Post by David on May 17, 2009 18:55:29 GMT -5
Hi, and welcome back to The DC2 Pull List!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
For the last two years, Action Comics and the fate of Superman himself has been in the hands of our own resident Man of Steel, Roy Flinchum, and indeed it has become second nature to speak of the two in the same breath. This has been one of the classic defining runs of the DC2, on a par with Brian Burchette's New Outsiders and Jay McIntyre's Teen Titans. But now that Roy has moved on from the title, it is time for a new creative team to put their stamp on the book and character most closely associated in the minds of most as the first, best superhero. This week begins a new era for the Man of Tomorrow as Pat Owens and Steven Howard move into the Fortress of Solitude!
This week's Spotlight Title is Action Comics #41, and joining me are Jay McIntyre (writer Teen Titans, Titans: Resistance, Elseworlds Editor-in-Chief), Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America), Don Walsh (writer Justice League, Danger Trail, Editor-in-Chief of DC3), House Of Mystery (writer, DC2: Nemesis, Wonder Woman, Detective Comics), and representing the creative team for this issue is the Pull List's own Pat Owens (writer Action Comics, Aquaman).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Action Comics
Issue #41: "Times Are Changing"
Written by Pat Owen
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by Brian Burchette
DAVID: Very solid start to a new era of Action Comics. With the introduction of a new storyline, a new character, and a new creative team, there is a lot of excitement--- and a lot of expectation! Superman is the greatest superhero of them all, the flagship character of the DC (and DC2) pantheon and everyone has a conception of him: how does this synthesis of various media (I hear echoes of the animated series, Smallville, and Chris Reeve) measure up?
ALEX: So far, I think it stands up well. Cherry-picking from the various outlets and conceptions of Superman can allow a writer to really keep things fresh, interesting and new and that's what I got from reading this first issue. Only time will tell how this will rank with the runs David Charlton, House Of Mystery, and Roy Flinchum had on the character.
JAY: Superman is "The Man" not just because of his iconic costume or personality, but how they mesh with his powers, I feel. And that is in an odd way reflected here, with his conflict with the Parasite.
CHARLIE: This is how you launch a new run on a book! Action! Adventure! Intrigue! Roy Flinchum's run was well regarded throughout his tenure, and there's always that fear that the new writer to come onboard won't impress, but this issue... Wow! Loved the introduction of Lytener, who looks to be an interesting addition to the cast, and the developments of subplots all around shows me that this book may be the title-to-watch in the months to come! Pat, what are you intending to do with Lytener?
PAT: Lytener will be playing a major role in my run as a member of the monthly cast. Some of you may recognize his name. I adapted parts of his character including the name and appearance from the Bruce Timm Superman The Animated Series of the 90s. He appeared in 2, possibly 3, episodes of that show as kind of a minor villain who eventually took the name Luminus. I just DC2inized his character with a different origin and role to play. Will he eventually become Luminus...who knows?
CHARLIE: Ah! The spirit of the DC2, taking concepts from the comics and exploring them in different, new and imaginative ways! I can't wait to see what becomes of the character, Pat. And what better place to take characters from than the Animated Universe? And I loved seeing Morgan Edge, I can't wait to see what you do with him and not only that, he's recruiting villains? Can I be first to say "uh-oh"?
ALEX: As Charlie said, it's really the spirit of DC2 taking concepts from these various media and exploring them in different ways. It's what really sets this site apart from all others. We don't reinvent the wheel, we just slap 24s on it.
PAT: Morgan Edge is a fun character to bring into the fold because though some people think he's just a crime boss, he'll have not much of an affiliation with Intergang while I'm writing. I can't speak a whole lot on Morgan Edge's future as I worry I may accidentally let part of my plans for him slip. But who said anything about "recruiting villains"? Maybe he just told Parasite to step out of the truck...then killed him? Then again it could be what you said. Wait and see!
CHARLIE: Yeah, I'm sure he did that. Quietly killed the Parasite with a smile on his face-- I say thee nay, Pat! Morgan Edge is not Maxwell Lord! With consideration of his appearances in Firestorm, I can't wait to see where this goes.
