Convergence Week 3 Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Mediocrity abounds in another moderately entertaining week for DC 

Oh Diamond, I've heard many things about you, and most of it ain't good. Well this week I find out why: Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders has shipped late. Fantastic. Put that on top of another mediocre week of Convergence titles and you've got yourself a recipe for trouble.

Convergence #3 - "Time Bomb"

Issue #3 is a confusing gut-punch. I've already expressed my grief with the lack of introductions in this main title, so I'll keep it to a minimum. I've also previously addressed the art in these books. Therefore, you will not find that section in this review. Can't say much more without specifics, so here we go...

Plot

Convergence #3

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

Before we get any proper introduction to Deimos *sigh*, our heroes engage in a fight with a horde of Telos drones. The drones manage to capture Supes-2, but before he's taken out of the picture leaving us with an interesting dynamic of characters who would be utterly worthless against Telos' wrath, he's saved by Tom-Bats and Gray-2 in the Batjet-podthing. Unfortunately they are shit at pilot/copilot and the craft gets downed rather quickly. So welcome back to our incompetent heroes, everybody. Honestly, for those who have read Earth-2 and are really rooting for these heroes, this issue has to be a slap in the face.

So in other news, Telos is mad that the folks on Kandor aren't fighting. For some reason he doesn't send his drones to coax them into fighting like he did with Future's End-iverse. No, this time he must see to it personally. But not before another Jesus Christ Pose. So Flamebird and Silver Swift (or whomever, again *sigh*) don't want to duke it out, giving us the best panels of Telos so far when he decides to annihilate Kandor (or at least part of it). "Let this be a lesson. . ." he says. To whom? Who is watching Telos? Just you, that's who. Idiotic foreshadowing, check.

Now we come to the most confusing part of the book, where not only Skartaris, but also the masters of time and this whole vanishing point business. Just the whole thing, all of it, it's all a parade of unknowns. I'd love to learn more, but I know they'll never explain. It's like they're trying to drive new readers away. I'm sorry, I said I wouldn't... *sigh*Finally, the redeeming(?) part of the book, the death of Tom-Bats. I like the idea that if there were a younger Batman from a tangent universe, Tom-Bats would take the bullet if it meant taking out a bunch of villains. Now, I'm not sure if Tom-Bats has the same "I don't kill" thing going on as Prime-Bats, but it still makes for an interesting development either way. Plus, it gives us a couple really nice looking splash panels and a wonderful Joker/Telos moment. 

Verdict

The fact that my review looks like a sassy summary shows two things: 1) I'm tired. I've been awake for far too long, and the fact that I'm at work makes it a double whammy. 2) I'm unenthused and underwhelmed by this issue. Sure, stuff actually happens, so it's better than the first two issues in the series. However, I haven't found anything that connects with me. These are all characters I know nothing about and care for not at all. Sure I'm curious to see how it all goes down, but I think I may back out if the half-way point issue #4 doesn't deliver some relatively meaningful content.

What I imagine the shop owner thinks when he sees
the look on my face after reading a Convergence title.

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1 - "It's Not Easy Being Green!"

Art

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

The colors picked for this issue are all very appropriate (albeit sticking a little too close to convention) for a Swamp Thing title, all very murky and dark with lots of muddy greens throughout. The characters look decent, although simple. My biggest gripe with the art is that Thing comes off looking more like a Frankenstein, with big sinewy muscles rather than mossy swamp matter. However, I will say that Thing's eyes are the most important part, with the green encapsulated orange orbs standing out so well, and they are ever expressive in this issue. In fact, Things face is what always looks good here.

Plot

Fairly simple plot to this one. Perhaps too much so. After an unnecessary, but not unwelcome reintroduction to the character (because we have the near identical character bio in the back), the Thing is faced with being disconnected from the Green while the dome is in place. I have several gripes here, but my biggest is at the end when Thing is reconnected with the Green. If Thing is on Telos, the same planet where Green Lantern-2 is, then how come the "Green" of Telos hurts GL-2 and not Thing? How come Thing doesn't notice the vast difference? My other main gripe is with the lack of events. I like the setup, but nothing happens. It's several pages of Thing hiding in a park, feeling pitiful. Not that great for storytelling. Finally, the Poison Ivy of Pre-Crisis Earth-One seems more apt to causing random mischief than saving the people of Gotham with her gardens. This makes me really sad. This was the one book which could have explored that side of Ivy in more acute detail, with Swamp Thing helping her in her efforts. Alas, 'twas not to be...

Verdict

This issue has its holes and its pitfalls with not much to help it back on its feet. It could have been a lot better, but overall it falls flat on its face. I would only recommend this if collecting all of the Convergence titles. 

Convergence: The NEW Teen Titans #1 - "Opposing Truths"

Art

Convergence: The NEW Teen Titans #1

April 22, 2015 by DC Comics

32 page Comic • $3.99

I'm very happy with the art in this one. Nice vibrant colors that aren't overbearing with appropriate highlights, shadows, etc. The artist makes sure to open each scene with a wide shot showing us our setting, then zooming in on the characters in action shots and close up face shots for dramatic lines. It all comes together for a very pleasing aesthetic throughout the book. The action shots appear to be a little on the mediocre side, though. Mostly just the two teams shooting their projectiles/lazers/what-have-you at each other, but there is one nice looking splash page when the Titans finally assemble. I also have to mention the cover art for the standard issue. BAM! ZING! *shimmer shimmer* It draws the eye. The colors pop. Now that is a cover.

