I Don't Really Believe This Scoop.

That said, IF IT IS TRUE, I'd be very excited. Mainly because Christian Bale is Bruce Wayne, to me, and I think it's STUPID to try to launch a DC Universe on film with a Batman who's not Bruce Wayne. I don't care how popular Joseph Gordon-Leavitt is (and I'm a big fan), but I do not want to see "John Blake" Batman as a cornerstone of a film DCU. Which is also not to say I'm totally against re-casting. I'm not. It's a character thing, not an actor thing, but I am very, very fond of Bale as this character.

Now, that said...I don't see this happening. I don't see Nolan being interested. He was very specific about his Batman films being in a world with no other heroes, and, honestly, despite Marvel's success, I think that is the smartest course of action with this kind of material. Building a world specific to the character you're working on, and allowing that character to be special in that world. As much as I enjoy the Marvel Films productions, there is a generic feel to their world. I've said it often, Marvel Films is making very artful commerce.

Christopher Nolan made very commercial art. I think he said what he wanted to say about heroism and super-heroes in his three films. While I could imagine him finding some interest in telling a story about Superman, being such a diametrically opposed character, I think, based on his other films, shepherding a string of Green Lantern films, for example, isn't going to trip his trigger. Maybe the power running Warner Brothers DC franchise would give him, to do projects he feels more connected to, would. Who knows?

I honestly don't even think that Nolan is all that involved with Man of Steel. I think he lent his name to David Goyer to help move his script forward. Did he look at it and give notes? Sure, but I don't think he was as active a producer as many would like to believe.Will the final product have elements of Nolan's more "real world" Batman take? I would guess so, but I also think that has more to do with the fact that Nolan's Bat-saga was so popular. Not to mention that the same writer (Goyer) was responsible for the original scripts, in both cases.

So, I don't quite believe what El Mayimbe is selling...

But, lets say the WB is trying to circle the wagons, and get the people with a proven track record on board to try to expand the universe. I can't argue that it makes sense from a business perspective, and if Bale is willing to don the cowl again, I'd be happy to see it happen.

I will make this pitch, however...

Just do World's Finest, or Superman/Batman, or whatever you want to call it. I understand that Warners is very high on what Snyder has put together with Man of Steel, if it goes as well as people are apparently expecting, and you bring Bale back, the DC Universe on film is already established. Just by putting those two characters together, the two most universally recognized superheroes in the world (don't even argue - the only thing Marvel has that is close is Spider-Man), you have an epic, event film to rival The Avengers. You also have a cornerstone that you can build from, without eliminating options for the other characters.

IF, in fact, Nolan is actually contemplating jumping into this, I wouldn't be surprised if he was thinking the same thing.

DC Comics' New 52 - Week 4

Big week, purchase-wise. I have to say, after hearing from a few people that this week's books sucked, I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked ALMOST all these books.

All-Star Western #1 -$3.99

Written by JUSTIN GRAY and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art and cover by MORITAT

Even when Gotham City was just a one-horse town, crime was rampant – and things only get worse when bounty hunter Jonah Hex comes to town. Can Amadeus Arkham, a pioneer in criminal psychology, enlist Hex's special brand of justice to help the Gotham Police Department track down a vicious serial killer? Find out in this new series from HEX writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with lush artwork by Moritat (THE SPIRIT)

Two writers I love. An artist I love. A character I love.

I was REALLY nervous about this book. Jonah Hex is one of the titles that I really think should've survived the New 52 purge. It was simply the most consistently great book DC was putting out. I was not overly excited to have the series blend more closely into continuity. I was not excited to have a "Western" series set in one of the largest DC Universe's east-coast cities.

But, y'know, it works.

Hex gets more than a few laugh-out-loud badass one-liners, and I was amused by Doctor Arkham's attempts to psychoanalyze my favorite western bounty hunter. Generally, the story was compelling, and the characters were fun. I do hope the whole series isn't built around Hex and Arkham as some sort of Holmes/Watson team, and the title (and price) seem to suggest an anthology book. I'll be there.

Aquaman #1 - $2.99

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO

The superstar creators from BLACKEST NIGHT and BRIGHTEST DAY reunite to take AQUAMAN to amazing new depths!

Aquaman has renounced the throne of Atlantis – but the sea will not release Arthur Curry so easily. Now, from a forgotten corner of the ocean emerges… The Trench! A broken race of creatures that should not exist, an unspeakable need driving them, The Trench will be the most talked-about new characters in the DC Universe!

