Category: Characters

ZOMBIE TRAMP #50 DELUXE EDITION VARIANT SET AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM WONDERWORLD!!!

Jul. 05 Characters, Comic Book Collecting, Comics, Detroit Area Comic Book Store, News no comments

Wonderworld Comics is proud to announce our limited edition of Zombie Tramp #50. The guys at Action Lab Danger Zone have really outdone themselves this time. Not only does it have exclusive cover art by Zombie Tramp creator Dan Mendoza, and not only does it have a green foil cover, but this is the 64-page deluxe edition, with an additional backup story by Dan Mendoza. Wonderworld is the only store to have a variant for the deluxe edition, and with all that going for it, and with the being landmark issue #50, we think that this may be the finest Zombie Tramp store variant ever produced.

We received 100 sets in high-grade condition from the publisher. The comic is being sold for $124.99 for the set of two (regular and risqué) on eBay, but only for our web site purchasers, we are offering the set for only $99.99. Please be sure to select the shipping option appropriate to your location; International shipping is required if you are outside the United States (Canadian buyers must select Canada option). Refunds will not be available once the order has been placed. If you would like to order your set of both covers today for the special web site price of $99.99, please follow this link.

PST!!! Click Here for an UNCENSORED Sneak Peak!!!

Thane – Son of Thanos Info Release Strong for Marvel

Sep. 23 Characters, News no comments

Over the weekend, Marvel Avengers Alliance unlocked Thane as a playable character players can attain. He was listed as the Son of Thanos. Today, word is getting around that Marvel AR is announcing Thane as the Son of Thanos as well. This is an interesting marketing move by the company.

MarvelLogo.svgSpike Interest in Supplemental Products

First off, Marvel is giving average readers a reason to play Marvel Avengers Alliance and look into Marvel AR. This is a strong move. Readers are going to see the Thane / Son of Thanos information as information being released first in areas other than comics or comic book news and information sites.

Increase Numbers

By increasing the number of people playing Marvel Avengers Alliance or using Marvel AR, Marvel sets a stronger foothold in the comic book community. This is good for Marvel and for any partners they have on the game and the augmented reality software.

Cause DC Comics Slip?

Marvel has sent a message to DC Comics and all other publishers that they are releasing important comic book information outside of the printed pages and outside of general press releases. This puts publishers in a bind as they have to figure out a way to compete with Marvel Avengers Alliance, Marvel AR, and any other supplemental medium Marvel has for releasing information. When companies are rushed into decisions, mistakes are made.

I think releasing the Son of Thanos information through these variant methods was a strong move by Marvel. Who knows – we might see releases such as this in future games, or even on a show like Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Marvel is changing the game in a slight way, but it is a game changer none the less. I am intrigued by the idea of the other companies on the block trying to figure out how to battle this move.

Deceased Marvel Characters I Want to See Brought Back

Aug. 22 Characters, News no comments

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DC Unmakes Phantom Stranger = No Jesus

Aug. 08 Characters, News no comments

What if the Phantom Stranger never existed? Yesterday, I told you how Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #11 was my Pick of the Week, but I also told you that there was something about the issue I would comment on today. The final panels of the issue showed one of the most historically binding moves ever taken.

The Phantom Stranger

The Phantom Stranger

What Happened?

In The Phantom Stranger #11, the main character, Batman, Katana, and Deadman attempt to draw Doctor Light out of Heaven. If Doctor Light was alive again, Superman could not be guilty for his murder. Living up to his word, the Archangel Zauriel ceased the existence, past existence, and memory of the Phantom Stranger for attempting to pull another soul out of Heaven.

Disclaimer

In this article, I am going to assume religion because Judeo Christian beliefs are weaved into the mythology of the DC Universe. Any statement of religion, and “religious history,” is not an attempt to make you believe. The statements are meant to flow with the assumed history of the DC Universe and particular characters.

Why is this Important?

Remember, the Phantom Stranger is Judas Iscariot and is forced to travel until his debt of sin is paid. If Judas did not exist, there would not have been someone to hand Jesus over to the Sanhedrin. This would mean Jesus would not have been able to carry out His destiny and would have died being recognized as a prophet and not the Son of God.

On the Religious Side

Since Jesus simply died as a prophet, it would mean that the Apostles and other followers would not have had the same drive to spread the Gospels around the world. The Holy Spirit would not have come to them on Pentecost (since there would not have been a Pentecost). No force to spread the Word – no major push for Christianity.

Christianity teaches that Jesus died for the sins of humanity and reopened the gates of Heaven. If Jesus did not die in a torturous way, it would mean that the gates of Heaven had not been opened. This would mean that all of the dead would wait in Purgatory for the Messiah to open the gates to Eternal Salvation.

On the Historical Side

If the spread of Christianity never happened, it would mean the Emperor Constantine never unified the Roman Empire through monotheism. He would not have created the Holy Roman Empire using the power of Christianity to strengthen his empire. He did so in the real world because his empire had become too spread out and was falling apart. If the Phantom Stranger never existed, the Reich that was the Holy Roman Empire never existed either.

The next big issue comes in 1096. If there is no Christian Church unifying Europe, who would have fought in the First Crusade? There would not have been one and the Ottoman Empire would have spread across the Middle East and eventually Europe and Africa. The Muslim religion would have spread unabated by Christianity and would probably have been the dominant religion of the modern world.

What Else?

If Rome did not have the central power of the world through the Christian Church, the world’s banking system would not have evolved the way it did. The Medici, Bardi, and Peruzzi families would not have developed the banking system we have today. The Knights Templar would not have had the power from the Church to create the loan system which they developed over the years. Without an expansionist banking system, the world would have stayed in the Middle Ages.

Lack of Science

Another debatable point would be the lack of science if the Ottoman Empire would have spread without the existence of the Phantom Stranger. The Middle East now, which is essentially the remnants of the Ottoman Empire (especially in Iran), we don’t see the evolution of science. Without the Phantom Stranger in the world, we should not expect science to have developed as an oppressive fundamentalist government does not encourage the free thinking science needs.

Pay Attention DC Comics

If the Phantom Stranger (Judas Iscariot) never existed, we would have never gotten out of the Middle Ages. The Justice League should all be wearing armor and meeting in castles. Bruce Wayne would not be rich which would mean that Batman would not have the cool toys he does. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the upcoming pages of the Trinity War. Either way, I am sure someone over at DC Comics did not do their homework.

Why is Batman’s Rogues Gallery the Best in the Business?

Aug. 01 Characters, September War no comments

Why is Batman’s rogues gallery the best out of all of the superheroes? Why is it that one particular character’s list of villains can outshine all the others year after year? As we approach Villain Month, Forever Evil, and the September War, let’s take a look at the strengths of Batman’s rogues gallery.

Why is Batman's rogues gallery the best in the business?

Why is Batman’s rogues gallery the best in the business?

Original Batman TV Series

An easy way to understand why Batman’s rogues gallery is at the top of the rogues’ food chain, is to take a look at the original Batman TV series. This show was very popular in the mid to late 1960s and brought many of the characters villains from the printed pages to the small screen. The Joker, Penguin, The Riddler, and Catwoman all became household names and eventually took their place in American pop culture.

