Do My DC Comics Matter Anymore?



As long as you enjoyed the stories, your comics will always matter.

 DC’s decision to reinvigorate their line of books by starting many of their titles over at #1, and cancelling several altogether, means we have some decisions to make about our comic book consumption.

Do we stop reading DC Comics until September?

Nope. But there’s a but. In my case at least. You couldn’t get me to stop reading Detective Comics, Power Girl, Batgirl, Green Lantern or Batman, Incorporated—even if DC had instead announced that they were going to stop publishing everything in September. However, I might stop buying some of the titles that I’ve been more lukewarm on and switch over to some more of the Flashpoint titles as they might give me some insight into the DCU after Flashpoint. Or I might just hold onto my money. Or buy that TPB I’ve been wanting.

Do any of my DC Comics matter anymore?

If you’re asking yourself this question, I don’t know why you’re reading comics. In 1986 John Byrne rebooted the entire Superman franchise. Yet, to this day, I will still pull out my copy of DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore and read what are two of the greatest Superman stories every published: “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow” and “For the Man Who Has Everything.” These are Golden Age Superman stories that are as perfect today as they were over 25 years ago.

As long as we enjoy the stories that our favorite writers and artists have produced, they’ll always matter. Identity Crisis, “Batman R.I.P”, Brightest Day, “Hush”, 52, “Tower of Babel”—whether or not these stories remain a part of cannon, they matter as long as we were compelled to read them. Even Amazons Attack!

Mark Waid magnificently retold Superman’s origin in 2002’s Superman: Birthright, extinguishing what Byrne had established in The Man of Steel. In 2010 Geoff Johns wrote Superman: Secret Identity. This was another solid retelling of Superman’s origin, but which also served to take Waid’s story out of cannon. But I will read any one of these books because I’ve enjoyed what each writer has uniquely brought to the table, whether  it’s a part of the character’s current history or not.

Good stories matter because they inspire our imagination to go wild, they make us giddy, they fill us with awe, they challenge our preconceived notions, and—above all—they entertain us. If you’re asking if the comic books you’re currently reading matter, since DC is rebooting their entire line in September, then I would question why you’re reading what you’re reading.

DC to Digitally Publish Entire Renumbered Line Day-and-Date

Well, they’re going to do it. DC is the first of the two major comic book publishers to break the taboo: DC Comics is going Day-and-Date on their entire renumbered comic book line.

Until this point, DC and Marvel have only gotten their feet wet with offering a smattering of book available for download on the day they are available in your local comic shop. The major fear: a negative effect on retailers.

It’s comic book retailers who have helped the industry to flourish since the 80’s by making a wider range of comic books and related merchandise available to readers for so many years. But comic book sales have been sliding—the economy hasn’t helped—and the industry could use a boost.

So how long does a publisher wait? With comic book piracy a genuine concern, it’s time to consider making comic books more available to people who would be willing to pay for them. I’m not dense—I don’t believe making comic books available electronically will end piracy, I just believe that if the books were available for immediate purchase, an opportunity is created to sell something to a consumer whose only prior choice to own it was to steal it.

First Post Flashpoint Picture: The New DC Universe

See anything different?

What is this...HAS DC GONE CRAZY?

No Super undies?
No Bathing Suit?

DC is truly going to new places...

More than 52 new books are coming out in September as they introduce "a more modern, diverse DC Universe."

Per CBR in an interview with USA Today, Dan DiDio said "We looked at what was going on in the marketplace and felt we really want to inject new life in our characters and line," "This was a chance to start, not at the beginning, but at a point where our characters are younger and the stories are being told for today's audience."

I am sorry but to be a complete fanboy here....I am totally hooked and can not wait to see what DC has in store for the fans.

The book that kicks off the new DC U will be Justice League #1.

Today, DC via there blog made it official stating the following,

"This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.

