Found at Comics Should Be Good's September The Line It Is Drawn. It looks like Vixen is trying out for Storm's vacated Legion of Super-Heroes spot, which would have been kind of cool, actually.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
2010 "Marvel's Storm & DC's Vixen" by Michael Magtanong
Click To See Full Gallery Enlarged
Found at Comics Should Be Good's September The Line It Is Drawn. It looks like Vixen is trying out for Storm's vacated Legion of Super-Heroes spot, which would have been kind of cool, actually.
Found at Comics Should Be Good's September The Line It Is Drawn. It looks like Vixen is trying out for Storm's vacated Legion of Super-Heroes spot, which would have been kind of cool, actually.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Justice #5 (June, 2006)
Sue Dibny gently held her husband's arm and hand as Ralph placed a call to a mutual friend. "Look, Iris, it's me, okay? I know I'm just a JLA second-stringer and I'm lucky when I get called to tutor the Teen Titans. But I'm feeling kind of like an outsider here. Where's Barry?" The Flash had been missing for hours, and none of the rest of the League was returning the Elongated Man's calls. "Well, Batman never answers my calls, but..." Ralph had at least placed calls through to Rex and Zatanna...
Aquaman lay still and bloodied on an operating table. Lex Luthor wondered if he was dead, like most of the rest of the Justice League. "Does it matter," answered Brainiac. The Coluan knew Luthor was plotting against him, and said so, but everyone still had their roles to play. Brainiac had a handful of black marble "cities" whose time would soon come...
The Batman had his cave invaded by Captain Marvel and Superman, and when he protested, was decked and tied up with his butler. There were, of course, extenuating circumstances...
Ralph was always a realist, but I can't see the guy being quite that self-deprecating. A bit too much humor in a serious situation, as well. Painted pretty, though.
"Chapter Five" was plotted and painted by Alex Ross. The script was provided by Jim Krueger, and the penciled layouts by Doug Braithwaite.
Continue the story through these character-specific posts:
- Martian Manhunter at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
- Ray Palmer with Carter & Shiera Hall at Power of the Atom
- Wonder Woman versus the Cheetah at Diana Prince
- Captain Marvel, Superman, Green Lantern, Black Canary & Green Arrow at DC Bloodlines
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wondercon 2010 Gypsy, Vixen & Zatanna Cosplay
I've been doing a lot of Dragon*Con 2010 cosplay coverage, but non-iconic Detroit Leaguers are tough to come by, so I have to go back to April to find our three Motor City Maidens all in one convention space. Comicvine offered up a Photo Explosion from Wondercon 2010, Coty Gonzales did some Costume Spotting, and here I am pillaging Flickr accounts...
First up is a Gypsy cosplayer, in the heroine's most recent get-up. I never saw her with her Detroit friends, as she was busy picking the pockets of various other characters, as seen in this gallery. I'm not really big on this look, but it translated well into legit street wear. In fact, it took me a second to realize this was Gypsy, because the comics have gotten so far away from anything costumey. This is the only Gypsy I've ever seen doing costume play, so cheers for that.
Talk about a swell Vixen ensemble! Those fangs look hella real, and this girl was awesome about staying in character across a slew of pictures. I'm so glad the Justice League animated series exposed so many people to their excellent interpretation of the character, because it's gotten the Lady Fox tons more exposure (not like that) on the cosplay circuit.
Here's a detail of Vixen crouching in front of a Justice League group shot.
I do believe this is the first Asian Zatanna I've seen, but she's got the top hat & tails look down. If you check out her gallery, you'll see that she even brought a rabbit to pull out of her hat.
Finally, here's video of Vixen and Zatanna in action. This is without a doubt the most passive Vixen I've ever seen. Mari, girl, that's the Riddler, not Black Adam. Take the sucker down.
First up is a Gypsy cosplayer, in the heroine's most recent get-up. I never saw her with her Detroit friends, as she was busy picking the pockets of various other characters, as seen in this gallery. I'm not really big on this look, but it translated well into legit street wear. In fact, it took me a second to realize this was Gypsy, because the comics have gotten so far away from anything costumey. This is the only Gypsy I've ever seen doing costume play, so cheers for that.
Talk about a swell Vixen ensemble! Those fangs look hella real, and this girl was awesome about staying in character across a slew of pictures. I'm so glad the Justice League animated series exposed so many people to their excellent interpretation of the character, because it's gotten the Lady Fox tons more exposure (not like that) on the cosplay circuit.
Here's a detail of Vixen crouching in front of a Justice League group shot.
I do believe this is the first Asian Zatanna I've seen, but she's got the top hat & tails look down. If you check out her gallery, you'll see that she even brought a rabbit to pull out of her hat.
Finally, here's video of Vixen and Zatanna in action. This is without a doubt the most passive Vixen I've ever seen. Mari, girl, that's the Riddler, not Black Adam. Take the sucker down.
