All New X-Men's all new awesome

Only issue #2 and the Bendis magic has me gripped.

This first arc of All-New X-men is pretty timey wimey space stuff heavy and all about the repercussions of meddling with the past. It definitely had the potential to be pretty anti-climatic, but when the X-Men of the past finally come face to face with the X-men from the present, the dialogue is smart, fun and oh so Brian Michael Bendis.

It's a pretty dialogue heavy issue, but seeing as there's quite a bit to talk explain between the characters, it's to be expected. But this definitely plays to the advantage of the issues as we are able to re-familiarise ourselves with the characters that don't really exist anymore due to death (Jean), growing up (Bobby) or changed through having such a shitty time (Hank). It's pretty much all killer and no filler and set's up nicely for whats to come.

Once again i'm loving Immonen's work, especially how he handles Beast and the younger X-Men. It all so consistent, and he gives them some pretty amazing expressions. The X-Men of yester year sport some awesome petulant and innocent looks that further remind us that they really are the X-Men in their infancy with so much to learn and with plenty of struggles ahead.
And whilst these pages are all pretty static, you still get the sense that Immonen is gearing up to really let things rip.

Now let's talk Ice.
The Bobby's are amazing, and it's great to see him so young and carefree again, but it's also interesting to see how much he's grown and changed throughout his career in the X-Men, and this has really been taken into consideration with the little details in the pencils. Immomen and Von Grawbadger work GREAT together in creating the slight differences in the stance, demeanor and general appearance of both Bobbys. But in the end, their identical reactions towards one another is classic and is the perfect touch.

All New X-Men is looking pretty great at the moment, and my faith in the X-Men series is almost restored!

What Would Doom Do?
He'd whack on his best party mask and hit the town. Why? this mofo has plenty to celebrate as he got a little mention in what's shaping up to be one of the best titles/arcs of 2013. woop.

Astonishing X-Men Annual: A Tribute to the North

Another year, another x-men annual, and this time it was all Northstar..or rather Kyle.

The happy couple are fresh from their wedding and ready for the honeymoon, but when do things ever go right for X-Men couples?

The issue see's Kyle coming to terms with what becoming a member of the X-men's extended family really means, as he questions his own ability to cope and whether or not he's just a liability to dear old Northstar.
But hey! this is an annual so there's happiness to be had, and after some arse kicking and words of wisdom from Wolverine, everything is A OK.

But for me this wasn't the real gem. I forgave the fact that this issue was ridiculously overpriced and short because of the Alpha Flight reprint.
Whilst the artwork  nearly blinded me as the cross hatches tried to devour my soul, the story itself - Northstar de-closeting - was pretty damn awesome.

This was some pretty bold messaging for a comic to be printing at that time, and I applaud it. I love the way that it doesn't dwell on the fact that Northstar is coming out, but more on the judgement and misconceptions about homosexuality as it almost attempts to re-educate.

What would doom do?
He'd fish out all the Latverian pennies he's been squirreling away for the winter months and grab this issue. If not to see Gambit's terrible bluff at a game of Bourre (what's that when it's at home?), then to read about a comics attempt to address a real issue and make a real difference. boom.

5 reasons why Joseph Gordon-Levitt should be Batman

Firstly, I want to point out this is all based on a lot of rumour, speculation and interview snippets. We don't really have anything certain, so try not to get too worked up now. But, in any case I've gone ahead and compiled a brief list of reasons why Joseph Gordon Levitt should be Batman.

1. Depending on when the Justice League film is set his age could fit the timeline, a Batman at the beginning of his mission. A fresh face rather than a grizzled warrior.

2. JGL is a great actor, and experienced at combining action with excellent dialogue and emotion which is what Batman is all about.

3. It may be easier for fans to see him as Batman since his role in the Dark Knight Rises, his appearance there makes it a slightly more logical leap to him becoming Batman (but not necessarily Bruce Wayne).

4. Seems to fit the bill for a billionaire playboy, but with an edge, something else to him. A tormented playboy trying to clean up his city. Though we don't know if this will be Bruce Wayne or possibly someone else, it could be taken in a completely different direction.

5. He makes a good counter balance to Henry Cavill's Superman - instead of just two muscle-bound stereotyped heroes we will have to polar opposites allowing for a much more interesting relationship between them.

So yeah, these are some of the reasons why Joseph Gordon Levitt could potentially, if cast, make a decent Batman. Care to share your opinion? Not that I'll read and/or care about it in any case.

5 reasons why Joseph Gordon-Levitt SHOULDN'T be Batman

Now, don't get me wrong, i'm a massive fan of Gordon-Levitt. I've followed his career since 3rd Rock From the Sun, right through to 10 Things I Hate About You, Mysterious Skin and 500 Days Of Summer. And whilst i'm ecstatic that he's finally getting the recognition he deserves and playing A-Mazing roles (Inception, Looper, The Dark Knight Rises!) I DON'T think he should be the next caped crusader in The Justice League

Why? I hear you squeal...Well...

