Category: Comics

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: 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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Trinity War Triptych – True Meaning

Apr. 07 Comics, News Comments Off

The Trinity War triptych has everyone talking, but I am realizing that most comic book websites are missing key points in the picture. Too many people are reading into the action in the Trinity War triptych and not reading into the messages hidden inside.

The Trinity War triptych

What is Being Reported on the Trinity War Triptych?

Yes, it is interesting how Wonder Woman has her lasso around Constantine. Yes, it is interesting how the three factions of the Justice League (proper, Dark, and America) are fighting. These points, though, do not the key points of the collaborative picture at all. Am I the only one who sees the actual message?

Who Fights the Trinity War?

The original thoughts about the Trinity War pointed to a war between Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Since the three factions of the Justice League are seen fighting in the triptych, many websites are discussing the “trinity” in the war being the Justice League factions. Why are they disregarding the idea of the Phantom Stranger, The Question, and Pandora being listed as the Trinity of Sin? Anyways, the picture clearly points to the three main players in the war.

Trinity War triptych focus

Read the Picture

The Phantom Stranger and The Question are shown in clowdy form above the fighting. I read this as them not simply being watching the battle, but directing it as if the members of the Justice League factions are simply pawns in a greater battle. Where are they directing the battle?

If you were to draw a line from the Phantom Stranger’s eyes and from The Question’s eyes, you will note that they are both looking directly at the skull in Pandora’s clutches. If you were to draw a line from the Phantom Stranger to The Question, you will note that the shape created is an equilateral triangle. The equilateral triangle is a major symbol in Christianity since it symbolizes the equality of the Holy Trinity. Turn that and we have a triangle symbolizing the Trinity of Sin.

Reading Deeper

What is Pandora doing in the picture? As the world is fighting around her, she is protecting what appears to be a jeweled skull. It should be inferred that the Trinity War is centered on this skull. With Pandora’s own title coming out shortly, we should find out what the skull means within weeks.

I guess the amount of action in the picture has distracted most people from the true message of the Trinity War triptych. At least we appear to have an answer to the question about the Trinity War affecting more titles than just those in the DC Comics Dark Universe. The Trinity War will be fought the the Trinity of Sin with the factions of the Justice League being their pawns.

Carrie Kelley the New Robin? Assume Nothing

Apr. 05 Characters, News Comments Off

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?

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.

Trinity War: The Meaning and the Possibilities

Apr. 04 Comics no comments

What is this Trinity War DC has been talking about for almost a year? I have to laugh when I think about how rumors circulated last year about the Trinity War involving Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. A year later, we realize the Trinity involved is the Trinity of Sin and the main players in the war will be the Phantom Stranger, Pandora, and The Question while Dr. Thirteen and the Justice League Dark will apparently have at least minor roles in the battle.

The Trinity of Sin will fight in DC’s Trinity War.

The Buildup to the Trinity War

I have to commend DC on continuing with a slow buildup since last year’s Free Comic Book Day. Marvel and DC do not typically have that type of discipline. The Phantom Stranger and Pandora’s solo titles appear to be getting title revamps according to the latest issue of Diamond Previews. They will now be named “Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger” and “Trinity of Sin: Pandora” respectively with the obvious intention of tying them in with the Trinity War. How long until The Question gets his own series? Each issue of the Phantom Stranger, and many issues of other Dark Universe titles have referred to an upcoming war which will be waged between the three original sinners.

Basic Possibilities for the Trinity War

I have a strong feeling we will learn the New 52 origins of Pandora and The Question. We know that Pandora has something to do with the change from the old universe to the New 52 Universe, but what exactly outside of opening her box? As for The Question, we know that he was one of the worst sinners in history and that the powers-that-be have erased his name from history along with his face. What types of crimes might have he committed which would have been worse than those of Hitler or of someone such as Judas (Phantom Stranger)?

Major Crossover?

The question (pardon the pun) is if the Trinity War will be a crossover among all of the major DC Comics titles or of just the Dark Universe titles. If it is a major crossover event with all of the titles involved, what would Batman and Superman be able to do to work against magic users? How many characters will be destroyed or changed?

My Biggest Worry About the Trinity War

I have stated before that I am worried about the Trinity War causing a reversion or partial reversion back to the pre-New 52 days. This would be extremely infuriating to all of us who have jumped on the DC bandwagon after they improved many of the storylines with the reboot. Pandora is trying to reopen her box, but doing so the last time (as we are led to believe) helped to cause the New 52 jump. How can the heroes prevent her from altering the world again? Could characters change again and become the Newer 52? Only time (and probably Dan Didio) will tell!

What is the Most Significant Event in the Marvel Universe?

Apr. 03 Comics no comments

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WTF Certified – DC Comics Dropped the Ball

Mar. 30 Comics no comments

I remember a time, only a short time ago, when we were being bombarded with information about the DC Comics WTF Certified events. Speculation ran rampant online and in our Detroit comic book store about what might be going on in our favorite titles and what might happen to draw us to the titles we have neglected. We are now entering the WTF Certified period, and DC Comics has dropped the ball on marketing.

DC’s WTF Certified

WTF Certified is a Big Event?

By looking through the Diamond Previews last month, almost every page about DC Comics had something about WTF Certified. Where are the inserts for comic book stores to place inside bags to get customers excited? Where are the banners and window hangs to invite customers in? Where are the special imprinted bags with the DC Comics WTF Certified logos? Where is the WTF Certified swag? As of this writing, DC does not even have a headline or the slightest of teasers about WTF Certified on their website.

Marvel Off and Running

Did you happen to know that Marvel is in the Age of Ultron? Chances are good that you might have given a little chuckle reading the previous line. We have bag inserts, swag, window hangers, and Marvel has been talking about the crossover event nonstop. I have even heard the publisher is running ads on Serius Radio over the last few weeks. This is the type of marketing DC Comics should have embraced with WTF Certified.

What DC Needs to Do

DC Comics would love to reassume the top spot in the market, but the bronze ring is just out of reach. WTF Certified marketing is a perfect example of what DC could have done to prove tot eh fans and the market that it knows what it takes to reach for the ring. Sadly, this was not meant to be as DC forgot that sometimes you need to inundate readers with information to get them excited. Instead of being excited, I am asking “WTF DC?” And that, my friends, is certified.

The Most Important Moment in Modern Comics

Mar. 29 Comics no comments

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All Superheroes are Failures for a Reason

Mar. 29 Characters no comments

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Term ‘Mutant’ Being Eliminated by Marvel In Uncanny Avengers #5?