More Cosplay of the Day:
- Dragon*Con 2010 Peacemaker Cosplayer @ Power of the Atom
- Dragon*Con 2010 Circe as Wonder Woman Cosplayer @ Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
- HeroesCon, Wondercon & Dragon*Con 2010 Huntress Cosplay @ DC Bloodlines
- Dragon*Con 2010 Best of Martian Manhunter Cosplay @ The Idol-Head of Diabolu
- Hawkgirl Cosplayer At DragonCon 2010 @ Being Carter Hall
- The Phantom Stranger at the 2010 DragonCon @ I Am The Phantom Stranger
Friday, September 24, 2010
Motor City Links
BRIGHTEST DAY #15-16I never liked Garth, so I'm plenty cool with the new Aqualad, and it looks like Lorena Marquez is finally back in Aquaman's like.
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS
The hottest series in comics blazes on as the legacy of the new Aqualad is forged and the extent of his powers is revealed! Plus, Aquagirl joins the battle, and Firestorm seeks out the Justice League’s help!
Retailers please note: These issues ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Issue #15 on sale DECEMBER 1
Issue #16 on sale DECEMBER 15
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Dustin Nguyen's Characters Cop a Lot of Attitude
AQUAMAN
LBFA Presents: The History of Aquaman Explained [Comic]The One Bright Spot of the Oil Spill? Aquaman is Relevant for the First Time Ever!
DC COMICS PRESENTS: BRIGHTEST DAY #3I remember this one! This was the two-parter I didn't want to read the first time! I'll be sure to stay consistent.
Written by GAIL SIMONE and STEVE ENGLEHART
Art by ROB LIEFELD, TREVOR VON EEDEN and JOE RUBINSTEIN
Cover by TBD
Kestrel, the mad dog of the Chaos Realm, battles the Teen Titans in a bid to gain power like he’s never had before in a tale from TEEN TITANS #27-28. And in an epic from LEGENDS OF THE DC UNIVERSE #26-27, The Joker earns the wrath of both Aquaman and Batman when he dredges up the old Joker-fish routine.
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US
BATMAN
Lord Death Man of 'Bat-Manga' Gets Resurrected for 'Batman, Inc.'DC75: The Murder of Batwoman (Detective Comics #485, 1979)
Spain's Bootleg Robin Was a Gun-Toting Badass
Batman and Black Canary are just really good friends
Bob Kessel's Square Spider-Man and Boxy Batman Art Will Squeeze Your Brain
Dean Trippe Keeps it Crisp With Cool and Colorful Cartooning
Five Reasons You Should Be Reading Batman and Robin
The 5 Best Modes of Transportation in Comics
September 2010 Reader Art Gallery!
Back Issue Highlights: Batman Family #13, 1977
Camp in Darkness: Screen Test for Sixties Batman
DC75: The Top Ten Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) Covers
"A Clue . . . Seven-Foot Tall!" Batgirl adventure from Detective Comics No. 392, October 1969
Batman Goes Vinyl With New Mini 2.0 Funko Force Toys
Batmanomics
Batman #269's (August 1975) "The Daily Death of Terry Tremayne" by Reed and Chan"The Daily Death of Terry Tremayne" by Reed and Chan
The Batman and Ragman from Batman Family #20 (July 1978)
Batman Marries Wonder Woman in Awesome Cosplay Wedding
Former 'Batman' artist Norm Breyfogle continues 'Archie' tale
My Batman Family Album Part 1
My Batman Family Album Part 2
My Batman Family Album Part 3
Bane's head turn for the New Batman Adventures.
The 9 Craziest Moments of the Silver Age Batman Annuals
Batman Turns to Crime at a Taco Bell Drive-Thru [Video]
Batman versus Superman as class warfare? Grant Morrison: 'Bruce has a butler, Clark has a boss'
DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12Wait-- an annual? I thought only Superman got those nowadays.
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
What starts as a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip soon turns into an international incident as The Dark Knight encounters a string of bizarre murders in Paris, France. Featuring both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman, this extra-sized spectacular guest-stars The Question and spotlights the debut of a new Bat-ally!
In part 1, Bruce, Dick and Renee Montoya are presented with a series of cryptic clues, which lead them to the underground catacombs of Paris — and the most unexpected of assassins! Continued in this month’s BATMAN ANNUAL #28!
On sale DECEMBER 8 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US
BATMAN ANNUAL #28
Written by DAVID HINE
Art by AGUSTIN PADILLA
Cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
This year’s Batman annuals collide in a 2-part story involving both Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson as Batman! In this second part of the story, when a Batman, Inc. recruitment trip to Paris, France leads to a murder mystery, the heroes deduce that the assassinations are connected to a strange cult leader. But will this religious figure take them one step closer to solving the bizarre murders? Or are The Question, Bruce and Dick getting one step closer to becoming the next victims?
Continued from this month’s DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12!
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US
Sure enough, here's a second one. And I guess they're stocking stuffers for dads instead of summer distractions for kids.
BATMAN: ORPHANS #1-2
Written by EDDIE BERGANZA
Art and cover by CARLO BARBERI & JUAN VLASCO
Robin’s been found dead! And that’s not an easy thing to face – especially when you’re Tim Drake! In this pre-RED ROBIN tale, Tim and Batman must solve the murder of an impostor Robin and follow the trail of someone putting together a new team of teenaged sidekicks made up of kids who’ve been promised that they’ll become the new Robin…IF they survive!
Shipping both issues of this stand alone tale in December!
