My Top 25 Favorite DC Artists

My Top 25 Favorite Artists

1. Jack Kirby.  
2. Joe Kubert.
3. Jim Aparo
4. George Perez
5. Steve Ditko
6. Dick Dillin.
7. Jim Lee.
8. Neal Adams
9. Jerry Ordway
10. Mike Grell
11. Brian Bolland
12. Frank Miller
13. Wally Wood
14. Alex Ross
15.  Rich Buckler
16. Dan Jurgens
17. Bernie Wrightson
18.John Byrne
19. Don Heck
20. Carmine Infantino
21. Keith Giffen
22.Ivan Reis
23.Jan Duuresma
24. Frank Quietly
25. Bill Willingham

There is my list.  
Let me know if you agree.  There is one kept off the list because I feel he is more Marvel than DC:  Jim Steranko.

Go Forth and Do Well ,

Shane

Comic book Fan Sites

http://www.comicvine.com/

http://superherouniverse.com/

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/community/fansites/

http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/dc-comics

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/fans

batman and wonder woman on ME TV

I was just Channel Surfing when I found a cool Satruday night line up on ME TV....Batman, Wonder Woman, and Star Trek.

Sci Fi and comic book people rejoice.

Black Superheroes at DC

Black history month is February.

To honor that month I a presenting the follow post.

In this post I will present you with lists of past DC heroes, A list of my Favorite black superheroes and villians, and my thoughts on where DC needs to go.

1. THE LISTS OF BLACK DC HEROES.

To my recollection only two DC Titles have the main charecter who is black: BATWING and GREEN LANTERN CORPS.

Otherwise you only have a few titles, Justice League and Justice League America come to mind, where a black hero is featured.

So with that I am listing the following links that detail the black heroes in the DC Universe.

Comic Vine's list of DC's top black superheroes
http://www.comicvine.com/profile/blackpan1her/lists/top-black-dc-superheroes/43967

Wikipedia's list
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_black_superheroes

2.  MY LIST OF FAVORITE BLACK SUPERHEROES

         1.  John Stewart
         2. Mister Terrific
          3   Black Lightning (the pre New 52.. jury is still on the new one)
         4.  Crimson Avenger ( Johns' JSA version)
         5.  Cyborg
         6. Mal Duncan
         7. Firestorm (technically with and black)
        8  Aqualad-- the new one
        9. Black  Racer  - from New Gods
        10. Vykin
        11. Mr Bones
        12. Tyroc
        13. Invisible Kid
       15. Static

These are the ones that come to mind at this time.  DC, like Marvel, has many others.  But these are the most memorable to me.

Next Post Black Supervillians in the DC Universe.

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane
     
     
   

DC Comics 2014 Solciits

The April Solcits are here.

They have given us advance notice that most of the new stuff has already been leaked.

I am hoping that Justice League United is as good as it looks.

I want to pick up Batman Eternal, but find it hard to read a weekly comic.

Sinestro Gets his own title.

And there are some changes to the team books.

Check out the links below for yourself.

http://www.dccomics.com/browse?content_type=comic&date=04/01/2014&date_end=04/30/2014

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50423

http://www.newsarama.com/20095-dc-comics-april-2014-solicitations.html

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

April Out with the Old.. In with the new

Final Issues in April

1. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #14  Not really gone. Becoming JLU

2. NIGHTWING #30

3. SUICIDE SQUAD #30  

4. SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #9

5. STORMWATCH #30

6. TEEN TITANS #30

Comments:  I read 4 of the 6 titles.  

Superman Unchained I didn't read because I don't read any of the Superman family titles.  

Nightwing I don't read because I only read Birds of Prey and Red Hood and the Outlaws of the Batman Family. 

The team books Had my interest, but all three of them kept tweaking with the formula and membership.  In each case I couldn't get into the villians... but I was still giving them a chance.  I guess I was one of the few who did

First Issues in April

1. BATMAN ETERNAL #1  You can't loose with a title that stars Batman.  People still get this guy.  He has more titles in his family than any other hero in the DC Universe. He also has the best villians as well.  I recommend this title.. but won't be buying it. 

2. JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #0  This should be a good title. It explores space and Canada.  

By exploring Canada, I mean that they create more diversity in North America.  Not every hero has to be from the USA.   And not every old hero brought into the New 52 has to be American.  I like that Adam Strange will be a Canuck.  I like that at least one new heroine will be a native american Canuck.

 

This also has the new to old hero ratio that should succeed. So we will see if the villians and locals keep readers on this title.  This is a title I will add to my buy pile.

3. FOREVER EVIL AFTERMATH: BATMAN VS. BANE #1.  Mini series or one shot regardless it fills a hole.  Again a Batman title.  It should do well. Passing on this one.

