Summer 2011 Reading List

Well, it's that time of year again, summer. To me, summer is a time of vacations, BBQ's, and superhero movies. This summer comic book fans are in for a treat with a film about one of DC's big heroes, Green Lantern, and three movies from Marvel (two of which tie into the Avengers movie coming out in 2012 and a prequel to the X-Men films that focuses on Professor X and Magneto). After re-watching the available trailers online, I'm pretty excited for all four movies. While comic book readers are know some of these characters, most moviegoers are not familiar with the characters beyond their names and powers. Luckily, I've made a list of graphic novels that people can read before they see the movies if they want to know more about the characters.

Thor (May 6th):

Since it reprints Thor's first appearances in the Marvel universe during the Silver Age, Marvel Masterworks: Thor is a great companion if you're going to see the movie. This book tells the tale of how Odin sent Thor to Earth to learn humility in the guise of Dr. Donald Blake. During an alien invasion Don Blake finds the mystic hammer Mjolnir which transforms him into the thunder god Thor. This book also features the first appearances of Thor's first love interest, Jane Foster. Other than some differences in detail, this Marvel Masterwork is a perfect frame for the Thor movie coming out in May.

J. Michael Straczynski helped re-introduce Thor and the other Asgardians into the Marvel Universe. The story has Thor re-establishing Asgard in Oklahoma and dealing with Tony Stark after Tony made a clone of Thor during Civil War. Many first time Thor readers said that this was a great introduction to the character and it would help people get to know the God of Thunder before the movie comes out in May.

X-Men: First Class (June 3rd):

Another Marvel Masterwork that features the first appearances of the original team of Charles Xavier's X-Men and the first formation of Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants. Before their backgrounds were explored, it was clear that Charles was the hero and Magneto was the villain.

One of the main storylines of X-Men: First Class is how Eric Lehnsherr became Magneto. Eric's time in a concentration camp during the German invasion of Poland is one of the factors that influenced Eric's decision to take the fight to the humans before they attack mutants.

Green Lantern (June 17th):

Emerald Dawn is the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths version of Hal Jordan's origin. It provides some more detail into Hal's early days in the Green Lantern Corps and the story provides information about his father's death. The plot is how Hal Jordan changes from a depressed former air force pilot into one of earth's greatest heroes.

Secret Origin is another re-telling of Hal Jordan's early ring slinging days. Like Emerald Dawn, it does draw some focus to Hal's relationship to his father and how he becomes a pilot again. However, like most of Geoff Johns's work on GL, it does foreshadow Blackest Night with the additions of Atrocitus and William Hand (a.k.a. Black Hand). This is version of Hal's origin does explain how Hector Hammond's brain grew at least three times its normal size, so that might help people know this villain before his debut in the GL movie this summer.

Captain America: the First Avenger (July 22nd):

Why is an Avengers book featured on a list of Captain America graphic novels? Well that's because Captain America was found and revived by the Avengers in the fourth issue of the series. After his revival, the Avengers series started to show Cap's adjustment to the world after he was frozen for many years.





When Captain America regained his popularity in the Avengers series, Marvel decided to put out some solo stories for the Star Spangled Avenger which were featured in Tales of Suspense. The stories featured were flashbacks about Cap's adventures during World War II. Since the Captain America movie will primarily be set during World War II, this book is a great way to get an understanding about what Captain America was like during the war.

So those are all my graphic novel recommendations for people going to see the movies this summer. There are many other graphic novels for these characters available and if you have any recommendations please feel free to comment on this post. I hope everyone has an awesome summer and that none of these movies suck.

Farewell, Elisabeth Sladen

Yesterday it was reported that Doctor Who actress, Elisabeth Sladen passed away at age 63. Elisabeth Sladen is best known for her portrayal of the Doctor's companion, Sarah Jane Smith. When I started watching Doctor Who last summer, my viewing began with David Tennant's first season and the third episode I saw was "School Reunion". When Sarah Jane first appeared on screen, I started to develop an interest in her character as well as the classic episodes during her time in the TARDIS. After I finished watching most of the modern episodes (up until the End of Time), I decided to start watching The Sarah Jane Adventures and then I moved onto the seasons of the original Doctor Who that featured Elisabeth Sladen as a regular companion. Elisabeth Sladen's performance is one of the reasons I've enjoyed the Doctor Who franchise and it's why Sarah Jane is my favorite of the Doctor's companions.

