COMIC BOOK DREAM MATCHES

Now, usually I reserve thoughts like this for things like Pro-Wrestling and other sports because they are based a little more on stats than it is with comic books where this is totally a matter of opinion no matter how much real life information we have. Only thing that can truly beat a comic book character is lack of interest and sales, where in athletics its based on performance but little to do with how fans receive an athlete (as long as the seats are filled mind you). Another key difference, is that in comic books even the writers don't usually give a clear cut winner so not to take anything away from the "loser".

In Pro-Wrestling it is matches like Stone Cold Steve Austin versus Goldberg, John Cena versus Hulk Hogan, in Basketball it is Michael Jordan versus Dr. J Julius Erving or MJ annihilating Lebron James (Sorry, give me Kobe or Durant imo), Baseball it is well, Baseball is a hard one with all the PE (performance enhancing) going on the last few years (and who knows how long before), but I digress.

In comic books, the bigger picture is more of a dream match between the DC Comics and Marvel Comics Universes, as we have been treated to seeing favorites of a publisher face other favorites, and I do believe there was somewhat of a cross-promotion thing way back in the day. Like I mentioned before rarely is there a clear cut winner in the dream matches that have occured  as not to take away anything from the losing character, and usually in the rematch (if there is one) the other person gets their shot at victory so to speak. Look at the Superman Vs Batman situations, obviously Superman would have the advantage, he's freakin' Superman, but numerous times Batman has not only "won" but knocked the last son of Krypton out cold (Yes, he used Kryptonite, but still).

So, the following is a list of dream matches that I would like to see one day, I won't go into detail, as most are pretty self explanatory, and others are a matter of my opinion and mostly just a curiousity of how it would look and how it would go down.

 The Flash (DC) -Vs- Quicksilver (Marvel)
Any of the Flash characters really, but go with Barry Allen's. The obvious question here is, Who's Faster?

Superman (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
Now, this is one that has me curious about a lot. From the visuals, the entire story behind it, to the ending with who won and how...and then the fanboy reaction that stems from it.

Doomsday (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
This would possibly make the destruction from The Avengers and Man Of Steel movies look like a small dust storm. And quite possibly would never end.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Iron Man (Marvel)
Simply to show step by step how Batman will crush Iron Man ahaha I am joking. What makes this even more interesting is the Bruce Wayne versus Tony Stark side of things also.

Green Arrow (DC) -Vs- Hawkeye (Marvel)
Obvious reasons, no?

Black Canary (DC) -Vs- Siren (Marvel)
I tad harder to match up the ladies for me, I would have Black Canary against Banshee either before or after this. Likely as the catalyst to give a reason for the battle perhaps.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Wolverine (Marvel)
My 2 favorite characters of all-time (call me whatever you want). I would start this off as a team-up with them hunting someone, and have the end result be what triggers the conflict. What's the end result? Wolvie kills, Batman does not. And there would be a "rubber-match" so that the other guy gets the dub'.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Captain America (Marvel)
To be honest, this is more of a build up for the ones that follow.

Robin (DC) -Vs- Bucky (Marvel)
When you think of side-kicks, you must think of at least one of these two.

Nightwing (DC) -Vs- Winter Soldier (Marvel)
This one for me really is that when I had seen a picture of Winter Soldier (I apologize if that's not even his name) I immediately thought about Nightwing. After learning that this was once Bucky, it kinda was hard not to compare.

Cyborg (DC) -Vs- Cable (Marvel)
Appearance wise, it would have been Cyborg against Deathlok, but Deathlok is a brain in a robot from what I've looked up, so the man/robot ratio is more even with my choices. Plus, I wanted Cable on here somehow, as he is another all-time favorite.

Aquaman (DC) -Vs- Namor, Sub-Mariner (Marvel)
Who's king of the sea?

Some "honorable mentions" if you will I guess would be...
Plastic Man (DC) -Vs- Mr. Fantastic (Marvel)
Black Mask (DC) -Vs- Red Skull (Marvel)
Darkseid (DC) -Vs- Thanos

Stay Nerdy!

