Lets look at Supergirl 60's cover. Pretty huh? So, what is all the fuss about the pink S? Here's the fuss. Supergirl has never worn, nor been published under a pink S. She's red and blue baby! However in this new series of covers she can't be red and blue because Superman is red and blue. What a conundrum! I can imagine DC editors sitting around and thinking Long and Hard about this problem. Do they just use the same logo? Do they invert the colours? No, they said. We'll make it pink. Why pink? Could it be because 'Girls like pink'? I know what you are thinking 'I know a girl who likes pink, what is the big deal?'. The big deal is that some girls like pink, by going with an artificial gender binary DC are suggesting girls=pink. Not some girls, all girls. Who doesn't get attached to their baby blankies after all? What man hasn't seen a blue toaster and said, its blue it must be for men! You see the problem.
You don't see the problem. Well, look at the switched logos. What does a pink S tell you about Superman. Superman looks peaceful, serene and contemplative. He's gentle. Some might say he's effeminate. Some may wonder whether its for a breast cancer charity. Others might say they finally realise why he's a gay icon.
Supergirl with her real logo, loses this grace and the bold colours bring something different to her pose. Its confidance. She's looking right at us like she's prepared and able. Not to mention she finally realises that her red S goes with her cape for a snazzy cover combo. She looks like Supergirl. Its odd what one logo can do and how colours affect our perceptions but there you go.
2 wallpapers today on a amazon theme. One of the Wonder Girls and one of the new Cry for Justice #5 cover. Click for the full wallpaper. Its a white background so these will fit any screen by just adjusting the wallpaper to centre.
In a rare opportunity for Britons an original Action Comics #252 is on EBAY. It looks to be going cheap but no doubt collectors may be waiting until the last minute. I've never seen this on Ebay before and to be honest if it stays that price I'll bid myself.
The Simplest manip ever, just give her some glasses, a visitor pass and the hint of a suit. This is an element of a project I am planning to celebrate Supergirl's 50th year. Remember Ed Benes' Supergirls? Well I hope to have my version done in time. I wonder though, I know that I imagine Power Girl and Andromeda with Kara's face. Dopplegangers from differing timelines but do other people? Its a strange thing. However all Supermen look the same as we've seen, why shouldn't the Supergirls? I would think Matrix looks different due to the Lana thing and Linda Danvers doesn't look the same.
I'm thinking for hi-res body reference that Taylor Swift may be the best option so I'd love to hear responses on that. If only Taylor was an actress, she look like Kara so much.
Making comic books relevant in an era of the multi million dollar movie
I was thinking about the Superman TPBs and how they fit in the big picture of New Krypton. I concluded that it was comparable to the the upcoming Blackest Night. Geoff Johns is very methodical, he blocks things off. If you look at the run up to Blackest Night starting with rebirth its like he has a checklist. He set up parallax and sinestro as a gateway into the corps of various colours and since he's been introducing us to them storyarc by storyarc. (which is so very like how Levitz wrote the Darkseid arc in Legion back in the day) No one like him has this gradual and planned progression over years, possibly because there is no security that they will be on a title to see it through to conclusion.
Putting this in to the Super-books. Last Son started Zod/Chis/Ursa which now comes to fruiton in Action Comics and World of New Krypton, Bizarro was featured on the cover of Adventure so there is something there even if it was a fill in while Last Son was delayed, Brainiac of course kicked it all off and is now is storage, Atlas started the government side of things and he's now reappeared. All little seeds going into the conclusion of this epic. Then there is Legion, sure there is Mon-El but that was set up in an annual and not Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes. We also have Tellus who has disappeared and the lead cure. Superman says 'something is wrong with tomorrow'. I don't think that is the Legion of Three Worlds considering he was a part of it and it should have been concluded before the issue came out. It stands to reason the Legion have to find their way back into the big event. It raises some questions no one asked. What is wrong with tomorrow? How do the Legion fit in to an Earth/New Krypton War in the 21st century?Where did tellus come from?
I think DC have stumbled on a great formula of rolling epics. Morisson is doing something similar that started with Batman 666 but that is far more organic in its flow than Johns' approach. It could revolutionise comics, to build up to a summer event over 3 years rather than pulling one out of one's behind as has become the norm. Not only that but another part of Johns' genius is that I could do one of those spider webs with string and show where his catalogue of work intersects. He doesn't just move on, he's telling a continuous story thoughout the DCU. Also the benefit of this is the Omens he can place in his work, whether its been Rip Hunter's board or the end of Action #850 omens have proven a great marketing tool so much so the year started with Origins and Omens back ups. The issue with them though is that most of those titles don't have the steady creative team that the titles that have made the omens successfull do.
