As the relaunch of the DC universe continues, Barbara Gordon has returned to the role of Batgirl, a decision that’s sparked some controversy, given her prior standing as one of the few mainstream superhero characters with a physical handicap. In the 20 + years since Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke, Barbara Gordon had grown not only as an ally to Batman and his colleagues, but to the entire DC Universe. As Oracle, Barbara had become a vital component in an all-encompassing battle against evil, and for many fans, the relaunch of the entire DC universe has meant losing one if its best characters of the last two decades. So How does Barbara’s return to Batgirl measure up in the grand scheme of things?
The biggest problem with Batgirl #1 is how the book tries desperately to have its cake and eat it, too. It struggles to find a balance between pre-Killing Joke Batgirl, and post-Killing Joke Barbara Gordon, and the character suffers as a result. For new readers, Barbara’s shooting as it’s reflected upon in the book, is jarring and handled rather clumsily. And while there’s an attempt at presenting Barbara with a bout of post-traumatic stress, there’s no feeling behind it. Mostly due to how disturbingly cocky Batgirl is portrayed at the beginning of the issue. Even in her internal monologue, it never feels like she’s trying to re-assure herself, and more like she’s got all the angles covered, making it that much harder with the connect with her character, especially when she screws up.
For fans familiar with Barbara/Oracle, the inclusion of her shooting from The Killing Joke can be problematic; The Killing Joke was never a story primarily about Barbara Gordon getting shot, and the fact that so much of it is overlooked, especially considering what both Barbara and Commissioner Gordon went through, both physically AND psychologically, AFTER she was shot, the whole story feels somewhat cheapened by the way it’s been forced into this new continuity.
Still, I’d like to give Gail Simone the benefit of the doubt, given her history with the character. Seeing essentially rebuild Barbara Gordon as a character is could be interesting, but there’s no denying that this title is off to a bad start.
Verdict: C-
Nothing says gritty quite like the opening pages of Detective Comics #1, which features a naked Joker stabbing the hell out of a man who purports himself to be one of his biggest fans, clearly evidenced by the fact that he’s wearing a mask made out of skin, ala Leatherface! It’s all delightfully gruesome, as we’re reintroduced to the Clown Prince of Crime, as well as the Caped Crusader.
What makes this issue work so well is that, unlike titles like Justice League, which will probably spent the next two or three issues introducing all the characters to one another in the most forced and contrived ways possible, all Detective Comics has to do is focus on establishing Batman, which is done rather efficiently. What we have here is a first issue where stuff actually happens. Even with the story arc destined to span multiple issue, it’s balanced with some sense of a beginning, middle, and end to the one issue. Batman is obsessed with catching the Joker, and it’s made quite clear that for one, cops don’t like him, and two, this is a Batman that seems to genuinely regret not having a normal life. Missing out on dating seems to genuinely affect him. There seems to be less focus on him putting on a billionaire playboy front, choosing to portray him as someone frustrated that he doesn’t have enough time to be Bruce Wayne and he really wants to be. It’s impressive how well Tony Daniel illustrates this without over-selling it. It’s played more as something for readers to merely keep in the back of their minds, while the main story is going on.
And part of the story is establishing Batman’s relationship with Commissioner Gordon. De-aged to his ginger state, Gordon is still a man who believes in what Batman is trying to do, but makes it clear that it’s a balancing act for him, having to play to the loyalties of his police force, as well as thinking about the Mayor’s political interests. Both characters are still trying to prove themselves to one another, and it’s an aspect of the book I’m very much looking forward to.
Art-wise, it’s amazing to see just how much Tony Daniel has evolved (and continues to evolve) as an artist. For someone I honestly believed would be little more than a poor man’s J. Scott Campbell (and this was even before coming out with his “poor man’s Danger Girl” title, F5!), he’s managed to truly come into his own in the past few years. It’s a more restrained style that doesn’t skimp on the detail, grit and grime, that perfectly fits Batman. To say nothing of nods to the art of Dave Mazzucchelli and Dark Knight Returns-era Frank Miller that are present, but never overbearing.
While I’m still on the fence regarding DC’s bold relaunch, I’m more than happy to support the good books that come as a result, and Detective Comics is leading the pack at the moment.
Verdict: A-
The comic shop, as we know it, is a strong and mighty thing.
So was the record industry. And much like the record industry, digital threatens to take a substantial bite out of the industry pie.
We’ve heard the arguments:
“Comics cost too much.”
“They’re doing too many crossovers. Who can afford to keep up with them all.”
“Comics haven’t been very good lately. Why should I pay for something I may not want?”
“Digital.”
Sure, alot of the blame could and SHOULD lay at the feet of the comics publisher but you know what? I’ve never published a comic so I can only talk about what I know: selling comics in a comic book store.
Within a week, everything you know about DC Comics will change. The Batgirl you did or didn’t grow up with could potentially become someone else’s favorite character.
The familiar red and blue image of Superman becomes a little red as DC Comics has, in a move that could very well be seen as the ultimate form of symbolism or cynicism, taken down Superman’s red underwear, exposing him to the greater world.
