Justice League #3- Wonder Woman Joins the Battle!

 Justice League #3: A review.

DC's new Justice League's intro to Wonder Woman

Nice issue. Not quite as thrilling as the last two, but its introduction to Wonder Woman was very well-done. Including the reimagining of Steve Trevor.

Our story opens in DC, Colonel Steve Trevor is entering the room, looking quite concerned that Diana has disappeared. Immediately, we see that, like the other superheroes, Wonder Woman's public image is not very good. People seen in news reports are in a rage over her "pagan" background and her extreme ways (news reporters are heard discussing her "skewering" people). Diana, who was viewing the news, saw a report of a "harpy" attacking civilians when she broke through the wall and went to find the creature.

Wonder Woman is then seen walking through DC, asking for the location of the "harpy". Civilians run away and look pretty terrified, and seeing how she is wielding a sword openly, they have reason to be. We get to see Diana's softer, even somewhat naive, side when a small girl named Raquel approaches her excitedly.

Diana herself is surprised that Raquel is not afraid, and even thanks her for being willing to speak with her. I thought this was a nice touch, showing that these heroes are accepted by innocent, kind hearted children. Especially more so than adults, who are usually very wary of individuals. I mean, in real life, yeah, we all "grow up" and stop taking things at face value. Look at people that we may have looked up to in life. Athletes, politicians, actors, musicians... celebrities who have fallen far over moral lapses and other indiscretions. Eventually, we begin to realize that our heroes have flaws, and we become cynical. But, again, this scene with Wonder Woman and Raquel made me smile. It may have just been me, but whatever.

Anyway, back to the story.

As Diana and Raquel are enjoying ice cream (Diana's first time), Colonel Trevor shows up and demands that Diana returns to the Pentagon. As her appointed liaison, he is concerned over her image and any collateral damage to civilians from her actions. I like this change in his character, making him her liaison gives him a reason to stay around. Let's face it, guys. If we were in a relationship with a girl who was a super-powered being, like Trevor and Diana's relationship is shown, it would probably be difficult to feel like we matter. The relationship probably wouldn't last long. But, this new design shows Steve needing to be around because Diana does not understand "Man's world", and he needs to help her through it. Therefore, Steve Trevor has a purpose.

He shows his concern for Diana briefly, saying that he doesn't want anyone hurt, especially not her, but that soft moment is interrupted by the appearance of one of the creatures that Batman and Green Lantern were up against in the first issue. As the creature (which we know now to be an Apokoliptic soldier) opens a Boom-Tube, Diana readies for battle, showing great excitement over finding a fight as good as these creatures will provide.

See, in an earlier discussion, Wonder Woman tells Trevor her reason for staying in man's world: "There is... a darkness here. One I'm going to fight." Her purpose in this world is to fight darkness. Whether that darkness is in men's hearts or some evil force rising is unclear. But Wonder Woman is a born warrior. She has been training to fight her whole life, and she is putting it to good use now. Especially as Darkseid's invasion seems to be happening now. Her excitement is understandable.

Our story now shifts back to the S.T.A.R. Labs story, with Silas and Victor Stone. After the opening of the Boom Tube, the creatures are now carrying people off, into the sky. (One of them is Professor Ivo, eventual creator of Amazo). Dr. Stone is cradling his son, worrying for his life. He refuses to watch his son die, despite protests from other doctors in the room, who are imploring him to leave.

Quickly, we cut back to Metropolis, where Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, and the Flash are doing what they do best- Defending the Earth. Flash is listening to radio broadcasts from all around the world in his earpiece, and people worldwide believe these creatures are "demons" and that "Judgment Day" has begun. And they are blaming super-humans for it.

A little side point here- I don't know if the Flash has always had an earpiece for this purpose or not, but well done. It makes perfect sense for the Flash, a character who moves at close to, if not faster than, the speed of light to be able to hear problems from every part of the planet so he can be everywhere at a moment's notice. After all, he doesn't have the ability to hear everything, like Superman. If this is a new addition, then keep it up.

As they fight, we see a few more instances of each individual's personalities. Green Lantern gets aggravated as Batman tells him to concentrate, since his constructs are collapsing, and then GL shoots back, telling Batman to worry about himself since he has no powers. Flash, who never knew this, vocalizes that he always thought Batman was at least a vampire or something.