On Wednesday, August 31st, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of JUSTICE LEAGUE by NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

The publication of JUSTICE LEAGUE issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series FLASHPOINT and the first issue of JUSTICE LEAGUE by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.

In the hours, days and weeks to come, we’ll have more news about the other titles."

DC Comics: Number One

We said it while ago...something is happening at DC Comics and now it seems the rumors are true.

Per Bleeding Cool,

DC Comics is stopping all of its titles and starting over at number one.

The status quo will be changed and there are absolutely no plans to go back.

How much or how little of the change is still unknown.

Look for more information as its released.

The complete outline will be announced at this years LA Hero Complex.

Geoff Johns / Jim Lee : Justice League #1

We have been talking a great deal lately about what is to come for DC Comics post Flashpoint.

It's all been rumors but one thing is for sure, something big is going to happen.

Per Bleeding Cool, we are getting at least one of the big ideas.

In September DC Comics will provide fans with a new Justice League title by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee.

The role call is what fans want... Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and others who we will have to assume will get fans excited.

Something that should be noted, is that the book is called Justice League.

No America, or International, or Europe attached.

On June 11 at LA Hero Complex both Johns and Lee plan to announce what DC Comics's plans are moving forward.

Both Don and I will be there so we will be sure to provide what they have to say.

Hawkman: The Motion Picture

You will believe a man can fly...with Nth Metal Wings

Various sites are reporting that The WB are looking for writers to pen the true adventures of DC Comics's Hawkman for a feature length film

These sites are also sharing the following published logline,

Part INDIANA JONES/DA VINCI CODE, part GHOST tentpole about the fictional superhero that appears in D.C. Comic books. He used archaic weaponry and large, artificial wings attached to a harness made of the Nth metal that allows flight. Most incarnations of Hawkman work closely with a partner/romantic interest named Hawkgirl or Hawkwoman in his fight against supervillains. Based on the DC comic.

What do we think?

Can Hawkman take flight?

(fun note: Hawkman was my first Super Powers action figure)

Wonder Woman

IFanboy has provided a review of the Wonder Woman pilot. You can read it here.

The gang over at IFanboy also has a handful of screen shots of the Amazonian Warrior.

This last picture is bad ass.

I would LOVE to get our hands on the pilot. errrrr

DAMN YOU NBC

Superhero Films: Thanks / No Thanks

This week a new X-Men film premieres and its just one of many comic book related films to hit the screens this summer.

For the last 10 years or so Hollywood has peppered our multiplexes with various movies starring men and woman of superhero stature.

So many are good...and so many are not so good.

Throughout the week we will be providing our thoughts and opinions on a few of these films.

So get ready for Superhero Films: Thanks / No Thanks

Video Reviews: ‘Detective Comics’ #877 and ‘Wolverine’ #9

Christian reviewed, among other things, Wolverine #9 (a 4 out of 5) and Detective Comics #877 (4.5 out of 5)! I’m going to have to agree with you Christian that these were two of last week’s best reads. I might go out on a limb and say that I enjoyed Wolverine a mite more—but I think we can agree and say these are two fantastic runs for these books.

Christian is ready to catch you up on some last week’s other comic books—and it was a damn good week for books (though, not all were perfect)! Head to Christian’s YouTube channel to watch more of his reviews. This week he also reviewed The Tattered Man one-shot, Secret Avengers #13, and Amazing Spider-Man #662.

Detective Comics #877

Wolverine #9

DC BEGINS: Our New Takes on the Icons of the DCU

Marvel’s forefather Stan Lee took a stab at DC’s greatest heroes (as well as the Justice League and Crisis on Infinite Earths) back in 2001 and 2002’s Just Imagine Stan Lee. While Jerry and I did not aspire for something as ambitious, with the rumors that DC might be going through a reinvention of its comic book line, we’ve written a series of posts that feature our ideas on how we might make the icons of DC Comics over.

As we mentioned on our podcast last week, this was all done out of our affection for these some of the greatest characters in comic book history.

