Elektra Archives - GeeksHaveGame

August 31, 2017August 31, 2017

The DEFENDERS [Season 1 Review]: Street Fighter IV.

KEVIN “Pastor” PALMA: JD, we’re finally here, man. The Defenders, the culimation of the first phase of Marvel Netflix shows, has arrived. It’s kind of hard to describe my initial excitement — a phrase I feel like I’ve said for each of the Netflix shows — and with good reason. The street level heroes were the ones I grew up with, beginning with Brian Michael Bendis‘ Daredevil run which used all of these characters at some point; using that as a jumping off point to Power Man and Iron Fist and eventually Alias. Where were you at coming in to this show?

JADARREL “The” BELSER: I’ve been ready for the show since day one. When they announced that these four shows will be coming out like 3 or 4-years ago, I was already ecstatic. Then, the fact that they would be commencing together in an Avengers-like mega mini-series made things even better. Now I have watched all four of these shows (my least favorite being Iron Fist), so I have a great grasp on the narrative. But, how about we talk about a little bit of the history of the Defenders as a group?

https://youtu.be/QNwjRfSldM0

KEVIN: Well, that’s the strange thing about this team isn’t it? Outside of Luke Cage, none of these other characters are really associated with any teams. Iron Fist has been in a couple of incarnations of Defenders teams, but is mostly known simply for his partnership with Cage; Daredevil and Jessica Jones were both members of the New Avengers during a weird period for that team, but both are known for operating on their own. I think the biggest testament to this entire endeavor is that, though the individual stories and the circumstances that bring the team together do differ from the comics, the roles these characters take up in this team feel both true to the comics and, more importantly, like logical progressions to the character work done in the individual shows.

JD: Yes, it is very clear we’re watching it that each character takes on a specific archetype that comes with superhero team situations. Daredevil, the more seasoned member of the group, emerges in the role of the leader. Even though he is a skeptical at first, his confidence and experience make him the natural choice to lead this rag tag group opt outsiders. Luke, obviously, does most of the heavy lifting as the main source of strength not unlike The Hulk or The Thing. It’s not just his physical strength they utilize; Luke’s moral strength and common sense makes the foundation for this group. Jessica Jones is that ‘Hawkeye/ Quicksilver’-like wild card. You’re not sure if she’s going to follow the rules, but you can be sure she’s going to have a smart-ass comment to go with an order. Danny represents a more childlike aspect of the group. While very powerful when need be, his naivete tends to get him into very sticky situations. Which member of the team did you enjoy the most and the least?

KEVIN: Honestly, I’d actually go a little further with Luke Cage’s role in the team. While Daredevil is the clear leader, Luke actually feels like the moral center of the group in a similar way to Captain America. As for my favorite team member, that’s a difficult call because so much of my enjoyment came from the interactions between characters. It was obvious that they would partner up Luke Cage and Iron Fist, so by default they paired Daredevil and Jessica together and that turned out to be my favorite pairing. Picking between those two is difficult, but ultimately I’d say it was Jessica. As much as Daredevil’s arc was portrayed as a heroic sacrifice, they also didn’t shy away from the fact that it was also in part driven by selfishness and self-loathing. On the other hand, Jessica’s arc is all about being more accepting of people trying to help you out and as good as both portrayals were, I’m always going to enjoy the more positive journey more.

Earlier you mentioned that Iron Fist was your least favorite show and not only do I agree with you on that, but in my review of the show I actually ranted about the fact that Iron Fist was the worst character and the same holds true here albeit to a lesser degree. In Defenders, his character’s elevated through his interactions with the others, particularly Luke, but he still maintains a naivete, as you mentioned before, that’s childlike and charming when he’s interacting with Luke but obnoxious when arguing with anyone else, whether friend or foe. What about you?

I’m over Jessica; don’t trust everything you read in the comics…

JD: My personal favorite member was Luke, since I really lovd his story the most. Daredevil was kind of a self-loathing type deal; Jessica hadn’t really changed at all; and Danny? Just plain old.. annoying. Luke, however, was the most focused and, for me, the most fun. I’m pretty sure we both agree that Danny is the worst character of The Defenders. I don’t blame the actor Finn Jones as much though. It’s more along the lines of the dialogue given to him. His attitude, overall, is very unlikeable, nearly to the point where I hate his character as much if not more than Karen Page. Now let’s talk Easter eggs. Which ones were your favorite and how many did you spot?

