Sunday, January 14, 2018

Dejah Thoris #0

Dejah Thoris #0 by Amy Chu and Pasquale Qualano. Cover art by Jay Anacleto
I have been looking forward to this book for a VERY long time. As a huge fan of the "Barsoom" universe and the novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs, I was ecstatic to learn that we would be receiving a new solo series based upon the popular heroine of the John Carter books. While earlier last year we were treated to the underrated miniseries John Carter: The End, I've been eagerly awaiting a new ongoing series set in the world of Barsoom. Amy Chu, who is making a big name for herself over at Dynamite Comics, handles the writing duties of the issue. Chu is also currently writing Red Sonja for Dynamite, another one of their popular leading ladies. This series has been marketed as the untold stories of Dejah Thoris before John Carter arrived on Barsoom. In this series, Dejah Thoris is on the hunt to locate Ephysium, or the "Gardens of Mars," to help save their dying world.

Amy Chu dives straight into the story without worrying too much about explanation, yet makes it an easy read for new fans and old ones. However, there might be some names new fans might be confused about. Ultimately, I believe it's for the best, instead of worrying too much about getting new readers caught up on the world of Barsoom, Chu takes us straight into the plot. Dejah talks with her grandfather about the Gardens of Mars before her bedtime and promises him that she would find it. While the Red Martians have largely forsaken the stories of Ephysium, the optimistic Dejah Thoris seeks to find it to save not only her own people, but everyone on Barsoom. Chu does a great job of presenting Dejah as a selfless individual, who reluctantly learns about her people's hatred towards the Tharks, and shows a disdain for war and cruelty. It's one of the things I love most about Dejah Thoris, she's a strong, fierce woman but she shows compassion and love for all. 

Pasquale Qualano draws the issue and his artwork is truly fantastic. Dejah Thoris has had plenty of amazing artists draw her over the years, and Pasquale Qualano is shaping up to be another one to add to the list. Whether he's drawing the young Dejah or older one, great care has been taken to present her in a regal, yet soft and kind manner. 

Amy Chu and Pasquale Qualano have started off strong by giving us an introductory issue that's easily accessible to any reader, without bogging down the narrative with exposition. We're given a bit of world building and are clear on Dejah's motives. I've really been enjoying Amy Chu's Red Sonja run and after this issue, I am extremely excited to see what she has in store for Dejah Thoris. I highly recommend readers to scoop this one up, especially at the low price of $.25! It's been too long since I've returned to Barsoom, but I am glad to be back on another exciting journey with one of my favorite heroines. 

9/10





Friday, September 23, 2016

Aquaman #7 Thoughts


Aquaman #7 by Dan Abnett and Scot Eaton hit shelves this week as a follow up to the conclusion of "The Drowning."As you can tell by my name, I'm a huge Aquaman fan and I have been loving this series by Dan Abnett and lead artist Brad Walker. Abnett is telling such a strong story and really getting to the point of why Aquaman is important and what his role in the world is. While Johns made Aquaman badass, Abnett is showing us why he matters. Now, I know some might say that it's slow but personally, I think the pace is very appropriate for the kind of story that it's telling. Long have the relations between Atlantis and the surface been strained and Arthur is set on bridging the two worlds together. Of course, his arch-nemesis Black Manta won't let Aquaman get what he wants.

This issue we see Aquaman finally returning to Atlantis since the series began and it's given him a chance to reflect on what's happened. He tells Mera that he's not even sure he'd be welcomed back to the Justice League after what's happened but he's determined to set things right. There are a few stories in play here and Abnett gives each one an appropriate amount of spotlight without it feeling like it's too crammed. Along the main plot, we have the engagement of Arthur and Mera and according to Atlantean tradition, Mera must prove that she is worthy of being Aquaman's queen and must undergo a series of tests (this will be seen in #10). The other big story in the series is Black Manta's role as the head of N.E.M.O., a secret almost "Illuminati"-like terrorist organization who have been fanning the fires to blame Aquaman and Atlantis for the attacks on the Spindrift Station.

Scot Eaton is back on the book, having last been seen on #2 and I gotta say...it's gorgeous. While I wasn't blown away by his art in the first issue he worked on, he's seemed to really up his game. Everything from the environments to the characters themselves are beautifully rendered. There's a double page spread of Aquaman looking out the window of his palace to Atlantis that is jaw-dropping gorgeous.

Abnett is crafting a truly magnificent story with his run of Aquaman and each plot point is truly fascinating. I gotta say, I'm loving the bi-weekly schedule because I don't know how I would be able to cope if I had to wait an entire month for these books. If you're new to Aquaman or have been meaning to try out his series, I definitely recommend you pick up this series.

