When it was first suggested that each Dork Shelfer (we’re kinda like the Maple Leafs that way) write a blurb about their favourite comic book, video game and movie of the past decade, reactions were mixed. It’s the general consensus that the only thing more arbitrarily reductive than declaring the ‘best’ of the year is pretending to know what was the ‘best’ of the last ten years (if you’re thinking to yourself ‘what about the best of the last one hundred years?’ then you’re a smartass who’s missing the point). I mean, who am I to tell you that Wild Hogs will become the under-appreciated Citizen Kane of our generation? Of course, this is by no means what we’re trying to do, but merely attempting to relay our personal impressions of what stuck out as our favourite sources of entertainment since recovering from the Y2K scare (I still keep all perishable food items at least 10 feet away from my computer at all times, just in case).
New formats, new stories, and the worst kept secret in comics.
The Return of Bruce Wayne
Caveman Batman Concept
At the end of Final Crisis, Bruce Wayne was believed dead. Well… not so much dead as trapped back in time. The DC heroes all think Bruce Wayne is dead, except for Red Robin aka Tim Drake, but he has abandonment issues. DC has decided to take the Quantum Leap approach (or the Captain America: Reborn approach) and have Batman travel through time, back to the future. That’s right, you will get to see Bruce Wayne dressed as a caveman-Batman, pirate-Batman, pilgrim-Batman, and finally 1940’s classic Bob Kane Batman. I will say I am excited at the idea of seeing the long lost Legends of Batman toy line brought to life in comic form.
Honestly, Bruce Wayne could pop out of a cake in the horrible Teen Titans books and I would be just as entertained. Who’s writing this? Well the same man responsible for “killing” him: Grant Morrison. Art duties fall to Chris Sprouse (Midnighter, Tom Strong) so you know the art style will be dynamic. I’m also very happy to see that Andy Kubert is on design for the various costumes. Based on the people involved, this could be an interested title.
Jeff, the thief, Will, the knight, and Lucas, the wizard, take a break from stacking boxes and dissolving in acid to talk about what they’ve been playing and what the new year may bring. Lucas details his least favourite Genghis Khan biopic. Jeff talks about what DC has planned for next year, what looks promising. Oh, and Will saw Avatar. Hike up those pants, listen in, and continue the discussion in the comments.
Rocksteady Studios officially announced a sequel to the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum last night with a teaser trailer.
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment debuted the trailer at Spike’s Video Game Awards last night and promise fans that it will be a worthy sequel to the first game. From the looks of the trailer, the action has moved outside of Arkham Asylum and straight on to the streets of Gotham. The game features the return of the Joker along with promise of new villains from the Dark Knight’s rogues gallery. A website for the game Arkhamhasmoved.com may provide some clues as to who will be appearing in the game; upon entering the site you are greeted with a familiar poster of Uncle Sam “Two-Face” style.
The huge Batman event Battle for the Cowl from DC Comics was visually entertaining and a very fast paced book. It was also on time, something that doesn’t happen often with the big event books. Tony Daniel’s art was perfect for these books, his story telling techniques kept you intrigued but ensure you didn’t get lost in all the pretty pictures. Tony’s Official Site teases of projects to come, and his gallery of art will quickly make you a fan of his work.
Local artist and creator Paul Rivoche’s list of credits is quite substantial. His most recent work has been the daunting task of making The Spirit fun to read again, which he has done an incredible job at. Be sure to check out his short story in Volume 5 of the Flight comics anthology. If you’re an aspiring artist in Toronto check out Paul’s workshop for an opportunity to learn from the man himself. Be sure to check out his gallery of work at Paul Rivoche’s Official Site.
John Broglia
Who is John Broglia? He’s the up and coming artist who previously worked with Billy Tucci on the awesome Zombie Sama. He has several projects coming up, including a book from Image Comics. Check out John Broglia’s blog and pick up a commission and a sketch when you see him at a show. Email him to see if he can make it up North!
Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
Tony Daniel
Paul Rivoche
Paul Rivoche
Paul Rivoche
John Broglia
John Broglia
John Broglia
Until next week Dork Shelfers,
Remember, if you are a local artist or know a local artist and want to be featured here on Art-O-Bot email jeff@dorkshelf.com.
I want to thank you all for coming back and remind you that if you have any books you think I should check out, or even your own pull list please feel free to comment, or email me jeff@dorkshelf.com.
Keep in mind these are not full length reviews, nor is that the intention of the Pull List feature. The video reviews will return soon and you will once again be graced with my lovely mug.
Now on to the goods.
Captain America #600
This issue features too many artists to name and has Ed Brubaker in the writer’s seat. This is a milestone issue, and even includes a story by Stan Lee! Potential foreshadowing for the upcoming Captain America: Reborn miniseries featuring the art of Bryan Hitch and the writing talents of Brubaker. Pick up this book for the mix of new stories and some classic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby action.
Destroyer #3 (of 5)
Robert Kirkmam and Cory Walker bring us the third in this 5 issue series. This is a MAX series book and thank the stars it is, because when you ask Kirkman to pull punches the entire project suffers. This issue drop kicks you right in the stones and will not take prisoners. I am really enjoying it.