Superman: Superman is no man of mystery—but maybe in some ways he should be.

Batman: Has Batman’s family grown too big? It might be time to kick some of the sidekicks away.

Green Lantern: Hal Jordan is no also-ran. His place in the DCU should be more prominent.

The Flash: Was the return of Barry Allen necessary? And is the Flash facing off enemies who are formidable enough for the Fastest Man Alive.

Wonder Woman: Does our heroine have enough wonder left in her? Perhaps another woman could don the famous bracelets and lasso.

The Justice League of America: There’s only one JLA. But why? Wouldn’t the world’s greatest super team franchise themselves out to make sure the world is free of threats?

Checcetto's 'Punisher' Art: Crime Has Never Looked So Good

Like Daredevil, the Punisher has never been one of those characters that has caused me to gravitate to his stories. I am however tempted to drive down to my local comic shop to pick up Jason Aaron’s current PunisherMax run. This August Greg Rucka and Marco Checcetto take a stab at the character who’s been taking stabs at the criminal element for nearly 40 years.

This weekend, Rucka and editor Steven Wacker tweeted a teaser and a stunning interior page from Checchetto (after the jump). This book may be bloody, but it’s going to look bloody good.

Marvel Previews 'Daredevil' #1 by Waid, Rivera and Martin

As a kid, I used to read Frank Miller’s early run on Daredevil as he fought crime alongside Elektra and characters like the Gladiator (c’mon he had buzz saws attached to his gloves). I believe my first issue was Daredevil #174 and I made it through Elektra’s death just issues later, then gave up on the series. I was ten and wanted to see my superheroes fight the most colorful of characters and Daredevil was always going up against some bald fat guy. Okay, okay, my comic book taste palette had not yet begun to mature and I never checked in on Daredevil again. I would love to pick up the runs of Bendis and Brubaker in the past decade, two which were met with great critical success.

The character has been languishing in a creative funk for the past few years and Marvel is ready to bring the character back to greatness—this time under the guidance of Mark Waid. In March the writer’s told Comic Book Resources that he will not be going as dark with this book as readers have been accustomed to:

“Tonally, it's still very much a crime series, but we're toning down the noir a bit and playing up the high adventure a bit more,” said Waid. “He's the Man Without Fear. I want to see that constantly. I want to see him diving face-first into perils that would make Green Lantern shriek like a little girl.”

We’ll see if Waid’s approach strikes the right chord with fans of Matt Murdock’s darker days. If the preview pages by Paola Rivera and Marcos Martin that Marvel released of Daredevil #1 are any indication, this is going to be the book to pick up when it is released on July 7^th. See what you think after the jump!

Cape Town Community Podcast - Ep. 019 - "No Mo’ Mogo”

Jerry is on a peace seeking mission in a far off galaxy this week, but will return to our airwaves next week. Max Beckman is filling in for out nineteenth episode in which we spend much of our times discussing this week’s “War of the Green Lantern” books, Nick Spencer “Fear Itself” crossovers, and Wolverine titles.  While we are getting a kick out of the Green Lantern titles, we did have some tough-love for DC this week.

The show is embedded below and is now available on iTunes for subscription. Each episode will labeled "podcast" so you can link to previous episodes here on the blog. Refer to the Show Notes after the jump as well as a direct link to download the MP3.

First 'X-Men' Reviews are First Class

There are two kinds of people: 1) People who check Rotten Tomatoes on the day they are going to see a movie, and 2) People who check Rotten Tomatoes about two and a half weeks in advance to see if any early reviews have come in for their genre-flick (“The first Thor review is up—it’s good”). Two weeks in and they’ll check it once in the morning and a second time towards the evening (“Six more Thor reviews. Holding steady at 97%”). One week prior to the movie’s release they are checking it intermittently (“Thor’s still looking good at 86%”), now checking it periodically like stock shares (“Still totally respectable at 83%”).

