Dialing H for Unlikely Heroes

Dial H for.......

 As stated before in another entry, Dial H for Hero was a favorite series when it ran in Adventure Comics and Superboy in the early 80s.  The deal was that Chris King and Vicki Grant would use their magical dials and transform into superheroes  created by fans.

The concept would  continue in the pages of Legion, Superboy and the Ravers and eventually in a series called H.E.R.O.

China Tom Miéville a "wierd fantasy" writer, (and "wierd" is modifying fantasy, and not writer, mind you), is at the helm of the new series along with Mateus Santolouco as artist.  The series belongs more with the vertigo inspired "Dark" DC than with the mainstream.

The story begins in Littleville, an homage to Smallville perhaps, where we see two out of shape friends arguing, of course setting the stage. One is Nelse, perhaps the one that is most out of shape and wheezing.  He is the one that will become the hero.  We learn that he is unemployed, out of shape, and has had a heart attack.  Of course, Darren his friend is trying to get Nelse in shape and to have him stop smoking.  Darren reminds Nelse that he used to box, to read, to be interested in everything.   Clearly, Nelse is suffering from depression due to unemployment.  This argument leads to Darren storming out only to find himself in trouble with the mob.  With remorse, Nelse runs to ask for forgiveness only to find Darren in the clutches of thugs.  Trying to call on a phone book, he disappears only to come forth as Chimney Boy, who has control over any kind of fumes in the city.

Defeating the assailants, Nelse discovers more about whom is responsible for the crime.  And later returns as Captain Lachrymose, which for those who do not understand Latin, means tears.

He can connect with all kinds of emotions throughout the city.

Of special note, there seems to be a heroine in Littleville that resembles Batwoman.

All in all, I enjoyed it.  It really wasn't what I was expecting, but I can't relive my youth can I?  It is an enjoyable series and promises for greatness.

Some thoughts on Justice League International 9

Okay, in a week with great expectations, this was the only bright spot.  This week we were to see Earth Two, Teen Titans Annual 1, Dial H for Hero, and OMAC's entrance into the Justice League International in issue 9.  Only one of these delivered and it was JLI.  Two of my favorite series have been OMAC and Justice League International.  Recently they have faced a serious crisis where Vixen, Fire and Ice are out of commission and Red Rocket is dead.  Booster Gold has stepped up and taken his role as not only a true hero but also as a leader.  In recent issues, Batwing and OMAC have been introduced and the crossover with Firestorm only means that a Firestorm will join the ranks.

Godiva has been a break out star of the series.  In past issues, she has provided comedic relief.  However, just as Booster Gold has stepped up to be a hero, she is now a bona fide heroine.  We see that Prince Charles himself has asked her to join the ranks of the Justice League International.  Where once she hesitated to go against an adversary, she no longer.  When given the opportunity to attack OMAC (who is being controlled), she attacks.

Now, I am not saying that she will no longer provide comedic relief with her wit.  During the battle, Batman maneuvers OMAC into the sewers.   When she joins them. her reaction is priceless and compares their meeting in a sewers with a hypothetical meeting of Superman and Wonder Woman in the sewers.  She also makes a pivotal decision to take OMAC with them to Paris, where other attacks are occurring.

Now, the question is, can Jurgens be grooming her to become a leader?  She is for all intents and purposes the leading lady of JLI.  She is basically Wonder Woman to Booster's Superman.  I love the dynamics between these two and can only hope.

OMAC

OMAC, an interesting character, is last seen in his own series transformed permanently into the "Blue Hulk."  I must admit, Aaron became one of my favorite artist since Wonder Woman and I love his work here and I wanted to see him draw OMAC.  Aaron did not disappoint.  

It seems, that OMAC's story will indeed continue in Justice League International.  He will be a good fit with these "misfits" who no longer are misfits but rather true heroes coming into their own.

Dan Jurgens is a genius.  He is the creator of the Tangent Universe!!!  (Please bring it back DAN!!!)  His writing in Justice League International is extremely good.  It's funny, serious, and sad depending on the story elements. He gives the characters a wide range of emotions.  These heroes are no longer one dimensional as in past incarnations.  Aaron's art is the best here.  I love how he draws the women.  My only complaint is that it seems only Godiva remains, unless Firehawk will join the ranks.  We NEED more female characters so Aaron can draw them well.

Tony Akins teases us with WW 9 preview and AME-COMI Wonder Woman

Sneak Peak Wonder Woman 9

From his facebook page!!!

A little peek at WW#9. There are two greetings, each punctuated by a kiss in this issue and neither kiss couldn't be more different on the scale of warmth and genuine affection.

