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.  

My 5 Rules For Keeping Up With Comics On A Budget

As a man who has read comic books longer than I can remember I’ve always had the same problem; too many comics, not enough money. In this economy it can be hard to buy all the comics you actually want to read. I mean there several titles for every character/team. I myself have a budget cap each month that I try to stick too. Sometimes I go a little over, sometimes a little under.

With over half of the film blockbusters that come out now-a-days being based on comic books it’s hard not getting excited to read the material they’re based on. I know walking into a comic book store can be an overwhelming experience for some people who are not “in the game” but if you want to keep up with the titles you sort of enjoy but can’t afford to collect here a few rules that may help.

RULE #1- KNOW WHAT WRITERS YOU LIKE

Just like some people have favorite novel writers like John Grisham or Stephen King, you can follow whom you like. In 2004, Geoff Johns came onto Green Lantern and has made it DC’s biggest selling title ever since. When Johns was on Teen Titans I loved it, but once he left I dropped the book. Johns is currently writing Aquaman, which I have never read until now and I love it.

These days it’s almost better to follow a writer you like, such as Grant Morrison, Frank Miller, or Ed Brubaker because you can be 90% sure your money will be well spent based on the fact that you like the writers previous work. The only problem with this is a writer can take over a book on issue #225 and some readers feel like they need to get the first 224 issues just to understand what’s going on. In some cases this is true, but when a new writer jumps onto a title they try to keep it fresh for people who follow them and not the title. After collecting comics for 20 odd years I’m almost to this point.

RULE #2- THE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND

The other week I was watching Daredevil the director’s cut, which is way better than the theatrical version, and I decided I wanted to read more abut Daredevil. I had never really been a fan, but now I feel like at this point in my life he’s a character I can like/relate too. So I jumped online, got a list of what order Daredevil graphic novels should be read (you can find these for any character/title, trust me), and then I went to my local library’s website and reserved a bunch of Daredevil graphic novel’s starting with the first one on my list they had.

Public libraries have EVERYTHING today FOR FREE!! You can get CD’s, movies, TV series, audio books, and of course graphic novels. Every few weeks I jump on the library’s site and type in my favorite writers names, or characters I like. And when there is something I haven’t read I reserve it. Depending on how big your library is will determine their selection, and in a big city like Austin,TX that has several branches I can get quite a lot. I just have to wait for it. The library doesn’t have every Daredevil graphic novel, but enough for me to know the major events.

RULE #3- LEARN TO SKIM READ

If you want to keep up with a comic but can’t afford to buy it skim reading is my best advice. When I go to the comic book store I grab my pull list from the employee at the front and then I head back to the comics to see what I didn’t grab. I no longer collect Superman, but I want to see what’s going on. I flip through it, kind of get an idea of what is going on based on pictures, and if I see Lois and Clark/Superman talking I’ll quickly read the conversation. Not a lot of important info is said during action scenes, so know what relationships are important. But my key rule for this method is no matter how many comics I skim through I always walk out having bought something.

Once a month, I like to go to a book store chain that I know carries comic book issues. They don’t have them all, mainly DC and Marvel, but enough to where I can sit and read an issue somewhat quickly, and know what is going on. It’s not pretty, but beggers can’t be choosers.

RULE #4- THE BUDDY SYSTEM

When I was younger, my brother and I lived under one roof, and we both collected comic books. We would read each other’s comics and years later, whenever we text or got together, he would fill me in on Spider-man and Hulk while I filled him in on X-Men and Superman.

Now my brother and I live thousands of miles away and I want him to move to Austin so we can go back to the buddy system. He would collect certain books, and so would I, and the ones we both enjoyed we would swap. So if we both bought 12 comic books a month that’s really 24 comic books that we get to read a month. If only I could find someone in Austin I could trust, but like swimming, you have to be able to trust you buddy with you comic books, and your life.

