#IReadsYou Review: EVIL ERNIE VOLUME 3 #1

EVIL ERNIE VOLUME 3 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Scott Lobdell
ART: Ariel Medel
COLORS: Candice Han
LETTERS: Dave Sharpe
EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt
COVER: Brett Booth
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Suydam; Ken Haeser; Jamie Biggs; Stuart Sayger; Brett Booth
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2021)

Rated Teen+

Evil Ernie created by Brian Pulido and Steven Hughes

Evil Ernie is a super-villain fictional character created by writer Brian Pulido and the late artist Steven Hughes.  He first appeared in Eternity Comics' Evil Ernie #1 (cover dated: December 1991).  Evil Ernie was Ernest Fairchild, a boy who became an undead psychotic killer.

Evil Ernie is now the property of Dynamite Entertainment.  The character gets a new comic book series in Evil Ernie Volume 3.  It is written by Scott Lobdell; drawn by Ariel Medel; colored by Candice Han; and lettered by Dave Sharpe.  The new series focuses on a good kid who, after being mortally wounded, must “pay down his new lease on life” by serving as a part time fixer for a death cult.

Evil Ernie Volume 3 #1 opens in Potsdam, New York at the scene of a most horrific road accident.  But first, there is some back story.  Ernest Gleckman is an 18-year-old sophomore at Potsdam University (NY).  He is both a goody-two-shoes and something of an anomaly.  Ernest loves to sing Satantic-themed heavy metal music, but he is just the nicest guy.  He does not want his girlfriend, Candace, to kiss him in public, but she is not the only young woman who wants to kiss him.

But life is about to change for Ernest.  He is going to meet his dark side.

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Evil Ernie Volume 3 #1, which is the first Evil Ernie comic book that I have ever read.

As someone who has ignored every single Evil Ernie comic book that I have ever encountered, I can say that Scott Lobdell, the writer of this new series, makes me curious about what comes next in the latest incarnation of this character.  Lobdell is not one of my favorite comic book scribes, but I have enjoyed a number of comic books that he has written, and this could be one of them.

Artist Ariel Medel has a graphic style that reminds me of the art of former comic book artist, J. Scott Campbell, which is not necessarily a good thing.  Medel's art seems inappropriate for even Lobdell's script for this first issue, and Candice Han's colors seem off here.  But we'll see... and I could be wrong.  After all I want more.

So, I'm curious to see where Scott Lobdell takes this.  I think you will, also, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Evil Ernie will want to read Evil Ernie Volume 1.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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I Reads You Juniors June 2020 - Update #88

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

COMICS TO TV - From RadioTimes:  How is the Netflix's "Warrior Nun" TV series different from the "Warrior Nun" comic book series.

SCANDAL - From TheBeat:  On the heels of harassment allegations against comic book figures like Jason Latour, Scott Allie, and Cameron Stewart, to name a few, comes new allegations against veteran writer, Scott Lobdell.

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:  Nickelodeon is rebooting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series again.  This time the CG film will be produced by partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces its latest fantasy manga, "Bestia."

LGBTQ - From CBR:  The site examines the work of influential gay manga creator, Gengoroh Tagame.

SCANDAL - From TheBeat:  Dark Horse Comics and its biggest star, Mike Mignola, release statements about their editorial pal, Scott Allie, who is allegedly a serial abuser.

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  Who is the secret superstar behind BOOM! Studios' secret comic book project.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Although DC Comics has replaced the print edition of its "Previews" catalog with the digital/PDF, "DC Connect," the publisher will offer a print "checklist poster."  Readers can fill in the poster and turn it into their local comic book shop.

BOOKSTORES - From TheBeat:  James Killen, the graphic novel buyer at Barnes & Noble for more than 20 years, was among those laid off at the embattled retailer this week

IN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  Artist and graphic designer, Milton Glaser, has died at the age of 91, Friday, June 26, 2020 (which was his birthday). Glaser was known for his iconic logo designs, such as DC Comics' "bullet logo" and the  "I ♥ NY" logo.

MARVEL-VIDEO GAMES - From CBR:  Square Enix has released nearly 8 minutes of footage of gameplay from its upcoming game, "Marvel's Avengers."

COMICS TO FILM - From ComicBookMovies: Actor Ron Perlman who played the character Hellboy in two films directed by Guillermo del Toro said he was offered the "opportunity to participate" in the "Hellboy" reboot, directed by Neil Marshall.  Perlman said the only version of Hellboy he is interested in is the one done by del Toro.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  The legendary comic book inker, Joe Sinnott, has died at the age of 93, Thursday, June 25, 2020.  He inked Marvel Comics' "Fantastic Four" from 1965 to 1981 and again in the 1980s.  He is also known for inking the pencil art of the late, great Jack Kirby.

MANGA-ANIME - From Newsweek:  The "Shaman King" manga is getting a rebooted anime.  The original anime adaptation ran from 2001 to 2002.  The rebooted anime series begins April 2021 in Japan.

COMICS - From TheBeat:  Former "Batgirl" writer Mairghread Scott comes forward about exclusion at DC Comics.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Charles Brownstein Resigns as Executive Director of the CBLDF (about damn time!).

