WingedLion's Quiver

Green Lantern: the animated series.

2011-06-21T21:38:00.003-05:00

Since for some stupid reason the GL will be released in Mexico in two months (while the pirtae dvd is already in the streets, well done arner, your plan worked perfectly *sarcasm*) this is the closest thing I will see in a while of the franchise. Bruce Timm is a sure thing in terms of animation. But the designs... can't shake the Clone wars vibe from this.

Love and Comics in time of Reboots: The DCNu

2011-06-13T12:09:00.004-05:00

I know that by now complaining or exalting the DCNu or DC's new policies is not new, but I wanted to wait until more infromation had been released to comment on it. I have to say that at first I was feeling a mix of feelings: excitement, betrayal, sadness and more betrayal. The facts that several characters, favorite of mine will get ditched into the curb so far and all the time and money invested in my comic collection made me a sad boy. Now I just feel indifferent to the whole shebang and more interested in bringing out the popcorn at watch this ship either float or sink. Before sharing my thoughts in the topic, here is the full list of comics announced so far: 52 titles of the DCNu.

And now here are a few thoughts on the topic, feel free to disagree, but do it politely or ELSE *aims arrow*

1. The big news is not only the reboot: it is actually the digital offer. I know digital is the future and while my sustainable self says that digital saves thousands of trees, I prefer to have a comic in my hands. The experience is different; in my iPod it feels sterile, while the paper comic allows me a better emotional connection. Also as an ex-employee of the best comicbook shop in UK I can see why retailers might be wary as they might lose potential costumers, specially among the more technological inclined or newer generations. I can see why DC decided to keep the same price in paper than digital, but that price in digital won't work and lowing it will hurt LCS. Basically this is a no win situation where someone will get screwed sooner or later.

2. I'm not the target market: but from the list it is clear that not even DC knows who is their market and how to attract new readers (hint: put books in newstands, supermarkest and toy shops, like they do with manga in Japan). While I grew up with a lot of 90's heroes who are my favorites I acknowledge the 90's in general were awful for comics. And now they are back with vengeance.

3. Diversity is good: a positive of this reboot is that DC is casting its net as wide as possible with several 'sublines', from the ever present Batbooks to military ones for the Halo and CoD fans. This means that DC is betting for segmented markest to maximize its profit. It think is a clever strategy, as long as they keep the events of the equation. This model will work better if there is little crossovers.

4. Diversity is good for my wallet: By my reckoning I will be buying only 8% of the total of DC's comics. I know that I'm not the market so they won't care but I bet a lot of people will do the same. Aisaku says he will focus only in Batman; a couple of friends from UK will stay only in the GL line. In my case it will be the ever present GA, plus Nightwing, Red Hood & The Outlaws (I like the concept) and Batman Beyond, though this book is not included in the reboot. 3 out of 52, I'm bad business for DC I guess.

5. I won't read Superman again: I think I'm done with Supes. I know, Morrison and Morales in the book sounds like a match made in heaven, but they will take out one of the aspcted I liked more about Supes: the marriage. I think a married Superman makes for a more interesting characters and subjectin him to a remake of OMD is undignifying. Also I find annoying the whole secret identity chase that makes Lois looking like a moron. If they tell me they will remain a couple waiting to be married I can live with that (like in Smallville) but going back to the chase and to pair him with Wondy is anathema for my personnal taste. However I wish DC luck in updating the original superhero. He needs it. My position is open to change if the developments show otherwise.

6. The reboot is good for certain charaters...: like GA and Wondy, who have been recently mistreated not necessarily by authors but by their muddied continuity. A fresh start is what they need. If only they had announced a Shazam title to correct their awful mistakes...

7.... and bad for others: Characters like the classic Titans, Wally West (the best Flash as JLU showed), Steph and Cass and vene PG and the JSA were left out of this. Granted DC can announce another 52 books for October but that is unlikely. This saddens me because caharcters like Steph, whose fans fought to rbing her back finally got a shot at a big book and despite unversal acclaim her and her writter Bryan Q. Miller got the boot. That is poor form DC. And despite my dislike for Simone, Secret Six was awesome and is a shame all that character development will be wasted now. Catman is a great antihero and will be sorely missed.