Mar. 27 Comics, News no comments

An interesting move is made in Uncanny Avengers #5 and Marvel might be veering from the term “mutant.” As you read the comic this week, you might pass over the statement, but it is very important, and shows a step by Marvel to teach people to be more inclusive and accepting of others. While I have been critical of Marvel in the past, I have to give them special mention for this move.

Is Marvel getting away from using the term “mutant?”

Mutant Term

Without giving a spoiler, the suggestion is made in Uncanny Avengers #5 about doing away with the term “mutant.” At the same time, we should include the terms “mutie” and “genefreak” which have been used in the pages of Marvel Comics. In the comic, it is suggested that the term “mutant” is derogatory as it separates mutants from other humans.

Marvel Inclusion Through Mutant Statement

In the Marvel Universe, “mutant” may be on its way to becoming a term which is not politically correct. If the publisher is admitting the term separates and degrades a type of human, it is acknowledging all of the terms we have which separate types of humans from others. I am not going to go through a lineage of demeaning terms as examples, but you should know what types of terms will force people to feel different or excluded from society or a particular group.

Statement to Fans

If Marvel is eliminating the term “mutant” from the Marvel Universe vocabulary, it is a statement to all of us to eliminate demeaning terms from our own vocabulary. The business world has come down hard on people who do not understand the need for inclusive language, and now Marvel is stepping up to show its support of inclusion. Over the years, our the government and private organizations have tried to make a better place. Now it is time for Marvel to make the needed changes towards practicing what it preaches.

Thank You Marvel

Marvel has stepped up to the plate to take a swing at drugs, racism, homophobia, general hate, the oppression of women, and dozens of other social issues. By taking steps to suggest that the term “mutant” not be used in the future is a step towards eliminating hate speech which would make the world a better place to live. Good job Marvel. You reminded me why I have stayed a dedicated reader for so many years.

Neil Gaiman to Marvel and Our Thoughts!

Mar. 21 Comics, News no comments

Breaking News: Neil Gaiman will be returning to Marvel and it appears he is bringing Angela over from Spawn to flourish as a new character in the Marvel Universe. This is in response to the win Gaiman had in court last year which allows him to have control and profits from the character [Edited as more news about topic came in]. Gaiman will collaborate with Brian Michael Bendis on the final issue of Age of Ultron and will also be working on Guardians of the Galaxy #5.

This is Big News people!

Over at WonderWorldComics.com, we don’t just tell you what is going on – we also give our opinions. Sit down and buckle up.

Neil Gaiman to Marvel

Some of Neil Gaiman’s fans might be distraught by the idea of the author heading back to work with Marvel. This is Neil Gaiman people! Few are worthy enough to question his motives.

Actually, I think it is a good move for him and for the company. He has proven how he likes to dabble in comics from time to time and Marvel can give him the widest range of possibilities. In Age of Ultron and Guardians of the Galaxy, Gaiman is allowed to take the helm in one of the most important Marvel events of the year. Marvel’s return to cosmic storytelling is a major event which will reach far (even into the movies) and it is fitting to have one of the best writers alive today as a part of it.

Anyways – Marvel is making huge movies right now. Why would Neil Gaiman pass on getting his character in a movie?

Neil Gaiman’s Angela

I like the idea of bringing Angela to Marvel. Spawn does not have the pull it had a decade ago on the market and creators love to see their characters grow over the years. She has the greatest opportunity to grow right now in the Marvel Universe. DC Comics is mostly focused on the families (Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Justice League), where as Marvel is also working on increasing the sales of other titles which are either family spin-offs or solo titles. Neil Gaiman has the opportunity to watch his “daughter” flourish for many years.

Neil Gaiman’s return to Marvel is a win/win situation and should make fans of both the creator and of the publisher pop.

Rogue As Ultimate Symbol of Mutants

Mar. 20 Characters Comments Off

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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?

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.

DC Comics On Wrong Path Already This Year?

Mar. 14 Comics no comments

Bleeding Cool is reporting a rumor that DC Comics’ big September event will result in 16 titles being eliminated with four weekly titles which will feature the four main company “families.” Speculation is sure to run rampant in the upcoming months about which titles will get the axe, but this article is not meant to speculate. It is meant to poke DC Comics in the ribs a few times and maybe cause them to wake the [Censored] up and smell the [Censored] coffee.

This content is censored.

WTF is DC Comics Doing Now?

According to the rumors in the report, the sixteen titles will be replaced by four weekly titles with one each revolving around the families in the Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Justice League lines. The issues will have revolving creative casts. To make room, DC Comics will eliminate 16 titles, mostly from the bottom of the barrel and some (potentially) from the middle of the barrel.

Let’s Do Math

If DC Comics is going to eliminate 16 titles and replace them with four weekly titles, what the Hell are we gonna call it? The Newer 40? Note we are subtracting 16 from 52 to equal 36. When we add 4 more titles, we arrive at 40. Some company execs might be reading this and execs often prove they don’t know [Censored] about math.

Gravitational Pull

Does DC Comics honestly believe people are going to want to fill their pulls with weekly comics? The story style and artwork will be different with each issue, so there is little for fans to latch onto outside of the characters involved. Comic book readers gravitate towards comics which have creators they like and have become familiar with. This was proven years ago by such teams as Stan Lee and Jack [Censored] Kirby! One week, a strong team might be placed on the comic and a horrible one the next.

Market Stability

You cannot secure a place in the market if your purchase rate is going to go up and down week after week. Wake up! The market needs stability right now – not more ups and downs. DC Comics (Marvel you should listen up too), do you remember the up and down spikes in the 1990s? What happened to the [Censored] market when people got tired of the purchasing spikes? I kinda remember a market which got inundated with [Censored] and schlock which can’t even sell in $0.25 boxes today. Don’t do that to the market again.

What DC Needs to Do

Instead of simply axing sixteen comics, figure the[Censored] out why those comics are failing and breathe new life into them. National Allied Publications was founded in 1934 and was later rebranded as DC Comics. In almost 80 [Censored] years, the company has not learned how to resurrect a comic? Instead of shifting around the lines, DC should be focusing on getting readers involved again in their comics. I spent my entire life as a Marvelite, but the New 52 has won me over with most of my weekly pulls coming from DC instead of Marvel. Hey DC, if you can win me over, you can win over anyone if you just [Censored] try hard enough.

My Hope

I hope the elimination of titles and the introduction of weekly revolving comics is a rumor. Of course, nothing has come out from DC as contradicting it, so I am stuck being [Censored] [Censored] off about DC Comics going in the wrong direction. I just hope the rumors are wrong and DC Comics does not drop the [Censored] ball again.

Batman & Robin Name Changes and My Mixed Feelings

Mar. 06 Comics, News no comments

So Bleeding Cool is reporting that upcoming issues of Batman & Robin will go under different names as other members of the family are rotated into team-ups with Batman in the wake of Robin’s death. I have mixed feelings about this.