4. SECRET ORIGINS #1.  This title has come and gone several times.  Each time the readership dwindles and it gets canceled.  I would hope that DC can get a line up that keeps readers coming back. If history serves as a measure.. this title may last 12 issues.  Will buy for at least 3 months to see how it goes.

5.AQUAMAN AND THE OTHERS #1.  I love The Others.  My hope is that Jurgens can keep this title fresh enough that others will love it too.  Let's hope others will buy this title enough that it  will continue on for years.

This is a title I will add to my buy pile.

6.SINESTRO #1.  It is about time.  The Green Lantern part the universe keeps growing.  Sinestro brings in yellow to the mix.  He will be a good addition to the titles. This is a title I will add to my buy pile.

Justice Leagues changes

April brings changes to at least two of the Justice League teams based in the 21st Century, if not all of the three.

Here is an overview of the changes:

JUSTICE LEAGUE: 

 Luthor and Captain Cold join the team.  Apparently Firestorm and Superman leave the team.

My take:  Atomica has already betrayed the team. So we have a Red Tornado like betrayal.. or do we?  She was a Crime Syndicate mole.  My thoughts are that the two new members will either betray the team, or have methods that don't agree with the other members. We will see how it all plays out.

MEMBERSHIP (Based on the press so far): Captain Cold, Batman, Wonder Woman, Luthor, Shazam, Cyborg, Aquaman,

http://i.newsarama.com/images/i/000/121/402/original/JUSTICELEAGUE_30-LUTHOR.jpg?1389911954

Not enough has been let out if the membership still has Firestorm and Superman. Johns rarely disappoints me with his books so we are in for a ride.

JUSTICE LEAGUE AMERICA / UNITED: 

 Moving to Canada. Adding a couple new members. Apparently losing Baz and Catwoman.  They are going into space.

Martian Manhunter, Adam Strange, Stargirl, Supergirl , Green Arrow, and Animal Man and Hawkman. And they are adding others to include a native american woman.

http://i.newsarama.com/images/i/000/121/401/i300/JLU-Cv0-var.jpg?1389909464


My Take:  

1.  Moving this Justice League out of America and into to space was a good idea. 

2,  Bringing in Adam Strange and making him something other than American was also a great idea. Putting him in a team gives him more chances to have other stories rather than the zeta beam ones he used to have.

3 The change of Locals, Space and Canada,  was something this book needed.  It got to be too much like a Suicide Squad for heroes.

We will see if this makes the book more fun to read.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK:  

The team already has almost a new membership during Forever Evil. Swamp Thing, The Nightmare Nurse, Phantom Stranger, Pandora, and The Question joim Constitine and Deadman.  I like the current line up, but I liked the one they had in place as well.

It doesn't sound like there will be too many changes in April, but I could be wrong.

Those are my thoughts and I am sticking to them.

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Jack Kirby is the King of Comics

Long before there was a Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, there was a Jack Kirby and just about everyone in comics.

Jack earned the name "King" for a reason: his awesome story telling ability.

His art touched almost every area of comics.

Many of his creations are Legnds themselves.

So it is with great pride that I forward the follwoing link to you for you consideration in Kirby's regard.


http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2014/01/17/comic-book-legends-revealed-454/

Go forth and Do Well.

Shane

DC Movies... My perspective

The following clip from Beyond the Trailer has some very good points about DC Vs. Marvel movies.  http://youtu.be/6zWUwx5UyCI

If you don't want to hear me bable about why I think DC gets so much flak, then view the link.

If not look at my points below:

1.  We get the kind of movies we do because Warner Bros. want's the Largest audience possible.  They, afterall, are in the business of selling tickets and videos.  The more that watch, the more money they make.

2. Warner Bros does and doesn't understand the charecters.  When it comes to the animated  films, they usually hit the mark.  Not always so much with live action.  Catwoman comes to mind in this regard.

3. Only so many directors and actors can sell tickets.  Tim Burton, for instance, sold tickets back when he did Batman films.  I didn't agree with his Catwoman, Penguin, or Riddler.  But his involvement sold tickets. Many of which were bought by people who wouldn't have unless he was involved.

4. As the YouTube video points out. DC readers have Icons that they look for in their movies.  Those Icons make it harder to please DC loyal readers.  We are a loyal lot that want our heroes to be what they have always been steady and dependable.

That being said.. enjoy the video.

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Lex Luithor Joins the Justice Leauge

Check out this post from the Associated Press and Comic Book Resources.

Lex Luthor and Captain Cold Join the Justice Leauge

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50347

Wonder Woman series dead According to Newsarama

I find this silly.  Wonder Woman has had 2 series before this.  And Yet, DC and the powers that be at Warner Bros. and the CW just don't think they can make this Happen.

