Superman: Secret Origin #6

The conclusion to Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's retelling of the classic Superman origin story. 

Last issue, the government was after Superman for allegedly attacking the US Army. Lead by Sam Lane the issue begins with him and his men inside the Daily Planet ordering the staff to provide any information they can to assist in the capture of Superman. Lois defends Superman from her father, until he drops the bombshell to everyone that Superman, is in fact, an alien. Meanwhile, Superman is hiding in the sewers catching his breath when the soldiers find and attack him. He engages the US Army. 

John Corben, who had been badly hurt last issue, joins the fight and attacks Superman. Now rebuilt by Lex Luthor, Corben is powered by a Kryptonite heart. In the heat of the battle, Corben attacks civilians and soldiers alike. Superman rushes in to save them all and defeats Corben. Lane moves in to arrest Superman, but the soldiers and citizens defend him. Superman tells everyone that they should stop looking for a savior and to look to themselves to make Metropolis a better place. But that he'd always be there to help. He then flies off to confront a pissed off Luthor telling him that he's not going anywhere.

Some time after the events, Clark and Lois bask in the success of their respective stories. Lois with her exclusive interview with Superman and Clark with his interviews with how people in Metropolis feel about Superman. As Clark musters up the nerve to ask Lois out, she finds a note from Superman asking to meet him on the roof of the Daily Planet. The two have a moment, only to be interuppted by Jimmy Olsen who informs them that the Daily Planet has become the city's number one newspaper. Lois asks Superman if he's a man, or an alien. He replys: "I'm Superman, Lois." and flies off. 

I didn't like this on the first read. The first five issues of this story were gold, but they sort of condensed the climax with this issue and it felt a bit rushed. With that being said, I had to reread it a few more times for this review and I actually had a change of heart. Johns knows how to pick his words carefully with what he's given and every bit of dialogue in this issue contributed greatly to the story. There was one thing I found uncharacteristic about Superman in this issue. He fought the soldiers and put people in danger. We have to remember, this is his first adventure. He's still a rookie. The Daily Planet's big comeback gives me hope that newspapers can still be saved. We just need a big blue flying alien man to write about. The last scene was pretty good. It was a nice contrast to all the heavy set action and fast pacing that occurred the last few issues.

Gary Frank's art is, as always, top notch. He manages to capture the Christopher Reeve look when drawing Superman and Clark. I can't wait to follow his next project.

4/5

Make sure to check out Superman: Earth One in November!

Vat Boy

Hulk #24

Red Hulk, who had been previously revealed as General Thunderbolt Ross, has taken hold of the White House. In the wake of the Fall of the Hulks and the World War Hulks storyline, Bruce Banner once again becomes the Hulk in order to stop the Intelligencia. By doing so, he had to reabsorb all the radiation they acclimated in order to turn the nation's soldiers and superheroes into Hulks. Hulk confronts Red Hulk at the Oval Office and they go at it, pretty much the entire issue. Finally, Hulk defeats Red Hulk. In the aftermath of the events, Hulk meets with the head of National Security: Steve Rogers. Rogers is putting something together, and Hulk suggests he enlist a now imprisoned Red Hulk. 

This is honestly all I really wanted ever since they introduced the Red Hulk. An all out thrown down between him and Banner. No Thor, no A-Bomb, no Iron Man, not even the Watcher. Just Green versus Red. Don't get me wrong, the Fall of the Hulks and World War Hulks story arcs were pretty entertaining, but I think they dragged it on a bit too long. Usually when that happens, the final chapter tends to be disappointing (Blackest Night). This was, for lack of a better word, INCREDIBLE. We got Jeph Loeb crafting his trademark internal monologues from the opposing characters. And we got Ed McGuinnes, who was born to draw ridiculously beefy superheroes. Great read and definitely recommended. 5/5

Next Month: Iron Man versus Red Hulk!

First Look at Green Lantern!

Here's our very first first look at Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern!! Nice!

New Thor Promo Image

Featuring Thor, Odin, and Loki!

Spider-Man Cast!

Sony Pictures have officially announced that actor Andrew Garfield has been cast for the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the upcoming reboot of the series!

Who is this guy???

Exactly.

Monkey Burger IV

Which Way Back North on Facebook!

Facebook users can now subscribe to the Which Way Back North? page and get updates on news, projects, and upcoming strips!

