GN REVIEW: Batman: The Court of Owls

The first of DC Comics New 52 graphic novels have started rolling out, a collaboration of DC's revamp/reboot/update on their titles, hoping to freshen things up and bring in new reader.  So far the titles I have enjoyed the most are the ones that have hardly changed; like Geoff Johns continuation of Green Lantern and the Batman books.  Barbara Gordon may have climbed out of her Oracle chair and back into her Batgirl costume, but not much else has changed in the Bat Family, except for everything Bruce Wayne he thought he knew was true. 

In Batman: The Court of Owls Volume 1 Bruce stumbles upon a secret society in Gotham City; the Court of Owls.  The Owls date all the way back to the founding of Gotham and has been pulling the strings ever since; even in Bruce's life.  The Talon, the Owls personal assassin, cages Batman in a maze for days, but Batman always has an escape plan.  Bruce soon discovers this Talon has somehow been dead for decades and is a descendant of his former ward, and brother-in-arms, Dick Grayson.  The deeper Bruce digs into the mystery of the Owls the more his life as Batman seems to unravel.  The book ends on a cliffhanger, promising that the Owls have a lot more trouble in store for the Dark Knight.  

 Writer Scott Snyder is most famous for his Vertigo title, American Vampire. Snyder has done a few Marvel one-shots and DC mini-series, but this is his first ongoing title tackle and I must say I'm impressed.  Speaking as a Superman fan, Snyder has captured what I enjoy in a Batman storyline; a great mystery with a dash of personal drama.  Batman stories that are all about catching the villain leaves me bored, but Snyder has made Bruce uncover something that has rocked his whole life's crusade.  

Aside from re-introducing readers to Batman's friends and foes Snyder also re-introduces Gotham to us from the words of it's citizens to Bruce talking about every part of Wayne Tower.  These descriptions really pull the story together as Batman and the Owls fight for the prize of Gotham City.

Artist Greg Capullo has been drawing Spawn for years, but now shows he's ready for the big time.  His art, mixed with Snyders words, go great together.  Cappullo knows how to keep the Dark Knight in the right shadows, help Sndyer bring Gotham to life, and does a great 2-page spread giving us a tour of the Batcave.  It's almost like I'm watching Batman: The Animated Series all over again.

It looks like the Owls aren't going anywhere, and hopefully neither is Snyder.  I haven't been this excited in reading a Batman title since Tony Daniel had Nightwing try to fill Bruce's cowl.  The team of Snyder and Capullo make Batman comics what they should be; a great detective tale with the colors to match.  If you enjoyed Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and are interested in reading Batman comics this is a great jump-off point.  Bring on Volume 2!           

The B_ _ _on_er Rises in Nolan's Final Batman Film

The third film in a movie trilogy is the most difficult one to pull off.  Few film franchises have perfected the perfect trilogy, mainly because they blow it on the third one.  My trilogy of perfect trilogies are the original Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Toy Story.  Each of those films are one part of a grand story that left it's audience satisfied and the characters come full circle. 

In a film trilogy the first film sets the bar, followed by the second film raising the bar; usually.  That's why a lot of trilogies blow it because by the third film you've already "blown it" if you catch my drift.  Director Christopher Nolan set himself a huge bar to reach in this third, and final, part of his Dark Knight saga.  With expectations that high can anyone ever be satisfied?

When last we left Bruce Wayne/Batman, played by Christian Bale, he was on the run from the law, taking the blame for the murders committed by Harvey "Two-Face" Dent.  Dent is remembered as a hero, and only Commissioner Gordon knows the truth.  Eight years later, Bruce has become a shut in, until the appearance of Bane, played by Tom Hardy, forces him to put on the cape and cowl once more and protect Gotham from this uber-terrorist.  Bane is out to break not only Batman's body but his spirit as well by creating chaos and fear in Gotham, and does a pretty good job of it by the end of the film.  In his quest Batman is aided by Commissioner Gordon, played by Gary Oldman, and Detective Blake, played by Joseph-Gordon Levitt.  Bruce however is on the outs with his father figure, Alfred, played by Michael Cane, throughout most of the film and he's not quite sure if Selina Kyle, played by Anne Hathaway, is a sinner or a saint.