MARVEL I FOUND THEE...KINDA

Thanks goes out to my friend from my Facebook Gamer days, Oscar, for answering the question from my last posting (MARVEL WHERE ART THOU?) when I asked if Marvel Comics had decided to take a similar path as DC Comics and relaunch their monthly titles. Also, thanks for then taking the time to explain to me the basics of what had happened. He's one of the few who actually know what they are talking about and doesn't condesend when explaining things. Much appreciated as I kinda hate when peeps come at me on opinions, etc when they have only ever followed the movie universes from comic book companies, and then those who are in the know on the print side, at times seem as though they are talking down to you. Not all, but more than I had expected in the Nerd World.

So, apparently there was a relaunch of sorts over at Marvel Comics, just not a reboot like DC Comics did 2 years ago, but more like a roll back of numberings and titles. Their "classic" universe still intact with title numberings starting at #1 (as well as some other small changes; title tweek, new titles, etc), but Marvel has added a "NOW" universe (if you will), where the history and continuity are still as it is in the "classic" however the stories in "NOW" take place....now, in the present.

A brilliant concept if you ask me, it provided an opportunity for new readers or people like myself who were out of the game for so long to come back. However, I have some qualms or small issues about it though, and once again I must state this is in no way a Pro-DC Comics, Anti-Marvel Comics posting.

First, although its a good place to jump back in, which is Marvel's "bread and butter"? Which is, for lack of a better way of putting it, more important between the two? I heard that "NOW" only occasionally references events from the "Classic", but wouldn't the "NOW" be effected by anything and everything that happens in the "Classic"? Obviously Marvel Comics has a grasp on all of this, but I wonder which is their main focus. I also worry about the room for error with this plan. Like I mentioned, one effects the other, well, what happens when one side want to go one way while the other wants to go another? Do they go with one, or will they do both? It could make for a mess, which to be honest, is how it looked when I took a peek at things when I was deciding to get back into reading/collecting comic books, and to top it off is also why I went totally DC Comics when I did.

My other issue with Marvel's decision, is that I had heard absolutely nothing about it. Not even in comic book shops that I went to regularly. When the competition relaunched their product, it was on television, in newspapers, even on the radio, and I am in Canada. That's not the norm up here ahaha Now I am not sure how much the advertising had helped DC Comics, but it must have helped a bit even if it was to draw in those who buy comics for the potential value. If I had known, I would have at least took a peek and most likely have started to read titles with my old fav's like Wolverine, Cable, Spider-Man, etc. Problem was I didn't, and I know I am just one man and my not joining in didn't affect sales, but I wonder just how many peeps were/are in the same boat as I am. Now those numbers would be more meaningful I would think. Money is money.

There was nor is any real point to any of this, just my opinion and possibly someone out there like myself to know that "Hey! Marvel opened a door! Walk on through if your interested!". I am still on the fence about whether I will give them a try, if it was just like  DC Comics "New 52" I would without hesitation. I still think that they should, why not? Fanboys complain regardless. DC's numbers were in some places higher than Marvel so sales likely wouldn't drop. I dunno, I can dream I guess. At least the movies have been off the hook ahaha

Stay Nerdy!

MARVEL WHERE ART THOU?

To start things off, I should mention that this is in no way a "Bash Marvel, Support DC" type of thing. Truth be told, most people aren't aware that although I have DC at the top of my list, and it is who I started my small journey into comic book reading way back in the late 80's, it was Marvel Comics who got my allowance every week for I would say 1/2 to 2/3 of my time as a reader and collector. I will admit that it wasn't by choice, but will quickly add that you will get no complaints from me either (if you haven't read previous posts, Marvel was all that was available where I lived for a time as a kid). I came into the Marvel Universe with X-Men's X-Cutioner Song story arc, and left comics completely with X-Men's The Phalanx Covenant, with Spidey and some other Marvel stars filling in the gaps nicely. If you looked in my piles of toys back then, you'd have found nothing but Marvel characters (X-Men
heavy) in there...ok, there were other odd ball stuff like my Lando Calrissian, can't forget him. God I miss my toys.

