What do you think about Rebirth, macOS & Suicide Squad?

Whilst it’s summertime and work is quiet, the world of comics, technology and general geekiness seems to be in full flow.

Rebirth. I’m still totally chuffed that DC and Geoff Johns did that fantastic Rebirth issue.Of course, with the Watchmen angle, three Jokers and the return of key (missed) characters, it’s all to play for.

I posted my initial thoughts here but now a good few weeks on, I think I need to post a review (which I’m in the process of drafting). Ultimately, there is some good stuff, but I want one of the three topics mentioned above, to be currently making its debut.

At the moment, it feels like, we are off on another DC adventure (some good, some bad). Example: Nightwing. Not sure how long I’ll stick with it. Similarly, that first Superwoman title was a little strange! Not sure that it worked. Batman and Detective Comics are great, as is Wonder Woman. Anyway, I think a review then cull is in order.

Flash/ Justice League. I saw an article on CBR yesterday suggested (but in no way confirming) that the movie Flash and TV flash could in some way, be seen on the same screen due to the Speedforce. I love this idea (as I’m sure most fans do).

And if legal issues weren’t … an issue … then a simple shot where we see one Flash travelling through the Speedforce and shots from the other ‘world’ whizz by. They’ve already done it on the CW with images from other shows. I’ve previously tweeted on this!!!! Make it happen. 

Apple. We’re getting closer to the release of new tech and software. I’m most excited about macOS. I love a new operating system and especially one for my laptops. Aside from the few Google apps I use (Sheets, Gmail and Maps) I’m pretty invested in the Apple ecosystem and it has definitely improved over the years so I‘m expecting the iOS and macOS closeness to really pull things together. 

Suicide Squad. Critics have to spoil it for the rest of us. My thoughts on the DC universe and the constant panning they get, is simple. I think it has nothing to do with the movies.

These critics and let’s call them, Marvel only supporters, have it in for DC and Time Warner, simply on the basis that they don’t like the company. When BvS came out, there were people on IMDB giving it one star out of ten.

Now, either these people are not comic fans, going to see a comic movie and expecting Schindler’s List. Or, they are trolls. The latter is more likely. To be the type of person that does that, you must really have a lot of anger. Now I don’t think people hate Batman as a character. Superman gets mixed responses but again, I don’t think he’s universally hated. His comic book sales tend to be pretty consistent. So, that leaves the companies and the directors (that the companies choose.)

BvS, even if considered a flop, wasn’t a bad movie. I gave it a nine! Here. But for those that felt it was a disappointment, they were still scoring it at a six or seven. So giving it a one, is ridiculous. As to Suicide Squad, I’m going to see it tomorrow and write an honest review shortly after.

And, let’s not forget, these movies are made for the fans. 

Initial Thoughts on Rebirth

There are very few occasions, that I feel the urge to read a comic for a second time, within weeks of first consuming it. But, as I pointed out here and here, this is no ordinary DC comic that we are talking about.

So, with such a nostalgic, universe bending introduction, I’m ready to consume as much Rebirth as my day will allow. I will get round to posting a full account of my thoughts in due course, but here are my nascent musings.

• I am reading way more Superman and Action Comics than before. How far will I go with it? Too many Supermen?

• I love the artwork of Liam Sharp in Wonder Woman. Some of those jungle panels are straight out a 1970s Frazetta drawing.

• I’m not so keen on the art in Flash, unfortunately.

 

• I wasn’t sure if I liked the premise of Detective Comics. Why choose Batwoman to train the team? But, it’s a good way to bring her in and the Army of Shadows could be some sort army of Owl-like proportions.

• Gotham and Gotham Girl look interesting.

 

• It’s good to have the Titans and Wally back.

• I feel like I’m missing out by not reading Green Arrow!

DC Universe: Rebirth – A Must Read

If the DC Universe (at it’s best), means anything to you, you will shed a tear … of joy, when you read this. It’s that good!

SPOILER WARNING.SPOILER WARNING.SPOILER WARNING. SPOILER WARNING.