Pretty good first issue. I think maybe they hit the meta-textual "Aquaman sucks" angle one too many times. I certainly can't imagine the whole series based around people insulting Arthur Curry, then watching him kick ass. That said, a solid introduction to Aquaman, and a gentle reminder that he is a power player in the DCU.

Also - I'm looking forward to seeing how The Trench will play out. They're excellently creepy.

Batman: The Dark Knight #1 - $2.99
Written by DAVID FINCH
Art by DAVID FINCH and RICHARD FRIEND
Cover by DAVID FINCH

The Dark Knight struggles against a deadly – yet strangely familiar – foe in this phenomenal debut issue from superstar writer/artist David Finch (BRIGHTEST DAY, ACTION COMICS)!

As a mysterious figure slinks through the halls of Arkham Asylum, Batman must fight his way through a gauntlet of psychos, and Bruce Wayne faces the unexpected legal ramifications of Batman Incorporated!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ - *snort* Huh?

Oh, yeah...I'm dropping this book.

The Flash #1 - $2.99

Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art and cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Variant cover by IVAN REIS and TIM TOWNSEND

The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can't be everywhere at once, but what happens when he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that's not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!

Good start. It was more compelling, and made Barry Allen more of an interesting character, than Geoff John's series. I'm assuming Manapul is plotting. If so, nice job. He seems to understand that The Flash is all about movement, and keeping a flow going. Well done.

I also have to admit, sacking the Barry/Iris marriage, and inserting another possible love interest perked things up a lot. I like how Iris seems to assume a lot with Barry, and Barry's just kind of confused by it. Drama, man...

Superman #1 - $2.99

Written by GEORGE PÈREZ
Breakdowns and cover by GEORGE PÈREZ
Art by JESUS MERINO

The new adventures of Superman begin here! What is The Man of Steel's startling new status quo? How does it affect Lois Lane and The Daily Planet? There's no time for answers now, because Superman must stop a monstrous threat to Metropolis – one that he somehow is the cause of!

Still hate the suit. It's just too much blue. The red belt sets it off a little better (better than the suit for the new movie, anyway), but it just makes it look boring.

I had a friend say that Perez's dialogue sucked, but I don't agree. I felt it was a real classic comic book feel, and really the "ripped from the headlines" element flows a bit better than in Action, simply because the whole story is about it. It's a dense, classic, type of issue. Very little decompression. Perez shoves a lot of story into these 22 pages. I appreciate that, a lot.

I'm sad he won't be with the title longer...

New Comic Day 8.11.2010

It's a light week for me, thank God, because I haven't managed to get to my shop to pick up last weeks books yet. Since that was a pretty big week, this is a bit of a relief.

Booster Gold #35

Written by KEITH GIFFEN and J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA and RICH PEROTTA
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

Back in the past, Booster Gold is mistaken for himself and embarks on an untold journey in space with Blue Beetle to obtain a rare and secret artifact. Needless to say, their mission goes horribly, horribly wrong…

I love that this book is first on the list, because, as far as superhero fare, I will hazard to say this is the most fun I am having with a book right now. Giffen and DeMatteis re-visit the land of Justice League International, literally, using our time-traveling hero Booster Gold. It's sheer joy, funny and exciting in equal measure.

When I was at SDCC, I picked up three volumes of Justice League International trade paperbacks, mainly because this series has made me remember why I loved them so much. They also represent a sense of fun and truly unleashed imagination. Keith and J.M. just let themselves go with this stuff, crafting really entertaining reading on a monthly basis. They aren't worried about being the "coolest" thing on the market, only giving their readers a full $2.99 of fun and entertainment.

Dan Didio and Jim Lee ought to be looking at this sort of stuff, and, while not every series should be this goofy, it should be this much fun to read.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #13

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
INKS: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

There’s no other way to say it: In this issue...Spider-Man’s entire life is completely destroyed. Read the series that has fans and critics hooked as Brian Michael Bendis and David Lafuente rock out another unbelievable issue!

Here's another one. Brian Bendis, who in his SDCC panel told a aspiring writer that using his middle name made him sound like an "asshole, " and he regretted it, when working in the mainstream Marvel Universe, has kinda drank the kool-aid on the "coolness factor" as well. Thing is, out here in his little, Queens-centered, corner of the Marvel Ultimate Universe, he's just cranking out fun, entertaining stories.

The subject matter here probably is a factor. I don't think Bendis is really all that suited to the bombastic world of The Avengers. I think these little stories about teenagers dealing with superpowers, and life in general, is far more conducive to his impressive skill set. His Peter and MJ and Gwen, and the rest always feel like real kids, and, more importantly, real human beings. This series, and Powers, will be his masterpiece, I think.