First one I got

The point of this posting, is actually somewhat of a question at the same time. Did Marvel Comics relaunch like DC Comics did 2 years ago? Not talking a complete overhaul, but after looking through the Marvel section of my Previews magazine to check things out, I noticed not just different titles (ie Indestructable Hulk, All-New X-Men, etc) but also that the issue numberings were not only lower, but in almost all cases, they were lower than DC Comics current titles in their New 52. Now I am assuming it wasn't the same as DC's relaunch, as I am sure I would have heard or read something about the negative uproar about it.

It has peeked my interest as it was DC Comics decision to almost start over that made me fly back into comic books. It gave me a doorway to walk back in and not feel completely and totally lost, and in all honesty that is what I felt like 2 years ago when I was looking at the Marvel Universe. I expected things to have changed, but I couldn't see an opportunity to get back in the mix. Favorite characters were in teams/groups that I had no interest in reading about (ie Wolverine in The Avengers, Spider-Man in Fant...sorry Future Foundation...I think), and the titles they were in when I did read, looked a little unrecognizable and in some cases too much reading (and money) required to catch up. It also didn't help that I hadn't come across anyone who knew where would be a good place or time to jump back in either.

It may be a bit before it happens, but if there was a chance to read some Marvel titles I would. If there was a relaunch a la DC Comics or something that allows past and new readers to be "on the same page"? Change my answer to definitely.Although I haven't been reading Marvel, I sure have been watching them in the movies that have been flooding the silver screen and loving almost every single one of them. I would love to see what Wolverine (adamantium is back! Glad bone claws didn't last forever), Cable, Spider-Man (Peter Parker please), and others are doing in the print side of things. And like the movie Green Lantern (2011) got me interested in reading the title (yes I liked the movie, I'm different what can I say?), the movies from Marvel has sparked some interest for me in Captain America (but only if I start from his origin like the first flick Captain America: First Avenger (2011)).

Last one before break

Like I said, this posting was almost more of a question, so if you know if Marvel has or is possibly even going to relaunch or something along those lines, let me know!  Even if you don't know, drop a line and give your opinion on this. Did they?Will they? Should they? Holla!

Stay Nerdy!

Finally! A Place For The Clown Princess

First, allow me to take a moment to give a big Thank You! to Harley Quinn's creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. It is nice having a character that I not only love, but for once, I am older than aha And just how much do I love this character? Well, last Halloween I was blessed with the birth of my second daughter, and although we went more feminine with the spelling, her name is none other than Harleigh Quinn.

After years of being a support character for The Joker, or currently in the pages of Suicide Squad and formerly Gotham City Sirens, Harley Quinn is finally getting her own monthly series. Slated to hit the shelves Wednesday, November 20th, 2013, writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti along with a collection of artists including Sam Keith, Tony S. Daniels, among others are in charge of bringing Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel and her crazy alter ego to life.

Although she is a Batman related character, I don't consider this to be just another "Bat-book". I am sure Batman will make appearances and the title may even be apart of future cross-overs/story arcs, but I think much like DC has done with others like Batwoman or Nightwing, Harley's path and story will be her own. I admit I am curious ho wand if The Joker will fit into all of this, despite the events from "Death Of The Family" (if you haven't read this story arc, may I strongly suggest you go grab each issue or the collected edition when available. Thank me later).

Finally, since it is scheduled to drop at the same time that the DC Universe is following the Batman into Year Zero ("Dark City" seems to be the title for this), and the first issue is #0, it may be a safe bet that they will be taking Harley's story back to origin. That's an assumption though, I am not totally sure how the creative team will be starting things off. All I do know, is that I am looking forward to whatever it is that awaits us come November.


Oh, and don't forget to check out Harley Quinn during Villains Month this September a la the pages of Detective Comics #23.2. Like most I am a Villains fan so although my bank account isn't excited, I am pumped for Villains Month!

Stay Nerdy!

AFFLECK CAST AS BATMAN. 

WORLD ENDS!

