FLASH ANNUAL #3

Just a friendly game of “tag” is all..

Let’s move the elephant in the room out-of-the-way right at the start.

What’s most important about this story is not the race of the New 52 Wally West. If that’s your main focus and point of contention, then the Padre feels sad for you. The draw of this issue and all that really matters in the end is the art and writing. Is the story itself good? I say, definitely yes.

This issue, by scribes Robert Venditti (XO-Manowar, Green Lantern) and Van Jensen (Green Lantern Corps) and artists Brett Booth (Backlash, Teen Titans) and longtime vet Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl), spends its time setting up future stories for the regular Flash ongoing. This issue bounces back and forth between the present and the future, where we are introduced to future Barry Allen and future Gorilla Grodd. Hints and revelations abound in both time periods. We meet the New 52 Wally West in the present day, learn his backstory and get glimpses into his personality. For those who remember the young Wally from the Wolfman/Perez New Teen Titans or Messner-Loebs Flash runs back in the day, there are flashes of that old Wally in the little bit of time we spend with Nu-52 Wally. Time will tell how much of the old DCU former Kid Flash/Flash will be present in the new version, who might just prove interesting in his own right without having to carry the weight of past continuity on his shoulders.

Speaking of time, it is a big theme in this issue. From Barry’s head-scratching loss of time early on, to the time-travel that closes out the annual, time is front and center as an important element in this story.

Venditti and Jansen script that appropriately fast-paced story with pretty plainly motivations of each character. Even more so than last week’s issue — which marked the debut of their run — the pacing and level of exposition made it feel like a first issue introduction to the new Flash status quo. The art is split with Booth handling the jaw-dropping scenes of Future Flash and Frenz dutifully detailing the actions in the here and now. No real weak spots art-wise and the frequent transitions between the now and twenty years from now are nearly seamless.

Overall, this was a fun issue with a couple of cool fight sequences, slight revelations, two mysteries in need of solving and enough introductions to whet the appetite for more to come.

3.75 (out of 5) Lightning Flashes.

(Flip the page for more reviews!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

(And don’t forget, our own “Monsignor” Travis Moody went above and Batman Beyond the call of duty to gather some notes from WonderCon’s 75th Anniversary of Batman panel. Proceed to read notes and see clips on our blog’s second page.)

Adding on to the holiday-driven events that unfold in the main story, Batman: Arkham Origins‘ Cold, Cold Heart takes place just after the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Bruce Wayne, in his philanthropic benevolence, is hosting an event for humanitarian and Gothcorp CEO Ferris Boyle. That is until the walking refrigerator himself decides to crash the party. From there on, the Dark Knight must use his keen detective skills to unravel the mystery of Mr. Freeze…

Arkham Knight delayed? Say it isn’t so! Ha-hah!

Compared to Harley Quinn’s revenge, this DLC offers much more in terms of dynamic game play. Granted, you don’t get to play as the Boy Wonder, but what you do get is the opportunity to see the inside of Wayne Manor. There are several predator and melee challenges that take place before you can chase after the snowman in the open world of South Gotham island.

The open world portion is sightly truncated, but there is still plenty to do. The three side missions actually tie into the gameplay and help you advance the story. So they got that goin’… which is nice. Whether it be battling Anarky‘s horde of hippies or defrosting GCPD’s numerous cop-sicles, each mission unlocks key elements of the game. The detective mode, which can be somewhat annoying during the main game, does a nice job of enhancing the Batman experience, making the DLC as a whole totally worth the download.

4.75 (out of 5) Batarangs.

(Flip the page for BONUS WonderCon bulletpoints from the Batman: 75th Anniversary panel!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

Now, of course, “The Fed” has evolved into so much more.

From WWE Studios, to the recently added WWE Network, Vince McMahon and company seem to be planning another war. This time Netflix may fall victim to the same beatdown Ted Turner’s WCW (World Championship Wrestling) suffered.

No, Gene. I DID NOT steal your hairbrush!

WWE has officially invaded the Reality TV market and with superkicks a flyin’ (Cue Kenny Sanders), as fans new and old get their own squared-circle dose of the “Surreal Life” while living in the “Real World.” Can you say MTV on the juice?! Yes! Yes! Yes! You heard right, GHGers. Hitting the airwaves like a five star frog splash, is the WWE Legends’ House.