Geoff Johns can make an individual title seem epic and important through a carefully applied build up of pressure to a grand conclusion. He makes movies on the page over the months and yet it would take multiple feature films to do his tales justice. I also think its the idea of the writer's room that makes his titles such successes. When you are in weekly conference with your co-writers continuity errors are less and less. So much credit goes to his collaborators but we only have to look at how the arcs are structured to see its Johns' at the heart of these events. We only have to look at the seeming chaos in the batbooks for comparison. It seems everyone is writing around Grant Morrison rather than having any type of communal writers room. It shows on the page.Morrison knows what he is doing and the other writers seem to pray that anything they do doesn't get in the way. It creates a sense of timidity in the batbooks that does not hamper the super-books. All 4 books have big storylines going on right now which can only happen with great communication which is perhaps the reason why the super-books and green lantern are the envy of the comic industry right now
A Look At Supergirl's Rogue's Gallery Looking at the new DCU blog post it looks like the Supergirl annual will have yet more Superwoman and her relationship with her father and Lois. That's nice but its not really material for Supergirl. The purpose of a villain is to bring something out in our hero. Through recurring roles we learn more as an when we need it so that the threat to the hero grows or the relationship deepens. We saw it with Lex and the Joker and Cheetah and Sinestro. With Superwoman I feel like we have a total information dump. Like the load is being totally blown prematurely with little room for further development. We should want to know more about a character so that they are worthy of a reappearance. That means some mystery should be upheld.
We have had the mystery and the answer, we know how she acts as an opposite for Supergirl and their relationship. We need answers to how she infiltrated Kandor, how she speaks Kryptonese and how she got her powers. However we don't need her life story unless there is a bit that affects Kara. The preview I assume is the Supergirl annual as it comes straight after the colourist announcement. It seems more like Action Comics material for Lois than something belonging in Supergirl or we could always get a Superman's Wife, Lois Lane special!
A better handled villain is Reactron in his first recurring role in the series. He is fastly becoming Supergirl's nemesis. As a pre-crisis villain of Kara's it seems apt that he should take a prominent place in her collection of Rogues. His first appearance was the best arc between the departure of Joe Kelly and the arrival of Sterling Gates which was littered with crossovers and the cancer plot which alienated the opposing point of view of a controversial issue. His first look stayed true to his original form from the 70's in an updated way. He brought out Supergirl's inquisitive nature which fit a girl raised by scientists and highlighted the differences between the super-cousins. Superman hits things until they fall down and as Atlas shows has no plan B at all. Supergirl is more thoughtful and inventive. Pre-Crisis she invented cancellite and X-Kryptonite after all when she tried to nullify the effect of kryptonite. Something Supeman never tried. Reactron played this up. Since his revamp I've been on the fence about him. He's not much of a cosmic threat, he's been toned down to a less famous Metallo with a cliche connection to Kara. 'You Killed my Father, prepare to Die!' as the famous quote goes. However he has been built up and he has evolved. The man behind the mask is still as mystery. I know as much as I want to know about him for now, I'll be content if he smashes and bashes his way through the rest of New Krypton and if we leave developing him more for another time. There is something more sadistic about a gold-K core rather than a kryponite one. It means that he has to get his hands dirty and he seems to love that.
Other villains that the Supergirl team seem to need to get back too include Silver Banshee and the new Blackstarr who appeared in Action #850. An extremely important issue that set up the future of the titles as far as the return of Alura and Zor-El. Blackstarr is another of the 'Daring New Adventures' cast with Reactron. I only hope they don't bring too many female villains into the fray. Wonder Woman has a similar problem of a predominantly female rogue's gallery and the men have too few. I love a bit of equality. Men and woman are very different and they can both be grave threats in different ways without even landing a punch.
This week ends the 6-issue Johnny DC Title Supergirl:Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade. A series that has made us laugh and cry (its Ok you boys can admit it here, you are among friends). Its a condensed version of Supergirl history in 6 stunning issues. We have Streaky, supercat extrodinaire! Comet, the now no-pervy Superhorse, the multiverse that pre-crisis Kara died for, Bizarro Supergirl, Stanhope and even more references to Supergirl and DC history! This is the comic you give to people to show them what Supergirl is and its primary audience is children! Don't let that turn you away though, find a sister or cousin as an excuse to buy it or better yet slot it under your scantily clad cover of Emma Frost when approaching the check out! Ebay it! Mail order comics are all the rage these days as well.