Okay, maybe the world hasn't literally ended, but a lot of fellow Bat-Fans out there sure have been acting as though it has. I've heard about death threats (even to those not even connected to the movie) and a petition for the President of the USA to step in and stop this casting. Seriously stupid stuff, that in all honesty, makes it kind of embarrassing to be a fan. I openly admit, my initial reaction was "F*ck!". For me it had absolutely nothing to do with Affleck or his ability to act or make a good movie. Daredevil wasn't the best movie, but I enjoyed it (minus Afflecks hair aha). So much, that I kind of yearned for him to reprise his role in the Elektra spin-off/sequel. My issue with this casting, was that I haven't heard or seen any movies where Ben had "the voice" to play Batman. A combination of his Boston accent and higher toned voice makes it hard for me to see him as The Dark Knight. Now I am not saying everyone has to be like Christian Bale and his grovelling attempt, however a different style of voice work is essential while dawning the cape and cowl. Biggest issue with George Clooney's attempt at being the Batman was that with or without the mask, you knew Bruce Wayne and Batman were the same person.

Now I am sure some of you are thinking, "Oh, working on his voice is easy." and initially you aren't wrong, however, it isn't as easy as you think and takes a lot of dedication. Not only that, there is always the risk of it being cheesy or over the top (Bale went overboard at times).

Again, this is the only thing that worries me. It was the only thing that worried me about Heath playing The Joker in The Dark Knight. I had never heard/seen him without the accent (Aussie I think). And well, clearly, those worries were put to sleep very quickly. And speaking of Heath Ledger as Mr. J, I remember the proverbial crap hitting the fan over that casting choice as well, I dunno, do you think that an Oscar win and the Box-Office numbers made those doubters eat their words? I believe so. And although I was too young to really hear about them, but I do remember my Dad telling me about how nobody wanted Michael Keaton as Batman back in the '89 Tim Burton movie, and I know I am not the only one who thinks of the first two of that franchise as being the best of them.

 So, the next 2 years shall be spent defending this movie and its casting choices. Hopefully this movie is as awesome as I am expecting it to be. Absolutely loved Man Of Steel, and adding my all-time favorite character to that mix, cannot be a bad thing....I hope ahaha Naw, total confidence in Zack Synder and the cast of this movie. Till then if your going to "question" anything about this movie, then let it be about things like "With Affleck only being 41, what direction are they taking after teasing this will be similar to Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns", or "When are they announcing Brian Cranston as Lex Luthor?" Okay that last one is purely rumor at the moment, but my choice for the role (if it is even part of the upcoming movie).

Stay nerdy! 

 

Week Before Christmas DC Forecast

Last week before Christmas, hectic schedules and money stress, something most of us "share" through out the holidays aha Next year, we are starting early, at least on the Nerd end of things. One thing I have noticed, it isn't hard to find things for a fellow nerd, but it is damn hard to find things for female nerds out there. Not with out using credit cards and online ordering any how. I hate this as I wanna dress my daughter up in Supergirl, Batgirl attire (t-shirts, sweater, etc), but again, starting early.

So, this coming Nerdy Magazine Day, my Nerdy will be getting Catwoman #4 and Tiny Titans #47, possibly Supergirl #4 too. But, may leave Supergirl and possibly Wonder Woman for Christmas. Dunno yet. For myself, it will be Batman #4, Justice League #4. Might grab Nightwing #4 too, see how the financials look, but I still need #2-3 for that title so I may just wait.

Here is what DC Comics has hitting the shelves this week;

    BATMAN #4
    BATMAN INCORPORATED: LEVIATHAN STRIKES
    BATMAN: ODYSSEY #3 (OF 7)
    BIRDS OF PREY #4
    BLUE BEETLE #4
    CAPTAIN ATOM #4
    CARTOON NETWORK 2-IN-1: BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN / GENERATOR REX
    CATWOMAN #4
    DC COMICS PRESENTS: SUPERMAN – THE KENTS #2
    DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #4
    END OF NATIONS #2 (OF 4)
    GREEN LANTERN CORPS #4
    JUSTICE LEAGUE #4
    LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #4
    NIGHTWING #4
    R.E.B.E.L.S.: STARSTRUCK
    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #4
    THE SPIRIT VOL. 2: THE CLOCKWORK KILLER
    SUPERGIRL #4
    T.H.U.N.D.E.R. AGENTS #2 (OF 6)
    TINY TITANS #47
    TINY TITANS: THE TREEHOUSE AND BEYOND
    WONDER WOMAN #4
    YOUNG JUSTICE #11

This could be my last post before Christmas, so if it is, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my fellow Nerds and Geeks out there. And if for some weird reason I am not on here by then, Happy New Years as well, may be the last year of existence so be sure to enjoy it! Stay Nerdy!

