' also, although I'm not sure if her intervention was intentional or just adolescent. Anyways . . while all of this drama is unfolding at the Kent farm, there's also another story-line in the works. The US Government is getting prepared to pass the 'Meta-human Registration Act', and apparently the General is one of it's biggest proponents. So Rick Flag, and his Suicide Squad, feels that if they can get the General out of the way, they'll be able to kill the bill before it passes. In a way, they're really trying to protect people like Clark and Ollie. They're just using extreme measures to go about it. And their acts actually help to sway the Generals feelings towards one of a kind of 'honor' towards the Blur. You see, Rick tried to take out the General with some missiles, but they accidentally blew up Lois' apartment . . while she was in it. The General and Lucy had just left, after having a fight about Clark, and he left the homing device the Rick gave Lucy setting on her counter. Shortly after leaving he sees her apartment explode, and assumes that she's been killed. But seconds later the Blur delivers her right to his side. And that was the instance that changes the Generals feeling. Not that that's what Rick had intended. But . . it's to little to late, as the bill passes anyways. It was kind of touching though, at the end, when the General talks to Clark. It seems that these 'tests' that he's always put Lois' boyfriends through was as much to test her commitment as that of her suitors. When Lois stands up to her father, about her feeling for Clark and their future . . that's when he knew that she was finally with the man she needed to be with. So it ends up being kind of a father and son moment between Clark and the General. Clark also kind of hints that he wants to ask the General permission for something else. Is Clark going to ask Lois to marry him? Well . . we don't know that for sure. But that's what it seems like. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. So far I've been thrilled with this final season, but it kind of seems obvious that they're going to have to go in some kind of direction with these characters in the future. It's just that it's hard to tell, and I haven't heard anything, as to what those plans may be. In the meantime, there's about a dozen episodes left, so . . enjoy them while you can.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-49919696625423612512010-11-14T15:39:00.005-05:002010-11-20T11:47:32.745-05:00Chuck vs the First Fight - Season 4 - Episode 7 - NBC<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGzSf1LuErQe6eIGoBa8StjnGHksz0PJf18jVlbwZ4R5fu3RHAmdi5rZP5t5YYT2kq6vin6n6X4yZnIkQ4gifWhYqXumqRZ-lHaXA3L8HSAm8uKFshN2XLGnh3JwYpNPmuhVM/s1600/chuck_main.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 337px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541670745727995826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGzSf1LuErQe6eIGoBa8StjnGHksz0PJf18jVlbwZ4R5fu3RHAmdi5rZP5t5YYT2kq6vin6n6X4yZnIkQ4gifWhYqXumqRZ-lHaXA3L8HSAm8uKFshN2XLGnh3JwYpNPmuhVM/s400/chuck_main.png" /></a>In this episode . . Chuck and Sarah have their first fight. Which, to me, seems kind of hard to believe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span>, I guess, the nature of their relationship seems to be one of conflict. Or maybe it's just Chuck's whining all the time. Chuck's the type of person that seems to always . . and I mean always, second guesses himself. While Sarah is much more confident and sure of herself. They seem, on the surface, to be polar opposites . . really. But . . maybe they aren't so different. Maybe Chuck is just more open, and vocal about his concerns or inadequacies. Either way . . Sarah must really love him because, anybody else . . he'd just annoy the piss out or. Like he does Casey. Anyways, their fight . . this time, is about Casey and Sarah abducting 'Frost' at the end of the last episode without them telling Chuck what they were up to. In both of their defenses, 'Frost' really does seem to go back and forth quite a bit. In this episode she gives Chuck some information that will help clear her name, putting him in contact with her MI6 handler, but . . that handler ends up being <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span> himself. So when Chuck, and Sarah show 'Frost' the elaborate setup that Chuck's father created under their old house . . 