ALEX: That's weird, I'm pretty sure Morgan Edge died in Firestorm...?
PAT: There's a reason I can't talk much about Edge but like you said, the last time he was seen in DC2 was in Firestorm as Eclipso. Like I said though, can't say much but I suggest to readers if you haven't read his last scene in that Firestorm issue, you read it. It's important! I promise that all shall be revealed about Morgan in coming issues and not in a deranged Superboy-Prime punching walls kind of way I assure you.
DAVID: Pat, what do you think about the awesome and humbling responsibility of captaining the destiny of Superman, a character that has become an icon recognized just about anywhere in the world?
PAT: What do I think... it's daunting as hell. But a whole lot of fun at the same time. You're in charge of one of the most iconic characters in modern day pop culture so it can be a little nerve racking sometimes but I'm very honored to be able to write this character on a monthly basis.
DAVID: With 70+ years of history behind you, how do you approach this title, and tell new stories?
PAT: Well first off I try to come up with ideas that are out of the blue, stuff I and hopefully no one else has ever thought about or used. This actually is probably the hardest part as, like you said, Superman has such a long history. Then I try to expand upon my original idea, making sure it doesn't feel too familiar to any other story that has come before. It's actually quite a challenge but I really like having to think far out of the box sometimes.
CHARLIE: What's your aim with the book? Like I've said, you've set up a lot of pieces that I can't wait to see touched upon, and I'm tres curious as to what else we can expect to see.
PAT: My main goal for this first part of my run is to firmly establish Superboy in the DC2. He was just introduced in the previous arc written by Brian so I'm really looking forward to fleshing him out a bit in the upcoming issues. Overall my main goal is to just write a fun Superman run that people can enjoy as much reading as I do writing it.
CHARLIE: Will readers new to the DC2 or Action Comics be able to relate to the Superboy you're developing in the title with the DCU version? Or are you going to be taking liberties with the character? I know you can't reveal all your secrets, but I'm intrigued...
PAT: Superboy will have some similarities between him and his DCU counterpart but what I'm trying to accomplish is to give the perfect balance between him being a bit arrogant with his powers like any young man would, while also still being loveable and not a jerk or a punk.
CHARLIE: Who are you wanting to debut in this title when your run gets going?
PAT: Well, some new characters are going to be who I call "The Freaks". I'm a pretty big fan of the show Smallville and in that show there are "Meteor Freaks", people gifted with powers from Kryptonite. I'm going to be taking my favorite meteor freaks from that show, giving them new origins that don't involve Kryptonite, Kansas, etc. and making them pretty fun additions to the Superman villains.
CHARLIE: And we get a continuation of your Rogues Gallery arc! Very exciting, and very cool to see Lex Luthor is still in the shadows, lurking about in Superman's world.
PAT: Yeah, I was unsure if I wanted to continue the little seed I planted in Rogues Gallery but I think it's going to turn into something pretty interesting in the long run. And yeah, Lex never really takes a break does he?
DAVID: My favorite part were the quick scene changes at the end, giving us a glimpse of what's in store for this title, from Lex and Brainiac (only a matter of time before the Alpha and Omega of Superman villains teamed up!) to developments with Superboy. Looks like there is a lot of fun on the horizon for this title! But, again, Superman is a character that a lot of folks have certain expectations of, so to the discussion team, what are you most looking forward to seeing out of this Action Comics run?
(Me, I really want to see a good Brianiac story--- and I think I will be getting my wish!)
DON: I loved seeing Milton's name brought up. Milton Fine turning into Brainiac was one of my all-time favorite storylines in Byrne's makeover of the Superman titles, so seeing MIlton Dox pop up intrigues me a great deal.
PAT: Heh Heh. Yeah this "mysterious" Milton Dox will be playing a major role in my run. I decided to use him after the fantastic DC2 storyline "Return to Smallville" a long while back in Action. Though he does go by a much more commonly used name which I won't spoil for anyone who isn't too familiar with aliases for characters.
