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The Odinson Reviews New Teen Titans: Games and Revisits the Ultimates
Greetings from the Odinson,
Poor Rom only gets one week out of the year to shine and unfortunately, this year, his moment was overshadowed by far more important news. So, just to show the Big Guy we still care, the Odinson is making ROM this week’s Preferred Customer Password. Also this week, the Odinson took the time to revisit a couple of graphic novels - one that came out fairly recently and another from a while ago, but topical, nonetheless, due to upcoming events.
First,
New Teen Titans: Games – Odinson Rating: 4 Hammers - This was a story twenty years in the making and it was executed by the legendary creative team that made these teenage heroes a force to be reckoned with in the first place. New Teen Titans by Marv Wolfman and George Perez is a huge reason why I read comic books to this day. So, obviously, I was excited when I heard this baby was going to hit stands. Games was well worth the wait. This original graphic novel helped me remember why I fell in love with these characters in the first place all those years ago.
This GN is unique, as half of it was drawn way back in 1988 and the rest was finished only recently. Though the plot had been originally worked out by the creative team all those years ago, the script had yet to be written. There is a whole section in the book discussing the genesis of this project, and the changes that went into the story from its inception in 1988 to its release in 2011. That in itself is an interesting read. George Perez is a master storyteller and his considerable talents are on display here. And what can I say about Marv Wolfman? The man just knows how to write characters and make the reader actually care about what happens to them.
In Games, a criminal mastermind known simply as The Gamesmaster uses henchmen and the Titans themselves as game pieces and New York City as the game board for his insane “game.” During the story, someone very close to the Titans is murdered, one member is pushed to the brink of murder himself, one member is crippled, a DCU monument is destroyed, and the world and mythology of the Teen Titans is forever changed. My only complaint about this tale, and it’s a small one, is that I guessed the identity of the mysterious arch villain halfway through the story. I just chalk that up to many years of comics reading experience.
Everyone in the cast gets a chance to shine. Raven is confronted with her demonic past and what she might have become if not for the love and support of her friends. Nightwing proves that all those years under the wing of the Caped Crusader were not in vain as his investigative and leadership skills are on full display. And Marv Wolfman truly shows why Starfire was a breakout star of the original series. I love this version of the character and miss the days when Koriand’r and Dick Grayson were an item. I wish the current rendition of Starfire in the pages of Red Hood and the Outlaws could be a little less tawdry, and a little more like the original. But, c'est la vie.
Longtime fans will love it, as it fits seamlessly in with the narrative of the Titans mythos. New fans can also enjoy it because…well, because they have eyes. This is truly a modern masterpiece, and I hope Wolfman and Perez are not done and have another Titans story for us at some point in the near future. I don’t think I could wait another twenty years.
Next,
The Ultimates – Odinson Rating: 5 Hammers - The Odinson is not a fan of the Ultimate Universe. For the most part, I just see it as a playground for modern creators to put classic character into ridiculous situations and/or kill them off in outlandish ways they never could in the Marvel Universe. However, that being said, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch really caught lightning in a bottle in their little corner of the Ultimate U. They truly capture the essence of these legendary characters - the man out of time, the billionaire/playboy/philanthropist with flaws, the meek man of science that becomes an unstoppable force of rage when provoked, and the power and awe of a thunder god walking amongst mere mortals. It’s been said many times before…there is no way these people should be in the same room with one another. But when they come together they are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and they assemble to take on the threats no single hero can defeat alone.
Everything that makes the Avengers great is on display here. I could spend hours talking about this character or that scene so I’ll just focus on the main reason why I really dig this book – Captain America. Ultimate Steve Rogers (as is the case with most “Ultimate” versions) is more violent than the real Captain America. But what I really dig is that when they say he’s a super soldier, they mean it. If there is one thing that gets under my skin, it’s when some people (it could be other characters in the comics, some of the creators that make the comics, or even other fanboys) refer to Captain America as a regular guy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He’s not just a soldier…he’s a SUPER soldier. There is nothing regular about a guy that can break chains, jump out of ten-story windows, and take a punch from the Hulk. Cap can run faster, jump higher, see farther, and bench press more than any regular Joe on Earth, and no version illustrates that better than Ultimate Captain America. Like I’ve said before, when I read super hero comics or watch a super hero movie, I want to see my super heroes doing super hero things – extraordinary feats beyond the capabilities of ordinary men and women. The Ultimates got it right. The Captain America movie got it right. And, most of the time the creators get it right with the Marvel U Cap. But every now and then there’s that writer that treats him like he’s just a dude in blue chainmail that orders the other guys around.
But I digress.
The Ultimates is a modern take on a classic book and is the number one reason why the world will be treated to a live action Avengers movie this May. Ironically enough, Ultimates HC Vol. 1 features an introduction by none other than Joss Whedon himself, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and director of the aforementioned Avengers movie. In this introduction, he mirrors a lot of my own feelings about Millar and Hitch’s take on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (and he articulates it far better than I ever could). The Ultimates has been adapted into a really cool animated DVD movie (Ultimate Avengers: The Movie) that paved the way for the extremely awesome The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes animated series.
The Ultimates is the book of the decade and is well worth another read and New Teen Titans: Games, in a modern landscape of many new great original graphic novels, is a standout piece of art and well worth your hard earned shekels.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The Odinson's 7th Annual Shout Out to Rom, Greatest of the Spaceknights
Greetings from the Odinson,
You guessed it, boys and girls, it’s time once again for the Odinson’s annual shout-out to a sorely underused character with all the potential to be a great comic. Once a year I try to talk up one of my all time favorite heroes from the past in hopes that Marvel will dust him off and bring him back to the fold. I am, of course, speaking of Rom the Spaceknight, whose series ran 75 issues and 4 annuals from 1979-1987.
Rom (1979-1986) #1-75 and Rom Annual (1982-1985) #1-4 depict an epic tale of love, loss, redemption, and, of course, scary alien monsters. Deep in space two centuries ago a decisive battle between the forces of good and evil was fought. The brave Spaceknights of Galador defeated the evil sorcery and super-science of the Dire Wraiths, and scattered them to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. Now, in present day their eternal struggle has spilled over to Earth. Rom, greatest of the Spaceknights, has landed in a small West Virginia town. Frightened by the arrival of a seven-foot alien, the people of Clairton have called in the National Guard. Rom is then forced to defend himself against those he has come to save.
Now that’s the kind of set-up that sets the stage for a truly classic story.
Rom was a very important character to the early eighties Marvel Universe. For example, in Rom #32 Rogue – who at this time was still with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants - attempts to absorb Rom’s abilities. Rom’s innate nobility awakens her own goodness, thus helping her on her path to seek out the X-Men (as seen in Uncanny X-Men #171). The rest is history. Also, Richard Rider’s story did not actually end with the cancellation of his first series (Nova). It concluded in Fantastic Four (1961-1996 1st Series) #208 and Rom #24. After Rom helps Nova defend the planet Xandar from a Skrull invasion (those devious little alien villains who made a big noise in Secret Invasion), Richard Rider decides to give up his Nova powers and return to Earth. These issues bridge the gap between Nova (1976-1979 1st Series) #25 and New Warriors (1990-1996 1st Series) #1, where Nova made his triumphant return. In Incredible Hulk #296, when the citizens of a small town are mutated and begin to die from Gamma radiation poisoning, it’s Rom that swoops in and saves the day. The drama of this tale is part of what sets the Hulk on his spiraling path to his remarkable meltdown in the now classic Incredible Hulk #300.
Rom is a powerful force for good. The heart of a true hero resides in his nigh indestructible cyborg- shell. Marvel keeps teasing us with cameos by the Spaceknights in the space epics Annihilation and Annihilation: Conquest, but where is Rom? Rom has stood toe-to-toe with the likes of Jack of Hearts, Terrax the Tamer, Gladiator, the Savage Sub-Mariner, and he has survived encounters with the mighty Hulk and Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. He is definitely a force to be reckoned with. The greatest of the Spaceknights has fought side-by-side with some of Earth’s mightiest heroes – the X-Men and New Mutants, Torpedo, Power Man and Iron Fist, the Thing, Shang Chi, Doctor Strange, the Soviet Super Soldiers (now known as Winter Guard), and Alpha Flight. And talk about epic events…there is nothing more epic than the final battle between Rom and his sworn enemies, the Dire Wraiths, with the fate of mankind hanging in the balance. Rom is defeated and victory is within the grasp of the evil Dire Wraiths. However, one last thing stands in their way and total victory…all those pesky super-heroes Rom spent the first 64 issues of his series recruiting to his cause. Rom is joined by the Avengers, West Coast Avengers, X-Men, Defenders, Soviet Super-Soldiers and all of the heroes of the world in one last ultimate battle to rid the Earth of Wraithkind forever. To put it simply, it’s awesome, and it all takes place in Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #244-245, Uncanny X-Men #187-188, Rom Annual #3, and Rom #61-66.
I know Rom received a satisfying and well earned ending at the conclusion to his series, but with these cosmic events that keep creeping into the Marvel U (Annihilation, War of Kings, The Thanos Imperative), surely the Greatest Spaceknight can be enticed to come out of retirement to instill justice in a chaotic universe.