I don't why Bruce is limping around in the first part of the film, but that plot detail is never explained and is forgotten early. Once Batman get his wings back Alfred realizes the boy he raised is probably going to die trying to save Gotham.  Meanwhile, Bruce picks up a new ride with help from Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman, even though Wayne Enterprises is in the middle of going bankrupt.  And if you think Marion Cotillard is a waste of character as Miranda, just wait, it pays off in the end. 

The performances that really stood out to me where not those of the main hero and villain.  Bale did his usual creepy voice, which is not a stretch for him, and Tom Hardy's face was covered the whole film so all you really saw was his arms moving and his fists flying.  Anne Hathaway acted great as a woman who does a lot of acting.  Selina Kyle is a strong woman who has to play dumb while being smart and kicking-ass.  I must say she does it quite well.  However the best performance I feel goes to Joseph-Gordon Levitt as Detective "every man" Blake.  He showed great confidence in his role and made us all feel like we were having the adventure beside Batman.  SPOILER:  I felt like a lot of this film was not only the end of Christian Bale as Batman, but the start of Blake's costume crime fighting days.  Knowing what I know about Batman mythology I hope Warner Bros. doesn't do a reboot but continues the story with Levitt and all the awesome story lines that could possibly follow.

   With most of the characters returning, and a whole new batch to take care of, there seemed like there wasn't a lot of character growth outside of Bruce and Selina.  But once all the pieces came together this film was a pretty enjoyable, and Nolan's Dark Knight saga had come full circle.  Bane said his trademark catch phrase right before he performed his trademark move, so the fan boy in me left satisfied.  I figured out most of the twists that kept the film interesting, but with this being the third film I wasn't putting it past Nolan to try and axe our hero in the final Act.  Next up Nolan will produce Zach Snyder's Man of Steel, which will be written by David S. Goyer, the same man who wrote all three Dark Knight films.  I just hope these guys realize Batman is about darkness and pain, while Superman is about light and hope.  Oh, and yes, Anne Hathaway is now my favorite Catwoman. Sorry Michelle, but I like me some curves.

RATING:  B   

Casting Call: Young Justice

Within about a week's time I have watched more than an entire season of Cartoon Network's Young Justice.  When the show first premiered back in 2010 I was a little hesitant to watch due to the idea of mixing up comic book relationships and time lines.  But after seeing where the show has gone I'm as gitty as a school girl.  Thanks to the internet I'm all caught up and ready for new episodes of Season 2 to begin!

In the pilot episode Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad stumble upon, and free, a teenage clone of Superman.  The Justice League did not approve of their methods, but agree that if these three sidekicks, I mean young heroes, are going to continue their solo adventures (along with Superboy at their side) then they plan on monitoring and training them properly.  Along the way they add some female members like Miss Martian, Artemis, and Zantanna.  Red Tornado watches over them, Black Canary trains them, and Batman gives them their covert missions.

I think my real pleasure of the show comes from seeing the young heroes find their own way of fighting justice and striving to be better so that one day they can join the Justice League.  Season 1 was full of good drama and with Season 2 just starting, and taking place five years after Season 1, I can't wait to see where the story takes these characters and what other DC heroes will be introduced next.

Corbin Bleu as Aqualad/Kaldur'ahm

Since leaving Atlantis to become Aquaman's apprentice Kaldur has learned a lot, but nothing has taught him more than being voted the leader of The Team.  He constantly questions his actions knowing that his friends lives are in the balance.  In Season 2 we learn that Kaldur has been told who is true father is, and that has caused from friction between him and his former teammates, which always makes for a great story!

Bleau is most know for his role as Chad in Disney's High School Musical franchise.  But he seems to me the guy with the right build, face, and talent to pull off Aqualad.

 

 

Logan Lerman as Robin/Dick Grayson

It can't be easy being Batman's partner, which is why Dick has to be at the top of his game all the time.  He's a computer whiz and a bit of a smart ass, but when it comes to getting the job done no one is more serious, and more talented, that the Boy Wonder.  Although he was out-voted on being the team leader he took it as a challenge, and that allows him to do other things, like crush on Zantanna.