The story continuously flips from Metropolis to Detroit, where Dr. Silas Stone and his colleagues manage to get into the "Red Room". At this point, Victor seems to be glowing red and his father lays him on a chair. He vocalizes to his father that it hurts. Rightly so, since we learn that an unknown energy is eating him from the inside. Dr. Stone decides that he's going to save his son using the technology in the room. Victor is then injected with nanites and his face and body is covered in his familiar "cyborg" form, which we learn is called the Promethium skin graft. Despite concerns of his body rejecting the graft (From Dr. Morrow, the future creator of Red Tornado), the nanites are activated and Victor screams. We then see the first appearance of the Dark Lord himself, Darkseid. It appears that Victor's mind is somehow connected to Apokolips.

The League, now with Wonder Woman at their side, have a quiet period where they notice that the creatures are circling a spot over the ocean. Just then, a large tower rises from the ocean, as Victor's skin graft goes online (May not be related. But just in case it is, wanted to get the timing right).

As Green Lantern vocalizes his concern over what it may be, a voice behind them says "I was hoping you could tell me". Aquaman has risen. And he looks to take charge of the group.

Overall, I give the issue a seven or eight out of ten. Again, all the characters are being developed great. Wonder Woman is a strong-willed, warrior woman. And Aquaman appears to have the classic ego complex. Being a king, and used to giving orders, this personality makes sense. It will be interesting to see how the others react to Aquaman's demand to lead. However, it was more of a filler than the last two issues, which put a lot of emphasis on specific characters. Granted, Wonder Woman was focused on in the first quarter of the issue and it was great. And there was really no more developments on the obvious invasion of Apokolips.

Not a problem though. Still a great relaunch. And I would like to say this version of Wonder Woman, including her costume, would be great for a movie. Just my observation.

Looking forward to numero quatro. 

DOME IV- DRAGON SIEGE

Dome IV-Dragon Siege-

Areas of Interest: Central point, of course, is a large castle. With a king, queen, and a very stereotypical princess in it. Around the castle, on all sides, is a village with peasants and markets.

To the north, is a valley with a regiment of soldiers and knights. On the other side of the valley are more knights and soldiers. They are poised for an epic war over the planned marriage of the princess to the other side's prince. Don't worry too much about that. It's mostly for show.

A dark, mysterious forest surrounds the village to the East and South. Within them are highway men a la Robin Hood and the Merry Men.

The west has the highlight. A large, sharp mountain with a dragon in his lair at the top. He is about the size of a T-Rex, with wings. Of course, he breathes fire.

Base Locations:

1) At the foot of Dragon Mountain, in a smaller cave.

2) Deep in the dark forest, not far from the road.

Programmed Hazard: Dragon's Siege of Castle. 'Nuff said.

Arena Descriptions- DOME III- GARDEN PARTY

DOME III- GARDEN PARTY

Areas of Interest: Who has had the displeasure of sitting through Pride and Prejudice? Well, let's allow a battle to happen in that setting! Picture four miles of English countryside, with a beautiful lake, and misty meadows. Centered on this lovely picture is a manor house, and all the guests are arriving for a garden party to take place in the central garden, with a scrumptious dinner to follow. The evening will end with a dance party inside the house.

But let's ignore that. And let our combatants tear... it... up!

Base Locations:

1) In an abandoned farm house, on the lake to the East.

2) In the village, located all the way to the West.

Programmed Hazard: Fog and Rain with very, very strong wind... You know what? Screw it. A meteor shower, with basketball sized meteors. Let's destroy this place.

Arena Descriptions- DOME II- CARIBBEAN COVE

DOME II- CARIBBEAN COVE

Areas of Interest: A village on a Caribbean island. In the style of Port Royal from the Pirates of the Caribbean films. The ports will be dead centered in the arena, with the village behind it and around, with many people going about their everyday business. Above the village on the mountain is a Governor's mansion, filled with treasures and the wealthy family themselves having a dinner party.

Of course, to the East, stretches an Ocean, filled with ships heading into the beautiful port. Some of them are honest traders and others... Well, we'll just have to wait and see.

To the North of the village itself, lies a British fort filled with British soldiers always on the ready for pirates. And they should be, at the Southern most tip of the cove itself, is a pirate ship. The ship is anchored and the crew is burying treasure on shore, while drunk of course.

