Marvel Mania

Still on my quest to become a Carol Danvers convert (slow and steady), I finally got my hands on Captain Marvel #2 & #3, and it was definitely worth the wait.

#2 doesn't waste any time in throwing you right back into the action. Within 10 pages you witness a moment of sentimentality, a theft, a world record attempt, a failed record attempt and finally some good old fashioned girl power. Did I mention there's a little bit of 'timey wimey' (to quote Dr Who) business in there. Without giving too much away, Danvers finds herself in an unknown place and time (hint hint) fighting alongside an all female pilot squad.

Just when you think things couldn't get any-more confusing and timey-wimey, #3 plummets you right back into the warzone, and Decconick throws in another curve ball in the shape of some serious Kree armada. And once again Soy's artwork is effortless as the fight scenes have your eyes dancing across the pages. I really am enjoying Soy's work, and these issues are made even more explosive because of it.

Captain Marvel #2 / #3 definitely tick all the boxes, and Danvers gets to play both the saved and the savior. Definitely one to watch.

The New 52: Batwoman

When I finally found the time to tear myself away from the wonders of the Marvel women, I took a quick detour to sample the finest wear's of what the DC ladies had to offer. Bought after it came highly recommended Batwoman #12 was the perfect side-track.

#12 see's Kane doing what she does best, kicking some arse and looking mighty good doing it.

I'm definitely WELL behind, but the witty dialogue (J.H. Williams III) and slick art (W. Haden Blackman) work together effortlessly to fill in the gaps that I was so obviously missing.

Without running the risk of any spoilers, Kane finds herself fighting side by side with Werebeast in search of Gotham's missing children. 

After a gothic legend turned reality, an angry girlfriend and still no luck, Kate turns to the best woman in the business for help.

Batwoman #12 is definitely a good little intro to the latest Bat femme-fatale (if you're still pining after Stephanie Brown). And Kane is definitely one to watch.

Time to play catch up

A New 'Do & A New Costume: The Not So Marvellous New Captain Marvel?

2 months later and I've finally read one of the most anticipated releases of the year – Captain Marvel #1. Although I've never been a big fan of Danvers, I was very keen to see how she takes to the mantle of the late (may I also add, Great) Mar-Vell.

With a new costume and hair style to boot, Danvers really looks the part, and thanks to some smart writing, strong artwork, and cameos from everyone’s favourite patriot and friendly neighbourhood arachnid; Captain Marvel #1 really does stand up to be a strong comic-book and not just a 'Hey! I'm a new superhero! Hear me roar!' gimmick.

Kelly Sue DeConnick really works hard to take you to the heart of the issue. We see different sides to Danver that stretch further than the hardhitter, 'take no bullshit', leader of the Avengers. DeConnick presents a much more likeable- and what I consider to be- a more 'womanly' Danvers. Not in the sense of all curves and boobs, but rather Danvers as a Friend/Mother type (to her ailing friend), a sister, a companion (to Captain America) and a daughter-figure (to the late Helen Cobb). The script is also juxtaposed with elements of humour and a good supervillian arse-kicking. This all comes together to produce a vision of a modern day woman living all aspects of her life made wise and strong through life experience.

The artwork belongs to Dexter Soy, and although it takes a little while to get used to, it is actually quite beautiful. This is the first time i've seen Dexter Soys work and it was definitely not what I expected. It is a stark contrast to the cover art of Ed McGuiness, as it presents itself as rather dark - evoking memories of Marvel Zombies. However, as the issue continues it really begins to grow on you. The dark 'muddy' tones really compliment the lighter and bolder elements of Danvers' costume, and the Cpt Marvel insignia is always at front of mind. It is strong and consistent throughout the issue, and adds a brilliance and beauty to Danvers' misgivings and later acceptance as the new Cpt. The centre pages which see her “touch the edge of space” are absolutely stunning, and provide a perfect accompaniment to DeConnick's inner monologue.

By the end of the issue Danvers looks strong, more than just your average female heroine, and pretty dame posterific!

DeConnick and Soy work together to create a seriously strong basis for the new Captain Marvel

Although it ticks a lot of boxes, I still can't help but think that there is something is missing. However it is only issue #1, and there's still a lot of ground to cover...but I can safely say that that DeConnick and Soy may make a Carol convert out of me yet.

