Top Five Fridays: Multiversity Stories/Characters I Want as a Series

This week the Multiversity series had finished with an ending that gave the idea for more adventures in the multiverse. I personally enjoyed this roller coaster ride through the multiverse and can't wait for another dose of the fun. When he first announced it, Grant Morrison mentioned that the issues of the multiversity could be easily converted as the starts of series. That got me thinking; What stories would be great as a series. This week on Top 5 Fridays(on saturday because I'm lazy) we find out!

Batman: Arkham Knight #11 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Viktor Bogdanovic
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: May 1, 2015

Planet Drool

I have really enjoyed Batman: Arkham Knight so it was a sad day when I had to give last week's issue a fairly low score.  It wasn't because it was a bad issue, per se, it was because not much happened.  Boy, this week made up for that in spades!  This week's issue is an action packed thrill ride and to make it even better, Viktor Bogdanovic is back on art.  Does all this equal a great issue?  Let's find out...

Injustice: Year Three Annual #1 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato and Ray Fawkes
Art by: Xermanico, Sergio Davilla, Juan Albarran and Alejandro Sanchez
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

Reelin' in the Years

I am a huge Injustice fan (comic not game) and have been waiting with anticipation for Year Four to begin.  I enjoyed the magical Year Three more than most and when I found out this Annual was coming out I was confused and excited.  Confused that DC didn't push it more, but excited to get a little more Year Three action.  The Annual itself is split into two stories with the first being a prelude to Year Three and the second taking place during Year One.  While that may seem odd to some, I have no problem at all with it.  In fact, it was a nice way to close the book on Year Three and also remind us all of what's at stake.  In other words, I liked it.  How much?  Let's find out...

Superman #40 Review

Written by: John Romita Jr.
Art by: John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson and Dean White
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

Move Along

I don't know the behind-the-scenes shenanigans that lead to Geoff Johns leaving this book and thrusting John Romita Jr. into the Writer/Artist seat for this issue, but I was looking forward to see what he could do.  My first guess was that this would be one of those "silent issues" that the hipsters all love, but I loathe.  Luckily, it wasn't.  Nope, this is a comic with word balloons and inner monologue and all those fancy things that come in your standard comic.  So, how was the debut of John Romita Jr. the writer?  Let's find out...

Justice League #40 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Kevin Maguire, Phil Jimenez, Dan Jurgens, Jerry Ordway, Scott Kolins, Jason Fabok, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Brad Anderson, Alex Sinclair
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

Not With A Whimper

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Holy shit it's taken forever but today it's finally here, Justice League #40 and with it the prologue to the Darkseid War.  Not a puny ass war like in the first issues of this title but the real deal...... So I guess that means it will last like ten issues right?  Yeah, I doubt it but this feels bigger than those first six issues right?  All I know is when you toss around concepts like Darkseid Vs. The Anti-Monitor, you're going to get people excited and I know that I'm one of those people.  So let's belt up our shoes, 2015 style and jump into this story that is going to go above and beyond to Explain It! all to you.  Let's check it out.

Batman #40 Review

Written by: Scott Snyder
Art by: Greg Capullo
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

...My Only Friend

Scott Snyder's Endgame has been a lot of things...confusing, exciting, dense and well, awesome.  It's one of those stories that is bound to be combed over for years and sits right next to the Court of the Owls and Death of the Family as the best stories the New 52 has given readers.  It's now another thing...over.  Or is it?  That's the thing with Scott Snyder.  The guy's stories have more layers than a freakin' onion and you never are truly on solid ground when trying to figure it all out.  I've read it a couple times now and I'm still not sure I'm ready to fully review it.  I will, however, but I beg everyone reading this to read the issue first.  I'm going to try not to spoil things, but I'll tell you this right off the bat...this issue is one of the most important issues DC has put out in a long, long time and it will change the landscape of the DCU for the foreseeable future.  Trust me. Go buy this issue, read it and come on back to see if you agree with me.  Okay?  Let's take a deep breath and dive on in.

The Multiversity #2 Review and *SPOILERS*

Written By: Grant Morrison
Art By: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Eber Ferreira, Jaime Mendoza, Dan Brown, Jason Wright, Blond
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

Out There

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's finally here, the gigantic conclusion to that mind warping, meta, fourth wall breaking story from the twisted and should be seeking help for mind of Grant Morrison.  It's strange to me that we've gone through all these #1 issues dealing with different stories and worlds only to end up back to where we started with an issue #2....... but I guess it makes sense if your thinking like Morrison.  This is usually where I like to catch people up on what's been going down in the previous issues......... but I refuse to do it here because it would take forever and I'd even have to go back myself to remember all the ins and outs of this strange strange series.  All you need to know is, shit is off the wall, the last monitor is controlled by The Gentry and a whole mess of heroes from throughout the Multiverse have gathered to put an end to this evil.  Okay, let's say farewell and jump into this issue.

Fanboy Theories: What "Killed" the Injustice World?

FATALITY!