I posted a very quick ‘you must read this‘ post earlier this week. I hope that you have taken said advice and read this comic. It is so good. It encompassed everything I love about comics. Especially DC specific comics. I really can’t emphasize enough, how good this is. If anyone is reading this and going, ‘meh’ I truly believe that somewhere along the way you’ve lost your love of great comics.

As a side point, if you read it and there were certain bits that you felt didn’t make sense or you needed some clarification, check out this like-minded dude’s Youtube video. He talks through the whole comic in pretty neat detail. As such, I’m going to concentrate on specific parts and general thoughts.

BALLSY MOVE.

“I’m Forgotten”

To put it into perspective, this is, in many ways, an apology or an acknowledgment for/that the New52 hasn’t been great. Geoff Johns is a writer with a great reputation, and rightly so. When it comes to DC, there are few who can compete. For me, he and Grant Morrison, have regularly demonstrated their deep knowledge and love for the characters.

This comic is meta in a way, that you just didn’t see coming. And as such, this is why the DC universe can be so exciting. It has such a rich history, that the New52 essentially ignored, ridiculed or just plain ‘forgot.’

It doesn’t undo the new52 but it makes a fucking amazing starting point for anything that follows this issue.

Wally West (pre New52) is the narrator of this story. So straight up, we are seeing the DC Universe in the eyes of a beloved pre new52 character that really had been forgotten.

He explains, in the opening pages, that he’s been stuck inside the Speedforce since the events of Flashpoint. And that something is missing from the world that he loves. Time has been stolen. A fog that has fallen on everyone. Wally has managed to get back through the Speedforce for limited periods of time, since the death of Darkseid. He explains that a darkness from somewhere has infected us.

This is beautifully written and illustrated and you can’t help but draw the parallels with what Wally is saying and what Johns is saying about the decisions DC have made since 2011. Clearly, Johns is holding up his hands and saying ‘we fucked up.’ And that is a massive admission. HUGE! Especially from someone who was involved in the new52.

However, it is done with so much love and is clearly coming from a pre New52 DC, that you cannot help but feel like, it is really heartfelt and made with love; which ties right back into the story later. It becomes clear as we are reintroduced to older characters like Ted Kord and Ray Palmer, that there is a very dark presence hovering in and around the DC universe and it is responsible for all the mistakes and evil.  So these dark forces become somewhat apparent later in the issue and they just blow your mind. Of course, again, Johns is pulling parallels with dark forces and the great and powerful at DC HQ. Apology accepted dude.

“They struck deep at our hearts, Barry”

BARRY & WALLY.

After Wally attempts to make contact with Bruce Wayne and we get his life story and are reintroduced to various other characters across the DC Universe, we get to a scene that just takes a comic that is already nailing it … to the next level. This is such a touching scene. So beautifully drawn, perfectly weighted dialogue and just so damn good. Even if you didn’t know the characters, you would feel this scene.

“A darkness from somewhere infected us. It has for a long time now, I think. Even before the Flashpoint.”

And when Barry says to his friend, ‘how could I ever forget you?’ you just well up. This for me just demonstrates how powerful the comic medium can be and, with it, you get the feeling of another admission from Johns and co. Why the hell did they turn their back on such a good portfolio of characters? Oh well, this is one hell of a way, to reintroduce them.

THE JOKER.

There is probably no other villain out there that compares to the Joker. Well if you thought you knew the Joker you didn’t. We get the revelation that there are three fricken Jokers. THREE! It’s not clear what this means or how it’s going to play out but, from the panel in Rebirth it looks like, pre New52 Joker, New52 Joker and The Killing Joke Joker. Wow. Mind fuck!

Some people will complain about this but I have to say, I love the idea of mixing it up. I’m open to a whole new back story. It makes it a mystery and Batman is all about mystery and detective work. This is his biggest test.

WATCHMEN.

“We’re being watched”

If you haven’t read the comic and see the heading Watchmen, you may think that I’ve inadvertently pasted text from another post, or gone insane as I write. But no. You read correctly. You remember that story called Watchmen? Yes, that one. Well, it is owned by DC. And yes, they have gone and done it.