I’m in the second group. What can I say—when I want a movie to succeed, I really get behind it. That brings us the early reviews of X-Men: First Class. As of today, the film is garnering a 100% “fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes with 15 reviews so far. This is still early in the game, but the reviews aren’t simply complimentary—they seem pretty enthusiastic about the film’s quality.

Daily Express

First Class takes the X-Men story back to its roots and is just the kick in the pants the series needed. It is smart, spectacular, never cheesy, often thrilling and always incredibly entertaining.

The Vine

X-Men: First Class is a rock-solid piece of storytelling.

Digital Spy

An action blockbuster with rollercoaster thrills and laughs that has a fundamentally intelligent core.

While none of the Top Critics have released their reviews yet, this is an encouraging start. X-Men: First Class opens nationwide on June 3^rd.

Marvel Previews 'The Mighty Thor' #3

I'm glad to have jumped onto the Thor-bandwagon with last month's The Mighty Thor, the latest title chronicling the adventures of the God of Thunder by Matt Fraction and Olivier Coipel. The first issue seemed to drop new readers into the middle of the Thor universe, but I found the book to be accessible nonetheless. But it is Coipel's art that is as astounding as it has ever been.

Marvel released a preview of some of the pages from issue #3 and the artist is hitting it of the park with every page. From the cover with the iconic helmet of one of the Marvel U's most fearsome baddies to said villain slouching over, hungrily looking at the sustinence of the Milky Way (after the jump). This is some fine stuff for sure.

Flash and Burn: Geoff Johns Off ‘The Flash’

I think most of assumed Flash was either going to be getting a new title or a refreshening once Flashpoint ended, but it appears that we may be in for something more drastic.  DC’s blog The Source announced that Johns is off of writing the Flash altogether.

Surprised? I am.

Bringing Barry Allen back to the DCU was a big deal. Bringing him back to prominence was the challenge. Johns told a few good stories but his characterization of Barry might have been too true to the character. His Barry was dry and lacking the charisma of his Modern-Age predecessor Wally West. Earlier this week I suggested that Barry was brought back as result of our nostalgic desires to have deceased DC heroes restored to the rightful place in the comic book universe.

The Avengers Film May Have a HUGE Villain

There are tons of rumors going around...and after seeing Thor we can all pretty much assume that one of the villains is Loki....but per Latino Review....

See Spoiler after the jump

Superman: The Movie Figure

Is Christopher Reeve your favorite Superman?

Well then you are in luck.

Hot Toys will be releasing a 1/6th scale collectible Christopher Reeve Superman figure.

No release date as of yet...but it will be hitting shelves soon.

You can check out more pictures here.

DC BEGINS: Batman

How could anyone think Batman needs an update…he’s the perfect character. DC’s number one selling character?

Yes it’s true.

Batman stands the test of time. Unlike any other superhero his origin has only been slightly tweaked.

And for years now writer Grant Morrison has pushed the character to an obvious and wonderful direction.

So, if DC was to take on a fresh or new take on the character, what could anyone do to improve the character?

Answer

Robin.

 

Seven New 'X-Men: First Class' Clips

With only one week to go before X-Men: First Class hits theaters, Fox is beginning to release several clips from the film that should keep fans satiated before the film opens. Just from these brief glimpses of the film, it sure looks as though Matthew Vaughn has delivered a serious and exciting X-Men film even though the production was admittedly rushed.

After the jump you’ll find seven new clips from the film.

X-Men: First Class opens nationwide on June 3^rd. The film stars James McAvoy (Charles Xavier), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw), January Jones (Emma Frost), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert), Nicholas Hoult (Hank McCoy), Jason Flemyng (Azazel), Zoe Kravitz (Angel Salvadore), Lucas Till (Alex Summers), Caleb Landry Jones (Sean Cassidy), and Oliver Platt (Man in Black). The film is directed by Matthew Vaughn.