I've been following Logan Lerman's career over since the WB show Jack and Bobby.  He then became one of my favorite fictional characters in Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief.  And I can't wait to see him opposite Emma Watson in The Perks of Being a Wallflower later this year.  He's got my vote for Robin/Nightwing.

 

 

Cameron Monaghan as Kid Flash/Wally West

Wally sometimes moves too fast for his own good, whether it be on a mission or hitting on Artemis and Miss Martian.  But he's the first one to stick up for his friends and has grown into a more patient hero over the years, one who looks like is on his way to becoming the next Flash.

Cameron has had a few guest starring roles on various TV series, but his role as Ian Gallagher in Showtime's Shameless shows that he's got the chops to make it in this industry.  Plus he has red hair so, no need to dye it. 

 

 

Robbie Amell as Superboy/Connor Kent/Kon-El

The real meat of Season 1 was Superboy trying to find out who he was, why he was created, and how to forge his own destiny.  In the comics, Connor's story is one of my favorites and I think they did a great job of capturing his confusion on this series.  He may not have heat vision, but he's definitely a hot head, except for when M'gann is around.

I'm not too familiar with Mr. Amell's acting chops but he looks the part and he was in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 with Tom Welling. And whatever Tom Welling says is "ok" is ok in my book.

Kristen Bell as Miss Martian/M'gann M'orzz

She is the niece of the Martian Manhunter and has a lot of trouble being comfortable with herself, despite her tendency to be a bit chatty. With her telepathy, shape-shifting ability, and her cool plane, she is one of the most powerful members on The Team, which scares not only her, but her teammates as well.

Yes, Kristen Bell seems a little old these days to play a teenager, but M'gann is almost 40-Earth-years-old.  And as a shape-shifter she can look as young as she wants.  Bell's got the sparkling personality and the depth to pull of this complicated role.

Chloe Grace Mortez as Artemis/Artemis Crock

She's the new girl with a shady past. She's Green Arrow's newest sidekick but her family is full of villains.  She tries constantly to fight the voice inside of her head saying that she'll end up like the rest of them.  She can be a little stubborn at times, but is a great "team player", just watch Season 2.

Remember that little girl from Kick-Ass who literally kicked-ass?  Well she's a teenager now and I think it's time to show the world she's still got it, and can bring this troubled character to life.

Lucy Hale as Zantanna/Zantanna Zatara

She was late to join The Team, but bonded quite well with Robin and Artemis.  Her magical powers she learned serve her quite well, but they're still not enough to free her father from becoming Dr. Fate in her place.

Lucy Hale is another young actress I'm not too familiar with, but she was in Scream 4 and she has her own show on ABC Family, Pretty Little Liars.  I'm pretty sure she can do this part. 

Garrett Hedlund as Red Arrow/Speedy/Roy Harper

He was once Green Arrow's partner, Speedy, until he got tired of being treated like a kid. Now Roy is Red Arrow, and in the first season of the show he was the cool guy who walked in-and-out whenever he wanted.  He was a wild card, and a surprise to everyone when Dr. Savage made his move to control the Justice League.  Of course no surprise was bigger when he found out he is a clone of the real Roy Harper.  Let's just say he has some issues in Season 2. 

Garett Hedlund plays the boy-with-a-chip-on-his-shoulder perfectly in Tron: Legacy.  If he can take that attitude and bring some fighting moves with it fan girls will swoon.

 

 

Michael Fassenbender as Batman/Bruce Wayne

Soon Christian Bale will be done being Batman and the the question will be, "Who will don the cape and cowl next?"  For this particular role Batman is much more of a mentor and father figure.  He's more heard giving advice and orders rather than fighting crime. 

Fassenbender has a great jaw, and that will fill the cowl nicely.  Plus he can be one of the few actors to play a DC AND Marvel character.  Just make sure he keeps his accent in check *cough*Henry Cavill*cough*.

 

 

Yvonne Strahovski as Black Canary/Dinah Lance

Maybe it's that she has the long legs and the blond hair to match, or maybe I just really want to see her in leather and fishnet stalking, but Yvonne would make a great Black Canary.  She already knows how to fight from her work on Chuck, plus, I just miss seeing her face on screen.  Work with me here people, you won't regret it!

