Tag Archives: DC Comics

SHAZAM! Film Review

09 Tuesday Apr 2019

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SHAZAM!

Review by Paul Bowler.

Shazam! is a confident and fun addition to the DC Extended Universe. Magic and monsters collide in this wildly entertaining mix of superhero action movie and body-swap comedy Directed by David F Sandberg, and written by Henry Gayden (with story by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke).

Thanks to an encounter with a mysterious ancient wizard (Djimon Hounsou), when Billy Baston (Asher Angel) shouts the word SHAZAM! the streetwise 14 year old foster kid is now magically transformed into the adult superhero Shazam (Zachary Levi). Billy is still a kid at heart though, albeit one in a muscle-bound, godlike body, with incredible strength, speed, and the power to throw lightening bolts from his fingertips! Shazam delights in suddenly being an adult version of himself by having terrific fun with his superpowers. But he must also master his powers quickly in order to confront the evil Dr Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) and the threat of the monstrous demons known as the Seven Deadly Sins being unleashed on the world.

With a script that essentially feels like a super-powered spin on Tom Hanks’ 1988 comedy film Big – even paying homage to it at one point during a fight in a big department store – Shazam is a goofy adventure packed with jokes and exuberant fun. Asher Angel is perfectly cast as Billy Baston, a kid that suddenly finds himself bequeathed with incredible power and responsibility, who, along with Zachary Levi playing his amusing super-powered alter-ego, brings a gloriously frank and excitable sense of wonder to the character.

The strong emotional dynamic is enhanced further by Billy’s foster family. Jack Dylan Grazer is a delight as Billy’s nerdy foster brother Freddy Freeman, and Faithe Herman is also great as Billy’s foster sister Darla. It is this warm grounding in reality that’s the key to Shazam’s success, you become more invested in the characters as a result, and it also provides a nice counterbalance to all the fantasy elements as well.

Mark Strong is well cast as the wickedly evil super-villain Dr Sivana and provides an excellent adversary for Shazam to face-off against in David F Sandberg’s sickly directed movie. Although Shazam doesn’t have quite the same epic wall-to-wall action of more recent superhero blockbusters, the conflict between Shazam and Dr Sivana still provides plenty of crowd-pleasing superhero action to enjoy, and the exciting finale featuring the scary CGI onslaught of the Seven Deadly Sins rounds everything off in fine style.

Shazam, created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck in 1939, might be one of the lesser known comic book characters (he actually sold more comics than Superman at one point and was originally called Captain Marvel until legal problems saw the character side lined for a time until he was resurrected by DC Comics as Shazam), its great to see the character appear now in the DCEU and get a well deserved share of the limelight.

Boasting a superb cast and wry blend of action and laughter, Shazam is without doubt one of the most entertaining and funny superhero movies I’ve seen in a long while. The DC film universe is really finding its feet now!

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Stunning New Aquaman Trailer Released!

05 Friday Oct 2018

Posted by in All, Trailers & Posters

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New Aquaman Extended Trailer Released!

Check out the brilliant new 5 minute trailer for Aquaman!

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king!!

Aquaman in theaters on December 21, 2018!

Batman Kings of Fear #1 Review

22 Wednesday Aug 2018

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Batman Kings of Fear #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Renowned artist Kelly Jones returns to the Dark Knight’s world with Batman Kings of Fear #1, the first issue in DC Comics stunning new miniseries written by former Batman editor Scott Peterson. Batman has been watching over Gotham City for many, many years, but now the Dark Knight is beginning to question the effectiveness of his relentless war on crime. Plagued by self doubt, insecurities, and personal fears that threaten to overwhelm him Batman must now face Scarecrow as he unleashes chaos in Arkham Asylum! This blockbusting new six-issue miniseries has Batman confronting the darkest challenge of his crime fighting career and portrays Scarecrow in a terrifying new way that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 kicks off in a fittingly macabre fashion as Batman takes on the Joker and stops another of his maniacal schemes. Kelly Jones striking visuals and Scott Peterson’s intense storytelling quickly immerses us in the warped schism that Batman and the Joker seem perpetually condemned to play out. Scott Peterson weaves some especially insightful and haunting dialogue into their journey to Arkham Asylum – so much so that the Clown Prince of Crime even seems to jangle the Dark Knight’s nerves at one point. Once inside Arkham the dark humour, a snarky Doctor, and the ensuing breakout of mayhem all collude to ramp up the ominous air of brooding menace that’s been closing in on Batman right from the outset.