8. If ain't broken, don't fix it: this applies mainly to Batgirl (I will get hate here but I hope it flunks). Babs will be alwasy the classic Batchick, but with Batwoman in the picture, it's getting crowded. Also Oracle was a great character that only needed a bit of modifications to updated it to the 21st. century. Applies the same to Booster Gold and JLI.

10. It is a sad indictment of comics' current status when: despite this DC's editorial policy, it is light years better than Marvel's. There I said it.

11. We can put that bizantine discussion to rest: Basically DC took the dare of doing COIE in times of the internet and we have seen in real time what happened. And what is mroe ironic, Barry 'I should be dead' Allen is again at the center of the stage. Coincidence or cunning planning? The world may never know.

In conclusion, I wish DC the best of the luck on this because is a huge gamble. I just wish they were fmore forthcoming and open with what is going to happen in September in universe to stop this annoying rumor mongering. For me, I will remain loyal to GA, chage a few batbooks for others and erither tradewait or move to Indy comics now. Afterall there will be a new TMNT comic in a few months.

P.S: I love Dan Jurgens work, one of my favorites but can someone, plreas pretty please give him a book about archery? The suit looks cool but that is a sorely mistake depiction of an archer. the arrow is all wrong. And Ollie hates compounds... unless is SV Ollie.

A late, late commentary on the Smallville finale.

2011-06-06T13:38:00.006-05:00

Finally I managed to watch the finale (work, schedule issues, etc. made it difficult) of Smallville and here are my impression.

I think it was good send off for a show that according to many, was way past its sell by date. The fact that with so many handicaps this show lastes this long shows something special, something unique to any narrative involving Superman: the capacity to believe the extraordinary. In a time and age of expensive FX and bottomlines, SV managed to do de best wit its lot and evolve from a romantic teenage crap show into one that put the DCU and comics into the mind of people that have never read a single comicbook. It helped to make characters barely know outside the usual media, such as GA. Granted the show wans't perfect, it lacked a lto of things and it was most obvious in the final fighte between GA and the New Gods and Clark vs Darkseid. However it did make a point that in relfection makes this episode not only a finale, but a summary of the show. We watched Sv with the hope of watching Clark become Superman and as such was weird to see him fighting his biggest enemies before donning the suit. But as Jor-El showed, Superman has been always there since episode one. Clark has been always Superman, it was juts matter of making that side of him reach the surface and be polished. Superman is more than a suit, is the person behind the S. And a such Smallville is a great success. We managed to get closure in every plot, a luxury not many shows can afford in these trying times for geeky tv. Smallville is a show to keep.

And it was a good finale because in the end this show was never meant for comic fans, but for people trying to get into comics in an accesible way. For that, thank you to all the involved in these great 10 years of stories.

Farewell Smallville, you were a staple in my life and you will be missed. Now gove me a Green Arrow spinoff.

CHAMP19NS

2011-05-14T17:37:00.004-05:00

I have to celebrate, 19th titles, top of the perch and Chicharito as first teamer with his first (of many I hope) titles in the Premier League. Congratulations to Manchester United!!! Glory Glory to United!!

Now let's beat Barca and its team of divers.

Odinson is happy with moving pictures (Thor movie short review)

2011-05-09T13:04:00.005-05:00

After many travails I managed to watch Thor yesterday and I was pleasently surprised. It is not news that the big hit will be Captain America, but this Thor film doesn't ask for much. Here is my brief review.

As with most of the recent Marvel Studios movies this one is pretty faithful to the comic. it is commendable that it captured with ease most of the mood of the Kirby and Simonson comics of the characters (it just lacked more Kirby dots). Every character is perfectly captured in personality ('cept for Odin, who is nicer here, but works better). Thor is arrogant but well intended, a child becoming a man. Odin is majestic. Loki is this tormented villian that even in the end makes you feel bad for him. The Warriors Three and Sif are the perfect nakama (just need more screen time). Heimdall is superb (kudos to Idris Elba is the perfect fit for the characer). Jane is more that romantic interest, she actually helps Thor to mature and loved the change from nurse to astrophysicist, which allows the story to set up the sequel nicely. Asgard... well the whole movie universe is beyond expectation and even Coulson and Hawkeye in their cameos make a decent contribution. Probably the best parts are the action of Thor ( Chris Hemsworth), Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and the music. Patrick Doyle sent it outside the park in this one. Kudos as well to Brannagh from doing a movie well outside his comfort zone and yet deliver the goods with grace.