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  Michael Keaton is in talks to reprise his role as "Batman/Bruce Wayne" in the planned "Flash" movie.  Keaton's return as Batman would introduce the idea of a multiverse.

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  Diamond Distributors will continue to distribute DC Comics in the United Kingdom until the end of 2020 and in the U.S. through the end of July 2020... reportedly.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Damn, now it's Warren Ellis being accused of abusing young women.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is ending the "DC Giants Line" that it began two years ago as an exclusive publications for Wal-Mart stores throughout the United States.  Now, Wal-marts will sell five different "four-packs" of comics, with each pack focusing on a DC character or team:  one Batman pack, one Superman pack, one Wonder Woman pack, one Aquaman pack, and one Justice League pack.  Each pack will cost $8.98.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer and artist, Cameron Stewart, becomes the latest comics creator whose career hits a snag because of abuse allegations.  DC Comics withdrawn an unannounced comics project by Stewart from their schedule.

MILESTONE MEDIA - From CBR:  Denys Cowan, co-creator of the popular "Static" comic book (which became the "Static Shock" animated TV series), teases the possible return of Milestone Media.  Milestone was the imprint that published "Static," and there have been plans and rumors concerning its return for the last decade at least.  The last serious talk of a Milestone revival was in 2017.

IMAGE COMICS - From GamesRadar:  "The Walking Dead" comic book returns with the one-shot comic book, "Neegan Lives!."  It will be free and exclusive to comic book shops and there will be no digital or bookstore release.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces the arrival of the fantasy cookery manga, "Restaurant to Another World."

COMICS TO TV - From BleedingCool:  Copernicus Studios has signed a development deal to adapt Jim Zub and Edwin Huang and Chris Stevens "Skullkickers" comic book into an animated series.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics' "X-Men" crossover event, "X of Swords," has gone from being a 15-part story to a 24-part story.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' Publisher and CCO, Jim Lee, has announced a DC Comics' "virtual comics convention."  The "DC FanDome" begins Sat., Aug. 22nd.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Tom King and artist Trevor Von Eeden produced an unpublished "Black Lives Matter" comic book.  It was produced for DC Comics and was entitled, "Sources," and "Bleeding Cool" has copies of the script and art.

DC COMICS - From GamesRader:  DC Comics is promoting parent company WarnerMedia's streaming service, HBO Max, with custom comics.

COMICS - From TheBeat:  Vault Comics and Heavy Metal Entertainment enter a publishing partnership.

MANGA - From SoraNews:  There is a program in Japan in which prisoners draw background art, such as buildings, street scenes, and train stations, for manga.  And it is for sale to the public, including manga artists who don't want to draw background details.

COMIC SHOPS - From BleedingCool:   Five comic book stores announce permanent closure

MAD - From Previews:  "Mad Magazine" cartoonist, Al Jaffee, has retired at the age of 99.  He is the longest working cartoonist in history.  He started working for Timely and Atlas (the forerunners of Marvel Comics) in the early 1940s, and began drawing for Mad in 1955.

MEMORIAM - From Nippon:  Japanese manga artist, George Akiyama, died at the age of 77, May 12, 2020. He was best known for his controversial 1970s manga, "Asura" and "Zeni Geba."

MARVEL - From TheBeat:  There will be an all-new "Iron Man" comic book series written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by CAFU.  Iron Man will sport a redesigned suit of armor designed by Alex Ross.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Warner Bros. has movied the release date of "Wonder Woman 1984" from August 14th to October 2nd.

MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:   The legendary comic book writer and editor, Dennis J. "Denny" O'Neil, has died at the age of 81, Thursday, June 11, 2020.  As a writer, his best known work is his controversial, acclaimed, and legendary run on DC Comics' "Green Lantern."  O'Neil wrote "Green Lantern #63," but the legend began with "Green Lantern #76" that had a cover reading "Green Lantern co-starring Green Arrow."  In that issues, O'Neill joined pencil artist Neal Adams and one of comic book's most legendary run's began.  As an editor, O'Neil edited Frank Miller's run on Marvel Comics' "Daredevil," and he was the "Batman" group editor from the 1980s and into the 1990s until he retired.

From GamesRader:  The comic book world reacts to the passing of Denny O'Neil.
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POLITICS - From KSDK:  Mediocre political cartoonist, Tom Stiglich, drew a thoroughly racist, anti-African-American cartoon, and the Washington (Missouri) Missourian newspaper published it.  The paper's co-owner and publisher, Bill Miller, Sr., eventually resigned because of he published it.

VALIANT - From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment updates its publishing schedule for Summer 2020.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  There is a new John Constantine miniseries being released under DC Comics' "Black Label" imprint.  The three-issue "Hellblazer: Rise and Fall" finds the rich and powerful dying.

DC COMICS - From TheBeat:  Brian Michael Bendis says that he is approaching the end of his time on the DC Comics titles, "Superman" and "Action Comics."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Former DC Comics publisher, Dan DiDio, talks about the '5G" project.

DC TV - From THR:  Actor Hartley Sawyer is the latest actor to be fired from a television series over racist and offensive tweets.  Sawyer played Ralph Dibny for the past three seasons on The CW's "The Flash."