Issue #1 on sale DECEMBER 1
Issue #2 on sale DECEMBER 15
1 and 2 of 2 • 56 pg, FC, $3.99 US
I smell a pre-failed backdoor pilot!
BATMAN 80-PAGE GIANT 2010 #1
Written by BRAD DESNOYER, MATT MANNING, MANDY MACMURRAY, JOHN STANISCI, PAUL TOBIN and PETER MIRIANI
Art by LEE FERGUSON, GARRY BROWN, MATT SOUTHWORTH, RYAN KELLEY and SZYMON KUDRANSKI
Cover by DUSTIN NGUYEN
Some of the most promising new talent in comics are corrupted by the most depraved villains in Gotham City in this all-new special featuring The Joker, the Riddler, Calendar Man, Scarecrow, and yes, even Humpty Dumpty! It’s seven short stories, all in one giant issue! The joke’s on you if you think you’ll make it out of this alive!
ONE-SHOT • On sale DECEMBER 1 • 80 pg, FC, $5.99 US
That's quite the concentration of "who the hell is that guy" creators.
ELONGATED MAN
"Elongated Man Throws His Weight Around!" (Detective Comics No. 372, February 1968)Cover to Cover: DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #11
Cover to Cover: Best of DC Digest #52
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 5 TPA Justice League Europe collection. It never even occurred to me this might be coming, but it makes perfect sense, and I bet Bart Sears' art will reproduce way better today.
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by BILL WILLINGHAM, BART SEARS, MIKE MCKONE and others
Cover by BART SEARS
In this new volume collecting JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL ANNUAL #2-3 and JUSTICE LEAGUE EUROPE #1-6, the team is reborn as Justice League International, featuring The Flash, Power Girl, Metamorpho, Animal Man and The Elongated Man.
On sale JANUARY 19 • 240 pg, FC, $19.99 US
MARTIAN MANHUNTER
Martian Manhunter: Blank Canvas for Symbols, Too?1988 Justice League International Postcards: Martian Manhunter
CITIZEN STEEL
JSA ALL-STARS?Not so much this month.
ZATANNA
Cover to Cover: DC Special Blue Ribbon Digest #5ZATANNA #8I love that last line. Why did it have to be snakes?
Written by PAUL DINI
Art by CLIFF CHIANG
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
Long-dead killer puppeteer Oscar Hempel is back from the grave, and there’s nothing he wants more than revenge on the prey that got away – Zatanna Zatara! But does Zee even remember what she did to him? And what a time for her lifelong fear of puppets to come rushing back!
On sale DECEMBER 22 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #16Nice cover!
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
Secrets involving the “Return of Bruce Wayne” affect all three Sirens and set the girls against each other in a brutal display of their villainous roots! Guest-starring Zatanna and Talia al Ghul.
On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #18
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO & BIT
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
How far will Zatanna go for the people she loves? How far will Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn go for Catwoman when they find out that she’s been lying to them? And how long can Talia al Ghul hold off an enraged Ivy? Find out here!
On sale DECEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY BOOK TWO HC
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by PASCAL FERRY, YANICK PAQUETTE, DOUG MAHNKE, FRAZER IRVING, RYAN SOOK, J.H. WILLIAMS III and others
Cover by RYAN SOOK
Collecting the second half of Grant Morrison’s SEVEN SOLDIERS epic in hardcover for the first time! Collects MISTER MIRACLE #1-4, BULLETEER #1-4, ZATANNA #4, KLARION #4, FRANKENSTEIN #1-4 and SEVEN SOLDIERS OF VICTORY #1.
On sale FEBRUARY 23 • 400 pg, FC, $39.99 US
Sunday, September 19, 2010
2010 Zatanna Cosplay (Blue & White) by DJ Spider
Click To Enlarge
I saw Before Sunrise on cable around 1996, loved it, then completely forgot it existed until I started seeing mention of the arrival of its sequel, Before Sunset, in 2004. They're both favorite movies of mine, but for whatever reason, I had this stroke of selective amnesia for six years or so. Similar issues had me completely forget that reader DJ Spider had sent me an email with pictures of herself not only dressed as Zatanna, but in my favorite and too little seen costume of hers, the blue & white "bug" suit. I don't know why the costume player community shows so little love for the George Pérez design used for most of the '80s, especially when you compare it to the boring unitard she had worn for her first two years as a member of the League. I suspect it's because of unfavorable comparisons to the Scarlet Witch, but to my mind, Wanda could never compete with our Zee in the glam department.
Click To Enlarge
Zatanna in the Detroit Bunker?
From the model herself:
Click To Enlarge
Head Shot
I think DJ did an outstanding job on the suit, and she's got the build to make it rock, which is always appreciated. Even taking the heels into account, she seems heroically tall, convincingly towering over male cosplayers as Big Barda, as well as a decidedly '80s flavored collection of heroines and femme fatales. The colors are wonderfully vibrant, and everything look authentic. I know it's a totally random Wanda-esque accessory, but I wish someone could work the red "bug" hairpiece back into the design in some fashion. That amulet is pretty sharp, too.