Plot

The story is pretty mediocre as a whole, but this issue excels at giving readers insight on the personality of the characters and how they have evolved since the appearance of the dome. While some character's story being notably more interesting than others (I'm looking at you Beast Bo-*ahem*-Changeling.), the dynamics of the group are clearly outlined for the upcoming battle against Doom Patrol from another Earth. Other than that, there isn't much to talk about, and I believe that is where this issue fails. While the character insight is nice, it doesn't make a story in itself. The issue also dips into the action I would expect to find almost exclusively in the next issue (if the rest of the Convergence titles are held to be standard), leaving me wondering how the next issue will attempt to 'wow' readers.

Verdict

While I really did enjoy reading through this issue, I was still left wanting more story. I would have happily exchanged some of the mediocre action sequences for some more exposition into the characters who were left forgotten.

Week 3 - Final Thoughts

While I may still be enjoying the ride though some of these Tie-Ins, despite their multiple failings, I don't know whether the main title is actually worth my time. Sure I'll be curious as to how it all gets settled, but should I continue paying for a series concerning characters which I care nothing about? I may hop off the boat if Convergence #4 has nothing to keep me on board. Really curious as to what the New 52 chaps are doing. They aren't in the main series and they aren't in the tie-ins. So where are they? I thought this was all of DC. Anyway, I wish I would have picked up Convergence: Wonder Woman, because I've heard this was a great horror-esque story. Also, Convergence: Hawkman, purely because I'm developing an interest in the character. Finally, Convergence: Batman and the Outsiders would have been a great one to pick up considering it was on my pull list. Dang it, Diamond...

Convergence: Hawkman #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Wonder Woman #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Batman and The Outsiders #1
April 22, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence Week 2 Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

A Week Late and An Excuse Short

So I'm finally getting around to doing some reviews after not doing any last week. I apologize for my general laziness (although I have been busier in the last week), and I'll try to make up for it this week. Therefore, I hope to get all these reviews in  before Saturday. However, I have two weeks to cover, I may not get to everything. So I'm going to be covering Convergence: Catwoman and Convergence: Shadow of the Bat in this review as well. The idea is to move toward a more focused weekly summary of the Convergence event. I'll do a full review of the main title and mini reviews of the tie-ins. So let's get to it.

Convergence #2 - "The Planet Incarnate"

Finally! Where Convergence #1 felt like a poor continuation of the introduction in Convergence #0, Convergence #2 actually delivers on some good action and some decent story development, even though it still leaves new readers completely in the dark when it comes to introducing characters.

Art

Convergence #2
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

I haven't taken note of the art before, because it was all setup stuff. There was no story to capture me and draw me into book; both Convergence #1 and #2 were quickly read then tossed aside. Now that we've come to an issue where action is happening, the art becomes an integral part of the storytelling. However, I feel that this is one why in which this series falls short of the mark. I have two main problems in this area: The first is the way the scenes are depicted. Too much of this book is up-close shots of our characters or simply don't provide enough view of the area. never are we given a good view of the surrounding areas. I would just like to view this planet in my head, but I'm having trouble. Secondly, the colors in this series seem very bright and vibrant. Everything pops and stands out, therefore nothing is highlighted. I feel like it is just too overbearing without any part being muddied or dimmed. Of course, this isn't so much of a problem, but more of a personal preference.

Plot

After an introduction featuring Earth-2 Grayson (more on that later), we find our characters are still being lectured by Telos about his might and his grand purpose or whatever... WE GET IT! Luckily, this only lasts for one page, and makes an example of how he will make the different universes fight with the Future's End universe in a two-page splash panel. His minion bots coax the cyborgs from Future's End to attack the Stan Lee universe characters and unfortunately Stan Lee is no match.

Now lets pause for a second here. First, we must grieve for Stan Lee's characters, which I know nothing about, but I assume they're awesome. Second, I need to underline the fact that I know nothing about these characters. I appreciate Telos trying to fill me in on their identities with "--This world, born of a great creator. . .", but honestly, that didn't help me much. I identified that they were the Justice League from another universe, but that's it (although the Flash threw me for a loop). I really just want short character bios at the end of the book PLEASE. I know I'm begging, at this point, for something I'll never get, but the need is real. I really don't understand why they didn't include this like in every other Convergence title. Oh, and don't get me started on the surprise appearance of Deimos at the end. Dei-who?

Anyway, Earth-2 Superman breaks out of Telos' goo while Telos is "distracted", and everyone starts to open up a collective can of Whoop-Ass on Telos. Things go weird when Green Lantern taps in to the planet's energy to fight Telos. (Earth-2 GL is the avatar of the Green on Earth-2, which make me wonder what Earth-2 Swamp Thing is like.) Well, Telos is the anthropomorphic manifestation of the planet; so while it seems to be effective (and it looks pretty dang cool), it really does nothing to Telos. So he comes back until he decides to give up on fighting. He says, "None of you are worth my time!" and leaves. Apparently he has better things to do, like. . . watch other fights. Man this guy must love MMA or something. Dude, just record it and watch it later.