9/10

Friday, January 9, 2015

Marvel Injustice Game:

So here I'm going to post a potential roster for a possible Injustice inspired Marvel game, with alternate costumes and stages. Thanks.
Part 1!
Part 2 will be Villains!

HEROES FIRST!


BLACK PANTHER (T'CHALLA)


BLACK WIDOW (NATASHA ROMANOFF)

CAPTAIN AMERICA (STEVE ROGERS)

CAPTAIN MARVEL (CAROL DANVERS)


CYCLOPS (SCOTT SUMMERS)


DAREDEVIL (MATT MURDOCK)

EMMA FROST


HAWKEYE (CLINT BARTON)


HULK (BRUCE BANNER)


IRON MAN (TONY STARK)


JEAN GREY


ROGUE (ANNA-MARIE)

SCARLET WITCH (WANDA MAXIMOFF)


SPIDER-MAN (PETER PARKER)

SPIDER-WOMAN (JESSICA DREW)



STORM (ORORO MONROE)


THOR

WOLVERINE (LOGAN HOWLETT)

OTHERS (PART 1)

OTHERS (PART 2)






















































































































































































































































































































Friday, May 9, 2014

The New 52: Future's End #1 Review


Future's End. The new DC comic event is here in this new weekly series about, you guessed it. The end of the world. While the theme has been done to death, heroes dying and an apocalyptic future, I still decided to give it a shot in the hopes that it would be an entertaining story that could possible give me a new title to start reading. And I think it did just that. I found myself engrossed in this tale from the beginning to the end of the issue. Future's End is written by the wonderful talents of Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello, Dan Jurgens, and Keith Giffen and while each writer has their own unique style of telling a tale, each segment flows well together, and doesn't interrupt the tone set by the author before them. You'll have to forgive me, I was unable to pick up the Free Comic Book Day issue #0 so it was a little confusing at first, and that tends to be one of the flaws of this issue. Unless DC puts up a digital issue of #0, this #1 is not very new-reader friendly at all. The comic starts with Batman Beyond arriving 5 years from our present having been sent back by Bruce (35 years before our present). He explains how he is too late from stopping Mr. Terrific from creating Brother Eye before he is attacked by a cyborg from the future. This issue also follows the heroes of Stormwatch, Grifter, and Firestorm. Without spoiling too much, the ending of the issue is truly heartbreaking with a beloved Justice League member dying. One of the appealing aspects of this title so far (I know it's the first one) is the emphasis on lesser known characters and following them in our future. This is an event that will change the DCnU and it's got me captivated. We'll see how next week's issue does.

Story 8/10
Art 9/10

Overall 8/10

BATGIRL ANNUAL #2 Review



Batgirl Annual #2, written by Gail Simon with art done by Robert Gill. This issue takes a break from any story arc and is a standalone story (and hopefully a good starting point for a new story arc?) The comic starts with a flashback with Barbara Gordon fighting alongside her team mates on the Birds of Prey but ultimately, this issue deals a lot with the relationship between Batgirl and Poison Ivy and whether or not she feels she can trust her or not. Early on it seems that Poison Ivy seems to abandon her "sanity" when she appears ready to kill these terminally ill patient-turned terrorists. Gail Simone introduces the idea that Poison Ivy actually has S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder) which drastically changes Ivy's personality and even her appearance, for example during the winter, she shrivels up and looks close to dying. Simone really turned Poison Ivy into a tragic character that we can't help but feel sympathy for. The art, by Robert Gill and Javier Garron, in this issue is a major step-up from her solo title (solo title's current artist is Fernando Pasarin) that it made me wish these two were on the solo title. All in all, this was such a great story, one of the strongest stories we've had yet from Gail on her Batgirl run here in the New 52, who proves she's very talented at writing tragic, yet dynamic villains. To me, this issue proves that she should also be writing the current "Birds of Prey" title as well. Hopefully we get more Batgirl stories like this from Ms. Simone in the near future.

Story 9/10
Art 8/10

Overall 9/10

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Injustice Gods Among Us 2: Character Wishlist

So I've been meaning to make an Injustice: Gods Among Us sequel's character wishlist and I just got around to it. I've added all the characters that I would love to see make it in the sequel. I'm sure I've missed some good characters so please feel free to suggest some. I've taken out a few from the last game as well. Hope you enjoy.


AQUAMAN- Probably one of the most powerful characters in the first Injustice, there is no way that NRS would leave out the King of Atlantis from returning in a potential sequel. His moveset would probably be very similar to the original but of course there would be differences. I would love to see this games story focus on Atlantis kind of like the New 52's "Throne of Atlantis" story arc.
















ATROCITUS- the leader of the Red Lanterns, would make an awesome character in IGAU2. Similar to Green Lantern and Sinestro with the ability to make anything he imagines, his moveset would be ferocious and brutal. The red ring is the symbol of rage and hatred and he would demonstrate that in his moveset. I would be so pumped if Atrocitus made it into the next game.