Rom’s original series features superb writing by Bill Mantlo and some of the best artwork from Sal Buscema’s illustrious career, plus some fantastic covers from Mike Zeck and Frank Miller, and pencils by the legendary Steve Ditko. I can’t recommend this comic enough. If you love Sci-Fi, stories of passion and bravery, cool guest appearances, and, of course, scary alien creatures, then Rom is for you.
At the very least this guy has earned the right to get either the Essential or Marvel Masterworks treatment. I know Marvel no longer possesses the rights to the character but now with the power of Disney backing them up surely they can muster the funds to pave the way for Rom’s return to the House of Ideas.
In the aftermath of the war with the Cancer-Verse, a cadre of the Marvel Universe’s most powerful galactic heroes unites to form the Annihilators (see Thanos Imperative: Devastation). The team is comprised of Gladiator, from the Shi’ar Empire, Ronan, from the Kree Empire, Quasar, the protector of the universe, Beta-Ray Bill, Thor’s brother in arms, and the Silver Surfer, Sentinel of the Spaceways. Now that line up by itself should be enough to get the reader to pick up Annihilators, but it was the wonderful surprise on the final page of Devastation that gave the Odinson goose-bumps. It seems that these galactic heroes will have their hands full, for in the wake of all the cosmic upheaval over the last few years (i.e. Annihilation, Conquest, War of Kings, and the Thanos Imperative) an old evil will rise once again to threaten the Marvel Universe. The Dire Wraiths have returned! And who better to combat this threat than the mighty Spaceknights of Galador. I, for one, can only hope that this means the triumphant return of Rom, greatest of the Spaceknights. The Spaceknights are back in the form of a cocky hero named Ikon. She’s a noble and capable warrior to be sure, but she lacks the compassion and likeability of Rom. Not only are the Dire Wraiths making trouble for our cosmic heroes but they are also popping up in other places, like the pages of FF. If these sinister shape-shifting aliens do make another play for universal domination, then the Marvel U is definitely going to need its greatest Spaceknight on the frontlines.
Well, Marvel just keeps teasing us with appearances by supporting cast members like Brandy Clark and returning villains from Rom’s past - villains like Doctor Dredd in the pages of Annihilators and Hybrid in the pages of Avengers Academy. Rom’s last appearance in comics was at Rick Jone’s wedding in Incredible Hulk #418. According to the events of Spaceknights (2000), Rom had taken the name Artour (remember his encounter with the ghosts of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in Rom #37). He is missing and presumed dead. As we all know, good heroes die hard. For instance, Rom made a cameo appearance in the instant classic 3-part South Park epic Imaginationland. What a triumphant moment that was for the Odinson to see one of his all time favorite heroes be recognized like that. Rom also made a not-so-triumphant appearance in an episode of Robot Chicken. Several times in recent months, Rom has been referred to and mentioned in all but name. STOP TEASING US, MARVEL! Please, work out the rights with Parker Brothers or whoever holds the rights to this awesome hero and return him back to the fold.
My point is that I’m obviously not the only Rom fan in the world. There are websites dedicated to Rom. This is an important character in Comics History. This is a fantastic creation and dearly needs to come back. This is my 7th Annual proclamation for Rom’s return and I’m prepared to do it every year until the end of time until the powers that be heed my call.
Marvel, hear my plea. Bring Rom back!
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The Odinson's Most Beautiful Women in Comics
Greetings from the Odinson,
It’s that time of year when the most beautiful women in America gather in Las Vegas to participate in the Miss America beauty pageant. The worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and comics are filled with attractive, talented, smart women, and the Odinson loves them all. But who is the most beautiful woman in comics? Instantly, visions of Princess Leia in her gold bikini being held captive in Jabba the Hutt’s palace come to mind. Dark beauties like Vampirella and Lady Death are unquestionably beautiful, but a little too dangerous for my taste. The villainess Poison Ivy is sultry and as enticing as a siren of myth and legend. But one kiss from this femme fatale could be the last.
Rogue is hot, but untouchable. Wonder Woman is beautiful, but unattainable. Betty and Veronica are cute, but this is a contest for women. So, who is the most beautiful woman in comics? Krause Publications tries to answer this question with their beautifully illustrated book 100 Sexiest Women in Comics. This is a fantastic look at just about all the beautiful women from across the multiverse. And though I may not agree with the order some of these beauties fall into, I can say, with all confidence, that this is a must read.
Well, in honor of the Miss America contest, the Odinson has decided to list the women whom he thinks are the most beautiful women in comics. Here’s a list of the gorgeous gals that just missed placing in this contest: Black Widow, Storm, Lara Croft, Princess Leia, and Xena. These five women, and others I’ve already mentioned, are extremely attractive, capable women, but my Top 5 are the cream of the crop.
So without further ado, here are the Odinson’s Most Beautiful Women in Comics.
5th Place goes to: Deja Thoris – Right off the bat, this runner up will have the fanboys fanning themselves as their faces flush. What confidence this Martian princess has in order to be able to prance around as scantily clad as she seemingly is all the time. Dynamite’s re-launch of the Warlord of Mars series has been a good one, and Deja Thoris is, without a doubt, a major factor for the buzz and success of this series. Sure, there are other alien beauties, but few can capture your attention and hold it like this Princess of Mars. All I have to say is, it must be really hot on Mars. Her Talent: She’s a natural born leader with a natural born talent for looking breath-taking on the red sands of Mars.
4th Place goes to: Buffy Summers – Now I have to admit that I’m a little biased with this pick because I have always had a huge crush in Sarah Michelle Gellar. But, c'est la vie! What can I say, the girl is hot. Buffy is not only attractive, but she’s smart, strong, loyal, and passionate. And when she falls in love, it’s forever. To this day, even though it’s been years since they were an item, Buffy can’t lay eyes on her ex-beau without getting flushed and affectionately saying his name – “Angel.” But make no mistake, Buffy is a heartbreaker. Just ask Xander, Riley Finn, and Spike. More so than any other name on this list, Buffy Summers knows fashion and is no stranger to a mall shopping spree. This is definitely one super heroine that is going to beat the bad guy, and look good while doing it. Her Talent: Vampire slaying.
3rd Place goes to: Catwoman – One word: catsuit. From the skin-tight outfit to the leather whip to the devil-may-care attitude, this is one pick that hardly has to be explained. Since her debut in Batman #1, this sultry vixen has walked a tightrope between villainess and heroine. She was a scene-stealer in the 1960s campy Batman TV Show (as portrayed by the lovely Julie Newmar). She was a scene-stealer in the Batman Animated Series (as voiced by the legendary Adrienne Barbeau). And she was definitely a scene-stealer in Batman Returns (as portrayed by the eternally sexy Michelle Pfeiffer). Not only will this kitten steal the crown jewels, but she’ll steal your heart as well. Her Talent: She’s a master thief with the uncanny ability to take even Batman’s breath away.
2nd Place goes to: Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew) – Yes, I know one of her super powers is that she can excrete a pheromone that makes men fall for her. Well, guess what, it’s working. When I was a young tike, there was a Spider-Woman cartoon and even as a child I found her to be beautiful. Fast forward many years later and Jessica Jones makes a triumphant return in the pages of New Avengers and as rendered by uber artist David Finch has become, without a doubt, one of the sexiest women I’ve ever seen in a comic book. How this young lady has remained single is beyond me, but it looks like a romantic relationship between her and Hawkeye is about to take off. So, not only is Clint Barton the World’s Mightiest Marksman, but he’s also the luckiest one too. Some guys just get all the breaks. Her Talent: This sexy heroine can glide through the air, climb up walls, and zap any evil doer that decides to get a little too handsy.
1st Place goes to: Invisible Woman – Susan Storm Richards is the most beautiful woman in comics. Period. As a founding member of the professional super adventurers the Fantastic Four, Sue has come a long way from her early days of being little more than a damsel in distress. She’s one of the most versatile and powerful super heroes in the Marvel Universe and she is a loving wife and mother. This matriarch of the Future Foundation has the patience to deal with her obnoxious younger brother (the Human Torch), the compassion to sympathize with her disfigured friend (the Thing), the understanding to support her scatter-brained scientist husband (Mister Fantastic), and still find time to be a doting mother to her children (Valeria and Franklin). Powerful men like Doctor Doom and especially Prince Namor of Atlantis are attracted and drawn to her. But Sue only has eyes for her man, Reed. Sue Richards is beautiful, smart, brave, loyal and independent. She is the perfect woman. Too bad she’s fictional. Her Talent: Not only can this beautiful and capable woman stare unflinching into the face of Galactus but she can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never ever let Reed Richards forget he’s a man.
Obviously, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For the Odinson, these five women are the most beautiful women in comics. Did your favorite make my list? The Odinson celebrates all women and holds a special place in his heart for all of them, especially those brave, beautiful women that protect us from the forces of evil.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
2011: The Year in Review
Greetings from the Odinson,
It’s time for Odinson’s 2011 “The Year in Review!”
