Coming Soon in 2012: Part 1

Coming Soon in 2012: Part 1.

Defenders Assemble!

Defenders Assemble!.

Power Pack Returns!

Power Pack Returns!.

Batgirl: Bird of Prey

Batgirl: Bird of Prey.

Great Animated Series Openings: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The Breakout hit of the Hub Network, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic sparkles with this memorable opening theme!

This theme takes cues from the original toy line’s commercials, and introduces you to all the main characters of the series, all in less than 30 seconds!

Even though this series is barely a year old, the theme has already reached cult status, as evident in the following tribute via Minecraft.  Enjoy!

 

Marvelous Solicitations for January 2012: Avengers

A look at some of the most promising Marvel Comics for the start of 2012!

Marvel recently released comic solicitations for the month of January 2012.  Marvel has been teasing a major event for next year, so I thought it’d be fun to read between the lines of the upcoming titles, while spotlighting some major new stories, creative teams, and series.  So without further ado, here are the most promising titles of the Avengers line.

(For full solicitations for Marvel, click here:  http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=35054 )

The Avengers

Defenders #2 by Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson

With Fear Itself wrapped up, this solicit makes clear the Defenders firs foe: Kull, the Breaker of Worlds.  We get a tease of a “fatality” as well as a secret within “Wundagore Mountain.”  While it remains to be seen if Marvel can make the Defenders as relevant as they have with the Avengers, this first arc definitely has a monster of a villain.

Avengers #21 by Brian Michael Bendis and Renato Guedes

Earth’s Mightiest Heroes receives a new member in the longtime X-Woman Storm.

Avengers Academy #24 by Christos Gage and Tom Grummett

Tom Grummett (Incredible Hulks) joins Christos Gage in a story hinting at a battle between X-23 and new full-time student White Tiger.  We also get teased of the murderer hidden amongst the students (the murder in question takes place in issue 20, out in November.)

Avengers: The Children's Crusade #9 by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung

The final issue of a series literally years in the making comes to a close in January.  The synopsis hints at the death and subsequent funeral for an Avengers, the fate of former Avenger Scarlet Witch, and quote “ A new lineup and a new direction for the Young Avengers.”  Marvel has claimed that the major event they have planned for next year is tied to this series’ conclusion.  Only time will tell…

Well, there you have it!  Stay tune for more solicit previews, including the X-Men, Spider-Man and other Marvel U. titles!

Three Avenging Comic Book Reviews

Fear Itself begins to wind down, the students of Avengers Academy make their last stand, and the New Avengers reunite with an old nemesis!

By Andrew Mathieu

With Fear Itself in its final stretch, the Avengers are about to face new challenges, new enemies, and new teammates.  Here’s a triple review for Fear Itself #6, Avengers Academy #19, and New Avengers #16.1.

Fear Itself Book 6

The penultimate issue of Fear Itself.

In all the time I’ve been reading Avengers comics, I’ve never seen Earth’s Mightiest Heroes look so…defeated.  This is a feeling that permeates throughout Fear Itself #6.  With Thor down and out, the Serpant stronger than ever, and no conceivable way to defeat the true All-Father and his Worthy, even Captain America has all but given up hope.

This issue is pretty much the calm before the storm.  There’s no real action to speak of, just multiple sequences of both the heroes and the villains preparing for what may be their last stand.  Matt Fraction handles these dialogue driven scenes very well, able to give each character a voice that just feels right, whether it be Odin, Spider-Man, Luke Cage, or even Aunt May.

There are powerful emotional beats throughout this issue, including a very well done scene between Spider-Man and May Parker.  I can see how it might come off as corny to some, but it gives the reader a nice moment with Peter and his aunt.  It’s good to see a moment like here and not a Spider-Man comic, and goes to show Fraction making this feel like a Marvel Universe story, and not just an event featuring Marvel Universe characters.

Stuart Immonen, meanwhile, has consistently provided excellent artwork on this series, and this issue is no different.  The locales are varied, from a battle-scarred New York City, to the mystical Asgard, every location looks intricately detailed.  This carries over in spades with the characters.  Not one character looks out-of-place; Red Hulk is massive, Luke Cage is tough as nails, and Captain America, even in his darkest hour, takes charge and never backs down.

While this series may have dragged on, this penultimate  issue ramps up the tension for the grand finale.  I truly have no idea what is going to happen next.  Even with all the new series announcements, and the heavily promoted “Fear Itself: The Fearless” sequel series on the horizon, so many questions remain unanswered.  Nevetheless, this has been a fun ride.  This book has the feel of a classic “good vs. evil” vibe, and hopefully the conclusion brings it all home.

Verdict:  Good

Avengers Academy #19

The last stand of Avengers Academy?