Base Locations:

1) Located in the British fort.

2) Located on board the pirate ship on the far side of the island.

Programmed Hazard: Pirate invasion that starts in the village. The British will intervene with a counter attack.

HV-II: It's Arena Time! DOME I- SHOWDOWN

Okay! Here we go! Let's get the arena descriptions done so we can get to some good old fashion mayhem.  

Just like last time, six new combat domes have been built for the second Hero/Villain Playoff Challenge. Like before, each dome will be four square miles in area and will have a programmed hazard that will affect our combatants. This time, though, each one will be based on different periods of time. And, for the first time, our combatants will be joined by realistic, robotic beings resembling people and creatures from the time represented. Some will be peaceful and others very, very hostile.

This post will cover the first arena...

DOME I- SHOWDOWN

Areas of Interest: An area resembling the American Southwest during the mid 19^th century. The center is a western town with a saloon, sheriff’s office, and a bank. Toward the northern end of town, is a railroad depot with tracks that run east to west and a train that arrives at 10 am. Within the town are actual townsfolk, doing their everyday business.

To the west is a Cavalry fort with an actual Cavalry regiment. In the east is a mining area in the hills with people desperate to cash in on gold deposits found years ago in the caves.

South sits a large desert area with buttes and mesas. And a cattle ranch with an angry, somewhat insane rancher completes the arena to the north.

Base Locations:

1) The first base is located in a hidden cave near the mining facility.

2) Inside the stockade of the Cavalry fort.

Programmed Hazard: Bandits will rob the bank at noon. This will lead to the sheriff and deputy intervening and, if it lasts long enough, the Cavalry will arrive.   

Intro to Hero/Villain Playoff Challenge- Part II

Its been a while since this...

I love Grudge Matches. I don't know what it is, but I enjoy theoretical fights, or team ups between fictional characters. And since I seemed to find a few kindred spirits on Flickr, in the summer of 2009 I started a massive playoff bracket, as seen below. The rules were simple: A team of a hero and their greatest villain (i.e. Batman and the Joker; Captain Kirk and Khan) were pitted against others to see who would come out number one. (For the record, the winner can be found here. Also, click here if you would like to see the master bracket, with links to all the matches)

Well, its been over two years, and I'm ready for round 2. Its time for "The Hero/Villain Playoff Challenge- Part II (Or, HV-II, as I'll be abbreviating it). As before, four divisions will be represented: Comics, Movies/TV, Video Games, and Animation. Eight teams have been selected, and they will be revealed shortly (Just a few character summaries to write up, then its go time).

Soon, I'll be posting the rules for HV-II, which have been slightly altered. As well as the four new "Domes" (Artificial arenas built on the moon for just such battles) built specifically for this playoff. (Again, to see the old ones, click here, here, here, and here)

Voting will be allowed on this blog, and on the links to the matches from my Facebook account. This will be the first time I'll use another site besides for Flickr for this. Hoping for the best, and I hope you all enjoy.

Review- Justice League #2: Title should have been "Flash VS Superman"

 Welcome to my next review- JUSTICE LEAGUE #2!

My wife, Ashley, as my unwilling model for Justice League #2

First of all, just a small criticism: At the end of issue number one, the comic hyped the upcoming "Superman VS Batman" fight. They really shouldn't have, as the fight was already over as the story picked up. And, Batman was... Losing! Honestly, the Dark Knight's ability to defeat the Man of Steel has been overhyped over the years. Superman moves faster than thought, and Batman is a human.

Now, to be fair, Batman had no prep time for this fight. Superman kind of "Bum-rushed" both him and GL. Add this to the fact that its early in both characters' careers, it makes perfect sense that Bats would not be victorious.

Anywho...

A side story is introduced right off the bat. Police scientist Barry Allen is being pulled off of his usual homicide cases to be put on a task force. The purpose of this task force is to find out who... The.... Flash... IS! (Get the joke, America? Barry is the Flash!)

We cut back to the aforementioned "fight" between Supes and Bats. It culminates with Batman being pinned against a wall, being questioned by the Metropolis Marvel about the alien box, with Superman saying that he had just been attacked by a creature wielding a similar box. He assumes Batman is behind it.

