Blog Reborn

-

I'M BACK!  Err... Kinda.  

It's been over a year since I've posted here.  I can practically see the dust-filled cobwebs and hear the crickets chirping in the distance.  I was wearing myself out trying to keep this blog current while maintaining three other blogs. Something had to go, so I dropped the, arguably, most frivolous content, SciFi & Comics. 

After fifteen months away, I feel like I have lots to  say about the fun stuff.  Thus, I've decided to drop by when I have something to say.  I won't be posting on a regular schedule or listing this blog in my Blogogram Newsletter.  If enough people show an interest I'll look at doing a separate newsletter.  Until then, I'll simply announce updates on  Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, & my Facebook Group, The Nerd Herd.

-

Now lets talk comics.  I should begin by explaining that I'm six months behind on DC's comic books, on purpose.  No, I'm not crazy.  When DC announced they were going to revamp their pay site into DCUNIVERSE they made their comic books available for free to monthly subscribers six months after their publication dates.  So, for $75 a year (or $7.99 a month) I can read my DC titles and have more money for comics from Marvel, IDW, etc... on Comixology as long as I don't mind not being completely current.  

Right now, I'm enjoying Marvel's Heroes Reborn.  Without giving away any spoilers, something has happened to time to prevent The Avengers from ever having assembled. Only a few characters know that time is broken. 

I love "time is wrong" stories!  Love 'em.  When I was in high school, I'd looked forward to Quantum Leap every Thursday night to see Dr. Sam Becket  leap through time to, "put right what once went wrong."  I was also a Whovian (Doctor Who fan) long before it was an "in thing" here in the states. 

Yes, I know, comic books and movies use time travel like McDonald's uses ketchup.  Granted.  It can be over used and often leaves plot holes you could fly a 747 through.  I still can't wrap my head around John Connor sending his own father back in time to impregnate his mother.  I keep wondering who sent Reese back the first time so John could exist to send Reese back the second time.  It, literally, gives me a headache. 

Nevertheless, Heroes Reborn, not to be confused with the Rob Liefeld mess in 1996, is a time travel epic akin to DC's Flash Point.  The story consists of eight main issues and ten tie-ins which serve as close-ups showing how different parts of the Marvel Universe have been altered. 

One can follow the story just by reading the eight primary core issues, but I'm probably going to end up reading most of the supplementary one-shots just because they’re fun reads. I don't care about a non-powered Peter Parker, but I'm looking forward to Magneto & The Mutant Force, American Knights, and Weapon X & Final Flight.  I'll probably pick up a few others as well.  (see the full list below 👇)

Arrow-verse Strikes Multiple Targets

-
Spotlight:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Space…, the final frontier, these are the voyages of the Starship E___________________. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard hasn't been on the bridge of the Enterprise, or any starship, for the better part of two decades. Since leaving Starfleet in protest of policy, our, once, star trekking hero has been content to maintain his vineyard and produce wine under his family’s label. His golden years are suddenly disturbed by a mystery which, may, harken back to his days as a starship captain.

After having viewed the first two episodes, I have, so far, been treated to an exciting mystery. Like its online counterpart, Star Trek: Discovery, Picard isn’t as episodic as classic Star Trek series. Rather, it’s produced as one long novel with episodes as chapters. While I’ve found the new format to be tiresome on Discovery, it’s kept me interested to this point. I don't want to say too much about the show, but its runners have teased cameos from Data, Riker & Troi, and 7 of 9.

Fans can watch new episodes each Thursday, exclusively on CBS ALL ACCESS for $9.99 per month ($5.99 with commercials). Oh, and for those wanting more backstory, it can be found in the three-part comic book series Star Trek: Picard---Countdown.

---

Arrow-verse Strikes Multiple Targets: (SPOILERS AHEAD!)
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

On October 10, 2012 Oliver Queen found his way off of Lian Yu, and began his journey toward becoming Green Arrow. When Arrow premiered on the CW Network, showrunners, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, meant for it to be a quasi-realistic vigilante crime drama rather than a superhero show. That strategy lasted for one season.

Once The Flash spun off of Arrow, super powers, time travel, mysticism, and heroic teams became staples of both shows. Before long, Green Arrow was fighting alongside; Black Canary, The Atom, Mr. Terrific, and Speedy/Red Arrow; while The Flash teamed up with Kid Flash, Vibe, Killer Frost, Firestorm, and, later, Elongated Man.

As each show was forming a miniature Justice League of its own, Supergirl was forming alliances with Martian Manhunter, Valiant, and others over on CBS. Eventually, Supergirl jumped over to the CW in order to make annual crossovers easier. Once that happened, the franchise added Legends of Tomorrow, Black Lightning, and Batgirl. They even retroactively included NBC’s Constantine after it had been off the air for three years.