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He also shared another preview of his upcoming project, AME-COMI Wonder Woman.  He says, "the more cuter, the more vicious"

AME-COMI Wonder Woman

Captain Atom: Pure Nuclear Energy

Captain Atom: Comes in with a nuclear blast

The Captain Atom series is just a sizzling atomic blast.  Truth be told, I am not a fan of Captain Atom and have not been since the Charlton reprint era in the 70s.  I always loved The Blue Beetle better.  I had no idea how Captain Atom would be when I saw the cover solicits.  To me it looked like the original was going to now copy the facsimile of Dr. Manhattan, but boy am I glad I was wrong.  JT Krul and Freddie Williams II are doing an extremely wonderful job. Reading this series has introduced me to  lots of new characters and new delights.  In this brand new DC Universe, there are so many clandestine organizations and laboratories.  I have yet to encounter Star Labs, but there are the CADMUS, CHECKMATE, NOWHERE laboratories/organizations among others.  In Captain Atom, we have the Continuum off somewhere in Kansas.  This immediately reminded me of Kingdom Come.  This seems to be the Haven for Nathaniel Adams/Captain Atom when he needs rest from his adventures.  The staff provides an intriguing supporting cast. 

Captain Atom

Dr. Megala The first is Dr. Megala. He is a wheelchair bound scientific mind, perhaps an homage to Steven Hawking.

Rinata Rinata is a wide-eyed doctoral candidate that works with Dr. Megala.

The Continuum The Continuum is somewhere in Kansas and it looks like a super colider.

Self Awareness

The first two issues of Captain Atom deal his journey through becoming self aware.  The story begins with Captain Atom's narration as why humans are the more evolved species.  I think this ominous intro is to show how Captain Atom himself  is the next stage of evolution. The first action sequence shows fighting an armored man and his discovery a new power.  As he fights the armored man, he begins to see the atomic bonds that bind atoms and learns how to destroy those bonds and in doing so, he disarms that individual. Now this is something that is new to him and we see his disbelief. Then he feels something in his hand, and sees the atoms of his hands dissipate and he rushes off to The Continuum to confer with Dr. Megala.  After explaining the manifestation of his new remarkable power, Megala states that it is the S.N.F.  (Strong Nuclear Force) that binds the atoms.  Ok, I have to digress here a little, the use of acronyms in this book was not to my liking, it reminded me of the 90s, especially the Cyberforce comic series where EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, was an acronym.  I shall now return to my analysis.

When you see the concern at the continuum, you can almost guess what will come next.  Captain Atom will no longer be able to use his powers because they can kill him.  Also, some huge crisis will appear and Captain Atom will have to stop it and sacrifice himself. 

Suddenly Rinata shows that there is not only a huge Earthquake, but also a volcano.  Easier said that done, but then we find out that it is in Manhattan.  Captain Atom is off to the rescue and he stops some nuclear power plants from going to meltdown and he averts the disaster by turning the  lava into snow.  Then at the very end, he dissipates.



Stay tuned for the Captain Atom: Healing Factor

Bryan Hitch Earth Two Cover

Super Girl Issue 8

Supergirl number 8 delivered.

First things first, George Perez is amazing.

After her Bildungsroman from issues 1 thru 7, Supergirl finds herself where we last left her literally, in NYC and the authorities are after her. She has just defeated the Worldkillers and saved hundreds. She doesn't know why the authorities are after her, however. Now the question is, what will Supergirl do now in her new found home?  A side note, if the battle with the Worldkillers was as major event as it seemed, and probably televised, why then didn't the Justice League, or at least Superman, get involved? We need to suspend our disbelief for a brief moment. But I digress, as the onlookers look at frightened policemen trying to apprehend Kara, a mysterious onlooker stops the police from firing. From her accent and vocabulary, we can tell that she is of Irish decent. Now who is this mysterious woman?  After a several scuffles with the police and military, Kara discovers that her new found savior is named Siobhan.

"I have never been to Kryptonia"

Since the first issues have all been a first person narrative, Kara has barely had a chance to speak to anyone. Siobhan fits the bill. You see, she has this knack for languages. She can speak Kryptonese, birdese, anything. This must be an innate ability and one of her powers.  Once the reader sees this manifestion of power, he or she know that it will not end well.

Siobhan also serves well as a good foil for Kara. I especially loved the play in language that Michael Green interjects into the dialogue.

Ultimately, Siobhan and Kara must come to odds with each other, and this is done by Siobhan first introducing her father that is dead to the reader. Then we see her musical talents at a mini concert.  Kara, then sees how her father has taken over the concert goers and ultimately taken over Siobhan.

Next issue will be amazing!!! And George Perez is amazing!!!

Shot full of Love: Hades and Wonder Woman's love affair

Wonder Woman Issue 8 came out on Wednesday


Needless to say, I think April 18, 2012 will be a memorable.  1) it was my sister's birthday; 2) Wonder Woman 8 was released;  3) Supergirl 8; 4) The Walking Dead 95; 5) Justice League 8; 6) George Perez drew Supergirl 8; 7) Avengers versus X-Men; 8) Defenders 4, and on and on.