Batman Incorporated

Schedule

Batman & Red Robin #19

Batman & Red Hood #20

Batman & Batgirl #21

Batman & Catwoman #22

Batman & Nightwing #23

The Positives

On the positive side, readers of Batman & Robin will be exposed to more members of the Bat Family and there is a potential to increase sales slightly among the other titles. Maybe someone will read #21 and gain a better understanding of Batgirl and decide to start reading her title.

The Speculation

We have to agree that speculation is one of the fun aspects of comic book reading. The change each month will help to keep the title fresh as DC Comics transitions with the title. Over the next few months, we are sure to speculate about how the title will change. Will Damian somehow come back to the Bat’s side? Will the title become a team-up title with Batman taking different allies in each issue?

The Negatives

First off, I feel sorry for anyone on the store level who is going to have to figure out how this is going to work in a database which keeps track of pulls. Remembering that the team-ups are the same as Batman & Robin might be easy for a reader to remember, but this is another hurdle which someone who has to keep tabs on hundreds of titles has to keep in mind.

How many fans who do not read online stories about comic books are going to become confused by the Batman & Robin name changes? Someone might simply walk by the Batman & Red Hood issue and think it is a title they had not heard of. While many fans keep up with the machinations of the comic book industry, we cannot assume everyone does.

Pre-New 52 Reversion a Possibility for DC Comics?

Mar. 05 Comics, News no comments

Ever since DC Comics brought their characters in the New 52, fans have worried about a reversion back to the pre-New 52 days. Any little “disturbance” which comes along gets fans wondering. Fans need some kind of guarantee from DC Comics that the company will not revert back to the pre-New 52 storylines.

DC’s WTF

One of the rumors I have seen floating around is that somehow DC’s WTF will hint at a possible reversion back to the pre-New 52 days. Maybe the reintroduction of Booster Gold will place some type of break in the new reality. We know that a team will disappear, but where will they disappear to? Could this simply something pointing to how Justice League Dark is trapped in another reality, or something more?

The War of the Trinity of Sin

War is brewing between the three members of the Trinity of Sin. The Question, Pandora, and the Phantom Strange could destroy reality in their upcoming battle. Could that send the comics back into the pre-New 52 era?

What DC Needs to Do

I would love DC to make some type of symbolic move to state once and for all that the New 52 is here to stay. They can state their intentions to keep the New 52 as the status quo, but there will still be rumors. Fans need a definitive action from the company to ensure the rumors or a pre-New 52 reversion finally die once and for all.

Why DC Need to Do It

I spoke with a customer recently who is leery about continuing with titles in the New 52 because of his worry about a reversion. He worries his collection might become worthless if the publishing company reverts back to where the storylines were a few years ago. For every one fan like this I talk to, I can almost guarantee there are hundreds more out there with the same concern. The concern will continue to grow until the pre-New 52 DC Universe is gone.

How DC Could Do It

May, during the war among the Trinity of Sin, the Trinity could open up a portal to the pre-New 52 era. Somehow, they would need to destroy it or completely lock it off. Either way, fans need to know that “door” is closed for good.

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’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

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 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

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.

Fan Fiction vs. Property-Based Comic Books

Mar. 03 Comics no comments

I found myself in a conversation yesterday in the store about comics which are based on TV shows or movies and fan fiction. The customer believed comics such as Dr. Who, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Star Wars were nothing more than glorified fan fiction. I explained how this could not be further from the truth.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What is Fan Fiction?

Fan fiction is comprised of stories which the fans of a show or movie have written in the hope of bringing themselves and readers closer to the characters. Typically, fan fiction does not have the approval of the original creators of the characters and typically do not make money. A simple search of Google will turn up thousands of fan sites for everything from “Firefly” to “Dr. Who” to “Bladerunner.” I do not wish to talk down about fan fiction, but most of it is pretty bad. You can find a diamond here and there, but most of the fanboys and fangirls who write fan fiction have no experience whatsoever.

Difference of Comics Based on Established Products

The comic books on the market based on established properties from outside of the typical realm of comics, such as Star Wars and Buffy have the blessings of the original creators. While the content might not be considered as complete canon law when it comes to the characters being portrayed, don’t you think Disney would speak up if Dark Horse took an established character from the Star Wars Universe down the wrong path? If Yoda became an alcoholic or Ben Kenobi was portrayed as a pedophile, there would be major disruptions in the force and potentially in court.

Sometimes, the original creator of a property gets directly involved in the comic book based off of his or her property. Just think about how the Firefly comic might be different if Joss Whedon had not taken the lead on the title.

The storylines in these comics are developed over months and have the input of many different creators. Fan fiction is usually the work of one person who does not have the blessings of anyone involved in the original project. If you ever hear someone making an analogy between fan fiction and comics, make sure you set him or her on the right path.

WWC March Madness Contest

Mar. 01 Comics, Detroit Area Comic Book Store Comments Off

WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest

In a Nutshell

The WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest is officially underway! We are pitting 64 comics in the store in a tournament fight to the death! Well, maybe not to the death – but you get the picture. Read on for an explanation, rules and the brackets!

Between now and March 10, 2013, you can stop by the store and fill out a tournament bracket. You can also edit the bracket pictures here and email them to me at Larry@WonderWorldComics.com to be eligible. Points will be awarded for each winning selection with the player with the most points at the end of the contest winning a $50 Wonderworld Comics gift card! If anyone has a perfect bracket (all winners on all sides chosen), he or she will win a $100 Wonderworld Comics gift card! See the rules below about what would happen if there are ties or multiple winners.

During the days of the contest, matchups will be listed in the store and on the website. Visitors to the store or to the website can vote for who they think should win each matchup. Any comic winning a matchup will go on sale the next day in the store! Even if you did not fill out a bracket form, you can still vote and you can still receive the discount as long as you make the purchase on the appropriate day!

• Winning comics making it to the second round will receive a 10% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.

• Winning comics making it to the Sweet Sixteen round will receive a 10% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.

• Winning comics making it to the Elite Eight round will receive a 15% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.

• Winning comics making it to the Final Four will receive a 15% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.

• Winning comics making it to the WWC Championship round will receive a 20% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.

• The WWC Champion comic will receive a 25% discount in the store for the seven days following the contest.

In other words, one of the matchups will be Batman vs. Earth 2. If Batman wins, Batman comics in the store will go on sale the next day (and only the next day) for 10% off. Let’s say Batman wins against Nightwing a few rounds later, Batman comics will then receive a 15% discount the following day! The WWC Champion will go on sale for the seven days following the tournament at a $25 discount.