Naming Names in Batman’s Rogues Gallery

If you were to ask a person who does not follow comics for a listing of villains, chances are good that they would not be able to name very many. Mostly, they would be able to name the characters from the recent Marvel and DC Comics movies. The most would be able to be named from Batman’s rogues gallery than from any other because of the pop culture significance. This gallery is the best, because it is the most widely-known.

Insanity vs. Insanity

With the exception of the Penguin, all of the major members of Batman’s rogues gallery are insane. If you take a look at Batman himself, it would be difficult to argue in support of Bruce Wayne’s sanity. Few superheroes could be labeled as being insane, but when you have a man who is hell-bent on revenge, will push everyone away, and will internalize all of his demons until he breaks. Batman’s rogues gallery is full of colorful insane characters which the Batman uses to quench his personal demons. The Dark Knight’s villains are a direct representation of what the main character needs.

They Get Away with Murder

I would not be going out on a limb by saying that there is more murder committed in the pages of Batman family publications than any other major title or line. Sure, The Walking Dead has a ton of death, but nothing compared to what can happen within a few short pages when the Joker shows up in Gotham. The characters in Batman’s rogues gallery get away with more murder than those of other characters. Which other comics can you think of where almost an entire police force can be killed over and over again? Batman’s rogues gallery is the best because it can get away with the most.

They Still Cause Fear

After all these years, the Joke still causes trepidation whenever he shows up in the pages of a Batman comic. I still shudder when Edward E. Nigma rears his head. I find I have to keep a close eye whenever Penguin pops in. Why is this? Batman’s rogues gallery might not kill him, but they always give him a great fight and they often steal more of Bruce Wayne away from Batman. They still eliminate some of his remaining humanity every time they battle him. Batman’s rogues gallery is the best because they are still effective.

Wonder Woman’s Lasso of Truth vs. the Phantom Stranger

Jul. 25 Characters, News no comments

In the pages of Justice League Dark #22, Wonder Woman puts her Lasso of Truth around the neck of the Phantom Stranger. She uses the Lasso of Truth to get him to tell her if he knows who is at the behind the evil which has tainted Superman. He exclaims that he does not know. This act is interesting and leads me to think of some very interesting questions.

Click here to see the full panel run.

Click here to see the full panel run.

Could the Phantom Stranger Have Lied?

The Phantom Stranger states that he does not now know who has tainted Superman, and this does go along with his story so far in the Trinity War and in his own comic. Could he have lied, though? There are two interesting reasons why he might have gotten away with fibbing even with the Lasso of Truth around his neck.

The Void

First off, he is an entity inside of a person’s body and has a soul which could be described as “void.” During Gail Simone’s run at Wonder Woman, she wrote that the characters Lasso of Truth can look into a soul. Granted, that was pre-New 52, but if that holds true, wouldn’t the Lasso of Truth have “short-circuited?” Any character which has ever tried to take a peek into the Phantom Stranger’s soul (in pre-New 52 and New 52), has suffered negative consequences. Is the Lasso of Truth powerful enough to protect Wonder Woman from the power leak which usually happens when someone attempts to touch the Phantom Stranger soul or psyche?

Whose Power is it Anyway?

Secondly, the Phantom Stranger has been granted powers from God. Well, we assume the little dog who talks to the Phantom Stranger, and travels back and forth from Heaven, is God. Would that mean the Lasso of Truth works against the power of God? Would that mean Wonder Woman’s infamous weapon of justice is more powerful than the Judeo-Christian deity? DC Comics has taken a road to quietly discuss the power of God through the Phantom Stranger. Are they backpedaling, or is this an instance of the creators not thinking about the implications of a few panels?

If He Did Lie

Of course, DC Comics could easily state down the road that the Phantom Stranger did know who it was that was behind all of this. An explanation could be given that the Lasso of Truth could not work against the Phantom Stranger due to the void in his soul or because of the powers granted by God. Of course, they would have to figure out a way to make the character have known beforehand without breaking the current chronology. Should we all send messages to DC Comics to find out?

Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2 Still Coming

Jul. 10 Characters, News Comments Off on Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2 Still Coming

Marvel Avengers Alliance has been teased for week, but there is still not very much that we know about the “next season” of the game. Let’s take a look at what we do know at this point.

Marvel Avengers Alliance Season2

Marvel Avengers Alliance Season2

The Teaser

Much has been said about the Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2 teaser, but there are a few points which have escaped some of the forums I have looked in upon. First off, I love the comment in the upper right hand corner that points out how most heroes are still only 90 command points. The concern this raises is that whenever a comic book company points out how their prices are still low, the prices go up.

Next, note that all of the characters in the promo are third and fourth level villains. Razorback, Doctor Bong, Two-Gun and Hate Monger are characters we rarely see explored. Maybe they will finally get their chance to shine.

Since Armless Tiger Man and Lady Octopus are left standing in the picture before all of the “slain” characters, I am led to believe they will be among the last villains in Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2.

Reptil is up on the top right corner. Hopefully he becomes a playable character. My daughter loves him.

What Characters are Coming

Marvel Avengers Alliance Wiki reports that Son of Satan, Doctor Voodoo, and Mon Knight are all characters on their way in the game. Son of Satan and Doctor Voodoo, though, have been on the block for months. Of course, they could be released through PvP or through a Special Mission, but Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2 would be a great time to release them as well.

Changes Already Seen?

We have seen the group boss appear over the last month and sponsored missions. I expect more of these when Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2 begins. What more might we see?

Is Anyone Left?

Ok, this sections is going to have to look at the game and look at what has not come out yet. Which major characters have not been seen yet in Marvel Avengers Alliance which should come out in Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2? Where is Venom? I would love to see the Silver Surfer and Galactus. Maybe we could see Fin Fang Foom of some of the characters from the Guardians of the Galaxy. As a fan of Canadian characters, how about Sasquatch? We have not seen the Super Skrull or any of the Skrulls for that matter.

There are so many major characters the game has not touched upon yet that few should believe that there is nobody left to introduce in Marvel Avengers Alliance Season 2. I just hope they can get the ball rolling a little faster as I am chomping at the bit with anticipation.

The Poker-Inspired Superheroes (and Villains)

Jun. 28 Characters Comments Off on The Poker-Inspired Superheroes (and Villains)

Marvel and DC Comics have always made it their advocacy to take on several social issues. Many of the superheroes and super-villains we idolize were, at some point, conceptualized according to certain debatable topics, one of which is poker. The card game has even been vital in the character development, and even story progression, of some of our favorite heroes or foes. Poker had also been inculcated in the identity or history of some Marvel and DC Comics characters.

Here are a few characters in the Marvel and DC Comics Multiverses who had poker involved either in their creation or in the development of their stories:

These superheroes are known for playing poker.

These superheroes are known for playing poker.

Gambit

If you have been an avid follower of the X-Men series, just the mention of playing cards would already have you thinking of Gambit. With his own deck of playing cards as his main choice of weaponry (aside from a Bo staff), it would be quite illogical not to think of Gambit as a knowledgeable poker player. Gambit’s initial personality also seems to be inspired by how you should approach professional poker players, with reservation and alertness. In a Marvel forum over at ComicVine.com, Gambit was mentioned several times after someone asked who would be Marvel’s best poker player.