Elisabeth Sladen first appeared as Sarah Jane Smith in the episode "The Time Warrior" during Jon Pertwee's final season as the Doctor. Here's a clip of when Sarah Jane first met the Doctor.

During Tom Baker's third year as the Doctor, Sarah Jane left the TARDIS when the Doctor was summoned back to his home planet, Gallifrey.

During the 1980's, Elisabeth Sladen returned to the role of Sarah Jane Smith two more times, for the pilot of K9 and Company and the 20th anniversary Doctor Who episode "The Five Doctors".

In 2006, Sarah Jane Smith returned and met the 10th Doctor during the episode "School Reunion". This appearance eventually led to her own spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures.

The Sarah Jane Adventures still had the heart and thrill of Doctor Who and it allowed the character of Sarah Jane Smith to evolve by giving her a son and her own set of alien enemies. Plus during the third and fourth season, the show featured guest appearances by the Doctor.

Elisabeth Sladen is survived by her husband, Brian Miller, and their daughter, Sadie.

R.I.P. Elisabeth Sladen, we will never forget you.

What are your top 5 Sarah Jane Smith stories (Doctor Who and SJA episodes)? Also she was my favorite companion as well and she always will be.

What are your top 5 Sarah Jane Smith stories (Doctor Who and SJA episodes)? Also she was my favorite companion as well and she always will be.

Answer here

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Since Spider-Man's already on three teams (F.F., Avengers, and New Avengers), if he could only be on one team which one should it be?

Since Spider-Man's already on three teams (F.F., Avengers, and New Avengers), if he could only be on one team which one should it be?

Answer here

What's on my Mind: Franchises in Comics

In today's age of comics, its not rare for a hero's book to gain enough success that the publishers decide to release a spin-off title. Usually this is not a bad thing since this has given fans some good titles such as Green Lantern Corps, or just recently Superboy. Typically, I don't mind when a franchise has one or two titles in addition too the main title, however the amount of Avengers and Batman books makes me think that those franchises are out of control.

I'm not fully against the amount of titles because it does offer some variety among fans. If you don't like the direction or writer on one title, then you could choose another one from the same franchise. A few months ago, I decided to pick up Secret Avengers because Avengers was starting to suck in my opinion. And the new Batman titles coming out this month let readers choose which Batman they want to read about. Variety can be a good thing as long as its not over used.

When Marvel announced its multiple Avengers titles, I understood why because there was an abundance of characters (Steve Rogers, Iron Man, Thor, Luke Cage, etc.) and one of the factors that influence a reader's choice is the team members. One of the reasons I chose Avengers after Siege was because of the roster (having Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Wolverine on one team seemed like a good idea at the time). Another influence on a reader's choice is the team's role in the Marvel Universe. While the Avengers would handle the big cosmic threats, the Secret Avengers would work undercover and the Avengers Academy would train the heroes of tomorrow (at least that's what their recruitment brochures say). All in all I'd say Marvel made the right choice to release multiple Avengers titles.

 Now there's a greater number of Batman titles coming out and I can't understand why DC needs to launch additional titles. I can understand why Batman Inc. needs its own series, but wouldn't it be easier if DC put Bruce Wayne in one series (Batman or Detective Comics) and Dick Grayson in the other. Same idea could apply for Batman: Streets of Gotham and Batman and Robin (I would have enjoyed seeing Bruce work with his son, Damian). I get that Batman is the poster boy for DC Comics and he's one of the favorite heroes among comic book fans but all the Batman promoting DC does makes them look greedy rather than people who want to tell good stories.

As I stated earlier, a comic's creative team can be just as influential on one's reading choice as much as the comic's concept. I thought Avengers was gonna be great but Brian Michael Bendis's writing made me give up the book by issue #4. I enjoy Grant Morrison's portrayal of Batman (Bruce Wayne) but the concept of Batman Inc. prevents me from giving the book a chance. Overall there are many other factors that can affect a reader's decision but if they have a good feeling about a title then they should give it a chance.