Note, the discount only applies to comics. If Star Wars wins a round do not expect a discount on the classic ships we have in stock. Merchandise outside of comics does not apply. Of course, if you win a Wonderworld Comics gift card, you can spend it on anything in the store.

If you have any questions, ask the workers in the store or leave a comment for me below. Have fun! Matchups begin on March 11 so get your bracket filled out already!

Official Rules and Stuff

How to Play

Anyone can play the WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest by filling out an official bracket sheet in the Detroit location, or by emailing a completed form to Larry@WonderWorldComics.com. All bracket forms must be complete for consideration and must be received in the store or online by midnight on March 10, 2013. Only one form may be filled out per player.

Official Bracket. Click to enlarge.

The Matchups

The winner of each matchup will be determined by voters in the store or through WonderWorldComics.com. A listing of the day’s matchups will be listed in the store for voting. Matchups will also be listed in the right sidebar of the website for convenient voting. You can vote once per visit per visit in the store. You may vote once per visit to the website. You can visit both the store and the website multiple times during a day. Even if you did not complete a WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest form, you may still vote on the matchups.

Marvel Bracket. Click to enlarge.

Points

Those who have filled out WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest forms will receive one point for each winning selection made for the first round. Three points will be awarded for each correct selection in the second round. Five points will be given for each correct selection in Sweet Sixteen round. 8 points will be awarded for each correct selection in the Elite 8 round. Each selection you have correct for the Final Four will grant 11 points. Correct selections making it into the Championship round will equal 15 points. Twenty-five points will be awarded for correctly selecting the champion.

DC Comics Bracket. Click to enlarge.

Prizes

The player with the highest number of accumulated points at the end of the tournament will win a $50 Wonderworld Comics gift certificate. In the case of a tie, the winner will be randomly selected.

If a player picks the winners of all of the matchups in the tournament, (s)he will win a $100 Wonderworld Comics gift certificate.

Any comic which wins a matchup will be approved for a discount the following business day. The WWC Champion comic will be approved for a discount for the following week of business.

5% Bracket. Click to enlarge.

Discounts

Winning comics making it to the second round will receive a 10% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.
Winning comics making it to the Sweet Sixteen round will receive a 10% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.
Winning comics making it to the Elite Eight round will receive a 15% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.
Winning comics making it to the Final Four will receive a 15% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.
Winning comics making it to the WWC Championship round will receive a 20% discount in the store the day after the winning matchup.
The WWC Champion comic will receive a 25% discount in the store for the seven days following the contest.

Announcement of Matchup Winners

A list will be in the store by noon each day of the previous day’s matchup winners. A listing will also be provided on the WonderWorldComics.com website. There will also be a small blurb about what happened during the matchup.

Independent Bracket. Click to enlarge.

The Quickies

Employees of Wonderworld Comics or WonderWorldComics.com and their immediate families may play in the Contest and/or vote, but are not eligible for prizes.

In the case of a voting tie during a matchup, the comic with higher unit sales in the previous month will win.

There is no purchase necessary for participating in the Contest or voting in the WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest.

Anyone filling out a WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest form is required to provide a valid phone number for contact upon potential winning. The phone number will be destroyed after prizes are claimed and will not be used for any other purpose.

Winners of prizes will be determined by Wonderworld Comics and no alternative prizes will be awarded than those listed.

Wonderworld Comics and WonderWorldComics.com reserves the right to change the rules to include any wording or qualifiers overlooked during initial planning.

Comic Book Torrents: What Happens Now?

Feb. 27 Comics, News no comments

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Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster Inside Out

Feb. 27 Comics no comments

One of the biggest points of speculation right now in the comic book world would have to be about the Marvel NOW posters being released which are being referred to as Marvel NOW 52. Let’s take a quick look at the Marvel Now 52 #1 poster and go over what is known and take a look at what is missing.

Marvel NOW 52

Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster

The Marvel NOW 52 poster shows the names of superheroes with varying sizes shaped into the number “1” next to the pound sign. It would appear that this is a signifier that there might be more rounds of #1 issues coming out involving these characters. It could also mean that these characters are going to be part of the first major crossover of the Marvel NOW Universe.

The Names on Marvel NOW #1 Poster

When the word “52” came into play due to the Wolverine scratch poster, many fans and sites began to speculate about 52 names being in the #1 poster. That is incorrect. I took the time and counted (multiple times to make sure), and there are only 50 names present.

Marvel NOW 52?

Marvel NOW #1 Poster Sizing

Note that the names are of different sizes on the poster. Since most of the popular characters are larger than lesser-followed characters (Such as the difference in size between Thor and Iron Fist), the easy assumption could be made that the larger names will have a larger place in the Marvel Universe than the smaller ones.

Disturbing Differences

Ant-Man has a movie coming out during Phase 3 of the Marvel movies. Note his name is small on the poster. I would hope he would play a large role in the Marvel Universe in the next few years to get more people ready for his movie. Cable’s name is fairly small. Should we expect that the X-Force team he is leading will not have a large impact? Why doesn’t anyone love Namor?

Some Interesting Characters Missing from Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster

Guardians of the Galaxy is launching and Rocket Raccoon is the only member of the team featured on the poster. Where are members of the Uncanny X-Force such as Spiral and Puck? Most of the original X-Men portrayed in All New X-Men and team members from the other major X-titles are not named. Red Hulk, She-Hulk, and Red She-Hulk are also missing along with Black Bolt and most of the Fearless Defenders. Magik and Scarlett Witch are major players right now but not named. I could spend all day going through names not on the poster, but you get the point.

What We Know NOW?

Pretty much nothing. All we can make is assumptions off of what we see and what we don’t see. As long as Marvel does not drop the ball (as they have in the past), we should be in for an interesting ride. Then again, this could be a perfect setup for an elaborate Marvel NOW 52 April Fool’s joke or the countdown to the anniversary of the first issue of the Fantastic Four.

DC Comics Leaks Need to Stop Now!

Feb. 26 Comics no comments

Here we are in the last week of February and somehow another major DC storyline has been destroyed by information hitting the news before the new comics are distributed. By now, you know that Damian is killed in Batman Incorporated #8. Last week you knew about Batwoman proposing to her girlfriend at least a day before purchasing the issue. Let’s not even talk about how we all knew the ending of Batman #17 before the comic book stores received their distribution shipment. DC – WTF? This needs to [Censored] stop.

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Excuses are Like [Censored]

We have heard about leaks at DC Comics over the last month and they need to stop. Someone speculated in the store the other day about these leaks being intentional by the big wheels at DC in order to drum up sales. I am not saying this right now as someone with connections to a store, or to a comics website. As a reader, I do not want to find out about the story hooks through Yahoo! on a Monday [Censored] morning that I was eagerly anticipating to read on Wednesday.