Iron Man

Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, is truly one pompous and extravagant character especially in recent movie adaptations. If ever there will be a character who you should expect to see in the Bellagio Las Vegas for the Partypoker World Poker Tour or in Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino for the World Series of Poker, it would most probably be Mr.Stark. He has the financial capabilities to be a daring professional card player. Even in the 2008 Iron Man movie, Stark missed an awarding ceremony as he was playing poker over at Ceasar’s Palace.

The Thing

It may not be obvious at first, but the strongest member of the Fantastic Four loves playing poker. Ben Grimm’s gentle giant stereotype is perfect for maintaining a great ruse when playing. In one of the issues of the series Thing v2, Grimm even organized a poker tournament amongst other superheroes of the Marvel Universe in celebration of his Bar Mitzvah. His Bar Mitzvah version is for his 13 years of existence after being transformed into The Thing.

Batman

Just like Iron Man, Bruce Wayne is not someone who turns down a challenge especially when someone questions his (financial?) powers. However, what really includes Batman in this list is his arch-rival, The Joker. It’s his and Joker’s interactions that are very symbolic of how poker rounds operate. It’s always about “who-outsmarts-who.”And as ComicBooked.com opinionates in one of their articles, the Dark Knight has faced so many criminal geniuses and deranged psychopaths that it instilled in him the skill to determine even the most minute of emotions. This skill set also helped him achieve his almost-catatonic expressions, an almost perfect poker face.

On many occasions, comic book artists have something deeper to convey when they embed simple activities like poker into their panels. It can be their way of expressing social awareness or understanding. At times, it can also be representations of bigger issues. Simply put, just keep an open mind when reading comics.

Defining Masculinity: Captain America

Jun. 02 Characters Comments Off on Defining Masculinity: Captain America

Marvel’s current run of Captain America has caught my eye for a number of reasons. One is that I really like the character: a scrawny kid from Brooklyn whose scruples and loyalty follow him into adulthood and end up being the reason he’s chosen to become a super soldier. There’s something to say for that, that the ideal of male perfection isn’t about physicality, but personality, and that the physical can be manipulated, anyway; and more importantly, Steve Rogers learns his value before he becomes the piece of physical perfection that is Captain America.

Captain America's Shield

Captain America’s Shield

What defines Steve’s masculinity is not his physical appearance, but rather the events of his childhood which shaped him. Namely, Steve spent his formative years in a household filled with domestic violence, and he learned how to “be a man” from his mother, who told him to “always stand up,” and not from his father, who spent a majority of his time inebriated and abusive. We get glimpses of Steve’s childhood throughout the comics and see a boy who never ran from a fight and always stood up for his friends, even when he knew the odds were completely against him. He steals money and medicine from a pharmacy in order to help his dying mother and, when his mother gently tells him never to let his circumstances change him into a bad man, admits his crime to the owner and works off the debt he’s accrued.

From what I understand of the mythos behind Captain America, the super soldier serum was supposed to enhance all of Steve’s traits, not just the physical and not just the good. The fact that Steve Rogers is essentially a buff version of a bullied kid after the serum is kind of amazing; he could now have literally any woman he wants, he could beat the daylights out of practically anyone, and he could really be a complete jerk if he wanted to with little ramifications.

But he doesn’t do that. That isn’t what we see. Instead, we see a man who is frustrated with the fact that evil continues to exist. He refuses to back down and does what is right. He always stands up, no matter the cost.

Is Steve Rogers supposed to be the comic book version of prince charming? Furthermore, could any man actually be Captain America, theoretically speaking? It would be very interesting to see a study done on women’s views of comic book heroes. Are more women drawn to Captain America or Wolverine? Do they go for the good guy or the bad guy (or at least morally ambiguous guy)? Do more women want to be like Kitty Pryde or Harley Quinn? And what do the answers to these questions tell us about the definition of masculinity in modern culture?

What’s more masculine: the good man who does good deeds, the morally ambiguous man who sometimes does what’s right and sometimes doesn’t, or the bad man who does mostly bad deeds with no concern for his fellow humanity?

What do you think?

Pairing the Right Superhero and Supervillain is Harder Than You Think

May. 02 Characters Comments Off on Pairing the Right Superhero and Supervillain is Harder Than You Think

Matching the right supervillain with the right superhero in a comic is an important task which is often overlooked or taken for granted by comic book readers. A strong pairing between a supervillain and a superhero can increase the importance of both characters and make for memorable battles which can have us talking for decades.

Pairing the right superhero and supervillain is often taken for granted.

Pairing the right superhero and supervillain is often taken for granted.

Supervillains as a Display of Power

Sometimes, supervillains have to be made to appear miniscule against a superhero to nightlight the superhero’s strength. From time to time, a comic book publisher might want to show how powerful a superhero is by having him or her face a supervillain which has given less powerful superheroes a run for their money. Images from the late 1970s come to mind when Doctor Strange had a fight with Porcupine which only lasted a few frames. While the quilled-villain was a tough battle for some superheroes, he could not hold his own against the Sorcerer Supreme for more than a moment.

Supervillains as an Equal Threat

Joker has proven over the years that he is a perfect match for Batman and Magneto has always made for interesting battles with The X-Men. Typically, supervillains are paired with superheroes which are only a notch above their level. Only the aspects of good make Spider-Man greater than Vulture or Lizard. This type of paring makes a villain a character to be feared by comic book readers. It is this type of pairing which help sell comics and keep us coming back for more each month.

Pairings to Teach a Lesson

Sometimes, we have pairings which are meant to teach us a lesson. These should be rare, but happened quite often over at the House of Ideas. At one point, Marvel thought it would be good to encourage kids to be everything they could be and teach a lesson about how kids can do anything they put their minds to. The negative part of this lesson was how Power Pack defeated characters such as Dr. Doom and Galactus. Really?

Pairing to Show Ethics

In all honesty, Superman should have done away with Lex Luthor decades ago. With one punch, the Man of Steel could send ol’ Lexy into orbit. The pairing of a human with a superpowered alien proves Kal-El’s humanity. Instead of crushing the thorn in his side, he respects the life of even the most evil human.

The next time you pick up a comic, think about the pairing of the supervillains and superheroes. You might be surprised by how you have overlooked the importance of these parings for so many years.

Would Thor vs. Sandman Be Worst Superhero/Supervillain Pairing Ever?

Apr. 21 Characters no comments

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Happy Anniversary Superman – I Still Hate You

Apr. 18 Characters no comments

Today is the anniversary of Action Comics #1, and I find myself writing an article about the 75th Anniversary of Superman. It is ironic how I watched the trailer for “Man of Steel” last night. After watching the trailer, I was upset by the fact I enjoyed it and infuriated by the urge which grew inside of me to see the movie.

Happy Anniversary Superman "Man of Steel" Opening Soon

Happy Anniversary Superman
“Man of Steel” Opening Soon

Superman and Me

I am not a fan of Superman. In fact, I don’t like the characterization of Kal-El at all. Yes, I liked the first two Superman movies from when I was young and I liked the 1990s animated series, but this was where my fandom ended until I saw the “Man of Steel” trailer.