As with every other article, feel free to comment and let me know how you feel about the number of comic books that are a part of a franchise or which Avengers or Batman books you are or will be reading in the near future. You know what don't just mention Avengers or Batman feel free to talk about any other franchises that might need more or less titles. Later!

Amazing Spider-Man #644 Review

Normally I review comic books on my YouTube channel, but this week I only bought one comic (yeah that's a pretty light week for me). Rather than do a video I review about one comic, I decided to write instead since I've been neglecting my blog over the summer. Anyway here's my review of Amazing Spider-Man #644.

Synopsis: The first scene is a woman at a police station claiming ownership over the baby (Lil' Osborn) Spider-Man has. The cops calm her down and mention that a dozen women have been in trying to claim the baby.

Now we shift over to Spider-Man trying to hold off Vulture 2 until Freak tackles the Vulture. Freak then claims that neither the Vulture or the Rhino will stop him from getting the baby. After Spider-Man gets away, he tries to ask a mother for some diapers but she runs away. Spidey notices a police baracade and overhears the police talking about the Rhino being in the area. Spider-Man says that he can't feel any hoofbeets or sees any rattling windows. Spidey wonders where the Rhino is and he suddenly notice the Rhino jumping from a helicopter.

Meanwhile Tombstone is trying to get information from Carlie about the current location of Menace. Cops and firemen show up and attack but Tombstone grabs Shocker from the rubble and runs. Carlie is then asked where Spider-Man and/or Menace are but she tells them she has no idea. After a few minutes a fireman says the building is clear and Carlie leaves. Carlie thinks to herself about how Peter just left without helping her, Harry or M.J. when Doc Oct attacked.

Back at his base, Doc Oct reveals to a figure in the shadows that he put an "Octo-Tracer" on Spider-Man. Oct then tells his mysterious friend to go and "end this, swiftly and in our favor".

M.J. and Harry have hidden Lily (a.k.a. Menace) in the panic room of M.J.'s producer. Harry tells M.J. to stay while he leaves to work on his plan.

Now back to the plot, Spider-Man is trying to avoid the Rhino's stampede. Then Rhino reveals he's not trying to get the baby but finally crush Spider-Man. Spidey then gets Rhino to stop and explains to him that Rhino's deceased wife would not like him tackling Spider-Man while he's trying to protect a baby. Spidey tells the Rhino after this whole situation is over they can meet up again and duke it out. Rhino leaves and wishes Spider-Man good luck for their next confrontation.

Spider-Man finally gets to Avengers Mansion when he notices a Goblin baby on his back which then goes into a frenzy. Spidey crashes into the gate and notices none of the Mansion's defenses are activated which means only one thing, Mysterio. Spider-Man is able to knock out Mysterio with one punch, but his victory is short lived as Vulture 2 and Freak close on to his location. 

As Spider-Man is running, Harry Osborn calls out to him. Harry talks to Spider-Man and asks for the baby since the baby is still Harry's brother. Spidey hands over the baby and makes a decoy out of garbage. Spider-Man is able to take down Freak and Vulture 2 thanks to a little fit of rage over the mess of his civilian life. Spidey then notices Harry still standing in the same spot and Harry tells him that the baby didn't make it. This pushes Spider-Man past his limit and decides to take the fight to Doc Oct so he can pay.


After Spidey leaves, its revealed Harry is none other than the Chameleon.


Good: The first good thing I liked was that Doc Oct finally learned from his past experiences and built his own "spider-tracers". Its always good when a villain learns from his failures because that challenges the hero and it helps writers tell better stories.


Plus its good to see Spider-Man finally release some of that anger he's had since Peter Parker was fired and his roomate got bitchier (example selling his clothes to pay for rent without Peter's permission).


The twist ending with the Chameleon was a great cliffhanger. Its also one of those moments where you ask yourself "how long has he been impersonating Harry?" Plus we don't know whether the Chameleon is gonna deliver the baby to Doc Oct, or sell him to the highest bidder, or if Chameleon is working for Norman Osborn.


Bad: I have no complaints about this issue.


Overall: Once again Amazing Spider-Man delivers a story arc that has its ups and downs. The first part was an awesome starting point but the second part felt a little dull for me. This issue had a decent amount of action and a twist ending that makes me ponder that this could be one hell of a Spider-Man story arc since Grim Hunt.