Its the last 50 years of the character in one series but there is so much more to be told! We hear about Kara and the Legion but we never see it. There are many, many more villains for her to face. If you are hesitant about picking it up if you don't have the previous 5 you can pre-order the paperback! UK US Its out on December 8th so its the perfect Christmas gift. Buy one for your library especially School library!
But don't let my exclamation filled entry be the only source of advice, read some more articulate reviewers.
Putting my Oxford English Dictionary uni-based subscription to mis-use I looked up the term Sidekick
SIDEKICK:
1. A companion or close associate; spec. an accomplice or partner in crime; a subordinate member of a pair or group. More loosely, a friend, a colleague.
3. An incidental criticism; a passing or indirect attack, a ‘side-swipe’
This whole thing began with a debate on the DC Comics Supergirl messageboard brought about by the new solicitation of Superman/Batman
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #62
Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson Art and cover by Rafael Albuquerque
When the inmates take over Arkham Asylum, it's a job for the World's Finest duo – Robin and Supergirl! Rafael Albuquerque (BLUE BEETLE) joins the series as regular artist for a story we could only call "Sidekicked!"
As we all know the first superhero sidekick in the form was Robin, the Boy Wonder. Introduced in 1940 after just a year of Batman's first publication. It was this partnership that made Batman famous yet certain 'fans' consider Robin an embarrassment. Famously director Christopher Nolan refuses to add Robin to his movie interpretations. Being a sidekick is treated as embarrassing, yet Robin is more famous that 99% of the DC Universe. He is an icon, part of the World's Finest and founder of the Teen Titans. Yet the modern equivalent of World's finest excludes the character in favour of Superman/Batman. The five seasons of animated series Teen Titans shows that the character is still speaking to young boys and girls, is still cool and is still incredibly important. All this said he gets less respect than Aquaman. Why?
The tragedy of the sidekick is that they can never become the master. Comics are a static form, Batman will not stay dead for long, Superman never stayed dead for long and Wonder Woman is never far away. Creators constantly have the Legion from 1000 years in the future fanboy these 3 characters as 'the best'. How depressing is that? In 1000 years it never gets better than this. The next generation is in a constant state of subordination. Dick Grayson of course graduated to Nightwing yet was never considered equal to Bruce. He may soon become Batman..again. Which will be incredibly intresting as to how much respect he gets in the DCU as a whole compared to Bruce. It should also be interesting to see how Wally is treated now his mentor has returned from the dead.
But as will all popular characters, they can't be kept down. With Tim Drake's Robin a self titled comic was created and not long after one for his predecessor Nightwing. They were successful for 12-14 years detailing the duos soli adventures. This is where out OED definition stumbles. Tim and Dick were not sidekicks in these volumes. During the period these were published the focus in Batman was more on his struggles and the duo was put aside. I haven't counted but I would bet Tim Drake has more solo adventures than team ups with the Dark Knight. Of course we can't forget the Teen Titans, founded by Robin and 'sidekicks' in the Silver Age. While the boys of the group were tagalongs of the older heroes Wonder Girl was a new creation. She was created when the writer confused a tale of Diana as a young Wonder Girl rather than Wonder Woman as a separate character. (Its interesting to note that Supergirl was excluded despite seeming like an obvious choice in the 60's) Here the sidekicks could have their own adventures but by having their own adventures separate from their mentor they become less of a sidekick and more independant heroes. After all, the definition requires the duo to be together.
Of course the definition is flawed. Lets break it down into its parts
A companion or close associate
an accomplice or partner in crime
a subordinate member of a pair or group
More loosely, a friend, a colleague
and lets apply it to other characters
Commisioner Gordon, A companion or close associate of the Batman- for sure, A partner in crime- does partner against crime count, Batman depends on Gordon's role in the Gotham Police and so the Commish is therefore an accomplace to the Batman's actions, a subordinate- in what way? Batman is more skilled and more famous.
Mon-El- a companion or close associate of Superman- of course, he is 'Superman's Big Brother', an accomplice or partner in crime- in the legion and in the modern day, a subordinate member- while he is as powerful as superman he lacks experience and knowledge of modern life.
Both characters I think we'd agree aren't sidekicks. By this loose definiton Batman is Superman's sidekick in Superman/Batman. Its time to make our own definition based on
-amount of time spent as a team, all characters work together, some more frequently than others
-role of the 'subordinate' character. There are many ways to be subordinate both in-universe and based on hype/popularity.