Destroying Anticipation

Part of the fun of comics is the anticipation and occasional anxiety we experience when we have to wait until the next issue to find out what will happen to our heroes. In the smallest increment, we have to wait two weeks for certain titles, but our anticipation runs rampant for most titles since we might have to wait four to five [Censored] weeks to know what happens next. The leaks at DC Comics (no matter the reason) are robbing us of the last few days of anticipation when they would be peaking.

Hurting the Community

We spend time speculating about what could happen next and it brings us closer together as a community with a common interest. It does not matter if you are a fan of DC Comics, Marvel, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, or one of the smaller companies. We are a community that typically likes to find other members in the community to talk about storylines, characters, the market, and what is going to happen next in whichever comics universe we follow. If we are robbed of the peak of anticipation by DC Comics – we hurt as a community.

DC Comics and Market Share

It is not a secret that DC Comics desperately wants to regain the top spot in market share. If the DC Comics leaks continue, readers are going to become bored with the product. Why would I want to spend $2.99 or $3.99 on a title when I already know what is going to happen? Why didn’t DC Comics learn a [Censored] lesson when everyone knew what was happening before new comic day because of their allowing of digital downloads before the titles were in the store?

DC Comics is really getting under my skin right now. It does not matter if they want the leaks to happen or if they are having issues finding out who is leaking them. This [Censored] needs to stop now because their company (through blind idiocy or the inability to patrol their own) is ruining my experience. I might talk about comics through this site and I might spend time working in a store – but I am foremost a comic book fan, reader, and collector. DC needs to take OUR needs and wants into consideration first or they can just [Censored] with a [Censored] in the [Censored]!!!

Batman/Superman: Differences in Fighting Crime

Feb. 26 Characters Comments Off

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

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.

Bad Kids Go To Hell 2 #1 Review

Feb. 25 Comics no comments

My plan is not to use this site as a review site, but when I got my review copy in the mail of Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 #1, I could not resist. I am going to do everything I can to keep myself from giving any spoilers from the first book in the new series, the original series, or from the movie which is topping most On Demand lists right now.

The Basics

Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 #1 has a cover price of $5.99 for 38 pages written by Matt Spradlin and Barry Wernick, the same guys who brought you the original Bad Kids Go to Hell comic and movie. Cover art was done by David Beauchene and Wes Harman with internal art being done by Alex Williamson. Coloring provided by Robby Bevard and Wes Hartman. Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 is published by Antarctic Press.

The Story

Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 takes place four years after the events in Bad Kids Go to Hell. Once again, we find a handful of students being forced into detention. As with the first series, the students are rich, preppy, and douchey with their personalities ranging from lustrous to arrogant, and every type of evil in between. One of the dententioned characters happens to be the brother of one of the victims in the first series. The only other direct links with the initial series is the presence of Headmaster Nash, the janitor, and the placement inside Crestview Academy.

The Story and Writing

Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 is for mature readers, but Spradlin and Wernick did not go to an excess with the adult material. While there is sexuality, drug use, and murder present in the story, it does not overwhelm each page as some adult-only comic creators would pride themselves on. There was more than enough room for a good story between the deviant moments in the printed pages.

The story is easy to follow even if you are not familiar with the rest of the franchise. It moves quickly with few slowing points. It is easy to relate to the characters as most people have dealt with types of high school students introduced in the story and you are going to wait on the edge of your seat to see how each one dies in the series.

The Art

The “art department” on Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 did a great job of not attempting to overwhelm the writing with graphics which jump off the page. Some readers might believe the artwork is subdued in areas, but that is actually a strength for the book. While a comic puts focus on both the writing and the art, certain frames should be used to put the focus on the words of the story while other times the focus should be on the art. The melding of the two needs was done well in Bad Kids Go to Hell 2.

Interesting Note

Marvel and DC have been making waves over the last few years for introducing more LGBT superheroes. The presence of positive homosexual role models has brought media attention to the Big 2, but it has also caused them to paint themselves into a corner. Note how there are not any homosexual supervillains in Marvel or DC because they are scared about a possible backlash from the LGBT community about an evil gay character and the belief that some might associate homosexuality and deviant behavior. In all honesty, if gay characters can be superheroes, it would make sense that there would be gay villains as well.

How does this fit in with Bad Kids Go to Hell 2? One of the characters in detention in Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 is a rich gay student who deals drugs and parties way too hard. I have to commend Spradlin and Wernick for taking the bold step towards true inclusion in comics. If a gay character can be good, he or she should also have the capacity to be evil. Only allowing LGBT characters to be good characters is actually a step away from true inclusion since it denies the reality that anyone can be evil.

Bad Kids Go to Hell 2 will be hitting store shelves very soon and you should consider picking it up. It is would be a great time to jump on just to see what all of the fuss and buzz is over the Bad Kids Go to Hell franchise. If nothing else, consider picking up the book as a monument moment issue and step towards true inclusion in comics.

WTF Certified Events a Return to Pre-New 52?

Feb. 23 Comics no comments

An interesting conversation popped up the other day in the store about the possibility of DC’s WTF Certified events being a precursor to the publisher returning to the pre-New 52 continuity. In the discussion, the suggestion came up about DC’s WTF Certified events actually being caused by rips in the fabric of space and time in the reality of the New 52, or that the events will cause rips in the reality of the superheroes. If this assumption is true, we would have to assume that publisher is using WTF Certified moments to prepare us to return to the pre-New 52 continuity.

DC’s WTF

Goals of the New 52

Do you know what the goals of the New 52 were? The stated goal was to bring the characters into an environment which gave a better reflection of the modern day in our world. The characters were given particular changes to fit into the modern world. At the same time, the secret goals of the New 52 and the WTF Certified events would be to take market share away from competitors and to make the company money.

The New 52 Feeling

When you picked up the first issue of one of the New 52 titles, I am sure you felt a little nervous that you might be wasting you money on a temporary title – but I would wager (with someone else’s money) that you had the feeling of being there when it all began. In your hands was the first part of a story which people might talk about for years. This is important for comic book publishers since they know we like to be the first ones in the know or the ones which have been around since the start.

Why Does This Matter?

You might wonder how the goals of the New 52 and the feelings tie in with WTF Certified events. I don’t see DC wanting to get away from the New 52. To steal a statement from DC’s opposition – the New 52 is DC’s NOW. DC does not want readers to thing the New 52 was just a passing fancy or be disappointed with the feelings they got in late 2011. They know we hold grudges for a long time and would never forgive them if the WTF Certified events led back to the pre-New 52 continuity for the DC Universe. How would you feel if you had thought you were there at the beginning and the feeling was nothing more than a 16 month tease?