JAY: I am a little worried about Lytener, yes, but even more worried about the message from "Milton Dox". I don't know a Milton Dox in DC, but I assuredly do know a Dox, and that last name set all my alarm bells off!
ALEX: For me, it's Superboy. Outside of the Robins, Kon-El is probably my favorite character and while his DC2 origin still creeps me out, I'm looking forward to seeing how his destiny will play out on our site.
JAY: Superman, as you said Dave, is the iconic hero. There was a time when I found his brand of good for good's own sake heroism tiresome. That was before so many other things happened in the industry. Now I'm greatful for him. So what I expect is to see him being a stand-up hero, and so far, both before this issue and now in it, he has measured up.
CHARLIE: Yeah, I'm of the camp where I thought Superman was simply boring. But that was before I knew him, and eventually he became the greatest hero of them all, literally. The last son of a dead civilisation, the ultimate evolution of humanity-- and pure, inherent good! He's not a boy scout, he does what's right, and I think that's why I like Captain America now, because he's just an honest, true, good guy.
My own view on the character is constantly shifting through other writers' interpretations, be them Joe Casey, Grant Morrison, Dan Jurgens, Steven T. Seagle, etc, and personally, I've yet to nail down how I want to write him, but I think that Pat's doing a damn good job of just... getting to the root of the guy.
DAVID: Now how about that fantastic cover? Steven Howard is channeling Lee Bermejo, an artist who is no stranger to Superman. What is it about this pic that give's it such a sharp, metallic look?
ALEX: Excellent obervation, Dave. I do see Bermejo in this piece (who in my opinion should be made permanent Superman artist by DC), but in regards to that sharp metallic look, he was probably channelling his inner Alex Sinclair more.
The coloring of this cover is fantastic. The colors in the back and middle ground draw your focus to Superman and really make him pop out. The shading of the character and the strong highlights really give it some depth and give it that shine look.
CHARLIE: Pat, do you want to tease anything out whilst you've got our attention? Something to whet our appetites?
PAT: Well look forward to much more Superboy action in the next few issues along with new villains, new developments with Edward Lytener, and perhaps a certain dog. I'll give you this though...
***e**a* *e*e*e **** is coming!
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Pat Owen
Cover by Paul Johnson and Jonathan Biermann
Review by Kevin Feeny
Another great issue of Pat's Aquaman really kicks this storyline into high gear. The interspersal of flashbacks to the crowning of Orin along with the present day narrative adds dramatic weight to events, and Orm's petulant rage is more than compelling! With some vividly told action scenes, some great insights into Ocean Master and a great ending, Aquaman is truly back on the DC2 and better than ever! The cover of this issue was something we don't see enough; fun and dramatic all at once! And as for the promise at the end of the issue? Well, I pity anyone who won't be checking out this comic!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Ellen Fleischer
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Review by Brian Burchette
This is just another shining example of why Ellen is the Queen of the Elseworlds in the DC2. The continuing saga on her version of the Black Glove is steller, to say the least. Her attention to detail in all things Batman is showcased beautifully here. Not only does the character of Batman leap out of the pages but so do Dick, Tim and Talia Al Ghul to name a few others. If you want to know how DC (and a certain guy with the initials G.M.) should have told the story, read this! You won't be disappointed.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Don Walsh
Cover by Jaime Rimmer
Review by Sam Chapman
An intense, action-packed installment of a really tight, intricate story, Justice League #23 is an impressive piece of work. Finally, all of the various villains and crimes are coming together into one massive plot, and Don has done an incredible job piecing this whole story together. The fight scenes are as varied and unique as the characters, with some very chilling and intense action that made me wince. This issue sets up what's going to be a tremendous conclusion, but it doesn't in any way feel like it's 'just' a middle chapter. A wonderful piece of writing in its own right, and a thrilling entry in the Justice League run!
Check back every Monday for member reviews of each week's new issues! We will also spotlight one title every week to critique and discuss, interview the writer and artist and celebrate the talent and effort that goes into creating the #1 DCU fan fiction/art site on the web!