Joker Creator and Nerdy Magazine Day 12/13/11

Starting this entry off by sharing the sad news of Jerry Robinson, creator of The Joker (among others) has passed away last Wednesday at the age of 89. Sympathy goes out to his family, and of course, a huge thanks for the clown goes to Jerry wherever he may be.

And this coming Wednesday, or Nerdy Magazine Day, it looks like it will be Batwoman #4 and Batgirl #4 for my Nerdy (daughter), and it will be Batman & Robin #4 as well as Green Lantern #4.

In Detective Comics #4 we find out more about NoBody and his intentions to "turn Damian to the Darkside". Which I think may be the general story direction of this title for a little while at least. Also, apparently we get a look at NoBody's origin in this one, it will be interesting to see I guess, I admit that it is hard to embrace new villains. I am getting back into comic books, and with the relaunch I am curious as to what is going on with those who already exsist. Even more so now that they are apparently redoing Harley Quinn's origin over in Suicide Squad (not happy at all with this one).

Over in Green Lantern #4 we go further into Sinestro's battle against his former corps. Could this be the end for the Yellow Lanterns? Or as we know them at least? I don't see Sinestro getting taken out in this, so I question where they are taking the corps that feeds off fear. Similar to Red Lanterns perhaps? Or will Sinestro simply fend them off, and face them at a later date? I do know this, I am interested in seeing what happen to Hal Jordan. We last see him getting "killed". Is he really dead? This soon into the relaunch? and with him still over in Justice League? See why my interest is here? aha

Here is what is hitting the shelves at Worlds Collide and other comic book retailers this Wednesday from DC Comics;

    ABSOLUTE PROMETHEA BOOK 3
    THE ALL-NEW BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #14
    BATGIRL #4
    BATMAN AND ROBIN #4
    BATWOMAN #4
    DC COMICS PRESENTS: BATMAN – THE SECRET CITY #1
    DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #19 (OF 26)
    DEATHSTROKE #4
    DEMON KNIGHTS #4
    FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E. #4
    GREEN LANTERN #4
    GRIFTER #4
    HITMAN VOL. 5: TOMMY'S HEROES
    LEGION LOST #4
    MISTER TERRIFIC #4
    MY GREATEST ADVENTURE #3 (OF 6)
    THE RAY #1 (OF 4)
    RESURRECTION MAN #4
    THE SHADE #3 (OF 12)
    SHOWCASE PRESENTS: BATMAN VOL. 5
    SHOWCASE PRESENTS: WONDER WOMAN VOL. 4
    SUICIDE SQUAD #4
    SUPERBOY #4
    TALES OF THE BATMAN: DON NEWTON VOL. 1

Stay Nerdy!

Detective and Red Lanterns #4

As stated in my previous post, I was to pick up my copies of Detective Comics #4 and Red Lanterns #4. And of course, that is exactly what I did today. My Sweets, My Nerdy and myself went into Worlds Collide for our weekly visit.

Nerdy picked her self a back issue of Supergirl (pre-relaunch). She opted not to get Wonder Woman, but I think she may be like me, and is more drawn to the artistic end of comic books, as it was the cover of Supergirl that made her want it (Supergirl standing over a k.o.'d Superman). And personally of the two titles I preffered the art of Supergirl over the Wonder Woman #1. Again, just my opinion.


As for the issues that I picked up, I was pleased and typically left wanting more.