How It Might Play Out

I would not be surprised if we came to a point in which the old continuity and the New 52 continuity crossed. The characters would have to make a decision about which path to continue on. In this case, the fans would need to have the final say because if the storylines went back to where they were in the pre-New 52 days, many readers would be lost. I always considered myself a Marvelite, but jumped on with reading certain New 52 titles and am happy with how they are developing. The New 52 has been strong enough to convert someone whose only cares about DC were Batman, the Phantom Stranger, and some of the horror titles. I am sure there are more fans out there like me.

WFT Certified Events Might Lead…But

If the WTF Certified events are leading to a pre-New 52 continuity, DC might have a slight jump in sales as everything is refigured. In the end, though, DC would be the ultimate loser as disappointed fans looked elsewhere for entertainment. Sometimes the fans aren’t always the ultimate loser since there is enough out on the market for us to read other than DC.

Superman and Batman Title: Been There Before Batman/Superman

Feb. 22 Comics no comments

The mass media is picking up on DC’s announcement of a new pairing of Superman and Batman. The new series will focus on how the two iconic characters met in the New 52. I am sorry, but I cannot get excited about Batman/Superman.

Superman and Batman

Exclude This Reason

Some people who know me might automatically exclude my ideas about a Superman and Batman pairing in Batman/Superman because of the fact that I just don’t like Superman. Exclude this reasoning now because there are other reasons why I will not be reading.

Been There Done That

Granted, this will be the first title for Superman and Batman in the New 52, but so what? In the three decades I have been reading comics, I have lost track of the number of times the two characters have teamed up. I have lost track of the number of issues I have read in which the two disagree on the way to handle criminals. Even though some of the variables have changed in the New 52, the basis of how the two characters differ remains the same and will be nothing more than a regurgitation of the arguments we have read in the past.

WTF?

We are a matter of weeks away from DC’s WTF?. The goal of this new marker in the DC Universe is to shakeup the market in the hopes of bringing more of a market share to the publishing company which slipped into second place behind Marvel. DC will do anything to regain the lead and the plotlines in WTF should prove the point. This is change for the sake of change and it is not what the fans want. Fans want strong storylines and characters they can relate to and give a damn about. I see Batman/Superman as a twist on WTF?, and another attempt to snatch a little market share instead of giving the fans what they want.

How Many Titles Do Superman and Batman Need?

A large portion of my monthly pull list revolves around Batman and the Family but I do not see myself wanting to add another Bat-title to the list. DC needs to take a step back and look at the titles in the New 52 and how they are dominated by Batman, Superman, and the Green Lantern. Adding another title to any of these lines, especially to Superman and Batman, could easily cause a character’s bubble to pop. Now I am not saying that fans will give up on Superman or Batman when Batman/Superman comes out – but there will be ones that find they have to take a step back from some of the titles because of character inundation.

Why Now?

Oddly, this is the week in which Batwoman proposed to her girlfriend but few major media outlets picked up the story. DC was figuring on a media push so there is good reason to believe this announcement was pushed up to keep investors and the big wheels happy. Too bad I can’t get the Barenaked Ladies line out of my head, “It’s all been done before.” I guess it is time to dust off that CD.

Special Note:

Just because I will not be reading the new Superman and Batman title should not lead anyone to believe we will not carry Batman/Superman in the store. I don’t do the ordering – I just spread the word.

Daryl Dixon in The Walking Dead Comic: Bad Idea

Feb. 21 Characters Comments Off

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

Detroit Exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy #1 Variant by Marcos Martin

Feb. 18 Comics Comments Off

Our friends at DetroitComicBookStores.com are announcing an exclusive Guardians of the Galaxy #1 variant cover by Marcos Martin. The variant will launch on March 27, 2013, the same day as the title. The variant can be picked up at any of the participating locations, or can be ordered through DetroitComicBookStores.com. The Martin variant will be priced at $12.00 through the website with prices potentially varying at each participating store. Visit the group’s website to locate participating stores or to place your order for this beautiful variant.

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 Variant

The Launch of Guardians of the Galaxy

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 launches the team into Marvel NOW on March 27, 2013. The script was written by Brian Michael Bendis with interior art by Steve Mcniven. The Guardians of the Galaxy will protect the Earth because the balance of the galaxy rests on our planet’s future. A new generation of fans will be introduced to Star Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Racoon, and Groot. Of course, Iron Man will be there to help them out. This launch will prepare comic book fans for the highly-anticipated opening day of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie on August 1, 2014 and will become a cornerstone in Marvel’s return to galactic storytelling.

Marcos Martin

Marcos Martin has had an impressive comic book career which spans 15 years. He is best known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man and his cover artistry. He has been making major waves recently with his variant covers for AvX: Vs, Spider-Men, Morbius: The Living Vampire, and Nova.

DetroitComicBookStores.com

DetroitComicBookStores.com is an alliance of comic book stores in the Metro Detroit area that have found common ground outside of pure competition. The group helped in the founding of Detroit Fanfare, a comics-forward comic book convention held each October in Dearborn, MI. The convention, along with the retailers associated with DetroitComicBookStores.com, believe comic book fans should be the main concern of their businesses.

To order your copy, please follow this link to DetroitComicBookStores.com

Why Hoax Hunters is One of My Favorite Titles

Feb. 18 Comics no comments

Hoax Hunters is only on issue #7, but has quickly become one of my favorite titles on the market right now. If you have not checked Hoax Hunters out yet, you really should as it has a great mix of interesting characters, strong writing and artwork, and puts a unique spin on a current genre from TV.

Hoax Hunters

The Story of Hoax Hunters

In the comic, the Hoax Hunters are the cast of a popular reality TV show which outwardly debunks popular myths and monsters each week. Behind the scenes, though, the characters attempt to either protect the creatures they are hunting after or they attempt to destroy them.

The Fit

“Ghost Hunters,” “Destination Truth,” “Ghost Adventures,” and the myriad of other paranormal/reality shows which explore the “What if?” questions of the world’s mythos have countless fans who wait to see the “evidence” presented each week. There have been rumors for years about these shows being fabricated. The creators of Hoax Hunters put a spin on this type of reality TV show by having the stars fabricate their lack of evidence of the existence of cryptids and paranormal creatures or entities.

The Hoax Hunters

Jack is the leader of the group and a former government agent. He is a strong African-American character who is not born of stereotypes or clichés found in many African-American characters. He is a no-nonsense kinda guy who can think his way, or fight his way, out of a situation.

Reagan is the pretty girl on the show, but can wield mystical power. She is a quick thinker who (so far) knows when to expose her powers and when to keep her tricks up her sleeve. She is a character which almost any comic book title could be built around

There is a member of the Hoax Hunters for zombie fans. Ken is an intelligent undead creature. He is in constant battle with his past but tries to do what he could to help the group whenever possible. Two of the few comforts in his unlife are the comfort of the group and the protection it provides.