BLACK COMICS - From SyFy:  8 Black comics creatives to get to know.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics has rescheduled its releases for Free Comic Book Day 2020, which was originally set for May 2nd.  Marvel will now release them on July 15th.

MANGA - From CBR:  The manga, "The Promised Neverland," will come to an end with next week's publication of Chapter 181 in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (in Japan).

UCS - From BleedingCool:  UCS Comic Distributors addresses some POS (point-of-sale) compatibility issues made by comic book retailers.

DC/DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics and its new distributors, Lunar and UCS, say they have a plan to replace Diamond UK when it comes to getting DC titles to the United Kingdom and beyond.

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  End of an Era: The comics industry reacts to the DC Diamond split

DC/DIAMOND - From TheBeat:  Diamond Comic Distributors responds to DC Comics' announcement that the publisher is splitting from the distributor.

BLACK COMICS - From CBR:  15 Black Creator-Owned Comics That Are Essential Reading

BOOK SHOPS - From TownandCountry:  22 Black-Owned Bookstores to Shop Right Now (and Always)

GAY COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Warren Ellis remembers when Marvel went "swimsuit gay."

DC/DIAMOND - From GamesRadar:   Comic book retailers unite in shock and anger over DC split with Diamond

IDW - From GamesRadar:  IDW Publishing pledges to support the comic book Direct Market on the same day DC Comics makes a monumental announcement.

MARVEL COMICS - From YahooEntertainment:  The public knows Christian Cooper as the African-American man who was bird-watching when a white woman called 911 to report him for threatening her (which he had not).  But before that, Christian was one of the first openly gay employees at Marvel Comics, working as an editor.  He also wrote comic books for Marvel, including "Darkhold" and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy."

DC/DIAMOND - From THR:  DC Comics has cut ties with Diamond Comics Distributors.  Via an email to retailers sent Friday morning, the company told customers that all orders for DC product will be fulfilled by Lunar Distribution and UCS Comic Distributors for periodical releases and Penguin Random House for graphic novels and collected editions.

DC/DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  DC provides a Q&A regarding its move to quit Diamond as the exclusive distributors of its product for 25 years.

COVID-19 - From TheBeat:  TwoMorrows Publishing, the publisher of many great magazines and books about the history of and the making of comic books, needs help due to COVID-19 related financial fallout.

EISNER AWARDS - From BleedingCool:  The nominations for the 2020 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel Comics is planning to release several comic books related to the upcoming Disney+/Marvel Studios series, "WandaVision."

DC TV - From Decider:  When The CW returns the TV series, "Batwoman," for Season 2, the identity of Batwoman will be that of a new character, "Ryan Wilder."  Leaked info says the network decided not to find a new actress to play the current Batwoman, "Kate Kane," after actress Ruby Rose, who played Kane, left the series.

COMICS - From NBCNews:  A Latino comic book, "El Peso Hero," celebrates "essential workers," who are real heroes.

DC TV - From ComicBook:  Why HBO's "Watchmen" series is more timely now than ever.

IN MEMORIAM - From TCJ:  The brilliant cartoonist, Richard Sala, was found dead in his home back around May 9th.  He was apparently 65-years-old at the time of death.  A comic book creator and graphic novelist, Sala was known for "The Chuckling Whatsit" and the comic book series, "Evil Eye" (Fantagraphics), which are just two of his wonderful works.  The link at the beginning of this paragraph goes into great detail about Sala's life and career.  This partial quote describes his work... somewhat: "It’s easy to recognize in his comics the shadowy gothic black humor of Edward Gorey or Charles Addams..."

From TCJ:  A brilliant cartoonist, Dan Clowes, speaks on his late friend, the also brilliant cartoonist, Richard Sala.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books has announced that it will publish Barry Windor-Smith's long-awaited graphic novel, "Monsters, in 2021.

MARVEL/DC - From Newsarama:  Marvel and DC/Warner Bros. express support for the black community in the wake of the unrest following the police killing of African-American George Floyd in Minnesota.

DC COMICS - From CBR:  A look back at the first comic book that both Batman and Superman appeared in.  That would be "New York World's Fair #2."

COMIC SHOPS - From BleedingCool:  Eight comic book shops have been hit by looting during the protests over the death of #GeorgeFloyd.

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadar:  Director David Ayers is saying that some "terryifying" scenes featuring the Joker with "incredible acting" by Jared Leto as the Joker were cut from his box office smash, but much-maligned 2016 film, "Suicide Squad."

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Henry Cavill is in talks to play Clark Kent/Superman again for Warner Bros. after having done so for "The Man of Steel" (2013), "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" (2016), and "Justice League" (2017).  But it will not be for a sequel to "The Man of Steel."

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics is making five of its 100-Page Giant comic books digital-only publications:  "Titans Giant #2," "The Flash Giant #5," "Swamp Thing Giant #5," "Teen Titans Go!/DC Super Hero Girls Giant #1," and {Wonder Woman 84 Giant #1."