The Avengers Academy has faced many challenges since it incarnation, but nothing on quit the scale as “Fear Itself.”  The kids are cut off from there teachers and have two of nearly indestructible Worthy bent on their deaths.  So in a last ditch effort, the kids come up with a plan in which some will escape, but rest will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Christos Gage has written a perfect issue of this series.  He writes every character, student, instructor, or villain, that feels authentic and beleivable.  The evolution of these characters is unlike anything I’ve read in a long time.  Some have gone from reluctant teammates and heartless mouthpieces to strong heroes and selfless characters.  Each student gets a moment to shine, while the instructors, all former Avengers, show us why they belong in Avengers Academy.

The art by Tom Raney and company is solid throughout.  He’s able to display emotions, from fear, sadness, and love with every character.  The colors pop off the page in all the right places.  In all, its the best looking issue I’ve read in the series.

The gut-wrenching end is played perfectly, just like the rest of the issue.  I’ve been trying to get into this series on a number of occasions, but this issue has sealed the deal.  I am in for the long haul on this series.  Kudos to Gage and company on this fantastic event tie-in.

Verdict:  Great

New Avengers #16.1    

The Return of Norman Osborn!

The New Avengers are tasked as security to escort one of the teams biggest foes, Norman Osborn, as his day in court approaches.  This point one issue, illustrated by legendary comic artist Neal Adams, sees the team fight to keep Osborn in custody as members from Osborn’s former coalition, H.A.M.M.E.R. come to free him from captivity.

Brian Michael Bendis has done outstanding character work with Norman Osborn, and here Osborn is as menacing as ever.  His expression and demeanor changes from fear when conversing with the Green Goblin, to smug confidence when face to face with the Avengers.  Adams does great expressions for every character, particularly Jessica Jones when Osborn threatens her child, and Ms. Marvel when searching frantically for the escaped convict.

While this issue is little more than a prologue for the next major New Avengers story arc, it does an excellent job of setting the stage for things to come.  At only $2.99, its a good way for wayward fans to return to Earth’s Mightiest Comic!

Verdict: Good

                                                                                           

DC Comics New 52: Young Justice Preview

Teen Titans lead the charge with Young Justice!

Written by Andrew Mathieu

Starting in September, DC Comics launches a major print and digital initiative with the “New 52.”  The publisher will launch 52 brand new ongoing titles, divided into seven families.

One of those families is “Young Justice,” which consists of six titles chronicling the adventures of the next generation of superheroes.  This family is headlined by the premiere team of young heroes, the “Teen Titans.”

The Teen Titans will be headline by Superboy, Wonder Girl, Red Robin, Kid Flash, and some brand new characters.

The “Teen Titans” will be written by Scott Lobdell, with art by Brett Booth.  Lobdell and Booth have been interviewed at length about their plans for the long running series (both Newsarama and Comic Book Resources have some very nice interviews.)  Lobdell has said he plans on telling the best, most original stories he can.  Though there has been a Teen Titans in the “New 52″ world, this will be the debut for this particle group of heroes.  Aside for the “core four” teens who take center stage on the issue one cover, new characters, including the sinister looking Bugg, will be one of several new additions to the team.

While Lobdell has hinted at “classic” Titans appearing in the book, he will be avoiding all series villains from previous runs on the title.  DC has been promoting #thenewvillains across the entire superhero line, so this will probably be power for the course for this series.

Many fans have taken to bashing the new costumes of the teen heroes: many bemoaned Red Robin’s ring, others think the costumes evoke comics of the 90s.  Others still are outraged by the descriptions of some the characters, including Wonder Girl being labeled as a “belligerent thief.”  Lobdell has assured and reassured skeptics that the characters will be at their core the characters we know and love, and that he’ll do is best to show elements of the characters he feels could shine a little bright.

  “Teen Titans” is not the only team book of the “Young Justice” line, however.  ”Legion of Superheroes” returns with a new #1 courtesy of long time scribe Paul Levitz, with art by Francis Portela.  The greatest heroes of the 31st century face their biggest challenge ever.  With villains even more powerful than team leader Mon-El, the team needs all the help they can get, including the Legion Academy.  Cosmic Queen, Dragonwing, and other Legionnaires in training will be joining the group in this hard time.

However, more Legion stories are on the way with “Legion Lost.“

Legionaires trapped in our present.

Written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Pete Woods, Legion Lost follows seven Legionnaires as they travel to the past the help aid the Legion in the future.  However, they soon find themselves stuck in the 21st century with no way to get back home.  To make matters worse, they’ll have to content with powerful new enemies known as “Hypersapians.”

War and Peace unite!

Another new title in the “Young Justice” line, spinning out of the pages of “Brightest Day,” is “Hawk and Dove.”  Acclaimed writer Sterling Gates and controversial artist Rob Liefeld bring us the adventures of the avatars of War and Peace.  The creative duo will explore peace and war coexist, while also bring other avatars in the fold.

Next, the long-delayed ongoing, “Static Shock” will debut via writers Scott

The electrifying teen hero!

McDaniel and John Rozum, featuring artists McDaniel, Jonathan Glapion, LeBeau Underwood, and Andy Owens.  The title sees the teen hero and his family move for Dakota to New York City.  Aside from attending a new high school and interning at a new job, Static will also face electrifying new villains as the hero of the NYC.