The Comics
Fear Itself – I’m really torn on this one. This tale had a great opening with Book of the Skull, and the build up throughout the event was also great. The tension rising as the Fear god closed his bony fingers around the globe and caused civilization to fall into chaos. As the villain’s avatars wreaked havoc all over the globe and the Red Skull’s engines of war turned New York City into a war zone, the chance for survival, let alone victory, became more and more bleak for our heroes. There were great character moments for Captain America, Thor and Iron Man and a really awesome scene involving Thor’s hammer, but the climatic ending really fell short. It felt like most of the drama happened off camera. It just didn’t deliver the goods considering the amazing build up leading into it. Odinson Rating: 3 out of 5 Hammers
Flashpoint – It was DC Comics’ version of The Age of Apocalypse, and it was not executed nearly as well. The alternate characters were unlikable, and in most cases so far removed from the original as to make them unrecognizable. Alternate realities like these seem to just be about how the creators can kill off main characters in ways they never could in the real DCU. The only bit of drama I took from this tale happened in a side book when Booster Gold faced off with the monstrous Doomsday. But even the shocker of bringing this behemoth back every other year or so is wearing just a little thin. And before you think that I don’t have anything good to say about this storyline - Andy Kubert’s art was great. The other good thing to come out of this otherwise forgettable event (other then a collection of really nice BUTTONS) is that it set up the much anticipated launch of The New 52. Odinson Rating: 2 out of 5 Hammers
DC Comics: The New 52 – Easily one of the most anticipated events of the year. In a bold move, DC Comics restarted its entire line from issue #1, a 52 title launch that would restart and reinvigorate the DCU. Sort of... The Odinson was a big time supporter of this idea from the very beginning (see The Odinson Talks about the Big Announcement), and still am. But there is something missing. It just kind of feels like DC only halfway committed to its restart. Some of the books like Justice League and Action Comics are fantastic jumping on points, but other titles seem to just be business as usual with no real difference from what was going on before the launch of the New 52. With a lot of the titles, DC has really delivered. Batman, Nightwing, StormWatch, Aquaman, Action Comics, Superman, Suicide Squad and, of course, Justice League are really, really good. Justice League by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee has to be, hands down, the super hero book of the year. It’s simply amazing and Lee’s artwork just keeps getting better. All I’m saying is if you’re going to re-launch, then go all the way with it like you did in 1986. Don’t kind of do it and leave a backdoor escape route in case it doesn’t work. Have the courage of your convictions. I’m really enjoying the DC titles I mentioned above, as for the rest…I’m as on the fence about them as DC seems to be about really re-launching their universe. Odinson Rating: 3 out of 5 Hammers
X-Men: Schism – It’s the moment that will split the Children of the Atom into two factions. Like Civil War did to the Avengers, Schism pits the X-Men’s two top dogs, Cyclops and Wolverine, against each other with opposite opinions about the future of mutantkind. Half the team stayed with Cyclops on the west coast while the other half left Utopia with Wolverine and now make their base of operations in the east coast. Though the actual argument seemed a bit flimsy, the ramifications that followed their falling out was definitely major. Like so much that happened in the world of comics in 2011, Schism had huge build up but just didn’t seem to quite deliver all the goods. The real fall out of this in family fighting will be felt in 2012 in the pages of X-Men vs. Avengers when the already fractured X-Men will once again have to decide where loyalties lie. Odinson Rating: 3 out of 5 Hammers
Spider Island – This was just a big mess. There were a few really entertaining moments and guest-stars galore, but in the end it seemed like this whole event was simply put together to just break up Peter Parker and his current girl of interest. However, J. Jonah Jameson with Spidey powers earns this tale a Hammer. Odinson Rating: 1 out of 5 Hammers
The Return of Doctor Octopus – Otto Octavius, a.k.a. Doctor Octopus, has always been one of the Odinson’s favorite Spidey villains. Years ago, he was one of the most dangerous villains around. He’s as smart as Doctor Doom and his mechanical arms are as versatile and deadly as super weapons come. But what makes him even scarier is the fact that Doctor Octopus is certifiably insane. Spider-Man was always challenged when it came to dealing with this mad man’s diabolical schemes. Plus, it was Doc Ock that assembled the original Sinister Six! For years now, thanks to phobias, injuries, death and current creators seeming lack of respect for this great character, Doc Ock had become something akin to a punch line. That is until Died in Your Arms Tonight, when the most grotesque version of Ock made his triumphant return. Then 2011 became the year of the Octopus as first in Unfixable, Doctor Octopus made his presence known by outsmarting Tony Stark and actually making the “Iron Man” beg. Then Doctor Octopus reassembles the Sinister Six and pays a visit to his old foe Spider-Man and his new team the FF (see The Fantastic Spider-Man). Here, once again, Ock proves just how smart he is by outwitting the Big Brains of the Future Foundation. Finally, Octavius ends the year with a bang in Amazing Spider-Man #676 with a showdown against the Intelligencia. The Intelligencia is a cabal of criminal masterminds and comprised of some of the smartest super villains on Earth. Doc Ock is going to make them pay for not considering him for membership. And this is all just set up for what this diabolical super villain has in store for the Marvel U in 2012. I can’t wait to see what he has planned next. Odinson Rating: 5 out of 5 Hammers
Television
Walking Dead – This television series continues to be strong to quite strong. It’s good drama. As fantastic as the comic is, the show is even better. The show fills in all those gaps between panels and, through the performances of the actors, really fleshes out the characters. And the twists and turns the show makes that the comics don’t, really keeps longtime readers and fans on their toes. The mid-season finale was, without a doubt, one of the most heart-breaking TV scenes in history. This is an amazing story of a small group of survivors trying to make their way during the end of days and the effect this dark and dangerous new world has upon them. Oh yeah, and there are zombies. This is one TV show well worth your time. Odinson Rating: 4 out of 5 Hammers
The Movies
So busy was the Odinson in 2011 that I hardly found time to get to go to the movies. So first let me comment on the movies I haven’t seen yet. Adventures of Tin Tin, I can’t imagine this film could be better than a live action version, but with Spielberg involved I’ll wait until I see it to pass judgment. I really wanted to see Immortals. It just seems right up my alley and I can’t wait to see if it lives up to my expectations. I’m scared to watch the new Conan the Barbarian movie. That’s such an important character and I just hope they did him justice. With X-Men: First Class I’m already not a huge X fan and it will take way more than a story about Professor X and Magneto in their younger days to get me to sit in a theatre for two and a half hours. Revenge of the Fallen was so poorly executed that I skipped Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon. And I’m told it was to my detriment. As for Smurfs, I barely liked the cartoon, so I’ll wait for Netflix. As for Green Hornet? No interest.
Now on to the films I actually saw.
Thor – I’ve already spoken at length about this film in the past (see Thor Movie Review). With a fantastic cast, story, director, and a respect for the source material, Thor not only hit a home run but it knocked the ball out of the park. The opening scene in Asgard brought a tear to my eye. ‘Nuff said. Odinson Rating: 5 out of 5 Hammers and a Thunderclap
Green Lantern – Now this one is funny for me because I really want to like it, almost to the point of forcing myself. It was a good movie, not great, but OK. And therein lies the problem. If you are going shill out your hard earned money and sit in the theatre for two hours you want to be wowed. Warner almost got it right but there just seemed to be a little bit missing. Odinson Rating: 3 out of 5 Hammers
Captain America: The First Avenger – Like its Thor counterpart, Cap’s film was almost perfectly executed. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t completely on board with the casting of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers. But boy did he bring it. Seeing my all time favorite super hero come to life on the Big Screen was amazing. My only complaint was the cop out of using a pseudo off shoot faction of the Axis Powers instead of the Nazis themselves. And the laser guns were a little much. But seeing Cap fling his mighty shield on the Big Screen more than made up for that. And the early preview of 2012’s Avengers movie didn’t hurt either. Odinson Rating: 4 out of 5 Hammers
Cowboys and Aliens – Produced by Ron Howard (Willow, The Da Vinci Code) and Steven Spielberg (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws), directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man), and starring Daniel Craig (Casino Royale) and Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Indiana Jones) – there’s no way this movie isn’t going to be great, right? Well... The idea is solid. The cast is amazing. The direction is well executed. Yet I walked away from this one simply saying “meh.” First off, it’s about 45 minutes too long. It takes 20 minutes in the beginning of the film before anything really happens. And there are too many endings. If it wasn’t for the wonderful performances by the films stars, Craig and Ford, then the film would hardly be worth watching at all. It also doesn’t hurt that it co-stars the beautiful Olivia Wilde (TRON: Legacy and Baroness in The Ballad of G.I. Joe video short from Funny or Die). In the end, there were probably just too many hands in the cookie jar. Odinson Rating: 2 out of 5 Hammers
2012 may just turn out to be the best year for fanboys and girls yet. Blizzard plans to finally release its follow up to Starcraft II with Heart of the Swarm. Marvel has announced a huge mega championship bout between their two premiere super teams. X-Men vs. Avengers will settle the argument once and for all – who are Earth’s Mightiest Heroes? And with movies like Man of Steel, The Dark Knight Rises, Wrath of the Titans, and Amazing Spider-Man hitting theatres in 2012, this year is sure to be a step above all others. But the Odinson is not anticipating anything more than he is the arrival of The Avengers directed by none other than Joss Whedon himself.
So, here’s to 2011. It was fun. Now bring on 2012! Happy New Year everybody!
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The Odinson’s Top 10 Worlds of Imagination: Part 2
Seasons Greetings from the Odinson,
It’s now Christmas time and the Holiday Season is a time for joy and happiness, and a perfect time to catch up on your favorite books, comics, and movies. At times like these some people may find themselves with a lot of quiet time to fill. This is the perfect time to visit a World of Imagination. So the Odinson is presenting his Top 10 Worlds of Imagination to visit this Holiday Season. Last week the top half of my list shaped up like this:
10 – The View Askewniverse
09 – G.I. Joe/Transformers
08 – World of Blizzard
07 – The Hyborian Age
06 – The Forgotten Realms
Those first five are going to be hard to top. So without further ado, let’s check out the rest of the list.