KEVIN: You know, I didn’t really feel like this series was as loaded with Easter eggs as the previous were, perhaps due to the fact that this series had so much to accomplish in fewer episodes. There were the obvious allusions to classic partnerships that seem to be on the way: Misty Knight missing an arm with Colleen Wing sitting by her side; Danny Rand crouching on a rooftop in a Daredevil-esque pose before his fist lights up; Matt Murdock laying unconscious surrounded by nuns who alert Sister Maggie when he awakens; and of course, Luke Cage with a shirt full of bulletholes standing next to Rand with his glowing fist. I loved the Sister Maggie moment, as it seems to hint that Daredevil Season 3 could be an adaptation of one of my favorite stories ever, Born Again.

Sorry — I seem to be the consensus FAV-O-RITE.

However, my favorite would actually be the Luke Cage and Iron Fist team up in the first fight at Midland Bank — an entire homage to Power Man and Iron Fist — from Luke bursting in through the door to Luke standing in front and taking bullets for Danny to the two standing side-by-side against seemingly insurmountable odds. The moment Run the Jewels came on to announce Cage’s arrival, I lost it. I was fistpumping and yelling in excitement throughout every moment in that scene, especially when Luke stepped front of Danny. I guess this is actually already leaning into my favorite scene overall, which was the entire first fight at Midland. The only part of that scene that topped the Power Man and Iron Fist allusions was the amazing Daredevil/Elektra fight in am office. Were you able to spot many more Easter Eggs that I missed or do you think I was right in my assessment that this series was actually pretty short on them? Also, let’s get into your favorite scene…

JD: You ran through most of the Easter Eggs I found. Jerk. Ha–however, in the scene in the hospital with Wing and Knight after Misty’s arm is cut off, look at the medical chart behind Colleen. The nurse listed is ‘L. Carter’ (an allusion to the original Night Nurse Linda Carter) and the doctor is ‘E. Wirthum'(an allusion to Spider-Man villain Cardiac). That scene indicates that Misty will be receiving her famous bionic arm from Rand Enterprises (rather than Stark Industries, as it is in the comics). My favorite scene is the huge final battle under Midland Circle with the Defenders united against The Hand.

KEVIN: As cool as it might be to actually get some larger connections to the extended Marvel Universe, getting Misty’s arm done through Rand is a great touch. That statement is actually a microcosm of how I felt about this series as a whole: I wish there were more connections to the extended MCU and I would love for these characters to interact with the main MCU characters; but this series, and all the individual series as well, works well on its own and both of those points are because of just how strong and well-developed these characters are. As good as both of the fights at Midland Circle were, my favorite parts of this series were the character interactions. Even the weakest of those characters, Iron Fist, was elevated through his interactions with the rest of the team. More than anything, this makes me hope that the Marvel Netflix shows don’t make the same mistake the Marvel movies made and keep everyone completely separated in phase 2. Any final thoughts JD? 4.5/5 Fingers of the Hand.

JD: Overall, The Defenders is a great culmination of all the things Marvel Netflix has done so far. There’s a seamless integration of the current storylines into what eventually became this mega series. Also , the supporting casts of all four shows coming together was equally as dope. I loved seeing all the regular people caught up in an extraordinary situation. Like The Avengers on the big screen, I can’t wait to see them together again (yeah, even Iron Fist). 4.75/5 Bibles.

February 28, 2017February 28, 2017

ELEKTRA / THINK TANK / JUSTICE LEAGUE of AMERICA / THE VISITOR / OUTCAST [Reviews]: Warm Weather & ‘Hot’ Reads!

Good afternoon, fellow geeks. It’s another great day, and another great week to talk about our favorite topic here at GodHatesGeeks: A Fistful of COMICS! Yes, we’ll be taking a look at some of the latest titles to pop on out of the geek-o-sphere, including a look at a character nearly twenty-five years in the making, and a hot Image staple that enters its heroic fifth volume tomorrow!

This is a great way to prepare yourself for the upcoming warmer weather (although it has been unseasonably warm–at least on the Beast Coast–lately, no?), and prepare to get some spring reading done. Without further ado, here we go…

Marvel recently released Elektra #1, which is part of the “Running with the Devil” event. In it, Luke Cage writer Matt Owens, and artist Juan Cabal introduce us to Elektra’s current journey as she grapples with the demons from her past. At the beginning of the story, we find our ninja assassin in Las Vegas. She is running from from the violence that has plagued her life. However, she is unable to ignore those in need. She comes to the aid of Lauren, a bartender, who is a victim of the ultra-rich and morally bankrupt powers-that-be. They operate and thrive in city’s seedy underbelly.