'Smallville: Turn Off the Clark'

This is obscure but damn funny! This sketch, titled "Smallville: Turn Off the Clark" ("That title doesn't even make sense"), is from this week's MAD series from the Cartoon Network. The show takes a few punches at Smallville but really skewers Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark director Julie Taymor.

Why Aren't You Reading 'T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents'?

Frank Quitely provided the spectacular cover art for issue #1.

How come nobody’s reading T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents?

Series writer Nick Spencer and artist Cafu are producing one of the most exciting, densely layered mainstream comic books being published today. For fans of Spencer’s creator-owned work on Morning Glories and Infinite Vacation, I guarantee you will equally enjoy what the super-scribe cooks up each month in this superhero-espionage epic.

Firstly, while T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents is based on a forty-some-year-old property, the main story focuses as much on the writer’s own creations as it does on the superheroes whose name carries the book.

Like a Good Neighbor, the X-Men are There

So that just happened.

With summer movie budgets growing exponentially, smart film companies look for synergistic advertising opportunities to cross sell one product while getting the name of their movies out to a sometimes fickle movie-going public. Typically we get a lot of automobile/movie ads. This seems easy to cross sell because cars can dramatically turns corners through seriously inclement weather—it’s easy to intercut action-packed superhero clips between these shots.

Thor had Acura, James Bond had Aston Martin, and Iron Man had Audi. X-Men: First Class has… Farmer’s… Insurance. Huh. That seems as snug a fit as Prego spaghetti sauce or Head & Shoulders shampoo. Well, whatever it takes to get the name of the film on the general public’s radar and recoup some of the production costs. Plus it’s always nice to see J.K. Simmons (hear as the instructor).

X-Men: First Class opens on June 3^rd, and you can find a Farmer’s Insurance agent in your area by calling (855) 287-2150.

Eight is Enough: Fox Searches for 'Wolverine' Director

Variety is reporting tonight that Fox is still hot on The Wolverine, a film that seemed near derailment after the departure of Darren Aronofsky (who couldn’t have seemed hotter after last year’s indie-darling Black Swan).

According to the trade, no less than eight directors are on the short list to bring Hugh Jackman back to the screen for a fifth time as the world’s most famous mutant.

José Padilha (Elite Squad), Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity), Antoine Fuqua (Training Day), Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo), Justin Lin (Fast Five), Gavin O’Connor (Pride and Glory), James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma) and Gary Shore (no major film credits, but has an extensive resume of directing commercials).

These directors’ films are incredibly varied in their styles. I’d like to offer up a name that I’ve mentioned in a previous article and on our podcast: Katherine Bigelow. The Academy Award-winning director is as big on characterization as she is on action. While I would like to see what could be done with this property, I want to see a film by a director who doesn’t get pushed around by the studio—which is what seemed to have happened on the lackluster X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Marvel Previews 'X-Men: Schism' #1

Sometimes artists seem like they are a better fit at one of the two major publishers, but Carlo Pacheco’s artwork has been fantastic at both DC and Marvel. Pacheco is handling the pencils on X-Men: Schism #1, the X-Men event that will see distinct and divisive lines drawn between the team. With Cyclops and his group of mutants on one side, and Wolverine and his followers on another, this should shape up as one of the most major status quo changes for the team since Wanda Maximoff uttered the words “no more mutants.”

Check out Pacheco’s fine pencil’s from Marvel’s preview pages after the jump.

DC BEGINS: The Flash

This one seems kind of simple to me. What would I do to rejigger the Flash?

I’d bring Wally back.

You might be thinking that I’m just one of those negative internet pariahs who is never satisfied with the choices that the writers make. Not true. Let’s just say that I like Kyle Rayner, but I also like Hal Jordan. As long as the storytelling is good and the characters are interesting, I’m on board.

But after a year of reading Geoff Johns’ Flash, something continues to sink in. Barry Allen simply isn’t as charismatic as Wally West. In fact, Barry is kind of a morose guy.