If I had to define it sucintely, Iron Man is ingenious, Cap. America will be inspiring and Thor is just epic. Perfect for the Marvel trinity. Now, I wouldn't say that Thor is better than the first Iron Man. I would says that both are equally good but for different reasons. Iron Man is the story of a jerk discovering what it means being a hero (Tony is still a jerk, but a loveable one). Thor is a story of a hero learning to be human.

The only downfall of the movie is that if feels a bit... empty in some parts, especially the Jane-Thor relationship of which we only catch glimpses. This is maybe because they are using the Iron Man formula to create this films, making Tony's first foray the prototype of what to expect in a Marvel film. Thor kinda feels a bit formulaic in parts, but it doesn't detract massively from the end product.

I think at the end, the best compliment to a movie (specially one where everything is set up for sequels/crossovers) is that leaves you wishing to see more. And this one makes me wish that the Avengers movie were released as soon as possible or a sequel were in the works. This Thor would make Odinson delighted of how his feats of honor and bravery have been portrayed. Coming for a DC fan I guess that is quite a compliment.

Green Arrow#11: Where Ollie steals the magic bow from the Archer of the D&D cartoon

2011-05-04T11:33:00.004-05:00

As I'm feeling a bit underweather (and the amounts of workload has stopped me from doing my monthly reviews) I will write a quick one of the recent issue of GA. Sadly since issue 7 the story hit a low and became sluggish due the froce crossover with BD. I'm so eager for it to finish it and see what Krul can do without his hand being force by Johns or DiDio.

The Good: The endless moping and crossover with BD seems to be at hand. Ollie finally discovers that he is indeed a hero (dunno why it took him 11 issues...) and is revealed that he now can use a nifty magic bow made of White energy, very similar to the bow appearing the old D&D cartoon.

The Bad: Lousy cameos from the Arrow family and poor depiction of the battles made the art fall flat, probably the lowest point in the new run.

The Ugly: Nothing new sadly. The book needs to get out of crossovers soon so it can be its own err... book again. Ollie works better when he is left alone. Also needs mroe Mia.

The veredict: Average at best. Can improve much more. It woudl be interesting to see if Ollie keeps the magic bow or is just a one time gimmick.

Little Thor

2011-04-22T16:30:00.001-05:00

I wouldn't know if being angry at my kid or proud that he had superpowers.

I eat my words: Thundercats' new trailer

2011-04-03T21:49:00.001-05:00

There are times, however how scarce are, that I'm wrong and I recognize that I was mistaken for doubting on the new TC cartoon. This looks awesome (Jaga as a wizard!!!) and the plot seems to make sense. Still is a shame that the toys don't look yet so good as the series (and still not warmed about the Twin Kats look).

This looks way better: Green Lantern trailer 2

2011-04-02T21:40:00.000-06:00

Seems that the producers have been working in improving the CGI, which looks less clunky and low budget. I'm still not very convinced about the aliens but I see the point that the director is making. Also Geoffrey Rush as Tomar Re is going well above my initial reservations.

There might be hope for this movie yet. And with hope there is always a brightest day.

News from the Kingdom of Thundera

2011-03-30T18:16:00.004-06:00

Our corresponsal at Thundera has declared the following:

'Recent tensions in our borders have come as a result of the increased activity from evil mummy-wizard.despot Mum-Ra and his armies of mutants. While our king has delined any suggestion of retribution, rumor has it that prince heir and famous hothead royal Lion-O is planning a quest to end with this cold war once and for all. Apparently he will be joined by his teammates from his Special Force service known as the Thundercats. More information to follow.