 

 

Paul Bettany as Red Tornado/John Smith

He's every one's favorite tin man.  He can make the wind shake and villains quake, but what he really needs is a great voice.  Bettany did some voice work in Iron Man as the computer Jarvis.  I think if he carries that same talent over to Young Justice we have a winner.

Geoff Johns Finally Takes On The Dark Knight

     In less than two weeks Christopher Nolan's final installment of his Dark Knight trilogy will be released nation wide as thousands of "supposed" Batman fans wait in anticipation.  DC Comics is of coursing trying to cash in on every nugget of merchandise money they can gobble up during this frenzy with it's shining star being the newly released graphic novel, Batman: Earth One.  In 2010, DC came out with Superman: Earth One, a modern interpretation of the Man of Steel's origin by writer J. Michael Straczynski.  The one-shot was a huge success with a sequel on the way and DC is now hoping for the same success with this new take on how Batman begun.
    Anyone who is reading comics these days knows Geoff Johns.  He's responsible for reinvigorating Green Lantern, Flash, Aquaman, and teamed up with artist Gary Frank before on Superman: Secret Origin.  Johns is known for his ability to create great dialogue and deep character layers but has had little chance to write the Caped Crusader aside from his run on Justice League and Infinite Crisis.  I'm a huge fan of Johns so I was interested to see what kind of spin Johns could give Batman that writers like Frank Miller and Grant Morrison haven't already done.

     Thomas and Martha Wayne are shot in an alley while their young son, Bruce watches in horror.  That part of the story hasn't changed.  But in the middle of his campaign for major Thomas calls for the man who saved his life years ago, Alfred Pennyworth.  Mr. Wayne needs Alfred's help in protecting him for traitors within his own camp.  When the Waynes are murdered Alfred reluctantly becomes Bruce's legal guardian and soon begins to train Bruce on everything he learned from his previous life as pretty much a British Navy Seal.
     Bruce dons the cape and cowl just as detective James Gordon gets a new partner, policeman/former reality TV star Harvey Bullock.  Bullock shows up in Gotham with the goal of solving the mysterious Wayne murders, but gets more than he bargained for when Gordon shows Bullock how the streets of Gotham really work.  Meanwhile Bruce is also working the case of his parents, and it all seems to lead back to his fathers political competitor, Major Oswald Cobblepot.  But Bruce's new bat costume isn't scaring anyone.  Alfred must try and convince Bruce to give up his pointless crusade or lose the boy he raised to Gotham's criminals and conspiracies. 
    I didn't know what to expect when I heard Johns was taking on Batman.  I always felt like Johns told deeper and happier tales than the Dark Knight should be, but I was pleasantly surprised by Geoff; again.  He wrote subtle differences into the story that did not make it seem like just another recycled version of Bob Kane's classic origin.  I loved how both Gordon and Bullock completely change who they are by the end of the book, and how Gordon's change mirrors that of Gary Oldman's character in Batman Begins. 

     Bruce's first attempts as Batman are so raw, undisciplined, and disastrous that is made me feel like this is how I would be if I tried to jump from tall buildings while chasing criminals my first time out.  That part really sucked me into the story and connected me to Bruce.  The biggest character change was Alfred. In most interpretations he's a den mother to Bruce, but Johns writes him as a rough and disapproving father who tries to dissuade his son's quest at every turn, but trying to keep him safe along the way.  It was a great change of pace, and mixed in with Gary Frank's terrific art I would swear the actor Sam Elliott was in mind when he drew Alfred.  Maybe Mr. Frank was watching Road House at the time.  That would make Bruce Patrick Swayze. 
    Overall I enjoyed this novel way more than the first Earth One tale, and I favor Superman way more than Batman.  But even I are not immune to a great story by Geoff Johns.  Especially when its topped off with Frank's great art.  I'm not sure how true Batman readers will feel about this lighter rendition of a detective comic, but I think it makes it very accessible to all who just love a good story with well developed characters. OMG! That means the Penguin is Brad Wesley!  It all fits into place!  I'm on to you Mr. Johns.  I'm on to you!