Superman is Too Powerful

In Superman, you have a nearly-unstoppable force for good. He can fly, run faster than almost anyone, has super strength, is impervious to bullets, does not need to breath, has laser and x-ray vision, and can blow freezing cold air from his mouth. There are probably at least half of a dozen powers I did not list, but I gave up counting his superpowers a long time ago. Anyways, I always felt the character had too many powers.

Superman and His Struggles

For many years, DC Comics refused to give Superman a decent struggle in life other than the loss of his race. Throughout almost everything I have read on the character, I have found him to be two-dimensional at best and a character which is as near perfect in his psyche as he is in physical form. This was always bland for me since I was drawn to the character who dealt with their own personal demons such as those created by Marvel or Batman once he went through his emotional makeover in the late-1970s and early 1980s.

The “Man of Steel” Trailer

I tried to stay away from the “Man of Steel” trailer as I knew inside it would simply be another two-dimensional telling of the same story I had heard hundreds of times before. I was wrong. In the short run of the trailer, I found myself drawn into a story in which Superman is struggling with what he is and with the acceptance of those around him. This is a basic portion of what should have been his storyline which has been missing for far too long.

The Result?

Will I see “Man of Steel” when it comes out in the theaters? Yes. Will I become a fan of Superman? Probably not. I might become a fan of the new movie version, but we have to wait to know for sure.

What if Damian Wayne Stays Dead Forever?

Apr. 11 Characters, News no comments

What if Damian Wayne stays dead forever? What if all of the Bat King’s horses and all of the Bat King’s men cannot bring life to Damian Wayne again? Have many of us actually consider the possibility that Bruce Wayne’s son will never put on the Robin suit again? Chances are good that the answer is “few.”

Batman Incorporated

What if Damian Wayne stays dead forever?

We All Know

Right now, we all know that Damian will come back somehow. The most common statement I have heard is that he will be thrown into the Lazarus Pits and come back to life. In Batman and Red Robin #19, we saw Batman try to have his son resurrected through Frankenstein’s power and technology. I have thought about the Trinity of Sin somehow bringing Damian Wayne back to life in the Trinity War crossover coming very soon. But what if he stays dead?

The Greatest Swerve in Decades

Simply put, the true death of Damian Wayne would be the greatest comic book swerve in decades. Technically, the death of a character is not the swerve. The swerve would come in the form of a character staying dead in the comics. It would be more of a slurve (baseball fans will get this reference) than a swerve, and it would be awesome. While I would not applaud the actual death of a character I have grown to care about, I would have to applaud the idea of taking the obvious away and countering what everyone believed would happen.

The Trends

I am sure you have picked up on the trend recently of Bat Family titles giving one major unexpected swerve after another. We all thought Alfred was going to die in “Death of the Family,” but we found we were wrong. We all thought Damian Wayne would be back within an issue or two, but have been proven wrong. We all thought the world would be talking about the proposal a month back in Batwoman, but we were wrong. Er…wait…that last one was not DC’s fault. You get the picture, though. DC is leading us on to expecting something and then crushing our preconceived notions with an unexpected swerve. Good job, DC. You are getting it right.

Batman Incorporated #8 in our Amazon store

Current Comic Book Teams with Common Problems

Apr. 10 Characters, News no comments

Comic book teams pose challenges which need to be overcome by writers for a successful run. There are issues which are unique to writing comic book teams which are rarely found in comics featuring one superhero or a superhero duo. To gain a better understanding, let’s relate the challenges for comic book teams to current titles on the market today.

Suicide Squad is on of my favorite current comic book teams only because of Harley Quinn.

Suicide Squad is on of my favorite current comic book teams only because of Harley Quinn.

Comic Book Teams with a Team Savior

While it is good to bring favored characters onto comic book teams, the team should not rely solely on one or two characters. If the “Team Savior” falters in popularity, the entire comic can be held back or (in a worst case scenario) become unimportant.

Take a look at Suicide Squad for this example. The title continues to hold onto a spot in the Top 100 via Diamond, but that spot is low on the list. As of the March 2013 numbers, the title was hanging on at the #94 mark. Fans were originally excited to hear about Deadshot making the team, but he could not hold the comic on his own. Currently, this is one of the comic book teams being held together by one character in Harley Quinn. If she loses popularity, or is taken off the title again, I see the Suicide Squad exiting the Top 100 for good.

Comic Book Teams and Problems Introducing New Characters

New characters are introduced to comic book teams all the time and creators often have a tough job developing the character fast enough without taking away from the main characters on the title. Take a look at Goldball in Uncanny X-Men. He has an interesting power in which he can shoot gold balls of various sizes out of his body. If he is not developed quickly, he will be forgotten. Of course, it is even more difficult to introduce new characters when a major storyline such as the X-Men schism is going on.

Too Many Storylines

Batman Inc. is currently on the chopping black and the title has faced major hurdles over the last few months. Batman Inc. suffered from what I call “Avengers Syndrome.” You have a team made up of characters who have the own titles and you have to try to carry over the storylines from various publications while allowing for a storyline in the comic book team title. The result is a comic which has to neglect certain storylines in the character’s lives while picking and choosing on others.

Comic Book Teams with a Revolving Door

The Fearless Defenders worries me since it shares the Defenders title with the team which became known for having a revolving door policy. Every arc, and often every issue, had new team members. Fans were not given enough time to become used to particular chemistries in the book and the team which began as one of the most powerful ever in comics (Doctor Strange, Namor, and Hulk) ended in a hacked failure. Will Fearless Defenders live up to or in spite of the Defenders curse?

Comic Book Teams as a Solo Career Killer

What is going on with Gambit right now? The sales on the title continue to slide. Note, this is not the character’s first solo title and that all of the others have (you can argue this) failed miserably. There are characters that have been developed as team players over the years and are not able to break off on their own. Of course, the opposite of this would be found in Hawkeye, but that can all depend on the writer and the creative storylines given to the character.

Comic book teams are fun to follow as long as they are written correctly. If creators can get over these hurdles, they can create a memorable team which will last and that people will talk about for many years.

Mandarin in Iron Man 3: Differences in Comics with Tony Stark

Apr. 09 Characters no comments

Many comic book fans are awaiting the onscreen introduction of Mandarin in “Iron Man 3.” Mandarin is an interesting character in the comics as he is an opposite to Tony Stark and Iron Man. These differences are astounding when they are explored.

Mandarin in "Iron Man 3"

Mandarin in “Iron Man 3”

Mandarin and Technology

Yes, Mandarin is a master of technology like Tony Stark, but Mandarin’s greatest power comes from rings he repurposed from alien technology. Instead of working harder, as Stark attempts to do, Mandarin attempts to work smarter. He supersedes work ethic with opportunity.

Fighting Chances?

Mandarin is a master martial artist and that makes him a natural fighter. Iron Man is a businessman in a special suit. The would-be-world-leader surrounds himself with people (terrorists and cronies) to fight his initial battles for him while Tony Start often surrounds himself with people who will help him with his battles.

