The Flash Volume 3: Gorilla Warfare Review

Gorilla Warfare is the third volume in the series featuring the Fastest Man Alive; the Flash, Central City has been invaded by Gorilla Grodd and his army as he sets out to conquer Central City and possess the powers of the Flash. It’ll take more than the Scarlet Speedster to stop them as the Rouges join the fight in protecting Central City. Collects issues #13 – 19 by writers and artists Francis Manapul and Brian Beccellato with guest artist Marcus To and Marcio Takara.

Gorrilla Warfare is an big and all out action story with the Flash and the Rouges take on Gorrila Grodd and his army of apes taking over Central City. For the third volume in the series its more straightforward and a simpler story while tying up existing plot elements making it a satisfying story. It brings a lot of elements of Barry Allen’s personal life to a conclusion while setting up a complicated love triangle in the near future.

The talking gorilla invasion element is a bit out there but the characters of the story acknowledge it which makes easier to accept by the readers if you’re not into that part of the Flash universe. Grodd is a long time villain of the speedster and since has been lightly featured in this New 52 series since it began. This story arc is the culmination of Grood’s earliest appearances in the series, and seeing as Volume 2 Rouges Revolution opened and closed with the simian it is a worthy inclusion that made for a great story.

While the stories and always developing one thing that stays consist is the amazing and stunning art from Manapul and Beccellato. Their art always continues to astound. They always employ an inventive layout and different elements of the setting to conjure up an impressive title page. The standout example of their art is during a nine page display of the Flash’s mind envisioning different outcomes of the big conflict. The lighting-shaped panels making their way across the pages building to a wonderful visual crescendo where the lighting becoming the end title page for the issue.

In the aftermath of the Gorilla Warfare arc, the volume concludes in a two part story with a story ex-Rouge member The Trickster who’s been accused of murder. The Flash sets out to prove his innocence and becoming more difficult when he loses his powers. The story with guest artist Marcio Takara is a nice way to wrap up a good book while teasing the next big villain for the next collection.

Gorilla Warfare is the third big action story that capitalises on many of the plot elements introduced since the series began while giving way to establishing new plot threads to cumulate in Manapul and Beccellato’s final volume of the series where they introduce their new version on a quintessential Flash villain The Reverse Flash.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a 5 issue mini series written by Gregg Hurwitz and art by Szymon Kudranski that highlights Oswald Cobblepott's back story that now has him hailed as the much feared, evil and vindictive Crime Lord. He is known as one of Batman's oldest and most persistent enemies. The Penguin runs a vast crime empire that is always at the of risk faltering due to the interference of The Dark Knight. Cobblepott's Iceberg Lounge acts as a front for his criminal dealings whilst appearing as a legitimate businessman to the public.

Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a dark, gritty and psychological tale taking you all the way back to his childhood and the abuses that turned him into the ruthless and powerful Crime Lord. It tugs at the heartstrings making young Cobblepott a figure of mockery from the earliest possible age; spurned by his father, mercilessly taunted by his older brothers and his peers. The story is crafted in such a way that the reader gains a huge amount of sympathy for young Oswald but without condoning his violent actions, as an adult  you are swiftly reminded of how cruel and evil a man he is. He has grown to overcome his tormentors becoming one of the most feared men in Gotham City, this makes the clashes with Batman so interesting as The Dark Knight is the real ruler of Gotham. The Penguin sees him as the one final bully he has yet to overcome. A novel story highlighting his past but doesn't get too confined to that approach. Mid way through the narrative moves away from the grim and brooding character portrait and proceeds to the secondary plot involving the meeting a of a young woman as a love interest, in whom would give him the one this he was looking for.

It is a dark and disturbing tale of a man who has and can get everything, but lacks the means to get the one thing that would truly make him happy: love. It explores this notion as Penguin meets a young woman name Cassandra, who is not concerned with external beauty. He quickly falls for her but there's more under the surface here making the subtext so compelling. That is the beauty of the series, it's a much deeper story than the Penguin showing off how he always get what he wants, it's why the series is such accomplishment. When he meets a and falls for Cassandra, you believe it as it's genuine. He is not using her, he shows that he is capable of love, but is dubious because his own self loathing. You feel a great swell of pity for him as he finds himself incapable of trusting his love interest. On another occasion The Penguin demonstrates he's not a complete monster. For those that show love and kindness are generously rewarded displaying a humanity, a caring side previously unseen. While others that he views as having been disrespectful or wronged him suffer a horrible fate. Doing what he feels is right based on his own experiences, the Penguin doesn't just get even with someone, he ruins their lives with a series of horrible events befalling their loved ones. It works well because we've seen the the beginning of this in his childhood, isolated by his appearance he cultivates his precocious intellect to concoct schemes to rid himself of those that jeer him. He is rightfully feared.