RULE #5- KNOW WHEN TO LET GO OF A TITLE

The hardest part of being comic book collector in today’s world is staying faithful to a title. X-Men has been the one title that I’ve collected longer than any other. The most recent storyline of X-Men I bought the first two issues of and then dropped it because I wasn’t going to spend $3 a month for another four months on a story I didn’t like. I’ve dropped and picked up a lot of comic in my life. There are a dozen X-Men titles, but I’ve narrowed it down to two or three that I stick with. A person has to utilize the first four rules in order to make sure they’re not wasting their money.

I like Superman, but I hate the way the New 52 has gone with him. So I grabbed the first issues of Superman and Action Comics and haven’t bought another in months. Maybe one day I’ll pick it back up again, but until then my money should be spent on what I enjoy reading, not what I buy just out of habit.

I often think about going to my Emergency Comic Plan. It’s something I thought of just in case I had to stop collecting comics for economic purposes. I would no longer go to the comic book store, but instead wait for a graphic novel to come to the library, or I might skim through it at the bookstore. If I like it I would buy it. In this case I might only buy one graphic novel a month, which is about $20. But then I would be giving up the best part about collecting comics; the comic book store.

I like going to comic book store each week not only because I’m excited to read the next issue of Aquaman, but to see what else is happening in comics. I get to see what’s hot and what new t-shirts and action figures are being made. I get to talk about comics with other people, and maybe find out about a local convention or celebrity that may be coming to town. It’s the comic book culture that keeps me wanting to collect issues every week as opposed to just going to graphic novels. It’s one of the few things in this world I can say I truly love, but if I ever have to give it up there are ways to keep the love alive. One of the best pieces of advice I feel like I ever got was from Q in a James Bond movie, “always have an escape plan.” Which I took as “always have a plan B, for everything.”

My Top 12 Comics of 2011

Last week I was eager to see CBR's conclusion of their Top 100 Comic Books of 2011, and like most things in 2011 it was a major let down. Their Top 10 list had me baffeled, and the Top 25 was not that great either. Sure there were a titles I thought deserved their spot, but Action Comics should be no where near the top. I've been mostly indifferent to DC's New 52, but what they did to Superman is what Marvel did to Spider-Man in Brand New Day. They erased 20 years of history just try and draw in few new fans, and as a fan who as been reading Superman for almost 20 years they completely turned me away. He's now the emo-version of what Superman should be, like Superman: Earth One, or "the Twilight Superman" as I call it. I think DC's best titles where the ones they either tweaked a little or left completely alone; however I am enjoying Johns and Lee's Justice League, but I don't see myself collecting it long-term.

Over at Marvel they've wrapped up Fear Itself and X-Men: Schism and are preparing for this summer's X-Men vs. Avengers mini-series. I think it's safe to say everyone is looking forward to the summer blockbuster, which just happens to kick-off right when Joss Whedon's Avengers will come to theaters. While I admit that I mainly follow the titles in these two publishing companies I make sure to check out what Wildstorm, Dark Horse, IDW, and all the other comic book publishers are up too. So here are my top picks for 2011.

12) Green Lantern

Back in 2004 Geoff Johns took over has writer for Green Lantern and his first decision was to bring back the man without fear, Hal Jodan. Ever since Green Lantern has been one of DC's best selling titles and one of the hottest comics books in the industry. Even though Johns has moved up as DC's Chief Creative Officer he's still writing the ring slinger and still making it kick-ass. 2011 brought us the end of Brightest Day and brought on the War of the Green Lanterns where the four human Lanterns had to each don a different colored ring in order to stop Kronas, a former Guardian. And how was Hal Jordan rewarded for his bravery? He was cast out of the GL Corps while the Corps most hated enemy, Sinestro, was chosen to wear a green ring of willpower once again. Sinestro now seeks Hal Jordan's help in freeing his homeworld from the Yellow Lantern Corps he created.

Johns is never at his best when he writing Hal Jordan and Sinestro in the same scene. The two characters are oppositie sides of the same coin and bounce dialogue off each other like a perfect game of ping pong. Johns promises more surprises and twist to the Green Lantern mythology in 2012 and I for one can't wait to see the emerald sparks fly!