The Odinson’s Top 10 Worlds of Imagination: Part 2
05 – Star Trek – “Space, the final frontier…” The original Star Trek TV series set the standard for all other sci-fi shows to follow. Creator Gene Roddenberry had a beautiful vision of the future where men and women of all nationalities put aside their differences and banded together to advance society and reach out to travel among the stars. For nearly five decades now this idea has been an inspiration for countless fans around the world. I know there are many fans of Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, and the Animated Series but, without a doubt, for the Odinson, the gems of this long running series are the aforementioned original Star Trek, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek.
The original series starred William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, a brash handsome hero who could overcome any challenge using guile and wit and a man whose romantic conquests were nearly as legendary as his heroic ones. It also featured Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock; the yin to Kirk’s yang. Spock was rational, analytical, and, with him, logic always ruled the day. The Wrath of Khan was not only the second movie in the series but it was also the sequel to one of the most memorable episodes from the original TV series, and featured the return of the genetic superman Khan Noonien Singh, easily one of the greatest villains in the entire history of Star Trek. The Undiscovered Country is the last hooray of the original cast that started it all and they go out with a bang. Star Trek: The Next Generation had wonderful character arcs for Data, Worf and Captain Jean-Luc Picard, but any series that introduces villains like Q and the Borg into the universe is an instant classic. Then, in 2009, director J.J. Abrams, reset the continuity and launched Star Trek from the beginning with a whole new cast of young actors and updated the franchise for a whole new generation of fans. And he did it in a way that longtime fans could also get on board with it.
Star Trek has a lot of history and no matter what your Trek is, there is bound to be a Star Trek that fits your fancy.
04 – The Whedonverse – Joss Whedon is a third generation writer that got his start writing episodes of Rosanne. This imaginative genius turned the horror genre on its ear when he created Rhonda the Immortal Waitress. In most horror movies the beautiful young girl is chased down a dark alley by the big scary monster and preyed upon. Joss turned the tables and the girl actually turns out to be the thing the monsters are afraid of. A few rewrites later and we’ve come to know this creation as Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Angel is the vampire with a soul, and Buffy’s ex beau. Two-hundred years ago he was the worst of his kind to ever stalk the earth. Now, thanks to a gypsy curse that returned his conscience, Angel is one of the greatest champions for good in the Whedonverse.
Then there’s Firefly, Joss Whedon’s cowboys in outer space. Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a roguish natural born leader of men with a crooked smile and a quick draw, along with his motley crew of misfits fly from one side of the galaxy to the other trying to avoid the law of the Alliance or the deadly flesh-eating Reavers and looking for their next score. These are thieves with hearts of gold, but unlike Robin Hood and His Merry Men, they don’t rob from the rich and give to the poor. No, they beg, borrow, steal and take the occasional less than legal job in order to keep their vessel, Serenity, flying. I imagine that if the fans of Star Wars were able to ever follow Han Solo and Chewbacca around the galaxy during their smuggling days it would look a lot like Mal’s adventures on Firefly.
Just to prove that the Whedonverse has even more variety, Joss throws in Dollhouse and Dr. Horrible. The Doll House is a mysterious organization that provides operatives for any, and I mean any, situation. Using super science these operatives can have any skill, from fighting to driving to seduction downloaded into their brains. But there is far more to the Doll House than meets the eye as a conspiracy is slowly beginning to unravel and may reveal a terrible truth that could mean the end of the world. Dr. Horrible is a hapless super villain that just wants to get the girl and membership into the Evil League of Evil. But that dastardly pompous hero Captain Hammer is always standing in his way. So whether you want to slay vampires with Buffy and Angel, streak through the universe with space pirates aboard the Serenity, sing along with Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog or follow the high concepts of Dollhouse, the Whedonverse has something for you.
03 – Star Wars – “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” Cue the bombastic John Williams score and let the goose-bumps rise. What can I possibly say about Star Wars that hasn’t already been said? If Star Trek set the standard, Star Wars broke the mold. At first it was simply Star Wars. But later it became known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. To this day when I’m talking about the movies and I say “Star Wars” I’m talking about A New Hope. As a child of the seventies and eighties there was absolutely nothing, NOTHING, bigger than Star Wars. The magic, the adventure, the romance, it had it all. Huge space battles, a beautiful princess in distress, a rogue and his monstrous companion, an old wizard, robots, and a farm boy armed with a freaking laser sword – Star Wars had it all. I know it’s cliché to say that Star Wars was ahead of its time, but Star Wars was way ahead of its time. The special effects were mind-blowing. And like many great movies of this kind (Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Matrix), Star Wars inspired a whole generation of movie makers.
Some may argue that The Empire Strikes Back is the superior film. The first chapter of Return of the Jedi when our heroes are on Tatooine battling Jabba the Hutt is some of the greatest Star Wars stuff in the franchise. And even the prequels – The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith – have a young Obi-Wan Kenobi to hold them together. But for me, nothing will ever top the original movie that started it all. Star Wars also introduced one of the greatest movie and sci-fi villains in history in Darth Vader. From movies to cartoons, novels to comics, toys to artwork, nothing in this genre beats Star Wars.
02 – The DC Universe – This is the comic book universe that started it all. And when you cut it down to its bare essentials, DC Comics’ greatness can be traced back to one hero – Superman. Some may think Batman is cooler and other heroes like Green Lantern and Flash are more fun, but it is Superman that sets the standard for all other super heroes to follow. He was the first, making his debut in Action Comics #1 back in 1938, and to this day, Superman is the greatest super hero ever! There are a thousand reasons I can give you why the DCU is so great. Due to the constraints of space and time I am going to narrow it down to why I love the DCU. It all started back in 1985 with Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Up to this point my only exposure to DC Comics was Superman, New Teen Titans, and the Super Friends cartoons. Crisis revealed this whole new world of heroes and villains and did it in the biggest, loudest way possible. I came to the Crisis because the creative team from New Teen Titans, Marv Wolfman and George Perez were doing the book. Boy, am I glad that I gave it a shot, because I entered the DCU right at the perfect time. Crisis on Infinite Earths reset the DCU and everything, for the most part, started over. So it was like I was on the ground floor. Titles like Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, SHAZAM The New Beginning, Justice League International, and Batman Year One allowed me to read the adventures of these fabulous characters as they grew and became what they are today. And I didn’t have to know 50 years of continuity that came before.
This chapter in the History of the DC Universe, the Post-Crisis DCU, ran from 1985 to 2005. It began with Crisis on Infinite Earths and culminated with the instant classic Infinite Crisis. Just think about all the fantastic comics history that occurred during that time – Darkseid’s diabolical scheme in Legends; the death of Jason Todd (Robin II); the Death of Superman; Bane breaking Batman’s back; Hal Jordan’s fall from grace; Zero Hour; Final Night, Grant Morrison’s JLA; the eye-opening and shocking events of Identity Crisis; the Countdown to Infinite Crisis with Day of Vengeance, The Rann/Thanagar War; the OMAC Project, and the Villains United. Just to mention a few things. It was 20 years of fantastic action/adventure and drama. And with the launch of The New 52, here’s to another 20 great years.
01 – The Marvel Universe – Every comic is somebody’s first comic and for me the very first comic I can remember thumbing through is Amazing Spider-Man #157. From the cliffhanger cover to the harrowing Spidey face-off with Doctor Octopus, I was hooked for life. The House of Ideas has the best playground of any World of Imagination. From Avengers Mansion in downtown New York City to Aunt May’s humble abode in Queens, from the Savage Land to Asteroid M, from Asgard to the Negative Zone, from Atlantis to the Kree Empire – the Marvel Universe is a place where anything can happen, and usually does.
The Marvel heroes have always been the more relatable in the super hero genre. Unlike the modern god-like heroes of the completion that watch the Earth below from their orbiting satellite high above it all, the Marvel heroes are seemingly everyday people with everyday concerns, and often with frailties. Peter Parker works hard to make ends meet and moonlights as the super hero Spider-Man. But the local newspaper has tagged him as a menace and if his ailing Aunt were to ever discover his secret it could prove fatal for her. Bruce Banner is a mild mannered scientist but when he becomes angry he turns into a 7-foot tall rage monster called the Hulk. Steve Rogers was the greatest hero of World War II, but in modern times Captain America struggles to find his place and struggles with the guilt over the death of his wartime partner, Bucky. Ben Grimm, after a cosmic accident suddenly finds himself trapped in the body of a monster people call the Thing. Matt Murdock was blinded as a child but his other senses were enhanced to superhuman levels and now he fights crime by day as a lawyer and by night as the masked vigilante Daredevil. Norrin Radd, in order to save his homeworld, gave up his humanity and became the Silver Surfer, the Herald of Galactus. But when he intervened on behalf of humanity, the Devourer of Worlds exiled him to planet Earth, forever keeping him from the stars and his beloved Shalla Bal. Thor, the mighty Norse god of thunder resides in the frail body of a crippled doctor named Donald Blake. The students of Xavier’s School for the Gifted defend mankind against the forces of evil as X-Men, even though society hates and fears them for being mutants. And these examples are only the beginnings of what would become the Marvel Universe.