Batman's appearance is limited in throughout the story. When he does appear, the reader is given only brief glimpses where very little of The Dark Knight is view. As we are repeatedly shown how young Oswald Cobblepot suffered at the hands of bullies as a child, we see how he views Batman as the worst bully of them all, who even acknowledges as much in a conversation with Jim Gordon. Questioning if it is fair that the people they protect are often just as terrible as the him. A view shared by the Penguin retaining that belief that has been the definition of the character since he was child persecuted because of his appearance. Batman and Gordon's heroism is preserved in the story, rather than portraying them solely as villains from the titular villain's perspective.The art is well suited to the materiel, The Penguin's world is a cold one, the overwhelming darkness reflects the way the light has gone out of Oswald’s life. Also included in this book is Batman: Joker’s Asylum: The Penguin #1 He Who Laughs Last, it shares a similar plot and could be viewed as inspiration and expanded into the five issue mini series.

One of my favorite Batman stories is Year One and The Long Halloween, stories that utilized mobsters and crime bosses such as Carmine "The Roman"Falcone. The Penguin is Gotham's current crime boss. It is a great story and the also gives fans of the Gotham TV series a better understanding and background of the one of the show's main antagonists. Pain and Prejudice gives us a new origin for The Penguin, the only back story I was familiar with was that of Tim Burton's Batman Returns, the climatic ending of the story is very and reminiscent of the movie.

It's not just a story that gives you a better understanding of a villain so evil and cruel but allows them to empathize with in a character driven story, seeing his point of view. It has similarities to Alan Moore's and Brian Boland's classic Batman: The Killing Joke. Building on DC Comics trend of villains in the main role in their own graphic novels and mini series.

The New 52 universe's examination of the character exhibits that the Penguin is rightly feared crime lord. It's dark, menacing, unsettling at times but more importantly fascinating. He is capable to kindness in rare circumstances as this story examines his pain and his prejudices. We see how young Oswald Cobblepot has went from being his mother’s good boy to the leader of underworld gangs and adversary of the Batman. Penguin: Pain and Prejudice is a thrilling and emphatic story of one of Batman's most memorable villains that can highly be considered as a definitive Penguin story.

Thanks for reading and more to come,

K

Justice League Volume 5: Forever Heroes Review

Justice League Volume 5 is the latest collection of issues from Geoff Johns New 52 series. Forever Heroes is a collection of tie in's to the main event; The Forever Evil mini series. This volume doesn't pick right up after the events of Volume 4 The Grid, instead it reveals the origins of members of the Crime Syndicate, the evil counterparts to the Justice League, while the later issues progress on the story features the real hero of the arc, Cyborg.

The Justice League are gone now Ultraman, Owlman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Deathstorm, Atomica and Johnny Quick, The Crime Syndicate have invaded earth from a alternate universe. The Syndicate are not just the evil counterparts of the league but have meaningful motivations for desire to rule the world. The begging of each issue spotlights the backwards and twisted origin of various members of the Crime Syndicate, some with their own motivations and some with hidden agendas. Ultraman, Owlman have their own issue and and the rest are featured the third issue. All expect Lois Lane as Superwoman, one of the most interesting origins of the group is left a mystery. Her files has been deleted from database only adds to her mysterious nature. One of my favorite moments along with the dark origins of the Syndicate was the moment where organised crime families were trying to find their place in a world where the Crime Syndicate has taken over, resulting with the incidental creation of Plastic Man.