For the last two years, Action Comics and the fate of Superman himself has been in the hands of our own resident Man of Steel, Roy Flinchum, and indeed it has become second nature to speak of the two in the same breath. This has been one of the classic defining runs of the DC2, on a par with Brian Burchette's New Outsiders and Jay McIntyre's Teen Titans. But now that Roy has moved on from the title, it is time for a new creative team to put their stamp on the book and character most closely associated in the minds of most as the first, best superhero. This week begins a new era for the Man of Tomorrow as Pat Owens and Steven Howard move into the Fortress of Solitude!
This week's Spotlight Title is Action Comics #41, and joining me are Jay McIntyre (writer Teen Titans, Titans: Resistance, Elseworlds Editor-in-Chief), Alex Vasquez (writer Firestorm, artist Justice Society of America), Don Walsh (writer Justice League, Danger Trail, Editor-in-Chief of DC3), House Of Mystery (writer, DC2: Nemesis, Wonder Woman, Detective Comics), and representing the creative team for this issue is the Pull List's own Pat Owens (writer Action Comics, Aquaman).
As always, beware of SPOILERS below!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Action Comics
Issue #41: "Times Are Changing"
Written by Pat Owen
Cover by Steven Howard
Edited by Brian Burchette
DAVID: Very solid start to a new era of Action Comics. With the introduction of a new storyline, a new character, and a new creative team, there is a lot of excitement--- and a lot of expectation! Superman is the greatest superhero of them all, the flagship character of the DC (and DC2) pantheon and everyone has a conception of him: how does this synthesis of various media (I hear echoes of the animated series, Smallville, and Chris Reeve) measure up?
ALEX: So far, I think it stands up well. Cherry-picking from the various outlets and conceptions of Superman can allow a writer to really keep things fresh, interesting and new and that's what I got from reading this first issue. Only time will tell how this will rank with the runs David Charlton, House Of Mystery, and Roy Flinchum had on the character.
JAY: Superman is "The Man" not just because of his iconic costume or personality, but how they mesh with his powers, I feel. And that is in an odd way reflected here, with his conflict with the Parasite.
CHARLIE: This is how you launch a new run on a book! Action! Adventure! Intrigue! Roy Flinchum's run was well regarded throughout his tenure, and there's always that fear that the new writer to come onboard won't impress, but this issue... Wow! Loved the introduction of Lytener, who looks to be an interesting addition to the cast, and the developments of subplots all around shows me that this book may be the title-to-watch in the months to come! Pat, what are you intending to do with Lytener?
PAT: Lytener will be playing a major role in my run as a member of the monthly cast. Some of you may recognize his name. I adapted parts of his character including the name and appearance from the Bruce Timm Superman The Animated Series of the 90s. He appeared in 2, possibly 3, episodes of that show as kind of a minor villain who eventually took the name Luminus. I just DC2inized his character with a different origin and role to play. Will he eventually become Luminus...who knows?
CHARLIE: Ah! The spirit of the DC2, taking concepts from the comics and exploring them in different, new and imaginative ways! I can't wait to see what becomes of the character, Pat. And what better place to take characters from than the Animated Universe? And I loved seeing Morgan Edge, I can't wait to see what you do with him and not only that, he's recruiting villains? Can I be first to say "uh-oh"?
ALEX: As Charlie said, it's really the spirit of DC2 taking concepts from these various media and exploring them in different ways. It's what really sets this site apart from all others. We don't reinvent the wheel, we just slap 24s on it.
PAT: Morgan Edge is a fun character to bring into the fold because though some people think he's just a crime boss, he'll have not much of an affiliation with Intergang while I'm writing. I can't speak a whole lot on Morgan Edge's future as I worry I may accidentally let part of my plans for him slip. But who said anything about "recruiting villains"? Maybe he just told Parasite to step out of the truck...then killed him? Then again it could be what you said. Wait and see!
CHARLIE: Yeah, I'm sure he did that. Quietly killed the Parasite with a smile on his face-- I say thee nay, Pat! Morgan Edge is not Maxwell Lord! With consideration of his appearances in Firestorm, I can't wait to see where this goes.