Elektra brazenly destroys the enemy, and blood is unapologetically spilled. Ultimately, we find out that super villain Arcade is running the casino, and Elektra’s heroics makes her his prime pick to be the “marquee attraction” for his Murderworld. The comic itself seemed brief because it was not particularly full of dialogue; however, it succeeds in leaving the reader wanting more. Cabal’s art successfully brings her skills as an assassin to life. Each scene perfectly illustrates her odd brand of frontier justice and vigilante moral code. Also, her Netflix-Elektra look is simple, powerful, and sexy. This is definitely going to be one of the costumes I wear for Comic-Con! 4/5 bibles

***OUT TOMORROW, MARCH 1ST!***

**THINK TANK #1** *(Vol. 5)* – Top Cow/Image Comics

“El Sacerdote” J.L. Caraballo Twitter @captzaff007

Matt Hawkins (IXth Generation) and Rahsan Ekedal (Echoes) put together a slick, fun title with the fifth volume of Think Tank #1 from Top Cow Publications. I wasn’t too familiar with the prior iterations of this title, but if they are anything like “Animal”, I will be picking up some back issues. Dr. David Loren is a genius scientist/inventor recruited by DARPA to create robotic weapons for the military. Years of disillusionment in constantly creating machines of death (as well as the break-up between him and team-member, secret operative Mirra Sway) lead him to a depression, one that culminates in a suicide attempt.

But fear not! It is not a “real” suicide attempt, just one of those “cry for help” ones. But the one thing to snap him out of his funk is a rash of assassinations: the murders of pro-Russian European leaders. Cause of deaths? EXPLODING FUCKING ANIMALS. Dr. Loren learns someone has stolen, and improved, a design of his to remotely control higher-functioning animals, and has been using them as the means of assassination. Pretty cool stuff. There’s also plenty of double-crossing going on to keep this on par with the more intriguing espionage yarns.

Hawkins’ writing is sleek and unencumbered with exposition, which is great, especially for a first issue. We’re not bogged down with backstory to the characters, or any origin garbage. All of that is taken care of in the first page, and then never mentioned again. We, the reader, are told enough to hop into the story. And that is greatly refreshing. Ekedal’s drawings are clear and clean enough, without giving too much flash or style, and that’s not a knock on him; a story like this benefits from clarity, and that is what is provided with each frame. This is the sort of techno-espionage yarn I would have devoured back in high school, and intend to devour in all my ever-lasting nerd-adulting. 4/5 Murders of Crows.

Matt Hawkins will be at Emerald City Comic-Con all weekend! (March 2-5, WA State Convention Center, Seattle, WA)

You can find @topcowmatt at his booth in Artist Alley S1, with the following ECCC panel schedule:

–Top Cow 2017 Preview Livestream – Sat, March 4, 12:15pm – 12:30pm – Level 4 – Skybridge Lobby
–Coast to Coast Livestream – 3:10pm – 3:25pm
–How to Break Into Comics With Top Cow’s Matt Hawkins – Sun, March 5, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Level 4 – Skybridge Lobby

**JUSTICE LEAGUE of AMERICA #1** – DC Comics

So let’s just get right to it. The first official issue of Justice League of America (last time was the “Rebirth” one-shot) starts off with Batman and Vixen, in Gotham, having a meeting with shared doubts of the new team’s ability to stay stable. This.. new JLA also includes Black Canary, Lobo, Killer Frost–minus the Killer part; she’s a goodie-good now–The Ray and Ray Palmer’s assistant, Ryan Choi, as the new Atom.

In the City of Vanity, Ray and Dinah are rescuing people from a burning building; Lobo is fighting Fire Trolls in the Pacific Ocean because, uh, you know how much he loves dolphins! Meanwhile in the Sanctuary at Happy Harbor, Ryan is having troubles fixing the “TroublAlert” computer until Caitlin Snow adds her expertise. Throw in Lord Havok and the Extremist–the self-proclaimed saviors of Earth–from an alternate reality version of Earth, who are devoted to making sure Earth reach perpetual “peace and prosperity” by saving us all from the dangers of freewill. In other words: they want to enslave us.

Steve Orlando (Midnighter) pens an action-packed first issue with a definitive cliffhanger that makes me wonder what plan is Batman devising to stop these insane fanatics. Further, this team feels as if Bruce formed his own version of the X-Men, with Lobo being his personal Heavy Metal Wolverine. Another fun discovery? The Extremist are all parodies of Marvel characters: Lord Havok is Dr. Doom; Dr. Diehard is Magneto/Professor X, and even led a group called the Zen Men; Dreamslayer is Dormammu; Gorgon is Dr. Octopus; and Tracer is Sabretooth (Brute could also be a homage to Hulk). To close this review of Uncanny JLA #1, I’m really hoping there’s going to be a Lobo vs. Tracer face-off at some point. Y’all know why. 4/5 Bibles.