Pathos! Pathos! Pathos! That is what sets the House of Ideas apart from the rest. I could tell you about this Big Event or that fantastic story but when it is all said and done, what makes the Marvel Universe the best there is at what they do is the characters. From the heroes to the villains to the best supporting casts in comics it has always been, and hopefully always be, the characters that are the driving force behind Marvel’s greatness.
Whatever your taste, whether you want to roam the red sands of Mars with John Carter, outsmart the vile agents of SPECTRE with 007, or reload The Matrix, the Odinson wishes you nothing but joy and happiness and have a very Merry Christmas.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The Odinson’s Top 10 Worlds of Imagination: Part 1
Greetings from the Odinson,
Do you remember the first time you ever read a book? Or, the first time you picked up a comic book? Listened to music? Or, watched a movie? All these mediums are gateways to worlds undreamed of, places that stimulate the imagination and excite the synapses of your mind. These are worlds of high adventure, passionate romance, and lurking danger. These are the Worlds of Imagination. Places like Wonderland where a young girls escalating journey through unbelievable landscapes and interactions with insanely mischievous characters leave her and the reader in stunned contemplation. How about the Land of Oz, where a lost child searching for a way home can befriend a brainless scarecrow, a heartless tin woodsman, and a cowardly lion? And who could possibly forget the wonder and danger of Middle-Earth, a land of might and magic where trees walk and even the smallest person can make a difference.
It’s now Christmas time in the world and the Holiday Season is a time of joy and happiness. As most people take vacation, television shows are on hiatus, and most of your Christmas shopping is behind you, it is also a time when some may find themselves with a lot of quiet time to fill. Whether with a book, comic, or DVD, this is the perfect time to visit a World of Imagination.
The Odinson’s Top 10 Worlds of Imagination: Part 1
10 – The View Askewniverse – Kevin Smith is a modern day renaissance man. As a writer, director, producer, public speaker, husband and father, Smith has lived the fanboy dream. He made a world for fanboys inhabited by fanboys, and that magical little kingdom is lovingly referred to as the View Askewniverse. It’s in this landscape that Generation X really gets a chance to shine. Here Clerks sit around clock-watching and debate the moral and deadly consequences of an independent contractor’s decision to work on the uncompleted Death Star in Return of the Jedi. Mallrats plot to topple a local villain and his terrible rip off game show. A bleeding heart comic book artist spends his days and nights Chasing Amy. Two rogue angels threaten the very foundation of religious Dogma. And, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. If you’re in the mood for witty, funny dialogue, relatable characters, and a world that is not that far removed from our own, then pay a visit to New Jersey and enjoy the 18-year old and older hijinks of the View Askewniverse.
09 – G.I. Joe/Transformers – Enter a world where things are more than meets the eye. A world where a group of brave elite soldiers fight for truth, justice and the American way against a diabolical terrorist organization determined to rule the world. The centuries old war of the Transformers, giant shape-changing robots from a far off world, has spilled over and planet Earth has become the frontlines. Mighty Optimus Prime, leader of the brave Autobots, struggles to stop the tyrannical Megatron and his vile militaristic Decepticons from draining Earth’s resources and destroying mankind. Meanwhile, General Hawk, Duke, Snake Eyes and the rest of GI Joe struggle to keep democracy free against the side-winding tactics of Cobra Commander, Destro, Major Bludd and the villains of Cobra. It’s GI Joe vs. Cobra, the Autobots vs. the Decepticons, and the winners in it all are the fanboys and girls. Yo, Joe!
08 – The Worlds of Blizzard – This is a realm where you can pick your poison. In the fantasy setting of World of Warcraft, choose a race – human, orc, elf, dwarf, or gnome – and explore the ever expanding world of Azeroth. Here you can help defend the realm from the invading hordes of the Burning Legion, topple the mighty Lich King, and try to survive the Cataclysmic return of the great wyrm – Deathwing the Destroyer. Or, rocket into outer space and join the three-way struggle for universal dominance in Starcraft. As the human terran race, use your armored space marines, tactical command centers and mighty mech to defend mankind against the Swarm. The Swarm, or zerg, is a vast hive mind insect-like race of monsters that spreads out across the galaxy and infests the landscape and fauna with their essence, assimilating all in their path. The zerg are a cross between the Xenomorphs from Aliens and the Arachnids of Starship Troopers. Very scary. Then there are the religious fanatics, the Protoss. The Toss, with their super technology, mighty war machines, and psychic powers, are a true force to be reckoned with and they will stop at nothing to wipe the zerg from the universe, even if it means eradicating all terran life to do it. It’s a three-way brawl for universal survival and you have a front row seat.
07 – The Hyborian Age – “… between the years when the oceans drank Atlantis and the gleaming cities, and the years of the rise of the Sons of Aryas, there was an Age undreamed of…Hither came Conan the Cimmerian, black-haired, sullen-eyed, sword in hand, a thief, a reaver, a slayer, with gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, to tread the jeweled thrones of the Earth under his sandalled feet.” – Robert E. Howard, "The Phoenix on the Sword"
Before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, there was Conan. Robert E. Howard, the godfather of modern fantasy, created a vivid world of danger, romance, and high adventure. His greatest creation was the barbaric hero Conan (described above far better than I could ever dare try). Conan traveled this ancient world of myth and magic from one coast to the other on his long journey to becoming a king by his own hand. Conan is the mightiest warrior of this genre and to this day his legendary exploits are cheered. Within this ancient realm there are other heroes from different time periods – Red Sonja, Kull of Atlantis, Bran Mak Morn – but none shine as bright or swing the sword quite like Robert E. Howard’s mighty Cimmerian. Whether it’s battling pirates, monsters, demon-gods, or sinister sorcerers, Conan conquers all who stand in his way. It is Howard’s world of Hyboria (along with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings) that set the stage for Dungeons and Dragons to follow.
06 – The Forgotten Realms – Set in the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons, the Forgotten Realms made its triumphant debut in 1987 and has only grown bigger and better everyday since. From Calimport up the Sword Coast to Luskan the City of Sails, from Icewind Dale to Waterdeep the City of Splendors, the Realms is a place where anything can happen, and does. There was a Time of Troubles when gods fell from the heavens and walked the earth and magic flared out of control. There’s Elminster, a seemingly immortal old sage that roams the Realms and aids heroes and travelers along their paths. Baldur’s Gate 1&2, set in the Forgotten Realms in the aftermath of the Time of Troubles, are, to this day, my all time favorite fantasy computer games. And The Pool of Radiance brings back nostalgic memories of my Commodore 64.
The Forgotten Realms also just so happens to be the home of the Odinson’s all time favorite fantasy hero – Drizzt Do’Urden. Drizzt is an anomaly. Born a dark elf, a race of malevolent evildoers, this noble warrior shed the evil ways of his treacherous kin and left the Underdark behind to reside in the surface world. Here though he deals with the prejudice of those that fear and hate him simply for the color of his skin. He has fought long and hard and is now actually considered across Faerun to be one of the Realms’ greatest heroes. With his whirling twin scimitars, his celestial black panther and the Companions of Mithral Hall at his side, there is no foe Drizzt cannot conquer. Created by R.A. Salvatore, Drizzt made his debut in The Crystal Shard, the Odinson’s all time favorite book, and has gone on to star in more than twenty novels, a comic series and made memorable cameos in the Baldur’s Gate computer games. How this character has not been turned into a movie yet is beyond me.
So during the down time of this Holiday Season, be sure to visit your favorite Worlds of Imagination and be sure to check back in next week when the Odinson rounds out his list with a trek through the final frontier, a town on top of a Hellmouth, a galaxy far, far away, the original comics universe, and the House of Ideas.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The House of Ideas Makes a Big Announcement for 2012 - AVX!
Greetings from the Odinson,
Recently Marvel made a Big Announcement. The House of Ideas is going to settle the argument about who is the mightiest super team in the Marvel Universe once and for all, and they are going to do it with a mega event titled AVENGERS VS. X-MEN. There are so many aspects about this announcement that get the Odinson excited it’s hard to know where to begin.
It all starts this December in the pages of Avengers: X-Sanction. The super human freedom fighter Cable comes back from the future to present time in order to stop a major catastrophe involving the Avengers. And as Marvel fans know, this man of tomorrow is not going to let a little thing like Earth’s Mightiest Heroes stop him from accomplishing his mission. What event could possibly cause a man inspired by the Avengers to want to dismantle them? Well, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Just pick up Marvel Point One, a 1-shot setting up next year’s major plot points, and you will see the return of arguably the greatest threat/miracle the Marvel Universe has ever known – the Phoenix Force. The issue also includes a 2-page ad depicting a fiery bird with the ominous warning “It’s coming.” So the Phoenix Force is headed for Earth and you can imagine this would make the heroes of our planet a bit nervous. So, decisions are made, a line is drawn in the sand, and the battle is joined, as the Children of the Atom face off with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to decide the fate of mankind. I’m getting giddy just writing those words down.