Click here!

The Green Hornet Trailer!

Sweet Christmas! This actually looks pretty good!

First Look at the Green Hornet!

Columbia pictures have released the first two promotional images for the upcoming Seth Rogan movie: The Green Hornet!

The Other Toy Story

How to Cartoon in Print!!

My How to Cartoon (of which the mock up I posted a couple months back) is now in print!  It's a two page spread for the school Substance Magazine. Anyone near Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut California should be sure to check it out while copies are still available. Not gonna lie, this is pretty damn cool.

Oh. And here's me with the cover model!

Who Killed Tofu-Man?

My goal for the summer is to crank out a new strip every week. Fingers crossed.

Invincible #72

Last issue ended with our heroes being attacked by three Viltrumites out in space, lead by Conquest. This issue Allen, Nolan, Oliver, Tech Jacket, and Mark engage in an all out brawl with the super-powered conquerors. The battle, however, takes a nasty turn as Mark is gravely injured after finally defeating Conquest himself, once and for all. 

This is probably my shortest description for a comic, but for good reason. It was non stop action. Loved it. The last couple of issues dealt with the aftermath of the Invincible War and Conquest, and we didn't get to see much action for quite a few months. This issue makes up for that, in spades. It was great to see everyone working together as a team. As much as I love all the classic villains in the Invincible supporting cast, I love seeing Mark fight his own people. It's gritty, graphic, and you never know what happens. Mark almost always gets badly hurt, and this time was no exception. In fact, I don't know how he'll ever recover from this encounter. It was great to see Nolan fight alongside his sons in this issue. I also loved the team-up between Allen the Alien and Tech Jacket. Though there wasn't much dialogue, there was a line that really stuck out. Conquest mentioned to Nolan that Mark is finally as strong, if not stronger, than Nolan. For the entirety of the series, Mark has always had a fraction of his dad's powers (being half human). But with all that's happened to him, he's finally stepped up. I'm glad they finally acknowledged it so the fans get a good idea where Mark's at power-wise. Though I'm not keen on the idea of Mark making speeches about not killing people and quickly regressing. Still awesome issue. The Mark and Conquest brawl was epic. 4.9/5

Next Month: What Will Happen to Invincible!?

First Look at Captain America

Ain't It Cool News has our first look at what Chris Evans will look like as Captain America! It looks alot like an updated copy of his Ultimates costume. Pretty sweet!

Joe Quesada promoted to Chief Creative Officer

It was announced this morning that Marvel has promoted Joe Quesada as it's Chief Creative Officer. The excerpt from the story is below. The full report which can be found here .

New York, NY - June 2, 2010 - Marvel Entertainment, LLC announced today that it has promoted Joe Quesada to Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment. In this new role, Mr. Quesada will work alongside Alan Fine, Executive Vice President, Office of the President and Chairman of Marvel Studios' Creative Committee, to ensure that all portrayals of Marvel's characters and storytelling remain true to the essence of Marvel's rich history. Additionally, Mr. Quesada will provide creative oversight of all areas of Marvel's business including theatrical, television, publishing, animation and games, while also actively participating in all story and script development for Marvel's films and animation. Prior to this promotion, Mr. Quesada held the role of Chief Creative Officer & Editor-In-Chief, Marvel Animation & Publishing and oversaw the creative aspects of Marvel Comics and Marvel Animation. The announcement was made today by Mr. Fine, to whom Mr. Quesada will report.

Thunderbolts #144

Following the events of Siege, the Thunderbolts program is effectively under the leadership of Luke Cage. The new head of National Security, Steve Rogers, appoints Cage as he felt Cage would be a empathetic leader to the new team. Though hesitant at first, Cage accepts the offer. Cage arrives at Ryker's Island and is given a tour of The Raft. There, he meets former members of the Thunderbolts who are now heroes working as security for The Raft and as support for the team. As the new team begin their training, they are met by none other than Baron Zemo, the original leader of the Thunderbolts.

This issue is a great jumping on point for new readers. There's a new team going in a new direction. Every character, new or old, is given a brief back story. You won't feel lost at any point. I'm really excited to see how this new team interacts with one another. I'm ever more curious to see whether their loyalties lie with Cage or Zemo. The new line-up consists of: Crossbones, Ghost, Man-Thing, Juggernaut, and Moonstone. 5/5

Next Month: Zemo!