I could write an article on Murder, but I will keep my statements to a few lines in order to tease you into reading Hoax Hunters. He is a floating space suit filled with crows. The crows are sentient and will help the crew. He is the most original character in the title and one of the more original characters in years.

Hoax Hunters is on my weekly pull list and I have found myself reading it first when I get home. Give it a change – you will be happy you did.

Visit the Hoax Hunter’s Facebook Page

Marvel in the 1970s and Marvel NOW

Feb. 17 Comics no comments

Thinking about Marvel in the 1970s brings up memories of the company beginning to push the envelope with stronger female characters and mixing in characters that non-Caucasians could relate to. It was also a time in which Marvel resurrected the horror comics genre and had a strong expansion into the universe at-large with the inclusion of galactic storytelling. Has anyone else noticed how Marvel in the 1970s is being revisited through Marvel NOW?

Nova

Galactic Storytelling

Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova both bring Marvel back to one of their featured storytelling styles from the 1970s. Galactic storytelling was one of the major cornerstones for Marvel in the 1970s and is going to make a major impact in the Marvel NOW version of the Marvel Universe. Both Nova and the Guardians of the Galaxy first saw the light of the Marvel cosmos in the 1970s and are back now. Marvel in the 1970s would have been quite different without cosmic stories, and Marvel NOW will be quite different with it.

Defenders and Valkyrie

Valkyrie is back on a Defenders team with Fearless Defenders. Both the character and the team were original to Marvel in the 1970s. Valkyrie is one of the strongest female characters in any Marvel Universe and has been overlooked for too long. Hopefully she can grow with her new title and gain the renown which she should have gained in her initial run. Hopefully this Defenders title will not be held back with kitschy storytelling and an overly-rotated cast of characters.

Marvel Horror

Another cornerstone of Marvel in the 1970s was the resurrection of horror when the Comics Code was loosened to allow scary creatures in the printed pages once again. Morbius: The Living Vampire might be the best example you could think of today, but Man-Thing will begin to play a role in Savage Wolverine in issue #4. Both of these horror characters were created in the 1970s and are making an impact early into the Marvel Now run. Marvel in the 1970s is being reflected by Marvel NOW and there are few things which would make fans of my generation happier.

The Riddler and OCD: Not as Crazy as You Think

Feb. 17 Characters no comments

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Essential Marvel Crossover Events Leading to Marvel NOW

Feb. 15 Comics Comments Off

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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

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 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’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.

DC’s WTF: Concerns About a Dismal Tomorrow

Feb. 13 Comics Comments Off

DC’s WTF is sure to be one of the major talking points over the next few months in comic book stores across the country and is sure to bring the company at least a slight uptick in market share. There are aspects of DC’s WTF which concern me and fear for negative potentials for the comic book industry over the next year.

DC’s WTF

Importance of Change

The New 52 and Marvel NOW have proven how a massive revamp of a comic book universe can cause a major shift in the industry. We could argue, though, about how crossover events such as Civil War and Death of the Family can also cause for a major shift in the market without having to change or reboot nearly every title at a company. Occasionally, the comic book companies need to shake things up a little bit in order to keep the product fresh and reassert themselves into the market. How much, though, is too much?

Macro vs. Micro Crossovers

I am not personally a fan of having a major crossover event every single year. I am of the belief that if Marvel continues to have one “universe changing” event after another, fans will eventually become burned out by having to purchase massive amount of titles ever six months. Just as we were winding down from the Chaos War, we were hit with Fear Itself. When we were winding down from Fear Itself, we were hit with AvX which turned into Marvel NOW. Too much action within a short amount of time.

DC, on the other hand, had been playing the cards correctly by having smaller crossover events since the dawn of the New 52. While Death of the Family has major impacts on the members of The Family, the event is leaving Superman and Green Lantern titles alone for their own definitive crossover stories. Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about DC’sWTF.

Change for the Sake of Change

On the surface, DC’s WTF appears as change for the sake of change. Soon after Gail Simone was ousted from DC, word made rounds about DC execs making statements about more major changes coming soon and about shakeups on the surface of DC and in the background. The goal is apparently to take as much market share back from Marvel as possible. I see the idea of having major shakeups a way to infuse a company stronger into the market as flawed as they are only temporary fixes to companies which pay closer attention to market share than what fans actually ask for (more on this in a moment).

The Near Future

If DC’s WTF does well, Marvel will have to respond with another shakeup as soon as possible (Marvel NOWer?). The two will be stuck in an odd chess match of back-and-forthing which could alienate fans who had been away from comics for even a short time as they try to figure out what in the hell is going on with their favorite characters.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst case I could foresee is that DC’s WTF starts a chain reaction where Marvel and DC can’t even keep up with their own “universe changing” events and begin having crossovers within crossovers. How many issues of Chaos Infinity Secret Initiative War would you want to buy? In the worst case – fans will burn out.

Best Case Scenario

In the best case, DC’s WTF will make both DC and Marvel open their eyes to how the smaller publishing companies are upticking their own market shares. Many of the smaller companies know comic book fans want solid stories with characters they can relate to in some way. A little changeup here and there to keep things fresh is one thing. When you leave the fans who have missed one or two issues out to dry, we should all ask WTF?

The Phantom Stranger: The Enigma Then and Now

Feb. 13 Characters Comments Off

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

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 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

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

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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Why The Defenders Comics Failed

Feb. 10 Comics Comments Off

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Missing

Feb. 10 Comics, TV & Movies Comments Off

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Horror Comics: Why We Need Them

Feb. 10 Comics no comments

Horror comics made a huge impact on the comic book culture in the 1950s until Congress and religious shop owners began to believe these mags were contributing to the delinquency of minors. Horror went out of the limelight for many years until Marvel and DC began to explore the subgenre once again. There are benefits to having horror in comics outside of simple sales.

Tales From the Crypt

When discussing horror comics, the first area we need to look at is the benefit for the reader. The essence of horror is to take a common fear and exploit it. Death, the most common fear, has been exploited in horror comics since their inception. We worry about what will happen to us when we die and we worry about painful deaths. These issues are explored en masse in the printed pages of scary comic books.

By reading stories which exploit our fears, we are able to collectively face them. If you pick up an old copy of EC, chances are going to be good that you will come across a fear you either deal with on a daily basis or one stuck in your subconscious. The brain is able to bring these fears up to the surface and deal with them which can help you overcome at least some of your fears eventually.