Your favorite team or character may not have made the final cut of the new 52 titles to be launched in September. Secret Six or Power Girl? Well… you’ll always have the memories. The actual issues, as well. Well, as long as you haven’t shredded them up or mailed them back to DC in some form of protest. Memories, like the physical comics, are yours to do with as you please.
Personally, I’m kind of excited for this. I want to be surprised and yes, DC has surprised me very much over the last three months. More importantly, they’ve managed to keep my interest in all 52 titles over three month’s time. Am I interested in all 52 titles? No, but I can say this. Over the past few weeks, as more news and images have been shown, I’ve truly gotten the sense that DC is trying and that’s something I can’t necessarily say I’ve seen them do in a good long while. There’s a sort of manic energy going on here that I sort of appreciate. Is every title worthy of even being looked at? Certainly not but there are gems out there to be had.
Stormwatch, a comic written by Doctor Who tv series writer Paul Cornell has a cold and dour Martian Manhunter owing very much to the Manhunter of the Justice League Unlimited cartoon series essentially taking over Wildstorm’s The Authority, the book that put writers Warren Ellis and Mark Millar on the map. The Martian Manhunter not only has access to arguably The 21st Century’s first superhero team but he has access to The Bleed, a universe within itself that allows its users to bend space and time to their will. If you’re a longtime DC Comics fan and that doesn’t excite and scare you a bit, you’re somewhat in the wrong place.
This couldn’t have been possible if someone, somewhere hadn’t asked questions and seen possibilities. Imagine if someone hadn’t said, “Maybe Superman should fly.”
This is a chance. This is a chance for rediscovery. This is possibility amidst the very much known. We know Superman and no one can take that away from us and no one’s trying to do so. This is change, plain and simple. I welcome it. And yes, I’ll miss Wally West just as much as anyone will.
The truths of comics are simple ones. We know them inside and out.
The rocket from Krypton will always land in a Kansas cornfield.
A young boy will weep gently to himself while kneeling in a pool of his parents’ blood.
A baby girl will be born and be held up as the greatest of the gods’ gifts.
This is canon.
This is truth.
Everything else is simply story.
Enjoy.
Reactions to the revealing of a young biracial teen as the new Ultimate Universe Spider-Man have, quite frankly, not surprised me. Not even a little bit.
Man of Steel may still be a good two years away, but Superherohype has given us our first look at Henry Cavill as Superman in the Zack Snyder-directed film.
It’s like a strange cross between Jim Lee and Frank Quitely’s renditions of the character, and that sure as shit ain’t bad!
The old god lay broken and battered. The hammer of the god lay silent, in need of a champion.
“Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.”
The man from another planet reaches down, grasping for the power of a god. He is found worthy.
With that, the war is won.
With that, a war we had no idea was being waged had been won. Superman, the champion of our new mythology, won.
Comics, won.
That was my first thought upon reading the final issue of JLA/Avengers, issue 4. Comics are the new mythology.
In this mythology, men like Maxie Zeus, with his delusions of godhood, ultimately defers to the guise of one of America’s greatest contributions to the new mythology, the gangster.
In our medium the gods are secondary. The gods grant power and get out of the way. Solomon gifts a young boy with wisdom. Mercury hands the daughter of Zeus sandals, allowing for her to become Wonder Girl. Hercules has to side with The Hulk in order to receive his gift and to remind everyone of how incredible he is. In the pages of Captain Britain and MI:13, Excalibur, sword of King Arthur, is now in the hands of a daughter of immigrants.
Sometimes, we forget.
Sometimes, we forget we’re the keepers of this new mythology. The new mythology is Jack Hawksmoor of The Authority, born and bred to master the urban settings of glass and steel, making him the first truly new superhero creation of The 21st Century.
The new mythology is the busting of genres in the Western/horror/suspense hybrid, The Sixth Gun. The new mythology is Local, where a young woman creates her own story.
The new truth is where men and women come together to forge new mythos using Kickstarter to fund Womanthology.
The new mythology comes in four-color and in black and white.
The new mythology is yours. More so than ever, comics are the new mythology. How we keep it is in our hands.
 I have to say Marvel Comics has a steady stream of hits for the conversion of their properties from printed medium to the big screen. Blade, X-Men, Iron Man, and now Captain America: The First Avenger has all reminded fans what they love about their heroes. Captain America follows on the heels of a ring slinging space cop and the boy wizard to make its stamp on this superpower packed summer, and it delivers with this genuinely exciting and fun superhero period piece.
If you are an avid comic reader, as myself, then you know the story of scrawny yet full of heart Steve Rogers. A sickly man from Brooklyn who is transformed into Captain America to help the war effort. To revitalize this point The First Avenger delves deeper into the selection process of how Rogers was chosen for the Super Soldier project. Much emphasis is placed on the type of man Rogers’ is prior to receiving the serum, the fact that it’s his heart and determination that’s his true power. A little sappy I know but it comes across more inspiring than preachy.