**THE VISITOR: HOW AND WHY HE STAYED #1** – Dark Horse Comics

It’s been a long time coming. Twenty-three years in fact. Way back in Hellboy‘s debut miniseries there was a pag, of aliens. They looked cool, talked about the then-budding Hellboy prophecy — and off they went. Not to been seen again or even mentioned for over 6 more years where we see the Visitor in the pages of The Conqueror Worm (that’s the 5th collection btw). There we see the Visitor again and he tells HB about his connection to him and that he was there when he first arrived on Earth. Then, he died. Sonofabitch! Finally; I said, FINALLY!

The Visitor has come back…to tell us his story. Mike (Hellboy, Rocket Raccoon) Mignola, and Chris (iZombie) Roberson have decided that 15-years later, we can now handle learning the secrets of this being from another planet. Artistically–since Mignola is still on an comic sabbatical–they have enlisted creator Paul Grist, a British import whose stark black-and-white comics Kane and Jack Staff share an aesthetic kinship with Mignola that makes you wonder what has taken these two to finally work together. This isn’t necessarily “new reader” friendly–but that’s okay; we’ve all read all of Hellboy’s comics and his BPRD books too, right? Right?! Yeah, that’s what I thought. 3.75/5 Right Hands of Doom.

In previous reviews, I’ve stated the fact that I’m not a fan of the horror genre, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that I wasn’t a fan of Outcast when it first came out. It felt a lot like Supernatural with less action and humor. However, like with The Walking Dead and Invincible, Robert Kirkman took a story we’ve seen a million times before (possession and exorcism) and flipped it on its head, leaving the characters within the story–all of whom have accepted the trappings of the genre–just as shocked as the audience. All of this comes to a head in Outcast #25.

It is rather annoying that, after 25 issues, it feels like we’re now finally going to find out what is actually going on; but it has been an exciting read once we started getting the first hints that things weren’t as they seemed about 7 issues ago. This ish is a turning point for the series, with some amazing cliffhangers that hang a huge cloud of uncertainty over where these characters are headed going forward. As always, the art by Paul Azaceta is great and Elizabeth Breitweiser’s colors are absolutely gorgeous. It is unfortunate that most of this series has felt like tired wheel-spinning, but Outcast #25 continues an upward trend for the book and creates excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. 3.75/5 Bloody Bibles.

March 21, 2016March 28, 2016

DAREDEVIL [Season 2 Face-Off Review]: Punish Me.

Aloha. My name is Mr. Hand…

Sorry, that was necessary. Before the breakdown, here’s the hype vid…

BEST SCENE

JaDarrel “The” Belser: Man, I have so many great moments to choose from. I‘ve decided to expand about this by putting it into sections: Best Dialogue Scene and Best Fight Scene. My favorite dialogue scene was pretty much the basis of the entire third episode — the collection of scenes between Frank Castle (The Walking Dead‘s Jon Bernthal) and a chained Daredevil (Boardwalk Empire‘s Charlie Cox) on a roof across from the bikers’ hideout. The back-and-forth banter between their backgrounds and lengthy debate on the moral implications of their ‘work’ is great to watch. Also, my favorite fight scene this season happens to be in the same episode: the Stairway Brawl between Daredevil and the entire Dogs of Hell biker gang. It was a direct homage to the “hallway fight’ from last season and, in my eye, surpassed it.

"Reverend" Ryan Ford @nayrdrof — “Reverend” Ryan Ford
@nayrdrof

“Reverend” Ryan Ford: I’m gonna take the route Mr. Belser laid forth and split the scenes in two. Best Fight Scene(s): A.) Dogs of Hell Hallway – They took their Oldboy homage to a new level with a Hitchcock twist. To quote Barenaked Ladies, “Gotta see the show ‘cuz then you’ll know the vertigo is grow grow”; B.) Deadmen Walking – When Frank Castle is finally incarcerated (a la the numerous times that has happened in the comics), we get to see his unbridled animal rage in close quarters combat–one of my favorite Easter eggs also comes out of this sequence.

You ran outta the new iPHONE *THAT* fast???