Justice League #27 offers a change of pace for the series, the attention is back to Earth's dwindling lineup of heroes. Cyborg/Victor Stone had his human half ripped from its robotic body and left for dead. He is the only member of the Justice League that has escape the Syndicates attack and he is the only one who can save earth's heroes. On the verge of death, Victor emerges as a stronger, more confident hero who has fully embraced his place in the world. After a heartfelt conversation between Victor and his father work begins to rebuild his son and in the end, Cyborg earns his place among the Justice League in a way he hadn't fully before. Cyborg emerges in a new sleeker slimmer body and this is where the book gains momentum, with earth's heroes gone it is up to Victor Stone to act and he's gonna need help to do it. Enter Project Metal Men, into a story arc that's already crammed with super villian origins, Johns re-introduces the heroic Metal Men in this story.The Metal Men are heroes that truly want to help others even if it means self sacrifice, this is a completely straightforward and refreshingly earnest portrayal of superheroes. Cyborg plans to launch an attack on his Crime Syndicate counterpart Grid, the sentient computer virus that has taken control of Cyborg's previous robotic body. He leads the resistance against Grid who has taken control of the world's computer and communications.

The first half of the book was an interesting look at the origins and motivations of members of the Crime Syndicate. While the later half makes progress as Cyborg leads the fight to save to Justice League and stop Grid. Cyborg gets to really shine here as not just hero but a leader, he has fully embraced what he is and for a character that has had so many set backs keeps fighting. There’s a evocative moment in the final issue, one of the most famous images in superhero comics is that of Clark Kent opening his shirt revealing the Superman uniform underneath. The image that has been used many times throughout comics history, it’s symbolic not just of superheroes taking action, it’s a powerful image that resonates with everyone and this time that moment belongs to Cyborg. This story's strongest theme is about Cyborg embracing himself for what he has become and what he’s been all along, a hero.

Cyborg is the real star of the story and really develops as a character and it's great to see as he is the only founding member of the Justice League that doesn't have his own series. The evil origins was a fresh inclusion but these are only ties ins to the main event Forever Evil and Forever Heroes is the latest installment in the series that will hopefully resume to standalone epic stories that began this best selling series. 

K

My Collection: DC Comics Super Villains: The Joker Action Figure

The DC COMICS - THE NEW 52 look of Batman's arch nemesis, The Joker is perfectly captured in this action figure based on the designs from the "Death of the Family" story.

DC Collectibles produce all kinds of collectibles including statues, props, replicas and action figures directly resembling comic book characters style of appearance from the comics, video game or animated movie that they are based on. The DC Collectibles products are for the direct market, primarily serving comic book stores.

DC Universe Classics is my preferred line of collector action figures. They've got great articulation, and usually bright and glossy depictions of the characters, they just look fun. I was aware of the DC Collectibles line, it featured figures directly influence from various sources of comic story lines resembling the artists interpretation of characters, in different forms of media. I always preferred the DC Universe Classics iterations of New 52 Superman and Batman to that of their DC Collectibles counterparts. They just looked too stern and not as fun. I never intended to own anything from this line, that was until – The Joker. 

The book was brilliant and the figure was due for release around the same time as the graphic novel in October 2013. I kept an eye online deciding whether I should get this figure, I had seen images and just assumed it was a Mattel Collectors Action Figure. For a while I was undecided. That was until I seen the figure in a comic book store and a month later, That Christmas my girlfriend surprised me with this amazing figure. The figure came in a window box with lime green accents and the Joker’s sinister smile on one side. 

Akin to my other Joker figure, this too came with a few accessories, tools that which can be stored in his tool belt or held in his hands. The oversized gloves are nice touch too. The detailed head sculpt is both incredibly detailed and disgusting. The rotting flesh and colour of the facial features are the most eye-catching part of this action figure. The rotten flesh of the face is of a dirty grey. The arms show this great contrast of the how bright as white the jokers skin used to be opposed to his skin mask. The face brilliantly sculpted showing the two layers to the face, the flesh mask and the eyes underneath. Joker is still remains the only villain figures I have in my collection. This DC Collectibles Joker is a great addition, this highly detailed figure directly form the pages of the latest New 52 Batman graphic novel. The Jokers reappearance after a year long absence was one of Batman’s greatest challenges perpetrated by his greatest foe makes this Joker, one of Action figure fans most coveted collectors item. It is directly inspired by possibly the New 52 largest and most popular storyline so far.