MAYBE PICKING UP:

Superman #702

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by EDDY BARROWS and J.P. MAYER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
1:25 Variant cover by KEVIN NOWLAN

"Grounded" continues as Superman enters a small town in Ohio where, like many towns, a number of its residents are from other places. But when The Man of Steel discovers that there are also a number of residents secretly from other worlds, he unravels a mystery that may have grave consequences for Earth.

Wow, my morning Diet Mountain Dew was working well, until I saw that cover. What is the deal with dull-ass covers for this series? Look, I know everyone wants to draw an "iconic" Superman cover, but that doesn't mean stagnant. I like a dynamic cover, and I think most readers (and buyers) do too. I mean, Neal Adams can do both:



I mean how about something from the actual story? Y'know, it's not like it's just about Superman walking, or something...

Er. Well...

Look, I got a good vibe from at least the last couple of pages of Superman #701 (my good buddy KenG, the biggest Superman fan I know, absolutely does not agree), so I thought I might give Straczynski a few issues to see what he's doing. I still kinda feel that way, but I can't quite get over the "12 issues of this?" feeling.

I want to like a Superman title, I want to be reading a Superman title, but I can't tell if this is the one. I can say in JMS' defense, he's not going for the "cool" here. This is a meditative story, and clearly he is trying to establish a connection with Superman as an idea, and the real world, both in and out of comics. I think that's a great goal, but I don't know if this is what's going to do it.

DROPPING:

Ultimate Comics Avengers 3 #1

COVER BY: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
WRITER: MARK MILLAR
PENCILS: STEVE DILLON
INKS: ANDY LANNING

Blade is back in a bad way and that can only mean one thing: vampires are afoot! Somebody is leaving behind a bloody trail of bite marks and Blade’s stake-ready to take them on. Could the mysterious figure donned in an iron suit have something to do with it? And who exactly is the new figure leaping around down in a devil costume? As the Avengers get deeper into black ops, there’s no telling who’ll be thirsting for blood and who’ll be next on the menu! Bite into the next exhilarating series of ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS by superstar creators MARK MILLAR (CIVIL WAR, KICK-ASS) and STEVE DILLON (PUNISHERMAX)!

Oh, no...Millar, you are a cheap hack, and no tease of a "new Daredevil" is gonna get me to drop another $3.99 (yeah, no kidding...no back-up feature, or anything) on this garbage. Take some time off, count your movie money, and see if you can't come up with a story and characters that will make me care again.

ON THE PERSONAL SIDE:

When I pick up my books this week (likely Saturday), I'll be dropping off some copies of Steel City Serenade #0, by myself, Mark Pracht, and Zach Bosteel, at Chicago Comics for consignment sale. I'm thinking $1.50 for the 12-page zero issue. If you want to swing by and pick one up, please do.



It's also available digitally, for free, at the Steel City Serenade page on Zach's website.

That's about right

Just finished reading Superman #701, "Grounded: Part one."

I'm still not overly convinced that this storyline is worth a full 12 issues, as is would seem every issue will be a repeat of this one, in one form or another. It just seems like a rather low-key concept to hang a full year of stories on.

However, when I read this:

"To be a hero--and I'm not saying I am one. I'm just saying--is to live you life in a small cell who's bars are the principles and rules that define what you will and won't accept.

Injustice.

Cruelty.

Murder.

On the night they threw Henry Thoreau in jail for civil disobedience, a friend came to see him, saying 'Henry what're you doing in here?'

Thoreau said, "No, the question is what are you doing out there?"

If I am lucky enough, privileged enough to live in that cell, to serve in that box with the word hero written on it--Then I say to you, from somewhere deep inside that box--what are you doing out there?"

When I read that, I know I've read something by a writer that gets Superman.

Mr. J. Michael Straczynski, you've earned at least a couple more issues from this reader.

New Comic Day 7.14.2010 Plus, Other Comic Stuff.

Hey, hey...it's new comic day!

Batman #701

Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art and cover by TONY DANIEL

Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel re-team to tell the exciting 2-part, untold tale of Bruce Wayne and his adventures between BATMAN R.I.P. and FINAL CRISIS! What happened to Batman – and Dr. Hurt, for that matter – after the devastating events at the climax of R.I.P.? And what secrets within this story point toward THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE?

Ok, see, for me, R.I.P was not, in any way, a high point for Batman. I just don't think Grant Morrison has the temperament for the gritty, streets of the city stories that I prefer for a Bruce Wayne Batman. The Silver Age throwback stuff he's been doing in Batman and Robin, with the considerably lighter mood of Dick Grayson's Batman is wonderful. However, his pre-death of Bruce Wayne run was really, really flatline for me. The high concepts and vaguely goofy tone, well...it was like Roger Moore trying to work in a Sean Connery (or worse, a Daniel Craig) James Bond picture.