Read the lik below for more details.

http://www.newsarama.com/20059-official-wonder-woman-tv-prequel-amazon-dead.html

Or recheck out the Youtube short (link provided below), and see what could be if creative minds got it together:

http://youtu.be/XATiV3gmy-Q


Just Saying.

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Newsarama Talks to Johns about Post Forever Evil

Check out the link below for the update.

http://www.newsarama.com/19569-geoff-johns-big-changes-in-forever-evil-leads-to-a-very-different-new-phase-new-52.html

Teen Titans to be Canceld in April

This may be bad news to some and good news to others
Read the Link for more details.
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50317

I would have preferred something like the Pre-52 or a Young Justice type of team.  Instead we got a bleak Harvest.

Justice Leauge America to become Justice League United

In my opinion this a much better idea.  But read the article and judge for yourself.


http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=50343


Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Classic Batman Story from the 1970s that is Often overlooked

Batman Murder Mystery Is an Often Overlooked Classic.

This is the first of a series of posts about classic DC Stories that deserve more exposure.

It was the 1970s.  Dectective Comics had just come off the end of the wildly popular "Manhunter" backup series (by Archie Goodwin and Walt Siminson)/

They must have thought they had to have the next good story arc. So they turned to Writer Len Wein and Artist Jim Aparo (who was later replaced by Artist Ernie Chan and Inker Frank McLaughlin).

The unofficial title was "Batman, Batmurder"  It ran from Detective Comics issues 444 to 448 in 1975.

Synposis:  Batman is framed for the murder of Talia and Ra's Al Ghul and must prove his innocence.

The villians: Talia and Ra's Al Ghul. The League of Assasins,  and Sterling Silversmith.

Guest Star:  The Creeper

Why it is a good story: 

1.  It is a murder mystery that has twist and turns that make you want to pick up the next issue of the comic.

2. It is Batman as a detective.

3. Batman having to clear his name at the same time he has to solve the crime.

4. The Creeper.

5.  Ra's Al Ghul and his Daughter.

6. Len Wein and Jim Aparo.

Why it has probably been over looked:

1. Detective Comics was Bi-Monthly during the whole story.  You practcally had to re-read the previous issue to catch up with the pieces of the puzzle.

2.  The artists change part way through the story.  Don't get me wrong, I love Ernie Chan's art, but changing artists gives the story a different feel.

3. Jim Aparo leaving the story made it less special.  Jim Aparo didn't draw a lot of stories. Jim mostly drew Brave and the Bold and Adventure Comics. It was rare to see his work outside of those titles. That was why it made this arc that much more special.

To Sum it up, It was a good story but it had it's faults.

If you are interested in these issues check out this links 

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_445

"Bat-Murderer!"

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_444

"Break-In At The Big House"

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_445

"Slaughter In Silver"

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_446

"Enter: The Creeper"

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_447

"Bedlam Beneath the Big Top”

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Detective_Comics_Vol_1_448

A Digest collecting the whole story was The Best of DC comics #9, 1981

information about it is on the following link

http://www.comicvine.com/the-best-of-dc-9-batman/4000-20935/

I tried to find it there was a digital copy of the story, but haven't found one so far.

So enjoy what I have here, and I will let you know soon how to obtain this story in a future blog.

Go forth and Do well

Shane

DC comics April Solcits Preveiw from Bleeding Cool

If the article by Bleeding Cool is true (see attached link), There are some titlles I want to buy.

In particular Aquqman and the Others.

I am intrested to see just what Justice Leaugue United is about.

Sinestro #1 is at the top of the list as well.

If you are interested to see this before the April soclicits come out, then check out the following link:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2014/01/11/aquaman-and-the-others-and-others-from-dc-comics-on-april-2014/

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Rich Buckler

Rich Buckler drawing a Silver Surfer at the Albuquerque Comic Con

His art is clean and beautiful to look at.  He puts the hero in Heroic.

He being Rich Buckler.  My favorite of his work was when he drew issues of The All-Star Squadron for DC.

His art made me feel like I was back in World War II.  He brings a sense of being there to everything he draws.  That is why I will pick up a book that he draws.

Sadly many at the convention weren't flocking to his booth like they were George Perez's booth.

I say that because, like Mr. Perez, Rich is a story teller.  He shapes a story.  He quite literally wants to you feel what he is seeing.

So it was a great opportunity to talk to him.

Unfortunately it was loud at his part of the hall, and I make a rookie report mistake.... I told him he was in the top 20 of my all time favorite Artists.

Oh did I mention that I asked hime where George Perez was?

If I peaked your interest about Rich Buckler, please consult the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Buckler

http://www.richbuckler.com/

http://dc.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Rich_Buckler/Cover_Artist_Images

Thanks for reading.

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

George Perez greets crowds of fan at New Mexico Convention

George drawing a picture of Blackfire for a young Convention goer.

George takes a photo with the proud owner of a Blackfire / Starfire drawing set

George doing what he does best.