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JUNE 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for June 2020
From TheBeat:  Archie Comics for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2020
From ComicsBookCase:  DC Comics for June 2020
From Dynamite:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Source Point Press for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2020 [REVISED]

JULY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for July 2020
From ComicsPit:  BOOM Studios! for July 2020
From Comicon:  DC Comics for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for July 2020
From ComicsPit:  IDW Publishing for July 2020
From CBR:  Image Comics for July/August 2020
From Scout:  Scout Comics for July 2020
From AllComics:  VIZ Media for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2020

AUGUST 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  AWA for August 2020
From CBR:  DC Comics for August 2020
From FirstComicsNews:  IDW Publishing for August 2020
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing's "Transformers" solicitations for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2020
From CBR:  Marvel Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  PS Artbooks for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2020


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I Reads You Juniors May 2020 - Update #93

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

COVID-19 - From CDC:  The Centers for Disease Control has "COVID Data Tracker."

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  This link reveals a list of comic books titles that publishers (including DC Comics) are going to release through Diamond Comic Distributors for May 20, 2020.

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  (May 8th) - Diamond has made it official that May 20th is the first on-sale date of its resumed distribution of comic books

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announced the shipping schedule for the following weeks:  May 27th; June 3rd, 10th, 17, and 24th; July 1st and 8th.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics has announced its shipping schedule for late July 2020 in the following weeks:  July 15th, 22nd, and 29th.

GEORGE FLOYD - From BleedingCool:  Comic book people respond to the protests related to the murder of George Floyd, an African-American man in Minneapolis.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has cancelled 22 planned reprint comic books.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has cancelled the prints editions of "RWBY #7" and "gen:LOCK #7," the final issues of two digital-first series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  "Lucifer #18" will be the final issue of the series as a monthly periodical.  Lucifer issues #19 to #24 will be released as a collected edition.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will give comic book shops all the giveaways it planned to hand out at San Diego Comic-Con 2020, which has been cancelled.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Writer Ram V and artist Fernando Blanco will be the new creative team on DC Comics' "Catwoman" series, beginning with September's issue #25

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actor Tom Ellis will return to play Lucifer in the Netflix series, "Lucifer," after some difficult negotiations, which could pave the way for a sixth season.  Filming on the fifth season had been halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

NEWS - From Newsarama:  "Newsarama" has announced that it is moving to "GamesRadar," Mon., June 1st, which will likely mean a change of web addresses.

MARVEL TV - From Newsarama:  Apparently, the seventh and final season of "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" will have some kind of contact with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Zack Snyder reveals "Darkseid" for his upcoming "Director's cut" of "Justice League."

BRIT COMICS - From 2000AD:  The lastest "2000 AD Thrill-Cast Lockdown Tapes" podcast features Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Charlie Higson, Charlie Adlard.

Z2 COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Z2 Comics will publish "Gorillaz Almanac" in October 2020.  the hardback comic, done in the tradition of the British hardback annual, will feature the members of the Grammy-winning virtual (fictitious) musical act, "Gorillaz."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  The DC Comics blog has updated the list of DC publications scheduled to arrive in stores May 19th amd May 26th, 2020.

POLITICAL CARTOONS - From Newsarama:  CBLDF Protests TRUMP Campaign-Ordered Takedown of Satirical Political Cartoon

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director David Ayers would like their to also be a director's cut of his super-awful film, "Suicide Squad."

MANGA - From ANN:  Yen Press announces four new titles for October 2020 - three manga and an art book tie-in to a video game.

COMIC BOOK SHOP - From DuncanBanner:  Kenny's Comics of Odessa Texas has a "Traveling Comic Books Store" that travels throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

FOX MARVEL U - From CinemaBlend:  There is a reason for New Mutants fans to be excited opening the movie, "The New Mutants," and it is Bill Sienkiewicz

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Does Walmart's "Batman Giant #5" offer a new origin for the Joker?

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has launched a new monthly solicitation catalog, "DC Connect."  It will be a digital-only publication, as a downloadable PDF.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Marc Guggenheim is writing a script for Sony Pictures based on the Marvel Comics character, "Jackpot," a female character out of the Spider-Man line of comics.  Guggenheim has written comics featuring Jackpot for Marvel Comics.  Guggenheim is also working on another comic book project, "Prophet," based on the work by Rob Liefeld.

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  The word is out that Sony Pictures is developing some kind of female superhero or female superhero team movie based on characters from the world of Spider-Man.

DC TV - From Variety:  According to the article, actress Ruby Rose exited her lead role of "Kate Kane/Batwoman" in The CW's "Batwoman" because of the long hours her lead role required.

BRIT COMICS - From 2000AD:  Three legendary "2000AD" artists:  Brian Bolland, Dave Gibbons, and Mick McMahon, are together in one podcast interview.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Zack Snyder has announced that HBO Max, Warner Media's new streaming service, will stream his "cut" of the 2017 film, "Justice League" in 2021.  Snyder was the original director of the film, but, for personal reasons, left before the film was finished.  Director Joss Whedon finished the film, which has been panned by fans since its release back in late 2017.

COVID-19 - From THR:  The adult Halloween masks that resemble the one worn by "Bane" in "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012) are a hot seller due to COVID-19.