The lone show, Arrow, had blossomed into an intertwined universe of its own. Although all the shows tell superhero stories, each has succeeded in maintaining its own tone. Arrow, Batgirl, and Black Lightning offer dark gritty tones while Flash, Supergirl, and Legends keep things light and, occasionally, comedic. In fact, Black Lightning was so dark, there was online debate as to whether it was part of the shared reality.

Ironically, the recent mega crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths, which removed all doubt that the tales are connected, saw the death of Green Arrow and the cancellation of his show. Fear not though, there's an upcoming spinoff featuring Green Arrow’s daughter on the way. And, now that Green Arrow's soul has adopted the mantle of The Specter, God's Spirit of Vengeance, there's every reason to believe Steven Amell will pop up from time to time.

Plus, fans are about to be treated to a Stargirl series, a Superman series, and a purportedly connected Green Lantern series over on HBO.

The televised DC Universe is the realization of one of my childhood fantasies. Seriously. I’d have loved to have seen Linda Carter’s Wonder Woman interact with other superheroes. Yet, back then we were lucky to see one comic book TV series per season, and even then they almost never fought super villains.

The televised story telling fans have been treated to within CW’s DC Universe is vastly superior to televised comic book fare of the past, which doesn't mean there's not room for growth. We know Batman has disappeared from Gotham, but we haven't seen, this universe’s, Robins or Nightwing. Plus, fans of Charmed & Legacies could easily be drawn to a, magic based, Dr. Fate series.

Future plans aside, what's being produced now is some quality comic book TV.
-

Disguised As A Mild Mannered Reporter No More

-
The holidays are finally over, and life is slowly returning to what passes for normal. My main piece this time is on Superman’s big reveal. But first, since I’ve been gone so long, I want to shine the spotlight on two other properties first.

---

Spotlight 1:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Let’s face it, the period from Phantom Menace to Solo gave Star Wars audiences nothing to really get excited about. Out of our love for Episodes; IV, V, and VI; we desperately wanted to like what we were given next, but bad acting and annoying characters (Yes, I’m pointing at you Jar-Jar) made it hard to remain fans of the franchise.

The long night is finally over. Over the past few months, Star Wars fans have been treated to The Mandalorian on Disney’s streaming service and the theatrical release of Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Disney and Lucas Films have finally figured out what fans want to see and how to deliver it. Heck, there's a fan craze centered around Baby Yoda alone. If these two productions are any indication, Star Wars finally has a bright future.

---

Spotlight 2:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Years before most of the Avengers were even born; Captain America, Namor, the original Human Torch; formed The Invaders in order to combat the Nazi scourge during World War II. Years later, within the pages of Tarot #1, Namor is remembering a battle Captain America doesn't have any recollection of. This memory may be connected to a magical threat being faced by the Avengers.

Having the Avengers and Defenders working together gives readers a book with superhero action on almost every page. Of course, The Incredible Hulk is a founding member of both teams, so he serves as the glue which ties the teams together.

This was a very fun read. I find myself looking forward to Alan Davis’ next three issues more than I usually look forward to a miniseries.

---

Disguised As A Mild Mannered Reporter No More:

In the landmark issue, Action 1000, Brian Michael Bendis restored the classic version of Superman to comics by putting his red briefs back on the outside of his pants, after an eight-year absence. I cheered, feeling Superman was actually Superman again. Fans, such as I, praised Bendis for restoring our hero back to his status quo. Ironically, he’s ended 2019 by shattering the aforementioned status quo.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

In Superman 18, Bendis had Superman come out of the closet. No, not that closet; although that might be interesting someday….. But no, he had our hero tell the world his secret identity. That's right, Superman held a press conference to announce he’d been living as mild mannered reporter, Clark Kent, the whole time. Perry gave him a big hug; it was all very touching.

I’ll be honest, I have very mixed feelings about the whole thing. On the one hand, I totally understand the “pro-reveal” argument. Superman is known for his honesty, so he doesn't want to keep living a lie. Plus, Superman and Clark are close to the same people, so the dual identity isn’t protecting anybody. Perry, Jimmy, and Lois still find themselves tied to their share of time bombs. I get it, I do.

Be that as it may, the big reveal makes me uncomfortable. I’m what you call a “comic book purest.” I like Batman to have Robin. I like Aquaman to have short blond hair. Ray Palmer should be The Atom, Wonder Woman should have an invisible plane, the Hulk should smash things, and Superman’s identity should be a secret.

Lois learned Clark Kent’s secret back in 1991, and I’m still trying to get used to that one. As hokey as it may have been, I enjoyed seeing Clark Kent make an excuse to leave the room mere seconds before Superman shows up. It was classic Superman schtick.