No popular character can be a sidekick, there will always be too much demand for more focus on said 'subordinate'. Fans will demand more active roles for their favourites, compatance and equality! I would like the in-universe suggestion that while these heroes are good the future is bright, Dick Grayson will eclipse Bruce Wayne's reputation by leading the Justice League against a Starro Invasion of multiple planets. That Donna Troy will reconcile the Amazons with Men and create an alliance against evil in all forms. That Supergirl will live on and on and on and on as kryptonians do and when the Earth meets its end she moves on and continues her fight against evil across the stars.
Back issue boxes are crap. Always have been always will be. There are only so many comics you can fit into those long boxes and finding a treasure once in a while does not make up for the search. I remember my friend Kerry and I in Travelling Man, sitting on the couch they provided trying to find the second part of the Supergirl/ Karate Kid issue I had missed. Ebay is a saviour as are online comic stores.
Here are a few of the gems I spotted at great prices
JLA 122 and 123. Look at that depiction of Kara! Nothing Skanky about this at all and this was in 2006! Jamal will be the first to say he's not the first to do that costume right and here is proof. That girl right there is fierce, I can't believe I missed these! (In the good old days of '06 I had no internet and just picked up my comics based on title rather than who would appear)
Remember the centrefolds and the posters they sent out to your comic store advertising New Krypton? Well I got one for the grand sum of 99p exc P&P. There are 4 more on Ebay UK and keep an eye out there were final crisis ones on there a few months back.
next up..
I got a pretty bashed up copy of Adventure Comics #397 from 1970 but I just had to have a dress up issue. Its a supergirl thing. If they do change her costume I hope they have a few extra pages of wacky designs.
and Finally
Copies of Supergirl 0 were going for the exact same price as my next deal. I got 4 issues of Superman/Batman which included the gender swap issue featuring Superlad and the Girls Night Out issue for the same price they wanted for the same reprinted story
Other issues I got include the 1997 pulp heroes Supergirl annual with the Legion. (there is still one left), Some Michael Turner variant covers (I just love sellers who don't know what they have is more expensive than what they are selling it for), and I've put in a bid for the famous Christmas with the Superheroes. All in all a good day and even with delivery none of these comics were as expensive as a modern comic. Considering most of us can only get to the limited back issue bins at the local store and not to conventions I think we can agree Ebay is a godsend.
(there are some Adventure Comics issues still going for 99p exc. P&P on Ebay Uk and remember to check if the seller will combine postage on mulitple items or do discounts.)
Yes, you heard right! My pull list is going to be including some of the sexiest women around.
And this isn't even a comprehensive look at what DC has lined up for our female heroes. We have the perennial Wonder Woman, Power Girl, Wonder Girl leading the titans, Cassandra Cain in Streets of Gotham, Manhunter getting a back up story, Spoiler and the Birds of Prey in Battle for the Cowl, a yet to be announced Batgirl and The Question who will pop up in Gotham before long. Its no lie that female characters don't generate the sales the male ones do but instead of putting them back in the box like Marvel is doing DC is taking them out and playing with them. Keeping them sexy and powerful. I still could have done without looking down Oracle's shirt though.
not just clothes though...superhero clothes. We don't get the great Junk Food T-Shirts in Britain but Play.com has started getting 'sugar daddy' T shirts and due in on Saturday is a DC direct T-Shirt both items feature 80's headbanded Supergirl. Now the headband usually gets a bad rep but it seems to be the costume the fashion designers love. (while the hotpants would be the one comic writers and artists favour)
So this is the Sugar Daddy T Shirt:
and this is the DC direct/Warner brothers T shirt:
To be honest I'm not sure what that one is going to look like. Who thought a DIAGRAM would be a good idea? I also have no idea what the white spots are. Maybe a lichtenstein effect. Well, we'll see when it comes. Which should be Monday, play usually send pre-ordered items out early rather than wait until the release date.
Other T shirts available are joker T-Shirts(one of which is £5), a superman shirt saying I love goodies, a wonder woman shirt which is basically the name in different colours
Batgirl in the wrong colours.
Catwoman
Wonder Woman and the trinity: Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl. That colour scheme though...no no no
The supergirl T-Shirt is the first DC direct/WB T-Shirt available and that fit's their fashion line plans outlined last year for the character's trademark. The fashion rights were given to a store not available in the UK so maybe play snapped them up instead? Other than that T-shirt which is pre-ordered the rest are selling out fast! Expect some to be only available in medium(12/14) and Extra Large (18/20)- and they were only released in January! That is good news though, it means more to come!
