Hmm, the two women I find most attractive of that lot didn't really get what I'd consider good treatments.

Hawkgirl: While I love the antiquated jetpack and the bubble gum, the focus just seems to be off with that cover. It actually took me a while to get it: the sleeve for an old-style baseball card that came with bubble gum. Now, what bugs me about it is that she sort of shares focus with the fact that there's also bubble gum in the sleeve. I give them credit for doing something creative, but there's just not enough of her to be a proper pin-up style bombshell. They used the baseball card image with Katherine Kane and gave Hawkgirl the scraps. Really, if I were doing this I'd've given Hawkgirl Harley's situation. While I think they did a fantastic job on Harley's -just beautiful- Hawkgirl just seems a better match for the side of a bomber.

Poison Ivy: The exact opposite problem of Hawkgirl. Ivy's sex-appeal is known; it's a part of that Universe. I think it's kind of lazy to just put all of her bits on display. It works, it makes sense, and it's fine as it is, but again it just seems very obvious. I'd have gone with something more like Arisia's for Ivy, not necessarily subtle in its sexiness, but not all on display.

That being said, the one that won me over was Lois Lane. I'm not really a fan of Lois, but there's something very sexy about a hidden (yet obvious) figure.

Also, isn't the Katherine Kane one is sort of a stereotype? I'm not the most progressive man on the planet, but come on, make the Lesbian a softball player?

It's galling that Earth-2 isn't something along those lines. That's what makes that Allred JSA variant all the more bitter. It's just dangling exactly what Earth-2 isn't in a JSA fan's face. Can't imagine the kids enjoying the shithead Super-Killer universe will have any idea what's going on there, either. Just a terrible mish-mash of clashing ideas.

How long did/has Cooke stuck with the Watchmen stuff he was doing?
Gotta think a New Frontier on-going would be a much better use of his skills. Dunno how interested he is, though. Seems like he was satisfied with getting it all out as a single succinct piece. The special wasn't the best endorsement for more adventures, but I'm sure a series opens things up to better.

I wonder if he'd think about telling some of the Golden Age stories that New Frontier skipped over. I'd like to see his Hourman in action. More Wildcat couldn't hurt. GL, Flash and the gang are always a treat. I wonder what he would do with Captain Marvel, given prompting.

It's just such a shame. Into and through the 2000s they really got the house in order. It felt like the culmination of a refinement process that started with Crisis, had a lot of ugly bumps along the way, but was finally paying off. They had the best of both worlds, going backwards and forward. To start it all over again in the way they have... There's just no getting away from the fact we've got significantly less than we had before.

A guy like Mark Waid says, 'It's okay. I'm not the audience, it isn't for me.' An informed columnist on CBR says, 'Forget criticism, it's not for me, I'm not the audience' Then you've got gimmicked variants like these and the Allred covers. You've got Batman '66 generating buzz. You're trying to celebrate a 75th anniversary. These things obviously and impartially clash with the company philosophy that seems to be driving numbers down, regardless of who's being won.

It all starts to seem pretty darn silly.

The thing that bothers me is, if we aren't the target audience any more, then who IS?

'Cause sales sure aren't going up, the top selling comics each month still only sell about sixty to a hundred thousand copies, which is a pretty pitiful goddamn number...

Well, this is what I'm saying. The belaboured voice of understanding starts to get pretty silly when the numbers head steadily south. Of course, the snag is still the uncertainty of digital sales, the presumption paper cannot survive, and (ironically enough) the explosion of a series like Injustice.

Injustice really illuminates who the target audience is. It's proof of concept.
It might not be the New 52 itself, but it's the hand-in-glove cross-promotional gateway that probably should've always been a part of their business. Gamers are ingrained in the style of pop culture, have the potential to be habitual supporters, are impulse buyers/not very good with money, and expect the least out of a reading medium. If their interest can be piqued, sustained, and facilitated through easy click-through digital purchasing platforms - they're probably gonna replace a more demanding, traditional comics readership. The cartoon only kids are in there somewhere, too. Movie-goers are broad enough to feed that beast, as well. The dribble of traditional readers that will go there, is helpful, too.

