A DC Without Superman? Please...

So in 2013 the families of the original creators get the rights to Superman? Yeah? Really? Seriously? Lets hold the phone here and ask some questions.

1. Do they get all the rights? As in trademarks?

2. Do they get the rights of everything that the original creators didn't create thats involved in Superman? For example Brianiac was created by Otto Binder and Al pastino. Not Siegel and Shuster. Or the current incarnation of the S symbol which differs greatly from the one they used. Elements of the origin and supporting cast. Did you know that Kryptonite and the Daily Planet were not created by thsoe two.

3. What would they be able to do with a character that resembles the popular incarnation of the character? How would they sell it without many of the important aspects?

Yeah... 2013 the families are going to just sell it back to DC/WB. Thats just how it has to work.

New Superman Movie Treatment

Superman: The Man of Steel
By Carl Towns

Clark Kent/Superman
Lois Lane
Jimmy Olsen
Perry Olsen
Martha Kent
Lex Luthor
Metallo

SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!
SUPERMAN BEATS UP SUPER VILLAINS!!!!!!!!

Superman comic fans, teenagers and kids want to see Superman beat up super villains. Its so simple a monkey can do it. Let me help you out with the basics.

Superman Returns? Didn't happen. None of it. Lets forget it. This is a reboot.

Superman origin? Take a cue from Incredible Hulk and do it all in the credits. Now here we are, Clark Kent works for the Daily Planet. Clark can still be the bumbling, kind-hearted country bumpkin. That stays. In fact, you can keep Brandon Routh, he was alright. Just make the S symbol bigger please. Oh, and of course he has eyes for Lois Lane.

Lois Lane needs sass. And hips. And a badonkadonk. (And please note that Lois Lane needs skin tone similar to Teri Hatcher and less like Kate Bosworth. Unless you can get a really good actress like Margot Kidder.) But really Lois needs attitude and sex appeal and journalistic integrity.

Jimmy Olsen? Fearless and cool. But kind of a dork. Keep him dressed as old school Jimmy but with that nostalgic charm.

Lex Luthor? less like Gene Hackman and more like the comic and Bruce Timm produced incarnation. Intelligent businessman whose obsessed with destroying Superman because Metorpolis is his city.

The story centers around the creation of Metallo. To fight Sueprman. In the streets of Metropolis. Plus some other Lex Luthor mechanization to bother Superman.

There. General information on what the Superman fans want to see. Quit with the whole realism, relatability, or trying to make him sympathetic. Superman should stand as a symbol of truth and justice. Fighting bad guys in big awesome battles.

I will gladly write this screenplay. For cheap too. Holler back.

May Favorites 2008

Only nine for May despite being a pretty good month. Spot 10 probably would've been Robin but I dropped it and a few other books to make room. Now Dixon leaving means that was a good decision anyway. Mostly DC as I don't buy much marvel since nothing there right interests me and there was no now trulyManga I liked enough to list. Though the second volume of Harukaze Bitter Bop was pretty good. That said, I'm reading Great Teacher Onizuka and the original series starring Eikichi Onizuka, Shonan Junai Gumi right now and those are awesome.


9. Teen Titans #59:Clock King comes off as pretty damn cool here. The overall story of the Terror Titans beaten up and selling the Teen titans to the Dark Side Club is pretty cool. Though the teaser makes me worry for my fav Titan, Ravager. If she leaves I might as well.


8.Young Liars #3: The title of this chapter is "A Hard Knock Life" and it lives up to that. Picking up where issue one left off with a flashback set after the flashback issue number 2 this is big, loud and crazy. Good times.


7. Justice Society of America #15: I missed this/ Huge superhero battles. And I mean huge. Good looking and well written with a truly epic feeling.


6. Fables #73: The war is on and so far things are looking alright for the Fables. Until the cliffhanger at least.


5. Wonder Woman #20: The third arc on Gail's run begins and she's joined with new artist Aaron Lopretsi. Aaron brings more depth and substance than the previous artists with his line work. This issue has Beowulf, a character called Stalker, and all kinds of awesome.