Fears Embodied

One of Stan Lee’s goals with the creation to Iron Man and Tony Stark was to take the fears about the rich not wanting to help out the little guy and turn them. In Mandarin, we see the fears of Communist China embodied. The character wishes to take over the world, is a major technocrat, and commands a watchful army which will do anything for him.

Exposition of Magic

Mandarin’s rings are often explained as magical and he has used them in mystical battles with such characters as Doctor Strange. Tony Stark is someone who has shied away from from magic for many years and has had issues embracing the idea of a mystical realm. The villain used to use his statements about his rings being mystical to strike fear in the hearts of others.

It will be interesting to see how the movie creators at Marvel use the ideas of Mandarin being a polar opposite of Tony Stark and Iron Man in “Iron Man 3.” Hopefully, they do the character justice.

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Symbolism of Iron Man and Tony Stark

Apr. 09 Characters no comments

“Iron Man 3” will easily be one of the biggest movies of the year, but have you ever thought about the deeper symbolism behind Iron Man and Tony Stark? The two parts of the same character have become staples in the Marvel Universe but few ever stop to think about the true symbolism of Iron Man.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3

 

Iron Man: All the Best the Money Can Buy

When Stan Lee developed the ideas of Iron Man and Tony Stark, the division was growing between the rich and the poor and the young were growing up with a disdain for anyone with money. The ultra rich character was quickly accepted, but few people thought about his style of dealing with crime.

Instead of relying o superpowers or a magical weapon from another dimension, Tony Stark tries to solve problems with money and technology. If he finds a flaw in his suit, he uses countless sums of money to make improvements. He is a hero who symbolizes how so many problems can be taken care of with enough funding and the proper technology.

Check the Batteries

In the early days of the character, Iron Man was constantly running out of juice and having to take time to recharge. This is still touched on in the movies (even tough it is not as often as in the initial issues of The Avengers). We are reminded how all power has limits and we cannot rely on “endless” streams of power.

Technocrat

Tony Stark is the ultimate technocrat as he is almost always working on pushing the boundaries of technology and the need to rely more on tech. Remember, if the magnets in his chest were to fail, he would die. His reliance on technology is second to none in the comic book world.

The Crutches and Crosses

Tony Stark’s greatest struggles have not been with Mandarin or any other character from the printed pages. The man behind Iron Man had his greatest struggles with alcohol. For years, we watched him use a crutch to help him deal with the problems of the world. In recent years, we have seen him struggle to overcome alcoholism and stay away from the bottle forever. Iron Man reminds us that no matter how strong a superhero is, he or she sometimes needs to be saved from himself or herself.

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Carrie Kelley the New Robin? Assume Nothing

Apr. 05 Characters, News Comments Off on Carrie Kelley the New Robin? Assume Nothing

According to the New York Times, it appears that Carrie Kelley may be the new Robin and will be introduced in next week’s Batman and Red Robin #19! The female Robin, who was first introduced in the graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns, will make her premiere in the New 52 DC Comics Universe in a matter of days. What are our thoughts?

Is Carrie Kelley the new Robin?

Is Carrie Kelley the new Robin?

Who is this Carrie Kelly You Speak Of?

In the DC Universe, Caroline Keene “Carrie” Kelly became the new Robin after saving Batman’s life in The Dark Knight Returns. In The Dark Knight Strikes Again, she assumed the identity of Catgirl. She has long had a cult following since she was the first official full-time female Robin. Carrie Kelley also appears in Ame-Comi Girls as she is the Robin in that continuity universe.

Carrie Kelly is New Robin from Now On?

Batman and Red Robin #19 writer Peter Tomasi claims “that she’s not exactly the ‘new Robin,’ but I don’t want to spoil the story.” Essentially, I take this as saying she is not being given the walk-on role of the new Robin. Of course, Carrie Kelley fans are going to hope she is allowed to assume the mantle of the most revered sidekick in all of comics.

The Swerves

The introduction of Carrie Kelley into the New 52 DC Comics Universe is a swerve, but I would expect there to be more swerves along the way in the upcoming months. Tomasi claims he is looking at having the character around for more than just one issue as he has plans for her in the future. Harper Row fans might still see the newer character assume the mantle. Others can still push for Damian to be tossed into the Pits and brought back to life.

No Assurances on Carrie Kelley as New Robin

At this point, we have not gained any pure assurances of Carrie Kelley truly becoming the new Robin. It would be premature of me to report her as such. While she will be pictured on the gatefold cover of Batman and Red Robin #19 as Robin, the extent of her in the role might be secluded to that cover page. We will not know anything for sure until DC Comics is ready for us to know. If DC Comics has proven anything so far is that we should not take anything for granted and we should not assume their moves. Remember, many of us were almost 100% sure Alfred was going to die in the “Death of the Family” storyline so we should not assume a new role for Carrie Kelley until we are told for sure.

All Superheroes are Failures for a Reason

Mar. 29 Characters no comments

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Rogue As Ultimate Symbol of Mutants

Mar. 20 Characters Comments Off on Rogue As Ultimate Symbol of Mutants

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New Robin in Harper Row? Good and Bad

Mar. 19 Characters no comments

One of the hot topics in our Detroit comic book store is about the possibility of Harper Row becoming the new Robin in the upcoming months. While this is pure speculation, the amount of time dedicated to the character in Batman #18 could easily lead readers to suspect more from Harpo very soon. Is the character as the new Robin a good thing, or a bad thing?

Harper Row as New Robin?

Harper Row as New Robin?

Damian Fans and Harper Row

I could understand how Damian’s fans might automatically turn down the idea of Harper Row filling the boots left behind by Batman’s deceased son. Many are holding out hope that Damian will be tossed in the Pits and rejuvenated. This might still happen, but as we know from the upcoming changing titles of Batman & Robin – this is not going to happen right away. I believe DC Comics might have learned a lesson from the backlash Marvel received after bringing back the “deceased” Johnny Storm so soon after they made a big deal over his apparent death a few years back.

Harper Row as New Robin: Negatives

Is one issue enough to develop the store of the girl who might become Robin and headline one of the top DC Comics titles with Batman? Could DC Comic simply be trying to gain another pip in the press by assigning a female Robin? Even though Bruce Wayne is typically able to keep his emotions in check, can Batman move past the death of his own son so quickly?

Harper Row as New Robin: Positives

If Harper Row were to become the new Robin, she would give the female characters at DC Comics even more strength. This adds more inclusion as female readers (and potential readers) decide to give the character a chance. I don’t like the idea of rotating partners with Batman right now since it might harm the contiguous storyline so I am accepting of allowing for a new Robin in the coming months and see nothing wrong with making that character Harper Row as long as they are able to develop the character effectively.

Harper Row as New Robin: Needed Progress

As stated above, Scott Snyder needs to develop the character of Harper Row over the next few months. She needs to be toughened-up and she needs to be able to prove herself not only to Batman, but to the fans as well. She needs to spread out from the pages of Batman to other titles to give her more exposure and make her someone the fans can respect and accept as the new Robin.