To those who haven't been reading Convergence, the first actual earth death was an earth many people didn't want to lose. The earth of Injustice. As I watched the city get crushed, I thought to myself...How did this happen? This is a violent world, created by the minds of Mortal Kombat. A world where gods have died at the hands to the heroes we love. A world that for the past five years their time have been drenched in combat with one another...What earth could have the potential to destroy such a world. In today's theory, I will be explaining my thoughts on what actually KILLED the world of Injustice.

Batman: Arkham Knight #10 Review

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Robson Rocha
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: April 24, 2015

Tech Times

Arkham Knight has been such a great combination of superb storytelling and art that it's no surprise that it's risen up my pull list like a Bay City Rollers record.  They are still making records, right?  The only problem I have with the entire series so far is the lack of  Arkham Knight action.  This issue doesn't buck that trend, but is it good anyway?  Let's find out...

Convergence: Shazam #1 Preview

Written By: Jeff Parker
Art By: Evan "Doc" Shaner
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! It’s Shazam versus Steampunk, as the world of Gotham by Gaslight takes on the Captain Marvel family and friends!

The Marvel Family flies again and man have I been looking forward to this issue.  I love Shazam and have complained over and over again about how I want a comic for the Mightiest Mortal......... I guess my complaints fall on deaf ears though because here we are at the so called end of the New 52 and it has yet to happen.  One good thing that I can say is that if we did get a Shazam comic he'd probably be his New 52 jerk off self, causing trouble and cursing and I don't want that.  I want my sweet Billy out there doing good and that's what I hope to get here.  Maybe in the future we can get the Shazam comic we deserve and maybe Billy can go and have some counselling to mellow him out a bit.  I guess I have to use my Teen Wolf voice to get this done so........

Convergence #4 Preview

Written By: Jeff King
Art By: Stephen Segovia, Jason Paz
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


Inside Skartaris, the heroes of Earth-2 must face the only man who can stop them from finding the missing Time Travelers – but why would Travis Morgan, aka The Warlord, want to kill them?
Meanwhile, Telos takes the captive Dick Grayson to several of the battling cities to prove the futility of challenging him. And whatever you do, do not miss the final page, as the surprising return of an unexpected villain could crush all hope for salvation and seal the doom of everyone on the planet!

While the the beginning of this event had a rough patch, I'm very optimistic that the worst is behind us and I can't wait to delve deeper into the mind and soil of Telos and see what makes this mad planet tick........ and what he'll do if "Daddy" comes home and finds all his toys broken.

Injustice: Gods Among Us: Year Three Annual #1 Preview

Written by: Brian Buccellato, Ray Fawkes
Art by: Xermanico, Sergio Davila
Cover Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 28, 2015

The Year of Magic is over, and the stalemate between Superman’s regime and Batman’s resistance continues. But some mysteries remain to be explained, like the true start of John Constantine’s involvement. What secret role did Dr. Occult play? And what have the Titans been up to all this time?

If you come to our little site now and again, you should know that I am a huge Injustice fan.  Not as big as Jody, but who is?!?  Anyway, this Annual looks to be tailor made for any fan that wants to know the behind the scenes, under handed dealings of one John Constantine.  The hero/villain of Year Three is on my shit list right now and I'm sure this issue will make me hate him even more...I don't know if that's possible.  We will see on Wednesday!

Convergence: Infinity Inc. #1 Preview

Written by: JERRY ORDWAY
Art by: BEN CALDWELL
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! The young heroes of Infinity, Inc. must choose between the path set for them by their parents or the one they’ve set for themselves as they face postapocalyptic Jonah Hex.

I may lose some cred, but I really don't know much about Infinity Inc.  I could lie, but I'm trying to keep it real up in the field.  I don't have to lie about Jonah Hex, however.  I don't care if it's postapocalyptic, preapocalyptic or mentholyptic Johan Hex...I love him. I also love Jerry Ordway and Ben Caldwell so I can't wait to get my feet wet in the Infinity Inc. pool. Just don't throw me in the deep end fellows!

Weird Thoughts: DC Comics Convergence Event Week Three

Week Three of Convergence is over and I have to say, I really loved this bunch of books!  It didn't hurt that some of my favorite characters were featured (Barry Allen, Guy Gardner, Dick Grayson, Swamp Thing...), but it went beyond that.  This week's books made me want to go back and reread some of the old stories they were based on.  Mission Accomplished!  I hope that Week Four kicks as much ass, but while we wait, here are my Weird Thoughts for Week Three of the Convergence Event...

Superman #40 Preview

Written by: John Romita, Jr.
Art by: Klaus Janson, John Romita, Jr.
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

The spotlight shines on John Romita, Jr. as he goes solo to tell the story of the testing of Superman’s new power against the Justice League! But the appearance of an unexpected enemy could end the Man of Steel’s life!

I'm looking forward to this issue to see what Johnny Boy can do.  I can call him "Johnny Boy", right?  If this preview is an indication of the entire issue, I think he's going to be just fine.