4. Booster Gold #9: JLI geekasm! The bands back together and kicking ass! Just in time for some serious party crashers. Plus the Mister Miracle scene with the him as the only prisoner in a super deluxe booby trapped prison was a damn fine part.


3. Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men #1: Damn nice ending. Though the delays have forced certain comics to reveal spoilers, I was able to avoid most of them. This issue was a nice conclusion to an uneven run that had lots of highs, a few lows, and long breaks between. This was one of the high points.


2. All Star Superman #11: Superman's dead! The penultimate issue is here and makes me sad the series will soon be ending. (Pssst... Superman isn't really dead. At least not yet.)


1. Batman #676-677: RIP is kicking and so far it's been thrilling. We meet the Black Glove and get a twisted scene with the Joker in the first part. Plus a wonderful scene with Batman and Robin in that same issue. Things are taken to the next level in the second part with the Black Glove making its move and certain elements dividing fans. Oh, this is interesting. really interesting. Really, really good.

Great Quote About Morrisons Work

Since his early career, Grant Morrison has used superhero comics to explore the relationship between fiction and reality, and, unlike other comic book greats like Alan Moore or Frank Miller, he doesn't have any interest in making fiction more like reality. He wants to make reality more like fiction, specifically, superhero fiction.

From here.

What Does This Mean For Superman? No-For Comics?

Clicky

n what may shape up to be a historic ruling, a judge on Wednesday awarded Jerry Siegel’s heirs the copyright to the Superman material in Action Comics #1.

As Jeff Trexler points out, Judge Stephen Larson’s 71 1/2-page opinion doesn’t resolve all the issues — the separate Superboy case, division of profits, etc. — but it does seem to put an end, of sorts, to a decades-long feud. (The decision is certain to be appealed by Time Warner.)

“After seventy years,” Larson writes in his concluding paragraph, “Jerome Siegel’s heirs regain what he granted so long ago — the copyright in the Superman material that was published in Action Comics Vol. 1. What remains is an apportionment of profits, guided in some measure by the rulings contained in this Order, and a trial on whether to include the profits generated by DC Comics’ corporate sibling’s exploitation of the Superman copyright.”

Trexler also points to an analysis of the decision by William Patry, Google’s senior copyright counsel, which provides some context: “The opinion doesn’t cover Schuster’s interests, which are not subject to Section 304(c) termination, but rather a future 304(d) termination. Nor does the opinion reach the work for hire question for anything after the (justly famous and important) Action Comics Vol. 1 published on April 18, 1938 – the collateral estoppel applied on work for hire only covers Action Comics Vol. 1. Finally, there are very thorny issues of apportionment. All of these issues are likely to be the subject of subsequent motions and possibly trial.”

Expect more coverage over the weekend.

Update: The New York Times weighs in with reaction quotes from Siegel estate attorney Marc Toberoff, Joanne Siegel and Laura Siegel Larson. The Times notes that while the decision leaves intact Time Warner’s international rights to Superman, it may open the door to a similar reversion of copyright to the estate of Joe Shuster in 2013.

“After 2013, Time Warner couldn’t exploit any new Superman-derived works without a licence from the Siegels and Shusters,” said Toberoff, who also represents the Shuster estate.

Okay-yay for creator rights! Lets get that out of the way. Now lets look at this from the standpoint of the normal comic fan who can't understand legalities of such a ruling: what happens to Superman? Now with the possibility of this being held up(someones going to appeal, and a different judge might make a different ruling) does this mean that the original creators can regain the copyrights on the previous issues they worked on? And if that is true, what about Superman stories where only one worked on it. For example, a DC hired artist working with Jerry Siegel, does DC own only part of that?

Of course even if the estates of both creators get the copyrights on "their issues" and are paid back royalties what problems can this lead too? First of all, they won't be able to market Superman because they don't own the trademark. Nor do they own the trademark on Action Comics or Man of Steel. not to mention the look, the logo, everything about Superman is owned by DC. Copyright simply covers the story and the art. So, what would the estates do? They can't sell Superman in a way to make money because how do you market a character at another company when the distinction of the character is owned by the other? Especially if they go after complete copyright ownership of the character and all existing work despite the original creators not being involved.