I love when universes, characters and stories come together. Especially if you aren’t expecting it. I’m sure some will comment that this is a cop out by DC, especially after, Alan Moore so vocally, distanced himself from the company, but, it’s a brilliant bit of storytelling and such a cool way to explain a drop in performance.

It would seem that we will be seeing more of the Watchmen. Dr. Manhattan appears to be the antagonist and responsible for the dark times, evil and lose of 10 years. I am very intrigued.

You can read a lot into this comic. For example, Dr. Manhattan destroys Owlman, Metron and Pandora (Note: you should read Justice League #50 and Superman #52 before Rebirth). One could interpret this as Johns saying that Watchmen is still an incredibly powerful set of characters that need to be set free.

Whilst there are still people hating on DC, it’s notable that, generally, this comic has been really well received. Genuinely, it’s a great read.

“The clock is ticking across the DC universe”

 

DC Universe: Rebirth #1 -OH MY GOD!!!!

‘I’m Forgotten.’

A proper well thought out review is coming on this piece of epic story-telling. But I won’t be able to finalise it until the weekend.

Until then, I simply had to get something written on here about it. In short, I think this is one of the best comics I’ve read for a very long time. Truly! It is so, so very good!

It has everything in it that I love about comics and especially DC. I felt like I was back in time, reading a pre-New52 DC comic that had the whole universe on a knifepoint. Something big was happening … had happened … was about to happen!!!!

I’ve been so pumped all day since reading this 80-page game-changer. And that’s exactly what it is. Whilst it revisits old DC, it ushers in a new future, that poses so many unanswered questions, my only issue with DC is that Mr. Geoff Johns, (‘take a bow, Sir’) is off to look after the DC Movie Universe. It’s a great addition for them but a loss for comics.

Anyway, I’m rambling. More coherent thoughts will follow in the proper review. In the meantime, all I can say is, if you have ever read a comic, had an inclining to read one or want to learn about the DC universe, you MUST read this. Even if you don’t get all the references, after a bit of internet research, your mind will be blown.

‘The clock is ticking across the DC universe’

The TV battle – DC vs. Marvel

Reading Time: 2-3 minutes

I’m going to come out and say it, Disney is definitely paying or influencing film critics. They must be, as the Marvel films are good but they are not that good. I mean, when I talk about ‘the best movies ever,’ I’m thinking Schindler’s List, The Godfather and The Shawshank Redemption. With no disrespect to The Avengers or Age of Ultron, they are not in the same league. As an aside, it is interesting to note, that IMDB only has one superhero movie in it’s top 10 of top rated movies and it isn’t a Marvel movie. Can you guess which one without looking it up?

With that out of my system, I’m turning my attention to TV and specifically to the fact that DC are absolutely nailing it  (with Arrow and Flash) and getting very little praise. All the chat recently has been about Daredevil and Jessica Jones. I have issues (with both).

Jessica Jones. I haven’t seen all of season 1 yet, so I appreciate that I should watch all of it before commenting. However, first impressions are a bit ‘meh.’ It was fine. I didn’t really take to Jessica or the supporting cast. I think there is a difference between ‘dark’ and ‘depressing.’ And this borders on the latter.

Daredevil. I really enjoyed season 1. It had its faults and didn’t do anything new, but it played out the Daredevil origin well. Season 2 felt like it was trying to be non-comics, yet introduced a load of concepts that work really well… in comics. Punisher had great potential but didn’t really fulfil it. Matt’s declaration of love to Elektra was all a bit too convenient. I felt it was rushed and the fight scenes all started to look alike. Ok, the guy can beat 20 plus men in one sitting. We know!

Anyway, for me, Flash and Arrow are much more fun (of course). Whereas Arrow takes the slighter darker route, Flash provides the comic fun. Both deliver great stories and a plethora of interesting characters. And, who doesn’t like time travel and multiple Earths?

Batman v Superman – Fantastic!

Please, if you haven’t seen this film, don’t read below. It contains spoilers (lots of them). You have been warned!