So Lantern is now powerless in any fight, but he learned some of Telos' fears. While the League follows those fears through some Metropolis or other, Tom-Bats and Gray-2 head to Pre-Flashpoint Gotham. They follow Tom-Bat's intuition to a hidden door in a sewer which leads to the Batcave, where they meet up with Pre-Flash Bats and Alfred.

This is the part of the issue that everyone has been looking forward to, and we see it all from Gray-2's point of view, which I think is great. It points us to what kind of conversation Bats and Tom-Bats have when they speak in private, but we are left to our imaginations when it comes to the details. Beautiful story-telling right there. Also, when Tom-Bats is heading out, I love what he says, ". . . if your father is anything like I am, he'd be very proud." As Batman silently hangs his head, I swear I almost shed a tear... almost. Sadly, that's it. Only a few pages are dedicated to this highly anticipated moment. This issue just didn't leave enough time for what really mattered to readers. I honestly could have done without every other part of the book to see this moment explored in more detail.

So coming back to that intro with Earth-2 Grayson, it shows us his final moments on Earth-2. He is attempting to flee Earth with his son. However, when the gates are closed he's on the wrong side and his son is ushered onto the ships by a woman in a maroon cloak. After seeing the ships explode, Grayson runs until he is captured by Brainiac's/Telos' teleporting goo. This sets up his motivation from here on out. After seeing that there are alternate versions of Gotham, including one in which Thomas' son is alive and well, we are led to believe he now will be looking for another version of his own son. Which is great motivation to continue caring about this character, if you ever did to begin with.

Verdict

Although, I finally feeling like I'm getting my money's worth (which by the way, this is the first issue that is $3.99 rather than $4.99, which I find incredibly odd considering this is the first book of value), I'm just left wishing more of the New 52 characters were involved or I had read Earth-2. Oh well...

Convergence: Batman - Shadow of the Bat #1 - "The Dark Side of the Street"

Convergence: Batman - Shadow of the Bat #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Art

I'm a big fan of the art in this issue. It's dark and moody to accurately reflect the themes of the issue with realistic highlights and shadows giving a good sense of atmosphere. With excellent use of blurred lines in certain panels and some amazing action sequences, all four of the artists deserve a pat on the back for a beautiful issue. 

Plot

The plot is not the most amazing thing that could ever be, but for one issue, it does a pretty good job. Everything from the setup to the showdown and reveal of the challengers at the end is well done. We get character introductions, motivations, and proper setting all while telling a story that is worth reading. Pre-Zero Hour Bats and Azrael went to Metropolis because of the Green Lantern/Paralax event but got stuck when the domes came down. I love how this ties into another Convergence title, as we've not scene to much of that. The only gripe I can make for a one-issue story is the interactions between Bats and Azrael. Bats doesn't want Azrael to kill but Azrael doesn't care. Bats shows his disapproval of Azrael's apathy in the whiniest of ways. He knew this would happen (Azrael even told him as much) yet he continues to whine.

Verdict

A worthy title in the Convergence event series with every aspect enjoyable despite its very few shortcomings.

Convergence: Catwoman #1 - "Schrödinger's Cat"

Convergence: Catwoman #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Art

The art lends itself to the time period which are characters are from. Catwoman's suit is as purple as ever with the bright popping colors, and the dramatic facial expressions are the cherry on top. Not my favorite style, but I give props to the artists for taking me back to a time when I didn't even know comics were a thing.

Plot

What if Catwoman were a superhero instead of a morally ambiguous theif? It's a question that has been definitely been asked before and will undoubtably be asked again. Unfortunately, this is not one of the times that will make a difference. The entire book seems to be lack-luster. Nothing wows or excites, all is bland. "Catwoman fights people, but this time she's a hero!" It's still just Catwoman fighting random dudes. The story doesn't even come to an interesting conclusion. It casts aside any story built up and throws Kingdom Come Bats at us. So what was accomplished in this issue? I really don't know.

Verdict

Nothing new is explored and the plot is rubbish. Not a book to pick up unless you're going the Pokemon route.

Week 2 - Final Thoughts

Not a terrible week, but hopefully not the best week either. At least the main title was worth the money this time. Looking back to Week 1, there weren't any titles that I really regretted not picking up. This week, however, I'm kicking myself for not picking Green Lantern/Paralax. Apparently this title was amazing. Plus it was alluded to in Shadow of the Bat. Other than that, I wish I would have picked up Suicide Squad. I hear that it follows the early formation that will be depicted in the movie, and it would have been nice to read that. Aquaman was, as I've heard, very eye opening as to how the whole event works. Each week being within the cities listed at the begining of the issues. So that may have been one to pick up as well, but I missed out. Maybe later on I'll go back to it. For now, that's Week 2, over and done.

Convergence: Suicide Squad #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Aquaman #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Convergence: Green Lantern/Parallax #1
April 15, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

  

Jupiter's Legacy: Vol. 1 TP Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

An amazing read that's worth every penny...