My Ultimate, All-Star, Earth One, NOW, New 52 Review

     This week I learned about Marvel's upcoming plans for Hulk, Captain America, Wolverine, and all the other Marvel characters after the current Avengers vs. X-Men blockbuster.  Apparently their having another jumping off point to try and attract new reader with new #1's of Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor as well as other crazy titles like Uncanny Avengers and All-New X-Men.  It's another attempt to bring in younger readers and grow their support for years to come while their old, loyal, readers are getting older, dying out, or just stop comic reading all together because of all the damn re-boots publishing companies do in order to attract new, younger, readers.
     These marketing gimmicks are nothing new, and have been going on for decades.  Crisis on Infinite Earths cleaned up the DC Universe while giving it a fresh start.  Marvel's Ultimate Universe gave readers cooler, and fresher, origins for the people who went and saw the Spider-Man and X-Men movies and didn't want to collect 50 years of comics.  DC's response to that was the All-Star line-up with Superman and Batman with edgier, and out-of-the-box stories.  Recently DC has continued that idea with their Earth One comics with an emo Superman, I mean Superman: Earth One, and the soon-to-be released Batman: Earth One.  Sometimes I think those are the only two characters DC has any faith in.
     Marvel NOW promises another fresh start for comic readers with more intermingling between heroes, as if Wolverine isn't in every freakin Marvel comic to begin with.  But everyone knows this is Marvel's response to DC's re-boot known as the New 52.  Last year the character known as The Flash changed reality in Geoff Johns Flashpoint, but when he changed it back is wasn't as we all remembered it.  DC Comics took this opportunity to update characters, make them younger, break-up fan-favorite couples, and not do a damn thing with their best selling titles.  Some people I know have now sworn off DC comics all together because of New 52.  I think it's done more bad then good, but here's a little more about it.

BATMAN:  One of two characters/worlds that seem to come out of New 52 almost unchanged Bruce Wayne still has Alfred his butler, Dick Grayson as Nightwing, Damian Wayne as Robin, and Tim Drake as Red Robin, although not a very good one.  The main change is Barbara Gordon's return as Batgirl.  With the Court of the Owls storyline bringing more surprises each issue like Bruce's brother (yes he has a brother) and a new Batman film just weeks away from being released I don't see these titles sliding, and shouldn't be, as each one of them is a pretty good read.  Even Red Hood and the Outlaws.  RULING: WINNER

GREEN LANTERN:  The 2nd DC world that was virtually unaffected by Flashpoint, Geoff Johns continues writing these superb characters with the return of GL villain Sinestro back into the Corps. and the Guardians "Third Army" on the way.  I haven't been following the other three GL titles too closely, in fact I stop reading New Guardians after several issues, but with an interlocking storyline on the horizon you can be sure every fan will be grabbing all four titles with their mouths dripping with fan boy saliva. RULING:  WINNER

WONDER WOMAN:  To be honest I've never gotten into WW, maybe that makes me sexist, or maybe it just makes me a guy who can't relate to a strong female character.  At any rate, I have no idea what's going on, and could care less. RULING: DON'T CARE ENOUGH TO HAVE ONE

FLASH:  Johns re-built the Scarlet Speedster into a powerhouse enough to make him the center-point of his summer blockbuster, Flashpoint.  But after Flashpoint Francis Manapul has taken double duty as writer and artist.  Barry Allen is no longer with Iris, which I find interesting as a late-to-the-game Flash reader, but all signs point to them getting back together at some point.  But without Johns unique ability to tell a great tale Manapul's art seems lost on me.  I do appreciate the character but Manapul's words aren't not enough to keep me from saving three bucks a month instead. Plus I'm still wondering where the hell is Wally West?  The man was Flash for over 20 years for God sakes! RULING: LOSER

GREEN ARROW:  I first got into GA after One Year Later when Oliver Queen became the mayor of Star City and have enjoyed his adventures from marrying the Black Canary to his fall right before Cry For Justice.  Now Ollie is back in New 52 as younger, and now has a team around him when he goes out, and it isn't Speedy or Arsenal.  Oliver Queen is not a team player.  He's like Batman, except he's an asshole billionaire ALL THE TIME!  He doesn't want people around him.  Green Arrow #0 comes out soon with a re-telling of his origin, which could settle some of my ruffled feathers if the story is good.  But if nothing else at least Arrow looks like it's worthy of taking up space on my Tivo this Fall.  RULING:  LOSER

AQUAMAN:  Remember all the pop culture references that made fun of Aquaman throughout the years and everyone thought he was lame?  Well I only have one thing to say to you all; SUUUUUCK IIIIIIT!  Johns has made Aquaman a star just like he did with Green Lantern and Flash, having him take on underwater mutants, dealing with ocean soap operas, and even sprinkling in some origin tale along the way.  Aquaman is my vote for thee Best Comic DC Is Publishing Right Now.  My only wish is that Johns continues to write this title for almost a decade like he has Green Lantern.  RULING: WINNER

JUSTICE LEAGUE:  I've never really been a fan of the JLA the same way I've never really been big on the Avengers.  When you put the greatest heroes together, each who have their own book, it leaves no real time for character development, or decent interaction between the characters.  I enjoyed seeing Geoff Johns and Jim Lee together as much as the next fan boy, but after a while I was more excited for the Billy Batson and Shazam storyline at the end of the issue than the Justice League itself.  The Teen Titans work better as a team, the JLA can save world all by themselves accept for a few team-ups every now and then.  RULING:  LOSER

TEEN TITANS:  Another Johns title that was awesome until he left.  It's slowly been going down hill ever since and the New 52 couldn't save it.  The four main characters, Superboy, Wonder Girl, Red Robin, and Kid Flash are horrible interpretations of their former selves.  These use to be the four best friends in comics and now, well, just look at this picture, they look like they just stepped out of The Grid and into a CW 90210 episode, when we well know the Fox version is the only true 90210 that will ever matter!  These character went through a lot together starting all the way back from JLA: World Without Grown-Ups.  It breaks my heart.  RULING: LOSER  

SUPERMAN:  A few years ago Marvel did their Brand New Day storyline with Spider-Man and broke up Peter Parker and Mary Jane.  They turned back the clock and basically spit on 20 years of Spider-Man writers just to attract the herd of cows who had just saw Spider-Man 3.  I didn't get how some Spider-Man fans felt, but now I do.  I grew-up loving Superman.  I was there when he proposed to Lois and told her his secret.  I was there through the Death, the Reign, and the Return.  I was there with the Fall of Metropolis, and the birth of New Krypton.  This is not the Superman I loved!  The best relationship in comic book history has been sullied to a Twilight, emo, stalker, shell of what the Man of Steel is.  And I won't even go into the pussy boy that is Earth One Superman.
Clark pines for Lois in a loser fashion as they work at TV station, oh yes, a TV station.  I know practically no one reads actual newspapers any more, but they do read the Internet, and people still have to write on it.  Meanwhile I'm sitting here agreeing with a Nicola Cage quote, "The suit is like a Coca-Cola bottle, you don't mess with it."  You now have me quoting Nicolas Cage!  The whole Super family, including Supergirl and Superboy, look like hard, cold, unfeeling, aliens in those get-ups.  There is nothing warm and sweet about what they're wearing!  And Superboy had one of the best origins and character growth I've ever seen in comics, but hey, let's make him practically a robot instead.

And I have no idea what the hell Actions Comics is!  Whoever let Grant Morrison near Superman all those years ago needs to be locked in a cell for their crime.  He's got a cape and jeans?  Guess how many times Superman's origin has been re-told in the last decade in comics?  We just got 10 years of it thanks to Smallville, we don't need anymore (hint, hint, Zack Snyder).  My Superman is now Smallville: Season 11 because at least Bryan Q. Miller writes Lois and Clark together and gives us something old that seems new, and not recycled.  
RULING:  TAKE A GUESS

So, overall, I'd say my feeling on New 52 are pretty disappointing, bordering on foaming-at-the-mouth mad.  But I am actually excited about Batman: Earth One, mainly because the only good thing these days about DC Comics, Geoff Johns, is writing it.  I'll give Marvel NOW it's fair 6 month chance like I did with New 52, but if it stinks you may want to lock up every liquor store in town because if it's bad I plan on grabbing every thing I can find and watching the Christopher Reeves Superman anthology while crying into my glass the whole time.  Don't judge me.