Now, if they decide to go after the trademark, wow... that would be amazing if the one. And I also would see the long awaited comic book crash. Think about it, DC loses their icon-Time Warner has to pay, possibly, millions in back royalties. Would Time Warner just cut DC comics in this situation? Could DC survive without that backbone? Maybe but they would take a hit. Lets be honest, if comics #2 company had to start cutting jobs and back material publish comics it would be bad. How many comic buyers only buy, or purchase a majority, of DC books? Seeing as there's an 18-20% difference between DC and the third largest publisher-quite a lot.

I'm looking at this too hard. I'm sure something will come along and things will work. Or Time Warner will win an appeals and these legal battles will continue for ages to come.

Hmmm... just though of something, even if the estates win-they won't have the power to keep Superman out of public domain. Where as DC Comics/Time Warner could make an argument to get the copyright extended. I mean-if hospital that owns the rights to Peter Pan and uses royalties to fund themselves can't keep pan out of public domain then how can the estates of Siegel and Shuster?

I'm over thinking this.

Top 10 for January 2007

10. Welcome to Tranquility #2: Having been disappointed with Gen 13 I was worried about Gail Simones other Wildstorm series but two issues in I am definitely liking what I'm reading. Set in a retirement community for old superhero and super villains a legendary detective was murdered in last issue and here the investigation is underway. Simones doing a damn fine job of introducing and fleshing out the cast with Neil Googes appropriate artwork. Googe is definitely impressing me.


9. DMZ #15: Continuing the Public Works arc which has Matty now undercover in a terrorist cell targeting the Trustwell group. Matty tries pulling out the suicide bomber to save both her and the dozens of people but this only leads to more trouble. This is the midway point and its interesting to see how this is going to turn out for Matty now that he's blown his cover. Of course I'll be tuning in to check it out.


8. Dr. Strange: The Oath #4: The penultimate issue of this excellent mini I wasn't even too sure on getting. I Like Runaways but I'm not as much a BKV fan as I was a few years ago. I enjoy Marcos Martins artwork, but was I interested in him doing Dr. Strange? Well four issues in and I do really enjoy this book. Here Dr. Strange confronts the bad guy behind the theft of an elixir that would heal his servant Wong. But a couple really good twists at the end make this book head and shoulders above the majority of other comics out there. That line about not joining the Avengers is even more humorous with whats going on over there.


7. Manhunter #27: Please let their be an official relaunch to this book. Please... counting down the end of the under rated series has Kate Spencer defending Wonder Woman in a Grand Jury case. mark Shaw continuing his quest. Dylan tracking down Cameron Chase to help her. Plus the Black Queen of Checkmate making a cameo as well as the man on the cover. Now, is he really back?


6. Checkmate #10: The finale to Pawn 502 arc which has Checkmate deputizing the Shadow Pact to continue their plans on successfully moving an agent into the terrorist organization Kobra. Checkmate gets stronger and stronger with each issue and these last two issues make me wish it was him writing Shadow Pact. Jesus Saiz is able to yet again balance the realism with the fantasy as he tackles two completely opposite genres in one book. The next arc looks like a winner too.


5. Runaways #23: It's almost over for Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona as Chase reveals his grand plan to bring back the recently deceased Gertrude. It's up to the gang to stop him, but can they as Nico doesn't have her magic staff and Victors been neutralized. Man... I really worry about the future of this book.


4. Birds of Prey #102: Gail Simone continues to kick some serious ass on this book. Action, adventure, suspense, and great moments populate this and the last few issues. Manhunter is in Mexico seemingly with her own agenda. Judo Master, Big Barda, Huntress, and Zinda are in a dire situation. All the while Lois Lane is looking to uncover the truth of Oracle from Barbara Gordon, who if you're just tuning in, is Oracle. It's one issue with punch after punch. Making me antsy for the next installment.