Down the Road

When it is time to move on away from Harpo, DC Comics can resurrect Damian if they want to. Let the new girl have a run as the new Robin, if the powers-that-be see fit to grant her the mantle. Sometimes, change can be good and this is a transfer which I can get behind if Harper Row can be developed quickly enough.

Superman and Batman: Views on Humanity

Mar. 05 Characters no comments

Superman and Batman are as opposite as two crime fighters could possibly be. This series has explored some of the various ways in which the two characters differ in their perspectives on life. This article continues the series by exploring Superman’s view of humanity and comparing it to Batman’s view.

Superman and Batman

Superman and Batman

Superman’s View of Humanity

Kal-El believes humanity is a state of purity in the universe. He fights crime in order to preserve the innocence and ideal of humanity. His love for humanity has progressed to the point in which he has wished himself to be human. There have been a few instances in which he has obtained humanity for a short time only to realize his place in the universe is to preserve and to save humanity and not to every fully become part of it.

Batman’s View of Humanity

Batman tries to hide his own humanity under the caul of his batsuit. Humanness is a sign of weakness since humans feel pain and other emotions which get in the way of any goal. A bat does not feel love or sadness, it survives. Bruce Wayne pushes others aside because he does not want to intertwine with someone else’s humanity. It has been said that the night is not the place for a person. He strives in an environment which average people would shun. The darkness symbolizes a lack of humanity so it is the perfect place for the Dark Knight.

Superman sees humanity and humanness as a strength and as something which should be preserved for as long as possible. Batman sees humanity and humanness as something which should be shunned and avoided as much as possible. Complete opposites for sure. We should all expect this difference to be exploited in Batman/Superman when it comes out later this year.

Batman/Superman: Differences in Fighting Crime

Batman and Superman: DC’s Yin and Yang

MODOK: Symbolism of Pure Evil of Science

Mar. 05 Characters Comments Off on MODOK: Symbolism of Pure Evil of Science

MODOK is an interesting character as he is overflowing in symbolism. Have you ever taken a moment to think about the deeper meanings behind the character? Did you realize MODOK is more than just a giant head floating around?

MODOK

MODOK

MODOK Symbolizes Dangers of Science

When MODOK first hit the scene in 1967, science fiction writers were returning to the sub-genre of sci-fi which warned about what could happen if technology went unchecked. With MODOK, we see a program which went unchecked and ran amok to the point in which it overwhelmed its creators and turned towards evil. Could our “thinking” appliances emerging on the market right now become sentient and attempt to control us?

MODOK Symbolizes Dangers of Mixing Man with Machine

MODOK is a classic example about what might go wrong if we were to intermingle man directly with a machine. Cyborg technology was a long way off in the late 1960s (and it still is today), but could the technology do more harm than good? Good the direct intermingling of man and machine cause the human side to lose the connections with humanity?

The Perfect Weapon

Over the centuries, counties have attempted to dehumanize the enemy. Adolf Hitler tried to portray non-Aryans as sub-quality humans. The Japanese portrayed Americans as people that would overwhelm the country with the sole purpose of raping the women, torturing the men, and enslaving the children. On the flip-side, the American government portrayed all Germans, Italians, and Japanese (not just their leaders) as soulless people who only cared about world domination.

Be separating humanity from a villain, the character becomes a symbol of pure evil. Without a grasp on humanity, a character appears as an agent of unwavering evil and infallible to any discussion. Essentially, our governments revert to the medieval technique of comparing anything evil to Satan or the demonic. Since MODOK is devoid of any emotion other than hate, he does not have a hold on humanity and would be a perfect representation of the demonic – which makes him even scarier.

Marvel.com Listing

Penguin: Differences With Rest of Batman’s Rogues Gallery

Mar. 03 Characters no comments

There were many changes made to characters in the transition to DC’s New 52, but certain basic points about the Penguin remained the same. While all of the members of Batman’s Rogue’s Gallery are original, there are certain aspects of the Penguin’s character which completely separate him from the other members of the group.

Penguin

Penguin

Funding

Have you ever wondered how members of Batman’s Rogues Gallery make money? Of course, they all have budding schemes, but how do they afford their henchmen? For the most part, DC avoids the issue by saying Joker has a cult-like following or different baddies have “secret investors.” Usually, the question is completely avoided and we just jump right into the story.

The original Penguin, Burgess Meridith’s portrayal on the 1960’s TV show, and the New 52 version are all businessmen. He is one of the few members of Batman’s Rogues Gallery which makes his own money through a network of nefarious businesses. He might make money from an umbrella company in Gotham or he might make money off of the stock market. Either way, he does not need to commit crime to be rich. Only to become unbelievably rich.

Penguin’s Drive Towards Crime

Two-Face’s ambition to commit crimes is typically driven by revenge for what happened to him in the past. The Joker’s crimes usually revolve around getting at Batman or making money so that he can bring the Big Black Bat down. Harley Quinn was usually driven towards committing crimes to profess her love for Joker while Catwoman pretty much only knew a life of crime.

Penquin is different from the other members of Batman’s Rogues Gallery in the fact that he is driven towards crime out of greed. Sure, he finds he sometimes has to gain revenge against the other members of the gallery (as we see in Arkham Asylum) but the majority of his crimes are performed in the hope of gaining more territory in Gotham or for making him as rich as possible. We could say that his drive is one of the cleanest of all in the gallery.

Penguin’s Sanity

Try to name a member of Batman’s Rogues Gallery which is sane other than Penguin? Joker and Harley are completely insane and could not even be considered as remotely sane. The argument could be made that Bane and Killer Croc can’t be considered as insane or sane since they both simply refer to animal-like instincts. Two-Face, Riddler, and the Mad Hatter are well out of the realm of sanity as are Scarecrow and Poison Ivy. Penguin is the only sane one of the bunch.

The next time you read a story about Penguin, think about how he differs from the other members of Batman’s Rogues Gallery. Instead of being a criminal driven by insane goals, he just wants to make as much money as possible. Batman is not always a target, but is always in the way of Penguin’s next score.

 

Batman/Superman: Differences in Fighting Crime

Feb. 26 Characters Comments Off on Batman/Superman: Differences in Fighting Crime

The release of Batman/Superman gets closer every day, and it makes sense to explore the characters differences before the launch of the new title. Superman and Batman are very different characters as one draws power from the sun while the other draws power from the darkness in his own heart. This series explores some of the ways that Bruce Wayne is the anti-Kal-El. This addition will explore why each character fights crime.

Superman and Batman

Superman and Batman

Superman

Superman wishes to preserve the sanctity of humanity, and his goal should be expected to carry over in Batman/Superman. Since he cannot become fully human himself, he attempts to preserve what he visualizes as the innocence of humanity. He is driven to make the world a better place for others and the easiest way to do so is to eliminate crime. Of course, he has gone off the deep end such as when he wanted to rid the world of nuclear devices – but we will not discuss that at length here since I don’t want to go off on a tangent about the stupidest movie in the original series or about how sad it was that the story carried over into the printed pages.