Chris Evans gives a stellar performance as the good captain and I was only too happy, not to see a hint of Evans’ portrayal of the Human Torch show up. Evans played Captain America through and through and wasn’t anywhere near as one dimensional as some of the other actors portraying more than one type of comic character. Tommy Lee Jones’ Chester Phillips added a heavy dose of legitimacy to the war scenes to insure that the spandex wouldn’t overrun the movie. Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull came across as a little flat and nowhere near as terrifying as I thought the Skull should be. Of course what would a Marvel movie be if it wasn’t loaded with Easter eggs. Long time fans will recognize the Howling commandos, Uncle Stan and plenty more cameos and references.
With all comic properties a certain amount of changes can be expected when being translated to film, some good, some bad, and others just awful. The changes made to the First Avenger actually accentuate the story and the death (or lack there of) of two major players hint at the possibilities that we as fans can only hope for in future installments. Lastly Captain America satirized the country’s ability to hero worship in making him the pitchman for war bonds by the government where he knocked out a phony Hitler from city to city which lead to recruitment posters, movie rolls and even, dare I say it comics.
If you think you’ve had your fill of this superhero summer then you will miss out on an impressively solid film, that doesn’t fall into the cliché of other superhero films. Captain America: The First Avenger is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film was directed by Joe Johnston, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. Captain America: The First Avenger premiered in Hollywood on July 19, 2011 and is scheduled for general release on July 22, 2011.
B+
LaTwan Holland was a writer for a local under ground newspaper, The Spinner Rack that covered comics, video games, anime and related movies and is currently the Producer of the DIRECT EDITION. To find out the latest that’s happening with LaTwan and the Direct Edition check them out at the DIRECT EDITION podcast, blog and you tube site.
If you’re one of the many just oozing with anticipation for the next season of The Walking Dead to start, AMC is throwing you a small but very juicy bone this weekend. During the season 4 premiere of Breaking Bad AMC will debut the first look at the second season of The Walking Dead. Breaking Bad is currently being called “the best show on television” so there should already be tons of viewers tuning in when it premieres Sunday, July 17th @ 10pm/9c on AMC. Most likely, it’ll probably receive a bigger boost in ratings thanks to this little treat.
Season 2 of The Walking Dead is set to premiere this coming October.
Somewhere, in a land where unicorns dance with pegasuses (pegasi?) at the Equine Cotillion, the superhero movies in our head are being made. My own personal Batman movie has cameos by a young CGI Adam West imparting wisdom to Christian Bale on how to properly handle a Joker.
That is just one of the many scenes of the “Batman Movie In My Head.” It’s not quite done and I’m not quite sure it ever will be. Here’s what I do know… it’ll probably be a movie presented in six, three-hour long parts and feature everything I love about Batman. I will keep adding scenes, firing directors, recasting actors and throwing imaginary money at it. F*** practical application, f*** a studio, f*** the actors I want being dead or too old to play the part.
F*** you, I have a movie in my head to make.
(ahem)
That said, I just realized I fired myself from the epic, six part, three-hour long each “Batman Movie In My Head” and been replaced with a studio wanting a return on their investment, a director who cares about these sorts of things, a casting director who knows nothing about CGI, actors interested in working with that puissant and a writer who knows story structure.
F*** them.
That said, this summer, I went to the movies knowing the movies-in-my-head wouldn’t ever be made and sent a mental mash note to a 12-year old Devon circa 1984. I told him over the course of the summer of 2011, in a dark movie theater and watching movies based on some your favorite things in the whole wide world will become movies. A Green Lantern movie! Yes, a Green Lantern movie! The technology finally caught up with the idea of a Green Lantern movie and yes, they do sort of botch it up with a horrible script and an actor you won’t like in twenty-seven years but kid, you’ll be sitting with friends watching this thing you’ve always wanted to see. Just try and be OK with it and enjoy.
You’ll see a Thor movie that won’t remind you in any way of the Walt Simonson Thor comics you’re reading right now but that’s OK. It’ll still be a fun movie. As a matter of fact, if you can look at it as the best Masters Of The Universe movie Hollywood will never make, you’ll love it even more. Oh, and it leads into an Avengers movie… but, first, you’ll have to watch the Captain America movie. Yeah, seriously…
Also, this summer, there will be a movie called X-Men: First Class starring this guy Kevin Bacon who’s in this movie coming out called “Footloose.” You won’t give a crap about “Footloose,” matter of fact, you still won’t have seen it but you’ll have met Kevin Bacon once and found him to be an alright guy so his casting will make you happy. He does a great job and you won’t believe who he’s playing. This movie’s sort of like a blend of “The X-Men meets James Bond.” Two of your favorite things, right? I KNOW!
Oh, and Captain America: The First Avenger? It hasn’t come out yet but man, it looks great. The guy who played The Human Torch is Captain America…
(sigh)
What is the big deal about a guy who played one comic book character not being able to playing another? There’s no rule against it. No, there isn’t. I know things. There won’t be in 2011 so, shut up. I’m from the future!
Just enjoy your “Movie Summer Of Awesome.” The movies-in-your-head already has its own greatest audience and always will. The kid in you who won’t believe he’ll see a Thor, Captain America, X-Men and Green Lantern movie all in ONE SUMMER will thank you for letting him enjoy it in peace and quiet.
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