1. Who the hell would play Robin?
   Whilst JGL is pure awesomeness and a great leading man, if i'm really honest, I still see him as the perfect Robin. Compared to Batmen of the past and present - Keaton, Bale and even Kilmer and Clooney, there's something about JGL that doesn't seem to pop out that makes me say "Holy smokes!" But when I think who would make the perfect sidekick, he's the first person that comes to mind. To be honest i'm still a bit surprised that he didn't end up being Dick Grayson in 'The Dark Knight Rises'...


2.  The Bat killed JGL
   One of my biggest pet peeves of Superhero films has been randomly throwing popular actors/actresses into the mix to boost the profile of the film. This has only killed the credibility of the actor AND the film in my opinion. Just look at Daredevil and Ben Affleck -what? when did that happen?! you ask...my point exactly, and Halle Berry with Storm, and lest we forget (although we try to) Catwoman - they are currently showing that as an afternoon film on ITV these days.
   JGL is amazeballs, but lets no throw him into the mix for the hell of it.


3. There are plenty more heroes in the sea...
   Yes JLA is gonna be a pretty big one, but who's to say it will be the biggest? There are plenty more heroes out there ripe for the picking, and right for JGL, so why should he limit himself to the Bat. With the state of superhero films/comics at the moment, there will  be an abundance of roles coming up. If he commits himself to Batman then how the hell can he be Hank Pym!


4. No more mister nice guy
   We've seen plenty of nicey nicey, hero type, moral JGL, it's about time we saw a darker side! And I vote that Batman isn't dark enough.


5. JGL is too good for Batman
   Been there, done that, and Bale and Keaton are reigning supreme. Let's leave it at that before we get dragged into a game of "who played the better Batman". Plus, everyone knows that Batman isn't even a big enough role for JGL...now Doom on the other hand....

A Short (very short) Introduction to the Valiant Universe

As part of my new quest to open my eyes to the wider world of comics I have know stumbled upon (thanks to Orbital Comics, of course) the Valiant universe that includes Shadowman, X-O Manowar, Archer and Armstrong, Bloodshot and Harbinger.

Yes, I realise that these comics have all had a long and rich history but I for one have only just discovered them from their new runs starting at issue #1, and thank god I did an would like to help any of you currently unaware to also find them. the Valiant universe provides us with a vast array of characters and storylines, so I think it's safe to say there is something for almost everyone here. And to help show you what there is I will now proceed to give you a very short and inaccurate summary of each title.

Archer and Armstrong #1: Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry - a possibly immoral immortal and a naive mislead deadly youngster take on both religion and the 1% in a very violent manner.

Bloodshot #1: Duane Swierczynski, Manuel Garcia, Arturo Lozzi and Stefano Gaudiano - here we have the perfect killing machine, for all intents and purposes a man, a man for whom his unique nanite infused body allows for changes to his memories to make him fully committed and motivated for his next mission and will do anything to complete it.

Harbinger #1: Joshua Dysart, Khari Evans and Ian Hannin - an out-of-work guy  who has incredible power, but very little knowledge of them and a rather questionable moral compass, not to mention a rather shadowy plot surrounding him.

Shadowman #1: Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher - the shadow itself has bonded with a human, and the result is both terrifying and awesome, a book full of darkness, mystery and violence.

X-O Manowar #1:  Robert Venditti, Cary Nord, Stefano Gaudiano - a warrior of the past thrown out into space and surrounded by aliens, fated for a sacred set of technologically advanced armour, what more do you need to know?













What Would Doom Do?
He'd add every one of these fine titles to his pull list and then spend the next week in a sweaty frantic frenzy trying to decided which is his favourite. Then give up and lay them around himself in a glorious circle of comic book beauty.

Beginning to fill in the gaps: Mind the Gap #6

Issue 6 has arrived and McCann has up'ed the tension and mystery to this classic 'who done' it comic thriller. The last time we saw our ethereal Elle, she was about to hop into the body of a cute lil 10 year old (not as creepy as it sounds)...and with that starts the new arc 'Wish You Were Here' and MORE MYSTERY!

This is such a complex idea, and McCann pulls it off perfectly. The story of Kate is pretty heartbreaking and cold all at once. Kate and Elle's stories overlap so well, and it leaves you wondering if in the end they will pretty much align. But hey...i'm more than keen to find out.

I love the way that McCann has addressed the ideas of death, the afterlife and bodily possession. This is such an unusual take on a thriller, but this is what makes it work so well.

What would Doom do?
He'd crank the tension on this bad boy up to 10, turn out the lights, whack out the popcorn and silently wait until next month for the next body hop.