Cape Town Capsule Reviews, 5/18/11 Releases

By Don M. Ventura

Batman: Gates of Gotham #1

DC Comics

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Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins are proving that there are still stones to be upturned in their new mini-series Batman: Gates of Gotham.

The story opens in the late nineteenth century Gotham, the city is as dark as we have come to know it, but its forefathers are filled with the hope that their city can eventually out-metropolis nearby Metropolis. We come to learn that those forefathers are the Waynes, the Cobblepotts, and the Elliots—considering their descendants have been destined to war with one another, there is little hope that these men will walk away from this mini on amicable terms.

The story feels like an epic mystery right from the outset—something we have come to expect from Snyder whose American Vampire and Detective Comics have set high expectations for any future work. Before long we are transported to present day Gotham where the bridges of Gotham are taken out by simultaneous explosions. The scene below the Gotham River is a nightmare. Batman and Red Robin are unable to save all of the unfortunate Gothamites who found themselves in the middle of the destruction

The breakout star of the book is Trevor McCarthy, who has recently done some fantastic work on Batman Annual 28 and the recent Superman 80-Page Giant. I’m glad the dynamic artist has gotten an opportunity to spread his wings on a long-form story—he proves here to be up to the challenge for sure.

There is a truly haunting scene in which Batman is submerged below the Gotham River, surrounded by the victims of the bridge explosions. Guy Majors colors keeps all of artwork dark, but all of the images are distinct and not muddled. This can be a problem with some artists who work with night scenes.

Snyder and company have started off Batman: Gates of Gotham with a bang (or three?) and I can't wait to see what more they plan to add to the already dense Batman mythos.

Hal Jordan: Got Milk?

Green Lantern Trailer: Yet Another TV Spot

Seriously, I can't get enough.

Here is hoping that on June 17th....everyone is seeing green

'X-Men: Schism' United No More

Did these two learn nothing from the long, grueling feud between Professor X and Magneto?

The difference here might be that these two—Cyclops and Wolverine—have never been the best of friends. Marvel offered up a new teaser that illustrates (thanks to Andy Kubert) that this amicable relationship is going to become significantly less so once Jason Aaron’s X-Men: Schism hits in July. With Wolverine’s creation of the X-Force team and Cyclops’ goal for more positive public perception of his family of mutants, it is clear to readers that the two leaders have widely differing viewpoints.

It looks like readers are in store for some pretty serious fireworks this summer!

DC Comics To Make A Big Announcement on June 11th

Per the LA Times Geoff Johns and Jim Lee plan to spill the beans on DC Comic's post Flashpoint stories at the Hero Complex Festival on June 11th, which will feature the future of Superman and the entire DC Universe.

The  Hero Complex Film Festival will go from June 9-12 at the Chinese Six Theatre at Hollywood and Highland. Special guests will include Warren Beatty, Jon Favreau, Nicholas Meyer, Damon Lindelof, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, and screenings include “Iron Man,” “Dick Tracy,” ”Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan”, “The Incredibles”, “Superman” and “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut,” with an on-stage interview with Richard Donner.

Don and I both have been commenting on DC's big plans...but up until now their have only been rumors.

I don't know about you but I am getting excited for this.

Stay tuned.

Wonder Woman's Short Shorts

Perhaps this is too literal a translation certain elements of the Wonder Woman costume.

A picture has appeared online of Adrianne Palicki in the classic Wonder Woman costume, from the set of David E. Kelly’s NBC pilot (the network passed on the pilot two weeks ago).

As NBC President Robert Greenblatt told TVLine last month, Palicki would also appear in the heroine’s more iconic garb—specifically the star-spangled panties. And he wasn’t kidding. A lot of fans were upset when photos of Palicki first appeared and they were inspired by the current Wonder Woman costume designed by Jim Lee. According to reports, test audiences also didn’t respond well to the modernized outfit featured in the pilot.