This news have come from this report from the producers of the new TC cartoon:

ThunderCats: The re-imagined animated series based on the beloved 80s classic tells the tale of a hero’s epic journey to fulfill his ultimate destiny. On Third Earth, the kingdom of Thundera is being threatened by the evil sorcerer Mumm-Ra and young heir to the throne Lion-O embarks on a great quest to take his rightful place as king. The unlikely champion, joined by his faithful comrades Tygra, Cheetara, Panthro, WilyKit, WilyKat and his loyal pet Snarf, must work together to save their world from darkness.

Now this is an interesting twist to streamlien the mythos, though sounds a bit like Eternia and seriously reminded me of Shadow Skill.

Out of context #29: Mrs. Richards, you're trying to seduce me.

2011-03-24T16:20:00.003-06:00

I wonder what would think Mr. Richards of his wife welcoming Spidey with that pharse.

I will follow that man to Hell's gates. Cap Trailer

2011-03-23T21:13:00.000-06:00

I admit it, while I was growing up and my comics addiction started, I was barely a fan of Captain America because of its name*. However I remember that when I was little runt I did enjoyed the old cartoon, mostly because Steve was the symbol of what a hero should be, very much like Superman. It is not the powers that make the hero, but his soul and heart. So I think this movie will offer a good time to reconciliate my admiration for a true hero with that name.

Looks good by the way. Probably will be the best superhero film of the year.

*Sorry but american jingoism sickens me. Not that is the fault of the Cap. I admit he is awesome.

By Crom!!! Conan the Barbarian (2011)

2011-03-21T00:34:00.000-06:00

To keep the appetite open till I write a comic review. By Crom, Conan is by far one of the best fantasy tales ever written. If you disagree I will drink your blood from your skull while I hear the lamentations of your women.

X-Men anime character design

2011-03-01T18:38:00.002-06:00

Here are some images of the character design for the MadHouse anime about the X-Men where the plot is as following: the X-men disbanded after the death of Jean (surprise surprise!!!) and when armor goes missing in Japan, Professor X summons the main team to go to the rescue. I like the fact that they are not forcing the story into Japan but trying to make it more logical. But I digress... here are the pics.

I have to say that I like Storm's design more tha the others. When well designed, she is the sexiest X-lady of the bunch.

These Cats are really different.

2011-02-26T20:01:00.002-06:00

And that ladies and gentlemen was the trailer of the new Thundercats cartoon, but in this case I should say anime. It does has quite a different vibe. Nothing with the last survivors of a destroyed planet settling in a new one. his feels like a mix between a coming of age story, rag tag bunch of rebel heroes and a prequel. The full gang is there though, so that is one concern less. Honestly I dunno what to think. I mean the He-man remake took the basic premise and improved it, cleaning and giving logic to the story and the characters. Here seems more like a complete new version where onfly the basic idea of the characters is the same, but story and continuity wise is whole new parallel world. It could be good, it could be bad, nontheless the animation looks great. It is hard to make a judgement based just in a trailer so we will have to wait. Still, it feels odd. And am I the only one that thinks that Cheetarah looks like a punk rocker/emo?

A proper send off: The reason why McDuffie rocked as creator

2011-02-23T09:35:00.002-06:00

If that is not powerful writting and the best depict of what Batman* (and to a extent the League), should be I dunno what it is. The ability of doing it summarized in 4 minutes.

*Not only as superhero, but as a compassionate eight year old in the body of a man trying to make the world fairer. That is why I think very few writers understand or even less can work in Batman. Thanks Dwayne.

Farewell Dwayne

2011-02-22T15:49:00.004-06:00

Today is a sad day for the Quiver since a few hours ago Dwayne McDuffie, comic writer, animation producer and respected industry veteran, creator of Milestone, Static Shock and one of the most important person behind the success of JLU just passed away a few hours ago. Farewell Dwayne, thanks for all your awesome work, we will miss you.

It was matter of time

2011-02-19T22:22:00.004-06:00

After the success of the Iron Man anime (which is actually pretty good and kinda fits in the movie continuity if you ignore the classic gigant japanese monsters) it was matter of time that Marvel and MadHouse bring into the fold the property that actually would make more sense as anime as it ever did in comics: The X-Men.