DC TV - From Variety:  Actress Ruby Rose has announced that she is departing from The CW television series, "Batwoman," ahead of the second season.  Rose played the lead role of "Kate Kane/Batwoman."

DC COMICS DIGITAL - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has announced a digital-first "DCeased" series, "DCeased: Hope at World's End."  The twice-monthly, 14-chapter limited serial is written by Tom Taylor and the first chapter is available to read across all platforms.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  According to the site, artist Marc Silvestri will only continue work on his long-delayed, long-promised comic book, "Batman/The Joker: Deadly Duo," when he gets paid the big money that Greg Capullo is allegedly being paid for upcoming DC mega-project, "Death Metal."

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  The classic "Incredible Hulk" creative team of Peter David and Dale Keown, will unite with artist German Peralta for a story featuring the Hulk character, Maestro."  The untitled comic book debuts in August.

DC TV - From TVWeb:  There is a poster and official synopsis for The CW's 2021 series, "Superman & Lois."

COMICS TO TV - From Newsarama:  Netflix has set July 31, 2020 as the debut of "The Umbrella Academy" Season 2.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  The release date for the upcoming, "Wonder Woman 1984," could change again.

SUBMISSIONS - From BleedingCool:  Comics publisher, Second Sight, is now accepting submissions for new comic book series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics' series, "The Terrifics," will see its final print issue with #27.  However, the series will conclude with three digital issues, concluding with "The Terrifics #30 released on Sept. 1st.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  Writer Mark Waid and legendary comic book artist Neal Adams are producing a new "Fantastic Four" comic book.  "Fantastic Four: Antithesis" arrives in August, but the duration of the project is currently unknown.

MARVEL TV - From Variety:  "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." has added actor Darren Barnet as a guest star to the Season 7 premiere.  It is currently unclear how many episodes in which Barnet will appear.

COMICS EDUCATION - From Newsarama:  Cartoonist Emma Kubert, the third generation in the Kubert comic book creating clan, will be teaching an online sketch class, via the Kubert schook, for kids beginning in June.

DC TV - From Newsarama:  The second season of "Doom Patrol" (from Warner Bros. Television) will debut on HBO Max and DC Universe on June 25th.

FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  Disney has reportedly scheduled the long-delayed film, "The New Mutants," for an August 28th, 2020 release.

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DC TV - From Newsarama:  Robert Downey, Jr.'s TV adaptation of Jeff Lemire's comic book series, "Sweet Tooth," is moving from Hulu to Netflix.

From Newsarama:  Jeff Brolin and Will Forte are among the cast members of Netflix's "Sweet Tooth" TV adaptation.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Jeff Lemire has announced that he will revive his former Vertigo comic book series, "Sweet Tooth," which originally ran from 2009 to 2013.  No debut date for "Sweet Tooth: The Return."

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DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok's long-awaited three-issue miniseries, "The Three Jokers," is currently scheduled to debut August 25th.

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Tim Story is negotiating to direct Kevin Hart's film, "Night Wolf," a superhero film.  Story directed Hart in several films, including the "Ride Along" and "Think Like a Man" film.  Story directed Fox's "Fantastic Four" films from 2005 and 2007.

DC TV - From DigitalSpy:  (May 12th) - The CW broadcast network will air the one existing season of DC Universe's cancelled series, "Swamp Thing."  [I have not been able to learn the air date as of this writing. - Leroy]

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has informed retailers that is approving Tuesday as the on-sale date of of all its comic book titles.  That includes products distributed by Diamond Comic Distributors, which has traditionally mandated a Wednesday release.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics is also getting rid of the six-day exclusivity window that comic book retailers has over the book trade market when it comes to trade paperback and hardback collections and graphic novels.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Scott Snyder talks "Dark Nights: Death Metal" and the changes to DC Comics' plans in the wake of for DC co-publisher Dan DiDio's "exit" from the company.

BOOM! - From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios will produce a 12-issue comic book based on the "Dune" prequel novel, "Dune: House Atreides," and will be written by the novel's authors, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.  The first issue is due Fall 2020.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  DC Comics writer-editor Martin Pasko has died at the age of 65, Monday, May 11, 2020.  Pasko is best known for his long tenure writing Superman and Superman-related comic books.  He was also a longtime writer and story editor for live-action and animated television series and won a Daytime Emmy for his work on "Batman: The Animated Series."

COVID-19 - From CBB:  The ComicBookBin's Herve St. Louis offers some reflections on what COVID-19 is doing to comics.

AWARDS - From PulitzerPrizes:  The 2020 Pulitzer Prize Winners have been announced.

NETFLIX - From Newsarama:  Here is a first look at Charlize Theron as the immortal warrior, "Andromache," in Netflix adaptation of the comic book series, "The Old Guard."

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Television and comic book writer, Marc Guggenheim, will reportedly write a film based on Rob Liefeld's "Prophet" comic book.

MARVEL COMICS - From Newsarama:  Marvel is making eight titles digital-only comics.  There are seven existing titles that are going digital only:  "Ghost-Spider," the limited series "Ant-Man," "Avengers of the Wastelands," "Ravencroft," "Star," "Marvel’s Spider-Man: The Black Cat Strikes," and "Hawkeye: Freefall," and and the new title, "2020: Ironheart."