DC Universe Classics is still my preferred line for my small action figure collection. This Joker figure is just a stand out from the DC Collectibles line and enough for merit a unique addition to my collection. This proudly sits on my shelf as the one DC Collectible figure I own as a direct reminder of one of the best, and best Batman New 52 story arcs so far. This is an amazing figure and it's so good, I have added this to my collection from an action figure line I do not even collect from. More than likely the stand out piece of DC Collectibles and perhaps the only figure from that I line that I will ever own. 

I love my retro appearance Joker figure, but this one is incredibly detailed and new. I loved the Death of The Family story arc that featured in Scott Snyder's Batman comics. Easy to say it's the creepiest and only disgusting figure I own.

Keep on smiling 

K

My Collection: DC Universe Classics All Stars Superman

About a year before the DC Comics New 52 relaunch in 2011 when I started getting into comics and this new look Superman is a symbol of that. New suit new interest of comics greatest character. With a new look for a new time, this figure based on Jim Lee’s designs for the New 52!The Man of Steel, the first and greatest of them all comic book heroes. I always liked Superman, and to me at that age he wasn't as cool or as appealing to as Batman. Even today Batman still has major appeal to kids. Some toddlers and younger children know who Batman is and have toys of clothing of the character. My cousin’s 1 year old has a fondness of Batman that is unprecedented. Superman, I feel is a character who you can appreciate as you grow up and get older. He is much more than his powers. He is the blueprint of the modern superhero. He is inspiring and always does the right thing when faced with hard choices. His humble parents instilled in him strong moral values and inspired him to become the hero he is today. Superman is a hero that reflects the potential in all of us for greatness.

After I got the DC Universe Classics All Stars Batman figure I was interested and in the accompanying Superman figure from the wave also. I just loved the new design and representation of Superman since the new 52 reboot. I made the purchase on eBay. I really enjoyed The New 52 Justice League graphic novel and I started to collect new volumes as they were released. 

The figure looks great and is consists of the same level of detail featured in the Batman figure, although the changes to his new costume are more apparent than his batman counterpart, Batman lost the underwear appearance a few years back while New 52 Superman has a few details that haven't been part of the look before. The new emblem is sculpted onto the chest, raised collar, no red trunks and his new emblem printed on back of the cape too was a nice touch. I was never really a fan of the previous Mattel DC Universe Classics releases of Superman but I did really like this new modern and updated look of the worlds first and greatest Superhero.I’m a big Superman fan, He is an inspirational character. The new DC Universe Classics All Stars line allowed collectors to add the most popular heroes to their collection, as the previous releases of DC’s best loved heroes had been released years ago. 

Superman stands as the single most iconic figure in comic books; his Kryptonian S-Shield recognizable as a universal symbol for truth and justice. Though Superman may have begun as a slice of Americana, he’s grown into a symbol that all of humanity can look up to.

Since I started collecting action figures, I always wanted a representation of the two pillars of the DC Universe, the two greatest superheroes and the two modern New 52 renditions of Worlds Finest look outstanding on my shelf together.


Up, up and away 

K

My Collection: DC Universe Classics All Stars Batman

Batman ! I always wanted a Batman figure. On those trips with my girlfriend to Dublin we had went to Forbidden Planet and there was never a Batman collectors action figure available. He would have sold out the fastest of in whatever action figure line he was available in.

Rebooted and redesigned for a new generation! This figure is one of the first from Mattel based on Jim Lee’s designs for the New 52. The Mattel DC Universe Classics line was a line I liked. Other lines like DC Direct and others all had figures that just did not look as fun as these action figures whilst still being detailed and overall great action figures of characters from the DC Universe. 

Although I always would have liked and adult collectors Batman action figure, I was never sure what one I would have wanted. Then at my local Comic Book shop in Letterkenny I found it :)I had been watching Pixel Dan's action figure reviews on Youtube and this always seemed like the best action figure available. 

I bought the figure and was really pleased with it. I had made the move from casual Batman and comic book fan around the time of the launch of the New 52 and this figure is based on Batman's appearance since the relaunch. 

This figure was later re-released under the one of the new re-brands Batman Unlimited and the figure had a glossy new paint application, But I still prefer and recommend the first one.I love this figure and it was the first of a few Adult Collectors Batman action figures that I have purchased. The first Batman figure I ever owned, a fantastic modern representation of Gotham’s number one crime fighter and the beginning of my DC Universe collection.

More to come

Bye

K