Batman

Batman is different from Superman in that he does not simply want to preserve the sanctity and innocence of humanity. Wayne’s alter ego wants to make criminals pay for the sins which they committed. Where Superman cares more for the victim, the victim of a crime is often insignificant to the Dark Knight when compared to the inner need to make a criminal pay. Fans should hope this difference becomes a cause for friction in Batman/Superman.

Which Side Drives You?

I remember reading an essay years ago in college in which a professor believed certain aspects about a student’s personality could be discerned by finding out if he or she related more to Batman or Superman. The explanation went through the idea of people who wanted to push for peace would identify more with Superman while people who believed criminals should pay their dues the hard way would identify with Batman. If I can ever dig up the essay, I will be sure to link it here. Then you could read the upcoming issues of Batman/Superman and see where you fall.

Batman/Superman

While Batman/Superman will not be the first mixing of Superman and Batman, it will be the first in the New 52. Read about my ideas on the title by following this link.

Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead Comic: Bad Idea

Feb. 21 Characters Comments Off on Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead Comic: Bad Idea

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Who Deadpool Should Kill Next

Feb. 19 Characters no comments

Currently, Deadpool fans are watching the Merc with a Mouth finish up his battle with zombified former presidents in Deadpool and literary characters in Deadpool Killustrated. In the past, we have seen the mercenary destroy everyone in Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe and even kill a regenerated version of himself about a year ago. Who should he kill next?

Deadpool

Deadpool

Disclaimer

These are my own thoughts and do not reflect any rumors I have heard circulating. These are my own opinions – but after reading you might hope the powers-that-be at Marvel will pick them up as well.

Dracula

Dracula

Deadpool Killustrated 2

In the first iteration of Deadpool Killustrated, he is going after characters in the public domain. Marvel did not have to worry about copyright problems since the characters are fair game for foul play. Wade Wilson should be sent after the greatest horrors in literature. He should kill Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyl. In the final issue of the series, we should see Deadpool vs. Cthulhu! Just think about the hijinks when he crosses paths with H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos.

Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights

Deadpool Killustrated 3

The Merc with a Mouth is currently killing some of our favored characters from literature in Sherlock Holmes and Scrooge. Marvel should send him after characters we were forced to pretend we cared about in high school literature class. I would love to see him give “what for” to Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Maybe he should beat Romeo and Juliet to the punch and knock them off the balcony. When he is through with them, Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice needs to die. In the background, Willie Wonka (even though we did not hate him) could pull the strings until Wilson realizes what is going on and destroys the Chocolate Factory.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Deadpool Kills Capcom

Out of all of the suggestions on the list, this is the one Marvel could make work through their agreement with Capcom. Who says I should only be able to see one of my favorite characters shoot Mega Man through a gaming system? A battle with Strider in the printed pages could be epic. How would he catch Viewtiful Joe? An entire run could be built around killing the characters from Street Fighter. Oh the possibilities.

Hanna-Barbera

Hanna-Barbera

Deadpool Kills Hanna-Barbera

My mouth waters (and foams from madness) just thinking about a Red and Black attack on the old Saturday morning cartoons. The Jetsons, the Flintstones, the Scooby-Doo gang, Yogi Bear’s crew, and the Smurfs are only a small portion of the characters HB owned before folding into Warner Bros. Magilla Gorilla, Top Cat, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGraw should all die miserably! With their newer licenses, Deadpool could also kill the Powerpuff Girls and blow up Dexter’s Laboratory. I could just see the frame when Deadpool hears the words “I am Weasel” and replies “You are dead!” Too bad DC would never allow it.

Who would you want to see Deadpool kill in the future? Please refrain from mentioning living people especially those which could cause for a federal investigation.

The Riddler and OCD: Not as Crazy as You Think

Feb. 17 Characters no comments

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Doctor Strange Needs His Own Title NOW

Feb. 15 Characters no comments

The market is ripe for a stand-alone Doctor Strange title. It is time for fans of the Sorcerer Supreme to speak up so the powers at Marvel can hear our pleas. We need more of the Master of the Mystic Arts and it is time for Marvel to comply. Where is Doctor Strange for the Dark Market? Comics are taking a darker turn right now with DC pushing its Dark line with titles such as Justice League Dark, Phantom Stranger, Swamp Thing, and the soon-to-launch Constantine. The Walking Dead is one of the essential comics on the market today with Hoax Hunters and other dark and horror titles gaining stronger followings each month. Doctor Strange would fit right in with this reemerging market and I am sure Marvel is not going to want to miss this boat.

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

TV Appearances

Doctor Strange has been important enough in the Marvel Universe to make multiple appearances on recent animated shows so the company should launch a new title with him to reinforce his importance. Episodes of “The Super Hero Squad Show” and “Ultimate Spider-Man” have both guest starred the Sorcerer Supreme, so it would make sense that if he was written into the shows, he could be written into his own title.

The 1970s

In recent history, characters that gained popularity in the 1970s but waned in the 1980s have gained popularity again. Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Valkyrie are just three examples of characters which have been “resurrected” or dusted off for the modern audiences. Why can’t Doctor Strange fit into this category?

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange Movie

Marvel is having the script worked on for a Doctor Strange movie. It would make sense for the publishing company to reacquaint fans with the character as much as possible before the opening of the movie is scheduled. While his presence in New Avengers is good, it is not strong enough. Marvel needs to allow new fans to learn about the Sanctum Sanctorum and all of Doctor Strange’s allies and enemies. Hey Marvel – Get on that NOW!

Batman and Superman: DC’s Yin and Yang

Feb. 14 Characters no comments

Batman is often considered a polar opposite of Superman. Even though both fight for good, they go about doing so in opposite ways. Some even consider Dark Knight is the anti-Kal-El. The differences between the two can sometimes be as apparent as night and day. You could easily explain Batman and Superman as the Yin and the Yang of the DC Universe.

Superman and Batman

Superman and Batman

Superman’s Power

While the residents of Krypton are smarter than humans, the benefits of the now-dead civilization end at technology. Once Kal-El arrived on Earth, he was granted superpowers by the rays of our yellow sun. During instances in which he has left our plane of existence, he has lost the majority of his strength and superpowers.

This symbolizes how Superman is a hero of the light and has led to analogies between the character and messiah-like characters throughout human mythology. The sun is a life-giver to the Earth and it would make sense that a messiah character from the comics would gain “new life” through the power of the sun’s light.

Batman’s Power

Batman cannot fly on his own will and he cannot create tornadoes while running. He does not have super strength and does not have laser-shooting eyes. He is a man who can create interesting tools to help him avenge victims of crime. Instead of being a child of the sun, he is the son or darkness.

The shadows of Gotham match the darkness in Bruce Wayne’s heart. Just like his costume, Batman wears the darkness like a cloak. The darkness reminds criminals that the Dark Knight might be hiding around the next corner.

The Yin and the Yang

Superman is mostly good, but has displayed a dark side when Lois Lane or any other character he cares about is in trouble. Bruce Wayne is mostly a dark character but has a bit of light in his heart. It would be an easy analogy to state that the two characters are the Yin and the Yang of DC Comics. The two comics constantly balance the other with one being a positive story about bringing criminals to justice and the other being a darker story about giving criminals the beatings they deserve. At times, the two characters find themselves working together, but know it should never be a permanent endeavor.