The New Trailer for Scott Pilgrim vs The World!

The second trailer for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World!

The Green Hornet #4

Last issue, an aged Kato takes Britt down into the Hornet's Lair. Britt is besides himself with anger as the Hornet had previous just killed his father. Kato explains that this was the Black Hornet that showed up, and that the Green Hornet was none other than Britt's father. Kato explains what he and his late partner set out to accomplish in their glory days, and that his father's contingency plan for Britt if something were to ever happen to him. Britt is to leave the country until the Black Hornet is apprehended. Kato has trained his young daughter, Mulan, to be the new Kato and avenge the Green Hornet. As Britt sits on a plane, waiting to escape to China, he has a change of heart...

I remember about a decade ago when Kevin Smith made The Green Arrow cool again. He's now done the same for the Green Hornet. Each issue is evenly paced with a mix of story, humor, drama, and excitement. Smith is able to develop a well told story, without having the first few issues drag on. Like every good chapter in an installment, the cliffhangers in every issue makes me want to read the next one as soon as I can. Smith has forged a legacy for the Green Hornet comic book fans will appreciate for years to come. 5/5

Next Month: The Green Hornet and Kato reunite!

Smallville Season 9 Cover Art!

It has a bit of a weird Batman feel to it, but then again, that was the entire season. Pre-order now on Amazon!

Neverland #2

Last issue, Wendy Darling witnessed the abduction of her two nephews: Michael and John. The authorities believe that her story about a flying man and a faerie taking the two boys is absolutely crazy. However, psychiatrist Dr. Harlow seems to believe Wendy. Years earlier he had treated a young boy named Nathan. As a child, Nathan and his brother was abducted as well, but Nathan managed to make it home after five days. Though he lost a hand through the ordeal. Twenty years later, Nathan is still traumatized by the experience. He refuses to provided any assistance to Dr. Harlow and Wendy that might help her find her nephews. When Wendy pleads once more, however, Nathan finally changes his mind and agrees to hypnotherapy to help him remember. Something happen in the process, and the three are transported to Neverland. 

Neverland is a retelling of the classic Peter Pan story with a Grimm Fairy Tales twist. Like the Wonderland books, this is told as a series. I have to say, this issue was miles better than the last two (the series began with issue #0). Though I guess they were just establishing the characters, it was really slow. This issue made everything come together really nicely. The characters are now all introduced, and set on their journey to find Michael and John. Neverland sticks to all the themes of the J.M Barrie book while keeping things fresh for the reader. You've never seen this kind of Peter Pan. 4.5/5 

Next week: Tiger Lily!

Robin Trailer!

This is just too funny! Thanks to Jamal Igle for the find!

The Walking Dead #72

Rick and the others have finally accepted that they have found a safe haven for themselves. The people are welcoming and the supplies are bountiful. Some of our heroes, like Abraham, has finally accepted his life there with enthusiasm. But Rick is still uneasy. That's what years of being constantly hunted does to a person. Rick isn't wrong though. There is something not quite right with Douglas, the leader of The Community. So the plan for our heroes is simple. Without the residents of the Community finding out, Rick and the others plan to steal back their weapons. They plan to take over The Community if the worst were to happen.

This is why I love The Walking Dead. Even without zombies for two issues, it still gets you hooked. You learn to love the characters and what they stand for. Rick is first, and foremost, the leader of the group. Even if they are safe, they're never really safe in his eyes. That's the kind of thinking you would want in a Zombie Apocalypse. There was a brief moment with Michonne where we get a quick glimpse of her life before the outbreak, and it seems like she was a completely different person. I'd like to see more of that. It was also nice to see Glenn running around scouting things out again. It's nice to see family life hasn't softened him. 4/5 Next week: ZOMBIES!