11) Uncanny X-Force

At the end of Second Coming Cyclops disbanded the secret killing squad known as X-Force, but Wolverine was never one to follow Scott’s orders. Together with Angel’s help Wolverine and his crew continued in secret the work that X-Men shouldn’t. They started off hunting the heir of Apocalypse, a mere child, and Fantomex put a bullet in that child’s head. This started a reaction inside Angel that triggered him to be the next heir of Apocalypse, so X-Force then ventured to the Age of Apocalypse to find the life seed to stop Warren’s transformation.

It’s been a wild ride this year for X-Force. Logan had to deal with seeing the AoA versions of not only Jean Grey and Nightcrawler, but also he had to see himself as AoA’s ultimate villain. After Fantomex shot the child Apocolaypse he cloned another and raised it in a simulated ‘Clark Kent” lifestyle hoping to make some good of the boy. At the same time he was trying to steal Psylocke away from Warren, the very friend they were trying to save. Wolverine doesn’t like putting kids in harm’s way like Cyclops does, but he has no problem putting the veterans threw the ringer.

10) Wolverine and the X-Men

Following the event of Schism Wolverine is looking to put Xavier’s dream back on track with Jean Grey’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Boy, that must piss-off Cyclops, Jean’s widower, really bad. In the first storyline of the year we’ve seen Logan joined by Kitty, Beast, Iceman, and Rachel Summers in their first true test when the school is attacked by the new Hellfire Club during the school’s evaluation. Through the help of the students, and a new side of Iceman we’ve never seen, Wolverine and the bunch took down their enemies by only destroying half the school; and classes haven’t even started yet.

I hope writer Jason Aaron keeps showing us the quirks of a school that is full of rebellious, super-powered, kids. With Chris Bachalo’s pencil leading the way I feel something special when I read this comic, like new territory is being explored when some comics are too afraid to shake the status quo. But Logan and the faculty have no idea what they’re getting into.

9) Aquaman

When Geoff Johns brought Arthur Curry back from the dead at the end of Blackest Night we didn’t know that he was actually bringing the character back to life on a much grander scale. In Brightest Day Aquaman was reborn as a bad-ass after being the joke of DC Universe for years. The Aqua-Family is back in the water and is picking up more momentum than a tsunami. In only a few issues Johns has had Aquaman and his wife, Mera, battle sea demons from the darkest reaches of the oceans while re-introducing Arthur’s orgins to people who are not that familiar with the character.

Johns has brought back Hal Jordan, Barry Allen, and now Arthur Curry and made them all successes. I always thought Aquaman got a bum rap due to the 1970’s cartoon, Superfriends, and I love that comic book readers everywhere are eating their words and are excited to talk about the King of Atlantis. 2012 is going to be Aquaman’s year!

8) Superior

Sometimes I can hardly believe the stuff that comes out of Mark Millar’s mind, Superior is the story about Simon, a boy with multiple sclerosis, who makes a wish to become a super hero, but it comes at the price of his soul. The same demon offers his bully the same deal, and he accepts. Now Simon must decide if his soul is worth the price of saving the world.

Millar has brought us such twisted hits like Nemesis and Kick-Ass and continues to shock the comic community like no other. Superior is just another step Millar’s ability to turn a good story. He taps into the comic geek in all of us and just lets us have our greatest dreams. Well done Mr. Millar, well done.

7) Venom

Flash Thompson spent is high school life picking on Peter Parker while idolizing Spider-Man, ironic eh? Inspired by his hero, Flash joined the army and lost his legs in the process, and now has agreed to part of a top secret government project where he joins with the same alien symbiote that turned Spider-Man dark and created some of his greatest villains like the original Venom and Carnage.

This title is about a good man trying to the right thing with the wrong tools. Flash is a great leading character with lots of tragedy, but still lots of heart.  Flash must balance his secret life with his love life, and fight the darkness the symbiote is trying to bring out in him.