Watch your beloved stars of the golden age of wrestling become the new era of gold bond powder. Laugh till you cry, as you watch Tony Atlas (former Tag Team Champ with the Rock’s dad!), Hillbilly Jim (Mudlick’s finest!), “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan (Hooooooooooo!!!!), “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (They Live!), “Mean” Gene Okerlund (“Let me tell you something, brother!”), “The Mouth From the South” Jimmy Hart (legendary manager/entrance theme composer!), Pat Patterson (first ever Intercontinental Champ!), Howard Finkel (“Welcome to WRESTLE MANIAAA!!!”) and Legends House host Ashley, partake in all kinds of shenanigans.

Despite the “Full House”, I was rather entertained as the squared circle veterans introduced themselves to the neighbors and did yoga with deranged TV actor Gary Busey. This sequence particularly annoyed Piper due to Busey making comments about how similar acting is to wrestling and how both industries “play” characters.

The Missing Sheik.

Other notable bits of octogenarian wrestling entertainment revolve around:

-Former world class body building champion Atlas looking more like the world’s strongest eater.

-Hart becoming (somewhat) overly adamant about helping the out-of-shape Fink lose weight.

-Mean Gene drools over the hostess with the most-est like it’s his new job.

-Pat Patterson promises…cabbage rolls?

-And you ready for the shocker? Piper goes stir crazy after his first night in the house. The former “Body Slam” actor apparently doesn’t do well socially in groups of people, especially when lix are in the mix. Piper has quit drinking and being around all those elements caused him to have a bit of a mental moment. Howls at the moon seem to help.

All in all, Legends’ House is good fun, with literally all the entertainment minus the wrestling — which I’m sure is coming if any of these guys can manage to get themselves off the La-Z-Boy. Call this Bishop excited for Episode 2. Yes, I know I’m sick but…

“It’s still real to me DAMN IT!”

7 (out of 10) Wrasslin’ Wheelchairs.

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

So let’s get down to the brass tacks: Rick and Morty is one of the best shows that Adult Swim has put out in a very long time.

This, coming from your latest member of the clergygeek (parish surname TBA; for now just call me Myke), also a big fan of The Boondocks, Robot Chicken, Metalocalypse, and The Venture Bros. While the satirical, yet loving references to everything science fiction is what will grab you, the extremely well-developed characters are what will hold you.

Created by Justin Roiland and Community’s Dan Harmon, R&M: Season 1 chronicles the misadventures of Rick Sanchez, an alcoholic, mad-scientist grandfather and Morty Smith, his awkward, teenaged grandson. If that’s a little hard to picture, just imagine Doc Brown and Marty McFly; except Doc’s an alcoholic and Marty will probably never get into Elisabeth Shue’s pants. Also, this Doc Brown really doesn’t care about scientific merit, or universe ending paradoxes, and he can especially can give a Gazorpazorp’s tail about politically correct.

Whether it’s building microscopic amusement parks in the bodies of homeless people or incepting Morty’s math teacher in his dream to give Morty an A, Rick is driven by…well, what every man is driven by: money, pride, and boredom. What makes every episode’s crazy sci-fi plot work with the show? Rick’s multiple super-scientist inventions are seen as so commonplace, that the family seems almost annoyed by them – like a kid playing with his toys. Rick’s alcoholism and selfishness tends to underplay the fact that he has a portal gun to other dimensions, flies a spaceship around casually, and hoards an infinite collection of sci-fi tropes.

However, Rick isn’t the only family member with his share of flaws…

(Flip the page for the Rick & Morty bible score!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

ELEKTRA #1

With W. Haden Blackman (Batwoman) helming the script and Michael del Mundo (X-Men Legacy) steering the artwork, it looks like Elektra is getting her first legit run since Frank Miller. The combination of the two is like if Michelangelo did cave paintings directed by Akira Kurosawa. Make sense? Because it should. It is a beautifully composed piece of artwork that alludes to the sordid past of this covermodel assassin.

Before we get started, let’s do a roll call of classic cameos: Matt Murdock (with sunglasses, minus the red suit), Wilson Fisk (in his white suit), Bullseye, Stick, Sabretooth… Anyway, not to name drop, but… Moving on.

Red Swannin’ on ‘em.

“The Bloodlines” story begins with the Matchmaker (cue Holly Golightly) throwing Elektra a new mission to keep her mind off the past. Ex-boyfriends who think you’re dead can have that effect. New target – Cape Crow.

But it seems she ain’t the only trained killer, after that old bird as the scaly villain The Serpent sends ol’ Bloody Lips on the same trail. With the final glorious frame, Elektra skydives into the next field of battle, the Savage Land. Overall, Blackman and del Mundo craft a brilliant work that visually tells the backstory while the dialogue sets up the future. From the first frame to the last, this series looks like could have the balls necessary to pump some life back into this character (Phrasing).