Now this isn’t the first time these mutant heroes and Marvel’s premiere super team have butted heads. Way back in Uncanny X-Men #9 the Avengers arrive to take down the villainous Lucifer, but if they succeed the world is doomed and the only ones that can stop them from making this mistake are the students of Xavier’s School for the Gifted. In Avengers (1963-1996 1st Series) #53, a misunderstanding sets these two mighty teams against each other yet again. Back in the 80s, during Marvel’s 25th Anniversary celebration, back when Wolverine still walked around with a chip on his shoulder bigger than the Hulk’s, Wolverine and Captain America traded blows (see Captain America Annual #8). But things really got heated between the Avengers and X-Men in the now classic X-Men vs. Avengers. The X-Men were harboring Magneto, a known terrorist, and the Avengers set out to bring him to justice. Throw the Soviet Super Soldiers into the mix and let the fun begin!
The difference between these previous encounters, and most hero vs. hero throw downs for that matter, is that while all these battles usually ended in the obligatory stalemate with both sides working together in the end, AVENGERS VS. X-MEN will have a decisive winner. So once and for all the world will know who would win if the X-Men and the Avengers battled for the heavyweight championship belt. This is absolutely one area where Marvel really has it over on DC. There is a legitimate debate between who is mightier, the X-Men or Avengers? In the DCU, there’s the Justice League and everyone else. The Teen Titans certainly aren’t a challenge to the JLA’s premiere status. Who else? The Outsiders, Doom Patrol, the Secret Six? Give me a break. Superman could defeat all those teams single-handedly. I could possibly make a case for JLA vs. the Legion of Super-Heroes, but that would just involve a lot of time travel and that’s just a headache all its own. So nobody debates the Justice League’s place in the DCU. But there seems to be a real split amongst Marvel fans who is the strongest super team in their universe is – the Avengers or the X-Men.
Well, my friends, we are finally about to find out.
Now before I go on, let me address the question “why are super heroes fighting super heroes?” I am one who thinks heroes shouldn’t fight heroes, but it doesn’t stop me from enjoying the drama. These are age old questions that have been asked for centuries. Who is stronger – Hercules or Samson? Who would win? Achilles vs. Hector. Human Torch vs. Sub-Mariner. Hulk vs. Thing. These are the debates that have driven countless conversations between fanboys and girls since the beginning. And I, for one, am excited to finally have the debate settled.
Heavyweight fights are all about the match ups and this one provides so many delicious recipes. Along with their many other recently acquired assets (Danger, Namor, and the Colossus/Juggernaut hybrid), the X-Men also have (pardon the pun) a huge X-Factor in Magneto. This guy is easily one of the most powerful beings to ever walk the earth. Anyone that can single-handedly defeat Proteus in battle is promoted to instant Alpha Class. And with the mighty Thor apparently pushing up daisies right now, I just don’t know who the Avengers have that can counter what the Master of Magnetism brings to the table. They will have to come up with something since a lot of their assets (Iron Man’s armor, Cap’s shield, Thor’s hammer, Hawkeye’s arrows, etc.) are made of metal. Iron Man did one time produce a “de-magnetized” version of his armor (comic book logic at play once again) to take on Magneto in Avengers West Coast #60.
So right off the bat, the Avengers have two major obstacles to overcome – Magneto and the seemingly endless supply of telepaths the X-Men have. Physically Earth’s Mightiest Heroes can go toe-to-toe with anybody. They proved that in JLA/Avengers. But the X-Men bring an array of skills and power sets that are very different from the norm. However, the Avengers do have Doctor Strange the Sorcerer Supreme on their side and the X-Men don’t really have anything to counter that (No, Magik can’t beat the Master of the Mystic Arts).
Another delicious aspect of this match up is where will loyalties lie? Wolverine just had a big falling out with Cyclops in Schism. He’s an Avenger, but he was an X-Man for years and years before that. Throw in the fact that this tussle is about the return of the Phoenix Force and he is definitely a character to keep an eye on during this event. Storm, a perennial member of the X-Men, is now also a member of the Avengers and married to the Black Panther, a longtime Avenger and loyal friend to Captain America. How about a character like the Beast? This bouncing blue hero is just as easily identified with the Avengers as he is with the X-Men (Beast was a valued member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes for most of the 70s and into the early 80s). And don’t forget that Magneto’s own children, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, will probably fall in line with their Avengers teammates. Drama!
Hands down the most interesting showdown I'm looking forward to is Captain America vs. Cyclops. Cap has a way to block Scott's power but Scott can also block Cap's shield throw with his power. It will be so fun watching these two strategic masterminds go at it. I just don’t understand why there always seems to be friction between these two. I envision a future where we see Steve and Scott meeting once a month for a game of chess and discussing strategies on how to take down Doctor Doom and the Brood. Here’s a question. Cyclops’ power is force and Cap’s shield absorbs kinetic energy (it’s made of vibranium). If Cyclops blasts Cap’s shield and then Cap throws it, would his shield hit with the force of Thor’s hammer? I don’t know if this comic book logic adds up, but that would be a cool scenario.
AVENGERS VS. X-MEN is going to be 12 issues released bi-weekly. One of the best features about this event as compared to others is that it will be contained in the main series and only encompass the X-Men and Avengers titles. So a fan does not have to buy 20 comics each week in order to follow the story. On Marvel’s website there is a wonderful 40-minute interview with a round table of the writers and editors responsible for this event (check it out HERE). Speaking of which, the creative team assembled for this book is incredible. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, Ed Brubaker, and Matt Fraction and with art by John Romita Jr., Olivier Coipel and Adam Kubert, AVENGERS VS. X-MEN promises to be something really special.
Anyone who knows me or has followed my columns for any length of time obviously knows on which side the Odinson’s loyalties are going to fall when this goes down. Captain America and Thor are my all time favorite heroes and the Avengers is my all time favorite comic book. Before I go, I’m going to leave you with a list of recommended reading to prepare yourself for this coming event. You will not have to read these in order to enjoy the story but as a longtime Marvel fan, I know these will provide some wonderful back story leading into AVENGERS VS. X-MEN.
Oh, one more thing…
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!
The Odinson’s Recommended Reading before AVENGERS VS. X-MEN hits stands in April:
X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga
Uncanny X-Men #150 and 200
X-Men vs. Avengers
House of M
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade
Marvel Point One
Avengers: X-Sanction
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
The Odinson’s Annual Christmas List of Ideas for that Special Someone
Seasons Greetings from the Odinson,
Christmas is almost here and it’s time for Odinson’s annual Christmas List of Ideas for that special someone on your shopping list. ‘Tis the season to be jolly and I have picks for everyone. Use this link to see the shipping schedule in order to get your package there by Christmas Day (Holidays Shipping Schedule).
For the person who loves Spider-Man: Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day
For the person who loves Batman: Batman Hush HC (Absolute Edition)
For the person who loves Superman: Superman Secret Origin HC (Deluxe Edition)
For the person who loves Captain America: Captain America Operation Rebirth TPB (Deluxe Edition)
For the person who loves the Mighty Thor: Thor by J. Michael Straczynski
For the person who loves Aliens: Aliens Omnibus
For the person who loves the Predator: Predator Omnibus
For the person who loves Aliens against Predators: Aliens vs. Predator Omnibus
For the Buffy fan: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus
For the Joss Whedon fan: The Write Environment with Joss Whedon
For the person who misses the Sunday classics: Sundays with Walt and Skeezix HC
For the adult superhero fan: Watchmen TPB
For the person who loves Stephen King: Stephen King’s The Stand
For that person the loves Stephen King and Vampires: American Vampire
For the person who wants to celebrate the Holidays with their heroes: JSA #54 and DC Universe Christmas TPB
For the person who likes to mix their Big Events with Christmas: DCU Infinite Holiday Special
For the person who doesn’t miss an episode of CSI: CSI Omnibus
For the person who loves baseball: Heroes of the Negro Leagues
For the person who wants to see a little boy get his Christmas even in the middle of the Apocalypse: Last Christmas TPB
For that PC gamer on a never-ending quest to explore the world of Azeroth: Word of Warcraft HC
For the WOW fan that can’t decide who’d win between a Hunter and a Mohawk Nightelf: Chuck Norris vs. Mr. T
For that terran struggling against the protoss and fighting to keep the galaxy safe from zerg infestation: Starcraft HC
For the person that remembers collecting “Tumblers”: Collectible Glass Tumblers/Cups
For the rebellious teen that just wants to rock out and get the girl: Scott Pilgrim
For the person that wants to see Santa kick a little butt: Santa the Barbarian
For the person that wants to see Santa get what’s coming to him: Lobo Paramilitary Christmas Special
For the person that can’t get enough of that galaxy far, far away: Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia (Slipcase Set)
For the person that wants to be a Jedi Knight: Star Wars: Lightsabers
For the person that wants to settle the argument once and for all: Star Wars: Head to Head
For the person that loves comics history: 75 Years of DC Comics HC
For the person that loves comics history and DVDs: Secret Origin The Story of DC Comics DVD
For the fanboys and fangirls that loves flare: Collector Buttons/Fanboy Flare
For the person that wants to keep their lunch safe from bullies: Collectible Lunch Boxes
For the person who wants to see the Hulk smash, even during the Holidays: Incredible Hulk #378
For the Robert E. Howard fan: Best of Robert E. Howard HC (Limited Edition)
For the fan of kung fu: The Immortal Iron Fist
For the fan of super-sized kung fu: Dragon Ball Z TPB (VizBig Edition)
For the person who loves the classics: A Christmas Carol
For the ultimate zombie fan: Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks GN
And, finally -
For the hopeless romantic: Archie Marries Betty/Veronica: 70 Years in the Making
Merry Christmas, from the Odinson. -
The Watchmen Movie Revisited and the Odinson Welcomes a Special Guest in to Speak about Frank Frazetta
Greetings from the Odinson,
I hope everyone had wonderful Thanksgiving. The Odinson took his time off to revisit the Watchmen movie. I remember when I saw the very first teaser trailer for this movie and how excited I was for its release. When the movie finally hit theatres in the spring of 2009 I remember really enjoying it, but for some reason I seemed to be in the minority. I’ve never really understood some of the fans’ dislike for this film. Well, I haven’t seen the film since its release and decided to check it out again to make sure that I wasn’t the one who was mistaken. My verdict? Watchmen is simply amazing. Not only is it an amazing adaptation of the classic graphic novel, but it actually adds little nuances that expand upon ideas presented by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
I’m not going to go into plot details and story breakdowns; the graphic novel is there for fans to read and the movie is available for viewing. I do, however, want to point out a few reasons why the movie is awesome. First off, many people said that Watchmen was the un-filmable movie. Zack Snyder, the enthusiastic director of such films as Dawn of the Dead, 300, and the upcoming Man of Steel, proved the critics wrong. I can’t imagine a better version being made. In some instances the movie is actually even better than the graphic novel.