3. Justice Society of America #2: Giving me the same goosebumps Geoff Johns(and his many collaborators) did on the last JSA series. Mr. America is dead, but why? Wildcat meets the son he never knew. Plus a crippled man Nate, son and grandson of two past holders of the Steel superhero mantle, watches as things in his life seemingly get worst. Plus a reveal at the end of DC continuity freaks. It's grand super heroics. Larger then life and with a classic feel but modernized for today's readers. oh, and Dale Eaglesham is putting down his best work yet.


2. 52 Week 37: Wow. While I picked this as my top finite series, it was due to volume and consistency. not necessarily for blowing me away each and every time. But damn did week 37 just kick it out of the park. The cover reveals who is Supernova but the complex explanation and reaosning is what sells it so well. Add in Rip Hunter and a phantom zone projector and you just elevate the sequence so much more. A moment with my favorite hero, Green Arrow, his one time gal Black Canary and you make me a happy man DC. then a good swift kick tot he buts of the collective Internet whiners who blasted Week 36 with a huge twist at the end. The art was fine, nothing spectacular in my opinion-but it did the job right. Still, best issue of 52 hands down.


1. All Star Superman #6: Really, was there any other book in January that made me so giddy? That made me read and reread dozen times over? That made me marvel at the art as much as this book did? No. Clark Kent's last days in Smallville with his parents as three mysterious men come to help with the harvest. The cover gives you an idea of what the issues about but the interior work is so much more. I don't want to give away anything and just tell you to check this issue out. As long as you know the basics of Superman, you don't need to have read the past five issues. Or pick up the hardcover in April.

Tomorrows Comix & Mail Order

Tomorrows Comix & Mail Order

Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of February and only a trio of titles. 52 Week 40, Detective Comics, and the cool new Shazam! Monster Society of Evil #1 by Bone creator Jeff Smith. Looks like Showcase House of Mystery Vol. 2 was pushed back... kind of glad. Hopefully to the last week of the month. But I'm getting it when I can.

My next Best of (month) will be up this weekend or next week as my mail order package is set to arrive Friday. I've been doing monthly for cheapness. The packages are pretty big. Here's what in the mail.

American Virgin #10-11-Late. I'm ordered up to 11. Nice series but not for me.
Checkmate #10-Online word is good and I'm thinking of pulling this off of mail order and buying it at the shop. But I keep entertaining those thoughts.
Doctor Strange: the Oath #4-Penultimate issue of the mini. Very fun stuff.
Green Arrow #70-Fav character, okay book, buying out of habit.
Spirit #2-Liked issue 1 which is a good sign. okay, I loved issue 1. Go Darwyn Cooke!
Superman: Confidential #3-More Cooke, and some Tim Sale action. Plus Superman so its all good.
Welcome to Tranquility #2-Interesting series.
X-Men #195-Fun X-Series. Like Astonishing better but the cast here is worth checking out. oh, and the nice art.
Doom Patrol Vol 5: Magic Bus-Not my favorite Grant Morrison work, but I'm four volumes in and this stuff is like a drug experience anyway. You just got to keep working your way through.
JSA Vol. 12: Ghost Stories-Finishing my collection of trades. I didn't read these issues here and probably won't but will marvel at Rags Morales art.
Manhunter Vol 2: Trial By Fire-Collecting two great story arcs. About 9 issues for 17.99 which is a good deal. I'm buying these to support the DC continuing to collect the issues. Which it seems DC is doing with the series over and trade vol. 3 already announced.
Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol. 4-Great Morrison work here. The Eisner award winning finite series wraps up with this trade. Now the countdown to the over sized Omnibus collections.
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 15: Magical-Not liking Robert Kirkmans take on his first two arcs, maybe this trade will sway me. Doubtful from what I hear.
X-Factor: Life & Death Matters-The critical darling, and long awaited second trade. The first one was very good, maybe the second one will make me one of those enthusiastic fans.