BATGIRL (Barbara Gordon) - Barbara Gordon was a DLC character in the first Injustice game and quickly became one of my favorite fighters in the game. I would think that the majority of her moves remain the same, and her place in the story be significant. Perhaps having a chapter to herself, protecting Gotham while Batman joins up with the Justice League to stop the Brainiac invasion.




BATMAN- Obviously, if it's a game set in the DC Universe, there's no leaving out The Dark Knight. He's one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, and he was arguably the star of the original Injustice. His moveset would be similar to the original though his super move needs to be changed. I personally thought his original one was better than the one with the Batmobile.













BLACK ADAM- I thought it would be a good idea to bring back Black Adam. I'll admit, I never really got into Black Adam or Shazam, but playing them in Injustice is really fun and since I have Shazam (you'll see later) I thought it's only fitting to have his nemesis return as well.










BLACK CANARY- Bringing in Dinah Lance would be a great idea, especially with having Green Arrow around to, the dynamic between the two can be fun to watch. She would be power character I suppose utilizing martial arts while being able to deliver devastating attacks with her sonic scream.







BLACK MANTA- Black Manta is one of Aquaman's most deadliest foes and one of the most badass in the DC Universe. He would be an awesome gadget character able to use his blades, harpoons, tasers and use the beams from his helmet as weapons that would result in an amazing moveset. This guy deserves to be in the sequel if not for his awesome potential but because Aquaman was one of the heroes in the original game who didn't have a villain from his titles.








BRAINIAC- I would use him as a main antagonist to the story. Maybe having the heroes and supervillains team up to fight his forces, (kinda like DC Universe Online I suppose, but maybe changing it up somehow). He would be a power character able to use energy blasts, telekinesis, teleportation and various forms of technology (drones, robots) to help fight with him. I'll talk more about his involvement in the story when I get to storylines.




CAPTAIN  COLD- Much like Aquaman, The Flash didn't have any characters from his rogues gallery in the original Injustice and bringing in Captain Cold could be a good replacement for Killer Frost. It also eliminates the need of bringing in Mister Freeze (don't get me wrong I love Mister Freeze's character) because one of the biggest complaints of the original is the overuse of "Batcharacters." Captain Cold would make a great addition to Injustice 2.












CATWOMAN- I'd love to see Selina Kyle return as she was one of my favorite fighters to use in the original. She was as quick as she was deadly, the only downside being that she couldn't really compete with long-ranged characters. I'd love to see her used more in the story mode, I felt like she didn't get enough time in the spotlight, so giving her a chapter in the story could be great.












CIRCE- One of Wonder Woman's deadliest foes, Circe would make an excellent addition to the roster in IGAU2. She would be a magic character and her moveset would consist of spells, energy blasts, even raising beasts to fight for her against the other player.












 CLAYFACE- I know I said that I wanted to keep the Batcharacters down, but there is no denying that Clayface would be a pretty epic character to add. Not only could he use his strength and his own unique forms of attack, but he could mimic the other character and use their own attacks against them! I think he'd be fun to add to the roster for a sequel.






DARKSEID- A fan favorite, Darkseid would have to make his debut in the Injustice universe in the sequel, whether it be a big role or small role, he'd have to show up somehow. He would be a pure power character relying on slow, powerful hits, his omega beams, and could be a good grapple character like Solomon Grundy.



DEATHSTROKE- I enjoyed using Deathstroke and bringing him back would be great. I even enjoyed his part in the originals story. This time, though, perhaps he would have a smaller role and let the newer characters shine.








DR. FATE- Another magic character that would be a great addition to the roster, Dr. Fate. His moveset could consist of energy plasts, energy constructs, invisibility, phasing, and teleportation. He would be a really fun character to have, and I'd love to see him play a significant part in the storyline.












THE FLASH- Bring back to crimson speedster! The Flash is always a fun character to use in these fighting games and I couldn't see this game without him. I wouldn't change too much from his moveset, I really enjoyed using him.
GORILLA GRODD- We briefly saw Grodd in the the background at Stryker's Island in the original game and now we can bring him in to the story. One of Flash's deadliest enemies, Grodd would be able to use telepathy, psionic blasts, and of course brute strength. It's difficult to decide what type of character he would be a magic user or a power character or a hybrid of both, but either way, he'd make another great addition to IGAU2.



GREEN ARROW- Ollie was one of my favorite fighters to use in the original game and I'd love to see him brought back for the sequel. Perhaps he can use different kinds of arrows this time. Maybe he can shoot one that ties up his opponent for a few seconds allowing him time to get a few hits on them.