In Red Lanterns #4, we see Atrocitus trying to figure out what Bleez is up to. Leading him to plunge some of the other Red Lantern Corps members into the pool of blood (actual name slips my mind at the moment). It is a risky move on his part, as they may not survive, but while they are taking their dips, we take a look into their pasts and what lead them to the Red Lanterns Corps. In the end we see that Cronos has disappeared. Is he alive? Or has someone moved him? And it is also very obvious, or appears this way, but a human member of the Red Lanterns Corps is on the horizon. I am hoping for this, as although I am enjoying the title, I do prefer a human over an alien, as it is more easy to relate to, and well some aliens just look silly to me no matter who has drawn the character. I wonder though if we are going to be seeing a Rage driven Hal Jordan style character, or if the chosen one will just be a piece of the background. And I noticed a Vampire similarity, or at least with Underworld style vamps, in which you can see the thoughts and memories by drinking the blood of the person you want to take a peek into.


In Detective Comics #4, it appears that Batman's battle with The Dollmaker and company has come to an end. The villain escaped, but personally I am left wondering if he was working for someone else. Was it perhaps The Penguin? Although he is mentioned as one of the bidders, who's to say he's not more involved then that? And when will The Dollmaker and company return? As early as next issue, or was this perhaps a test for a new addittion to the more mainstream Batman villains? Personally I think he would work as one, almost a Buffalo Bill vibe to him. Also, I think perhaps Arkham will be used a lot more to develop villains, as apparently the lower security levels are mostly young people, and they said themselves (Det. Bullock I think) that they come out of Arkham worse then when they went in. And they left me once again yearning to know what The Joker is up to, as the final frame consisted of Mr. J's face still hanging on the wall with an encasement around it.

DC Releases

Well, it has been a bit since my last post, well considering how often I used to be on the laptop it is a long time ahaha I have an internet connection, but at the time being it is weak for lack of a better word, almost none exsistant may be more apt.

Anyhow, today is yet another Nerdy Magazine Day! With comic book publishers dropping their new issues onto the shelves of local comic book stores and retailers. Last week there was only Tiny Titans #46 in for Nerdy, and nothing at all for me, this apparently will happen every few months, I assume 5 week months make for a lone week. So, I picked up a copy of Nightwing #1. I think I may start to read this title as well, not 100% sold yet, so I will decide after I read issues #2 and 3. But, so far I am liking what I see. Art is good, and the story is already dealing with Dick Grayson's past, as in before the Robin days, back when he and his family we trapeze artists.

This week the Lindon File at Worlds Collide will contain, Detective Comics #4 and Red Lanterns #4. With Red Lanterns #4 I was hoping to get to see how Atrocitus' decision to make Bleez an equal is working out for him, but it appears that we will taking a look at the other members of the Red Lanterns Corps. In Detective Comics #4 we dive further into who The Dollmaker is, and I am hoping for some more info on Mr. J personally. Running around all faceless and stuff (in Detective at least, other Bat titles his face appears to be still intact), I am very curious where they are taking The Joker on this one, fingers crossed for a Glasgow grin.


Here is what is being released by DC Comics today, info gathered from DCComics.com


     ACTION COMICS #4
     ANIMAL MAN #4
     BATMAN: NO MAN'S LAND NEW EDITION VOL. 1
     BATWING #4
     BRIGHTEST DAY VOL. 1
     DC COMICS PRESENTS: CAPTAIN ATOM #1
     DETECTIVE COMICS #4
     GREEN ARROW #4
     HAWK AND DOVE #4
     THE HUNTRESS #3 (OF 6)
     JACK KIRBY'S FOURTH WORLD OMNIBUS VOL. 1
     JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #4
     LOONEY TUNES #204
     MEN OF WAR #4
     O.M.A.C. #4
     PENGUIN: PAIN AND PREJUDICE #3 (OF 5)
     RED LANTERNS #4
     SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #16
     STATIC SHOCK #4
     STORMWATCH #4
     SUPERBOY: SMALLVILLE ATTACKS
     SUPERMAN: GROUNDED VOL. 2
     SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN
     SUPERNATURAL #3 (OF 6)
     SWAMP THING #4
     WATCHMEN: THE ABSOLUTE EDITION - NEW PRINTING


Another problem I am having with my current internet connection, is that I am unable to play DC Universe Online, and download the Robin pack and Batman Skins pack for Batman: Arkham City. Both of which are now available, the Batman Skins came out today containing suits like The Animated Series, The Dark Knight Returns and Batman Beyond.