Trailer for NBC's "The Cape"

The network released it's description:

"The Cape" is a one-hour drama series starring David Lyons ("ER") as Vince Faraday, an honest cop on a corrupt police force, who finds himself framed for a series of murders and presumed dead. He is forced into hiding, leaving behind his wife, Dana (Jennifer Ferrin, "Life on Mars") and son, Trip (Ryan Wynott, "Flash Forward"). Fueled by a desire to reunite with his family and to battle the criminal forces that have overtaken Palm City, Faraday becomes "The Cape" his son's favorite comic book superhero -- and takes the law into his own hands. Rounding out the cast are James Frain ("The Tudors") as billionaire Peter Fleming -- The Cape's nemesis -- who moonlights as the twisted killer: Chess; Keith David ("Death at a Funeral") as Max Malini, the ringleader of a circus gang of bank robbers who mentors Vince Faraday and trains him to be The Cape, Summer Glau ("Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles") as Orwell, an investigative blogger who wages war on crime and corruption in Palm City; and Dorian Missick ("Six Degrees") as Marty Voyt, a former police detective and friend to Faraday. "The Cape" is a Universal Media Studios and BermanBraun production from executive producer/creator Thomas Wheeler ("Empire"), executive producer/director Simon West ("Con Air"), the executive producing team of Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun (NBC's "Mercy), and executive producer Gene Stein ("Accidentally on Purpose").

Smallville Finale: Salvation

I normally don't review episodes of Smallville (maybe I'll start next season), but this is by far one of the best episodes I've ever seen! 

Zod and his superpowered army have layed waste to the planet and Clark is faced with a dilemma. He can use the Book of Rao to send all the Kryptonians to another planet, but it will send him away as well. Meanwhile, Lois has secretly been helping Zod as she believes him to be the Blur. This causes a rift in her relationship with Clark. The episode comes to a climax with many different reasons why season ten should be ridiculous! Clark and Zod duke it out in an epic rooftop battle. Lois figures out Clark's secret. Oliver is attacked by unknown superpowered assailants. Tess presumably dies. Then there's the cliffhanger with Clark that made me want to punch a wall! Four more months...Shit! 

This episode had major character development for Clark and Tom Welling played it perfectly. He has become Superman in my eyes. I pray nothing happens to that man over the summer just so I get my season 10 premiere.

The Zod climax felt a bit rushed as they literally left it for the final three minutes of the episode, but then again, that's what cliffhangers are for. They did an amazing job with what time they had. 

Clark and Lois' relationship went through hoops this episode and it was great. It's nice seeing Erica Durance play vulnerable as she rarely does given her character. Her scene in the loft with Clark was heartbreaking. Then she flips it around at the end of the episode with her brave investigative journalist side figuring out Zod's lie and standing up to him. Amazing performance. 

The Oliver and Chloe scenes were cute and fun. It's nice to see that they're taking these two slow.

Cassidy Freeman is possibly one of my favorite additions to the series. It's her eyes. But in all seriousness, she is an amazing character. Neither hero, nor villain, Tess Mercer is an anti-hero that is filled to the brim with shades of grey. Her heroic confrontation with Zod was well done, though it ended tragically. Hopefully she'll be back next season. You never know with what happened at the end of that scene..

Finally, there's the Justice League/Justice Society cameos. With the list of guest stars being released months prior, I was afraid they'd have less time for Clark. This was not the case. The characters were brought on in a way that was quick and utilized the practicality of their appearances given the situation. It was a pretty fun scene to watch with all of the characters in one place at once.

The best part of the episode, however, was the beginning teaser in the link below. Every Smallville fan's wet dream. Perry White is now the editor. Lois is a  hotshot reporter (sporting a wedding ring!). Jimmy Olse ( the real one) is a photography/coffee boy. Clark is wearing his glasses all the time. And best of all we get a quick glimpse of SUPERMAN!!! I honestly can't wait until season 10. At least there's still Comic Con...

Salvation Intro!!

The BEST part of the episode!!!!!!

War of the Supermen #2

Part 2 of the 100 Minute War, it has been twenty-seven minutes since New Krypton was destroyed by General Lane and his soldier Reactron. Supergirl, the only survivor who was on the planet at the time is devasted. Meanwhile, Lois breaks the news to the Daily Planet of New Krypton's destruction. Before they can go to print, however, Superwoman (Lucy Lane) arrives and kidnaps her sister. Superman and Supergirl deal with the aftermath of their planet's destruction while Zod and the remaining Kryptonian soldiers attack an Earth base on Mars. Superman and Supergirl arrive to intervene. On Earth, Luthor, who is working for General Lane, is successful in creating a Red Sun. All the Krytponians lose their powers.

I like the build up for this series so far, and I know it's the culmulation of the last few years of storylines, but it seems a bit rushed for something that is only four issues long. With the points of view of Superman, Lois, General Lane, Zod, and Superboy's team, each issue doesn't leave much for story. Hopefully it balances out next week! 3/5!