 GREEN LANTERN (JOHN STEWART)- A Green Lantern has to be in the game and since we saw Hal Jordan in the original, it's time for John Stewart to shine in the sequel. He was an extra DLC skin in the original but he kept the same moves as Hal Jordan, I'd like to see his own unique energy constructs in IGAU2, maybe utilizing his time in the army using, submachine guns, a helicopter/gunship, etc. and maybe he can construct a shield to protect himself from enemy projectiles. I just would like to see different constructs than Hal's so we can see there's a difference between the two of them.
HAWKGIRL- Shayera is my favorite character to use in IGAU. She was fun to use and had a great moveset, and I would be thrilled to see her back in the sequel. However, I was not a fan of how she was utilized in the story of the original and I would like to see her in the spotlight more for the sequel, maybe having a chapter or two for herself.

JOKER- Now we can't forget Batman's archnemesis. I wasn't a huge fan of his in the original but it's only fitting to bring him back for the sequel, though I would suggest that his role in the story be limited. To me, I felt like his role in the original was pretty useless, other than alternate Joker blowing up Metropolis (which was pretty astounding).






LADY SHIVA- One of the deadliest martial artists in the world, Shiva could be an interesting villain for the game. She would play alot like Batman and Nightwing, relying on martial art moves and can even bring in a staff like Nightwing.












MARTIAN MANHUNTER- J'onn was brought in as DLC for the original so it would be nice to see him brought into the story of the next IGAU. I would change up his moveset a bit though, some of the moves just didn't feel right.
MERA- The wife of Aquaman, Mera can manipulate water and make hard constructs out of it. She could be an awesome character to add to the game (check out New 52's Aquaman if you haven't already). Her moveset would consist of water based attacks and making objects, (swords, spears, sharks, etc) out of water to attack. I'd like to see her play a significant role in the game as well, having a chapter herself. More on than later when I talk potential storylines.
RAVEN- I enjoyed Raven in the original game, though I still need to perfect her better, and would love to see her return to the sequel. Another magic user, she would retain much of her moveset from the original and possibly one of the storylines could be her fighting for her freedom from her father Trigon. She should be in the story more than she was in the original game, maybe having a chapter  for herself.












SHAZAM- Like Black Adam listed before, bringing in Billy Batson is a no brainer. He would keep a lot of his moves from the original but I'd like to see him used more in the story. If you have played it, you know what happened to poor Billy in the original.












SINESTRO- Though Hal Jordan wouldn't appear in the game, that doesn't mean his archnemesis won't. Sinestro should return to the game and I would suggest that he keep most of his moveset from the original.













STARFIRE- Bringing in Starfire could be an interesting move, especially to have another Titan in the group (works great with Trigon storyline). Her moveset would be energy projection and hand to hand combat.
SUPERMAN- The Man of Steel will definitely return to the Injustice universe, because they'll need him! I liked using Superman to and I would like to see him in the story more. I know they had alternate Superman, but I just couldn't get into evil Superman. This time, it'll be the Superman on the prime earth, the good Superman.


TRIGON- He wasn't a playable character but was featured in Raven's special move and her story ending. He could be a main antagonist for the game having been inadvertently released by Raven and he brings his minions to destroy all life on the planet. The heroes and villains would battle Trigon's minions. That could be an interesting story. He would be able to call demons to fight for him, blast fire, mind control for his moveset.


VIXEN- Bringing her in could be very intriguing. It was either her or Animal Man, but since they basically both have the same ability I decided to go with Vixen. Her moveset could be using her talisman to take on the traits of man different animals to fight against her opponent.












WONDER WOMAN- Diana will return and will play a significant role in the story of Injustice 2. She, Superman, and Batman will have to face a grave threat together and unite the heroes and villains from a dangerous foe. I think she should keep the majority of her moves. The one thing that needs to change, like most females in Injustice, she needs better character modelling.












ZATANNA- She was a DLC character for the original but I'd like to see her return for the sequel and be a part of the story. She's a magic user able to launch spells at her opponents while also using hand to hand combat. If they go with the Trigon storyline, she could play a significant role in the story.













*Nightwing could appear in story but will not be playable.



DLC POSSIBILITIES
-Red Hood
-Poison Ivy
-Star Sapphire
-Firestorm
-Beast Boy

CHARACTERS WHO WILL NOT BE RETURNING
These are the characters who will not be returning to Injustice 2.
-Ares
-Bane
-Cyborg
-Doomsday
-Harley Quinn
-Killer Frost
-Lobo
-Scorpion
-Solomon Grundy
-Zod
-NO MORTAL KOMBAT CHARACTERS. I love Mortal Kombat, but they do not belong in this universe.

STAY TUNED FOR STORY IDEAS
Let me know what you think in the comments below!