I know, I know the Denny O'Neil/Neal Adams 70's work I admire so much had globe-trotting and introduced Bond villain-like characters such as Ra's Al Guhl, but Bruce Wayne is obsessed with Gotham, and that's where he operates best.

This, of course, has nothing to do with this story, but I really never cared for Dr. Hurt as a villain before, what's changed? Probably not enough.

Booster Gold #34

Written by KEITH GIFFEN & J.M. DEMATTEIS
Art by CHRIS BATISTA & RICH PEROTTA
Cover by KEVIN MAGUIRE

Booster Gold travels into the past to right the wrongs of JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST. But when present-day Booster is mistaken for his past self, he lands in the middle of an old JLI mission with Blue Beetle and the man who killed him – Maxwell Lord!

God, I love this series right now. I had a friend ask me why I was so down on Justice League: Generation Lost, and the answer is simple. It's hawking the cast of the old Justice League International series, but is pretty much completely opposite in tone and style. JLI writers Giffen and DeMatteis are bringing that style and tone in Booster Gold, and that is what I'll be reading.

The Brave and The Bold #35

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art and cover by JESUS SAIZ

Inspired as always by their idols in the Legion of Super-Heroes last issue, the Legion of Substitute Heroes has also traveled back in time to recruit new members. But where their counterparts reached out to the Doom Patrol, the Subs have managed to enlist The Inferior Five! It ain't a stretch to suggest this won't end well.

Legion of Substitute Heroes = FULL OF WIN!!

The Spirit #4

Written by DAVID HINE
Co-feature written by MARV WOLFMAN
Art by MORITAT
Co-feature art by PHIL WINSLADE
Cover by LADRÖNN

New series writer David Hine comes aboard for the first chapter of "Frostbite!" The ultimate high has arrived on the corners of Central City, and the ghouls who deal it aren't interested in cutting the all-controlling Octopus in on the action! It doesn't take long for hot blood to hit the icy city streets! And in the co-feature, THE SPIRIT: BLACK & WHITE, Marv Wolfman and Phil Winslade show us what happens in Central City when the lights go out – every last one of them! It's a citywide blackout in black and white!

A series that is becoming one of DC's more interesting reads. In the tradition of creator Will Eisner, it's definitely one of the most stylish looking series you'll find on the rack. I'm still really enjoying this new take on the pulp-ish title character, but any time you bring in a new writer, there's a chance for things not to click. However, the talent on this book seem to approach things with the idea of taking risks, and that's exciting, even if they don't always work.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #12

COVER BY: DAVID LAFUENTE
WRITER: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
PENCILS: DAVID LAFUENTE
INKS: DAVID LAFUENTE GARCIA
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC

Guess what? That ain’t Peter Parker!! But it is Peter’s worst nightmare. Someone has taken Peter’s place in the world, his likeness, his everything, and he is—well—he is doing some damage! You won’t believe the mayhem that goes down in this issue! Join superstars BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (SIEGE, AVENGERS) and DAVID LAFUENTE (X-MEN, PATSY WALKER) as Peter battles the ultimate threat!

Are they trying to hide that it's an Ultimate version of The Chameleon? Because that seems pretty bluntly obvious to me.

Always a good read.

And, for this week, from the "maybe" pile:

Superman #701

Written by J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI
Art by EDDY BARROWS & J.P. MAYER
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
1:25 "DC 75th Anniversary" variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY

J. Michael Straczynski begins his highly anticipated run on SUPERMAN! After the devastating events of WAR OF THE SUPERMEN, how can Superman possibly continue his battle for Truth, Justice and the American Way? Find out here in "Grounded" part 1 and get in on the starting line of a modern-classic SUPERMAN story!

"Hot" writer comes on board to create a "classic" (or, sorry, "modern-classic") run on Superman...

Great.

I'm so conflicted about this. The story SEEMS like it could be interesting, with Kal-El literally walking across America to re-connect with the common people. Yet it starts with Superman feeling guilty because a woman berates him for letting her husband die of cancer? I can't help but feel like...It's Superman, by this point he would've come to terms with the idea that he can't save EVERYONE, and certainly not from a death by what amounts to natural causes.

So, yeah, I have doubts. I'll thumb through the book and make the call.

R.I.P. Harvey Pekar


In recent years, when we've lost various comic book creators, the word "giant" gets thrown around a lot. I usually don't make a big deal out of it, but most of the time these are excellent practitioners of standard superhero fare. Not trying to denigrate that, as, I'm sure it's obvious, I love superhero comics. Still, they rarely have a body of work that truly sets them apart form many, many others who have worked in the medium.