Click To Enlarge
"Zatanna" DJ Spider & George Pérez
I believe this one was taken at Dragon*Con 2010, with Zatanna posing next to her suit's designer, none other than master illustrator George Pérez. DJ says, "Your Perez blue and white, with the man himself... That was taken my George's wife, and is from his Fan Page on Facebook. I was so jittery about it, I totally forgot I had a camera, too!"
I've grown to hate and avoid social networking (IM, MySpace, Twitter,) but I finally opened a Facebook account to follow DJ Spider's invite to check out some of her pictures there. All of the Zatannas below were identified by name, but I'm not sure who is inclined to keep that information off a big dumb comic book blog like mine. However, to the far left of DJ is Valerie Perez, an actress and frequent cosplayer with IMDb and public MySpace page, so I figure she's happy to have the publicity. Again, I'm fine with the top hat & tails look, and I know it's the original look, but doesn't that blue & white grab you by the eyeballs?
Click To Enlarge
Full Body
In this picture, "Zee" was actually standing in a dark room with Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Truth/Black Captain America, Lady Blackhawk, and Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Some editing later, it's just Ms. Zatara, a maroon wall, and an outlet cover.
Thank you, Spider! These are some swell pictures, and you did a marvelous job on that costume!
I saw Before Sunrise on cable around 1996, loved it, then completely forgot it existed until I started seeing mention of the arrival of its sequel, Before Sunset, in 2004. They're both favorite movies of mine, but for whatever reason, I had this stroke of selective amnesia for six years or so. Similar issues had me completely forget that reader DJ Spider had sent me an email with pictures of herself not only dressed as Zatanna, but in my favorite and too little seen costume of hers, the blue & white "bug" suit. I don't know why the costume player community shows so little love for the George Pérez design used for most of the '80s, especially when you compare it to the boring unitard she had worn for her first two years as a member of the League. I suspect it's because of unfavorable comparisons to the Scarlet Witch, but to my mind, Wanda could never compete with our Zee in the glam department.
Click To Enlarge
Zatanna in the Detroit Bunker?
From the model herself:
"I didn't want to comment on your blog as this is more costuming than the art you post, but I have to agree about Zatanna's blue and white outfit over the top-hat-n-tails look. As I never see it done, I took it upon myself to change that and finished my version of her costume in time for HeroesCon 2010"
Click To Enlarge
Head Shot
I think DJ did an outstanding job on the suit, and she's got the build to make it rock, which is always appreciated. Even taking the heels into account, she seems heroically tall, convincingly towering over male cosplayers as Big Barda, as well as a decidedly '80s flavored collection of heroines and femme fatales. The colors are wonderfully vibrant, and everything look authentic. I know it's a totally random Wanda-esque accessory, but I wish someone could work the red "bug" hairpiece back into the design in some fashion. That amulet is pretty sharp, too.
Click To Enlarge
"Zatanna" DJ Spider & George Pérez
I believe this one was taken at Dragon*Con 2010, with Zatanna posing next to her suit's designer, none other than master illustrator George Pérez. DJ says, "Your Perez blue and white, with the man himself... That was taken my George's wife, and is from his Fan Page on Facebook. I was so jittery about it, I totally forgot I had a camera, too!"
"The most fun was being part of the annual Art Auction, where the gals went with a Zatanna theme to show off the art on the floor, and I was the odd duck :)"
I've grown to hate and avoid social networking (IM, MySpace, Twitter,) but I finally opened a Facebook account to follow DJ Spider's invite to check out some of her pictures there. All of the Zatannas below were identified by name, but I'm not sure who is inclined to keep that information off a big dumb comic book blog like mine. However, to the far left of DJ is Valerie Perez, an actress and frequent cosplayer with IMDb and public MySpace page, so I figure she's happy to have the publicity. Again, I'm fine with the top hat & tails look, and I know it's the original look, but doesn't that blue & white grab you by the eyeballs?
Click To Enlarge
Full Body
In this picture, "Zee" was actually standing in a dark room with Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Truth/Black Captain America, Lady Blackhawk, and Green Lantern Hal Jordan. Some editing later, it's just Ms. Zatara, a maroon wall, and an outlet cover.
"Anyways, I wanted to let you know there were other fans of the Blue Sorceress version of her costume, and I enjoy reading your blog.
Regards,
Spider"
Thank you, Spider! These are some swell pictures, and you did a marvelous job on that costume!
- Dragon*Con 2010 Recap – My Weekend of Insanity@Once Upon A Geek
- 2007 San Diego Comic-Con Captain Atom & Vixen Cosplay@Power of the Atom
- Aquaman Family Cosplay @ DragonCon 2010 @The Aquaman Shrine
- Dragon*Con 2010 Donna Troy Cosplay@Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
- Dragon*Con 2010 Cyborg Cosplayer@DC Bloodlines
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dragon*Con 2010 Black Lantern Aquaman & Wonder Woman Cosplay
Click To Enlarge
On the one hand, this is not a 100% faithful adaptation of the undead Sea King. On the other hand, it is 100% snazzy, and comes with an ornery zombie Amazon to boot! Thanks again to The Irredeemable Shag for the boss pics, which you can peruse in detail here!
By the way, there were actually two Black Lantern Wonder Women at the con, so check out the new links below to see her and today's other selections...