Think about it: outcast misfits with impossible powers taking an ememy that is actually them and the rest of the world hates them, making them all mopey. You have romance, comedy, drama, big explosions, teenage lolitas, death and resurrection, death equals redemption. And if you think about it the core X-Men are a nakama by their own right (the stoic leader, the gruff hero*, the brick hosue, the waif... hell X-Men is a textbook case in tropes). And the anime brains tried their hand at the core concept when they created stuff like Psychic Force (to no avail).

Really the question is not if it will be good, but why it took Marvel so long to do it.

*Which makes me ask what happened to the ghostly samurai drama that was going to be the Wolverine anime. Did it got dropped for this? It would make sense. Dunno if miss it really.

Supergoal

2011-02-14T09:52:00.004-06:00

Readers of the Quiver know that I enjoy football and I follow Manchester United, a team despided by many but loved but much more people due its history and greatness. And last Saturday at the 77 minute another image for the history was engraved in our minds. Wayne Rooney, who is having a miserable season by his standards, can still produce things like from Captain Tsubasa, that destroyed any hope for title and city rivals Manchester City. That is how you sink a ship. Speechless.

Quick answers to the current comicbook related affairs

2011-02-12T14:19:00.003-06:00

In the interest of providing helpful assitance to fellow geeks, let's make a quick round-up of possible replies for those common debates at the LCS, in true mock politican way. Choose the one that fits better for you:

Item #1: Marvel – “We’re Going To Kill A Character Every Quarter”

Answer #1: They are flipping insane. It is like they are owned now by reality show producers.
Answer #2: Marvel is back to the 90's. I wonder if Disney will sold it once it goes into bankrupcy.
Answer #3: Marvel went from 'The House of ideas' to the House of 'No a frigging decent idea'.
Answer #4: Quesada, you won. Your decades old masterplan is comming to an end.
Answer #5: Glad I only buy a Marvel title and is not exactly in continuity.

Item #2: Spider-man Broadway Show

Answer #1: I wonder if they are going to kill an actor every quarter to atract more audience.
Answer #2: What the hell was Bono thinking?
Answer #3: I guess there is no such thing as bad publicity.
Answer #4: Can't be worse than Spider-Man 3 can it?
Answer #5: Seriously, what was Bono thinking?

Item #3: Michael Rosenbaum agrees to return as Lex for the final episode of Smallville

Answer #1: Excellent!!! The best live action Lex is back.
Answer #2: As long as Lana stays the hell out of the show...
Answer #3: *Sob* Why Smallville has to end? I like its cheesiness.
Answer #4: As long as they go in a bang rather than a whisper and set up everything for a GA spin-off, I'm glad.
Answer #5: Is that show still on? Dear God!!!*

Item #4: The backstory in the Wonder Woman pilot

Answer #1: Cue Bionic Woman/Birds of Prey mark II. This will end in tears.
Answer #2: Hmmm actually that is PowerGirl backstory.
Answer #3: *Sob* Why Smallville has to end? I don't want another DC show?.
Answer #4: Why they don't make a Xena-esque show? Actually why they don't bring back Xena back instead?
Answer #5: Wonder Woman? Linda Carter is back?

And the overall answer by excellence: 'They are destroying my *insert here life period as apporpiate* !!!

*I'm saying this mockignly of course. You know I love the show despite the obvious issues.

My wallet will cry!!!

2011-02-03T14:48:00.003-06:00

Back to back Thundercats post, but hey, here is a preview pic of the future 8" line of the TC 'Classics' that Bandai will be putting out in the market. It looks awesome. And they probably will be cheaper than the MOTUC. It seems that Mattel has competition now. Good. Thunder... Thunder... Thundercats!! OHH!!!

Thundercats: The return

2011-01-25T20:52:00.006-06:00

Today the geek world (or at least my world) was hit by the leakege of the first pictures of the toyline for the new series of the Thundercats, produced by Bandai. Now there are better images (as the one above) of the art.