Kelly Jones illustrated some of the most acclaimed Batman comics imagery during the 1990’s, including the brilliant Batman & Dracula trilogy – which kicked off with Red Rain back in 1991 – and many of the covers for the acclaimed Knightfall storyline where Bane broke the Bat. Esteemed writer Scott Peterson also worked as an editor on the Batman books during Knightfall and many other pivotal Bat-stories from the 90’s. Its great to see Jones and Peterson working together again like this on Batman Kings of Fear, and their shared creative vision for the Dark Knight shines through just as vividly now as when they originally worked together on the Batman books in the 90‘s. The story in Batman Kings of Fear is not connected to DC Comics current Batman storylines, but is instead set after Bruce has been the Dark Knight for many years – giving the creative team the scope to explore the core facets of the character in new and dynamically exciting ways.

Artist Kelly Jones brings all the hallmarks of his distinctly dark, horror-tinged gothic style to Batman Kings of Fear, and then some! I’ve always been a huge fan of Kelly Jones artwork, especially Jones’ portrayal of Batman as a constantly shifting shape that always seamlessly blends in with the shadows. One of the major highlights in this issue is a face-off with some of the darkest members of Batman Rogues Galley – a truly jaw dropping sequence that places you right in the heart of Batman‘s nightmarish predicament. Another nice touch with Batman Kings of Fear is that it features the Dark Knight in his classic costume – yellow oval and all! I love how Kelly Jones always renders Batman’s billowing cape in a way that gives him an almost supernatural visage, effectively making the cape and cowl as equally a distinct character in its own right. It is this, together with Michelle Madsen’s gloriously sombre color pallet that perfectly encapsulates the raw, terrifying, almost primal presence that makes Batman so uniquely special and intimidating.

The greatest threat though comes from the Scarecrow’s terrifying plot against him. Jones and Peterson’s darkly compelling story is made even more striking by having Scarecrow as the major villain of the piece, and this creative team certainly don’t look like they will shy away from brining the most frightening aspects of this creepy iconic character from Batman’s rogues gallery to the fore either.

Batman Kings of Fear #1 hurtles along at a cracking pace, the eerie atmosphere is brilliantly offsets by the spectacular visuals, and the chilling cliff-hanger rounds off this start of this superb miniseries in fine style. Kelly Jones and Scott Peterson have certainly crafted a brilliant premise here, with Scarecrow seeking to make the Dark Knight face his greatest fear, and I’ve no doubt the creative team will continue to weave their dark magic as this story unfolds. If you like your Batman classic, unburdened by recent continuity, and laced with overtones of gothic horror then Batman Kings of Fear is the Bat-Book you’ve been waiting for!

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Scott Peterson & Art and Cover: Kelly Jones

Colors: Michelle Madsen / Letters: Rob Leigh

Variant Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz

Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

19 Tuesday Jun 2018

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Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

I’m very happy to say my blog Sci-Fi Jubilee has now reached its 6th anniversary! Wow, this last year seems to have flown by so fast as well! Needless to say I’ve have had a brilliant time writing this blog over the last six years, writing countless TV, film, and comic book reviews and articles from a wealth of different genres – especially when it comes to Doctor Who and Comic Books – which I real love writing about!

But of course, Sci-Fi Jubilee wouldn’t by anything without any of you! I always look at these anniversary posts as a way to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for reading and following my blog. You have always been so kind and generous, especially when I fell ill with a chest infection earlier this year, and you have constantly given me so much amazing support via your comments on my blog, nominating Sci-Fi Jubilee for blog awards, and sharing my reviews on Twitter, WordPress, and Sci-Fi Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Thanks to you my YouTube Channel is now a key feature on the blog as well. I really enjoyed doing the walkthroughs and videos I’ve done for Infamous Second Son, Monster Hunter World, and God of War (PS4). The channel continues to grow and I want to thank you all for your subscriptions, comments, and words of encouragement that has made the YouTube Channel such a fun and welcome addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee.

You know when I started this blog I never could’ve imagined that Sci-Fi Jubilee would go on to become as big a part of my life as it has, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Most of all though it is your feedback and support that makes Sci-Fi Jubilee and blogging feel so enjoyable and special to me. Sci-Fi Jubilee has grown so much over the last six years, its given me some amazing opportunities, enabled me to write on other websites and projects, and its all thanks to you! Cheers for all your awesome support everyone, and here’s to another fun year of reviews on Sci-Fi Jubilee and walkthroughs on my YouTube Channel in the year ahead!