(“Father” Ford, continued…) Best Dialogue Scene(s): A.) Penny For Your Thoughts – When it seems that Matt Murdock has reached his limit in eradicating crime, DD tries to enlist the Punisher–just this once–to help him permanently end the Big Bad MacGuffin (a.k.a. the Blacksmith). Then he crosses himself, like any good Catholic. Frank, who ironically seems to be the more level-head in this conversation, tells him that’s a line DD can’t come back from. So much is said between the lines of that conversation, which get blurrier with every word spoken. B.) Jesus was a Zombie – With Elektra (G.I. Joe: Retaliation‘s Elodie Yung) recovering from a mortal wound (in Matt’s bed, no less), Stick (The Silence of the Lambs‘ Scott Glenn) finds an opportunity to expand upon the plight of The Hand – which boils down to immortality and resurrection. Finding this hard to believe, DD scoffs at the notion to which Stick replies “I thought you were a Catholic, Matty… Doesn’t your whole belief system hinge on one guy pulling that off?” Hilarious and brilliant.

BEST CHARACTER

Belser: This is tougher than I thought it would be but I’d say it’s a toss-up between Daredevil and Frank Castle, The Punisher. They were the two most engaging characters the entire season, as I just loved how Cox has evolved into a more confident and aggressive Daredevil while maintaining his hope in humanity–despite being tested tremendously. Plus, Bernthal completely killed it as Pun. He’s cold blooded, stubborn and ruthless, all with the trauma of losing his family that makes him so sympathetic.

JD & Ryan's fav character--if THIS happened right in front of them. — JD & Ryan’s fav character–if THIS happened right in front of them.

Ryan: The Punisher. Hands down, this is the best portrayal of the character to date. Bernthal walks the line of calm intensity like an acrobat, showing the crushing emotion that fuels the Punisher in one deadpan look after another. One of the best and earliest glimpses of this feat is in a pawn shop where Frank learns the scumbag owner is peddling child porn. Calmly, Mr. Castle locks the door, turns the sign to read “closed” and slowly walks back to the cash register, nonchalantly plucking a metal bat from the rack on his way. Nothing after is shown, yet the look in his eyes tells us everything we need to know about the Punisher’s morals — and how far he’s willing to go. Conversely, the self aware detached empathy he conveys to Karen in private juxtaposes a homicidal maniac against a man with skills in a no-win situation. It takes just one bad day…

Honorable mention: The Kingpin. Vincent D’Onfrio (Full Metal Jacket) once again plays the part to perfection, though in a situation that highlights the power of his hulking man-boy–physically and mentally. We get to see some introspection of Fisk playing the long con, as well as referring to himself as the Kingpin. Awesome. We also get to see a better showing of his physicality, which was campily underplayed in the final battle of Season 1.

WORST SCENE

Something tells me these 2 ain't done. — Something tells me these 2 ain’t done.

Belser: I personally didn’t care for the Stick dropping off young Elektra with the Greeks scene. Yes, it carries her story and explains her upper class background but it was pretty slow and took me out of it.

Ryan: Josie’s and the Pussycat – The first time Marci Stahl (The Mansion‘s Amy Rutberg) reappears in (Butterfly Effect‘s Elden Henson) Foggy Nelson’s life was a bit gratuitous for my liking. Don’t get me wrong, there were a handful of fun little nuggets sprinkled about, but overall, everything seemed forced. The name drop of Jessica Jones, the fact that Marci is employed at Hogarth, Chao and meh….

WORST CHARACTER

Belser: My least favorite character this season is my least favorite character from last season: Karen Page. I don’t blame the actress Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood) at all. I think she is actually a fantastic actress with what she’s been given. She just falls into the mold of most of the lead ‘damsels in distress’ on most superhero shows. I just hate how she’s written. She can be inconsistent and has absolutely no real world common sense. She constantly makes really bad decisions based on emotion and — when shit she causes goes sour — she’s always crying and being the victim.

Ryan: DA Samantha Reyes (Law & Order: SUV‘s Michelle Hurd). While it was nice to see her again, further connecting the exploits of Hell’s Kitchen, it was a case of less is more. The best part of her character was watching Foggy tear her limb from legal limb–verbally, that is. And while the link to creating the Punisher instilled plausibility, the payoff wasn’t enough. What may eventually make her character stronger is if future episodes expand upon the backdoor shenanigans between the police and the criminal underworld, presumably orchestrated by Wilson Fisk. But I’ll leave that for another section…

DEFINITELY removing myself from the Belser Movie Reviews group page.