Frank Frazetta Passes Away

Legendary illustrator Frank Frazetta passed away earlier today from a stroke.

RIP

Salvation Promo!

The epic promo for the Smallville season 9 finale!

Interview with David Malki!

Here it is folks! An exclusive interview with Wondermark! creator David Malki.

Can you walk us through the process of coming up with a new strip? Is it methodical? Or do you just wait until an idea hits you? Where does the artwork you scan come from?

Different strips are born in different ways!  I have a collection of old books from the 1800s that are full of old engravings and woodcuts. Sometimes I start with the images -- looking through the books until I find some images that strike me as particularly evocative, or playing around with elements until I find a combination that pleases me.  Then it's a matter of figuring out, "What is this man saying to this bear?" And the strip grows from there.

Other times I'll start with an idea already in mind -- I'll write the strip like any cartoonist might, and then it's a matter of building the images to match.  If it's something easy like a conversation, I'll just look for characters who look like they might be having that conversation (gestures, facial expressions, etc).  If it's a more complicated scene, I often have to build everything pretty much from scratch, finding or building props, settings, specific characters in specific poses, etc.  That can be a much more difficult process (especially when it comes down to paging through book after book just looking for something highly specific, or even pieces or shapes or textures that can be made into something I've conceptualized) but it's also very constructive and fun, and those are usually the strips I'm proudest of.

The ideas in this case can come from anywhere -- over the years I've sort of trained myself to think in comics, so when I encounter a situation in life or have a conversation that bends in a certain way, my mind sort of automatically spins it out to the absurd extreme to see if there's a joke in it somewhere. And on days when that well is drier, I have an advantage over other cartoonists in that I can just start assembling an image and see where it takes me.  Often in those cases I don't know where the strip is going until it gets to the last panel, and sometimes not even then.

How did Wondermark come to be? Where did the name come from?

The term "wonder mark" is archaic slang for an exclamation point, which I've written as part of my name for over ten years. I registered the domain wondermark.com without much thought of what might go on it. Around the same time I found a clip-art book of old engravings and started to wonder if they could become somehow become comics. I made ten or twenty strips as an experiment, put them on the website just because why not, and just never stopped doing it I guess! But I dropped the clip-art pretty soon: I don't like using images that other people can just buy a clip-art book and obtain.  That's why I started hunting down primary sources.

Now that you're more well known, has it in any way affected the quality of your strips?

I guess there is a little more pressure to deliver each time? But I always have a certain standard that I hold myself to: it has to pass my internal test before being good enough to post, and at the same time, I feel like I want to continually push myself to do better. I'm not satisfied with the same approach all the time, or the same joke construction, or even the same images or characters.  So just by virtue of how long I've been doing this, I feel like I continually want to top myself, which can be somewhat of a challenge.  And since people seem to like it when I do good work, it's continually encouraging.  Beyond that I just try and stay true to what I personally think is interesting without worrying to much about what people will think -- although over time I think as I've grown and matured as a person and as a storyteller, the subject matter of what I choose to write about has changed and matured as well.

Do you have any personal favorites from the site?

My favorite strips are the very ambitious ones -- the ones where I know I spent a ton of time and energy in pursuit of a really precise goal, and pulled it off -- as well as the very straightforward ones, the ones that fit together simply and easily and are (in my opinion) just good examples of how to use the comic strip medium to tell decent jokes.  Examples of the former: #550, #569; of the latter: #260, #442, #326.

Aside from your own, what other webcomics do you read?

I appreciate and respect a ton of other comics, and I read loads of them in spurts, but there are only a
few I read regularly.  I will get in trouble with my friends if I mention which ones they are though!

When you first upload your newest strip, aside from your regular fans, who are you the most anxious to get a reaction from?

I guess antsy billionaires?

Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost

This is an Aladdin like you've never seen. Drawn primarily from the original tale, the story focuses on an orphaned thief named Aladdin. 

Aladdin, an orphan raised in a brothel in which his mother had work before she died in childbirth, is given the chance to change his life forever. The first issue is very similar to the Disney story and ends with Aladdin finding the genie (Djinn). Using it's powers, Aladdin amasses great riches, but is betrayed by Qassim, the sorcerer who set him after the lamp. With the king murdered, the princess kidnapped, and Aladdin falsely accused, he embarks on a journey with the legendary Sinbad to save the princess and stop Qassim. Followed by a crew of warriors as well as the Djinn of the Ring, Aladdin travels far and wide to find a way to defeat the evil sorcerer and his all powerful Djinn of the Lamp.