The Importance of the Trinity

In both DC and Marvel, we have a core trinity, Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman on one side, with Iron Man, Thor and Captain America on the other. It is also the case that these six heroes can be distilled into three key aspects.

Technology/Intelligence of the time - Batman and Iron Man.

Strong Morality/Principles - Captain America and Superman.

Mythological/Spiritual - Thor and Wonder Woman.

These can change somewhat depending on your choice of words but are all pretty much consistent with the above. So why do they exist? Why are these three aspects consistent in mainstream comics? Could it possibly be that these three aspects are what we connect most to, are what are a solid basis for a civilization, even person....probably not, I'm sure its just coincidence.....but still... conspiracy? Are these comics really the first stepping stones in a Marvel/DC attempt at social engineering? I feel we may be on the brink of a new civilization designed and modelled on such characters.

So lets take a quick peek behind the curtain of what such a society could be based on these three aspects.

First up we have embracing the technology of the time or intelligence which allows for progress. Through this society would grow, quality of life could improve through the use of technology and all its applications. However, science and technology unchecked could run away from us, with out a system of ethics or a positive moral code it could become monstrous (anyone else thinking of Otto Octavius?). Consider how far Batman and Iron Man would go if they weren't keep in check on occasion, so much like these techy heroes such a society would also need to be kept in check, through strong morals, Captain America and Superman in other words.

So we now have this solid moral basis that keeps us in check, prevents us and technology from going too far.  We keep in mind the ideals of good and evil, right and wrong, but is this enough? No, it could lead to a very cold and calculated society, everything is carefully measured in terms of its moral value, life would be lived according to a strict code. This is why we need the third part of the trinity, Thor and Wonder Woman, the mythological aspect.

This deeper 'spiritual' nature provides us with the realisation of there being something greater be it a god or the universe itself. Thus allowing for a more romantic view of life which prevents things becoming 'cold' or calculated which would be the consequence of having the previous two only.

You can leave now, and read the Justice League/Avengers crossover.

The Duality of Human Nature as Expressed Through the Batman

Just to show we here at 'What would Doom do?' are in no way guilty of favouritism, this article will be focusing on Batman.

There are two key aspects to us all, our ability and our drive. On the one hand we have what we are capable of, our ability, actions we are able to make or simply put, our bodies. On the other hand we have our will, our drive and motivation to act, or in other terms our mind. Two aspects that are shared by everyone, aspects that can be best exampled through Batman, through the Batman we can see how well these aspects can work together when taken to their highest points.
He has his drive and motivation (mind) from his parents death (and if that's a spoiler then really, what have you been doing with your life?). His mind is forcing him on, driving his actions.
Actions that come from his body, his ability to act on what his mind wants due to the extensive training of his body to increase his capabilities.
With both these aspects  we can achieve what is needed, we can act, not necessarily successfully but we at least have a chance.


An example of how crucial both these aspects are can be found in the JLA story arc Divided We Fall by Mark Waid and Bryan Hitch, in which members of the JLA find themselves quite literally split into two beings, the superhero and the secret identity. Again I suppose this could be seen as a spoiler, but considering the age of the story arc I don't think its too much trouble, but if you haven't read it, go read it now, you'll thank me.
Batman is split into two beings, the Batman (body) and Bruce Wayne (mind), and we see how neither can function to its fullest extent without the other. The capability with no drive leads to stagnation, the ability to act but with no motivation to do so. There is the Batman, with all his power and skill, but with no drive to use it, no motivation to act, what use is this skill with no drive behind it?
Then we have the drive without capability which leads to an endless struggle, the constant striving to act but without the ability to do so. Bruce Wayne with all his torment and motivation to act lacks the sufficient capability, or 'body'. No matter how driven you are, without the appropriate capability you will only struggle against your own inability to act.
And so we see that it is only through the combination of drive and capability that we can truly act, only with a balance of the two is it possible for us to escape stagnation or an eternal struggle with ones self.

The point of all this? None, I just thought it was interesting.
Now go read Divided We Fall, and if you've already read it go read it again.