Batgirl #45 Interview

I normally don't read these Batgirl related interviews but I heard this gives some insight for why Dick was written the way he was. To sum up: they think he's obnoxious because he knows he's hot?

Happy Birthday Spider-Girl !

A little talked about fact that Halloween is May "Mayday" Parkers' birthday thanks to the Green Goblin making Mary Jane go into labor just so he could be ironic when he made his big comeback. May never got to be reunited with her parents in main canon but she was in MC2. 

Happy Halloween !

Tim, Conner and Bart trick or tricking! Mr. Myxlplyx is the creepiest thing about this cover.

 

I think I mentioned some Halloween comics last year but if you have a comic you think is worth a look let me know.

Back From the Dead

According to UTH Jason was dead--stayed dead--for 6 months. He died at the end of April so he came back at the end of October. AK also takes place on Halloween.

Comic Movie News/Rumors

I still can't accept it because it seems so unreal that there's talk of a Booster Gold/Blue Beetle movie and the JT rumors for Batman. I mean a lot can still go wrong but this the idea makes me happy. And sorry Nathan Fillon, I love your work but I can't see you as Booster Gold.

The Kori/Dick/Babs love triangle

I explained why I don't like either relationship before but do the writers like them ?

Team Ups and Guest Starring

Teams ups (for an extended period) and/or guest appearance (short cameos.) Righ now there seems to be three types of these.

1. Well written and in character. 
2. Written horrible bad and out of character.
3. They show up usually in the background and you're lucky if they say anything.

I've been hearing that number two has been happening pretty often lately. Fingers crossed that the ones I'm getting will be good.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Change is Constant

I was thinking about this for awhile so I'm thrilled that my sister and her husband got me the first two volumes. I love TMNT and it has it's share of reboots. This one comes from IDW.

SEMI-SPOILERS AHEAD

Grayson # 4

Another issue from the trade.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Grayson #2 and #3

I already reviewed the first issue and decided to just give my impressions of the following issues in the trade. I'm breaking this up a little bit instead of reviewing them all at once.

Roy Harpers' Behavior Part 4

Things took a turn in Titans Hunt but I don't think it was due to poor research or simply not caring what Red Hood/Arsenal were doing. At least not if I was picking this up right. I think this is something Lobdell has been planning since at least the second issue of RHA to connect with TH.

Short Review: Back to the Future # 1

Much like Titans Hunt this series is supposed to fill in gaps. Will it be more fun ?

SPOILERS AHEAD

Titans Hunt interview

Found here.

Titans Hunt #1

Featuring the Roy Harper controversy ! Honestly I haven't read many comments on it so I have no idea how many readers care. Let's see how it's done.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Graysons' Uncomfortable Vibe

The number one thing that I dread reading in Grayson is how Dick's' treated sexually. Others took notice too. Given past stories and the fact 13 issues have gone by with this still going on it raises concerns. Seeley implies it might be addressed but it seems too little and too late.

I still haven't gotten around to Grayson

I got the digital copy for $3.99 to review but I keep hearing bad things so I've been putting it off. I read two issues already. The first which wasn't for me and Futures End which was much better. I'm thinking I probably won't like it. But if I'm in the right mood that can be pretty entertaining.

I did finish the first Batman 66' trade. I liked some issues more than others, it helped that I started playing the theme whenever a fight broke out.

A superhero you wish was gone or different?

Either in limbo or rebooted again because you don't like the new version.

What villain would you get rid of for good ?

Let's say you had the power to get rid of any villain in comics, who would it be? For me it'd be the Joker. Here's the idea I have.

Wait, I was right?

I was informed that my comment on Roy was true. Seriously ? I was just using the dumbest thing I could think of since I had so many Jason examples. I guess I'll have to wait to read the issue but I can't think of a reason for that not being stupid.

Arguing Time Travel

I tried to debate this with my mom but she refuses to get what I'm trying to say.