Of course, Peter Parker held a similar press conference during “Civil War” (the comic book story, not the movie), and it only lasted a year or so before the world was magically made to forget who Spider-Man really is. Thus, this particular development may be undone eventually, perhaps by Mister Mxyzptlk. Who knows?

Disney Plus Is Worth A Look

-
Spotlight:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Long time Marvel readers will remember the 2099 line of comics from the mid-90s. It was a chance for Marvel’s writers to reimagine popular superheroes one-hundred years in the future.

This fall the company is revisiting these characters with a series of one-shots loosely tied together by a “time’s being rewritten” story. The series comes in “Parts” and “Tie-Ins.” The main story's parts, beginning with the Amazing Spider-Man series and the “2099 Alpha” one-shot, tell the time travel/alteration saga, while the Tie-Ins offer glimpses into the futuristic world in question.

I’ve posted the reading order below. Honestly though, I’m only going to collect the main story a few Tie-Ins featuring the namesakes of characters I already read.

"Marvel 2099" Reading Order

Amazing Spider-Man #32 (Prelude)
Available October 23rd.
Amazing Spider-Man #33 (Prelude)
Available November 6th.
2099 Alpha #1 (Part 1)
Available November 20th.
Fantastic Four: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available November 20th.
Amazing Spider-Man #34 (Part 2)
Available November 20th.
Conan: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available November 27th.
Punisher: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available November 27th.
Ghost Rider: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available December 4th.
Amazing Spider-Man #35 (Part 3)
Available December 4th.
Venom: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available December 4th.
Doom: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available December 11th.
Spider-Man: 2099 #1 (one-shot tie-in)
Available December 11th.
2099 Omega #1 (Part 4)
Available December 18th.

---

Disney Plus Is Worth A Look:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Classic Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic are the divisions which comprise the internet’s hottest new entertainment site. My main blog is on Disney Plus, which went live on November 12th, 2019.

Being a self-professed nerd, I plopped down my $6.99 a month (or $69 per year) for access to the Star Wars and Marvel content.

The Star Wars section has everything a Padawan Jedi could want. Viewers can watch every Star Wars movie and almost every cartoon series, except for the “Droids” and “Ewoks” series of the 1980s. Also included are an array of shorts (mostly Legos based), specials, and, of course, “The Mandalorian,” the section’s first original series.

The Marvel section features every Marvel Cinematic Universe movie and a respectable number of series, specials, and cartoons. Notably absent are the Spider-Man movies, which are owned by Sony, and the X-Men films, which have been owned by FOX until recently. Also absent are the Incredible Hulk series starring Bill Bixby and the Spider-Man series starring Nicholas Hammond. While several original series are in the works, the first offering, a live action series centered around Loki, isn’t slated to premiere until 2021.

While I have no interest in Pixar or National Geographic, I have spent some time exploring the Disney section. It has selections ranging from Mickey Mouse to the Simpsons; from Herbie the Love Bug to Indiana Jones. I even found a few gems, from my childhood at the drive-in movies, to add to my watchlist.

Disneyplus.com still has some rough edges to smooth out, especially in regard to its Marvel section. Nevertheless, there's enough streaming content to make the site worth checking out.

Site’s Greatest Strength: The Mandalorian series

Site's Greatest Weakness: Gaps in Marvel’s content

Terminator's Back On Track

-
Spotlight:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

John Constantine is an exorcist/paranormal P.I.. Think Harry Potter meets Phillip Marlowe. I’ve been getting a pretty good dose of him within the pages of Justice League Dark, but DC has given him his own title again as part of “The Sandman Universe.”

Personally, I’ve never thought of Hellblazer as being under Sandman’s umbrella. They’re both magic though, so eh… OK. I can see Constantine as a bridge between mainstream Superheroes and Neil Gaiman’s dark world of dreaming.

No matter which category it’s being published under, Simon Spurrier and Aaron Campbell have created a beautiful first issue. The art keeps dipping into the psychedelic, while the text tells the story of a hero battling inner demons as well as satanic demons.

Although I found the book to be worth the $4.99 ($4.24 with my Comixology discount) price, it’s NOT FOR KIDS! Our hero drops several F bombs and makes crude references to female anatomy. The crass language is true to the character it helps paint; I simply wouldn't let my nephews read it.

---

They’re Back!:

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

In our top story, we take a look at Terminator 6: Dark Fate.

In 1984, audiences were introduced to a killer robot from the future, bent on preventing the birth of humanity’s greatest military leader, John Connor. Seven years later, a duplicate of the first movie’s villain played the role of hero trying to protect a teenage version of John from a more sophisticated Terminator.

Following the success of these two blockbusters, audiences were subjected to the sleepers; Rise of The Machines, Salvation, and Genisys. While fans wanted to like these three offerings, they just didn't capture the magical excitement of the first two films. I won’t say why, incase you haven't seen it, but the end of 2015’s Genisys left a bad taste in my mouth.