Headline Points.

As I write this review, I’m listening to the soundtrack on Spotify. So good! I have already pre-ordered the movie on iTunes. And I am going to see it again on Monday. So, yeah, I really loved it.

An Uncertain World.

Firstly, I genuinely can’t see why people don’t like this movie. For people to say it isn’t funny or it’s too dark, well that’s not the point. It never promised to be anything other than hard-hitting (just like the comics it is based on). Having scoured the Internet to get a gauge, it is clear that there are two camps that have chosen not to like this movie. Critics and Marvel fans. I honestly believe that on the basis of some reviews, they haven’t even watched the movie. Yes, trolls. They spoil it for everyone. What is clear is that this movie and this universe is made for the comic fans and for that I thank you, Mr. Synder, because, you have created something spectacular. The DC universe is a grown up, dark, troubled world where it’s heroes are not even sure they are heroic. And there is a darker future to come. It is perfect.

Who’s the Real Threat?

Affleck nails both Batman (a Batman that has been around for 20 years) and Bruce Wayne. Cavill is still the man to play Clark and Superman. It’s their show and they both play it really well. Batman sees Superman as a threat. Superman sees Batman as someone that can’t be trusted. Luther (Eisenberg does a great crazy Lex) plays them against each other. There are some scenes where you feel that you are right inside a comic (perfect). They are beautifully created and expertly thought out. A few times I caught myself thinking, ‘epic’ is just not a big enough word to describe this.

Welcome to the DC Universe!

We get glimpses of Aquaman, Flash, Cyborg and Wonder Woman. None of them get much screen time, with Synder, instead opting to give them brief cameos before they get their own film or appear in the Justice League movie. Wonder Woman is the exception and whilst she turns up at the end, I did feel that she is going to be the hardest character to get right in any DC film. That is not a reflection of Gal Gadot, who definitely looked the part and played the character like the comics. I just think that in an aggressive, male-dominated world, it is hard to depict her as anything as powerful as Superman. I hope I’m proven wrong on this.

Frank Miller’s Batman.

The comic influences are wide, but The Dark Knight Returns is the biggest story to inspire this film. It is Frank Miller’s Batman that appears in this movie. He sees it as his responsibility to take down the Superman. The fight scene between Batman and Superman has been covered in some of the trailers, but it doesn’t prepare you for a scene that is truly epic.  Since first reading Dark Knight I wondered what this would look like on the big screen and it does not disappoint.

It’s been Emotional.

Whilst it is a dark and angry world, there are some fantastic scenes where Synder pulls on your emotional heart strings. The latter part of the film is played out really well and the Kevin Costner cameo is really well done. The music, courtesy of Hans Zimmer, has many of the same themes as Man of Steel, so there are some really nice, touching moments, that many wouldn’t have expected.

Darkseid is Coming.

There are two scenes involving Affleck that are just screaming, ‘here is a clue to the premise of the next movie and the future of the DC universe.’ He has two dreams (nightmares knightmare) or hallucinations (unexplained at this point) that nod to Darkseid or some other alien invader coming to earth. There is also the suggestion that the Flash can time travel and that Superman’s heroic future may be in question. We see Batman, presumably in a future apocalyptic earth, fighting Superman soldiers. We also see Parademons, which, for comic fans, is the stuff made of dreams. Whilst these scenes may be confusing for the uninitiated, they leave questions for the rest of us to debate over a pint for the next film.

Negatives.

I don’t have many issues to highlight. I could really nitpick, but it is such an operatic effort, that crams a lot of content and introduces us to a new universe, that it would be unfair to untie it. If this was made into two movies or a trilogy, it would just get criticised for overdoing it. It can’t win! My biggest issue is the fact that the Doomsday fight scene went on for too long but  that just seems to be the way with action sequences these days.

Conclusion.

This is a film for the DC fans. And for that I am thankful. The little things, like Affleck’s Batman voice and the Batmobile, were excellent. The apocalyptic future is pure DC and the ending… What about the ending? I am definitely sold on seeing the rest of this DC movie universe. Can’t wait to see it again! 9/10

They are taking note of the Comics!