Back to the Future SPOILERS AHEAD

Venting my frustrations with comics

This will be specifically DC since I'm not currently reading much of Marvel outside of the Star Wars trades but that doesn't mean the company doesn't share a few of these problems. I try not to dwell on the relaunch issues but there are things still concern me.

Big Haul Headed my Way

Not only will I get Titans Hunt #1 and Back to the Future #1 next week I'll be having some new comics to catch up on. Green Lantern Lost Army 2-4, since I decided not to trade wait to get caught up by the time the new mini series comes out in January. I'm finally getting Grayson #12 to see how the whole thing reads. If nothing else at least I know GLLA will be good, right ?

Happy Back to the Future Day !

I didn't see much in the stores but there was plenty online. Maybe today wasn't what they said it would be but that doesn't mean it wasn't a good day. At least for me. Next week I should get the first issue of the BTTF mini and I hope it lives up to my expectations. If nothing else I'll finally know the answer to the question that bugged me for a long time: how did Marty met the Doc ?

Doomed #5

With this released there's only one more issue to go.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Reading List for January

A crossover and a mini series both ending this month. A lot less hectic than December.

Star Wars The Force Awakens Trailer

Thoughts below with some speculation and spoilers from the trailer.

The most out of no where cover this month

DC January Solicits 2016

Every once in awhile I come across someone that doesn't read solicits because they want to be surprised. That's a good idea but I don't know if I could do that. I love reading the solicits. It also tells me which new books are coming out and when my favorites are appearing in other books. I can budget better that way and won't run as big a risk of missing out.

Jim Lees' Titans Hunt Variant

Donnas' costume looks different, I'm not sure if it's black pants or a shadow. Roy seems to be wearing the same costume (except the hat) from RHATO which makes ZERO sense. Is Dick the youngest one there? I'll never get used to the idea of a Robin having a uniform that has an arrow pointing to the crotch. Not even Roy does that with his current arrow themed looks.

Star Wars The Force Awakens Poster

I'm not too hyped (yet) but this did make me happy.

Semi-Spoilers? Well, at least one. Also note who's missing.

Lois and Clark in DCnU?

I read some spoilers which raise some interesting questions. Particularly when the old universes' Superman meets Batman and they discover most of his history stayed the same.

Bruce Wayne vs. Social Sevices

Yep it actually happened in comics. The storyline that took place in Gotham Knights #43-45. It was a great idea that wasn't pushed as far as it should have been. Sure there's emotional issues involved, especially for Bruce, but it leaves a lot to be desired. Still was worth a look since it explores--if only briefly--the trouble that arises when Bruce Wayne adopted kids and one of them dies under mysterious causes. It shows the fallout of Jason Todds' death in the past and in the present. (You know, before the Under the Hood arc.)

OLD SPOILERS AHEAD

The wait is the hardest part

I'm excited about Back to the Future and Titans Hunt but I pre-ordered them online which means I'll have to wait for them to come in. This also means not going to my usual online sites. Sometimes I forget what day it is and it really ticked me off when I happen upon unmarked spoilers. The only title I'll get to read on time is Doomed which I get digitally.

October 21st happens to be Back to the Future day to mark the day Marty went into the future. Only no hover boards...still it should be fun.

The End of BaRE #2

This was spoiled for me on a facebook page. Since then I heard all kind of things from various people. Then I remembered something Tynion wrote.

SPOILERS AHEAD

DC Coloring Book Variants

The usual suspects are here but I am shocked, honestly shocked what book they finally included. Odd that neither the Batman 75th anniversary cover or the Joker one warranted variants for this series. But hey I'm just glad we finally got one. With luck we'll get one for the 75th Robin anniversary.

The Situation with Roy

The end of the latest RHA was rather sudden and alarming for Roy. What does it mean for his future?

SPOILERS AHEAD

A cameo prompted this odd idea

Recently I caught the last page cameo from Jason in another book. There was a detail that reminded me of other appearances prior to the New 52/DCYOU.