I got 2 Brave and the Bold issues through the post today, both featuring Batman and Supergirl. Issue 147 from Feb 1979 and issue 160 from March 1980. Back when comics were 15p rather than £2.15. I honestly can't wait to read them. The art looks great and the texture of the paper makes it feel comic-booky. They came bagged and boarded. Its strange, I believe comics are for reading and just keeping them in their plastic is an insult to the people that worked on them but when I get 20th century comic books I feel compelled to treat them with more respect than I usually would. I like to think I keep all my comics in good condition but mostly so that they don't fall apart but there is something about old, out of print comics that makes me treat the pages with more care.
This week I'm picking up Action Comics, Batman #686, R.E.B.E.L.S and Superman #685.
I'm on the fence about getting Booster Gold. I want to start reading it because I've heard so many good things. I love fun comics. I expect a payment at the end of the month and may set some aside for some trades of the early stuff. Then again, Booster could really do with the monthly sales. Perhaps I should start with 52? Decisions, decisions
Action boasts the return of Mon-El and the propect of a legionnaire appearing regularly in a monthly is exciting in these uncertain times. Batman begins 'Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?' by Neil Gaiman. The preview was beutiful. I'm not really a Batman fan but feel this may be a must read. (I'll always prefer his supporting cast. Even Alfred is more entertainment value than Bruce) Next up is R.E.B.E.L.S, its Vril Dox and Supergirl was I ever not going to buy this. This was my most anticipated comic this month. Finally Superman, where he finally gets to mourn his father. I'm only buying it for the probable Supergirl appearance.
And finally I bought Jamal Igle's sketchbook from his site. It will take a while to get here and was probably a bit expensive (in delivery, I live a long way away) but I'm determined not to beat myself up about it. I probably would feel better if I hadn't bought two Doctor Who annuals and the Star Wars vault this week. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the awesomeness being in my hands.
Its 1.42 in the morning and I have a uni presentation I haven't written due this morning...oh and I've had a bit too much wine. With that in mind I've decided to write my review of Final Crisis 7!
A general disclaimer before I start. I like Final Crisis...sorry. I may be called elitest or whatever but I don't think it takes a Brainiac to understand what is going on. This comic is as much part 3 of superman beyond as it is Final Crisis 7. It begins with the extension of Zillo valla's quest to find the Supermen of the multiverse carried out by the Billy Batson of Earth 5. Firstly I love that Billy got such a pivotal role in this book. I prefer Billy to Superman so much. There is an innocence that comes from his youth rather than an artificial innocence they give to Superman. So the book opens with our first superman AKA Super-Barack. Its easy to call him super-barack now that he's won and I have no doubt the use of such a character was inspired by the election but we must keep in mind people in comics/tv have been using people of colour in presidential positions for years. He's joined by Nubia who could be considered a reaction to this article from November- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7718580.stm even though she outdates the article. They meet Marvel's ship, the ultima thule as it breaks through the bleed.
I have to echo Renee here 'A whole ... multiverse and they all look like you guys'. Which is part of my problem with the 'Superman' idea. They are gathering the supermen and its intertextuual based on Superman being the 'real' start of the DCU. I understand that, but they are gathering all the characters based on Superman like Captain Marvel but they all aren't Kal-El. Not all have a kryptonian power set so what makes them a 'Superman'? Why don't we see the Superwoman from Earth-11 despite the fact she is an analogue of Kal-El? Why don't we see more Supergirls, Kara is arguably just as much inspired by Superman as captain marvel, if not more and definitely more in the Superman image than Captain Allen from Superman Beyond and what appears here to be Ozymandias. In the end the Supermen are assembled because they are the strongest team ever but why not make the team stronger by using Nubia and others of Superman's calibre. I don't want to scream sexism because I understand the 'image' of superman but the in-universe reasoning is lacking. Also there are more than 52 supermen and thats including the vampirised Ultraman, Superboy Prime and Mon-El (who should have been represented by a multiversial equivalent, Valor for certain) and as said before Superwoman of Earth-11 or Super-lad if a penis is a necessity!
So we go next to our next big theme, story. A theme more prominent in Superman Beyond than Final Crisis but lets roll with it. Lois, Jimmy and the Daily Planet is important here because they keep the story going. Supergirl tells the children inspirational tales before they 'go to sleep'. In Resist we see Black Lightning delivering the Daily Planet because it keeps the survivors hopeful.We see what would be the final issue of the Daily Planet, 'Earth Endures'. Almost an acceptance that the story is coming to an end. Its placed in a rocket with a miniture bat signal and one of Supergirl's capes before launching in a hope that their story will continue somewhere. This also links to the second idea in this comic. Time as relative. Imagine the time stream folding like a concertina. When compressed enough Darkseid has a straight shot from the end to the beginning and kills Orion. The Flashes can stop time by running so fast they match light, Superman can get the key to save the universe from the future and events an hour ago seem like days ago. The issue may not seem like it flows right or is in any kind of order but there is your reason. We readers have to put it together like a jigsaw because we are as confused as the characters.