On the one hand, this is not a 100% faithful adaptation of the undead Sea King. On the other hand, it is 100% snazzy, and comes with an ornery zombie Amazon to boot! Thanks again to The Irredeemable Shag for the boss pics, which you can peruse in detail here!
By the way, there were actually two Black Lantern Wonder Women at the con, so check out the new links below to see her and today's other selections...
- Dragon*Con 2010 With Booster Gold and Blue Beetle!@Comics Make Me Happy!
- Indigo Tribe Atom Cosplayer @Power of the Atom
- Black Lantern Wonder Woman Cosplay@Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
- Zatanna Cosplay@Justice League Detroit
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Dragon*Con 2010 Zatanna Cosplay
Click To Expand & Enlarge
I haven't posted a lot of Zatanna costume play, because you can measure the amount of it in cubic tons. Anime super-heroines come and go, but the appeal of fishnets and a top hat appear to be eternal. Every genre convention has a minimum of two Zee cosplayers assigned to it, and finding one in the Pérez designed blue & white number is tougher than spotting The Atom with the naked eye.
The Irredeemable Shag attended Dragon*Con 2010, and was kind enough to offer his pictures of various cosplay super-heroes to a bunch of us bloggers. Since Motor City Leaguers Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter have devoted blogs that will sooner or later run some of these pics, I figured I'd give Zee a twirl here. There were actually two or three Zees at the con, but why crop her out of a massive group shot when another one will be rounding the corner any minute?
For instance, Shag caught this Zatanna in a hotel lobby, apparently cupping the ass of a Thanagarian Wingman while her former fling the Flash looks peeved at the sexual advance. That better not be Katar Hol, or Shayera is going to be pissed... if not for the flirtation, than for the binging on Ding Dongs®. The Thanagrian metabolism does not handle Hostess Snack Cakes well at all.
To correct my willful oversight of the Crisis on Earth-Zee, be sure to check out Once Upon A Geek's DragonCon 2010 Photos. However, be prepared to flip through the majority of his 600+ pics to find them, because just look at De Zees cluster below, complete with a bad case of Poison Ivy...
Click To Expand & Enlarge
I haven't posted a lot of Zatanna costume play, because you can measure the amount of it in cubic tons. Anime super-heroines come and go, but the appeal of fishnets and a top hat appear to be eternal. Every genre convention has a minimum of two Zee cosplayers assigned to it, and finding one in the Pérez designed blue & white number is tougher than spotting The Atom with the naked eye.
The Irredeemable Shag attended Dragon*Con 2010, and was kind enough to offer his pictures of various cosplay super-heroes to a bunch of us bloggers. Since Motor City Leaguers Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter have devoted blogs that will sooner or later run some of these pics, I figured I'd give Zee a twirl here. There were actually two or three Zees at the con, but why crop her out of a massive group shot when another one will be rounding the corner any minute?
For instance, Shag caught this Zatanna in a hotel lobby, apparently cupping the ass of a Thanagarian Wingman while her former fling the Flash looks peeved at the sexual advance. That better not be Katar Hol, or Shayera is going to be pissed... if not for the flirtation, than for the binging on Ding Dongs®. The Thanagrian metabolism does not handle Hostess Snack Cakes well at all.
To correct my willful oversight of the Crisis on Earth-Zee, be sure to check out Once Upon A Geek's DragonCon 2010 Photos. However, be prepared to flip through the majority of his 600+ pics to find them, because just look at De Zees cluster below, complete with a bad case of Poison Ivy...
Click To Expand & Enlarge
- The Irredeemable Shag's DragonCon 2010 Photos@Once Upon A Geek
- The Atom (Ray Palmer) Cosplayer@Power of the Atom
- Beast Boy at Dragon Con! @Doom Patrol: My Greatest Adventure
- Wonder Woman & the Wonder Girls Cosplay@Diana Prince: Wonder Woman
- Zatanna Cosplay@Justice League Detroit
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2009 The Canadian Defender Hero Tune-Up: Aquaman.
Stacy Dooks is a self-described "thirtysomething wage slave living in Calgary, Alberta and an aspiring writer." She's been blogging since 2008 as "an experiment in creating a public forum for my discussions about comics, pop culture, and writing and what they mean to me." One such avenue is her "Hero Tune-Up" feature, where she tries to address perceived inadequacies in characters that could stand correcting. After the cancellation of Aquaman: The Sword of Atlantis, Dooks turned her eye toward a posthumous evaluation of the Sea King. This is as opposed to his successor "Artie Joe," who wasn't even relevant enough to kill off before the recent resurrection of the once and future Arthur Curry. Where the hell is that guy, anyway?
Unfortunately, I find myself on the opposite side of Dooks' argument, which begins with the old saw, "He talks to fish." Dooks then praises Peter David's hook-handed incarnation, and generally dismissed the classic Aquaman most people know. I find this a pretty common argument of the children of the '90s, calling out as nostalgia the image of Aquaman riding giant seahorses, preferring the "badass," a.k.a. a weaker Namor the Sub-Mariner with a far worse barber. Curiously, much of her trouble comes from the extreme lengthy mythological backstory of Atlantis and Arthur, perhaps not realizing that Peter David was also responsible for the lion's share of that convolution. Keith Giffen started the ball rolling, but his Post-Crisis revision could be summed up with "Tarzan of the Dolphins," with the added color of royal lineage and child sacrifice upon Mercy Reef.