Albuquerque, NM   January 11th  2014

He has drawn some of the best stories ever.  He is in the top 2 of my favorite DC artists ever.  This is a guy who the comic book companies go to if they want to have a hit.  Yes, I am talking about George Perez.

Albuquerque comic fans got a an opportunity to meet him.

This isn't an interview.

It is to let all his fans know that his recent eye problems are a thing of the past.

As you can see from these photo, he is back.

So if you want to learn more about him,  you can go to the following links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_P%C3%A9rez

https://www.facebook.com/pages/George-P%C3%A9rez-Fan-Page/385542437272

http://www.dccomics.com/talent/george-p%C3%A9rez

As you can see, I am not the only one who has a great appreciation for his work.

That is all I have to say about that,

Go forth and Do Well

Shane

Steve Englehart interview Famous DC and Marvel Writer

Steve Englehart at his booth at Albuquerque Comic Con

Comic Book Legend Attends New Mexico Comic Con

Albuquerque, NM.... January 11, 2014

Some of the best Avengers and Justice League stories ever were written by one man:  Steve Englehart.

And he is one of my top 20 favorite comic writers ever.

I was excited to see him at the convention.

So I took the opportunity to ask him some questions about his time and DC and why he wasn't writing at DC.

So here we go:

Why did you go over to DC?

They wanted me to come over and revamp the Justice League.  I specfically wanted to work on Batman.  I got over there and started writing the stories I wanted to write.  

You were responsible for re-introducing Deadshot, weren't you?

Yes.  Joe Staton and I also created Killowog and Guy Gardner while I was there. DC said that John Broome created Guy Guardner.

Yeah, your Guy Gardner is nothing like the John Broome one.

We really just created a character who happend to be named Guy Gardner.

Why did you stop writing comics?

Comics has changed,  The publishiers are more controling now.  It is just easier to write books and have more creative control.

That concluded the interview.

If you want to learn more about Steve Englehart please check out the attached links:

http://www.steveenglehart.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Englehart

Go Forth and Do Well

Shane

Female Gamers and Cosplayer Cosplay For Good Causes

The Girls of Geek show off their Costumes

Albuquerque, NM   January 11th, 2014.

Villians of the DC Universe captured me and held me prisoner.

Ok, Ok, Ok.. I stopped to see the Joker's Daughter and Poision Ivy Costumes.

By doing so I learned a little bit about Cosplay.

To be honest, I have never truly understood the whole Cosplay thing.

The Girls of Geek gave me a better idea of what it is all about.  These ladies, like the Justice League of New Mexico,  do a lot of things for charity.

They have a calendar that spotlights their members.  A portion of the proceeds from which go to charity.

If you want more info on this group, got to see more of their pics www.girlsofgeek.com

Go Forth and Do Well,

Shane

Spider-Man Twins rejected by Justice Leauge

Twin Spider-Men react to being rejected by the Justice League once again.

Albuquerque New Mexico Comic Con, January 14th, 2014.

Spider-Man, not one to quit, once again apply for membership in the Justice Leauge.  He brought his twin brother along in hopes that two Spider-Men was better than one.

Alas, once again:  Rejected.

So I asked two young comic goers named Dominic and Allen ( not the two lads pictured here), what they they thought of Spider-Man as a member of the Justice Leauge?

"He is too silly for the Justice Leauge", said Allen.

Dominic said "He doesn't seem like the type of hero for the Justice League".

If it wasn't for the fact that 3 of my most popular posts here were related to Spider-Man's membership, I wouldn't even consider this an issue.

But, like with the Marvel And DC team ups of decades ago, people want to see this heroes meet and interact.

So, until DC and Marvel do the crossovers once again, we can only dream of what these meetings would be like.

That's all for now.

Go Forth and Do Well,

Shane

Justice League Comes to Albuquerque Comic Con to Save the Day

Batman, Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Blue Beetle pose for me at the Albuquerque Comic Con.

 Justice League Saves the Day In Albuquerque.

Albuquerque, NM, January 11, 2014.    Batman and the rest of the Justice League come to the rescue of Convention goers at a New Mexico Comic Con.

Yes it is really Them, well sorta.  This group of fans gathered together to honor their favorite heroes.  And, like their fictional counterparts they want to help people.

This group helps local groups by raising money and giving of their time to aid the community.

The Make a Wish Foundation and The Children's Miracle Network are just a couple of the groups that benefit from the groups efforts.

 When I asked this group's Batman why they do this He said: "We just wanted to be super-heroes. and just wanted to help people"

Sounds like they are doing just that.

I won't reveal this groups secret identities.  I have to at least have the fantasy of actually meeting the Justice League.

But it you want to learn more about this group, their Facebook page is at the follwoing link:  https://www.facebook.com/JLAofNM

Go Forth and Do Well,

Shane