The description I gave did not do the book justice. This story was awesome. It read like a movie the entire time. Spread out as a series consisting of three issues, Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost is something definitely worth checking out. It develops the characters well all know and love in ways we've never seen before, as well as adds a darker edge to the story. My only gripe was they could have made this more than three issues. 5/5

First Look at Thor!

Yahoo! Movies received the first promotional image from Marvel today for the upcoming Thor movie. Featured is Chris Hemsworth as the title character.

First Jonah Hex Trailer!

The first theatrical trailer for Jonah Hex.

The Jonah Hex Poster!

The first official poster for the upcoming Jonah Hex movie was released by Warner Bros today. 

SuperHero Hype! posted the Summary:

Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) is a scarred drifter and bounty hunter of last resort, a tough and stoic gunslinger who can track down anyone... and anything. Having survived death, Jonah's violent history is steeped in myth and legend, and has left him with one foot in the natural world and one on the "other side." His only human connection is with Leila (Megan Fox), whose life in a brothel has left her with scars of her own. But Jonah's past is about to catch up with him when the U.S. military makes him an offer he can't refuse: in exchange for his freedom from the warrants on his head, he must track down and stop the dangerous terrorist Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich). But Turnbull, who is gathering an army and preparing to unleash Hell, is also Jonah's oldest enemy and will stop at nothing until Jonah is dead. Based on the legendary graphic novel, "Jonah Hex" is an epic adventure thriller about one man's personal quest for redemption against the vast canvas of the battle between good and evil.

Young Justice Animated Series Announced!

Cartoon Network has announced that they are develeping a new series based on the Young Justice comics created by Peter David and Todd Nauck. 

In Young Justice, being a teenager means proving yourself over and over—to peers, parents, teachers, mentors and, ultimately, to yourself. But what if you’re not just a normal teenager? What if you’re a teenage super hero? Are you ready to join the ranks of the great heroes and prove you’re worthy of the Justice League? That’s exactly what the members of Young Justice—Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Superboy, Miss Martian and Artemis—will found out, whether they have what it takes to be a proven hero. This all-new series is produced by Warner Bros. Animation and based upon characters from DC Comics. Sam Register (Teen Titans, Ben 10, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) is the executive producer. Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood, Superman Doomsday, The Batman) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, The Spectacular Spider-Man, W.I.T.C.H.) are the producers.

Bieber Fever

Batman: Under the Red Hood Trailer!

The next installment of the DC Animated Universe franchise. This follows the story arc, Under the Hood, that introduced Jason Todd back into the DC Universe after being killed off a decade earlier. No longer Batman's sidekick Robin, Jason has assumed the role of the second Red Hood, an identity once held by the Joker.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Trailer!

The trailer a decade in the making.

How to Cartoon

My contribution to the award winning Substance magazine.

Costume Sales

Invincible Returns #1

With promotional images from the upcoming Vilrumite War appearing more frequently, this one-shot helps the reader catch up with all that is happening in the Invincible universe. Within the last year, Mark Grayson has undergone the Invincible War, Conquest, and even the "death" of his girlfriend. Needless to say, Mark has crossed a few lines since. With the people he loves in constant danger, Mark has now made an effort to stop them by any means necessary. Even if it means to kill. With his friends and family questioning Invincible's morality, Mark begins to question himself as well.

The issue focuses on Mark reestablishing his relationships with those in his life. Ultimately he makes the choice that he should have never crossed that line. With his old resolves reaffirmed, Mark sheds his black and blue costume and dons his original blue and yellow costume. Just in time for his father to show up with Allen the Alien to prepare him for war.

When I first read the synopsis for this issue, I just figured it would be a way for readers to catch up with the Invincible time line without learning anything new. Sort of like a clip show. Man, was I wrong. This issue was able to bring the readers up to speed in a subtle way, and at the same time give us a completely new, and amazing, story. I really didn't like where the writers were taking the Invincible character. It's good to see it was all a part of the story. When he first put on his new costume, I was a bit on the fence about it. After a while it grew on me. Though I'll miss it, it was really great to see him in his true colors. Old costume, old Mark. Invincible #71 comes out next month, but this issue is an essential read for fans.