Now before you grab your torches and pitchforks, let me explain. As masterfully executed as the graphic novel is, there are just some things that a motion picture can do better than a comics page. For instance, the book tells you these people are super heroes, the movie shows you. The scene where Dan and Laurie are attacked by the Topknots in the alleyway; the scene when Rorschach breaks into the military installation; and the scene where Nite Owl and Silk Spectre break Rorschach out of prison beautifully illustrate, more so than the graphic novel, why these people are a force to be reckoned with and why, even in a real world setting, the viewer can believe masked avengers could really exist. Even the opening scene with the Comedian’s last stand was amazing.
A couple of other things about the film I really enjoyed were the opening montage and the film’s finale. In the opening montage the viewer gets to see a lot of the events that the graphic novel only talks about. And I will go on record right now and say that the climactic scene when the Watchmen finally confront the mastermind behind everything is infinitely more spectacular than the one that takes place in the graphic novel. When I watch super heroes, I want to see them doing super human things and the movie totally delivers on this.
I am NOT saying the film is better than the graphic novel, but I am saying there are some things the moving picture does better than the still page. Watchmen is a classic piece of literature and its film adaptation is fantastic. The version I watched is the Director’s Cut, and at over three hours of running time, it is far superior to the edited down version that fans saw in the theatres. So revisit this film and I’m sure that if you watch it with an open mind you’ll agree that it is a good adaptation and actually offers a little something of its own. I’d be willing to bet even Alan Moore would admit he liked it if he wasn’t such a pretentious old wizard.
Now the Odinson has a special treat for you.
Frank Frazetta is a legend in this industry. He is a renowned cartoonist and painter. His Conan work is instantly recognizable and many consider him to be the Godfather of fantasy art. Craig Miller, co-Editor of the long-running magazine Wrapped in Plastic and Editor/Publisher of Following Cerebus, has put together a review of Vanguard Productions recent release of their Frazetta Classics series. Craig is quite knowledgeable when it comes to the subject of Frazetta and he has lot of nice information to share. Here’s what he had to say.
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Johnny Comet
(Vanguard Frazetta Classics)
by Craig Miller (on loan from Following Cerebus)
In the past few years a number of exquisite editions of books featuring the art of Frank Frazetta have appeared. For instance, Underwood Books produced three deluxe hardcovers (Icon, Legacy, and Testament) covering Frazetta's life and art in detail. BlackBart published Telling Stories: The Comic Art of Frank Frazetta, a stunning hardcover containing Thun'da plus a selection of other top-notch stories. It was a welcome change from previous books that had focused on the artist's paintings. Spectrum Fantastic Art released Rough Work, a collection of sketches and concept art that gave fans a peek at Frazetta's creative process. And Vanguard Productions gave us The Definitive Frazetta Reference, an invaluable illustrated volume to those of us seeking rare and obscure work.
Recently, that same Vanguard (publishers of deluxe art books featuring Neal Adams, Hal Foster, Jim Steranko, Michael Golden, Curt Swan, and many others) has presented a book that deserves a spot alongside those other Frazetta books comprising an essential Frazetta library, and that book is Johnny Comet, the first volume in Vanguard's Frazetta Classics library (the second being White Indian, also highly worth checking out).
Newer fans might not be familiar with Johnny Comet, and even long-time fans might not have seen this material, as this work precedes Frazetta's rise to superstardom that began in the mid 60s with his iconic covers for the Lancer editions of the Conan paperbacks. He had first garnered notice with his work on some of the EC Comics of the early 50s (often in collaboration with Al Williamson and others). When those comics died out, Frazetta ended up working as Al Capp's assistant on Li'l Abner for nine years. Frazetta left in 1961, and his job search proved surprisingly difficult, as his style--influenced by early 20th century illustrators, was deemed too old-fashioned. Eventually he produced some memorable paperback covers to Edgar Rice Burroughs books, interior illustrations to Science Fiction Book Club editions of Burroughs, and the aforementioned Conan paperbacks, and by the early-to-mid 70s, Frazetta had established himself as the premiere fantasy artist of his time, and perhaps of all time. His work appeared everywhere--paperback covers, record album covers, posters, the sides of vans*, you name it.
*Factoid: Before Michael Golden broke into comics in the late 70s, one of his jobs was painting Frazetta swipes on the sides of vans.
Frazetta was a superstar, painting the movie poster to Clint Eastwood's The Gauntlet, designing Bo Derek's letterhead, meeting with the likes of George Lucas and Sylvester Stallone, painting double-spread TV Guide ads for Battlestar Galactica, and on and on. One science fiction writer told me that a Frazetta cover on a paperback book boosted sales by 10,000 copies--"Not enough to guarantee a profit, but a pretty good start." Bantam Books released a series of successful, authorized Frazetta art books, while numerous unauthorized magazines and fanzines simply published collections of his art without authorization.
Frazetta's work has been reprinted to such an extent that surely by now, in 2011, fanatics (present company included) have seen all of the major Frazetta work to date and much of the minor work too, right?
Not so. David Spurlock's publishing company Vanguard has reprinted Frazetta's short-lived 1952-53 Johnny Comet newspaper strip and produced a volume for the ages. There are at least two amazing aspects to this: one, that the strip itself has been so difficult to find in any format to date (two previous inferior editions were produced many years ago and are now out of print), and even more, that the Johnny Comet work is some of the most astounding work ever done by Frazetta. How could it have been virtually forgotten all these years?
The story itself follows the adventures of midget-car racer Johnny Comet, and while exciting in and of itself, it's the art that will interest Frazetta's fans, and Vanguard's deluxe edition finally allows fans to see its beauty. The artist's deft pen-and-brush inking is all here, along with the dynamic compositions and figure work that may be Frazetta's most recognizable talent (well, that and his drawings of beautiful women--also here). But there are other treats, such as the artist's surprising skill with caricature. While the strip is basically drawn in a "realistic" style, Frazetta pushes that realism significantly with some characters, and yet they all comfortably reside within the same comic book world. This ability should not be underestimated; it's extremely difficult to pull off, perhaps one reason it's such a rare occurrence in comics. I'm not talking about combining, say, humans and cartoon characters, of which many examples could be found, but broad caricature and "realistic" illustration in the same story. Michael Golden pulled it off in The 'Nam, for instance, but it's hard to think of too many examples. Wallace Wood could do it. But most comics artists have to pick one direction or the other and stick to it, or the work becomes a clashing mess of competing styles.
But Frazetta succeeded here, as he seemed to excel at every other style he attempted. And yet, even considering everything mentioned above--the dynamic art, the beautifully drawn women and heroic men, the stunning ink work--that still might not be the most amazing aspect of Johnny Comet. There is still something else that puts Johnny Comet on par with the greatest adventure comic strips of all time--and yes, I'm talking about Hal Foster's Prince Valiant and Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon. And that "something else" is this: Frazetta produced these strips on a daily basis. Foster and Raymond had a full week to produce their masterpieces. But Frazetta was creating a full daily strip in the time Foster and Raymond produced perhaps a single panel. When this fact sinks in, Frazetta's talent becomes even more amazing, and the Johnny Comet strip becomes perhaps the most phenomenal comic strip in history. The art is beautiful in and of itself; that it was produced at breakneck speed is nearly unbelievable.
Frazetta's long-overlooked masterpiece is finally given the presentation it deserves in the Vanguard edition. It not only puts to shame the previous Johnny Comet books; it puts to shame many of the high-priced reprint books that have poured onto the market in recent years. Frazetta's fine-line inking required a superior reproduction process, and [David] Spurlock has found a way to do it using the artists own proofs (scanned at 3600 ppi!). The Sunday strips are reproduced in full color (never before published in any collection) and are worth the price of the book just by themselves. A slipcover Deluxe Edition also contains 16 bonus pages of scans made directly from original artwork and provides yet another glimpse into the creation of the work.