BB takes on some new villains.

Finally, fan-favorite character “Blue Beetle” will return with a new #1 in the New 52.  The book, written by Tony Bedard with art by Ig Guara and Ruy Jose, finds teenager Jaime Reyes attached to  a high destructive alien scarab.  Despite Jaime wanting to use the weapon as a force for good, others will stop at nothing to obtain the weapon.

The “Young Justice” line features some of the most exciting creative talent and iconic heroes DC Comics has to offer.  This, along with the seven other families will debut in September, as DC shakes the comic book industry to its core with the New 52!

Friendship is Gossip

An episode review for

My Little Pony:

Friendship is Magic

By Andrew Mathieu

Series Introduction

“My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” is the breakout animated hit from the new kids and family network, The Hub.  The series stars magical pony Twilight Sparkle, voiced by Tara Strong.  At the behest of her teacher, Princess Celestia, Twilight and her dragon assistant Spike relocate to the town of Ponyville, where they make all sorts of friends and go many adventures as Twilight experiences the true meaning of friendship.  The series is developed by Lauren Faust, who has worked on such series as Powerpuff Girls and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.  Even though this series may have a “show for little girls” vibe, the series is filled with wonderful voice acting, vibrant animation, and a charm that breaks through any demographic.

Characters from left to right: Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash(top), Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Fluttershy.

Episode Review: “Bridle Gossip”

Twilight and her friends have an encounter with a mysterious visitor of Ponyville.  All the ponies, including Applejack and her little sister Apple Bloom, hide away in fear of the zebra known as Zakora.  Twilight finds out from her friends, and a frantic song from Pinkie Pie, that, aside from knowing where she lives, they know nothing about the zebra for sure.  When Apple Bloom decides the take matters into her own hands, the older ponies are seemingly afflicted with a curse, with the majority blaming Zakora.

The episode hits all the right notes in terms of pacing, animation, and character moments.  It’s highly enjoyable to see all the ponies fear the seemingly evil Zakora, and even more so when the ponies exhibit hilarious symptoms of their “curse.”  (Spike has a fun time coming up with nicknames for all of them.)  Meanwhile, the big sister/little sister dynamic between Applejack and Apple Bloom creates some interesting tension between the two; Apple Bloom shines in particular throughout the episode.

The animation is top-notch.  The detail in the characters eyes and expressions are clear and reflective of what the character is thinking or feeling.  Every color in the rainbow seems to be represented as well, making each and every pony distinct from one another.

Best of all, the story really drives this episode out of the park.  The issues of not judging a book by its cover (both literally and figuratively) is a universal message that is brought to the forefront here.  The voice work in particular is wonderful, with Tara Strong making Twilight sound believable in both her confidence and, later on, her humbleness.

This is the kind of show that one may not expect much from, but episodes like this only ring the “can’t judge a book by its cover” mantra even more true.  ”My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” is one the best shows to come out this year, with this episode being one of its many shining achievements.

Comic Book Preview: New DCU Justice League #1

Earlier this month, DC Comics announced its plans for the DC Comics Universe after the ongoing event “Flashpoint.”  In September, DC will relaunch its entire superhero comic book line with 52 #1 issues, including new or altered creative teams, redesigned costumes, seamless integration from DC Wildstorm universe, same-day digital releases for every comic, and multiple status quo tweaks, changes, and reimagings.

The first title to be released in the new era of DC is “Justice League“ #1 by writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee. In tradition with the DC “Secret Origin” titles, which puts a modern spin on the origin stories of classic heroes, the first issue of Justice League will give us a look at how the Justice League first came to be, starting with its founding members: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborb.

A new era of Justice is born!

 According to Johns and Lee, this title will not be set in the New DCU’s present, but in the past, putting this origin tale into perseptive.  Also, this is apparently only half the roster.  The total member count by the end of this opening arc will be 14, making this one of the beefest rosters in this team’s history.  The cat may have been let out of the bag, however, as a new Jim Lee penciled image was recently leaked on the web, showing what may very well be the complete roster for this series.  Recognizable characters include Deadman, Firestorm, the Atom, and Aquaman’s wife Mera.

Is this a look at the Justice Leagues' future?

 Despite constant worry from fans, many of whom believe favorite heroes will change beyond recognition, DC has held fast to its claim that it will stay true to their character’s roots and cores.  Others fear that DC may abandon the direct market in favor of digital sales from its websites and iOS applications through comixology, but DC claims it will work with its retailers throughout this transition.  This includes making all of its September launching titles refundable.

As a new era of DC Comics draws closer, one can’t help but be excited on the (long) road ahead.  Justice League will be leading the charge on August 31st, 2011, the same day as the final issue of Flashpoint.  The road ahead is sure to be paved with anticipation, anxiety, and excitement.  One thing is certain though: Nothing will ever be the same!

Andrew Mathieu