SMALL SPOILERS FOR A RECENT COMIC AHEAD

Jason finds out about Bruce

In regards to a question Sally asked a bit back about the bat kids.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Red Hood/Arsenal #5

Back in Gotham the pair have to deal with not just the new Batman but also Underbelly.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Star Wars Trades

Other than an upcoming TPB with the last Spider-Girl story the only things I'm getting from Marvel are Star Wars trades. I might sample an issue of the Lando and Chewbacca series before I get them since the Princess Leia series disappointed me. I just got some books in the mail including Star Wars and Darth Vader. There were some minor problems I had but I'm really enjoying this and I'm looking forward to future issues. These are the kind of stories I love trade waiting for because their good for a long sit.

Did select comics come out early?

A day or so ago I saw early reviews for some issues. I thought nothing of it because sometimes sites get to read things early. Then today I saw some despairing remarks about what's being teased at for BaRE 3 (which sadly sounds like something I called when it was announced.) Then I went to an online store which has a few series instock while others aren't. Usually they change them all from pre-order to in stock on the same day.

Writers' Block: The Complicated Relationship of Bruce Wayne and Jason Todd Part 4

The journey into becoming someone else and the psychology of what they do. Some other thoughts that came to mind too.

Steve Orlando Interview

Maybe he has something more encouraging to say about BaRE? I didn't have too much interest in this so just a few things I wanted to mention.

Green Latern: Edge of Oblivion Cover

I'm glad to see there will be more of these guys coming soon. I love this cover!

Here's an idea: Dead Robins

The recent NYCC stuff didn't fill me with much optimism. Snyder is ignoring Damian because he doesn't know how to write him. None of the writers present--at least according to one version--seem to favor Jason. 2016 is supposed to be a big year for the Robins yet we have BaRE which apparently doesn't know how to write Jason and will mostly be ignoring Damian. So why don't we have someone explore the obvious connect between the two?

The Kanes and the Waynes

I find it a little amusing and a little sad that neither Kate or Bette are more involved in their family's' lives. Both are Bruces' cousins yet he's distant with them despite knowing their IDs even though he's gone to lengths to protect them both. I don't think Damian has met any of the Kanes and you'd think he would considering his interest in his bloodline.

I'm not saying they should report to Batman but have an actual relationship with Bruce and his kids. Did any of them meet? Kate talked about their family being cursed back in her Zero Year issue which made me wonder if she heard about Jason much less knew him. Wouldn't she find it funny that Nightwing just happened to be Dick Grayson? I'm surprised the DEO--who know who his cousins are--aren't looking into it more.

More NYCC Stuff

A few more things from the con.

NYCC 2015 Batman: The Bat-Universe Panel

Thoughts on this.

Writing characters IN character

Yes everyone sees characters differently but there's a difference between having a headcanon that's never touched upon in canon and directly going against canon.

Corrected Titans Hunt Cover

I mentioned this before but the original cover had the wrong Robin suit. The first version of this cover had Jasons' and the new one has Dicks' suit. The other Titans next to him also have some changes to their costumes. I'm so happy they changed it. With the confusion over costumes lately I was beginning to worry.

NYCC Schedule?

Maybe we'll learn something interesting during this. There seems to be some things that aren't on the schedule since Harley Quinn has a panel today.

DC handling Cass

I was thinking about some of the last stories DC told with her before New 52/DCYOU. The horrible out of character and nonsensical assassin who despite struggling to read due to her brains' development somehow knew Navajo. Which led to them saying she was drugged and for some reason Dick blamed her for her actions while under the influence.

Bruce adopted her then she was sent to Hong Kong after following Batmans' instructions to give Stephanie the Batgirl mantle. Tim was the only one to really keep in contact with her although to be fair Stephanie didn't know how to reach her. Snyder did a Gates of Gotham which was supposed to star Cassandra when she got pushed into the background and met a jealous Damian. She never met Jason although they were both in Batman Inc.

Be careful with this one DC.