BEST REFERENCES/EASTER EGGS

Belser: As mentioned by Ry-dawg earlier, Marci namedrops JJ and that she’s now working for Jeryn Hogarth’s law firm. Also, Carrie Ann-Moss (The Matrix) herself makes an appearance in one of the last episodes interviewing Foggy for a job, alluding to the Purple Man in the process. Claire Temple (Sin City‘s Rosario Dawson) states she got the graveyard shift because of her helping out Luke Cage, whom she describes as “Big Guy. Stronger than our mutual friend.” Frank Castle is given the name “The Punisher” because of a police psych profile, with his infamous skull logo forming from blood during his jail stint. Finally, Wilson Fisk refers to himself as “The Kingpin” for the first time while in prison.

Ryan: New York Bulletin – So. Many. Headlines: STARK TOWER RUINED IN BATTLE OF NY (Avengers), CYBERTEK SETTLES (Deathlok!). Also, the assignment board lists “Gas Explosion at 221st & MLK”, which is the location of Luke Cage’s bar. Melvin’s Workshop – More design plans can be seen for the weaponry used by (San Andreas‘ Matt Gerald) Melvin Potter’s sometimes criminal alter-ego “Gladiator”; he picks up saw blades in defense, with a poster visible for an old Italian movie about gladiatorsin the background. Once more, the mechanical legs for “Stilt Man” can be seen, which now have more validity as Turk Barret becomes dismembered. Miscellaneous – Finn Cooley (Defiance‘s Tony Curran) getting his face rearranged (not exactly like in the comics, but…) MICRO(chip), ROXXON…

BIBLES

Belser: Season 1 of this show was a masterpiece. To have a Season 2 that is equally as good is a testament to the creative staff and cast of this show. Can’t wait for Season 3.

Ryan: Watch Daredevil Season 2 A LOT!!!

Belser & Ryan both give DD: Season 2 = 5 Bibles. — We both give *DD: Season 2* = **5 Bibles.**

Stay tuned to GodHatesGeeks, as both “The Belser” and “Reverend” Ryan Ford give us their theories on Daredevil Season 3, Luke Cage, and the rest of the Marvel Netflix Universe later on this week!!!

April 24, 2014April 24, 2014

ELEKTRA / CONAN the AVENGER / JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED [Reviews]: Deeposites!

Hello and welcome back to the Congregation of Cool for another fun-filled edition of Fistful of Comics. I’m the “Reverend” Ryan Ford and I’ll be your spiritual guide to the new releases this week. Sitting next to me is my copilot, “Sister” Ashley Simpson. You’re all in for a treat today as this marks our FIRST EVER blog for comics. Today We’ll be reviewing Elektra #1, JLU #0 and Conan the Avenger #1 so buckle up, stow your tray tables and make sure your seats are in the full, upright and locked positions. It’s flight time.

ELEKTRA #1

With W. Haden Blackman (Batwoman) helming the script and Michael del Mundo (X-Men Legacy) steering the artwork, it looks like Elektra is getting her first legit run since Frank Miller. The combination of the two is like if Michelangelo did cave paintings directed by Akira Kurosawa. Make sense? Because it should. It is a beautifully composed piece of artwork that alludes to the sordid past of this covermodel assassin.

Before we get started, let’s do a roll call of classic cameos: Matt Murdock (with sunglasses, minus the red suit), Wilson Fisk (in his white suit), Bullseye, Stick, Sabretooth… Anyway, not to name drop, but… Moving on.

elektra-2014-issue-1-interior-art-preview-02 — Red Swannin’ on ’em.

“The Bloodlines” story begins with the Matchmaker (cue Holly Golightly) throwing Elektra a new mission to keep her mind off the past. Ex-boyfriends who think you’re dead can have that effect. New target – Cape Crow.

But it seems she ain’t the only trained killer, after that old bird as the scaly villain The Serpent sends ol’ Bloody Lips on the same trail. With the final glorious frame, Elektra skydives into the next field of battle, the Savage Land. Overall, Blackman and del Mundo craft a brilliant work that visually tells the backstory while the dialogue sets up the future. From the first frame to the last, this series looks like could have the balls necessary to pump some life back into this character (Phrasing).

(Flip the page for two more!)

Pages: 1 2

October 17, 2013October 17, 2013

NYCC ’13 [Day 3.3]: Marvel brings a MIRACLE…

Due to the cancellation of the FOX Studios “Movie Panel” at this past Saturday’s New York Comic Con — which would have showcased the new X-Men film, Days of Future Past (and the terrific-looking Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) — a panel deemed worthy enough was needed to help share the spotlight with Arkham Origins.

Thankfully, the Marvel’s annual Cup o’ Joe brewed up just enough highlights to leave fans happy.

8c8077e0-15d1-4669-9865-5a55227f63bc — Miracle Man @ Marvel Live!

Sure, the “Company That Stan Ran” still declined many fans inquiries into the future of the company; again spreading many of their answers thin across an assortment of panels (i.e. making their biggest comic book-related announcements earlier in the evening, rather than recapping or saving these ideas for what has traditionally been their biggest non-movie Con panel). Some could even claim this fall’s particular “Cup o’ Joe” was all over the place, with news ranging from another digital title from their Infinite line, the unexpected return of a Zombie Legend, and a major announcement concerning a cirque du soleil-inspired tour titled Marvel Live!

Even with all that, it still took a “Miracleman” to shoot this panel to the top. That Miracleman is Mr. Neil Gaiman, and his lost material on the former Warrior Magazine-Marvelman-turned-Eclipe Comics-Miracleman is returning to print this January.

What the return of Miracleman means to the industry… is that some of Neil Gaiman‘s work can return to life. Seeing how the revered author had been forming a nice relationship with Marvel since the announcement of the writer’s Angela character waltzing into the pages of Brian Michael Bendis’ Guardians of the Galaxy (from the pages of Image, nonetheless), this news may come at no surprise. Still, it took 4-years since Marvel hinted at the purchase for Miracleman to finally happen.

It was actually intended to release once again as Marvelman, but the whole Captain Marvel-turned-Shazam thing might ring a bell as to why Miracleman is perhaps the better go.

Originally written by Alan Moore with art from Garry Leach and later Alan Davis, the series will begin with the Watchmen/V for Vendetta author’s run and finish with new stories from Gaiman and artist Mark Buckingham, in addition to new background stories in each issue and completely remastered (recolored and relettered) art from Davis, Buckingham, and Leach. If you’re not excited for this, then you must not have a pulse.

What the debut of Marvelman meant to the industry… a change from comics that always returned to the status quo. Since the Big Two’s properties were always such hot commodities for newer audiences, lines of toys, and Hollywood adaptations, creators could always make the comics darker, scarier, and more menacing, but at the end of the day, those books still contained marketable superheroes. You could always break the Bat, but you’re never going to change him.

Marvelman, on the other hand, was a figure told by Moore and Leach like no other “superhero” at the time. Other than this guy appearing no more than an obvious “whitebread” backlash of Captain Marvel reprints, there was plenty of story to tell. Marvelman wasn’t just another guy ready to defeat forces of evil for all that is good in the world; no, Michael Moran was more likely the only believable “hero” during this particular time of nuclear paranoia. If this sounds a lot like today — with the replacement of the cold war “nuclear” for more of the “at any time terrorism” — then you’re damn straight.

Not only did Moore’s 16 issues of Marvelman revolutionize the superhero genre, it brought dreams to reality. There was something strangely and stoically confident about this guy. Perhaps it was because Moran focused more of his energy on the bitterness of his domestic life (a wife that doesn’t approve of his superhuman abilities, oh my!) than any sort of saviorist bragging right. And, it wouldn’t be a Moore story without the focus on the loss of innocence, which can be found in Moran’s former partner turned arch-enemy, Kid Marvelman/Miracleman.

What the realism of MiracleMarvelman meant to the industry… is that a character like Animal Man could now happen. Not only were shitty real-life events solely “referred to,” but, rather, now depicted. If there were contractions during childbirth, Moore’s Miracleman comic was going to show it. Call it explicit, call it reality comics, or just call it Alan Moore.

Around the halfway point during his run, Moore’s goals for Miracleman became more and more clear: this is what “real life” superheroes would do. The author wouldn’t merely devise up a character who’d wish spells, or pull something from out of space. He’s a figure that would actually become present every step of the way (in this particular case, childbirth) — no matter how messianic his approach.

It was time Miracleman was starting to live up to his name — without the use of modified mayonniase.

miracleman658 — No worries; I’m immune to birdshit.

Soon after, Miracleman could have easily became Miraclegod. After defeating his former buddy Johnny Bates (aka Kid Whateverman) hopefully one last time, it was now time to rise above mere criminals on the street, and create a place where only gods can roam. Thoughts of Olympus, cue Metallica song. It’s the story of a displaced god; you know, the rich prettyboy in high school who’s always getting into trouble. Once again, leave the super-facist angle perfection to Moore.

What the rest of Miracleman meant to the industry… Well it was the 90s, man. Neil Gaiman took over the book and gave Michael Moran some neon pink L.A. Gears and let him run with it. In other words, he took Miracleman out of the book completely. If you followed the author throughout his panels of pilgramage in the likes of Sandman and Batman, you know it’s more about the journey surrounding the god than the actual god himself. Yes, the Caped Crusader appeared no more than a god-like figure during his death in Gaiman’s Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader — for all of Gotham was worshipping him, of course.

1381613236 — I’ve been trying to open this cellar bulkhead for nearly 30 years already.

With Fables artist Buckingham taking a different approach to each Gaiman story, each comic of Miracleman showcased a god who chooses how he pleases. Much like The Man Upstairs, some miracles happen and some don’t. Through triumph and tragedy, the human struggle of hope is further explored through this World with a Miracleman. After reading that, it becomes more clear why Zack Snyder allowed all those Metropolis buildings to fall and all of those good people to perish in Man of Steel. A god simply can’t make all of the right choices; he can’t do everything to save humanity on his own.

I wonder if there will be any sort of fan backlash warranted when these Marvel reprints of Miracleman — let’s say, refusing to save an innocent victim subsided during one of his terrible battles — hit all of the local comic shops. My guess is the same as Moran’s answer then: “No.”

More than answers with Miracleman, though, Gaiman offered ambition. Some of the panels and color pallettes the creative team aimed for reflected Andy Warhol and other impressionist art, as Miracleman’s journey offers artificial love, dreadful disaster, and opportunistic dream. It’s not surprising Gaiman showcased his more poetic tendancies with this title over Moore’s bullhorn politics.

However you prefer, this is a story that needs to be released, retold, and finished. Say what you want about Marvel and their antics, politics, and often frustrating business mentality, but the reprinting and further conclusion to the Miracleman/Marvelman saga is one of the publisher’s all-time greatest moves.

Call it a miracle on ice.. but I know I can’t wait for January.

More Marvel News from New York Comic-Con 2013 (in addition to our NYCC Wrap-Up Podcast scheduled for post this weekend):

Current Mighty Avengers scribe Al Ewing will be penning up the solo Loki: Agent of Asgard — thanks to Tom Hiddleston and his hordes of 16-year old female fans. The ongoing promises both very Ocean’s Elevenesque espionage and lots of “terrible tears.” In addition to the Reilly Brown-drawn, Gerry Duggan-penned Deadpool Infinite comic, there’ll also be the Iron Man: Fatal Frontier co-written by Ewing and current Iron Man writer Kieron Gillen. The digital comic will explore a new evil corporation called Cortex and tie-in to Ewing’s M.A. Johnny Blaze no more. Robbie Reyes is now the All-New Ghost Rider, the latest from the Spirit of Vengeance from writer Felipe Smith and artist Tradd Moore. Expect an explosive American manga approach to the comic, as well as the remergence of villain Mr. Hyde. Since no book can seemingly go past issue 20 any more, Kelly Sue DeConnick’s critically acclaimed run on Carol Danvers will continue with Captain Marvel #1, opting for a more cosmic approach, which is no surprise with the origins of the character and the direction Marvel is taking with their latest films.

Cup o’ Castle.

Elektra is back. A new #1 will arrive in March from writer Zeb Wells with art from Mike Del Mundo. “The Dexter of assassins” will get her own story away from Matt Murdock, while the — as of now, Rachel Alves-less — Punisher returns in February from the pen of Nathan Edmundson and artist Mitch Gerads. Isn’t Marvel just great at announcing titles from lesser known authors? Former X-Force scribe Chris Yost gets his groove back with the New Warriors — surprisingly not called “All-New New Warriors,” which woulda been fun. Along with art from Marcus To, the cast will look a little familiar and gladly unfamiliar: Justice, Nova, Speedball, Scarlet Spider and Sun Girl. Expect some sort of Runaways meets Teen Titans vibe, which could make this comic a huge hit with fans.

James Robinson lets go of years of great Starman comics and lukewarm DC Comics titles with an All-New Invaders ongoing, coming in January. The present day team of Bucky, Human Torch and Namor will explore some of their more underground WWII adventures — involving both the Kree and Asgardians? Sounds like fun. In a couple of notable surprises, Marvel announced solo dishes for both Iron Patriot and Silver Surfer. Perhaps the rise of Norrin Radd can make up for all the heat Dan Slott has with his current Superior Spider-Man. The title has casted the perfect art partner, Mike Allred from Future Foundation, and will actually give the Surfer a “kindred spirit.” Let’s hope there’s as much gliding action as there is bitter romance and intellectual conversation. Rhodey will get his own book, which by no means will it have to tie-in to Iron Man. Finally.