Here are my order forms for the next few months with comments.
February Order
Checkmate #11-Looks like a two parter with some assistance on writing and a fill-in artist. Spotlighting Fire so it's all good.
Doctor Strange: the Oath #5-End of a wonderful mini.
Green Arrow #71
Pirates of Coney Island #5-Issue 4 is being released this week so I'm guessing 5 is pushed back to March. Other than that tidbit, awesome mini.
Spirit #3
Superman Confidential #4
Welcome to Tranquility #3
X-Men #196
All Star Superman Vol. 1-DC always advance solicits but DAMN! April release? Luckily I have these awesome issues.
Daredevil by Frak Miller & Klaus Janson Omnibus-Don't like daredevil, love Frank Miller. So much I ponied up for this. Thanks for the nice discount MOC.
Empowered OGN-Adam Warren is a hell of an American Manga artist and wrote some neat stories so I'm checking this sucker out. In March though...

March Order
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1-What would season 8 have been like? Time to find out!
Checkmate #12
Green Arrow #72
Pirates of Coney Island #6
Spirit #4-Nice cover.
Welcome to Tranquility #4-Interestingly, they changed the name for the series on this issue so it didn't show in my pull listing. Had to remark it on the site.
X-Men #197-New arc with regular artist returning.
Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1-I been re buying things I have a little too much but I have these in black and white, broken up into single trades for each character(s) where as these are over sized in color, done chronologically and feature the Jimmy Olsen stories Jack Kirby did. Worth buying again. See you in... May? Damn...
Runaways Vol. 7: Love Fast Digest-I give these to my friend. But issues in support, then by the hardcovers because they rock.
Wonder Woman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told-Apparently, the first of its kind. DC proving that the trinity is less important then the Worlds Finest(Superman and Batman).

April Order
Buffy #2
Green Arrow #72-Are they revealing Green Arrows real identity to the city? Really, who else has that goatee?
Pirates of Coney Island #7
Spirit #5
Superman Confidential #5-Guess they wanted to give Tim Sale more time to do his artwork and pushed this issue back.
Welcome to Tranquility #5
X-Men #198
52 Volume 1-13 issues for 20 bucks. Giving said issues to friend and keeping these for less space.
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus Vol. 1-I don't like Stan Lee and am "eh" with Spider-Man but damned if I'm skipping the complete Steve Ditko work on this book. I've seen a little of the man and he kicks ass.
Plain Janes-DC attempts to market graphic novels for girls. First book out hires female novelist(for young girls books) and the amazing Jim Rugg from Street Angel. yeah, I'll MAN UP and read this.
Runaways Vol. 3 HC

So thats it. Yeah?

Top 10 for November 2006

#10: Pirates of Coney Island #2(of 8)
Rick Spears
Vasilis Lolos

Can't, for the best of me, figure out exactly what this comic is about other than a runaway in Coney Island and the people he's meeting. However the oddness and beautiful artwork by Lolos edged this into my top 10 another month in a row.(last months top 10 is on my Myspace so we'll ignore that.) This issue has our mystery runaway(unless I somehow missed his name), now one eyed, pick pocketing people until he's spotted by the cops. A motley group called the pirates pick him up for the save and recruit him into their group. They even give him a patch. Just a beautiful looking book with the same enticing storytelling Rick Spears used on Teenagers From Mars. Great stuff.



#9: Superman: Confidential #1
Darwyn Cooke
Tim Sale

Take the talents of one Darwyn Cooke and hook him up with an amazing artist in Tim Sale and what you have is gold. That's right, GOLD! The first issue in one of this new Superman title is set in the early days of Clark Kent's career as the protector of Metropolis. The story is set around Superman's first encounter with Kryptonite but in part one we get a slamming fight scene with the Royal Flush Gang all while Clark, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are looking to nail Casino owner Anthony Gallo who they believe is attributing to the rise of crime in Metropolis. This is my first time reading Cooke as only a writer but Tim Sale on art is a good match. These two produce an issue that makes one wonder-what is the best Superman title out right now. Makes it sad this tag team made in heavens only doing six issues.