4.25 (out of 5) Ninja Sais.

(Flip the page for two more!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

For now, let’s enjoy some lyrical etymology.

IN DEATH REBORN

Let’s just say.. I’ve been dying to get my hands on an Army of the Pharaohs joint in quite some time. It certainly hasn’t helped that last year watched Esoteric go full Machete Mode with Czarface, Apathy and Celph Titled’s Demigodz joint pronounce it Killmatic, and founding father — and Jedi Mind Tricks frontman — Vinnie Paz do nothing less than Carry on Tradition. 2K13 was no doubt a very good year for AOTP, and that was without an album. Four years and three studio albums later, it’s that fucking time to get the band back together.

DMX was wrong. Hell is fucking cold.

For two albums. According to Vinnie, In Death Reborn will see a follow-up come November. And, hell, even if that shit gets delayed, there’s enough heat from this “next-gen Wu-Tang” in these 14-tracks to satisfy your most gutter geek needs. What I mean by that is, these dudes put the fire in the most sci-fi/fantasy/superhero of rap topics, all the while sounding as ferocious as the topics they speak. “I got no time for extra shit / I’m like a bad film editor with extra clips… / I’m on the throne, all alone, where the devil sits… / Laugh at the believer, you benevolent / He only half as nice, sacrifice the sentiment / Praise be to God, he define logical / Put me at the foul line, take 2 shots at you.”

(Cont. on next page…)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

SINESTRO #1

Sorry, Brock. THIS is “the beast incarnate!”

Cullen Bunn (Magneto, The Sixth Gun) writes, Dale Eaglesham (Justice Society of America) handles the art. Together they produce one of the best debut issues to come along in a long time. Sinestro has long been one of the preeminent villains in the DC Universe. Under Geoff Johns, his character grew to be more complex and his popularity continued to blossom right along with it. The ball is picked up here as Bunn continues to show his mastery when it comes to writing complex, not-so-heroic characters that the reader can not only care about, but root for. He delivers a story equal parts engrossing, reflective, revealing, and action-packed.

Bunn has a way of making even the most insane characters somewhat relatable. Lyssa returns to Sinestro’s side with some, uh, let’s just call them upgrades. She’s still a few cubes short of a full ice tray and her ability to push the right buttons hasn’t changed. Bunn uses her to reveal a very cool motivation for Sinestro that gets him to abandon his life of exile and pursue a new mission.

And what a way to charge your ring!

Love for his people aside, Sinestro can still be one cold motherfucker, but not even he is fully prepared for the reunion with the rest of the former Sinestro, now Arkillo Corps, which ends on a big (no spoilers), holy shit of a cliffhanger.

On the art front, flat out, Eaglesham is a superstar. His storytelling and panel layouts are dynamic. From the quiet scenes to full on fights his art is just about as A-game as it gets. In short, this is a first issue that hits it out of the park.

4.75 (out of 5) Yellow Lantern Rings.

(Flip the page for more #1 reviews!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

1. To become/remain single and lonely.
2. To gain at least 30 pounds.
3. To have absolutely no social life (besides digitally).
4. To develop painful chronic carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you’re still here, then Welcome to Tamriel! It has been a while since I reviewed the Beta for Elder Scrolls Online, and I have to say, this game has improved ten-fold since the first time your boy went on a crusade through the massive continent of Tamriel. (A lot has also remained the same though, so rather than be repetitive also check out my past review.)

GOODIE BAG

The masterfully designed and beautiful world has been fine-tuned since the beta, giving users a graphical interface worthy of a game called Elder Scrolls. While still not on par with Skyrim‘s graphics, you need to remember: THIS GAME IS TEN TIMES THE SIZE! Plus, the fact you’re playing with thousands of other people is just the icing on the cake at that point.

Never before have players witnessed an MMO — especially one of this magnitude — look so real. The teams at Zenimax and Bethesda rid of any cartoonish World of Warcraft junk here, as attention to detail was spared nowhere.

Also, since this is a just-released game, there is no limit to the upgrades that you can see to the world in the next 10-to-15-years (yes, that’s the lifespan for a great MMO). The water reflects the area around it. Fire illuminates in an eerie glow, shimmering on cave walls. Sunspots even appear on screen if the camera is positioned at the right angle. Beware of this however, because if it happens in a fight you can literally get killed from having the sun in your eyes.

Bad day in the office.