The final theme I got from this comic is that of Science vs Religion. Darkseid would have all worship him, he is a New God he is brought down by a man made gun and the universe is saved by Brainiac 5's thinking and the creation of advanced scientific technology. The new gods where always an uneasy mix between science and religion. The mother/father box is the most advanced tech in the universe and it comes from the 'gods'. Metron gives Anthro knowledge which must seem like magic. Its not. These people are Gods only to those lowlier down the intellectual chain. I believe only Brainiac 5 could compete intellectually with a new god and we saw in the reboot how he idolised Metron. Brainy could be quite the apprentice for Metron. We also see how Superman writes the plans for the Miracle Machine, in Metron's chair. It is the God of Science, almost an oxymoron in itself that proves intrumental in Dax Novu's rebirth and the salvation of New Earth through his mark. The agents of the christian god are drained dry when they confront Mandrakk, though as they are dead to begin will I don't think this is an issue other than thematic repetition.
Finally some odds and ends. This issue concludes as the -Supermen, Green Lanterns and a Kara Zor-El toe New Earth out of the abyss. Seen that before? I have.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryao4zCRImE Is it coincidence that Grant Morisson once wrote classic who and is interested in writing more? http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/10/23/grant-morrison-talks-idw-doctor-who-reprints-possible-film-ideas/ http://www.comicmix.com/news/2008/04/29/interview-grant-morrison-on-final-crisis-and-doctor-who/
-I have no idea why Ultraman has Kara. Well presumably to feed on her but they never say why her. Maybe Mandrakk realises that a Supergirl is more fearsome than a Superman? -The Green Lanterns collectively give a nod to Buffy-'Lets spike this vampire' rather than stake a vampire. -We see the New Gods have returned, Mister Miracle's belief in the source seems to have paid off. Also Barda, an apokaliptan by birth is now judged worthy of rebirth with those of New Genesis. It is a judgement of evil based on individuals rather than species. - It concludes with Batman taking over from Anthro upon his death, he's ALIVE. I don't actually care.
I have one more deadline tomorrow so when I should be working naturally I am blogging! It was my B-day this past week and I treated myself to some comic products. Showcase Supergirl v2 and Showcase Legion of Superheroes v1 most notably. I was also going to get the DC vault but that was sold out. Anyone have any reviews on the content of the vault for a legion and supergirl fan like myself? I also picked up my comic stash for the first time since Christmas Eve. (The one day of the year we in england got comics early or in sync with america!).
What I found most interesting was my Supergirl purchases. For the second month I couldn't find cosmic adventures in the 8th grade. I have to believe Forbidden Planet Manchester aren't ordering it or its flying off the shelves. Also for the second month I couldn't find Supergirl on the shelves despite them still carrying issues pre-Gates. Funnily enough Supergirl #36 was released on christmas eve and was out of stock that same day in Forbidden Planet Liverpool. I had to settle for the varient cover from the third store I tried despite loving Middleton's regular cover. I should hope that this means order numbers will be going up. This leads to to what I can review. Out of Maelstrom 5, Cosmic adventures, Supergirl and Final Crisis I chose the last. Firstly we start with the cover. At first sight I thought Batman looked very frail on the cover. I just don't see the power in his pose. Its still a great rendition of the hero though. I like how the batsymbol is raised. It doesn't look like spandex. Thats always irked me. Superman in spandex I can believe, Batman is spandex just makes me giggle. Also for a man who is prepared for anything his utility pouches don't scream techno! As with all the covers he is on a plain background. This issue its navy Blue. I've not liked this technique as it makes the image look flat. The best this has been used was on issue three but even then it made Supergirl's hair look choppy. I would have preferred painted backgrounds to create some depth.
As for the interior art its Jones and Pacheco who come through with the best pages. The Black Canary pages are not only sub par they are sylistically out of place. I would have preferred the additon of Jamal Igle as his style would have fitted more. As for Mahnke's concluding pages they were far too lined compared to the relative simplicity of Jones and Pacheco. He does very well on the war torn landscape but less well on the faces. His Superman is gaunt and has a pea head on a giant torso. I do love his depiction of Metron. the lines are clean. Where he does have inked shading the lines are blue rather than heavy black shadows he uses for other characters.