#8: Batman/the Spirit
Jeph Loeb
Darwyn Cooke

From writer to artist, Darwyn Cooke takes to sequential storytelling in this first ever, and maybe even long awaited, team up between the Dark Knight and classic newspaper comic icon. Written by Jeph Loeb who I admittedly am not sure what to think about half the time, produces a very well done script about villains of both heroes luring certain officers of the law to a special getaway. A trap no doubt to take out both the Batman and the Spirit. The two run into each other and Spirit doesn't believe Batman's Batman because he's a myth the Gotham City police department made up. "Let me assure you-- I am very real." The book has tons of Batman's rogues and some familiar faces from the Spirit. For me, this is probably the best Loeb script I read in a while. I was not impressed with anything but the art on Superman/Batman and Supergirl was corny fun. The real star of course is Darwyn Cooke. The man is amazing with his cartoony, expressive, and very detailed art.



#7: Checkmate #8
Greg Rucka
Jesus Saiz

While OMAC Project wasn't my favorite Countdown mini, it certainly produced my favorite spin off in this espionage thriller set in the superhero world of DC Comics. Checkmate is an organization with checks and balances. A white side and a black side with agents corresponding to the pieces in chess. Featuring DC characters like Fire, Mr. Terrific and others. Greg Rucka is one of those writers who builds over time but unlike other writers of the decompression style he still knows when and where to put action sequences to keep the fans contempt to wiat for the break out moment. This series however has been off and running since issue #4 and #8 is the first part in an exciting new arc entitled Pawn 502 about a Checkmate agent trying to infiltrate the terrorist organization known as Kobra. The story has a nice twist ending that I didn't see coming as well as Ruckas great dialogue and handling of such a large cast. Jesus Saiz provides artwork. The regular artist returns after a hiatus to show off his artwork which feels at times like a cross between Neal Adams and Mike Lark. Definitely good stuff.



#6: DMZ #13
Brian Wood
Riccardo Burchielli

Matty goes undercover in Trustwell, a company reward with select rebuilding projects within Manhattan to expose the secrets from within. Part one of Public Works starts off strong with the main character getting an assignment from an independent news source to look into Trustwells operations. Once there he sees suicide bombers and workers sabotaging the site. not to mention the Trustwell security have a very hands on interrogation process. When he doesn't report his fellow workers, they offer him a way to make some money. DMZ is a dark, gritty, very realistic comic book about life in a city torn apart by war; in this case civil. These are the comics I tend to disregard but DMZ is strongly written with great art. How can you expect any less of Vertigo whose arguably putting out the best comics today. Even the books I don't care for are still better than most books published but DMZ I do like and is one of the titles I look forward to each and every month.



#5: Doctor Strange: The Oath #2(of 5)
Brian K. Vaughan
Marcos Martin

I never cared too much for Doc. Strange. I thought his portrayal in the last defenders mini was amusing but the only reason I picked this bad boy up was for the artwork of Marcos Martin who wowed me on the short lived Breach series. Paired up with BKV who writes the wonderful Runaways series they produce a fun, escapist, and thrilling fantasy/superhero comic. Doc. Strange is looking to relocate a vial of magic elixir stolen form him that could cure his servant Wong of his terminal illness. Assisted by the Night Nurse the three track down the crook who stole the elixir and almost killed Strange. Also, much like issue one, BKV gives those of us unfamiliar with Strange a look into his origin. Thanks BKV. Marcos Martin is one of the most underrated artists working today. If you like Tim Sale and Darwyn Cooke, who themselves are awesome, you should really take a look at Marcos Martins work. It has the same animated feel but still a look all unto it self. Do yourself a favor and check out this gem.



#4: Astonishing X-Men #4
Joss Whedon
John Cassaday

Scott Summers capping away at members of the Hellfire Club while the rest of his team are trying to come to their senses after the mental attacks which were orchestrated by the White Queen/Emma Frost. To add some more problems as My favorite X-Men book by a mile. I really don't know what to say about this title that hasn't already been said by lovers of this book. Great dialogue, wonderful handling of these characters, and amazing art. This issue wraps up the current arc which is more of a lead in to Whedon and Cassadays finale. This book opens with the newly biclops Ord and Danger hit the x-mansion each looking for a level of revenge. Then SWORD drops by to pick the entire gang up and head to the alien planet of Break World. Yeah, this is going to be fun.