Dooks points out Aquaman's lack of visually cool powers or familiar super-hero tropes (banks to rob, being stuck in the ocean, etc.) "As much affection as we may have for him, Aquaman is a terrible superhero." Then Dooks flips the script by asserting, The reason Aquaman doesn't work as a superhero is because he isn't one... Orin, King of Atlantis, is a hero of epic fantasy. He's a warrior-ruler of the old school..." Dooks continued by exploring the possibilities of Aquaman as more of a King Kull type, having grand undersea adventures involving swords and sorcery. Dooks also recommended a reader touchstone character from the surface to comment on the goings on of Atlantis from a familiar perspective.
I can say with a reasonable certainty that none of these suggestions would work, because all of them were attempted in recent memory, and none passed muster. Peter David rode into Aquaman at the height of his popularity following his best-selling runs on Incredible Hulk and X-Factor. David also jumped right onto the "breaking the hero" bandwagon of the '90s, having Aquaman's hand gnawed off, rocking his world, changing his appearance, giving his nasty weapons, and the requisite anti-heroic Wolverine bad attitude. That gave David's Aquaman a decent first year or so, with slow, steady decline through the end of his run. In fact, I suspect David's four years on the title hurt his career, and certainly his track record. Readers who want violent sociopaths can find far better examples than a posturing Aquaman, and his actual fans will just be put off.
Meanwhile, Sword of Atlantis jettisoned most of the heavy mythology/continuity, offered a relatable new young hero in the Kyle Rayner mode, and sent him off into almost two years worth of fantasy stories by a respected ex-Conan writer. The sales were in the toilet and the book was killed. Regular folk surface sidekicks? Been tried, and it's not a bad idea, with the most successful example being the second Aquagirl.
I once offered my own general advice, which at least partially echoed Dooks' suggestions and the direction to date of the resurrected Aquaman in Brightest Day. Simplify the origin, keeping the best bits, and discarding the excess. Restore the best recognized appearance and abilities, but enhance them through better representation. Expand the supporting cast with stronger players than Vulko or Dolphin, bringing in characters from all walks of life to provide perspective and a variety of setting. Beef up the rogues gallery. Use fantasy when its useful, but remember that Aquaman is meant to be one of the greatest super-heroes around. Keep one fin in the sea, and another on land, making Aquaman the most capable hero possible in both worlds. Most importantly, never be ashamed of talking to fish and riding giant seahorses. My life would be way more awesome if I could do that, and good writing can sell me the thrill of experiencing it vicariously. There is no clear template for success with Aquaman, like their is most DC heroes, who've enjoyed at least one really popular run in their careers. However, too many people like him for there not to be something there, and it only takes the right mind to figure it out. Simonson did it with Thor, and Miller with Daredevil. Who's ready to be the Aquaman creator?
For more duking with Dooks, check out Hero Tune-Up: Martian Manhunter.
Monday, September 6, 2010
2010 Aquaman by Rogan Josh
Comics Alliance reminded me of this swell artist I was checking out a while back, who recently added this smooth Aquaman picture. Check out Rogan Josh's modHero gallery, or click the pic above to read his kind words about the Sea King (and offers a higher-res look.)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
2010 "Zatanna magic" Persona for Firefox
The other day, one of Rob's readers at The Aquaman Shrine alerted him to the fact that my (and 25% of Detroit readers') internet browser of choice, Mozilla's Firefox, was offering Aquaman themed personas. This prompted me to do my own Martian Manhunter themed Personas post at The Idol-Head, but I was still hoping for something here. Vibe, Vixen, Gypsy, Steel and the Elongated Man all rolled craps, but Zatanna's got that magic touch. So far, there's one Persona with one user, but if you'd care to share...
Zatanna magic Persona free download.
Also, here's another Aquaman guest shot that got missed...
Justice League - DC Comics created by Mans
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
2010 Justice League of America #217 Twin Pocket Folder and Notebook Style #3009DC
I grew up watching the Superfriends cartoon, but it was this 1983 George Pérez comic book cover that made me realize that the Justice League of America was an entirely different beast. This remains one of my favorite covers of all time, so when Rob Kelly blogged about a stretchable fabric book cover, I pricked up my ears, even though I had no use for such a thing. Then The Irredeemable Shag posted about a notebook with the art at Firestorm Fan, and I figured I could always use a writing tablet. In fact, my girlfriend was pushing for me to buy a bunch of school supplies, since she's a student and Office Depot junkie, and I'm just getting started with my full time continuing education. I showed her the blog post, and the very next day, she gave me the 2010 Wonder Woman #302 Notebook and Twin Pocket Folder, the JLofA ones, and another besides. Woo-hoo!
The simple twin pocket folder has a consistent color scheme from front to back and on into the interior pockets. The inside wall is white, though, and the actual art stops on the front cover. The back cover has a nice big DC 75th anniversary logo with art by Ed Benes and Jim Lee, plus a smaller version in the bottom left corner.
