Posts tagged Jim Lee
DC New 52 Review!
01 year ago
So, the plan is to review all 52 of the New DC Universe titles that are launching the last week of August and throughout September. This week sees the release of Flashpoint 05, technically the final issue of the original DCU, and Justice League 01, the first issue of the new continuity. Let’s take a look at
Flashpoint 05 first.
The Flashpoint series has been relatively uneven at best so far. For a five issue series, it really seemed that nothing was happening up until issue 04. And even the events of that issue, Captain Marvel and the battle between Wonder Woman and Aquaman, were apparently handled in limited series. The main book deals with none of these conflicts and therefore makes them completely irrelevant to the overall story. I honestly felt after reading Flashpoint 05 that Dc simply could have published this issue and everyone would have been fine with that. it does tie up everything nicely and has a somewhat plausible resolution to the time travel story. The main issue I have with it is the change made to Batman’s status quo at the end. Spoilers ahead so skip by if you haven’t read the issue.
*The Flash gives Batman, Bruce, a note from his father, Thomas, who was Batman in the alternate reality. Bruce reads the note and breaks down in tears thanking Flash for delivering the message. While we do not get to see the entire note, it can be assumed that Thomas absolves Bruce of responsibility. Thereby Batman no longer has a reason to be. Any other conclusion that could be drawn from the note doesn’t make sense. It would be silly to think that Thomas wrote his alternate reality son a note saying that he was glad he was murdered in an alley so that his boy could grow up to be a great crime fighter.*
That complaint aside, Flashpoint 05 accomplishes what it needs to and sets up the new DCU. 7 out of 10.
The other title released this week is Justice League 01. This book is the official first entry in the New 52. It takes place 5 years in the past and showcases Batman and Green Lantern. Superman and Cyborg make brief appearances. 
Two things struck me about this issue. One, Jim Lee, is still an unbelievable artist. His work here is spectacular and arguably, the best of his career. The new costumes look as good as they possibly can with his pencils and the inking and coloring is on point as well. The writing on the other hand left me feeling confused. Apparently, in the New DCU, I am going to hate Green Lantern. I understand that this is an Early look at these heroes and their first interactions with each other but he comes off as a complete prick. Not cocky like GL has always been under Johns, but as an utter asshole. I know that I cannot compare this GL to the old GL really, but, DC has already said that all of the Geoff Johns GL work would still be in continuity. Therefore, I know what Hal is going to be like, and I know what he was like before. And it just wasn’t this. Overall, this issue has my curiosity piqued and I will definitely be following this book closely. There is work to be done however and I expect more from Geoff Johns. 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Dc has quite a bit of work to do explaining where all of the previous continuity fits in with the New DCU. I am still excited by the prospect, particularly what is done with Superman, but will remain skeptical. I will continue to review all of the new titles as they are released and will have a wrap-up post at the end of September with recommendations on books to continue on with or ignore all together. It should be fun!
DC post Flashpoint
01 year ago
For those of you not following any current DC or comics news, they are currently running a summer event called Flashpoint. Issue 2 is slated to hit tomorrow, 6/1/11, so you still have time to catch up. The gist of the story is this, something strange is happening in the world of the Flash. Nothing is as it should be. Characters are different. People long dead are suddenly back and running around in tights. And NOTHING will ever be the same. At least, that is what DC is promising. And for once it looks like they may be telling the truth. In a bold move, DC will be relaunching their entire lineup with new number one’s starting in September. All new creative teams, all new continuity. The only number one nit shipping in September will be Justice League #1 by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee! The new Justice League book ships the last Wednesday of August along with Flashpoint #6. The lineup for the book will be the big guns, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Flash, and Aquaman. The characters will be getting redesigned costumes to go along with the new continuity. 
The final piece of the post Flashpoint DC is the publisher’s commitment to day and date digital distribution. And it’s about time.
Look, all of this sounds great to me. It honestly does. I have always been a Marvel guy, ever since I was a wee tot. I love the DC characters a ton, but have never been able to get into their books on a regular basis. I applaud this strategy. To me, this is what is needed for characters over 60 years old that have been through Crisis after Crisis. I hope it sticks and we get new relationships and new angles on old themes. It has potential. It can be great. I hope it is.
WTF Wonder Woman?
12 years ago
posted by GW Dan
Tomorrow, the landmark Wonder Woman #600 hits stores nation wide. Now, I know what you’re thinking… How in the blue hell did Wonder Woman make it to issue #600? I have no idea either but there you go. In an effort to revitalize the character, DC has brought aboard J. Michael Stryczynski to write her new adventures. Even JMS however cannot save this character. She is a terrible character who, in every issue I’ve tried to read, has come across as just totally flat. The only time she was written well was by Darwyn Cooke in Justice League: New Frontier. If you haven’t read New Frontier, you need to go pick it up now! It is superb. However, if you’re thinking what else can DC do to possibly turn more people off to the character well, I have your answer. Behold the new Wonder Woman costume…
Holy ass nuts! What the fuck is that? Why? And Jim Lee did this? JIM LEE? Ugh, just ugh. Oh where to begin? First, the choker. No character has ever looked good with a choker. They are utterly useless in design. Second, the jacket. Has WW been rummaging through Black Canary’s closet? What purpose does that serve? A half Jacket with the sleeves rolled up, yuck. Third the pants. If you look closely you can see some kneepads and pipping running down. And by running down I mean down and over her feet. What the shit? And spurs? well, kinda spurs since there aren’t any, you know, spikey things to make the horsey run. The new top is ok and the gauntlets are pretty cool. Other than that though, this is a total bloody disaster. Wonder Woman is a Greek goddess. She is a warrior. She is not a spunky teenager form 199fucking3! I at least expect better of Jim Lee. There is no doubt the man can draw. And I don’t have to have the costume make a lick of sense because ultimately, these characters are just that, works of fiction. But, that doesn’t excuse this hot mess. Not even a little bit.