If you want to indulge their way of thinking - it really does make sense.

If you want the medium to stand on its own strengths and sell those as unique and interesting virtues that move the broader culture forward -- instead of pandering to the lowest common denominator for cheap, short term sales boosts. Harder to accept.

Not really a character I have a lot of affection for, but I think Ragdoll's the kind of toy you want to at least have in your playbox. Nice for the Secret Six fans who felt sold up the river, too.

- Cornell Counts Down The Last Days of WOLVERINE Before September's Death



Nrama: One guest star we do know about is two martial arts masters, in the form of Shang-Chi and Iron Fist. Logan has skills, but I’d argue strictly on hand-to-hand battles those two would have him beat. Can you tell us about this team-up?

Cornell: Logan seeks them out to help him with a very specific problem, and they take him to a very specific (real) geographical location. I've always loved Shang-Chi, and I've enjoyed tweaking him a little this time out. But I do get to use his narration, which is always a joy.

Good, bad, or indifferent, I'm glad whatever this thing is, the world has that image of Shang-Chi, Iron Fist & Wolverine tangling up. That's awesome.

Except DC is actively choosing to chase that particular potential market away. A LOT of noise has been made by fans who grew up on the Teen Titans cartoon, for example, who now that they're older, wanted to get into the books but saw not only nothing on the shelf that even remotely resembles the characters from the show, but also a Starfire interpretation that actively offended them, and Dan Didio's response to stuff like this has always been essentially "Well we'd rather be the tastemakers than follow what an adaptation did".
(And then on the other hand they go and make like three books with Batman Beyond in it...but that's probably more a case of "Batman sells, we can never have enough books about Batman or versions of Batman".)

- Felipe Smith Revs Up GHOST RIDER’s Engines of Vengeance



- ENTOURAGE Writer Brings 'Hong Kong/Luc Besson' To Marvel's DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG FU



Gooooood times for the Marvel 70s revivals!


I can only endorse the harshest of Darwinian treatments for Teen Titans fans. Time for big boy pants. Survive or die, y'little twerps! Wooo!

I haven't collected comics in years, but after coming across this in the past few days:



I decided to get back into it (probably just for this series, unless something else catches my eye). I also just grabbed Batman/Superman doomsday w/ 3d cover.

Before when I used to collect comics, I used to be a sucker for the variant/foil covers and major events like marvel's fatal Attractions, breaking of Batman and the death of Superman.

"Big boy pants" are the wardrobe of choice for people who prefer a book that has consistently for the past decade been pretty much THE worst comic at DC month in and month out, over a cartoon that, while yes, a little bit kiddy, did a far better job characterizing Cyborg, Beast Boy, Raven, and Starfire than anyone has since Wolfman and Perez were in their prime?

Much as I delight at the idea of Teen Titans fans suffering in their drama soaked underoos -- it's a real shame the book hasn't been given a better shot. The constant shuffling and revamps had to be a bum move by anyones playbook. Especially when they seem to add a right element, only to undo it shortly thereafter.

Seemed like [Geoff] Johns was doing some interesting work, but obviously that's a brief, distant memory at this point. I liked the idea of mentor schemes based on the Trinity heads when that was happening. Adding Static to the team seemed like the biggest no brainer in the universe. Blue Beetle another one. The Superboy/Robin/Impulse line-up had a good look to it. I'm sure my idea of good Teen Titans veers from what many others think, though. I would say getting distance from the Wolfman years is not only a good idea, but a priority. At least on a foundation level. (Pulling story beats, a whole other story).

I cannot bring myself to indulge the Teen Titans cartoon. Young Justice had its moments, but also a lot of that indulgent teen soap opera that can get a bit grinding. Robin sounds like a little turd. It's nice that they aren't in a pubescent power fantasy segregation bubble, though.