But Harvey Pekar was different...

The man who passed away early Monday morning in his Cleveland bedroom can truly be said to have expanded what could be explored or depicted in the realm of a comic book. Harvey Pekar was the sole writer of the series American Splendor since 1976.



Even for underground comics, American Splendor was different. It wasn't fiction, Pekar wrote short tales from his own life, and the lives of the "normal people" he worked and lived with every day. Harvey had no need for the fantastic, as he found a wealth of humanity and drama in his everyday world. Pekar's characters dealt with problems and challenges we all do, from buying a fresh loaf of bread to carrying a mattress back to an apartment, and he never allowed these tales to become anything more than what they were, snippits of normal life. He used the comics medium as a reporter, crafting almost a documentary of his Cleveland.

He, of course, didn't do it alone. Harvey could not draw. He engaged a string of extremely talented artists to craft the visuals. Underground comics legend R. Crumb drew the first issue. The talent that worked with him, and the breadth of styles on display, however, were staggering. Harvey, often a character of narrator of his tales, could appear as a rather handsome middle-aged guy to a flea-bitten slob.

The book gave Pekar some fame. He made several infamous appearances on David Letterman's show that are fondly remembered.



I'd like to say that I'd been a fan of Harvey's for years, but I can't. I'm a superhero kid, and my tastes have always leaned that way. I was aware of American Splendor, in a cursory way, as a fan of the medium, but never actually read the book until 2003. Shamefully, I came to it from the American Splendor movie directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, starring Paul Giamatti as Pekar. It's an amazing movie, and one of the best, if not THE best comic book-inspired movie I have ever seen. (Giamatti is simply fantastic.)

After seeing the film, I made an effort to read more of Harvey's work. It's a step I have never regretted. Harvey's stories weren't standard storytelling, for sure. The point was bits of life, not smooth storytelling, and sometimes the story would end right as you were becoming engaged with it. Pekar didn't care about crafting a smooth story, he cared about truth. that's what he aimed for, and almost always hit his target.

I recommend any of his books, and certainly any of the American Splendor collections.

SDCC

The San Diego Comic-Con is right around the corner. It's kind of hard to believe it's so close. One week from today I'll be in sunny San Diego, probably trying to get my registration and badge squared away.

Programming is always the primary thought at this point. Going over the schedule, trying to figure out what's a "must see," and what's not. I have to say it's the part of the whole process I hate, and love the most.

I love it because it's all about possibilities. It's this list of wonderful things to see, wonderful creators to ask questions of. Movie Stars right in front of you, etc....

I hate it, well...Look at the daily schedules:

Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday

No matter how you finesse this process, you're going to miss something you would really like to see. Take Saturday, for example. In Hall H, the huge "it's a big deal" room, we have a string of movie presentations. Green Lantern, Harry Potter (meh), Cowboys and Aliens (Harrison Ford...maybe), and the big Marvel deal Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, and The Avengers. It's all stuff I would like to see...

But entering Hall H means YOU ARE IN HALL H, and going in and out is not really an option. You want a seat? You stay right where you are. If I go in there on Saturday, I miss out on all the other panels that might be happening.

And there's stuff I'd like to see, Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams talking about their 70's Batman work, a panel on SHAZAM! (Captain Marvel) in the Golden Age (that would be pre-50's). Not to mention various panels with current writers and artists. Y'know, the COMIC BOOK stuff.

Early on, I swore I wouldn't spend all day waiting to see some 2 minute sizzle reel, that would be on the internet within hours. That I would remember my past SDCC trips, and how the most memorable panels featured people you really want to see speak before they leave us. In 2006 I saw a Golden Age Batman panel that was amazing, a bunch of old pros talking about what a bastard Batman creator Bob Kane was. It was fun, interesting, and I think half of that panel is no longer with us.

In 2008 Sean H and I watched a tribute panel for Famous Monsters of Filmland publisher/Editor, and general spokesman for fanboys everywhere, Forrest J. "Forry" Ackerman. He passed away less than six months later. Watching Forry in front of that room, even in as poor a health as he was, was one of the most moving things I had ever seen. He could barely speak any longer, but the man just glowed. It was so clear how much he loved entertaining people and seeing the fan community around him. By the end of the string of testimonials and stories about Mr. Ackerman, I was literally in tears.

I spent 3 hours waiting to get into the Watchmen panel that year, and left feeling like "well, that was OK."

Yeah, I think maybe sticking to the "no movies" rule is a good plan.