'Frost' reverts to form and shows Chuck something that disconnects him from the intersect. She then reveals that this guy is actually <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span>, and the blow everything up. Including Chuck and Sarah. Well . . that is, if she hadn't of slipped a razor-blade to Sarah shortly before she and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Volkoff</span> took off. But still, all of her father's information, and everything to do with the intersect has been destroyed. So if Chuck really is disconnected . . how does he get it back? Well, as this story is going along, before this ultimate climax, Sarah takes 'Frost' to see Elle. Elle is very emotional, but the one thing she gets out of it is that she, and her father and mother, used to go for rides in their '68 Mustang. It was red, with blue leather seats. Anyways, she's been searching the personals since her father died . . he used to leave her coded messages there all the time, and she notices that there's an ad for a '68 Mustang, with blue leather seats, that's been in there every day since he died. At the end of the episode she decided to go an get it. And inside the car, of course, is a letter to her from her father. But I think the real reason he left this car behind is because underneath it, as it's driving away . . we see a green flashing light. Much like the one that was on her father's intersect device. So I'm thinking there's another one hidden here on this car. Anyways, the whole bickering thing between Chuck and Sarah, I thought, provided a good hook for the episode. It was pretty funny watching them bicker as they're fighting their way through these life or death situations. It was also funny the way the people around them looked at them, while this was going on, as if they were nuts. Which, in a way . . they are. We don't see much of the Buy More this episode. I think the whole purpose of this one was to progress the 'Frost' storyline. And, of course, again . . I really liked it. Yes it's immature, childish, and a bit predictable, but . . I think that's a lot of what makes it so fun. The light-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">heartedness</span> of all this is what makes it so interesting. If they played it straight, I don't think it would be nearly as good.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-30862787280913152672010-11-14T15:30:00.004-05:002010-11-20T09:53:39.641-05:00Wolverine #89 and #90 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83b3B-kHN2e2UDZZswwI5Of1NXCnGo2vZIGs9pe-to2WUVqTjS1d5aRh8WSRUmARE_8Mgep4t1ZrQCvvOteGxM5-pQDf_dRCfebeUAAktdJ5VJU_KN1iD5_6t7qcHCwCPU_uh/s1600/wolv89.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539505960708193362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83b3B-kHN2e2UDZZswwI5Of1NXCnGo2vZIGs9pe-to2WUVqTjS1d5aRh8WSRUmARE_8Mgep4t1ZrQCvvOteGxM5-pQDf_dRCfebeUAAktdJ5VJU_KN1iD5_6t7qcHCwCPU_uh/s400/wolv89.jpg" /></a>Issue #89, I didn't like at all. Well . . except for the beautiful cover by Simone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bianchi</span> and Simone <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Peruzzi</span>. Of course, part of that was because I'm not following this whole <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Franken</span>-Castle</em> storyline. But even so, had I been reading it . . I don't think that I would've missed much without this issue. The entire issue is spent with Frank and Logan going back and forth. Frank is trying to get to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daken</span> . . to kill him. Logan doesn't want to let him. So they spend the whole issue taking pieces off of each other. And really this issue just serves to set up the story-line for the conclusion in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Franken</span>-Castle #20. I used to follow the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Punisher</span> . . a long time ago. But to me . . this whole thing just seemed kind of silly. But it doesn't matter, because I'm not following it now. This issue was brought to us by Daniel Way and Marjorie <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Liu</span>. With Stephen Segovia and Paco <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Diaz</span> on the art. And then, in issue #90 . . it seems like this issue kind of serves as the prelude to the new Wolverine title coming soon, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daken's</span> own book. Most of this issue is spent with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daken</span> trying to decide what he wants to do with his life. He's going through and contemplating on how he compares to his father . . in motivation, action, and what he wants out of his life. 