Special note for anyone reading along: Don't forget we have a whole forum dedicated to the DC Universe. Current major topics:

- The Flash Teaser Promo/Extended Trailer
- Ben Affleck Batman & Batmobile reveal
- CW Arrow Finale
- Gotham TV News, Previews & Trailer
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I really couldn't stand Young Justice, personally. It was the characterizations that bugged me the most, it was like if you made a Ninja Turtles show consisting of nothing but multiple Raphs and Michelangelos. The dynamic is all out of whack there.

I also felt that most of its worldbuilding attempts were wrongheaded, i.e. a teen team of all fucking things being Batman's secret black ops squad, Zatanna being Robin-aged, lack of Cyborg/Raven/Starfire, the five year timejump between seasons, etc.

I'm also a little bitter that it being on at the same time as the vastly better written GL animated series, combined with GL being CGI and that being an unpopular choice these days, caused Lantern to be overlooked by so many people. That show was spectacular.

- Preview: Ultimate FF #2



Still feeling a lot of fascination for UFF. With those scratchy finishes and the general off-kilter vibe of it all, I'm getting a Marvel Comics Presents vibe off of it all. Dr. Doom, Sub-Mariner, those crazy UFF colours. I think I'm digging it.

- Preview: Daredevil #3



DD vs The Shroud! Woo!

- "The Multiversity" Arrives in DC Comics' August Solicitations


THE MULTIVERSITY #1
Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:10 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS
1:25 Variant cover by CHRIS BURNHAM
1:50 Variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
1:100 Variant cover by GRANT MORRISON
Blank variant cover available
On sale AUGUST 20 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with six covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The biggest adventure in DC’s history is here!
Join visionary writer Grant Morrison, today’s most talented artists, and a cast of unforgettable characters from 52 alternative Earths of the known DC Multiverse! Prepare to meet the Vampire League of Earth-43, the Justice Riders of Earth-18, Superdemon, Doc Fate, the super-sons of Superman and Batman, the rampaging Retaliators of Earth-8, the Atomic Knights of Justice, Dino-Cop, Sister Miracle, Lady Quark, the legion of Sivanas, the Nazi New Reichsmen of Earth-10 and the latest, greatest Super Hero of Earth-Prime: YOU!
Comprising six complete adventures – each set in a different parallel universe – plus a two-part framing story and a comprehensive guidebook to the many worlds of the Multiverse, THE MULTIVERSITY is more than just a multipart comic-book series. It’s a cosmos spanning, soul-shaking experience that puts YOU on the frontline in the Battle for All Creation against the demonic destroyers known as the Gentry!
In issue #1, pencilled by superstar artist Ivan Reis (AQUAMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE), President Superman of Earth-23 uncovers a threat to all Reality so apocalyptic it will take a team of incredible heroes from across the Multiverse to face it – including Captain Carrot, like you’ve never seen him before!
But even with a multitude of alternate worlds to choose from, where every variation is possible, can anyone hope to prevail against the onslaught of ultimate evil and undying hatred – in the unstoppable form of a one-time cosmic defender with unimaginable powers?! Join us, if you dare, for the beginning of THE MULTIVERSITY!

Yessss!

- Marvel, Diamond Release Hi-Res Look at Jim Cheung's "Axis" Art



I think back to 1989 and how much I loved Acts of Vengeance. It stayed with me for the decade that followed. It was always an appealing thought, that one day the villains would play switch up in a sequel event. It's amazing how much fun modern writers have bled out of things.

I don't know how many versions of the Illuminati concept have been trotted out in the last five years. It feels like a lot. Never mind the fact that the franchise borders that made the original Acts of Vengeance a thrilling high concept pitch are practically non-existent. Marvel events have been in the doldrums for a good while now, too.