The Phantom Stranger: The Enigma Then and Now

Feb. 13 Characters Comments Off on The Phantom Stranger: The Enigma Then and Now

The Phantom Stranger has gained extra attention in the second half of 2012 due to the relaunch of his title in the New 52. The Gray Walker is one of my favorite characters of all time due to the many questions surrounding the original version of the character. The original Stranger is filled with symbolism and importance.

The Phantom Stranger

The Phantom Stranger

Origin of the Phantom Stranger

The original Phantom Stranger is one of a few characters in comics without a set origin. Up until the New 52, it had been speculated that the character was the Wandering Jew, Judas Iscariot, a fallen angel, or the last being from a dimension which was destroyed countless ages ago. A character’s origin is important as it tells up how a superhero gained his or her powers and what caused the character to help out humanity or to wish to destroy society. By not having an origin, the original Brotherless One became a character shrouded in mystery since his very inception.

Power

I do not see an instance in the original DC Universe in which the writers ever explored the full depth of the Phantom Stranger’s power. Sure, there were times in which The Phantom Stranger was taxed by an attack or a volley of offense, but parameters were never set on how powerful he was. We know that he automatically knows everything about every character he encounters and knows about every situation going on, but we do not know if this is of his own power or a power granted to him from a higher source. We also know he can travel through time and cast powerful magic spells but we never found out what his breaking point was. We also know that he has lived for countless years, but do not know if he can actually die.

Use of His Power

The truest area of symbolism for the Phantom Stranger comes in the form of having ultimate power but typically not being able to get directly involved. He can retaliate if he is attacked, or he can lend a hand if the powers of chaos have the chance of overtaking the powers of order – but that is about it. Instead, he is forced to give advice or to simply lead other characters in the right direction. Think about the emotional struggles you would have if you had all the power in the universe, but could not use it unless certain rare circumstances were met?

The Phantom Stranger

The Phantom Stranger

The New 52

I cannot write about the symbolism and significance of the Phantom Stranger without addressing the changes made in the New 52. The revelation that the Gray Walker is Judas Iscariot completely takes one of the most important aspects of the enigmatic character away. Since the Phantom Stranger has a clear origin, readers are not left with the questions they have had for decades. Years ago, I would pick up every issue the Stranger was in with the hope of having some type of clue to his origin. Sadly, DC did not remember the importance of this aspect when they created the new version of the character.

In the present day, the Phantom Stranger is set out on missions which he must complete to gain redemption. I actually like this as it melds with the old form of the character which had to weed out the powers of chaos in order to keep order. I don’t like the idea of these missions being set by a mystical group of “gods” which we have seen. DC decided to go against the idea of keeping enigmas surrounding the character and made him a jobber for “the mystical elite.”

I have mixed feelings about the idea of the Phantom Stranger leading a double life with a family. The old stranger was a constant wanderer. Obviously, he has been in the same place for a long time. Of course, some rebellious DC fans might think that I am wrong by holding onto the old and not accepting the new. Obviously, these critics would not realize the importance of a character which is different from all others. These comic book pundits would not realize how having a character surrounded in mystery can keep fans interested for years.

Oddly, with all that I dislike about the New 52 version of the Phantom Stranger, I like the storylines so far. We will see in the upcoming months if DC can keep my attention or force me to wander from the title.

What do you think about the New 52 Phantom Stranger in comparison to the original Phantom Stranger?

Captain America’s Shield: Metaphors and Symbolism

Feb. 12 Characters Comments Off on Captain America’s Shield: Metaphors and Symbolism

Captain America’s shield is one of the most recognizable weapons in the history of comics. Not only does the vibranium shield keep Ol’ Cap safe, it is an important symbol of the character. There are many metaphors hidden behind the red, white and blue of Steve Roger’s shield.

Symbol of American Resilience

Captain America’s shield is a symbol of America’s resilience. No matter what is thrown at this country, we are able to survive and fight back. I remember back to a few months after 9/11 when I saw a t-shirt of Captain America’s shield with the words “9/11: We will Continue to Stand.” The shield is able to absorb the attacks Rogers has to face and our resilience is able to absorb the damage we take.

Captain America's Shield

Captain America’s Shield

Character-Specific Weapon

Many characters from other heroes to Hydra agents have attempted to throw Captain America’s shield with his accuracy and ability to make it return to his hand. Only those he has taught have been able to wield the shield the correct way. Just like Thor’s Mjolnir, Captain America’s shield is a perfect weapon which cannot normally be used by others. Characters sometimes fall victim to their own abilities and powers, but Cap’s shield cannot be used against the master wielder. The shield ads depth to the character and gives him another ace in the hole.

Captain America’s Shield is America

My favorite metaphor to be found behind Captain America’s shield comes in the form of the shield being America. Not only does the Cap stand for America, but America stands for the Cap. America is Captain America’s truest shield. When Marvel “killed” Captain America during Civil War, countless fans backlashed against the company. In the comics, Steve is now on his way to the presidency since people believe he is the best person to lead the country. Too bad we don’t have leaders like him in government.

There are at least a dozen other minor metaphors to be found in Captain America’s shield. Which are your favorites?

Most Important Comic Book Couples of All Time

Feb. 12 Characters, Comics no comments

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The Red Skull: Symbolism and Significance

Feb. 09 Characters no comments

The Red Skull has been one of my favorite supervillains since I was a child and will continue to be for many years to come. There are many layers of symbolism surrounding the character which few ever think about.

The Red Skull

The Red Skull

Hate as Evil

The easiest layer of the Red Skull’s symbolism to dissect would be that he teaches the lesson that hate is inherently evil. As a member of the Nazi party, and the leader of a new Nazi party, the Agent of 1,000 faces reminds us of how the atrocities of Hitler could come again as hate only needs a strong leader to take hold. It is our job to help Captain America and other freedom fighters to search out messengers of hate and bring them to justice.

A Face of Evil

Have you ever wondered why the Red Skull has a red skull? Of course, I know about the comic book reasoning, but there is a bit of symbolism at work here. You get his face when you mix the red of the Nazi’s (which also symbolizes the blood the group spilled) and a scary skull which is meant to cause fear. Americans need a face to fear. It is easier to fight a target we can see, like Osama bin Laden, then a non-physical war on terror. The human brain works through association, and placing a face on fear helps with that association.

Dangers of the Occult

The Red Skull often dealt with forces which should not be toyed with. Often, the supervillain was overcome by his own attempt at dark knowledge instead of being overcome by Cap. While Marvel was probably not pressing us to avoid the occult, they were trying to teach us about learning what we were messing with before it was too late.

Dangers of Technology

Technology has always been another tool at the hate mongrel’s disposal, but dangerous tech has been his downfall as well. A metaphor could be drawn between some of the technological experiments of the Red Skull and nuclear experiments in Iran. The perception is that Iran is exploring new technology to eventually weaponize it, which is the same with any type of tech that the Red Skull attempts to grasp. An attempt to rush projects before they are ready has bitten the Skull in the past and we worry the same will happen with Iran. Sometimes, the real world can mimic art.