6) Transformers: Chaos

Optimus Prime and the Autobots are not only blowing up the big screen these days, but also comic book stores everywhere. IDW has been publishing Transformer comics for a while now and it all has lead to their big storyline; Chaos. This comic leads to the Autobots being seriously outnumbered by the Decepticons. Galvitron is out to kill the Autobots once and for all, Megatron stands trial for millions of years of crime, and the fate of Rodimus, the Matrix, and Optimus Prime is all revealed in this massive story that is more than meets the eye.

5) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Cowabunga kids! The heroes in a half shell are back, but not like you know them. The TMNT creator, Kevin Eastman, is returning the turtles to their roots. They’ve got more attitude than their cartoon counter parts and fight a little more dirty, just like when they first premiered in comics. And just like the original title they all have red bandanas, for a while at least.  Eastman has brought the flair back to what made the turtles popular to begin with. For fans who grew up on TMNT this more adult version is right up our alley. Plus the true origins of the turtles all revealed. Turtle Power!

4) X-Men: Schism

Ever since House of M the mutant species has been dwindling, and Cyclops has stepped up as leader of his race with Wolverine has his general to enforce the law. But in Schism we saw the two men finally break their truce as Wolverine no longer liked how Scott was running the show. Cyclops believes mutants of all ages should learn to defend themselves and fight the people who are trying to kill them. Wolverine believes that kids should be kids, not killers; and wanted to restart the school in order to teach them and give them a choice when they’re older. Of course all of this was done after a slugfest between the two mutants.

House of M, Endangered Species, Messiah Complex, Second Coming, and now Schism. The X-Men have had quite the decade of trouble, and it only is going to get deep in their upcoming battle with the Avengers. Sides have been chosen and lines have been drawn, but when the World’s Greatest Heroes face the mutants who are sworn to protect a world that fears and hates them I only have one question; whose side is Wolverine and his team going to be on?

3) Batman and Robin

I’ve never been a big fan of Grant Morrison, but when this title first started I don’t think it could have been more entertaining. A rebellious Robin in the form of Damian Wayne was just the pain-in-the-ass Dick Grayson needed to keep him in line as the new Batman. Now Bruce has returned to reclaim his cowl and he has to find out how to be a father.

Peter Tomasi has taken the father/son relationship to the next level as Bruce and Damian try to find common ground. With Alfred trying to guide Bruce in the ways of raising a troubled youth the dynamic is just off the page. Greek tragedies even aren’t this good.

2) Brilliant

From the team that brought you Ultimate Spider-Man comes the first creator-owned book by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. Brilliant is the story of a handful of college-age geniuses who challenge each other to solve the mystery of superpowers. Can the best and brightest change science fiction into science fact? And if so, how will the world at large react? Brilliant is a story of how true power can either destroy or protect the strongest of friendships. It is the story of how the world will react when our true potential is finally unlocked. The series is full of fast-talking, whip-smart, dialogue and is a fanboys delight. And it’s only just begun!

1) Marvel’s Fear Itself

Sibling rivalries are tough on a family, especially when they’re gods. The Red Skull’s daughter finds a magical hammer in Antarctica that grants her the powers of Skadi and releases the true ruler of Asgard, the god of fear; Serpent.  Formerly known as Odin’s brother and Thor’s uncle. The Serpant helps more hammers fall and chaos ensues on our heroes. Skadi kills Bucky Barnes which forces Steve to reclaim his role as the one true Captain America, and in the end Thor sacrifices his life to save Asgard and Earth.

One thing I love about Thor comics is their epic scale. The Marvel writing team, lead by Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker, create a tale that can barely be imagined it’s so grand. Of course a personal treat was seeing Tony Stark kick-ass with some Asgardian armor. Too bad he had to give it back though.