- WTF IS THIS?! Image Announces Nightworld, a Demonic Humor Romance Comic



This looks pretty interesting. Image quoted the review's Kirby/Allred blend -- I'm getting some serious Paul Pope, personally. Looks like a lot of fun.

"The Fade Out," "Dead @ 17," "Wayward" and More in Image's August 2014 Solicitations

NIGHTWORLD #1 (of 4) story : PAOLO LEANDRI & ADAM McGOVERN art / cover: PAOLO LEANDRI & DOM REGAN AUGUST 6 / 32 PAGES / FC / E / $3.99 Sad demon Plenilunio rules a haunted castle with his sleepwalking lover Lidia, and unwisely bargains with the evil Empyre to wake her. He's in a race for the mystic Soul Key with teen-from-hades Hotspot and the ruthless Hellena -- agents of the Empyre with secret agendas. A four-part thrill ride to hell starts here, with humor, horror, tragic romance, and blockbuster monster fights, from the cult-hit team of ADAM McGOVERN & PAOLO LEANDRI (DR. ID, Idoru Jones).

All I can think is "why would any of these people hang out with Carnage?"
Well...okay, that and "Who's the guy with the mustache?" I'm sure I'd be able to place him if I could see any of his costume.

It looks like he's in a happier place. Future's so bright he gotta wear shades.


I don't think that's a moustache. I just assumed it's Sabretooth with prominent features that are either intended to be slightly cat-like, or have been colored a little too light and are calling attention to it.

Ahhhh! More awesome Allred covers! This time an unused JLA cover coloured by @nwcomics!

- Charles Soule Investigates "She-Hulk's" Blue File







Holy shit! It's like Peter Chung did a comic and I love it!

- Preview: 100th Anniversary Special - Spider-Man #1 (Unlettered)



Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the 100th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL – SPIDER-MAN #1, from rising star creators Sean Ryan and In-Hyuk Lee. What does the wallcrawler look like in the far-flung future of 2061? The Kingpin has taken control of his ultra-powerful techno-symbiote suit. One of his most powerful weapons in the hands of one of his most powerful enemies, Spider-Man will have to prove once again why he’s the greatest superhero in the world!

Each week in July sees a new 100th Anniversary Special featuring fan-favorite creators and rising stars as they envision the Marvel Universe of 2061! With the Kingpin in possession of a deadly weapon capable of limitless control, it’s up to the one and only Spider-Man to stop him. But how can he?

Must be something in the water. Sounds fun!

- Marvel's "Ultimate FF" to End in August with #6

"Ultimate FF" will end in August with issue #6, CBR News has confirmed with Marvel. The series is absent from the publisher's recently released September 2014 solicitations, though a collected edition of all six issues is scheduled out that month.

Late last month, CBR reported that Marvel had planned a hiatus for both "Fantastic Four" and "Ultimate FF," due to the live-action rights of the franchise residing at 20th Century Fox. Yet it's likely sales were the biggest factor: the reported estimated sales for May's issue #2 put it at No. 141 on Diamond's chart, near the bottom of Marvel's offerings for that month.

Bit of a bummer, but can't be too shocked. Even without the license politicking and bigger, badder plans for FF on the whole, this was a strange book with a short fuse. Thought it might get a guaranteed 12, but thems the breaks. A weird old book that the Ultimate probably could've used more of - sooner.

- COULD A New DC CRISIS Lead to Another REBOOT in 2015? We Analyze the Clues

If it means ending The New 52 and getting back to business, I'll be hoping there's plenty of truth to this. Feel like a lot of their major events have teased backdoors out of the reboot universe, though. Or maybe I just keep looking for them. Just hope we avoid another clusterfuck. Like a movie-inspired reboot, or some nonsense. (Famous last words...)

DC does these massive over corrections and then over corrects to correct their incorrect massive over corrections. Next Batman will be in his own universe entirely.

- First Look: SILVER SURFER #4



Meanwhile, in a better place in the universe...