ALEX: That's weird, I'm pretty sure Morgan Edge died in Firestorm...?
PAT: There's a reason I can't talk much about Edge but like you said, the last time he was seen in DC2 was in Firestorm as Eclipso. Like I said though, can't say much but I suggest to readers if you haven't read his last scene in that Firestorm issue, you read it. It's important! I promise that all shall be revealed about Morgan in coming issues and not in a deranged Superboy-Prime punching walls kind of way I assure you.
DAVID: Pat, what do you think about the awesome and humbling responsibility of captaining the destiny of Superman, a character that has become an icon recognized just about anywhere in the world?
PAT: What do I think... it's daunting as hell. But a whole lot of fun at the same time. You're in charge of one of the most iconic characters in modern day pop culture so it can be a little nerve racking sometimes but I'm very honored to be able to write this character on a monthly basis.
DAVID: With 70+ years of history behind you, how do you approach this title, and tell new stories?
PAT: Well first off I try to come up with ideas that are out of the blue, stuff I and hopefully no one else has ever thought about or used. This actually is probably the hardest part as, like you said, Superman has such a long history. Then I try to expand upon my original idea, making sure it doesn't feel too familiar to any other story that has come before. It's actually quite a challenge but I really like having to think far out of the box sometimes.
CHARLIE: What's your aim with the book? Like I've said, you've set up a lot of pieces that I can't wait to see touched upon, and I'm tres curious as to what else we can expect to see.
PAT: My main goal for this first part of my run is to firmly establish Superboy in the DC2. He was just introduced in the previous arc written by Brian so I'm really looking forward to fleshing him out a bit in the upcoming issues. Overall my main goal is to just write a fun Superman run that people can enjoy as much reading as I do writing it.
CHARLIE: Will readers new to the DC2 or Action Comics be able to relate to the Superboy you're developing in the title with the DCU version? Or are you going to be taking liberties with the character? I know you can't reveal all your secrets, but I'm intrigued...
PAT: Superboy will have some similarities between him and his DCU counterpart but what I'm trying to accomplish is to give the perfect balance between him being a bit arrogant with his powers like any young man would, while also still being loveable and not a jerk or a punk.
CHARLIE: Who are you wanting to debut in this title when your run gets going?
PAT: Well, some new characters are going to be who I call "The Freaks". I'm a pretty big fan of the show Smallville and in that show there are "Meteor Freaks", people gifted with powers from Kryptonite. I'm going to be taking my favorite meteor freaks from that show, giving them new origins that don't involve Kryptonite, Kansas, etc. and making them pretty fun additions to the Superman villains.
CHARLIE: And we get a continuation of your Rogues Gallery arc! Very exciting, and very cool to see Lex Luthor is still in the shadows, lurking about in Superman's world.
PAT: Yeah, I was unsure if I wanted to continue the little seed I planted in Rogues Gallery but I think it's going to turn into something pretty interesting in the long run. And yeah, Lex never really takes a break does he?
DAVID: My favorite part were the quick scene changes at the end, giving us a glimpse of what's in store for this title, from Lex and Brainiac (only a matter of time before the Alpha and Omega of Superman villains teamed up!) to developments with Superboy. Looks like there is a lot of fun on the horizon for this title! But, again, Superman is a character that a lot of folks have certain expectations of, so to the discussion team, what are you most looking forward to seeing out of this Action Comics run?
(Me, I really want to see a good Brianiac story--- and I think I will be getting my wish!)
DON: I loved seeing Milton's name brought up. Milton Fine turning into Brainiac was one of my all-time favorite storylines in Byrne's makeover of the Superman titles, so seeing MIlton Dox pop up intrigues me a great deal.
PAT: Heh Heh. Yeah this "mysterious" Milton Dox will be playing a major role in my run. I decided to use him after the fantastic DC2 storyline "Return to Smallville" a long while back in Action. Though he does go by a much more commonly used name which I won't spoil for anyone who isn't too familiar with aliases for characters.