#3: Runaways #22
Brian K. Vaughan
Adrain Alphona

books and soon it'll be none. Until then time to enjoy his last arc on Runaways. The book survived cancellation to get rebooted with better sales and now him and artist Adrian It's been awhile since I've bought two consecutive BKVAlphona are leaving with issue #24. The final story, Live Fast, has Chase still reeling after the death of his girlfriend Gertrude. So much so it worries his team mates. Victor even suggest him leaving the group. Chase however has alternate plans as he deals with the Gibborim, the force that the Runaways parents were working with. Chase is looking to resurrect his love but for that he needs to offer a pure soul. As per usual Alphona artwork is brilliant on this series. new artist Mike Ryan is going to have one hell of a time following up as will Alphona to find a title that best exemplifies his talent like this book does. I'm anxious to see where this is going and how Joss Whedon and Mike Ryan plan to follow such an amazing run.


#2: Justice League of America #3
Brad Meltzer
Ed Benes

I think a number of critics and fans are giving this book a hard time for no other reason then they didn't like Identity Crisis. I liked IDC but I also enjoyed Meltzer's green arrow arc as well as Benes Birds of Prey work and the little of his Superman I saw. This title is going slow but it's still has some great character moments and some nice action, especially this issue. The scene with Arsenal, Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, and Black Canary taking on dozens of Red Tornado clone-bots. The best stuff has been with Red Tornado himself. Now human, it adds an extra amount of tension with his wife and adopted daughter that if he dies this time he really dies, rather then being an elemental who can live on in robotic bodies. Yes, complex origin but Meltzer made me care for a hero I knew next to nothing about. the mystery villain and his plans add a good level of mystery to this series. Ed Benes art here is strong though I wish Alex Lei was doing his inking and Sno-Cone on colors but it's still a good looking superhero comic. Justice League is only three issues in and I am loving it.



#1: Birds of Prey #100
Gail Simone
Nicola Scott
Tony Bedard
Paulo Sequiera

Despite my joking around, Gail Simone is writ ting the one comic I've been buying for the longest time since making my way into comic as a hardcore collector and reader. Issue #100 is an amazing issue that marks another turning point in the series. Now, Black Canary has left the group and oracle has changed her way of operating. Zinda and Huntress are her top operatives with full access to her headquarters but she also employs other female operatives for specific missions. This issue has Huntress and Zinda teaming with Manhunter, Big Barda, and Judo Master to free a teenage girl from a Mexican prison and reunite her with her father. seems easy enough but with a twist in the end you know it's going to get seriously rocky. While new artist Nicola Scott is coming in after the amazing work of the likes of Ed Benes, Joe Bennett and Paulo Sequeria she does a sold job. Not blown away but she has chops and can no doubt get better in time. The back up story gives you background on the exiting Black Canary as she tells her adopted daughter Sin about her life as they plan on moving. Co-written by Tony Bedard and featuring art by outgoing artist Paulo Sequeria(DC better have something for him to do) this is a great origin recap that puts the Mark Waid/Howard Chaykin back up form 52 to shame. Though they did try it in two pages.

So there it is, my top 10 for November. My December one will probably be a tad late with holidays and shipping from Mail Order Comics.

Comic Day 11/22/06

Today, comics were released.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!

I got the latest 52, Action Comics, and Runaways. Sadly, Diamond shorted my LCS copies of Wonder Woman. Moving the wait up to, what, even longer than necessary? I also received my package from Mail Order Comics. Gotham Central Vol. 4 as well as the latest issues of Checkmate, Dr. Stranges new mini, Green Arrow, American Virgin, and the first issue of Superman Confidential. I split costs to save money, picking up trades or certain books I like, but don't love, at a discount this way. Starting next month I'm sticking to monthly packages early and with my job I decided to cut some stuff right out before even sampling it. Oh well.

At the beginning of next month I'll put up a list of my favorite purchases from November. After I officially have everything.

Oh, and expect some decent posts soon. Reviews, thoughts, more incoherent ramblings.