 

Batman White Knight #6 Review

13 Tuesday Mar 2018

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Batman White Knight #6

Review by Paul Bowler

Gotham’s most iconic alliance is shaken to the core in Batman White Knight #6 as Gordon’s trust in Batman reaches breaking point! The Dark Knight’s fall from grace has been orchestrated by the reformed Joker – aka Jack Napier – now seemingly cured of his homicidal madness by therapy and medication. But the drug Jack relies on is gradually loosing its effect, the city is slowly descending into chaos, and with Batman defeated it’s up to Jack to step up to the plate when the Neo Joker finally instigates her grand plan to seize Gotham…

Set in a world that has uncannily turned the Batman into the villain and the Joker into a hero, Batman White Knight, with its story and art by Sean Murphy, and colors by Matt Hollingsworth, continues to go from strength to strength with every successive issue. Napier’s ascension in this mini-series has seem him cured and released from Arkham, from where he’s gone on to expose the corruption that has festered in the GCPD for decades, becoming a champion of the middle-classes, and covertly using an army of super-villains – along with the collateral damage this conflict causes – to discredit the Batman‘s standing in the eyes of Gotham‘s citizens.

Batman White Knight #6 sees this mini-series reach a major turning point, as Murphy’s dark tale brings Batman’s world crashing down. Seeing Gordon resolve to bring Batman in is a powerful, defining moment here, as is Nightwing assisting him by delivering the means for him to do so, and the subsequent fracturing this has on the Bat-Family when Batgirl, aghast at Nightwing’s actions, refuses to have anything to do with the plan.

This book and its starkly grim take on the Bat-Mythos, especially the look and tone of Gotham itself – being more industrial and gothic, and less generically NYC like most of the main Bat-Books – are key elements that really make Batman White Knight stand out from the crowd. Sean Murphy’s edgy, moody artistic style further enhances the grim sense of foreboding in this issue, while Matt Hollingsworth’s richly atmospheric colors bring added gavatis to every scene. The sheer fan boy glee at seeing the Batmobile from the1989 Tim Burton Batman movie Vs the Batman White Knight’s Batmobile in a high-speed chase sequence is undoubtedly one of the big highlights of the issue, however, it is the blood-spattered, bone-churching face-off between Batman and Jack Napier that follows which really steals the show – whilst also vividly illustrating the warped schism Murphy has crafted between the Batman and the Joker in this mini-series.

With Batman facing an ignoble fate in Arkham, its not long before the Neo Joker, having taken control of the villains utilizing Mad Hatter’s technology, seems hell bent on holding the city to ransom after she unleashes a giant freeze cannon on Gotham. Other standout moments that shine in this issue are an especially poignant scene between Mr Freeze and Batgirl, and Harley tires in vain to get through to Jack again as he prepares to face Neo Joker.

This was another thoroughly enjoyable issue. With its intense action, brooding characterization, unexpected plot twists, and striking visuals Sean Murphy and Matt Hollingsworth constantly keep you on your toes in Batman White Knight #6, and as this mini-series enters its final act we are left wondering if the Batman can find possibly find a way back from everything that‘s happened, or will the Joker have the last laugh after all?

Publisher DC Comics

Writer / Artist / Covers / Sean Murphy

Colors & Cover Colors Matt Hollingsworth

Leters Todd Klein

Detective Comics #968 Review

08 Wednesday Nov 2017

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Detective Comics #968

Review by Paul Bowler

A Lonely Place of Living reaches its astounding conclusion in Detective Comics #968, with Tim Drake now back on Earth, but he’s also brought a fearsome menace back with him – a future version of himself that has been tragically moulded by fate to become the Batman! This misguided Batman is determined to complete his mission to kill Batwoman and change the future, not even the Dark Knight and his allies can stand against him, and now Red Robin must fight to save everything that he’s ever fought and died for…

Suffice to say, Detective Comics #968 is not only one hell of an action packed issue, its also probably writer James Tynion’s finest story arc so far during his run on Detective Comics. With its throwbacks to A Lonely Place of Dying and nebulous links to the Mr Oz storyline going on over in Action Comics, this storyline with its timey wimey narrative has made for compelling reading, and effectively brought Tim Drake‘s story full circle as he returns to the fold in a battle royal with his future self who now wears the mantel of the Bat!