COMICS TO FILM - From Deadline:   Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt are re-teaming to co-star and co-produce, "Ball and Chain," based on the Scott Lobdell Homage/Wildstorm four-issue limited series from 1999.

NETFLIX - From Newsarama:  Netflix has released images from its upcoming first season of "Cursed," which is adapted from the young adult novel of the same name by writer Thomas Wheeler and artist Frank Miller.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics shipping on Tuesday, May 5th and Tuesday May 12th.

COMICS - From Newsarama:   The site has confirmed that other comic book publishers have inquired with new comic book publisher, Lunar (owned by Discount Comic Book Service), about publishing their titles.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  DC Comics shipping for May 19 and May 26, 2020.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics explains why Tuesday is the new on-sale date for their comics publications.

IN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  Longtime comic book inker, Juan Vlasco, died at the age of 51, Friday, April 24, 2020.  He had worked for both Marvel and DC Comics since the early 1990s, but he was best known for work for Marvel, especially on "Cable" and "Uncanny X-Men."

HISTORY - From CBR:  While cleaning out a closet, Todd McFarlane found a page of his original art that depicts the first appearance of the character, Venom.  From The Amazing Spider-Man #300, the page features the first full appearance of that character co-created by McFarlane and writer David Michelinie.

MARVEL - From Newsarama: (5/1) X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Gwen Stacy, Conan the Barbarian, and Star Wars that Marvel Comics will not be publishing over the next two months... and possible longer.

MARVEL - From Newsarama:  (5/1) Marvel Comics explains the reasons for its "measured" release schedule over the next two months.

DC DIGITAL - From Newsarama:  DC Comics announces its "Week 3" list of digital comics releases.

DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  Diamond Comic Distributors plans to release a "Previews" catalog with a revised comics shipping lists for May and June 2020.

MANGA - From ComicBook:  The "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" manga is set to end in Japan, with the last chapter scheduled to appear May 22nd in "Weekly Shonen Jump."  Koyoharu Gotouge is apparently keeping to his plan to create a tight four-year series.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  Classic "Green Lantern" comic book creative team, Ron Marz and Darryl Banks, reunited for new "Green Lantern" project.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:   Darren Criss, Zachary Quinto, and Alexandra Daddario will voice the lead characters in an all-new Superman film from Warner Bros. Animation, Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

DC COMIC-DIAMOND - From Newsarama:  DC Comics' exclusive distribution agreement with Diamond Comic Distributors seems to have ended almost 25 years to the day it began.

COMICS TO FILM - From Collider:  Rawson Thurber Marshall, the director of "Dodgeball: An Underdog Story," is in talks to direct a film adaptation of the "Mad Magazine" comic strip feature, "Spy vs. Spy."


APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020
From ComicsPit:  VIZ Media for April 2020

MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Behemoth Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for May 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for May 2020

JUNE 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2020 [REVISED]
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Source Point Press for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for June 2020 [REVISED]

JULY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July and August 2020
From Newsarama:  Behemoth Comics for July 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for July 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for July 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for July 2020
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2020

AUGUST 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July and August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  AWA for August 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2020
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing's "Transformers" solicitations for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  PS Artbooks for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2020

-------------------

Review: DOOMED #1

DOOMED #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Scott Lobdell
ART: Javier Fernandez
COLORS: Ulises Arreola
LETTERS: Corey Breen
COVER: Javier Fernandez with Kyle Ritter
VARIANT COVER: Ken Lashley with Hi-Fi
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2015)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“Doomed, I Say!”

Doomsday is a DC Comics character commonly associated with Superman.  A super-villain, Doomsday made his first full appearance in Superman: The Man of Steel #18 (December 1992), after making a cameo appearance in Superman: The Man of Steel #17 (November 1992).  Created by writer-artist Dan Jurgens, Doomsday was the character that infamously “killed” Superman back in 1992.

In “The New 52,” the revamp of the DC Universe, Doomsday is apparently also connected to a virus.  The “DCYou” publishing event launches a new comic book about a college student who catches that virus.  The series is entitled, Doomed, and is written by Scott Lobdell, drawn by Javier Fernandez, colored by Ulises Arreola, and lettered by Corey Breen.

Doomed #1 (“Doomed, I Say!”) introduces Reiser, an affable student at Metropolis University.  He gets an internship at S.T.A.R. Labs in Metropolis, which he sees as a life-changing event.  What changes in Reiser's life is gaining the power to transform into Superman's most heinous adversary, Doomsday.

Doomed must be one of those “DCYou” diversity books.  Diversity in the DCYou means characters of color, but writers of non-Negro.  That might explain Reiser's blandness.  Honestly, I don't know what to say beyond some sarcastic remarks.  I am curious to see what happens to Reiser, but not enough to make a financial effort to obtain this book.  It is not bad, but I can't honestly give it a letter-grade.  If I do end up reading another issue of Doomed, I'll write about it just for you, dear reader.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #13

Red Hood and the Outlaws #13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Timothy Green II
Cover: Kenneth Rocafort and Blond

(Spoilers)
First, the cover has nothing to do with the story, unless I completely missed the boat, but damn, that is a nice cover.