It was over 20 years’ ago I opened my first comic. I’ve never looked back.

Now, every film studio is trying to come up with the next best, biggest superhero movie. And what are they turning to? Yes, the source material. WooHoo!

Finally, we are at a point where the movies execs are taking a proper look at the great stories that have gone before us. Superman first appeared in 1938. Batman, 1939. That is a hell of a lot of material. Not all of it great. Most of it, pretty awesome.

Captain America: Winter Soldier was a great movie. Captain America: The First Avenger was also great (for different reasons). Marvel have picked up on this early enough that they can please both fanboys and non-fanboys alike. Did you know that the Human Torch made a brief appearance in The first Captain America movie? That’s cool. The Avengers movie had Joss Whedon at the helm. Yes, he’s a self-proclaimed comic geek. Good man!

So, you’re reading this and thinking, ‘yeah dude, I know all this.’ Well, this leads me to DC. They are a bit behind the curve on this. There has been a few false starts. But, on the TV side, they are doing a brilliant job. That’s another blog though. On the films, Man of Steel is the first part of their new universe. They could have done a much better job of planting seeds of the DC universe in that film but hey ho. It’s done and it was a decent first movie. Superman is notoriously hard to get right and unfortunately for DC, he will always have his haters (hence the reason he’s gone from being the main man to a side character in a film where Batman clearly is the dude).

Anyway, I’m off topic. DC films. We know the slate of movies they are bringing out (see here) and finally they are starting to get the idea. What am I talking about? Bringing cool aspects of the DC universe into play.  A dead Robin? Cool. Flash appearing before Bruce Wayne/Batman? Cool. Batman appearing in Suicide Squad? Cool. Batman fighting Superman straight out of Frank Miller’s the Dark Knight Returns? Very cool.

So my final point is this. I’m just glad that finally, the original comics are driving the movie universe. About time!

So what is going on in the world of geek?

It’s seemed pretty quiet these last few weeks – I don’t know if that’s because I have been quiet at work or whether everybody has just got up of their backside and gone on holiday. I can’t remember if I blogged about this yet, but I’m moving house next month and as such have loads to do on that front – mainly deciding geeky things like – where is my comic collection going to live? What new sound system should I buy? Should I get some new comic art for the dining room? These important things, not what sofa’s to get, what about a new kitchen, bathroom etc etc.

Anyway, stuff that’s caught my eye (in list order for a change, but not in order of priority)

1. Apple sticking it to Samsung. Interestingly, some commentators have suggested this is a great result for Samsung, on the basis that if they are deemed to be copying Apple, you should buy a Samsung device as they are half the price! The case has a long way to go and let’s not forget the counter-sue from Samsung.

2. Joss Whedon and his S.H.E.I.L.D TV show (via ABC) has got the green light. That is getting people excited especially as it seems he will be quite heavily involved (including writing duties). Same universe, smaller budget – could be cool.

3. Superman kisses Wonder Woman. I’m a bit meh about this. Frank Miller had the two of them at it years ago.

4. Justice League chat – as expected they are already talking about a new Batman movie pre- JLA. Too soon for me but always keen to see what they come up with. It has to be better than Avengers otherwise it’ll be a fail.

5. Avengers Assemble – deleted scenes and alternate endings beginnings making their way onto the Internet. Always interesting.

6. Before Watchmen – I was always going to read these but had mixed feelings about whether it should be done or not. So far I have really enjoyed them and I think they will only get better.

Rorschach

Great art. Nice intro story.

Day of Vengeance

For some reason DC have never released this mini story in hard cover or graphic novel (which I find surprising since it is written by Geoff Johns), I’ve never really looked into why that is the case but because of that I have never read it and as a DC aficionado it was one of the missing elements from my knowledge. I have always kept an eye out for it when I’m at cons and on eBay etc but never had any joy getting it, until now. Good old eBay provided a chap (who seems to have a massive personal collection) and he was selling the 5 part mini in mint condition. Marvellous. I look forward to reading it.