Say you are afraid of rats, for example, but you try to keep this fear surprised as much as possible. A short story horror comic on the H.P. Lovecraft tale “The Rats in the Walls” might bring these fears to light in your mind. When you realize the horrors facing the Last de La Poer in the story are simply made for the story, you might realize how silly your fear of rats has become over the years.

Horror comics are often black and white so comic book publishers do not have to hire an inker for the title and can save a little money on ink when printing each copy. Of course, the publishers still charge the same cover price as the full-color titles in their lineups, so a few cents might be saved per issue. If a publisher is able to keep decent profits coming in, it stays strong and is able to stay around for many years to come.

Comic book publishers can push the envelope further in horror comics than in superhero titles. When Michonne attacked The Governor in The Walking Dead, most readers saw graphic displays of violence they had never seen in comics. Since TWD is a horror comic by nature, it is more fitting to see a stressed woman torture the man who raped her than it would be to see Peter Parker torture one of his adversaries.

By pushing the envelope in horror comics, publishers can gauge what level of violence they can place in other titles. In the early to mid-1970s when Marvel began to produce titles such as Tomb of Dracula and Werewolf By Night, the publisher filled the pages with more graphic content than seen in The Incredible Hulk or Daredevil. The other superhero titles began to tilt slightly up in violent content as readers became accustomed to seeing death in the horror titles. I am a firm believer that we would have never seen Electra graphically killed in Daredevil had the envelope not been pushed by the horror comics.

Horror comics benefit the reader, the publishers, and the market as well. They have helped us to deal with our fears, helped publishers keep some costs down, and allowed publishers to make their titles more realistic over the years. Celebrate horror comics as they are an important part of the base which the comic book industry was built upon.

Religion in Comics: Is There a Place?

Feb. 10 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

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.

Importance of Marvel Secret Wars

Feb. 09 Comics no comments

Through my years of comic book reading and collecting, the Marvel Secret Wars series continues to have a special place in my heart. Even though Marvel and DC will pop out “universe-changing events” every year, nothing the big two can do can come close to the impact of Secret Wars.

Secret Wars

In the first part of the mid-1980s, DC was making an impact on the toy world with its license with Kenner. Mattel wanted to make a bigger comic book impact outside of He-Man, so the company partnered with Marvel to create new action figures and other toys. Mattel’s focus groups found that boys identified with words such as “war” and “secret” so Secret Wars was born. The goal of the massive crossover which ran from May of 1984 to April of 1985 was to simply sell the toys, but the series had greater impacts on our favorite form of entertainment.

First off, Secret Wars proved fans were interested in seeing massive crossover storylines. While this happened on a small scale before in crossovers between Batman and Superman or The Defenders and The Avengers, but never with a majority of the top characters in one the comic book company’s universes. Secret Wars paved the way for massive crossover series such as House of M, Fear Itself and Avengers vs. X-Men.

After Secret Wars, Spider-Man was regularly seen in his new black costume. This would lead to symbiote storylines and gave us characters such as Venom and Carnage. Also, She Hulk joined the Fantastic Four through the fallout of the first major universe-changing event. Marvel realized they could make waves in a major crossover and continue those waves for months or even years. Instead of the storyline being mostly contained in the issues of the special series, such as with Contest of Champions, Secret Wars was a seed which grew across a dozen titles.

Secret Wars led to Secret Wars II. While many fans were not as happy with the second major universe-changing event to come from Marvel, the publisher was able to start a ball rolling which would show impacts today. In Civil War, there were multiple references to former crossover series such as Avengers Disassembled and House of M.

Before Secret Wars, we might see a reference to something which happened in the past, but these were usually reserved for previously-connected titles or identical titles. If the Hulk was spending time in New Mexico, this would be referenced in The Incredible Hulk, or The Defenders since he was an occasional member of the team. This would not be referenced in Spider-Man on a regular basis. Secret Wars impressed the idea of a shared universe where the actions of one hero or villain could impact dozens of others.

Don’t forget the toys. The next time you find yourself looking through a rack of Marvel Universe toys for Deadpool or Thanos, think about how the first major universe-changing crossover set the stage for the comic book action figure market. Where there used to be a small rack for superhero action figures, now we find entire aisles at major retailers with new lines coming out every years. At conventions, we see multiple retailers who specialize in action figures born of the idea which created Secret Wars.

The modern revolutions which we take for granted today in comics were proven as possible with Secret Wars. The next time you see an issue of the original series, give it the respect it deserves. While it might not be as flashy as a modern issue of the New 52 or Marvel Now, those old issues are more important than what is coming out today.

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Your Comic Collection Connection

Category: Comics

Iron Man: All the Best the Money Can Buy

Check the Batteries

Technocrat

The Crutches and Crosses

What is Being Reported on the Trinity War Triptych?

Who Fights the Trinity War?

Read the Picture

Reading Deeper

Who is this Carrie Kelly You Speak Of?

Carrie Kelly is New Robin from Now On?

The Swerves

No Assurances on Carrie Kelley as New Robin

The Buildup to the Trinity War

Basic Possibilities for the Trinity War

Major Crossover?

My Biggest Worry About the Trinity War

WTF Certified is a Big Event?

Marvel Off and Running

What DC Needs to Do

Mutant Term

Marvel Inclusion Through Mutant Statement

Statement to Fans

Thank You Marvel

Neil Gaiman to Marvel

Neil Gaiman’s Angela

Damian Fans and Harper Row

Harper Row as New Robin: Negatives

Harper Row as New Robin: Positives

Harper Row as New Robin: Needed Progress

Down the Road

WTF is DC Comics Doing Now?

Let’s Do Math

Gravitational Pull

Market Stability

What DC Needs to Do

My Hope

Schedule

The Positives

The Speculation

The Negatives

DC’s WTF

The War of the Trinity of Sin

What DC Needs to Do

Why DC Need to Do It

How DC Could Do It

Superman’s View of Humanity

Batman’s View of Humanity

MODOK Symbolizes Dangers of Science

MODOK Symbolizes Dangers of Mixing Man with Machine

The Perfect Weapon

Funding

Penguin’s Drive Towards Crime

Penguin’s Sanity

What is Fan Fiction?

Difference of Comics Based on Established Products

WonderWorldComics.com March Madness Contest

In a Nutshell

Official Rules and Stuff

How to Play

The Matchups

Points

Prizes

Discounts

Announcement of Matchup Winners

The Quickies

Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster

The Names on Marvel NOW #1 Poster

Marvel NOW #1 Poster Sizing

Disturbing Differences

Some Interesting Characters Missing from Marvel NOW 52 #1 Poster

What We Know NOW?

Excuses are Like [Censored]

Destroying Anticipation

Hurting the Community

DC Comics and Market Share

Superman

Batman

Which Side Drives You?