JAY: I am a little worried about Lytener, yes, but even more worried about the message from "Milton Dox". I don't know a Milton Dox in DC, but I assuredly do know a Dox, and that last name set all my alarm bells off!
ALEX: For me, it's Superboy. Outside of the Robins, Kon-El is probably my favorite character and while his DC2 origin still creeps me out, I'm looking forward to seeing how his destiny will play out on our site.
JAY: Superman, as you said Dave, is the iconic hero. There was a time when I found his brand of good for good's own sake heroism tiresome. That was before so many other things happened in the industry. Now I'm greatful for him. So what I expect is to see him being a stand-up hero, and so far, both before this issue and now in it, he has measured up.
CHARLIE: Yeah, I'm of the camp where I thought Superman was simply boring. But that was before I knew him, and eventually he became the greatest hero of them all, literally. The last son of a dead civilisation, the ultimate evolution of humanity-- and pure, inherent good! He's not a boy scout, he does what's right, and I think that's why I like Captain America now, because he's just an honest, true, good guy.
My own view on the character is constantly shifting through other writers' interpretations, be them Joe Casey, Grant Morrison, Dan Jurgens, Steven T. Seagle, etc, and personally, I've yet to nail down how I want to write him, but I think that Pat's doing a damn good job of just... getting to the root of the guy.
DAVID: Now how about that fantastic cover? Steven Howard is channeling Lee Bermejo, an artist who is no stranger to Superman. What is it about this pic that give's it such a sharp, metallic look?
ALEX: Excellent obervation, Dave. I do see Bermejo in this piece (who in my opinion should be made permanent Superman artist by DC), but in regards to that sharp metallic look, he was probably channelling his inner Alex Sinclair more.
The coloring of this cover is fantastic. The colors in the back and middle ground draw your focus to Superman and really make him pop out. The shading of the character and the strong highlights really give it some depth and give it that shine look.
CHARLIE: Pat, do you want to tease anything out whilst you've got our attention? Something to whet our appetites?
PAT: Well look forward to much more Superboy action in the next few issues along with new villains, new developments with Edward Lytener, and perhaps a certain dog. I'll give you this though...
***e**a* *e*e*e **** is coming!
And now for our reviews of this week's new issues:
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Pat Owen
Cover by Paul Johnson and Jonathan Biermann
Review by Kevin Feeny
Another great issue of Pat's Aquaman really kicks this storyline into high gear. The interspersal of flashbacks to the crowning of Orin along with the present day narrative adds dramatic weight to events, and Orm's petulant rage is more than compelling! With some vividly told action scenes, some great insights into Ocean Master and a great ending, Aquaman is truly back on the DC2 and better than ever! The cover of this issue was something we don't see enough; fun and dramatic all at once! And as for the promise at the end of the issue? Well, I pity anyone who won't be checking out this comic!
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Ellen Fleischer
Cover by Roy Flinchum
Review by Brian Burchette
This is just another shining example of why Ellen is the Queen of the Elseworlds in the DC2. The continuing saga on her version of the Black Glove is steller, to say the least. Her attention to detail in all things Batman is showcased beautifully here. Not only does the character of Batman leap out of the pages but so do Dick, Tim and Talia Al Ghul to name a few others. If you want to know how DC (and a certain guy with the initials G.M.) should have told the story, read this! You won't be disappointed.
(click on cover to go straight to the issue)
Written by Don Walsh
Cover by Jaime Rimmer
Review by Sam Chapman
An intense, action-packed installment of a really tight, intricate story, Justice League #23 is an impressive piece of work. Finally, all of the various villains and crimes are coming together into one massive plot, and Don has done an incredible job piecing this whole story together. The fight scenes are as varied and unique as the characters, with some very chilling and intense action that made me wince. This issue sets up what's going to be a tremendous conclusion, but it doesn't in any way feel like it's 'just' a middle chapter. A wonderful piece of writing in its own right, and a thrilling entry in the Justice League run!
JOIN US NEXT WEEK HERE AT THE PULL LIST WHEN THE SPOTLIGHT TITLE WILL BE...
BATMAN #36
BATMAN #36