Now, here's the original cover from '83, and this clearly is not a Detroit era job, with Superman hogging up so much of the space. Unusually, our girl Zatanna manages a prominent center position, slightly overshadowed by Wonder Woman, but the white of her costume really draws your eye. In fact, whenever I think of this cover, it's Zatanna, Superman and Wonder Woman I most easily recall, in that order. Typically, finding more of our guys takes some scanning around. Unfortunately, that only amounts to the men Elongated and Aquatic, and both suffer the indignity of having their legs chopped off thanks to the funky cropping job done on these school supplies. Ralph comes out the best of the two, since he's got the neck stretch thing, making his the biggest head shot around. The only thing fish out of Waterman had going for him was a dramatic sprint, which is totally negated here. If you can't find Batman or Martian Manhunter, it's because they're not there. J'Onn J'Onzz was a year out from returning top Earth, while the Dark Knight had quit the group with Green Arrow/Green Lantern flair to form the Outsiders.
I like to treat Firestorm as an associate of the team, and he looks nice there at the lower left, but I think he deserved Red Tornado's spot. Then again, Red Tornado never deserves a spot, so Metamorpho would be an improvement. Come to think of it, notice the absence of the Flash and Green Lantern? I didn't, which is a testament to the grandeur George Pérez lends and the undervalued quality of later Satellite Era additions!
Moving on to the notebook, you can see that judicious photoshopping was applied to the original cover price and UPC code, which I think turned out okay. The art dimensions on the folder and notebook worked out so that they're nearly identical, which puts aside the disparities in art reproduction found on other covers in this line.
Innovative Designs, LLC puts these out under the DC Comics Originals branding. The notebook itself is great, with sturdy but flexible rubber binding that won't warp like my old aluminum ones did back in grade school. The covers are cardboard, and a tad then, but a quality glossy stock. The inside covers are black, with eighty wide ruled lined pages in between. I have to say again that I'm not only very happy to have such swell looking supplies, but that they offer the rare inclusion of non-headliner Motor City Leaguers, especially Zatanna!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Motor City Links
I missed posting October solicits, so we'll do two for one this month.
I like the Aquaman stuff. The rest-- eh.
So Aquaman found this on the bottom of the ocean by CHRIS SAMNEE
Batman In The Future! (1950) (Atomic Surgery)
ComicsAlliance's 18 Best Batman Panels
Batman Drives In Style With Custom-Made Tumbler Golf Cart
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Man in the Iron Mask!", "The Joker's Happy Victims!, "The Case of Batman II!, "The Penguin's Fowl Play!"
Jeffery Klaehn's Chuck Dixon Interview
Pajiba's 15 Worst Comic Book Movies Of All Time
Love, Bruce Wayne Style
Has Finch written anything since Ascension, or ever written anything by himself? Not that it matters at DC anymore.
1988 Justice League International Postcards: Martian Manhunter
Man, that's a lot of Zatara action in two months!
BRIGHTEST DAY #11-12
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
#11 cover by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
#12 cover by DAVID FINCH
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS
Don’t miss the hottest event in comics as the biweekly BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the return of the Black Lanterns! Has time run out for our resurrected heroes? Plus, you must not miss the stunning origin of the new Aqualad, the battle between Aquaman and Black Manta, and the bizarre journey of Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond as they delve into the inner workings of the Firestorm matrix and uncover its secret!
Retailers please note: These issues ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Issue #11 on sale OCTOBER 6
Issue #12 on sale OCTOBER 20
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
I like the Aquaman stuff. The rest-- eh.
BRIGHTEST DAY #13-14So that's how Batman ended up with a new gray costume.!
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
1:10 Variant covers by IVAN REIS
Don’t miss the hottest event in comics as BRIGHTEST DAY continues with the search for a new White Lantern. And Martian Manhunter returns to Mars as we discover the origin of the creature mysteriously stalking him. Plus, the evil within Firestorm now haunts Professor Stein! And Hawkman: betrayed!
Retailers please note: These issues ship with two covers each. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
Issue #13 on sale NOVEMBER 3
Issue #14 on sale NOVEMBER 17
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
DC COMICS PRESENTS: YOUNG JUSTICE #1
Written by TODD DEZAGO
Art and cover by MIKE MCKONE & HUMBERTO RAMOS
Because you demanded it! Collecting the out-of-print JLA: WORLD WITHOUT GROWN-UPS 2-issue miniseries, this is the story that started it all for Young Justice. Featuring Robin, Impulse, Superboy and the JLA and art by Mike McKone (TEEN TITANS) and Humberto Ramos (IMPULSE, Wolverine)
On sale OCTOBER 27 • 96 pg, FC, $7.99 US
BRIGHTEST DAY VOL. 1 HCNot the best representation for the Detroit Leaguers here-- not even Batman!
Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI Art by IVAN REIS, PAT GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF SCOTT CLARK and JOE PRADO
Cover by DAVID FINCH
Don’t miss this hardcover collection of BRIGHTEST DAY #0-7, the follow-up to the best-selling comics event BLACKEST NIGHT, written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi with interior art by today’s hottest artists including Ivan Reis, Patrick Gleason, Ardian Syaf and more!