Tynion skilfully balances the cast of Bat-characters in this issue, with Batman, Red Robin, Nightwing, Damian, Red Hood, and Alfred squaring off against the future Tim / Batman in the Batcave, while Batwoman, Azeral, Cassandra, Batwing, and Clayface bravely confront a lethal attack from hacked Colony drones at the Belfrey. Everyone in the Bat-Family gets a moment to shine in the spotlight, the dialogue and banter positively crackles from the page, and the team dynamic that makes this book so strong will no doubt be made all the richer by the dramatic far-reaching implication of the events that unfold over the course of this issue.

Detective Comics #968 also dazzles with some especially striking artwork, with pencils by Alvaro Martinez, inks by Raul Fernandez, and colors Tomeu Morey, the bold, free flowing page layouts and panoramic double page spreads exquisitely relay the frenetic action and emotional beats in vivid detail; while the concise letting by Sal Cipriano ensures the dialogue seamlessly blends the narrative across each and every panel. From the face-off in the Batcave to the showdown in the Belfrey, the extensive cast of characters are all impressively rendered, dynamic perspectives give each location a distinct tone, and the temporal effect that intermittently manifests around the future Tim / Batman also provides an interesting visual flourish.

This story-arc has been nothing short of brilliant, and James Tynion IV has excelled once himself again with this issue. Detective Comics 968 delivers an extremely satisfying, powerful, and moving conclusion to A Lonely Place of Living. It’s great to finally have Tim Drake back after his apparent demise in the battle with the Colony and his subsequent incarceration outside of time by Mr Oz. A Lonely Place of Living has offered us an intriguing glimpse into the future (or at last one possible future), it will be fascinating to what happens now that Tim has returned to the Bat-family, and I can’t wait to see what Tynion and Co have in store for this team next!

Publisher DC Comics.

Writer James Tynion IV / Pencils Alvaro Martinez / Inks Raul Fernandez

Colors Tomeu Morey / Letters Sal Cipriano

Cover Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, & Adriano Lucas

Varian Cover Rafael Albuquerque

 

Ragman #1 Review

11 Wednesday Oct 2017

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Ragman #1

Review by Paul Bowler

A hero is forged from adversity in Ragman #1 as war vet Rory Regan struggles to come to terms with his past, and embarks on a mission to confront a sinister new evil rising in Gotham City as the mysterious supernatural vigilante – Ragman! This new DC Comics Ragman mini-series by writer Ray Fakes (Constantine, Gotham By Midnight) charts a bold new reimagining of Ragman’s origin, the Jewish hero whose mystical suit of rags gives him power from the souls it has bound and drained. Fawkes is joined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, in brining us this new vision of Ragman, and the series will feature covers by Guillem March.

Ragman originally debuted in 1976, and was created by DC Legends Robert Kanigher and Joe Kubert. The series was short lived but Ragman’s gritty urban setting, along with his uncanny blend of magic and mystery, has always made this champion of the downtrodden a compelling character, and he’s remained a distinct figure in the DC Universes otherworldly pantheon of characters ever since – albeit often as a guest star. This new Ragman mini-series is the first comic book series to feature Ragman in a major role since 2010’s Ragman Suit of Souls one-shot. The character also appeared in Season 5 of CW’s Arrow TV series, played by Joe Dinicol.

In a nutshell Ragman #1 finds war veteran Rory Regan still haunted by the death of his team-mates after their mission to locate a treasure in the Israeli desert gores disastrously wrong. Now back in Gotham and consumed with survivors guilt, Rory’s ongoing struggle with PTSD leads him to discover that he inadvertently brought the treasure back with him – a rag-tad suit of souls that has the ability to collects the souls of others – and it will change his life forever!

Seeing inhuman things in people’s eyes wherever he goes, events drive Rory towards his eventual transformation into Ragman, and it only then when things start to become clear to him. Together with the disembodied help of his dead team-mate, Rory learns more about the suit of rags, and its strange powers. But a dark evil is building in Gotham City. A demonic force wants the Suit of Souls, soon it will unleash its minions on those he loves most, and Rory must quickly master his new abilities as Ragman to save Gotham from this hellish threat …

Ray Fawkes does a great job in establishing the character of Ragman and keeping the plot moving along at a fast pace, whilst not getting too bogged down in exposition, as he skilfully brings the multifaceted aspects and interpretations of the character together for this new take on Ragman’s mythology. With flashbacks resonating powerfully throughout the narrative as Rory attempts to piece his life back together in present day Gotham, Rory’s struggle with PTSD, his close bond with his father, and the eventual realization of how he became Ragman all splice together with a hauntingly dream-like quality. Fawkes emotionally charged script remains eminently respectful to the character – as well as offering an entirely fresh perspective – and the results is an edgy, mystically tinged, adventure that proves to be as intriguing as it is exhilarating.