Unless all of the original art is someday individually located and scanned directly, it's safe to say that there will never be a better Johnny Comet book ever published. It's frustrating as a comics fan to purchase a high-priced volume "despite its problems" just because it's the best available edition, only to have a significantly better collection come along years later (such as has happened with Prince Valiant). Frazetta fans need not worry; this Vanguard edition will not be outdone. When the Eisner Awards are handed out next year, Johnny Comet deserves to be one of the recipients.
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Now that’s a knowledgeable Frazetta fan! The Odinson would like to thank Craig for his enthusiasm and for sharing his considerable knowledge about an industry legend like Frank Frazetta. So be sure to check out Johnny Comet and, if you get a chance, revisit the Watchmen movie. I hope you like it as much as I did.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell -
Why is the Graphic Novel so Amazing? The Odinson has the Answer!
Greetings from the Odinson,
In this day and age it seems everything is being collected into trade paperbacks. And I am all for it! There’s nothing better than a good trade. You get to enjoy a fantastic action/adventure story in its entirety without the wear and tear on your comic book collection. There are few things in life better than lying around on a lazy Sunday afternoon and escaping into a world of high adventure and death-defying super hero exploits, the kind of worlds that come to life in the pages of a graphic novel. There are the MUST READS – Watchmen; The Dark Knight Returns; and The Dark Phoenix Saga. There are the EPICS – Crisis on Infinite Earths; The Sinestro Corps War; and Annihilation. And there are the INSTANT CLASSICS – All-Star Superman; New Frontier; and The Winter Soldier.
Aside from the titles I’ve already mentioned above, some of my favorite graphic novels are Avengers: Under Siege, here Earth’s Mightiest Heroes must endure and overcome their greatest defeat at the hands of their fiercest adversaries – the Masters of Evil. I absolutely love Wolverine by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller. In what has become known as The Japan Adventure, these two modern masters are at the height of their powers as they define a character that will go on to become one of the most popular of all time. Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, the story that launched the Big Event, features all my favorite heroes duking it out with the galaxy’s most dangerous super villains. It’s like reading Marvel’s version of Challenge of the Super Friends (for you youngsters - that was a cartoon from the late ‘70s that featured the Justice League battling the Legion of Doom).
One of the best aspects about trades, collections and graphic novels is the bang for your buck you get when you buy one. A comic fan can read the Golden Age and Silver Age adventures of their favorite heroes without having to spend a small fortune. For instance, if you wanted to read about the Man of Steel’s earliest adventures from the Golden Age, Action Comics #1 alone will cost you one million dollars. However, collections offer an affordable alternative. DC Archives allow a fan to revisit all these classic Golden Age and Silver Age tales without breaking the bank. The same thing can be said about Marvel Masterworks. These glorious tomes allow you to relive the dawn of the Marvel Age and witness the origins of the House of Ideas.
For years comics had an erroneous stigma of being just for kids or for the illiterate. It seems though, with the graphic novel, those that aren’t already comic fans for some reason find it easier to accept the material in this fashion. Because of the square bound cardstock and in some cases hardcover formats, graphic novels can be sold on the shelf in stores side by side with books and novels. The rise of the graphic novel and in many ways the legitimacy of the comic book medium are due to the success and quality of the stories put out in the ‘80s. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons signaled that these stories were not just for kids anymore. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller redefined that character for the next decade and beyond. Writers like Neil Gaiman (Sandman) started winning prestigious awards usually reserved for “legitimate” writers. Watchmen not only set the bar for other forms of graphic fiction to follow, but it was listed by Time Magazine as one of the Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century. Not too shabby for a comic book.
Over the next two decades following the ‘80s, the graphic novel and trade paperback collection format exploded. The graphic novel format really compliments the Big Event. A fan can read Infinite Crisis, House of M, or WildStorm Rising and get a complete story without having to wait one month between issues or trying to track down all the comics that connect the story, a task that can be quite daunting when the crossover bridges across several different titles. The trade paperback collection has done all the work for the fan and provides the story in its entirety. The graphic novel format also compliments the finite tale, a story that has a beginning, middle and end. Modern classics like Preacher by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, 100 Bullets by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso, Y the Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra benefit greatly from this format. These are stories that are meant to be read from beginning to end and can be enjoyed and have just as much entertainment as any prose novel on the shelf.
For years Manga, the Japanese style of graphic storytelling, has been a perennial seller. Though its popularity has waned in recent months, there was a time when titles like Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Yu-Gi-Oh and Bleach would sell just as many, if not more, copies than a trade featuring Spider-Man or Batman. In an interview, Kenturo Miura, creator of Berserk, has said that he was a huge fan of Highlander and that it was a big influence on him. Manga are as diverse as their American counterparts. A reader can enjoy science fiction (Mobile Suit Gundam Seed), fantasy (Legend of Zelda), action/adventure (Fullmetal Alchemist), and even romance (Oh My Goddess). There are no limitations for graphic novels.
With the popularity of the graphic novel format rapidly growing, just about everything, sooner or later, gets collected into a trade or hardcover. However, believe it or not, there are still some classic stories that have yet to be collected. For instance, the epic tale of Rom, the greatest of the Spaceknights of Galador and one of the finest heroes to ever grace the comic book page, has never been collected into graphic novel format. This is a saga that desperately needs to be honored and brought back to the public consciousness. The Odinson waits, fingers crossed, hoping that one day the ownership rights for this wonderful character can be worked out and we will see his triumphant return (more on this in my annual Rom column returning in January).
Here are three tales that need to get the graphic novel treatment:
The Hulk in Exile – Long before Planet Hulk, there was this story. Following the events of the first Secret Wars, the Hulk, whose mighty frame at that time was under the control of Bruce Banner, started showing signs of losing control. For months (Incredible Hulk #295-299) this builds until in Incredible Hulk #300 it all comes to an end. Due in no small part to the dream demon Nightmare’s meddling, Hulk, now completely without Banner’s influence, rages out of control on the streets of New York. The police, SHIELD, even Power Man and Iron Fist are powerless to stop the Green Goliath’s rage-fueled rampage. It’s all Spider-Man and Daredevil can do just to keep innocent bystanders safe. When the Avengers arrive on the scene the battle escalates and threatens to destroy the entire city. Enter: Doctor Strange. Seeing no other way to stop the Hulk, the Master of the mystic Arts banishes the Jade Giant to The Crossroads, a mystical realm that leads to an infinite number of worlds, but none of the paths lead back home. This is where the Hulk’s journey begins. On this journey we see the Hulk like never before, enduring dangers that can harm even his nigh indestructible body and braving alien landscapes that would drive a normal man insane. This is a unique Hulk adventure and the fact that it has never been collected is a shame. Incredible Hulk #295-300 should be collected as well and titled: The Hulk in Exile Prelude: Passion of the Beast.
The Hulk’s World Tour – This was the run that as a child got the Odinson hooked on the Hulk (the TV show starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno didn’t hurt either). The mighty Hulk embarks on a globetrotting adventure that takes him, and the reader, around the world. It all starts in Incredible Hulk #254 with a classic Marvel introduction to the nefarious U-Foes. In Hulk #255, from the deserts of New Mexico, the Hulk arrives in New York City where a battle between the Jade Giant and the mighty Thor puts innocent lives in danger. After his confrontation with the thunder god, in Hulk #256, the Green Goliath finds himself in Israel where he meets Sabra, a hero of the state. Next, in Hulk #257, the Hulk’s journey brings him to the blistering sands of Egypt where he must fight side-by-side with the Arabian Knight to vanquish legendary monsters of chaos. Hulk #258-259 finds the Hulk venturing into the Forbidden Zone of Russia where he fights with and alongside the Soviet Super Soldiers. In Hulk #260, in the Land of the Rising Sun, the Hulk and his longtime nemesis, Colonel Glenn Talbot, battle to the death. Next, in Hulk #261, the Jade Giant washes up on the shores of Easter Island. The only problem is someone else, a foe from the Hulk’s past, has made this island his home and he does not like trespassers. The Hulk’s world tour comes full circle in Hulk #265 and ends back in the USA where he meets the best heroes in the west, the Rangers. This is a fun tale that introduces new heroes, new villains, features classic foes, special guest-stars, and, like I said before, lets the Hulk, along with the reader, see the world. Now where’s my trade, Marvel?
The New Teen Titans Space Epic - This fantastic tale is one of the reasons the Odinson became addicted to comic books. This is the first time we are introduced to Starfire’s less than pleasant sister Blackfire. This adventure sends the young Titans to the far side of the universe to fight a galactic civil war side-by-side with the Omega Men. This sci-fi epic is a tale of war, betrayal, redemption, and at its core, a love story. This was creators Marv Wolfman and George Perez at their best. This epic gave depth to the DCU’s cosmic landscape. This tale came out at a time when I read very little DC, but the pathos, the power, the passion of this story was evident, even to a child. New Teen Titans is the reason why the Odinson is a Dick Grayson fan for life. Starfire, given the plot of the story, really shines here. It really displeases me what DC has done with her character in the New 52 title Red Hood and the Outlaws, but lucky for me I still have these marvelous back issues to read. Now if we can just get DC Comics to collect this classic tale into a nice hardcover.
The Odinson loves the graphic novel format and hopes to soon see these classic tales presented in it. What other classic tales have yet to receive the collected treatment? What are your favorite stories? Chances are we have it here collected for you in a trade paperback or hardcover. If not, if the Powers that Be have not given your favorite story the graphic novel treatment, here’s to hoping that one day we will.
This is Odinson bidding thee farewell
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