The Tamaran War with the Blight comes to a smashing conclusion. The story focuses on the heroic efforts of Starfire to defeat the Blight. Arsenal is telling the story which gives an insight into the characters. Starfire does not disappoint on any level. She is a true hero willing to sacrifice for the greater good, fight with a warrior's heart, and love abundantly. She is what Red Hood and Arsenal need in their struggle with their baser sides. The team's powerhouse is also one of the most beautiful characters in comics. What more can we ask for?

Lobdell lets her go all out on the Blight which he does not do very often; the power she wields is awesome to behold. When we think that Starfire is going to wreck another level and violence on the Blight Lord, she instead kills him with love. With Lobdell it’s not all about the main characters; he allows peripheral characters to contribute to the story. The plotline involving the Dominator DePalo is another opportunity for Lobdell to develop Starfire's character. Lobdell makes us care about a member of one of the vilest races in the DC Universe. That's the way to end a story arc with hard hitting action and a little foreshadowing.

The art is a visual delight. It carries its share of the story load. Blackfire's battlesuit is slamming. The scene when DePalo is remembering Starfire leaving to come to Earth is effective. The colors are muted in contrast to the bright colors in the rest of the story, giving the feel of a memory.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) on the Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #13

Teen Titans # 13
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Scott Lobdell
Script: Fabian Nicieza
Art: Ale Garza

The Origin of Wonder Girl (Spoilers!)

Cassie Sandmark is a cat burglar who runs afoul of the law and is saved by a muscle-bound guy named Diesel. She falls in love with this bad boy who takes her on a joyride through the dark side. During this time Cassie is traveling around the world with her mother going from archaeological site to archaeological site.

They end up at a site in Cambodia where Diesel decides to steal some buried treasure. Diesel gets attacked by the living armor; Cassie saves Diesel by taking on the armor herself. Diesel is angry and wants the armor back; then, bam, the mountain falls on him. Wonder Girl is born. Back in the present, Cassie, Red Robin, and Superboy are flying to Cambodia to find some answers.

I am a Titans fan, so I am reading this issue, trying to keep up with what the gang is doing. The story is not impressing me very much; I am feeling disappointed by Scott Lobdell, who’s been handling his business of late. Then, bam, the mountain falls on me. I didn’t know this was one of those stories where the shocker comes at the end. The story is made worthwhile with the words “the mark of Trigon.” It’s on now; time for the big boys to get in the game. Mother-shut-my-mouth Trigon is in the works. I can’t wait to see The New 52 Raven. That’s how you leave them wanting more. Okay, give us a little more; the new, fine-ass Amanda Waller is sending one of her boys to bring the Titans in. Mouth watering foreshadowing is what this issue is about.

The art is good. Garza’s talent shines when Wonder Girl is taking the armor. The costume is visually appealing, and the armor is hardcore. When you see it, you know someone will receive more than their fair share of pain and misery. Red Robin is a bad boy in that flying apparatus.

I rate Teen Titans # 13 Buy Your Own Copy. #2 (of 5) Al-O-Meter Ranking

Albert Avilla Reviews: Superman #0

Superman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Art: Kenneth Rocafort

Every End Has a Beginning (Spoilers)
This story goes way before the New 52. Superman is telling the story of his parents before Krypton was destroyed. Jor-El is exploring beneath the planet's surface confirming that Krypton is dying. He also finds something living at the planet's core. He is attacked by slime creatures and has to risk his life to return to the Science Center. He returns home to learn that Lara is pregnant.

At the same time, the research center is destroyed by an explosion. Terrorists capture Lara and threaten to kill her. Surprise, terrorist! Lara is old school – Kung Fu style – I can handle my damn-bad-self. Lara takes down the terrorists in a superb scene of martial violence. We learn that the terrorists are part of a Doomsday Cult that is trying to get Jor-El to join them, but Jor-El sends them to the phantom zone. In the epilogue, we learn that a herald proclaims that Krypton will be given a second chance. The fate of Krypton lies in the hands of Superman.

I don't know how much of this story is of The New 52, but dang, I like it. Superman has a legacy of heroism. He is inspired by two heroes that are his parents. His father is a super-genius scientist. His mother is a physician who'll stab you and miss the vital organs. I wish my mom was a ninja or a Navy SEAL; then, I would have really talked that stuff on the playground. Thanks for those homemade muffins, Mom. That was an unexpected twist. Lara was lovey-dovey-wifey one moment, and in the next, she's a martial artist mama.

Thank you, Mr. Lobdell, for not making this a political melodrama about Jor-El fighting the system to save the planet. I prefer the action-thriller with heroes trying to defeat a doomsday cult. I actually want to keep reading to see how this turns out.

The science fiction feel of the art accents the story. The coloring goes further than this medium requires; a simpler approach to the lighting and shading may be more effective.

I rate Superman #0 Buy Your Own Copy. [Al-O-Meter #2 (of 5) Ranking]

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #0

Teen Titans #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Tyler Kirkman
Inks: Batt, Norm Rapmund, Jon Sibal

"Red Robin" (Spoiler Alert!)
The origin of Red Robin. Lobdell writes a wonderful story; this is a fascinating beginning for a Robin. Tim Drake is motivated to be a hero for different reasons than Batman and the other Robins. His determination to be the best at everything is important in his struggle to become Robin.