Yet, when I heard Linda Hamilton would be reprising her role as Sarah Connor, I decided to catch Terminator: Dark Fate on opening day. I’m glad I did.

Hamilton and Schwarzenegger may be 35 years older than when they began this joyride, but they can still play ass kickers with the best of them. Although the action was top notch, what made Dark Fate great was the script.

James Cameron, and his writing staff, fixed the timeline so that the last three movies never happened. Now, one can watch the first two films and this one, and get “the whole story,” without having to sit through the three weak chapters.

Who's Watching HBO's Watchmen?

-
Watchmen was a 12 issue comic book series which ran from September of 1986 until October of 1987. Rather than giving readers the well-adjusted noble superheroes we were accustomed to; Alan Moore painted a very dystopian picture of selfish emotionally damaged heroes. On October 20th, HBO premiered the first episode of Watchmen, a series supposedly inspired by Moore’s classic tale. Below are my thoughts on the show. Spoilers ahead.
-
S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

P

A

C

E
-
S

P

O

I

L

E

R

S

P

A

C

E

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Going in, I knew the show would deliver an original story, instead of a retelling of the, now, classic comic book tale. However, I expected a story featuring the superheroes from the Watchmen super team.

Instead of a story featuring Dr. Manhattan, The Comedian, Silk Spectre, or Night Owl II, the focus of the series is on an original character, Sister Night, a stealthy police detective serving a small town’s police force where all police hide their identities for fear of reprisal. We do see news reports about the superheroes in the background, but they’re there more to justify the use of the “Watchmen," label than they are to move the story forward.

The Watchmen character we saw the most of was Rorschach. Well… sort of. Replacing Rorschach, the noir-esc hero, was a cult donning Rorschach masks. We know the cult is on the wrong side of the law, but weather they’re heroes or villains is unclear. Equally unclear is their connection to the hero they’re modeled after, or if he exists at all.

It’s a textbook example of bait & switch. Imagine going to an “Avengers” movie only to have it be about Luke Cage living in a small town. The product may very well prove to be an exciting story. It’s just not the one fans, like me, tuned in to see.

Final Note:
Interestingly enough, Amazon Prime streams a dark superhero show called The Boys, which reminds me more of the Watchmen comic book than the show which bares its name.
-

Say It Aint So Batman, Say It Aint So!

Unless you've been in solitary confinement in Arkham Asylum, you know what happened at the end of Batman #77 last week. Even if you haven't read the latest chapter of City of Bane, it’s been all but impossible to surf the internet without bumping head long into a spoiler for the last page. Nevertheless, I’m going to leave ample spoiler space below this paragraph just in case you've wandered in here by mistake and you’re still planning to read the issue. Although, I have no idea WTF you’re waiting for?
S
P
O
I
L
E
R
|
S
P
A
C
E
|
|

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
|
S
P
A
C
E
|
|
OK, those who haven't read the issue yet should be gone. OMG, BANE KILLED ALFRED!!!!!!!!!!! I freaked when I’d initially read #77’s final panel. I doubled back, looking for the page I’d missed, when Alfred was replaced by a clone. Of course, it wasn’t there. Robin (Damian Wayne) had called Bane’s bluff by continuing to fight crime in Gotham City, and Bane broke the neck of his hostage, Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler, Alfred Pennyworth.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

Photo Courtesy of Amazon's Affiliate Program.

I was as upset as if a real person had just been killed. I told myself they couldn't do this. It would be like killing off Perry White or Jimmy Olsen, I told myself. I mean, he’d always been there, or so I thought. As it turns out, this isn’t the first time Alfred has died.

Back in Detective Comics #328 (June, 1964) Pennyworth threw himself in front of an on coming boulder to save the lives of the dynamic duo. Being seven years before the debut of Ra’s Al Ghul, there was no such thing as a Lazarus Pit yet. Thus, he remained dead for two years before a mad scientist would resurrect him as a scaly white super villain called The Outsider (Batman’s team of the same name wouldn't appear until 1983).

Being comics, I don't expect this death to last long. Either Damian will take Alfred’s body to Nanda Parbat for resurrection in the Lazarus Pit, or, given the role the multiverse is currently playing in DC’s current titles, we may see an orphaned version of Alfred being adopted by our universe's Bruce Wayne/Batman.

Think about it, even without the precedent from the 60s, it’s a good bet they won’t leave Pennyworth dead for long, just as he’s starring in his own hit series on EPIX.

Note of Interest: Detective Comics #328 not only saw the original death of Alfred, but also introduced the character Aunt Harriet, whom I’d thought was created solely for the 1966 TV series.

Editor’s Note: So far, I’m not really impressed with the City of Bane storyline. It seems like a rehash of No Man’s Land to me.