Just as Batman is beginning to realize that they were wrong (He and Hal had assumed that Superman was part of whatever is going on with the boxes), GL rescues him, hitting Superman with weighted ring constructs and wrapping him in chains. Of course, it doesn't work and Supes just flexes and shatters all the constructs, much to GL's dismay.

Now that Superman is enraged, Bats and GL have little choice but to create a protective bubble around the two of them and try to hold out. Batman tries to explain to Lantern that he can't fight Superman. He's both too strong AND too fast. And then, Hal gets an idea.

This is probably my favorite part of this issue- The reveal that Green Lantern and The Flash have already interacted in this universe. And that they are pretty good friends. In a brief conversation, Barry and Hal reveal that they have stopped a "talking gorilla" together in Central City. Flash is shown to be somewhat reluctant to be in the spotlight, and he tries to keep a low profile. Quite the opposite to the Flash we have come to know. But, again, this is early on. All characters need to develop still.

After Superman manages to break GL's bubble construct, Flash arrives right on time.

Remember how I said that the Batman Superman fight should not have been hyped? They should have hyped the Flash Superman fight. Extremely well done. Demonstrates what the Flash is truly capable of. A lot of people just think he runs fast, but the truth is, he's a guy who sees the world in slow motion.

He grabs Superman's arm, spins him around and then palm thrusts (I'm guessing that's what it was) him into a wall. Next, he then evades Superman's grasp, moving around him faster than the Man of Steel himself. At one point, he even throws his cape over his head. That's like slapping him in the face. Granted, Superman finished the fight by flicking Flash like a paper football.

Before Superman can continue fighting GL, Batman intervenes, realizing that everything is a misunderstanding. Immediately, he takes a charge, implying that they need to work together. As the military arrives, the foursome takes off into the sewer.

Next, we return to the story of Vic Stone, the high school football player from issue number one. We meet his father, Silas, who is researching the same box that Superman mentioned earlier. His team is beginning to realize that all the boxes are landing in areas that are known for super-human activity (Specifically New England, Washington DC, Central City and Coast City).

Victor then confronts his father, who admits that he will never go to one of his son's games. His reasoning is that whatever his son is capable of on the field, it pales in comparison to what people are now able to do ("...Fly, tear through buildings, and outrun race cars.")

Meanwhile, in an abandoned printing press, the foursome are now trying to figure out what the box does. Hal recommends to Barry that, since Superman and Batman are useless, they should deal with this on their own. As they all start to describe ways they could learn what the box is (Superman's X-Ray vision is worthless against it, GL's ring can't identify it, Flash isn't willing to take it apart at super-speed since he doesn't know if the inside is safe), it starts flashing and "pinging". Simultaneously, the one at STAR labs, with Silas and Victor, does the same.

Eventually, we discover what the box was. It opens a boomtube at both (and, I have to assume, at many other) locations. Unleashing soldiers of Apokolips on Earth. The device was an Apokoliptic Mother Box.

The Super-heroes brace for impact. And, tragically, Victor stone is severely burned by the energy of the Boomtube. And, as we see poor victor engulfed in flame, we are told that in issue number three we will meet Wonder Woman.

knwon to be the head of Meta-Human Affairs for the government) and Air Force Captain Steve Trevor (Most well-known as the love interest of Wonder Woman). The document discusses that Capt. Trevor failed a rescue attempt, his first failure. His reason is that he was teleported to Paradise Island, home of the Amazon race.

It also reveals that Wonder Woman is incapable of returning home, probably because she can't find it. Also, it reveals Wonder Woman's warrior nature, as she killed a kidnapper. Not a fan of heroes killing, but Wonder Woman is early in her career. So she still needs to understand the concept of "right and wrong" in "Man's World". Also mentioned in the document are Aquaman and Atlantis, though they are merely mentioned, not elaborated on.

Interestingly, Shazam is mentioned as well. As far as I can tell, this is the first mention of him in DC's New Universe. Hmm.

Closing thoughts: Still gripping me. I love the interaction between Flash and GL. Perfect. Though I'm hoping they can do some role reversal in the future, as Lantern seems to joke around a bit too much and Flash seems a tad uptight. Batman and Superman seem to be hitting it off well. ALMOST a little too well, since the two share different ideals (Batman is fear based and Superman tries to work in the public). But, we'll see if they develop it well. Looking forward to number three!