The Time Machine

Chris Evans confirmed as Captain America

So this is probably old news by now but I had to wait until it was officially announced. Marvel has confirmed today that Chris Evans has been cast as Steve Rogers in the The First Avenger: Captain America.

Earlier yesterday, it was also announced that Kings star Sebastian Stan is to play Bucky Barnes, Captain America's sidekick during the war.

Blackest Night #8

When we last left off, Sinestro had merged with the Entity of light and became the White Lantern. In this issue (HUGE SPOILERS by the way) Sinestro fights Nekron and appears to beat him, until Nekron reveals that he cannot be beaten. As the forces on Earth struggle, the seven allied Corps arrive to back them up. Nekron succeeds in splitting Sinestro from the Entity and thousands of Lanterns of all the colors of the spectrum engage Nekron. That's when Deadman informs Hal Jordan that it's not Nekron that they Corps must focus on but rather Black Hand, Nekron's conduit to the land of the living. Hal merges with the Entity and divides it's power among all the heroes possessed by Black Lantern rings. They form the White Lantern Corps. The corps succeed in bringing Black Hand back to life, weakening Nekron greatly. The Entity, however, does not stop there. It brings the Anti-Monitor back to life. The Entity defeats Nekron. Upon doing so, it brings back many dead heroes and villains. The story ends with the dead welcomed back, Green Lantern and Flash deducing Batman was never really dead to begin with, and now there is a White Lantern Power Battery somewhere on Earth.

I admit, it was really cool to see all the heroes from my youth brought back. Some even in their original costumes. My guess is the upcoming Brightest Day series will explore how they acclimate into the world they left behind; the last few pages of this issue gives us a taste of that.

Not bad Mr. Johns.

After a long storyline, the Blackest Night arc has come to an end. Significantly better than Final Crisis, there was still something lacking for me from this series. Don't get me wrong, it was and amazing story of epic proportions. But it wasn't Geoff Johns epic. I think the man may finally be spreading himself too thin. Other than that little complaint, it was a pretty solid tale. Ivan Reis art was phenomenal. The amount of detail and emotion he put into this entire series was unbelievable. Props to giving Aquaman and Martian Manhunter their old costumes again (with slight revisions). I couldn't stand the look the new Aquaman had and the look Martian Manhunter adopted when he wanted to be more Martian-like. Even Jade looked good!

So here is a look at the dead brought back to life. (Left to Right)

• Maxwell Lord 
• The Reverse Flash
• Hawk
• Jade
• Captain Boomerang I
• Firestorm I
• Martian Manhunter
• Aquaman
• Hawkman & Hawkwoman
• Deadman (now alive!)
• Osiris

This should be fun. Great story guys! 9/10

Dick Giordano Passes Away

The former DC Comics editor and artist passes away at 77.

RIP

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World Trailer!

This looks great!! I'm very pleased with how this turned out from what I've seen so far. Also, did anyone else catch that one of Ramona's evil exes is played by the same girl who played Anne Veal with Michael Cera in Arrested? Nice.

Quickies

Here is a quick cartoon I did for the latest issue of the Mountaineer.

This one was for Racism and Hate Crimes around campus.

Comic Con 2010

Comic Con time folks! Get your tickets here while they still have em!

Ultimate Comics Spiderman #8

This was fun. For the last seven issues, we've had to go through love triangles and teenage angst. This issue was just the guys. Rick Jones, a young boy who woke up from a coma and was given superpowers is scared and confused. Enter: Spider-man, The Human Torch, and Iceman. The three young heroes try to help Jones come to terms with his abilities. They discover that Jones is the aforementioned "Savior" that the Watcher had mentioned way back in Ultimate Fantastic Four. The boys head out to the base where they last saw the Watcher, only to discover members of the Serpent Society (or BAD Girls, Inc. I can't even differentiate anymore...). The group quickly, and comically take down the villains. In the end, Rick takes on the alias of Nova and leaves to discover himself. 

Brian Michael Bendis plays to his strength of dialogue throughout this issue. It was funny, enticing, and references things that was previously established in the Ultimate Universe. The art is still a bit too anime for my taste, but it's been growing on me. I'll give it a chance. 5/5 Stars!

The Sword Crew

 

The complete set I drew for the guys.