I keep hearing complains that looks too animesque (actually looks like a cross between the original cartoon and Cowboy Bebop) and that it looks weird. But for me the art does look like a decent effort to keep the characters iconic but modernized and in the case of Panthro, fits better the personality. I'm willing to give this series all the chance possible, because I loved the TC when I was a kid (along TMNT, He-Man and Galaxy Rangers), so for me works that they are back. And the costumes look better than the originals (that looked like design for the Cats musical to be honest).

I do wonder though, where are Wilykit and Wilykat? They are not featured anywhere. We know that Snarf is going to appear as the ThunderTank has him as accesory, but what about the feline twins? Am I the only one excited about the posibilities for the new designs of the mutants, the pirates and the Lunatacks? Finally if you notice, they are keeping the original logo. That bodes well.

Here is a quote by people of WBA and Studio4°C’ about how the story will develop:

"The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode."

I wonder if they are still going to be the last survivors of Thundera living in the mysterious *cough*postapocalyptic Earth*cough* Third planet. I always liked that angle. But seems that the story will change a bit from the original. Lets wait to see how that plays.

Now into the toys, here is a blurry pic of the toy line:

From the reports I've gathered, the toys are of the scale of Ben 10 toys, are interactive and the Sword of Omens do grow in size like in the cartoon. Additionally, Bandai will release a second line with a revamp of the original toys, quite similar to the 'Master of the Universe Classics'. What I like of that is that these toys will be more accesible than collector ones or even the original TC toys back in the 80's. My wallet of course disagrees, but who cares? Bring back my childhood memories. Afterall, the revamps of TMNT and He-Man where a success and great effort, respectively.

My only request to the creators of the new series is one tiny thing: keep the same music of the original, specially the iconic opening*. In other words, this

*I always felt that the recent 2003 TMNT series missed the boat with the awful theme created for it instead of revamping the classic one, far mor iconic.

'His life really is a series of bad plans, isn't it?' Dungeons and Dragons comic review

2011-01-23T14:16:00.005-06:00

I haven't wrote a review of a non GA comic for a while, between work -usual excuse I know- and the facts that everybody and their grandma review the batbooks, PowerGirl is out of my list because it sucks now (bring back Palmiotti and Conner please) and I tradewait for Booster Gold. But with the new year this will change for a reason: like a treasure hunting archer I found what is possible the revelation of 2010-2011: Dungeons & Dragons.

What? I mean c'mon what can be more geekier and legend.... wait for it.... dary!!! Than a comicbook about a D&D dysfunctional party written by John Rogers of Blue Beetle fame? I can think on only a few of those (Top Gear specials for example).

For any reader out there, the book reminds us of our own dysfunctional parties. Ah the good times of the alcyone days of my fighter/monk/ranger Finn and his useless band of asshole associates Aramil the lousy actor/thief and Tarivol, the useless sorcerer. In hindsight I think that is the reason of why Aisaku looks me at times like wanting me to drop dead. I wasn't fun for him to GM that game. But I digress...

Rogers is tappin into the raw elements that makes any D&D game work: the unpredictability of the party, the snark of the characters and the fact that while they are basic characters (some could argue stereotypical) they don't feel flat and actually enjoy their basic traits. Traits that thousands of player characters share all over the world. I have hold the view that what makes a great character is not how original is, but how real it feels. This band of warriors dwell into the cliches of their classes/races and not only run with them, but win the marathon with careless fun and glee.

Here you have the snarky elf ranger, the annoying/murder machine halfling rogue, the pious and lovestruck dwarven paladin, the 'only sane woman in the room' warlock tiefling and the combat pragmatist fighter*. You even have a secondary characters the egomaniac gnome wizard and his posh elven student.

The art is par of the game nowadays. It doesn't break the bank but it does its job in great manner. So you won't buy this book for the art, you will buy it for the dialogue, the characters and the 'plot'. Now I want to say that the story doesn't seems to follow a plot per se (at least not like R. A. Salvatore's stories), but more like the pattern of a true D&D game, meaning that basically the characters keep jumping from the pan into the fire into the stove into the next adventure while following a mysterious dude that acts likes the macguffin of the story. Rogers seems to be channeling what every other GM and players go every weekend playing their homebrew campaigns. Which I find awesome. It is like the Big Bang Theory but for roleplayers. Then again Rogers posted for years his campaign so who else is better for this job? No one.