Jupiter's Legacy: Vol 1
April 8, 2015 by Image Comics
136 page Trade Paperback  ·  $14.99

When finishing my purchases this past Wednesday, I hit my first moment of weakness concerning my limits on purchasing comics. The guy behind the counter, who knows I'm new to comics, suggested that I try out Jupiter's Legacy. He said that, given what I'm buying and the few conversations we've had, I would probably go bonkers for this series. Now, at first, I'm skeptical. Not because I think this guy is trying to rip me out of $10, but because I don't really get into some things that others do. However, the Counter Master (as I'm wont to call him) assured me that if this trade doesn't knock my socks off, I could return and exchange it for another. Well... here I sit, barefooted and extremely satisfied, as this surprise purchase turns out to be the best damn thing I bought last week.

Art

At face value, the art comes across as crisp and clear, but the characters faces strike me as... odd. This is simply nitpicking, but Quietly has a way of putting too many lines on a characters face, making them look wrinkled or scarred. Although, I will admit this works wonderfully on the older characters. Secondly, the eyes on everyone's faces look a little too high up or too close together or too far back, so that everyone comes across as looking slightly alien or otherworldly. However, when you delve into the book you notice these things less and less, and end up praising the art for its clarity. All of the colors help to make the images pop and the scenes are laid out with perfection. I was never trying to "peek around the edges" like I feel the need to with some other books. 

Chapter I

Here we are introduced to our characters, each in turn with the proper attention given to each. I will say the very beginning "flashback" section didn't grab me and I found it rather a dull way to start a series. However, we quickly switch it up to present day and are introduced to our main cast. You have your classic "rebel kids, traditional parents" dynamic going on here, but these kids ain't no Damian Wayne. 

Miller's portrayal of these super-humans is very down-to-earth. The rebel super-kids just want to party and have a good time with drugs, sex, alcohol and rock-n-roll. Treating them as celebrities further grounds this book in a realistic setting. Probably the best example of this down-to-earth storytelling style is when a character, whom I can only identify as "barely clothed Lady-Flash girl" due to her revealing red costume, meets Jules (another super-kid) at the Blackstar fight. It's revealed that a large (probably too large) group of super-humans are fighting an villain called Blackstar somewhere overhead, and Jules and "Lady-Flash" are simply trying to stay out of the way while having a smoke and chatting it up. 

The Blackstar fight comes to a close when Walter traps him in a psychic painting, and the rest of the super-group pummel his mindless body. Let me just say right now that Walter's ability to trap foes' minds in a psychic painting while other heroes pummel the victim's body is probably the most amazing power ever imagined. The implications are endless and the all-too-graphic results are jaw-dropping. Now, I can see this ability being overpowered in normal brawler type comics. (Superman: Doomed would have turned out a lot differently if Brainiac had this power and had teamed up with Doomsday from the beginning. #GameOverSupes) However, this is thankfully not your everyday comic.

After Blackstar's spine is snapped, we finally come to our "meat-n-potatoes" of the book when Walter and "the Utopian" get into a fight. This is how super-heroes become super-villains: when super-humans disagree. While these two characters share a lot of views and were certainly friends at one point, certain differences are pushing a wedge between them. This sets up the theme and plot for the rest of the book, and it is beautifully executed. Quick spoiler: the sassy one in an argument is always the villain. It actually reminds me a lot of Pixar's The Incredibles' story, where the villain is all but created by the arrogance of the hero.

Chapter II

Rebel super-kids of the Utopian, Chloe and Brandon, at first come of to of one and the same mind, but this chapter makes us see differently. Whereas Brandon's "assistance" of an ocean liner, levitating it across town while drunk, reveals his true color of open defiance of his father; Chloe's overdose and "bad-boy" dating preference come across as more of a rebellion of her straight-edge up bringing, rather than in defiance of her parents themselves. Brandon broods in his hatred of his father at a bar, while Chloe's reaction to finding out that she's pregnant appears to imply that she regrets letting down her parents. The simple fact that she's keeping her boyfriend, Hutch, a secret is a stark contrast to Brandon's open defiance.These differences in character is what brings their uncle Walter to Brandon rather than Chloe. 

Walter, already shown in chapter one to have a major disagreement with the Utopian's mode of thinking, is here shown to be, similar to Brandon, in open defiance of the Utopian. When the Utopian confronts Walter on this, he even treats Walter like he does his son. The character parallel couldn't be made more clear. All this purposeful character building comes together when, after both have been berated by the Utopian, Walter meets Brandon at a bar to discuss usurping his dad.

Finally, I have to say my favorite part of chapter two is the introduction of Hutch, Chloe's "bad-boy" boyfriend. He's a "bad-boy", because he's the son of a former super-villain and sells drugs. After selling drugs on the wrong part of town, he starts getting harassed by two goons sent by a rival drug dealer. This scene could have gone many different ways, but I did not see this coming. When confronted, Hutch simply teleports one of the goons to "shark-infested waters", and we see the goon being torn to shreds. I literally laughed out loud in delight. 

Chapter III

This is the one. This chapter is when I knew I could no longer back out. This is when I knew I wouldn't be returning this trade to the shelf in exchange for something with a shinier cover. (I honestly hate the cover of this trade.) We have the privilege in this chapter of witnessing an action packed climax to the unrest rising in both Walter and Brandon. And boy, oh boy... It's like a kick in the 'nads from a dominatrix; it's so intensely painful, but you love it. So you flip the page and ask for more.