Convergence: World's Finest #1 Preview

Written By: Paul Levitz
Art By: Jim Fern, Joe Rubinstein, Shannon Wheeler
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! Read the most unusual tale in all of Convergence! The Seven Soldiers of Victory regroup to defend their city against the Qward invasion, while cartoonist Scribbly Jibbet transcribes their adventures.


Earth 2 is really making a showing this week in Convergence and even though I don't really care about one of the Cyclone Kids transcribing the adventure, I can't wait to see The Seven Soldiers of Victory getting back into action..........The Qwardians don't stand a chance!

Justice League #40 Preview

Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Jason Fabok
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


The prologue to this summer’s upcoming JUSTICE LEAGUE event – “THE DARKSEID WAR”! It’s been building since JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. Now, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and the rest of the DC Universe will come face to face with the two most powerful and dangerous entities in existence when both come for Earth. But why? To what lengths with the League have to go to survive? And what secrets about the League will be revealed?


This book just came out of nowhere on me.  I was so in the Convergence mindset that the Darkseid War prologue never crossed my mind but man I'm happy that it's here.  Like the solicit says, we've been waiting for this since Justice League #1 and even though my experience with Convergence has been generally positive, it will be good to get back into the regular stories.

Convergence: Action Comics #1 Preview

Written by: JUSTIN GRAY
Art by: CLAUDE ST-AUBIN
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29,2015

STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! Superman teams up with Power Girl, but can they stop a nuclear strike by Lex Luthor and Stalin of Red Son Moscow?

I have been very pleased with the Superman books in the Convergence Event and this one looks like another winner.  I am a fan of Justin Gray and can't wait to see what he does with Red Son.  Luckily, I don't have to wait too long.  Also, just look at the awesome Amanda Conner Cover!  If the book is half as fun as that, we'll have a real winner on our hands.

Convergence: Justice Society of America #1 Preview

Written By: Dan Abnett
Art By: Tom Derenick, Trevor Scott
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! Older and in full retirement under the dome, members of the Justice Society get the chance to regain their youth to stave off forces from the Qward Universe. But the promise of youth comes with a deadly price!


Okay, okay, you guys can have youth but the cost is death........... I hope there's room for negotiation with this deal.  I love the Earth 2 Justice Society and it's because of the Earth 2 title that I finally gave the New 52 a chance, so even if it's because of a crazy dome, I'm happy to get two issues of these characters back in action and how wild would it be if they were to meet their New 52 counterparts?  The correct answer is pretty freaking wild.  I doubt we'll get that but a man-child can dream, can't he?

DC Comics Best Covers of the Week 4/25/2015

Welcome back to DC Comics Best Covers of the Week where artists compete in a series of physical challenges, each one more demanding than the last, culminating in a gladiatorial death match in the Weird Science Colosseum.  Only one warrior will survive, but that lone survivor will be crowned...Best Cover of the Week Person.  Who will the gods favor this week?  Let's see...

Convergence: Plastic Man and The Freedom Fighters #1 Preview

Written By: Simon Oliver
Art By: John McCrea
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015


STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! You have to see this story to believe it! Plastic Man and the Freedom Fighters are on the gallows in a New York City taken over by Nazis, when robot super heroes attack from Futures End and enemies become allies.


This might be one of the finest and strangest solicits I've ever read and I hope beyond hope that it goes against the norm and is 100% accurate.  Let's run this down.  We've got Plastic Man, The Freedom Fighters, Nazis, Robots...... I'm soooo looking forward to this issue!

Convergence: Booster Gold #1 Preview

Written by: DAN JURGENS
Art by: ALVARO MARTINEZ and RAUL FERNANDEZ
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! Trapped with Rip Hunter and other time travelers, Booster Gold and his future self must work together to get out of prison and off the planet.

This issue certainly feels more "important" than most of the other Convergence tie-ins.  While I am not a huge Rip Hunter fan (Rip Taylor, however...cue the confetti), but I'm a huge Booster Gold fan.  I'm looking forward to seeing what him and his future self have in store.

Five Questions With...Convergence:Green Lantern Corps Writer, David Gallaher

This week on Five Questions With...it is my pleasure to welcome David Gallaher.  The Convergence Event has been up and down so far, but his Green Lantern Corps #1 is one of the best issues so far. Why?  Because it's a Guy Gardner issue.  That might be great in and of itself, but David goes further by using the Event to explore Guy's psyche in a way that really isn't touched on enough. Seriously, if you are a Guy fan (like me!) and/or get annoyed by Hal Jordan always winning, read this issue.  On a side note, I hate to tell David this, but he may be my doppelganger.  While following him on twitter (@DavidGallaher) I saw his profile pic and called my wife over and said that he stole a pic of mine and used it...and she believed me!  When I told her that wasn't me and was actually David, she insisted I was lying.  When I saw that he shared some of my interests like Tabletop RPGs and Old Time Radio, I started getting weirded out.  I'd tell David not to steal my life, but his life is way better than mine. Enjoy the interview and go and buy all his stuff HERE or at your local comic book store.