As for the script well I'll go back to the start and run through. I loved the opening. Legion is often left out of these crossover events and this one seemed to be no different. It seemed like LO3W was just a way to include them in some way. It was to my shock and delight that we begin with Brainiac 5 and Superman in the 31st century. What has happened between 3 and 6 to get him there I assume will be told next week with Superman Beyond. To see Brainaic 5 setting up the solution to the Final Crisis made me so happy. I actually wanted to see whether a Brainaic could stand anti-life considering their intelligences but this is good enough. At first I was wondering why Superman had to use the machine when surely Brainy was more qualified but now I look at it Brainy says 'Just Look'. He isn't using it, he sees Metron's circuit I assume. Although why Brainy just couldn't say that I don't know. Superman isn't exactly a genius! Another question I'm left with is how this revelation clicks in Superman's head so he knows what to do and what is happening.
We move on to the Justice League Watchtower with Black Canary and the reformed Tattooed Man. They are attacked by justifiers in tie fighters who come through the Green Lantern blockade of the Earth. Its never explained how. Tattooed Man uses his power and Metron's symbol is activated. It makes him immune to anti-life's effects. It gives the heroes an opening to fight back. There are some great moments here. Barbara Gordon takes advantage of the anti gravity to beat some guys for example. The best though is the dialogue between Dinah and Ollie. She attempts to beat sense in to him. I find this is beautiful when in contrast to the reunion of Barry and Iris. I kiss of true love and she is cured. Fighting will get people nowhere, its love here that will save the day but Dinah can't give Ollie that one kiss. In one panel we are treated to an Aquaman appearance. The secret files say that this an alternate universe Arthur Curry. The traditional Aquaman we expect. More on this later...
Next onto Supergirl vs Mary Mavel. The much publicised Girl Fight is satisfying for all concerned. Buildings fall, buses are used as weapons and sexual innuendo flies! Supergirl wins this pretty resoundingly but we get the sense Desaad (who mary is host to) doesn't care to win. The darkness influences everyone and Supergirl showcases her darker thoughts 'don't be too sure I won't break your neck' before coming back to the good and affirming her desire not to hurt Mary. Its pretty sad that the outcome was unnecessary for Marvel fans. All they wanted was their girl back to herself and free of responsibility for her previous actions and they got both.
The highlight of the issue was Tawky Tawny taking on Kalibak in his tiger body. I don't think anyone expected this to go Tawky's way but it does and he defeats Kalibak with style. After all this tiger is a gentleman. The tiger men from the Bludhaven bunker show their allegience to the strong ie. tawky and valuble new allies are gained.
Finally I want to talk about Checkmate castle. Here we learn about Sonny Sumo and how he came from another universe. Look at his dialogue 'Sonny Sumo went back in time and died a happy man in feudal japan. I stumbled through a hole in MY life, into HIS life'. Sonny Sumo talks in the third person. This is confusing. If he went into HIS life wouldn't he be in Japan? Is this Sonny? I think it means that Sonny died and was reborn in the New Earth Sonny. Could this be the same for the more recognisable Aquaman who we know is from another universe? What universe does the more recognisable Aquaman come from...Earth-One. Which leads us to the plan from the Atoms. What is left of Earth is planning to escape to a new earth. Is the new Aquaman part of the consequences of the travelling done before. Is the graviton superhighway already open for business since countdown? It isn't hard to believe that whats left of New Earth will go to Earth One and blend into their neighbours.
I expect grant to take another right turn by the time this is over though. I can't see whats coming next. Is New Earth really doomed? Will it become New Apokolips or Kamandi's world? Is Nazi Supergirl dead? (Everyone says yes, I say no because if she was why keep showing her?) Is the brain in Lord Eye, Maxwell Lord? Will the heroes settle on Earth-One or rebuild Dax Novu's destroyed world using the miracle machine and B5's immense intellect? Why has Earth One been so elusive? Whats certain is that the starting pistol has gone and Final Crisis is hurtling to its close. Lots of Questions still to answer in an oversized number #7. See you in ten days!
Life and studies continue to get in the way of Blogging but I want to keep this on life support for now. So here is a little greeting during this advent month. I'll update soon I promise.
EDIT- Oh I remember what I can post. The manip that took me hours! Both the actresses were on Instant Star (they were sisters) so I promised when it was announced I would manip them together in character. (Alexz is playing Saturn Girl in Smallville in January) I'm creating a little legion manip collection it seems. It goes with my Supergirl/Brainiac 5 Smallville manip. I still think Dohring is the perfect B5. He was such a glorious bastard on Veronica Mars. If you like those I have Laura as Supergirl in Widescreen and Standard Resolution wallpapers and a season 1-7 Smallville cast manip wallpaper. I don't watermark or tag my photoshops in the probably niave belief that people won't steal as their own. Feel free to use them its what they are made for. (and yes the Brainy/Kara one has done the rounds. I posted it on K-Site, SHH, Livejournal and now here. See it anywhere else and they've stolen it.)