'The wolf is at the door. And I am hungry. But . . it's just to easy . . my father's life is so small. So caught up in it's own gravity. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C7pEf8zwKd4tPMNDH33ACeuTwRsFdGRJQY3ghQZRU3zzOwo1p3-oKRN-CJ-HHx7KE7K6ljlq9ZiumgV_WuTJAec2amvjhO1_gdPSzB7Zo9LsjDKIiD2MueqPPllSPPbW9Juv/s1600/wolv90.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539506275337549650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C7pEf8zwKd4tPMNDH33ACeuTwRsFdGRJQY3ghQZRU3zzOwo1p3-oKRN-CJ-HHx7KE7K6ljlq9ZiumgV_WuTJAec2amvjhO1_gdPSzB7Zo9LsjDKIiD2MueqPPllSPPbW9Juv/s400/wolv90.jpg" /></a>There's no scope. No vision. That's why I don't even want it. I want something else . . something more.' Which is apparently what he'll go after in his own title. I know <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Daken</span> has pretty much been the main character of this title for a while now, but . . I still don't feel like we know him all that much. Sure he comes across as an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">ego-maniacal</span> blow-hard . . who's elevated his own importance to an almost god-like level. But . . I think there's more to this character that we haven't seen or experienced . . yet. The question is, when we start digging in to him a little more . . seeing the human side of his facade, will we be just as interested? Which, I guess, is what Marvel is betting on with the new series. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. So overall . . I liked both issues . . I guess. But I don't feel like I really would've have missed anything important if I hadn't picked them up. Neither of them really moved the story-line along all that much. But . . they were what they were . . epilogue and prologue all wrapped in to one. Daniel and Marjorie again write #90. But it featured some beautiful art by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mirco</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pierfederici</span>.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28895823.post-73161527416380038812010-11-14T15:28:00.005-05:002010-11-20T10:30:42.681-05:00X-Men #2, #3 and #4 - Marvel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_eMRCKB2Y8ODOcX_DhEyj2ZJ0PQuXiwwzR8Od103iewsiv9vyMWpvGsbdeSTC0MwTn5-VK1t52XbQ0emHJDXqASeFmiR536AKes3BPCQnBwQvyjxSfQQ6aA5o382XKNIl31W/s1600/xmen2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 245px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 372px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541645609487216642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_eMRCKB2Y8ODOcX_DhEyj2ZJ0PQuXiwwzR8Od103iewsiv9vyMWpvGsbdeSTC0MwTn5-VK1t52XbQ0emHJDXqASeFmiR536AKes3BPCQnBwQvyjxSfQQ6aA5o382XKNIl31W/s400/xmen2.jpg" /></a>So we all saw, in the prologue for this storyline, how the Vampires have engineered a new 'virus' that can infect the human population through the air. Basically, they sent out suicide bombers, infected with the virus. But one of these guys ended up in Union Square, with a specific target in mind . . Jubilee. But we find out that Jubilee wasn't actually their primary target. Their primary target was that man they knew that the X-Men would send after her . . Wolverine. All of this is being orchestrated by Dracula's son, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xarus</span>. He wants to join the Vampire and Mutant races to create an army powerful enough to take over the world. So it's kind of the 'evil guy with plans of world domination' story-line . . with a twist. Anyways, this virus is designed to create 'the hunger' in it's recipients. Bringing the Vampires food-source, and fodder for their ranks . . straight to their doorstep. All they have to do is sit back and wait. It's ingenious . . really. Through this process, before they know it, the X-Men have come to realize that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xarus</span>' ranks are swelling by the thousands . . daily. Add to this the amulet that they've designed . . it allows them to go out during the day, as it protects it's wearer from ultraviolet light . . and they're starting to seem pretty much unstoppable. But the X-Men aren't ones to give up hope so easily . . especially Scott. So he's come up with a plan. It's not a good one, but . . it's about the only option that they have. Scott wants to reunite Dracula's body, with his head . . and hope that he'll seek out his throne, now occupied by his son. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1-MObsLbl0kq02U4yzlWAadHkHUfJOgeVDigPPrMzii84cnrqqr0KJYyJPLImqnkPwmZon9Cp0VZaur0NBgb-4SmxSEXEaMRD9rdcbCDxwNkno6nb4yaD0_Pz0baSJ8jeQW4/s1600/xmen3.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539505381609743698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1-MObsLbl0kq02U4yzlWAadHkHUfJOgeVDigPPrMzii84cnrqqr0KJYyJPLImqnkPwmZon9Cp0VZaur0NBgb-4SmxSEXEaMRD9rdcbCDxwNkno6nb4yaD0_Pz0baSJ8jeQW4/s400/xmen3.jpg" /></a>His hope is that in the battle that ensues, the father will take out the son, and thereby eliminate his plans for world conquest. However, my concern is . . as with most of these hail-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">mary</span> plays . . things are going to get worse before they get better. After Scott implements the plan . . and Dracula is resurrected, the X-Men fill him in on what's going on. He doesn't seem to happy about it, but . . he's also convinced that the X-Men are trying to back the lesser of two evils . . literally. Or . .'the devil they know'. To him, the X-Men seem desperate and without options. So before he leaves, he doesn't really say or do anything to convince them that he'll do anything that will bring their plan to fruition. During all of this, Blade is also playing a big part in this story-line . . as he is the foremost Vampire expert. Anyways, we eventually get to the point where Logan has gone after Jubilee and descends right into the devil's lair . . as it were. Logan's a pretty tough guy, but even he isn't a match for the sheer numbers he's up against here. He's quickly captured and converted . . with Jubilee as the bait. I don't even think that he was surprised when he found out that she was turned. Anyways, by the end of issue #4, the X-Men have found out that Logan and Jubilee are both working with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xarus</span>. And as a Vampire army begins to descend upon Utopia, I'm sure they're starting to wonder . .'What happened to Dracula?'. I think it's an interesting story-line. And I like the whole 'world-domination' thing, with the vampire twist . . we all know that Vampires <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsIbT8fnL5k4cd2AVJafSUvS5UjeahppSNQX8aJ4ZfS-3MKfC1oW9L5CvP66govRszimTY8gf6DqurDaFFAt7EfiPTLFZZo6bT49q4Ho4FnEB4kX3ovWkbK-R2151alwE4tj3/s1600/xmen4.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 263px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541647060002216322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsIbT8fnL5k4cd2AVJafSUvS5UjeahppSNQX8aJ4ZfS-3MKfC1oW9L5CvP66govRszimTY8gf6DqurDaFFAt7EfiPTLFZZo6bT49q4Ho4FnEB4kX3ovWkbK-R2151alwE4tj3/s400/xmen4.jpg" /></a>are all the rage right now. I just hope that there's some actual change that comes out of all of this. Wolverine appears to be transformed, but . . I can't imagine that he's going to stay that way. I'm sure he'll work out of that . . somehow. But Jubilee's character seems to be diminished, of late. So maybe this is a way to bolster her character a bit. A way to give her . . something. And of course we have to begin wondering what the aftermath of all of this will be. The Vampires seem to be making a pretty big impact on San Francisco. Since everything that this city has been through since the X-Men's arrival . . I can't imagine that they haven't crossed the 'point of no return' yet. When do the citizen's of this city proclaim . . 'Enough is enough!'? So I think there's a lot of potential here. And I'm sure it'll be a roller-coaster ride along the way. My only problem is . . I'm sure there will be oodles of peripheral books. I don't want to get them all, so . . I have to pick and choose which ones I think will be the most interesting, or best serve to progress the story-line. Anyways, this story-line is being created by Victor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gischler</span>. I've never heard of this guy before, but . . he's seems to be pretty adept at creating an interesting storyline here. The interior art is by Paco Medina. With Adi <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Granov</span> contributing some pretty amazing covers. All in all I think this is a great start to this new title. I can't wait to see where things go from here.comicinsighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17619691966996735880noreply@blogger.com0