Invincible Iron Man #14 (Dark Reign)
Matt Fraction has been handed the keys to many kingdoms, the X-Men being the most notable, however the house of Iron Man is where I think he really shines. Fraction gives you a reason to care about Tony Stark, one of the most unrelatable character in the entire Marvel universe. This issue features a cameo from the Crimson Dynamo; a version of this villain will play Iron Man’s film foe in the upcoming Iron Man sequel. Art duties fall on series regular Salvador Larocca, your eyes will not regret what you witnessed.
Mighty Avengers #26 (Dark Reign)
Hank Pym is pissed (when is he not angry about something?) because Reed Richards called him out on knowing more about Pym particles. The clash between The Avengers and The Fantastic Four comes to forefront in this issue.
Power Girl #2
DC has learned that when you hand over a book to a creative team, as long as they have a unified overall vision, the end product will make money. Justin Grey and Jimmy Palmiotti are the writers of Jonah Hex; DC’s long running sleeper hit, and now Power Girl. Amanda Conner is drawing a book that seems almost designed to her strengths and talents. Following the invasion of issue one, we pick up exactly where we left off.
Superman/Batman #61
Artist Francis Manapul has me picking up this book, this issue merges the Titans and the Justice League as well as their respective villians. Great art and a fun read.
Ultimatum Spider-Man Requiem #1 (of 2)
Brian Micheal Bendis, Mark Bagley, Stuart Immoen need I say more? This is the best book Marvel puts out monthly. This issue brings us Mark Bagley’s final Spider-Man art (for now) and Stuart Immoen’s last Spider-Man tale before he takes over New Avengers.
The Irredeemable Ant-Man TP
Phil Hester, Ande Parks and Robert Kirkman take the least likeable character in the Marvel universe, and make him even worse. This was one of my favorite books when it came out and I was quite upset it only lasted as long as it did. Pick it up, well worth your money.
For the past few years Warner Brothers has produced a steady stream of animated straight-to-DVD films based on stories and characters from the DC Universe.
The first film WB and DC released was Superman: Doomsday, a retelling of the popular “Death of Superman” arc. The next was a tie-in to mark the release of The Dark Knight, Batman: Gotham Knight: six animé directors created six very different interpretations of Batman. Gotham Knight was followed shortly thereafter by Justice League: New Frontier and Wonder Woman.
Green Lantern: First Flight will come out in July, followed in the fall by Superman/Batman: Public Enemies. Today we get our first look at the trailer for Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.
This is the first time we’ve seen what the animated adaptation of Ed McGuiness and Dexter Vines‘ art style. I think it holds up fairly well. No news yet regarding casting, but I hope Kevin Conroy comes in for the role of Batman.
We here at Dork Shelf are very much looking forward to playing Batman: Arkham Asylum. The new game from Eidos and Rocksteady Studios puts the player in the role of Batman, as he attempts to foil the Joker’s bid to take control of Gotham City’s institute for the criminally insane: Arkham Asylum. Everyone knows that Batman is the World’s Greatest Detective, but what some people may not know is that he’s also one of the world’s greatest martial artists—a fact that this new gameplay video aptly demonstrates.
In addition to beating the living hell out of every henchman in sight, the video shows the Dark Knight taking on the likes of super villains Bane and Killer Croc. Batman: Arkham Asylum looks to be shaping up as one of the must play games of 2009. The game will be out for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on June 23rd.
In this fourth podcast, Jeff tells us about the super important summer event that’s been keeping him busy (is it X-Men Origins: Wolverine?), Will explains how Fallout is like Metal Gear, and Lucas drinks from the precious “I ♥ Jim” mug. The dorks talk about new TV shows, bemoan the shallow ethnic diversity in superhero troupes, and debate the state of computer gaming. Prepare to be informed, amused, and offended.
The Justice League have more superpowers than they know what to do with. Batman on the other hand has no superpowers. With that in mind, College Humor presents a “realistic” take on what the power dynamic would actually look like within the Justice League of America.
The first trailer for Green Lantern: First Flight movie has hit the web.
Hit the HD and Fullscreen buttons
With the success of DC Comics and Warner Bros. previous direct-to-video animated features like Superman: Doomsday and Batman: Gotham Knight, a Green Lantern movie was bound to happen eventually. Green Lantern: First Flight introduces us to Hal Jordan, the first true Green Lantern—sorry Alan Scott—covering Jordan’s origin from his discovery of the power ring, up to and including his first battle with his nemesis Sinestro. First Flight also acts as a promotional tie-in for the upcoming live action Green Lantern film slated for release next year.
As a recent Green Lantern convert, I must say that I’m looking forward to seeing this. I’m currently reading Green Lantern: Rebirth, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn more about this great and underrated DC character. Although I still find many characters in the DC stable quite lame; Aquaman, Wonder Woman and Martian Manhunter come to mind, DC has finally sold me on Green Lantern.
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