I honestly don't want to spoil this too much for anyone who hasn't read it; so I'll only give a few comments. First, we get to see Walter use his psychic painting powers again in what is the best moment in the entire trade. I'm reminded of Lori and Judith in the Walking Dead comic. Second, when Hutch and Chloe are on the run, that guy who flew through his windshield is not ok, and I love the graphic realism of that. Third, the tears in Brandon's eyes as he confronts his father shows such a depth of emotion. It's just wonderful. Last, when Brandon looks to his uncle and asks what to do is just a brilliant moment. It shows how young and naïve Brandon truly is, how lost he is without something to rebel against, and ultimately how he was only a pawn. 

Chapter IV

The next chapter starts in the flashback sequence with Sheldon (the Utopian), Walter, and the rest of the ship's crew journeying on the island where they got their powers. I thought it extremely fitting to put such a laid back section right after all of the action in the last chapter. Dialing it back gives us a chance to breath while we recuperate, but this section also serves to get us excited for upcoming events. Honestly, nothing big is revealed in this section. Everything is to be expected: mysterious island, a door to a magical area, guardians of a magical obelisk... It's all been done before, but it's done well enough to leave the reader interested in what was initially a boring sequence.

From here, the book jumps forward several years from when we last saw our cast. After the Utopian and Lady Liberty were removed from the picture, Walter and Brandon rose up to power, leading the world in a very 1984, Big Brother surveillance, dystopian dictatorship. Hiding from these dictators by suppressing their powers are Chloe and Hutch, now refugees living in Australia with their son, Jason. 

On the refugees' side, Chloe is telling Jason bedtime stories about the "good 'ole days" of super-heroes, when the Utopian and crew were in their prime. This turns out to be influencing Jason to take up a super-hero mantel despite the warnings of his parents. Soon, we'll find out why he should have heeded those warnings.

On the dictators' side, we find that Brandon is having some regrets about his path and is dissatisfied with how things turned out. He's also worried about his sister. Walter, still acting as the devil on Brandon's shoulder, eases his worries and tells Brandon to leave his sister to a professional super-human tracker, introducing our next villain and confrontation. 

Overall, this chapter is nothing but set-up, but it's good set-up. Interesting set-up. Set-up you care about.

Chapter V

The final chapter in this book starts with a proper introduction to Major Barnabas Wolfe, the super-human tracker under the employ of Walter and Brandon. The artist does a great job of making Barnabas appear sinister. From the black cloak and thin mustache to his posture and the way he's isolated in the room, Barnabas is given an aura of evil. For those Doctor Who fans out there, I get a real Robert Delgado's Master vibe from this character.        

While Barnabas is capturing another super-hero in hiding, Jason is taking off to the moon to work on a meta-scanner which searches earth for super-humans. I really like this plot dynamic of showing us how Jason and his grandfather are incredibly similar, even though they are a generation apart. It also demonstrates how all children will rebel against what is expected of them in one way or another. In the same way that Brandon and Chloe rebelled against their parents, Jason pushes against what is expected of him. However, the fear of being found has pushed his endeavors towards fighting for justice.Despite his good intentions, Chloe makes her son destroy the scanner, because evil is lurking and will find them should they let their guard down. Well find them it does...

In an epic encounter, Major Barnabas tricks Jason into coming out, but Chloe and Hutch show up just in time to save their son. I have to say that everything about this short lived battle is awesome. I love how immediately after Barnabas stops Jason, he starts to gloat saying: "Mommy isn't coming . . . She's hardly going to here you all the way out here." Without skipping a beat we see panels of gushing winds and melting rifles of Barnabas' army in the wake of Chloe rushing to protect her son. "Mommy hears everything." A powerful statement on good parenting if I've ever heard one, and one that leaves chills running down the spine. As Chloe begins to pummel Barnabas, Hutch shows up and lays waste to most of Barnabas' forces by teleporting a freight train on top of them. Again, graphic realism is used to beautiful effect here. After Chloe crushes Barnabas, the Hutchenses leave the Major's lifeless body for the colder climate of the north pole, where we find that the family is planning to take down Walter and Brandon.

Verdict

What can I say about this trade that I haven't already? No really, I'm coming up dry. At only $10, this book is definitely worth your money. My only complaint is that Vol 2 isn't out yet, and unfortunately it may take a while. Before returning to the present story, we'll be getting 12 issues of Jupiter's Circle, a prequel title. Only after that will new Legacy be coming our way, and from what I hear from Counter Master, Image is taking it's time shipping these issues out. He said that with Vol 1 there were several months in between each issue. Let's hope that with 12 issues of Circle, they can speed that schedule up a bit. Anyway... if you haven't picked up this trade yet. Do it now!

Convergence: The Question #1 - "Just One More Thing" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Between the two of them, they have just enough faces....