DC needs to retire this plot

Because we've had so many Batman keeps secrets and/or Batman is a jackass plots since the relaunch. None of them have ever been resolved in a satisfactory manner which makes it hard to buy anyone willingly working with him. Can't we just have mini series of Batman with the first three Robins written by people that know the characters inside out? Something to show why their family?

Seeley BaRE Interview

Found here. Thoughts below.

We Are Robin Interview

Here. Some thought below.

First look at Cassandra Cain?

On the cover of BaRE #3.

Funny thing, I was so distracted by "Cass" that it took me far too long to notice Dick. Then I was wondering who was next to him. Jason looks off but then again I don't remember him ever having glowing eyes outside BFTC. Still better than that ugly depiction in the preview for one. I know Daniels can draw him better because he has.

DC has Colonel Sanders fight his Evil Self

Yep, this appears to be happening though it's a con exclusive.

Is Alfred heading towards a mental breakdown?

I've heard two theories about Alfred:
1.) Bruce will fire him/force him to take time off
2.) He'll be killed.

Both of these ideas are being talked about because of Julias' role basically being to fill in for her dad. I have a third option: Alfred has a mental breakdown which could make him into a temporary villain. Why? Well DC loves to bring back old stories and he was turned into a bad guy in the far past. If not then he'll have a normal breakdown after he realizes what he's done and after all the stress has piled up. Think about what he's been through and done.

Five Great Robin (Jason Todd) Stories

Because DC once again shows it's bias. Not to mention this list makes no sense as one of these stories is fairly recent and the others are pretty well known. Tim is in his "graduated" ID and I'm pretty sure Dick becomes Nightwing in one of the stories listed. Since I haven't finished reading all of the Jason issues it doesn't seem fair to pick the best. Still here are some of the ones I enjoyed.

Booster Gold Vol. 1 goes Digital

The first volume finally comes onto digital starting with issues 1 and 2. Woo!

Why Spider-Girl is a great female series

I read this article about good role model female character titles that are boring. (Thanks for the link Dark Tzitzimine.) Which does seem to be the case with some of the newer series. While reading it I kept thinking how Spider-Girl wasn't anything like what's described. Yes the lead could be called a good role model for girls but she has flaws that are explored.

Some light SPOILERS AHEAD

Updated Reading List for December

I pre-ordered some of Robin War so I'm now committed to getting it although I'll have to get some of the issues in my LCS. It hit me that this is the biggest haul I've gotten on my pull list in awhile.

Likable Villains

I was skimming comic stuff online when I found someone complaining about the concept of female villains "needing" to be likable. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn were used as the examples. I don't think villains in general need to be likable but they need to be interesting. I always thought part of Harleys' appeal was her not being evil like the Joker. I'm indifferent to her and don't read her books so I could be wrong. My personal taste tends to like bad guys that have depth no matter the sex.

I think Killer Croc has risen to my favorite of the Gotham rogues because of his development and more sympathetic nature. Joker is important sure, he just doesn't interest me much. Straight up evil for evils' sake is okay every once in a while although it wears thin if everyone's like that.

Preview: Batman and Robin Eternal #1

Sadly no sign of Cassandra in this. I wanted a comic fix since my books won't be out for awhile.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Batman 66' Thoughts

I bought a few things from the Batman Day sale including Batman The Cult (which I have a physical copy of) Grayson (which I got solely to review) and this. The price was right as certain trades were only $ 3.99. Hopefully next year their have a bigger selection with different books.

So far I've only read the first story in this trade. Reading comics based on TV shows are tricky things because a lot is missing in the printed medium such as the acting and music. There are benefits though like being able to do bigger effects and making the characters do more impressive feats. There's nothing wrong with the first issue although I'll need to read more to give a better opinion.

I loved the art, it flows nicely, has good likeness of the actors and has a good style. Except for some of the blue outlining which looked like it was attempting to do one of those 3D effects. It hurt my eyes after a while.