Almost all of the quirky bugs people experienced during the Beta have been fixed. Only a few remain and the Templar was able to report them the second I came across one. More magical? The bug was fixed right away. Reporting a bug (one that proved to be true) even earns you a reward of random equipment sent to you through in game mail. With us PC people helping the development team find these last little quirks, the game looks even better for console players who shouldn’t have to deal with the slightest bug come June. (Cont. on next page…)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

FLASH GORDON #1

Grab your phasers and secret decoder rings, it’s time for the greatest New York Jet of them all (sorry Broadway Joe) to “wha-aaaa save every one of us.” Okay, so I used a variation of that joke when I reviewed the excellent predecessor to this latest Flash Gordon series that just dropped from our friends over at Dynamite. Sue me. Your good ‘ol Padre loves a good gag, tired as it may be.

You know what isn’t tired though? This excellent debut from scribe supreme Jeff (King’s Watch, Agents of Atlas) Parker, artist Evan Shaner (Adventures of Superman, Blood Brothers), and colorist Jordie (The Manhattan Projects) Bellaire. It is a good kickoff to a fun sci-fi romp with nods to the feel of the old Flash Gordon serials. Think of it as modern sci-pulp. It also works as a solid introduction for those who haven’t been following Parker’s Flash in King’s Watch.

Godammizilla.

This comic features detailed, fun artwork from “Doc” Shaner that screams “Comic Book!” — not big screen cinematic wannabe. This is what the medium is about folks: crazy shit exploding on the page hitting all manner of fun buttons, both ridiculous and improbable. There are breathtaking images throughout, from the bizarre creatures our heroes encounter to the lush scenery and landscape of Arboria. Bellaire also continues to prove herself to be one of the best colorists in the business. She mixes the right tones to effectively ground the story when on Earth. Once the space adventure kicks into gear, she dips into the palette and produces the perfect mix of psychedelic kookiness and bright exotic fantasy. The short and curly of it, congregation, is that this is one cool looking comic.

The interplay between the three main characters is solid as well, particularly during the space-plane chase sequence. Parker throws in natural quips that don’t feel like fluff or attempts at garnering cheap heat. His characterizations of Flash (cocky, heady confidence), Zarkov (unapologetic drunk, cutting edge genius, sardonic wit beyond compare), and Dale (sarcastic, tough as nails, unapologetic, and quick on her feet) really infuses the story with life. Ming, as expected, is believably and effectively merciless as well.

All in all, this is an entertaining adventure story debut. This is the Flash Gordon book the Padre has always desired — and absolutely cannot wait to see where the rest is headed. Or beheaded.

4.75 (out of 5) Ming the Merciless Heads.

(Flip for a pair of All-New reviews from The Apostle!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post

The Fistful!

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON #1

What can I say? I love me some kung fu. I’ve been a fan of the Immortal Iron Fist and Shang-Chi for about as long as I’ve been reading comics. Both have had great runs of comics, but Iron Fist seems to get the better portion of that. Is this another of those?

Street Fight THIS, Capcom.

Certainly. Kaare Andrews (Astonishing X-Men) did the work and then some. He’s put together a comic that is just head and shoulders above countless others out there. This is a kung fu comic like the days of old, and it’s printed to look like those old newsprints we used to tear through as kids and read fifteen times just to get the feel for Danny Rand.

And that’s what Kaare has done. He has the feeling of Danny Rand flowing through these pages. Danny is an outsider to everything. He’s a lost puppy. He’s a lonely man getting older by the day and he can’t talk to anyone because.. he’s a warrior and a simple guy with simple pleasures. You know, kicking the crap out of zombie ninjas, it just so happens, and also having a glowing fist that can take out a helicopter.

Chinese Cereal.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just all chop suey and kung fu. There’s a story to be told. Not only are we looking deep into the heart of Danny Rand, we’re going back to the beginning. The story of his youth. The story of his father’s death. The story of everything that lead him to K’un Lun. The story of how he got to be the Iron Fist. And that’s the only problem I can see coming up in this book. I’m not a fortune teller and I can’t see the future, but we know that story. We’ve heard it. Numerous times. Done by people like Larry Hama and Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker and countless others. The tale of Danny’s father and the tale of how Danny got stuck in K’un Lun is an old story.

What I want? I want the future of Danny Rand. He’s been to hell and back. He’s fought dragons. Held off the Phoenix from defeating the entire universe. He has done so much and I think going back is not the right choice.

Still, I loved it. The feeling of The Living Weapon #1. The way the pages look like the old school comics. The callbacks and the knowledge of the past. The art and story and everything Kaare is doing is cinematic and incredible. The origin tale is what keeps this new All-New Iron Fist from being the perfect comic.

4 (out of 5) Bibles.

(Flip the page for more!)

Use Facebook to Comment on this Post