Convergence: The Question #1
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

The Question is a character whom I've always been curious about, yet I've not read any comics of the enigmatic character until it was reintroduced in the New 52. In this new universe, The Question seems, as far as I've read, a one trick pony. Thus, I' quickly became disinterested with finding out anything more. The Pre-Flashpoint version, on the other hand, seems to be a character teeming with personality and endless possiblilities. Of course, I only judge based on the character summary in the back of the book, which explaines most of Renee Montoya's history as The Question. However, the issue seems to be more focused on Two-Face than its title character, raising a lot more questions than answers.  

Why is Harvey Dent helping Renee? Does he know she's The Question? Why is he trying to commit suicide? What does Two-Face mean to Renee? None of these questions are answered, but some are alluded to. All of this leaves the reader slightly confused, but wanting to find out more. Of course, much of this may have been answered in Pre-Flashpoint material, but as a new reader, I can feel myself being reeled in and wanting to come back for issue #2. So I suppose that's a job well done on the writer's part.

Much of the dialogue reveals the depth of the characters, but it some of it sounds a bit forced. For example: when Helena Wayne tells Renee, "You can't trust [Two-Face]." She responds with: "I never forget who he is . . . It's me I'm always in doubt about." However, the lines exchanged between The Question and Two-Face are pretty well executed, and I suppose that's where it counts.

Verdict

I'm finding it incredibly hard to finish this review. I don't love it, but I don't think it's bad either. Just middle of the road I guess. I thought the story was ok, but it I suppose I would need to know the character a little better before I could truly appreciate this story. However, I will say that I think this is one of the characters that will be joining the majority of the New 52 cast as the victors of this event series. New 52's Question is such a flat character that removing and replacing him with this much deeper version of the character would be a bold yet appropriate move for DC.

Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #1 - "Birds of Rage" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Fan service and slugfests, that's all you need in Convergence

The pacing, the action, the romance, the characters; this issue just does so many things right, it's hard to figure out where to begin. Covered within is the convergence of Pre-Flashpoint Nightwing and Oracle, trying to come to terms with life beneath the dome; and Flashpoint Hackman and Hawkwoman, forfeiting their hometown in an attempt to become refugees/rulers of another.

The book starts out with the sad (although predictable) news for many readers that the Justice Riders have been eradicated by the Flashpoint Hawks. The art here is beautiful, with the burning buildings reflecting the rage which so recently laid waste to the town of El Inferno. The Hawks then take off to terrorize a new world, and the book jumps to Nightwing and Oracle.

Convergence: Nightwing and Oracle #1 
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Between Barbara's concern for the mental state of all of Gotham and our two heroes' relationship, this issue does a splendid job of keeping the tension while waiting for the Hawks to show up. While Nightwing stands off against Mr. Freeze in an encounter that sends a chill down the spine, Barbara is having a thought-box reflection of Gotham's time under the dome. From here, the depiction of Nightwing and Oracle's relationship is endearing, highlighted by Barbara playfully calling Dick "Wonder Boy"; and heartstrings are plucked when Starfire shows up to create the love triangle, keeping the reader on their toes to see through a story that probably won't be played out. However, this sequence does a good job of breaking up the action and recreating that intense connection to the characters. A connection which crescendoes when Dick finally pops the question and is denied just before the Flashpoint Hawks show up.

The resulting conflict is nothing special, I'll be the first to admit, but it's sets the story up for what will undoubtably be an amazing showdown in the next issue. From the Hawks showing off their powerful little robot buddies by blowing up a bridge, to Oracle's reveal that even though Nightwing's off to armor up, she's been fighting them for the entire encounter; this sequence is well thought out, and the dialogue is appropriate. 

Verdict

This is what I've been looking for in the Convergence titles. Fan-service and slugfests. Is that too much to ask? Where others have failed, this book delivers. It even has an allusion to that Savior Ivy story I still want to see. If you haven't already bought this one, go out and get it now! It's worth your money.

Convergence: Batman and Robin #1 - "Father & Sons" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

Poison Ivy is saving Gotham, but Robin is too jealous

Batman and Robin was a great series and for plenty of good reasons. The dynamics of the relationship between the duo are a roller coaster ride that show personal growth in both characters. Well, this issue takes us back to the early days of their relationship (Pre-Flashpoint aka Pre-New52) to bring us a rehashed tale of jealousy and set the scene for issue #2.

Convergence: Batman and Robin #1
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
32 page Comic • $3.99

Before we get into it, I need to point out how much I appreciate the "Fight For Your City" page at the beginning of the issue. It gives us an idea of who we can be expecting in these week one titles. A convenience that the main title left out, leaving some readers (myself included) confused. Although, I already know the Batman and Robin within the issue, it was good to shake hands before getting down to business.

After we greet our heroes and setting, the book establishes that in year after being displaced to Telos, food sources have become scarce and Poison Ivy has risen up to save the city with fresh produce. This is an interesting concept which I would have liked to see more of. Yet rather than tell this story, the writer decided rather to give us something worth fighting for, and then rushed through the fight without any background. At least Batman said "Thank you, Ivy." That was considerate...