The site was foreign so I did as much as I could then coloured in photoshop. I thought that it would be good to see a grown up kara in her 70's outfit. I based the design of Alex Ross's paintings and the daring new adventures so she is in boots rather than ballet slippers
I've been reading comics a good few years now and when I first started I was told to read Kingdom Come. I bought it. I leafed through it not really paying much attention once we got to the abomination that was Nightstar. The product of the worst pairing the DCU ever subjected us to. Its been on the shelf gathering dust until I was told about this character over at the Supergirl Comic Box Commentary. I got the flimsy old paperback out and searched her out. She turns up a few times in a non speaking role. A mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in not very much material.
We know that Alex Ross loves his classic Supergirl. Supergirl is all over this book as a waitress in Booster Gold's restaurant 'Planet Krypton'. What is unclear is the past of this world. This seems like a Golden Age future with the icons of the silver age thrown in, put through the 1990's continuity filter. Its because of this I have no idea where I am. From the waitress we can gather there was a Supergirl but which one? Power Woman is superman's cousin here so is it Matrix?
To confound matters the Supergirl waitress in her first appearance looks like she uses Alex's favourite Supergirl costume, the deep-V neck and hotpants combo. So was the Supergirl Kara? Well more evidence points that way when we learn her whereabouts. When Superman went into seclusion the superheroes parted ways. Supergirl went to the future and the legion of superheroes.
Of all the Supergirls only Kara was ever a legionnaire. Then again we are put off the trail. The Legion we see is the Post Zero hour legion. The only reboot Kara was not involved in. We are also told that Argo, Kara's city survived but this could have been the world of Power Woman. So I went to the fountain of knowledge that was wiki to clarify and it was no help. It suggested that the legionnaire Supergirl is the daughter of Lois and Clark. Two dark haired individuals with dark haired parents can't realistically have a blonde child unless its repressed DNA in parental genes from several generations before. Even then it would be cancelled out by the dominant dark gene.
So onto the main point, someone said that the green lady was the daughter of Brainiac 5 and Supergirl. I read the comic and got no answers. I turned to the net. I already knew that XTC did a song called 'Brainaic's Daughter' beforehand. It was in researching that I found out this was the genesis of the character. I found this quote from Kingdom Come: Revelations, a book that accompanied the hardcover comic before the absolute edition was released.
"As silly as it sounds, this character is the combination of two songs by one of my favorite groups, XTC: "That's Really Super, Supergirl" and "Brainiac's Daughter." Apparently people assumed that her origin was from the coupling of old-time Legion lovebirds Brainiac 5 and Supergirl, and so, never having answered this question before myself, I'll go along with this idea. This also suggests that she...has traveled back in time from the 30th Century."
The trading card released previously had listed her as Brainiac's Daughter and ancestor to Brainiac 5. Personally I feel the Supergirl/Brainiac 5 idea works far better with the sense of DC nostalgia in the book and the theme of what is effectively the third generation of superheroes in a world without superman to look up to. Its also hard to deny the resemblance. XTC as she has come to be known is Ross' Supergirl in a different costume (albeit still with the choker) and with a different skin colour.
Is she the daughter of Brainiac 5 and Supergirl? Well it depends on how much you respect the author's words and a retcon that never actually made it to the page of the comic. Actually it isn't even a retcon considering that we learn nothing about her in the comic. She doesn't even get a name. I'd love more info on this whether you have this Revelations book or if there is more in the absolute edition or interviews.
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But as will all popular characters, they can't be kept down. With Tim Drake's Robin a self titled comic was created and not long after one for his predecessor Nightwing. They were successful for 12-14 years detailing the duos soli adventures. This is where out OED definition stumbles. Tim and Dick were not sidekicks in these volumes. During the period these were published the focus in Batman was more on his struggles and the duo was put aside. I haven't counted but I would bet Tim Drake has more solo adventures than team ups with the Dark Knight. Of course we can't forget the Teen Titans, founded by Robin and 'sidekicks' in the Silver Age. While the boys of the group were tagalongs of the older heroes Wonder Girl was a new creation. She was created when the writer confused a tale of Diana as a young Wonder Girl rather than Wonder Woman as a separate character. (Its interesting to note that Supergirl was excluded despite seeming like an obvious choice in the 60's) Here the sidekicks could have their own adventures but by having their own adventures separate from their mentor they become less of a sidekick and more independant heroes. After all, the definition requires the duo to be together. 