The brooding, sombre look of this Ragman series is effectively defined by artist Inaki Miranda and colorist Eva De La Cruz, with boldly stylised page layouts that stylishly reflect the beats of the story. Inaki Miranda packs in a tremendous amount of detail on every page. The characters and expressions are well defined; nerve jangling angles permeate the flashbacks, while the quieter moments as Rory deals with his PTSD sublimely punctuate the narrative. Rory’s father has always been an integral part of the Ragman mythos, and the scenes between Rory and his dad in the Rags N Tatters shop is one of this issue stand out emotional moments. Ragman’s appearance has also been suitably updated, and the character looks even more wild and dramatic than ever as his suit of souls evolves and flow with the strength of Rory’s inner demons. Eva De La Cruz’s utilizes a vivid palette of color throughout, enriching the brooding darkness and accentuating emotions with subtle shifts in tone, contrasting it with a striking Gotham skyline awash with rich urban hues, and building the ominous drama of the cliff-hanger with a spirited fission of color and shadow.

Ragman #1 ushers in an exciting new era for long-time fans of Ragman and offers a great introduction to the character for newcomers as well. Stylishly written by Ray Fawkes, with great art by Inaki Miranda, glorious colors by Eva De La Cruz, and with a stunning cover by Guillem March, Ragman #1 is a reboot that captivates your imagination as it enwraps you in its dark world. It may only be a mini-series, but on the strength of this issue, I certainly hope Ragman becomes a more permanent feature in DC’s Rebirth continuity in the future.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Ray Fawkes / Art : Inaki Miranda / Colorist: Eva De La Cruz

Letterer: Josh Reed / Cover: Guillem March

New Justice League Trailer!

08 Sunday Oct 2017

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New Justice League trailer!

Warner Bros have released the new Justice League Official Heroes Trailer!

In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists newfound ally Diana Prince to face an even greater threat. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to recruit a team to stand against this newly awakened enemy. Despite the formation of an unprecedented league of heroes — Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and the Flash — it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions!

Justice League is directed by Zack Snyder, from a screenplay by Chris Terrio, based on a story by Snyder and Terrio, Justice League stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds, Amy Adams, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons.

Justice League opens in theaters on November 17, 2017.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #29 Review

27 Wednesday Sep 2017

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Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #29

Review by Paul Bowler

The intergalactic saga that has entwined the fates of the Green Lantern Corps and the New Gods kicks off big time in Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #29, Fall of the Gods Part Four, as the Green lantern Corps battle valiantly to hold the line between the gargantuan Godkiller robots and the Source Wall. But will even the combined might of the Green Lantern Corps be enough to save the New Gods from annihilation?

Having caught up with Lightray to safeguard Highfather of the New Gods last issue, and with Orion’s life still hanging in the balance back at the Green Lantern Corps HQ on the sentient world of Mogo, the race is now on for Hal Jordan to prevent the Nth Metal Golems from destroying Highfather.

As with the previous issue in this story-arc, the pace hardly lets up for a moment, and writer Robert Venditti keeps the action and suspense building as the emerald jet fighter Hal’s constructed carries him and Highfather across space at unimaginable speed – pursued by a Golem’s lethal Omega Beams. Meanwhile, on Mogo, Kyle Rayner must muster every ounce of his willpower to maintain the artificial heart needed to support Orion – after Orion’s real heart was removed to trick the Metal Golem hunting him into believing that he was dead – while Corp’s leader John Stewart strives to discover the destination of the Golem’s new objective.

I’ve only been reading Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps since issue #17, primarily because that issue featured a major turning point for Kyle Rayner (my favourite Green Lantern) in a story which saw him transformed from the White Lantern back to being a Green Lantern again. The Prism of Time and Fracture story-arcs which followed then got me totally hooked on the entire Green Lantern Corps again, and I’ve enjoyed catching up with the lives of Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, and many more characters besides.

Even though this issue is the final part of a big storyline, this title is still relatively easy for new readers to jump on board and get swept along with the action. Much like the Omega Beams stalking Hal and Highfather, this issue moves at lightening speed, and there’s no time for breakfast either as the Green Lantern Corps rally their forces to prevent the Metal Golems releasing Yugr-Khan from a mysterious cosmic barrier – The Source Wall!