With the story worth telling being ignored, the book proceeds to re-introduce us to our already well-known star. Now, it definitely does a good job of highlighting Damian Wayne, the most current Robin's, character for those who may not be familiar. However, I question the necessity of this, because this is a tie-in title; if I hadn't already been interested in these characters, I wouldn't have picked up this book. I also wonder why the writer decided to go with another telling of "Robin is jealous of previous Robin". We get it. Using the title of Robin for more than one character creates the pissing match atmosphere that exists in all sibling relationships. Move on. To put insult to injury, there is a summary of Damian's Robin in the back of the issue. Personally, I think this should have been in the beginning of the book for readers who might be curious about these characters or are only coming for the Extremists. Maybe then we could have avoided the long-winded "hello".

Lastly, the book hastily sets up the fight for the next issue, with the Extremists appearing out of nowhere. (Sorry if you came for them. You get one splash page; that's it.)

Verdict

I want to be onboard for this issue, but I just can't. While Savior Ivy is a great start to a possibly good story; it wasn't fleshed out here. (Perhaps it is in the Harley book I failed to pick up. *sigh*) The issue doesn't do anything new, and the lack of true content is appalling. It's quite obvious that the Extremists are going to be killed off next issue; so should I even come back? I probably won't... Oh well.

Convergence #1 - "Domesday" Review

WARNING: This review may contain spoilers!

"Are we there yet?" "We'll get there when we get there!"

Whether you've been patiently waiting patiently or you've just now decided "Sure, why not?", Convergence has officially begun! What can readers expect going into this one? Well, readers should expect some lack-luster writing, some confusion (for some), and a lot of exposition that leaves with the feeling that we still haven't quite started...

Convergence #1
April 8, 2015 by DC Comics
40 page Comic • $4.99

The issue opens with the Injustice universe characters fighting Superman, and fortunately, this part doesn't rely on the reader having read the entire series, as simply understanding the fact that Superman turns evil is sufficient. So, I'm just glad I played the game and know that much. Despite the lack of exposition, at least they let you know which universe this is with the opening Evil Supes thought box: "Gotham City. A city where a great INJUSTICE was done..." Can't argue those coordinates. 

The next section of this issue is much more confusing, for those (like myself) who did not read Earth 2 or Worlds End. So Batman is the first to pop onto Telos, and I swear I thought he was Flashpoint Batman. Nope. Turns out Earth 2 Bats is just really similar to Flashpoint Bats. So I spent the rest of the book wondering who these characters were, how Tommy Wayne new them, and "What now with Darkseid?" Unfortunately we get no "Our world has ended, our second earth" blurb to set the scene. Maybe no necessary for everyone, but it would have been greatly appreciated by some.

Even more appreciation would have been awarded to less monologuing by Telos. (Oh Telos, you love that Jesus Christ Pose, don't you?) Honestly, he doesn't say much we didn't already know. We're already here, because we were promised DC's take on Thunderdome. Stop explaining give us some proper exposition sprinkled slug-festing. Please and thank you. Unfortunately this redo on last weeks issue takes us right to the end, with the last splash panel pretty clearly foreshadowing that Superman will be the one to save the day. I can't help but feeling like I just looked at a couple of bookends. Front cover - back cover, no pages in-between. 

Finally, we are again presented with a "Who's Who" bit in the back. Given the issue I just read, this seems even more important than I previously assumed. Without at least going to Wikipedia, I may end up completely lost by the end of May.

Verdict

I once again, can't recommend this book to anyone. Not for the $4.99 price. Borrow a friend's copy or don't even bother. I only hope that next week's issue is worth it. With all this setup out of the way, it would only be logical that we get into the meat and potatoes next week. (Yet, that's what I thought last time.) So, here me now DC, this is your last chance. Get on with it, or I'm out.

Marvel Truly is Unlimited

Marvel. It's like a giant delicious looking burger. It's got all the things you love. The Avengers are that flame-broiled angus beef patty. The X-Men are those fresh, crisp garden veggies. The Fantastic 4 are those four strips of mouth-watering bacon. Spice it up with your choice of condiments. Spider-Man, Gwen, Ham, Silk, 2099, Noir, Boy, Woman, Girl, or Miles Morales? Oh and by the way did you want your Avengers Uncanny, Secret, Dark, or Mighty? There's a hundreds of different cheeses in the world; which would you like? Deadpool, Darkpool, Zombie-Headpool, Pandapool, Female Deadpool? Take your pick. Now put the whole thing inbetween two soft buttery buns which the previous event (AvX) and the next event (Secret Wars).

Ok, I think I've made my point. Marvel comes across as a delicious looking burger that is just way to big to take a bite. It's intimidating. I want to dive in, but there's just so much that I don't know. Unfortunately, I'm not a long time fan of any of the characters. I only watched a little bit of the X-Men animated series, and I only played a couple Spider-Man games. I just never truly got into the Marvel characters. I enjoyed what Marvel morsels I tasted, but I never established a tether to this universe like I did with DC.

You see, with DC, I had Batman. I got really into Batman (like really into him). I loved the character and his Dark Knight persona, ever since Batman: The Animated Series. Oh yes, you know the one. It was a great intro to the character for my young mind, and it serves as my anchor for all that I've ever come to love about comics. 

However, that show alone would not have given me the intro to DC I needed to jump right in after the New 52 started. Luckily, there was also The Justice League series. Crossing over from Batman: TAS, The Justice League took my love for Batman and used it to introduce me to an entire pantheon of caped crusaders. Without these two shows acting as my Dc Universe anchor, my love of DC Comics may have taken quite a bit longer to develop. 