Aquaman Swims back into the Spotlight in September

I’ve always been a creature of the sea. I love any body of water. Whether it be oceans, lakes, or even swimming pools. So naturally one of my favorite heroes has always been Aquaman. This was also a nickname of mine growing up since I was on the swim team. But this nickname also came with snickers and laughter because for years Aquaman had been the laughing stock of the DC Universe. Ever since the Super Friends cartoon series back in the 1970’s Aquaman never got any respect, even though he was one of the founding members of the Justice League along with Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter.

People think his powers are lame, but let’s run down the list:

1. Can swim super fast in world that is 70% water.

2. Has super-strength and can breathe underwater.

3. Can speak to sea creatures. I for one don’t want to mess with a guy who can sick an octopus or shark on my ass.

Aquaman first appeared in More Fun Comics #73 in 1941. His origin was that his father was sea explorer and when he built himself an underwater home his son developed powers, like breathing underwater and the ability to swim really fast. Later, when the character was re-introduced in the Silver Age, his origin had changed to where he was the son of an Atlantian outcast and a lighthouse keeper. Then his origin was changed again to where is Mother was a queen and his father a scientist. Arthur Curry started out as King of Atlantis. When he lost his child he turned into a creepy sea hermit with a harpoon hand. He was later resurrected as a being with a magical water hand. Finally though, after his presumed death in Infinite Crisis, a young man believed he was Arthur Curry reincarnated, but it turns out his mentor was the real Aquaman, who finally met his demise in Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis. Talk about your Identity Crisis. If Arthur Curry had no idea who he was, how was a reader supposed to know?

Even though on the HBO series, Entourage, an Aquaman movie was the #1 film of all-time he’s had rough waters outside of comic books as well. In 1967 The Adventures of Aquaman cartoon series had a short run of only three seasons. And during the fifth season of Smallville actor Alan Ritchson guest starred as Arthur Curry and was the shows highest rated episode. Creators Miles Millar and Alfred Gough planned an Aquaman live-action TV series starring Justin Hartley. But this was in the middle of the WB/UPN merger into The CW and although a pilot was shot, the series was not picked up. But Gough and Millar liked Hartley so much they used him as a reoccurring character on Smallville, playing Oliver Queen, a.k.a. Green Arrow. Ritchson also returned for several episodes as Arthur Curry, a.k.a. Aquaman.

It wasn’t until 2010 that Aquaman would find his redemption thanks to comic god, and DC Chief Creative Director, Geoff Johns. Johns made Arthur Curry one of the characters that returned from the dead at the end of Blackest Night. But Aquaman returns to find out that his wife, Mera, was originally sent to kill him, his protégé is dead, and he only has the ability to control DEAD sea life. This turned Arthur’s world into more of an underwater Shakespearian tale than just some guy riding a sea horse. With Brightest Day over Aquaman still lives, and is about to dive into some fresh water I hope.

I’m not sure yet how I feel about DC revamping almost

their entire collection of characters, mainly because I don’t know all the details. But one thing I am excited for is Geoff Johns writing what will be the seventh comic with the title Aquaman #1. Johns has reinvigorated Green Lantern, The Flash, and now he’s working on Aquaman; I love it! First thing I feel Johns has to do is clean up Arthur’s origin story, and it’s probably best to throw out a lot of his past. However Johns will be including him in the new Justice League line-up, just has he originally did back when the League began.

        

 My hope in writing this is that anyone who has been an Aquaman hater needs to realize that this is just as epic a character as Batman or Superman, and that this is the beginning of something good, if not for DC, at least for Aquaman. I also recommend you check out the Aquaman live-action pilot online. It was like Smallville, but in bathing suits; which is a winner in my book! 

Comic Books That Need To Be Films

Comic book films are all over the silver screen these days. With the release of Green Lantern, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger all coming out next summer it doesn't seem like the superhero genre is going anywhere. There have been a lot of good films based on comic books, but there have also been a lot of bad ones as well. Warner Bros. is also in the early stages of making sequels to Batman and rebooting the Superman franchise.

I feel like the studios are forgetting about all the other publishing companies that have great characters, as well as the lesser known characters in the DC and Marvel universes that would make great movies. Let's not forget that a C-List comic book character, Blade, started the whole comic book film craze. Here are some characters or teams I feel would be great up on the big screen.

12) Aquaman

Vincent Chase and James Cameron made this character the biggest film of all time on Entourage, so let's see if fantasy can become reality. Justin Hartley portrayed Arthur Curry in a never aired Aquaman pilot. Arthur was a child of two worlds, much like Superman, Tarzan, and Spock. Even though Hartley's swimming career didn't last I still say this underwater adventure would be cool in 3-D. Aquaman is a hero who can breathe underwater, swim super fast, speak to sea life, and has super strength. It'd be the best sea movie since Steve Zissou.

11) The Darkness

Jackie Estacado was your average mafia hitman, but on his 21st birthday he gained the powers of The Darkness, an ancient power that let him create whatever he wanted, as long as it stayed away from light. Jackie used this powers to take control of the mafia, and along the way he has had to give up his playboy lifestyle, for when The Darkness conceives a child the host then dies immediately, much like it did with Jackie’s father. Talk about a buzz kill. All this power and he can’t even make whoopee.

Jackie has battled the mafia, battled demons in hell, and even somehow procreated with Witchblade without dying. Top Cow Comics has created a great universe with their Trinity and I would love to see it in full force on the big screen, hellions and all.

10) Savage Dragon

From Image Comics comes a hero who fights bad guys in a futuristic Chicago. Dragon was found in the rubble of a horrible explosion. He has no memory of who he is, or why he has a fin on his head, but he uses his incredible strength and agility to the CPD's advantage. Dragon takes down mutants and villains while trying to piece together what happened to him and who he is. Move over Robocop, there is a new officer of the law ready to kick some butt.

9) Green Arrow

Another DC hero that Justin Hartley has portrayed on the small screen, Green Arrow has been a signature character not only in the DC Universe, but in comic book history, for decades. Oliver Queen was another billionaire orphan who drank too much and loved the ladies. But Oliver was betrayed by a family friend who wanted control of Queen Industries. He tried to kill Oliver, and left him on a deserted island to fend for himself. Oliver survived with only a bow and arrows to keep him alive. Oliver finds his way back to Star City to take revenge on the man who wronged him and be the home town Robin Hood.

Through the years Green Arrow has been a controversial character with his use of sharp arrows and his messed up sidekicks. One of the protégés had a drug problem and another was a teenage prostitute with HIV. Oliver Queen is edgy enough for today's generation to relate to, and has enough problems to make a great trilogy.

8) Irredeemable

From Mark Waid, the man who brought us the epic Kingdom Come, comes a story about what would happen if Earth's greatest hero turned against us. As the Plutionian’s reign of terror progresses we learn the story, or stories, that lead him to his breaking point through his friends, comrades, and victims.

Waid's main character is similar to Superman, and even though everyone knows Clark Kent will never turn evil, this a great glimpse into what it would be like if he did. Again, this is another hard edged and gritty film that today's movie goers would eat up. Heroes are dying, people are flying, and everyone has a part to play. It’s just good story telling.

7) Heroes For Hire

The Marvel Universe is full of big characters that fight evil on a global, if not universal, level. But then there are other heroes that are down in the depths of New York's underbelly helping the common man take down the gangs and kingpins who fill the streets with violence. These guys are the Heroes for Hire. The indestructible Luke Cage and the immortal Iron Fist formed a team to help those who can not help themselves. Let Iron Man and Fantastic Four take on Galactus while Cage and Rand take on the drug dealers down the street.

Heroes For Hire is so much more simple than other Marvel teams. I think it could be really relatable to audiences of all ages. Power Man and Iron Fist friendship is also something to be explored as Danny is a billionaire and Luke a man from the streets. With great potential comes great box office numbers.