Needless to say, the artwork by Rafael Sandoval and inks by Jordie Tarragona relays the frenetic action superbly, realizing the finer nuances of Robert Venditti’s script and dazzling the eye with bold, sweeping page layouts. Impressive vistas of the Source Wall and stunning scenes of the Green lantern Corps flying into battle with the Golems, all gloriously accentuated by colorist Tomeu Morey’s striking use of tone and shade, all serve to make this one of the most visually arresting issue so far, and it more than hit’s the sweet spot for delving all-out-action on such a grand scale.

Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #29 provides a rousing conclusion to The Fall of the Gods arc. The threat poised by the Golems and their plan to free Highfather’s father, Yugr-Khan from the Source Wall is resolved in a fittingly blockbusting, and satisfying manner, with an especially poignant scene for Hal and Highfather afterwards which resonates powerfully with the underlying themes of fatherhood that have bought added gravatis to this cosmic epic. In short, if, like me, you like your comics packed with more Green Lanterns than you can shake a power battery at, boasting wall-to-wall action, together with strong characterization, plotting, and fun camaraderie, then Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps is the book you for you!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer Robert Venditti / Art Rafael Sandoval / Inker Jordie Tarragona

Colorist Tomeu Morey / Letterer Dave Sharp

Cover Sanddval, Tarragona, & Morey / Variant Cover Barry Kitson and Hi-Fi

 

Green Arrow #28 Review

02 Wednesday Aug 2017

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Green Arrow #28

Review by Paul Bowler

Oliver Queen’s ongoing crusade to bring down the Ninth Circle brings him to Metropolis in Green Arrow #28, where the nefarious secret cabal of financiers have targeted the only person rich and powerful enough to have rejected their ideology: Lex Luthor! Not even Oliver can deal with the scale of this threat alone. Look up in the sky, is it bird, is it plane? Nope, its Superman and Green Arrow, teaming up to save the day!

Lex Luthor finds out there’s no such thing as a glass ceiling when it comes to dealing with the Ninth Circle during his tense face-off with Green Arrow in this issue. The initial exchanges might be heavy on exposition, but with Hard Travelling Hero: Part Three writer Benjamin Percy skilfully sets Oliver’s new outlook since the Ninth Circle destroyed his life on a collision course with Luthor’s ruthless business acumen.

The results are thrilling to say the least, with Luthor going all Sherlock on Green Arrow, before a malicious hack sends Lex’s employees, along with Lexcorps share price, into freefall when the one-percenters that grease the wheels of his all-powerful business empire prove to be the Achilles heel the Ninth Circle have been looking for. Fortunately the Man of Steel is quickly on hand to swoop in to assist Green Arrow with saving those affected, but will Lex Luthor be able to find a way to repel the deadly cyber-attack in time?

The impeccable art and colors by Juan Ferreyra are as impressive as ever. Every page provides a seamless blend of drama and characterization: the brooding atmosphere as Oliver’s and Lex’s vastly opposing ideologies clash is almost palpable, everyday settings that suddenly become infused with chaos are awash with sharp colors and diffused light, and vibrant action is punctuated by Ferreyra’s glorious rendition of the Man of Steel. There’s also a brief interlude as we catch up with Black Canary’s and Emi’s plan hunt down the Underground Men and the Auctioneer, along with an update on the status of Oliver’s impending trial.

We’ve already seen the Oliver team-up with The Flash and Wonder Woman during Hard Travelling Hero, and it’s great to see Green Arrow and Superman working together here. Their scenes towards the end of the issue are the undoubted highlight of this issue. Oliver have evolved so much since his fall from grace at the hand of the Ninth Circle, its been a tough journey back for him, and to hear get praise from Superman is a really defining moment for the character. I’m guessing this story-arc will probably lead to Green Arrow finally being accepted by the Justice League. I certainly hope so anyway, because it feels like it’d be the next natural step for the character to take, and it would really enhance his presence in DC Comics new Rebirth continuity.

It seems Green Arrow has even given Lex Luthor a new perspective on a few things as well, his help provides Oliver’s quest with some new leads, and sets Green Arrow on the road to the darkest city of all… Green Arrow #28 continues this series’ incredibly strong run with another breathtaking paced story from Benjamin Percy and the spellbinding art of Juan Ferreyra. In short, Green Arrow’s road trip through the DCU has turned out to be a real thrill ride and his visit to Metropolis is one issue you don’t want to miss!

Publisher DC Comics

Writer: Benjamin Percy / Art and Color: Juan Ferreyra

Lettering: Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT