Superman: The Men of Tomorrow Graphic Novel Review.

The Men of Tomorrow is the sixth volume in the New 52 Superman series. The story arc marks the beginning of a new era for the Man of Steel with one of DC Comics greatest writers Geoff Johns and Marvel’s legendary artist John Romita Jr, joining DC Comics for the first time and drawing Superman. A planet with no future, two brilliant scientists rocket their young child away to a better world where he will grow strong and survive the fate of this planet. But, this is earth and the disaster is adverted. Ulysses of the Great World, a hero with incredible powers returns to find the destruction his parents feared has been avoided. With Superman, this new hero Ulysses is an ally, kindred spirit and a friend to the Man of Steel but his plans for a better earth are yet to come. Collects Superman #32-39.

Geoff Johns is back writing Superman again. The writer is responsible for some of the greatest Superman stories written is joined by artist John Romita Jr. They duo have created a modern Superman story that’s great as a standalone tale for the sixth volume in The New 52 series. Johns has had much experience writing the character with superb stories.The Man of Steel is presented in a way that has a classic feel like Johns earlier Superman stories have always done. 

New character Ulysses shares a origin story almost identical to that of Superman. This new hero has arrived on back on his birth world, a place he thought was gone long ago. He has come into Superman's life at a time when he is feeling isolated and alone. He has found an ally, a kindred spirit in Ulysses and though the investigative journalist side of Superman as he introduces Ulysses to privileges that he could never enjoy. It's great action story with a lot of heart. Lois Lane is in the story but only in the background. Editor-in chief Perry White and photographer Jimmy Olsen, two other of the Daily Planet’s team get their moment in the spotlight. Clark is depicted as an outsider and Ulysses is someone he can relate to, but this story also shows how he can bond with both Perry and Jimmy. One noteworthy aspect of the story is that Superman gets a minor update to his costume as well as a new super power.

The sixth collection of the Superman series of The New 52 is a stand out read.I hadn't been interested in either of the two of the Superman series or their collected editions with one exception, I had been intrigued by Grant Morrison’s new take on the early days of Clark Kent in Superman Action Comics Vol.1 - The Men of Steel, it was good but I never continued on with the series. Superman Unchained the limited series by Scott Snyder and Jim Lee was amazing. When I heard that super star writer Geoff Johns would be taking on the Man of Steel I was very interested for the forthcoming graphic novel. After I read preview online of a major turning point in the story, it really had got my attention. The premise sounded great and with Johns as writer it only built anticipation for what could be a great Superman story. I was really looking forward to what this story was about and it didn’t disappoint. The arrival of artist John Romita Junior is a big deal, he and his father have been legendary comic artists at Marvel for decades. His art adds to the classic feel of the story with colourist Klaus Janson.

Johns has had many great story arcs previous stories of Superman, Brianic, Secret Origin, Up Up and Away and the unforgettable Last Son with Richard Donner. This latest story is the next in the growing line of classic feel Superman stories. It’s a great story and worth the hype. Johns joined the series for an eight issue arc that's one of possibly the best of the best of the Superman 2011 series. The series was reinvigorated by the creative duo making the series a lot more interesting. The introduction of a new character with similar experiences to Superman makes for a exciting and brilliant story that is a stand alone self contained story that anyone can get into without any prior reading of the Superman series. The collection is the sixth volume in The New 52 Superman adventures but is not labelled as such, possibly in an attempt to not intimidate put off by whats been a less than stellar series for one of the greatest comic book superheroes in existence. This helps the books stand out as a stand alone story or as new jumping on point as the series continues.

With this year’s release of Superman Unchained and Superman The Men of Tomorrow its been a great year for two very brilliant and very different Superman stories. It had big heroic moments and smaller kinder in between. Its an quintessential Superman tale with a retro charm that recent Man of Steel stories haven't seen since the 2011 relaunch. Its a character focused story with heart and charm. The cover logo is evocative of the classic Superman movie logo works good too. There is a timeless quality to the story making it one of the most accessible and one of the greatest Superman tales. 

Geoff Johns returns to writing Superman after so many great stories is now joined by artist John Romita Jr. The two legends together craft a modern story with a much missed classic feel to their story that works so well as a stand alone and fantastic Superman tale. 

Superman Unchained Deluxe Edition Review

Since his arrival Superman marked the dawn of the superhero age, the Man of Steel waged a never-ending battle for truth and justice, no matter when or where. But decades before the Last Son of Krypton became Earth's champion another being of incredible power fell from the sky. This “super soldier” has been living in secret and working for the US Government since his arrival 75 years ago.

Superman Unchained is a nine issue mini series celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel. The action packed series, created by two of comic’s greats; writer Scott Snyder and artist Jim Lee, collectively crafting a story of comic’s greatest hero. The launch of the New 52 series also coincided with the release of the character’s return to the big screen in 2013’s blockbuster; Man of Steel.

The most recognized superhero in pop culture, Superman has been elevated to mythic folk hero status. Rocketed to Earth from the dying planet Krypton, baby Kal-El was found by a farming couple who named the boy Clark Kent and raised him as their own. Discovering his enormous powers, they instilled in him strong moral values—and inspired him to become a hero.

Since The New 52 began, the only two series I collected in graphic novels was Batman and Justice League. Superman Unchained is written by Batman writer Scott Snyder with Justice League artist Jim Lee. One of comic’s greatest writers and one it’s greatest artist coming together giving fans a new take of the world’s greatest superhero in one of the greatest Superman adventures told in this limited and stand alone series. 

Superman is not the only super powered alien being that fell from the sky, one existed before him but had remained in secret for the United States Military. Superman begins to uncover the decades old secret when satellites start to fall from the sky, leaving the big question of whom or what altered the trajectory of the last one. This alien being of immense power and strength arrived on earth in 1938 (a nod to the original creation of Superman) working with the US Government and Military since his arrival. An example of the extent of both his role and power is revealed within the opening of issue #1, a flashback to the bombing of Nagasaki during the Second World War in 1945.

Superman Unchained features a fully realized but younger Man of Steel. The opening of the story features Superman is taking on a colossal disaster of satellites all simultaneously crashing towards earth and the presumable perpetrators of the catastrophe is Ascension, a cyber terrorist group. The conflict of crashing satellites is well fit for Superman’s talents as well a providing action scenes on a massive scale. One noteworthy addition Snyder brings to the series is Clark’s internal monologue depicting his thought process before an incredible feat. This aspect is absent as the story progresses but makes a return in the penultimate issue. The story features Superman’s best supporting characters featuring Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Batman, Wonder Woman and the mysterious alien known as Wraith all figure into in this epic story.

Wraith had arrived before Superman and has been cooperating with the US Government in a way Superman never would, sharing its advanced technology with the military and being their own super solider, their very own Superman. The two super beings meet earlier than expected in the story and in a surprising way. Rather than get into a battle the pair work together, which makes sense as Wraith has been on earth for decades and why now suddenly want to fight the Man of Steel. Everything concerning the being is mysterious his arrival, the extent of his powers and why he really works with General Lane and the military, there is more to this new character than meets the eye. The benevolent figure does fulfill a mentoring role to Superman, examining his time on earth, he questions our hero to re-evaluate his cause, his duty and his choices on his adopted home world. He gives Superman the realization of the futility of some of his actions. For a series that celebrates the 75th anniversary of Superman, it puts significant focus on his legacy, examining his place in the world and his relationship with humanity. Never before has a story showed the human side to be a weakness of Superman, the ineffectual of his existence as an outsider is very interesting and valid point. If the function of Wraith is to make our hero better he fulfills it here putting Superman’s role and duty to his adopted planet in the spotlight. Just as New 52 Superman is young, capable and intelligent, Lois Lane equally shares those qualities, she captures some of the spotlight in own intriguing side story as she is faced with the cyber terrorist group Ascension. One of the biggest changes to Superman in the New 52 was that he was no longer married to or in a relationship with Lois Lane, it was wiped from continuity. For fans of that classic romance, Lois and Superman share a touching moment together, the likes of which haven’t been seen since before the New 52. It’s fresh approach for the two pair to share a connection without Lois having to overly admire/ moon over Superman. One relationship that hasn't changed is that of Superman and Batman, they still share the unique friendship with the Dark Knight being one of his greatest allies and confidants. Snyder has plenty of experience of writing Batman and takes a different take here playing a significant role in the story and has some great lines getting to have his own brand of “fun” in this story. In my opinion, some of the best Superman stories feature General Lane and the military, giving a grounded element to a story. The revelation that Wraith arrived on earth prior to Superman gives the military further reason to distrust him, he hasn't fallen in line and co-operated with the military the same way Wraith his predecessor has. Throughout it continues to be an action packed and exciting story of the greatest hero on earth, making Superman appear more human without downplaying his godlike qualities.

It’s great to see Superman penciled by Jim Lee once again since the brilliant Superman For Tomorrow and as part of the Justice League. Lee’s New 52 redesign of the character was my favorite of the re-launch. His art gives you some of the some of the best comic book art you will ever see. The action packed fights, action and almost dialogue free finale lets the artist tell so much of the epic story. Artist Dustin Nguyen does equally well in a handful of backup and flashback sequences, similar to the artist’s role in Snyder’s Batman series.

The story is action packed and the story is both intriguing and exciting from issue #1. The action doesn't let up, there is rarely a quiet moment within the nine issue story, sometimes lengthy story arcs that run as long as this can lose momentum or dip in story quality, this story gets better and builds with every issue. Just when you think the final you know the final conflict, it’s merely a prelude to a much bigger threat, a testament to the quality of the creators story telling abilities. It does feel akin to the blockbuster 2013 Superman movie, both redefine the character for a new generation, their action packed and Superman’s alter ego Clark Kent doesn't feature too heavily, he makes minor appearances in this book. It’s a vastly entertaining and large scale Superman action story tackling the ever changing meaning of his existence.

The Deluxe Edition is a large volume and a great bonus it collects the over 50 variant covers of the series depicting notable eras in the characters 75 year history. The self contained story and the inclusion of all Superman’s best known supporting characters make this accessible to new readers whilst having more than enough subject matter of Superman’s legacy to satisfy long time fans. Also contains #1 Director’s Cut.

Superman Unchained is a modern re-introduction of the character to ever growing complicated world, no longer the all knowing ultimate do-gooder, instead is man trying to do the best he can in the ever increasingly complicated world. Stepping away from the ol’ fashioned and dated portrayal Snyder uses his story line as a means of not just redefining the Superman but better defining the character becoming more contemporary. The inclusion of Superman’s best known supporting characters ensured that the story had the intent of being a great Superman story whilst the revelation of another “Superman” assured fans that this would be a distinctive adventure, it feels like a sure future classic. It all makes for a really enjoyable, really smart, and visually sharp Superman story. 

Superman Unchained succeeds in both being an exciting and thrilling contemporary story, in addition to acknowledging the longevity and legacy of the world’s first and greatest superhero.

My Collection: Man of Steel Movie Masters Action Figure Superman

Man of Steel Movie Masters Action Figure Superman

The Man of Steel. I had my eye on this figure for quite sometime. I was a huge fan and really enjoyed the Man of Steel movie. I was highly anticipating the release of this movie and loved the new take on the Man of Steel. I was buying Empire Magazine with the great covers and features for the upcoming movie was massively exciting. Then on the big release day me and my girlfriend to went to see it and it was amazing. It was one of the best movies we had ever seen, and to my delight she suggested going to see it again a week later. Mostly I think, down to the looks and charm of it's leading man, it was good outcome either way.

With the release of this awesome movie saw the release of the Movie Masters Man of Steel adult collectors action figures. 

MOVIE MASTERS With authentic detail, deluxe articulation and supreme quality, the Movie Masters line offers fans the premium collecting experience.  True-to-scale, these figures are expertly crafted to ensue the highest standards for your collection.

I saw the releases online and really wanted the Superman action figure. But I restrained myself and did not buy the figure for about 9 months and then I gave in when I discovered The Wave 2 Superman release in this line included the "Krpytonian Command Key" accessory as a neat little extra. A Superman figure usually wouldn't come with accessories but this was a cool bonus with the figure that I was already a huge fan of, I'm glad I waited. 

I already owned Mattel's Batman figure from The Dark Knight Rises Movie Masters line and was both impressed and pleased with the figure.I held off for a few months but still remained interested in the figure. I got the DVD for Christmas and really wanted something to represent my interest of both movie and comic book interpretations of Superman.

After I made sure that this figure was a re-release of the the Wave 1 figure,  with no changes I decided to add this figure and awesome accessory to my collection. The command key is a die cast metal accessory with a metal chain. I don't wear it but it is suitable for that purpose if you wish. Great replica prop from an innovative and creative aspect of the film. This accessory sealed the deal for me getting this edition of the figure. The wave 2 Superman release also came with the figure stand that came with the previous first Superman figure release. Each of the figures in this line all came with a figure stand with the insignia of the house they belong to. 


I love everything about the film's definition of both the new symbol and the iconic costume.
I admire how the cape is open as if its flowing in the wind and both paying homage to when we first see Superman in his new costume for the first time in the movie. This new suit takes of inspiration of how Superman has been appearing since the New 52 since 2011 primarily the fact that Superman no longer wears the red trunks, which I'm okay with. 
Really happy that I was able to pair it with a another figure.This looks great beside my movie Batman, giving us an visual conception of how Worlds Finest appear next to one another in their movie inspired action figures. 

See you in 2016

Movies has always been my big interest of mine. then becoming a fan of comic book movies and then my interest in comics graphic novels and the collectibles associated with them. Both my Batman and Superman Movie Master figures, these two figures represent the intersection of both of my main interests. 

Bye for now

K

Man of Steel 2 : Lex Luthor & Alfred have been Cast

Hello All, 

BREAKING NEWS !



Jesse Eisenberg is Lex Luthor and Jeremy Irons is Alfred Pennyworth in the upcoming Man of Steel sequel !

Casting news about Man of Steel 2/ Batman vs. Superman movie.
Not a rumor as it's straight from DC Comics itself.

Enjoy the article below

Lex Luthor and Alfred have been cast

Bye for now

Finished Book and new figure

Finished Book and new Figure

Thought I'd take this opportunity to show off my very cool DC Comics 2014 Calender

New Package all the way from USA, it was a bargain of a price as these collectors figures can usually be quite pricey

DA DA !

Man of Steel Movie Masters Superman Collectors Figure

with Kryptonian Command Key

.......and today I finished the first of four books my lovely girlfriend got me for Christmas

The Greatest JOKER Stories Ever Told

Really enjoyed this book, It is a collection of various comics featuring The Joker published between 1940's - 1980's. I really enjoy these sample of the times stories from various periods with the 80's being my favorite decades as it takes The Joker back to his original murderous intent. The book is a rare time capsule look into how the stories were over the years and the influences that still exist today. 

The stories are fun and gripping and contains the well know classic Joker tale "The Laughing Fish". This was such a rare find as it was originally published in 1988.
The Greatest Stories Ever Told is always to great gift as to someone special.

This trade paperback reprints stories from the following comic book issues and comic books:

• Batman #1(The Joker, here titled as Batman versus the Joker, from March, 1940)
• Batman #4(The Case of the Joker's Crime Circus from December, 1940)
• Detective Comics #168(The Man Behind the Red Hood from February, 1951)
• Batman #63(The Joker's Crime Costumes! from February, 1951)
• Batman #73(The Joker's Utility Belt! from October, 1952)
• World's Finest #61(The Crimes of Batman from November, 1952)
• Batman #74(The Crazy Crime Clown! from December, 1952)
• World's Finest #88(Superman and Batman's Greatest Foes from May, 1957)
• Batman #110(Crime-of-the-Month Club! from September, 1957)
• Batman #159(The Great Clayface - Joker Feud from November, 1963)
• Batman #163(The Joker Jury! from May, 1964)
• Batman #251(The Joker's Five-Way Revenge! from September, 1973)
• Brave and the Bold #111(Death Has the Last Laugh from March, 1974)
• Joker #3(The Last Ha Ha from October, 1975)
• Detective Comics #475(The Laughing Fish from February, 1978)
• Detective Comics #476(Sign of the Joker! from April, 1978)
• Batman #321(Dreadful Birthday, Dear Joker... ! from March, 1980

This paperback included an introduction by Mike Gold under the title The best of the bad: the Joker's dozen, end notes by Mark Waid under the title Stacking the deck: the other Joker stories, and biographies of notable Joker creators by Brian Augustyn.

Have Fun and Chat Soon