6) Booster Gold

Heroes are often selfless, sacrificing their own lives to help others, and then there is Booster Gold. In the 25th Century, Michael gets his hands on some sweet gear and decides to travel back in time in the DC Universe to use this futuristic equipment to be a hero. The only problem is that nobody takes him seriously. Michael may be a jokester from the future trying to be a hero, but he's still just a jokester. He tries to steal the spotlight at every occasion, but when the going gets tough he's there to help the Justice League save the day.

I like Booster Gold because he's not as serious as other heroes. He's had a few issues over the last few years, but his real problem is trying to get other heroes to take him seriously. He's very arrogant, which is a great starting point for a character arch. His best friend also just happens to be a robot from the future named Skeets, and everyone loves a robot sidekicks!

5) Witchblade

Another Top Cow Comic, the Witchblade is an ancient weapon that has been used by many women over the years, such as Joan of Arc and Cleopatra. Now NYPD officer, Sara Pezzini wields this awesome weapon and fights off magical creatures who wish to harm this world and also who wish to possess the Witchblade themselves.

TNT had a Witchblade series a few years ago that didn’t last long, but I think mainly because to bring Michael Turner’s terrific drawings to life you need a big budget, and this could be an epic movie. Plus people always say there aren’t enough female heroes. Wait till they get a load of Sara Pezzini.

4) Quantum and Woody

Eric and Woody are childhood friends who lose contact with each other over the years. But when their fathers die in a helicopter crash they are reunited and stumble onto something that gives them powers simply by touching their control bands every 24 hours. Of course they have to do this or they’ll dissipate into energy.

This is one of the funniest and most entertaining comics I’ve ever read! Eric is a military man and Woody is nothing but a goofy slacker. Quantum and Woody has been called, "the Lethal Weapon of comic books" and think that hits it right on the nose. Quantum fights the bad guys while Woody hits on the damsel in distress.

3) Nova

DC Universe is about to unleash their own version of Star Wars next summer with Green Lantern, so I think Marvel should release their own Green Lantern: Nova. Richard Rider was just a high school kid until he was randomly chosen to join the Nova Corps., a group of intergalactic peace keepers. Since then Richard has been from one side of the galaxy to the next, been the sole processor of the Nova power, and saved the galaxy more times than Luke Skywalker's frenched his sister.

The concept is very similar to Green Lantern, but I think Nova has a little more flash and style than GL.  Just look at Nova's badass costume! Plus, Richard only being in high school can play up the comedy and the awkwardness of being a teenager with powers. This should knock the captain of the football team down a few knotches.

2) Iron Fist

I recently picked up an Iron Fist graphic novel just out of curiosity, and now I collect Brian Michael Bendis's New Avengers series just because it's got Iron Fist in it. Danny Rand was a child when he lost his parents in an exhibition to the Artic. Danny was found by monks who trained him in their martial art ways, and ten years later Danny was ready to be worthy of the dragon power known as the Iron Fist.

Danny is one of many who has possessed the power of the Iron Fist, and he uses it, along with his billions of dollars, to fight crime in New York City with the help of his best friend, Luke Cage, and his African-American girlfriend. Ed Brubaker's recent run of The Immortal Iron Fist opened up a whole new world of possibilities for this character, along with seven other realms with champions, just as Iron Fist is the champion of this realm. I feel like Iron Fist is a mixture of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Green Arrow. Brubaker's run also had a dash of Mortal Kombat. I just heard today (August 25, 2010) that Marvel Studio has commissioned writer Rich Wilkes to start working on an Iron Fist script.  This film will have everyone wanting a dragon tattooed on their chest.

1) The Boys

With all these super heroes running around our movie theaters how are we possibly supposed to regulate them all? Bring in The Boys. They're a CIA team whose sole purpose is to take down super being when they start doing things they shouldn't. This team is edgier than any who has come before it with its violence and sexuality running wild like mosquitoes on a pond. One of the main characters is even based on actor Simon Pegg.

And when they’re not hunting down naughty supers they’re telling their life stories to each other. You know with names like Bill Butcher, Mother’s Milk, and the Frenchman they’ve had f%cked up life. Early stages of a film based on The Boys is said to be underway.  Let’s get it on!