Concentrating on my favorite, Wonder Woman 8:

Don't call her archaic, that is how she was raised

The art and story were amazing.  The story begins with Diana getting some assist from Hephaestus, Eros, and Hermes.  As she chooses the armor, the end result is an archaic version of her costume, with gold instead of the new silver.  Hephaestus calls her archaic, and she retorts "it is how I was raised."  Many fans are clamoring for this armored look to be Diana's permanent look.  I like it, but I hope that there will be many outfits in Diana's future.  If all will recall, there were a lot of costumes in her armoire.  I like the silver, red and blue color scheme for Wonder Woman because it really allows the golden lasso to stand out.  Also, with Hephaestus' help, it seems she will have a huge assortment of weapons at her disposal.  This is an intriguing thought.  She will become the warrior that she was meant to be.  And, she will be like a certain brooding billionaire, having new weapons for every conceivable situation thanks to her step brother. For now, Hephaestus has lent her Eros' guns which may have serious repercussions.

The mission at hand

A decision is made that Hephaestus and Eros stay behind while Hermes and Diana venture to Hades.   As they enter Hades, they soon discover that Hades is comprised of a darker version of London, or whatever fancies Hades himself.  Diana states that she expected all the dead to be around, which Hermes answers that they are all around, acting as the foundation of Hades' creations.  A sneak attack by Hades results in both Wonder Woman and Hermes getting their hands dirty.  I should add, Chiang has continued to showcase Diana's acrobatic fighting skills and has yet to show her fly in her own book.  However, over in JLA 8, she is seen flying carrying a plane. Now I ask myself, does she really fly or is the JLA artwork an editorial mistake.  I am on the fence about this.  In volume one, she did not fly and used her acrobatic skills.  However, if she is to compete with Power Girl or Supergirl, I feel she needs the gift of flight.  It was amazing to see her fly again.

Finding Zola and Love

After the fight, Hermes and Diana find themselves in a darker version of Oklahoma, where they find a very happy and very pregnant Zola.  Apparently, time moves differently in the Underworld.  Zola makes reference to months passing.


In the end, there is a confrontation with Hades.  Diana had promised him a Queen, not sure where Persephone is, but because the "Hera Deal" was a ruse, Diana cannot pay her debt.  So Hades asks for the Love Guns.  Ultimately, he shoots her and she dies.  Her fabled bracelets, which can block Darkseid's Omega Beams are little use against Cupid's bullets.  Now everyone can see this coming a mile away, but I believe Diana has given the guns on purpose sacrificing herself to save Zola.  She must have something up her sleeve.  Also, does one really die from Cupid's bullets?   Can it all be Hade's perceptions changing the reality in his world?

My only complaint is that much like in Simone's run, Diana priorities are skewed.  I mean, she doesn't seem worried about her sister Amazons.  Now is there something else to the story that we have yet to read?  I don't know.  Over all I am really enjoying this story.

The New Olympians

Apollo

He seems to be the antagonist in the story.  He calls himself "Sun of the King" and seems not to have any loyalties.  He is partial to women, and uses them as his Oracles.

Ares

In the old series, he was Diana's antagonist and appearance ranged between an Action Figure to a Male Super model.  This version is an old man, who has faced the ravages of war.

Eros

Here is the sexy Italian Model jewelry and watch shop owner who also happens to be the God of Love and Sexual Desire.  He works with his step father.  He also seems to hang out in clubs with his name on them.  Now, is he the owner of such clubs? His jewelry shop is named La bellezza e la bestia (The Beauty and the Beast), probably named after his mom and stepfather.

Hades

God of the Underworld, and if the covers are any indication of his role, he too will be a nemesis for Diana.  He has candles on his head, thus showing his affinity with Death.

Hephaestus

He is also called the Smith and is perhaps the most controversial god yet.  He is one who trades weapons for male offspring of the Amazons.  His servants revere him as a Father.  He is also responsible for weapons that Diana uses.

Hera

Or the "Naked Feathered One" as a friend calls her.  She is jealous and vindictive.  She is responsible for turning the Amazons into snakes and turning Hippolyta into a stone statue.  She walks around naked wearing a plumed peacock feather cape.  She can also make Centaurs from the bodies of horses which she has killed.  She fond calls Paradise Island the Cockless Coop.

Hermes

The messenger of the gods and Diana's companion in her adventures.  He has a caduceus that the snakes react when he is threatened.

Poseidon

His interpretation is that one of a sea monster.  It is unknown if he will have a human form.

Strife

Every family has a troublemaker and she is it!!!  Plus she is HOT!!!

Zeus

He is the King of the gods and is missing.  He has also impregnated Zola and has caused Hera, the naked feathered one, great heart ache.  The plus side is that he has great taste in women.  Hippolyta, Hera, and ,,,,Zola.