I think the Lee costume is more appropriate because it's more practical—except maybe not completely so at the top. The costume pictured above is simply too literal. While this is how everyone pictures Wonder Woman, the costume just does not make sense because it is flat-out too cheese-cakey. That said, Palicki looks gorgeous and I wish her the best in her career. I found the anonymous comments posted on various websites about her to be ruthlessly mean-spirited.

Wednesday's Finest: 'Rocketeer Adventures’ #1

By Don M. Ventura

Rocketeer Adventures #1

IDW

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One of the things about getting an anthology, especially one that is based on a single character, you sometimes have to put yourself in the mindset that one of the stories might be weak because these types of books tend to be somewhat uneven.

Rocketeer Adventures does not follow suit.

After I continued through this book, the thought that spread to mind was that everyone involved was committed by doing right by the late Dave Stevens’ classic character. Beginning with the stunning cover by Alex Ross, an artist whose work sometimes is a bit stiff for my taste. Not here though. The Rocketeer is dramatically soaring high above the earth and beyond the clouds, his gloved fist firmly pressing the button that ignites his rocket pack. This guy is ready to save the day.

Video Review: 'Uncanny X-Force' #10

Christian is thoroughly enjoying Uncanny X-Force as much as we have been. In Uncanny X-Force #10, Warren Worthington and X-Force are about to be exposed to the world in this precursor to the upcoming Dark Angel Saga by Rick Remender.

Visit Christian’s YouTube channel (carnivalofsins0) for more of Christian’s reviews. This week he reviews of Batman: Gates of Gotham #1, Avengers #13 and Batman and Robin #23. Christian, we are very jealous of your signed copy of Gates of Gotham!

Cape Town Community Podcast - Ep. 018 - "Do Androids Dream of Electric Stink?”

This was a big week fat week for comic books that offered a lot of good reads. Scott Snyder and Kyle Higgins expand the Bat-Universe with Batman: Gates of Gotham, James Peatty’s wonderful Supergirl story-arc comes to an end, a cavalcade of fantastic creators offered up trio of fun Rocketeer stories in IDW’s Rocketeer Adventures #1, and Jeff Parker has us wondering what Bruce Banner’s androids sound like in Hulk #33.

The show is embedded below and is now available on iTunes for subscription. Each episode will labeled "podcast" so you can link to previous episodes here on the blog. Refer to the Show Notes after the jump as well as a direct link to download the MP3.

New 'Green Lantern' Trailer Illustrates Epic Nature of Film

"Billions of years ago a race of immortals harnessed the most powerful force in existence: the emerald energy of willpower."

Wow. This new trailer for Green Lantern embraces every aspect of it's Sci-Fi nature. And it ain't too shabby. Geoffery Rush (Tomar-Re) narrates the opening of this new trailer that brings us into the enormity of the Green Lantern universe.

Green Lantern soars into theaters on June 23rd.

The Bulletproof Coffin

We here at Cape Town Community welcome reviews from fans...not fans of ours (though we would love that too) but fans of comics. Below is a review of Bulletproof Coffin from Sean Kasper.  You can follow him at his blog.

Bulletproof Coffin

A review by Sean Kasper

When one thinks about it… there doesn't seem to be much out there for the comics fan who has become disenfranchised with current 'main stream'.  Those who are still in love with the Supermans and Spidermans have a plethora of entertainment both within the pages of comics as well as on the big (and small) screen.  

But what about those who want to see something else?  What of the fan who has already spent his money exploring those worlds and wishes to see something new, something different?  Something unrestrained by the boundaries of editors whose job, it seems, is to keep the status quo going as close to redundant as it can get?  I mean, they have a lot of action figures to sell and movie scripts to move right?

Well, along came writer David Hine and artist Shaky Kane, and with them, they brought 'The Bulletproof Coffin'!  Image Comics (a company founded by artists who wanted a place of creative and financial freedom) have really outdone themselves by printing this 'story within a story within a story'…