From the beginning, his family sees that Tim is destined for greatness and they support him. Despite Batman's efforts to dissuade him from the life, Tim continues in his pursuit of the mantle of Robin. Tim begins his own war on crime by stealing from rich criminals and giving to the poor. He runs afoul of the Penguin when he steals a fortune from Cobblepot. Batman saves him just as a hit squad arrives to kill him. Tim's parents are put in witness protection, and Batman takes Tim on as Robin.

Points that I liked about the story: Tim wants to be Robin, so it is not thrust upon him; he sees it as a step toward reaching his destiny. He feels that he is meant for greatness. Being Robin is not the be-all and end-all of his life. He forges his own destiny by designing his own uniform and choosing the name Red Robin. Lobdell is making Teen Titans his book with the creative direction he is taking this book.

The art is average. The characters look clunky; sometimes their movement does not seem natural. I do not like the dark gloomy look of most of the book.

I rate Teen Titans #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

Red Hood and the Outlaws #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Pasqual Ferry, Ig Guara, Brett Booth

The Joker's Robin? The origin of Jason Todd as Robin. Lobdell is one of the best storytellers in comics. Poor, old Jason is raised by a hoodlum dad and a drug addict mom. Dad dies in prison, and mom overdoses. Jason does what he has to in order to survive. Batman takes him in, and he becomes Robin. He is a tough, gritty, brutal Robin.

Finds his mother in the Middle East, but this is a set up by the Joker. Jason goes in half-cocked; gets himself killed. Jason is resurrected by Talia al Ghul. This is a better resurrection than the previous one. Good job New 52. Then we get the old satellite dropped on our heads; The Joker shows up at the end of the story to tell us that Jason's rise to become was orchestrated by him.

This shocker made me respect Scott Lobdell just a little more. Another way to intertwine the characters of the Red Hood and the Joker. Lobdell is a masterful storyteller and I have been enjoying his work. I look forward to what he'll be doing with these characters and their rich backgrounds. We'll keep our fingers crossed, and possibly the team will expand its membership.

The only thing that I need to say about the art is look at Starfire on the cover.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

The New 52 Review: TEEN TITANS #1

"Not your or your father's Teen Titans"

TEEN TITANS #1
DC COMICS

WRITER: Scott Lobdell
PENCILS: Brett Booth
INKS: Norm Rapmund
COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

The Teen Titans is a DC Comics superhero team that has existed in several different incarnations. The first incarnation of the Teen Titans unofficially debuted in The Brave and the Bold #54 (cover July 1964) as a sort of “junior Justice League,” when Robin (Dick Grayson), Kid Flash (Wally West), and Aqualad, the sidekicks of Justice League members, Batman, the Flash, and Aquaman respectively, teamed up to defeat a villain.

The group was first called the “Teen Titans” in The Brave and the Bold #60 (cover July 1965), when they were joined by Wonder Girl (Donna Troy), the younger sister of Wonder Woman, who was also making her first appearance in a comic book. Teen Titans #1 (cover date February 1966) was the beginning of the Titans own series and was published until 1973. The series has a short revival in 1976-78.

The New Teen Titans #1 (cover date November 1980) re-launched the concept and ran for 16 years (during which there were two name changes and a second #1 issue). There was a second Teen Titans (1996-98) and a series called The Titans (1999-2002). Geoff Johns launched a third series called Teen Titans (2003-11), and there was a second series called Titans (2008-11).

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” we have a fourth series entitled Teen Titans. Teen Titans #1 (“Teen Spirit”) opens with Kid Flash making an ass of himself. Next, Red Robin’s sanctum, a penthouse in Lex Towers, gets the invasion treatment from N.O.W.H.E.R.E. Robin has uncovered some kind of conspiracy against metahuman youth, so he turns to Cassie Sandsmark, who insists that he not call her Wonder Girl.

This new Teen Titans seems to be one of “The New 52,” titles in which the writer has been allowed to ignore most of what has come before him. It would not be an exaggeration to say that what Scott Lobdell has wrought puts a lie to 47 years of Teen Titans comic book publishing history. Practically everything that is directly connected to The Brave and the Bold #54 is kaput.

That said, Teen Titans is an entertaining comic book, and I’d like to read future issues. If anything, this is the best art Brett Booth has delivered in ages. His art, sort of a retarded bastard child of Art Adams and Jim Lee’s styles, has grown more ridiculous looking with each passing year – until now. Credit Norm Rapmund’s inking.

Meanwhile, the new Kid Flash looks to be an excellent, perhaps even popular, supporting character – as long as he remains a supporting character. This isn’t the Teen Titans I remember, but I could read this.

B

September 28th
AQUAMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/aquaman-1.html
BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/batman-dark-knight-1.html
BLACKHAWKS #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/blackhawks-1.html
FLASH #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/flash-1.html
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/justice-league-dark-1.html
SUPERMAN #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/superman-1.html
VOODOO #1
http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/2011/10/voodoo-1.html