Once dead, twelve heroes and villains have been resurrected by a white light expelled from deep within the center of the Earth. Called a miracle by many and a sign of the apocalypse by others, the reasons behind the group’s rebirth remain a mystery.
Now, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Firestorm, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Deadman, Jade, Osiris, Hawk, Captain Boomerang and Zoom must discover the mysterious reason behind their return and uncover the secret that binds them all in this first volume!
On sale DECEMBER 1 • 256 pg, FC, $29.99 US
AQUAMAN
Arthur Curry vs. The WorldSo Aquaman found this on the bottom of the ocean by CHRIS SAMNEE
BATMAN
Batman In The Future! (1950) (Atomic Surgery)
ComicsAlliance's 18 Best Batman Panels
Batman Drives In Style With Custom-Made Tumbler Golf Cart
1979 General Mills cereals Batman promo comics: "The Man in the Iron Mask!", "The Joker's Happy Victims!, "The Case of Batman II!, "The Penguin's Fowl Play!"
Jeffery Klaehn's Chuck Dixon Interview
Pajiba's 15 Worst Comic Book Movies Of All Time
Love, Bruce Wayne Style
BATMAN, INC. #1Kind of nice to see the gray back, but it could use more blue and less codpiece.
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY KUBERT
1:200 Sketch variant cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Grant Morrison continues his earth-shattering run on the Batman titles with this exciting, new ongoing series! Featuring art by the remarkable Yanick Paquette (SEVEN SOLDIERS: BULLETEER), BATMAN, INC. marks the next stage of evolution for The Dark Knight. This can’t-miss series will star not just Bruce Wayne as Batman, but also a huge number of guest-stars! Don’t miss out on this all-new start to a stunning direction for Batman!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #1
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH & SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by DAVID FINCH
1:25 Variant cover by ANDY CLARKE
1:200 Sketch variant cover by DAVID FINCH
Comics superstar David Finch takes full creative control (both writing and illustrating!) on this brand-new Batman monthly series! Joined by the best of the best – Scott Williams – on inks, this new series is sure to be on everyone’s must-read pile! Delving into the more supernatural and esoteric areas of Gotham City, the 6-part storyline explores the horrific murder of one of Bruce Wayne’s childhood friends…and the terrible ramifications the brutal crime has on Batman’s life!
Retailers please note: This issue ships with three covers. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Has Finch written anything since Ascension, or ever written anything by himself? Not that it matters at DC anymore.
MARTIAN MANHUNTER
Martian Manhunter: Blank Canvas for Symbols, Too?1988 Justice League International Postcards: Martian Manhunter
CITIZEN STEEL
JSA ALL-STARS #11...
Written by MATTHEW STURGES
Co-feature written by JEN VAN METER
Art and cover by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
Co-feature art by TRAVIS MOORE & DAN GREEN
In the conclusion of “Glory Days,” Cyclone is pushed past her limit when the Paradoran gods threaten the one she cares for most.
And in the final chapter of the Liberty Belle/Hourman co-feature: the secret power of the artifact that they’ve been hunting may doom the planet!
On sale OCTOBER 6 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
JSA ALL-STARS #12
Written by MATTHEW STURGES
Art by HOWARD PORTER & ART THIBERT
Cover by FREDDIE WILLIAMS II
The All-Stars are drawn into deep space, leaving one of their own powerless back on Earth with the task of trying to rebuild a normal human existence! Unfortunately, being alone leaves them vulnerable to an attack from within!
On sale 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US
ZATANNA
ZATANNA #6
Written by PAUL DINI
Art by YANICK PAQUETTE & MICHEL LACOMBE
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
1:10 Variant cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
Zatanna has been taken captive by the demon who intends to steal her soul – and it’s up to her playboy gadabout of a cousin, Zach Zatara, to free her!
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. See the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale OCTOBER 27 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
ZATANNA #7
Written by PAUL DINI
Art by JESUS SAIZ
Cover by STEPHANE ROUX
While touring the world with her father as a child, Zatanna was nearly killed by a sinister puppetmaster named Oscar Hempel. But Hempel died long ago – didn’t he? If he’s dead, then who’s pulling the strings of that remarkably evil-looking puppet over there? Don’t miss this twisty, creepy thriller!
On sale 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #16
Written by TONY BEDARD
Art by ANDRES GUINALDO
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
Secrets involving the “Return of Bruce Wayne” affect all three Sirens and set the girls against each other in a brutal display of their villainous roots! Guest-starring Zatanna and Talia al Ghul.
On sale SEPTEMBER 29 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #17
Written by PETER CALLOWAY
Art by LEE GARBETT
Cover by GUILLEM MARCH
Catwoman’s been kidnapped, and now Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn must team up with Talia al Ghul and Zatanna to free her before she gives up her most valuable secret – a secret that will force Talia to desperate measures!
On sale 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
TINY TITANS #34
Written by ART BALTAZAR & FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
The Look-A-Like Issue! Did you ever wonder why Superboy and Zatara look the same? Well, the Tiny Titans do! What would happen if they switched costumes? Would anyone notice? Would Superboy become a magician? Would Zatara be able to fly without a cape? The answers lie within this issue!
On sale 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US
Man, that's a lot of Zatara action in two months!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
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