My love for Marvel, however, has not been established. I have no anchor and no point through which to breach the shell of such a vast and varied universe. And even though the next big Marvel event, Secret Wars, is supposedly rebooting the universe, it would seem that it's to the extent of DC's Flashpoint event, after which much of the previous continuity was left intact. So I've gone to the internet in search of where to start my journey. It didn't take me long to find a mountain of suggestions, but one site provided more useful than any of the others: Comic Book Herald. 

This site has not only the most in-depth and detailed explanation of where to begin (and more importantly why), it also has fast track trade lists that can launch you into current events. However, what I love most about this "Reading Order" list is that the author takes into account that some of the most essential information is buried in the most atrocious comics, and he lets you know all about it before you go diving in. 

Yet, as good as this site and it's fast track lists are, I know myself too well. I'm going to want not only the essentials, but all of the soup that surrounds them. So, I've decided to start the complete 2000-Current guide with Part 1 (1999-2004), picking, choosing, and generally trimming off the fat of what I want to read based on the authors welcomed input. Now I know this means getting a lot of trades, and money will fly from my pockets if I try to get my hands on all of the material physically. Which leads me to Marvel Unlimited.

Marvel Unlimited, for those who don't know, is a platform on which Marvel uploads a large amount of their old material for users to read with a monthly subscription fee. It looks like a great service, and I honestly don't know why DC doesn't have something similar. Well, my plan is to subscribe to this service and read all of the Marvel stuff I want for just $10 per month. Not a bad price considering the rate at which I will likely read the stuff. Of course, this service does not include current issues; so this will be only a temporary subscription. I hope to be subscribed for no more than 3 months max. Then it's back to the drawing board for the 'ole pull list, but that's another day.
(Honestly I'm mostly drawn to the Marvel Cosmic corner of the universe. So I think my additions will end up being mostly Cosmic related titles. If I were to add Marvel titles right now I would go over my 15 main title limit by adding: Superior Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova, The Avengers, New Avengers, and whatever Deadpool is out currently.)

My hope is to be caught up in the Marvel Universe by the end of Secret Wars, which, from what I've found online, will last until the end of 2015. Whether or not this will be a good point to catch up to and jump on, I'll just have to wait and see.

For now, Marvel will have to wait as I'm still catching up on the New 52. I've read all of the Bat titles up until their either conclusion or intermission during the Convergence event, but there are still others that I'm behind on. Namely: Justice League, Justice League Dark, Justice League United, Constantine, Teen Titans, and Trinity of Sin. I'm more than halfway through on almost all of these (the exception is Teen Titans), and the Convergence event should give me time to catch up on all of these before my pull list starts pulling new issues. 

With all of this comic reading to do, I just don't know how I'll have time for anything else...

Creating a Pull List

The hardest part of getting into current comics, I've learned, is creating the Pull List. Which titles do you want to pay money for? Which ones could you do without? Which ones are you going to kick yourself for missing? Can you wait until the trade comes out, or are you collecting individual issues?

Honestly, it's all a shot in the dark. You can never know which titles are going to be good. Even when you know that a title has been good, there is no guarantee that it will continue to be good. So you don't know if something is worth your money until it's spent.

With this fact in mind, I have created two limits for myself. One is Quantity based, the other is Monetary based. I will refrain from exceeding either limit, or suffer the consequences of getting carried away in the long run. ("Death by a thousand cuts" was the perfect analogy that somebody recently threw my way.)

Quantity Limit: This is mostly setting a framework of what I should aim for. Honestly, I believe this limit should be more strict. However, I know that I'll end up wanting more leeway in the end. Undoubtably, this limit will end up being tweaked (reasonably, not on a "I really want one more book, so I'm changing my limit" basis), but for now, this is a good middle of the road goal to shoot for.

15 Main Titles

1 Event Series

1 Maxi-Series

1 Trade per month

(When applicable and always adhering to the Monetary Limit.)

Monetary Limit: This is the more reasonable of the two limits, and as noted above, this is what it comes down to in the end. If I got 10 titles, an event, and a maxi that I want all on the same day, I best hope they come out to be within my Monetary Limit. My cap is set at this amount, because it comes from outside of my paycheck. My bank card will not be used for this hobby; to do so would be signing my self up for dangerous circumstances. The prepaid card I will use is funded by going to the plasma center one a week. This will keep myself from cheating. Of course, there is the matter of rollover funds, but I'll try to stay away from that by taking most of the leftover money off the card at the grocery store.

< $30 per Week

Ok. So I've set my limits, and they may be high to some or low to others, but I'm being completely honest here: I have no clue what I'm doing! Haha, that about sums it up. The biggest point of reference that I have is the shop owner who said he, in his prime, was reading 70+ titles at once. I'm nowhere near that, and I think I'd like to keep it that way. All I know, is that I'm itching to read all the titles on my list, and from what I've been told, that's the overall goal. Only get what you have to, and only take chances when you can.

With all that said, my Pull List is located in the side bar. Clicking on the titles takes you all my posts on that title. (So only the Convergence link works right now.)

And yes, I know there isn't any Marvel on my list. I'll get to why that is in my next post.