I can keep gushing over the comic, but I prefer this few images to do the talk and just leave it as 'you have to buy this book or the world is doomed!!!' For my part, I will be adding the second review to the Quiver. Because GA and D&D need more reviews. And that comic is a great source of quotes.

And for extra incentive, IDW is publishing variants covers using the old AD&D format and at the back of each issue, a fully playable 4th edition character sheet of each of the characters. Man I wish I had a job like that.

*I mean he kissed an orc just to win their personal combat. If that is not pragmatism I dunno what would be.

Green Arrow #7: the root of all problems

2011-01-10T19:21:00.005-06:00

As promised in my Twitter yesterday, here is the review of the latest issue of Green Arrow. The review was delayed because for some reason Diamond didn't send the book in time to Mexico. I suspect Ollie would be on the case of that monopolic structure of corruption but I digress.

Spoilers ahead when aplicable.

The Good: Just when I was going to stop praising the art of Diogenes Neves I will have to start to praise the art of Mike Mayhew. Clean lines, dynamic poses, a more 'realistic' style and big massive flaming lions (The Quiver is a big fan of massive flaming lions for reasons better left unknown that are not related to genetic experiments in a basement to create the perfect pet...); the art was great. Glady they ditched the annoying computer assited art (like in Rise and Fall that was FUGLY) and went for something more rewarding. If anything, ollie looks too young so I guess DC will retcon his age again (maybe is time for a revamp in Hard Travelling heroes?). If Mike and Diogenes are going to be rotating art duties I will be perfectly fine with that.

Story wise this is the issue Green Arrow was expecting since... well I would dare to say Archer's Quest or Longbow Hunters. Perfect character study in one single issue (which kinda illustrates the unnecessary previous crossover issues). In just 22 pages, Krul posses two interesting issues:

-Ollie is a screw up regarding personal/family bonds because hasn't got over the perceived failure of saving his parents that day. That woudl explain also his rash personality and his destructive demeanor even before being GA (as seen in Year One). He prefers to sabotage himself before putting others through what he perceives will be his eventual downfall. If this doesn't add more depth to a character that needed it so bad in recent years I dunno what will. In other words, if I were new to GA this issue would have converted me into a fan. From here Ollie can only get better as person and hopefully people (in and out comic universe) will forgive him.

-The forest is projecting into the real world the inner psyche of Ollie. The abd zombies were elad by his father, the lady of the forest is his mom, the fiery lion his fears and I bet Black Arrow will be his inner darkness. As long as Galahad is not his inner need for a big brother.... With this I'm not saying that the forest is a psychic projection of Ollie's mind. More like when the forest was created in ground zero, all the spirits of the deceased living on those trees latched into the psyche of the person they considered their hero and protector (I don't give a shit what Barry Allen and his writer/fans or the ex-wife fans say, GA is a true hero) in some way of symbiosis. Ollie remains the forest protector and as such the forest is providing him the elements to become a better hero and solve his inner struggle. The reason of why the forest seems to change so much for GA is because his mind is not focused. I bet that when he is back 100% into the game, the forest will be his best asset to deal with the Queen. It actually reminds me of some of the older legends of Robin Hood where he had some quasi-mystic druidic relationship with Sherwood. I like that.

Bottomline, this issue is a great launchpad to take Ollie from a C/B-list status into an A-list. I just hope it doesn't get derailed by any useless crossover.

The Bad: Nothing. This has been one of the best runs of GA in quite a while. This issue makes up for the previous ones. Still, it needs Mia back. We miss Speedy.

The Ugly: Nothing from the issue. But have been reading some chat in 'teh interwebs' about how this origin is a ripoff of Batman or Catman. Sorry but this story about Ollie's parent's demise has been canon way long before Simone aproppiated it for Catman and is quite different from Bats, because I don't see Ollie trying to strike fear into the 'cowardly lot' of the african lions. Get over it and start loving the bearded man.

The veredict: The best issue under the tenure of J.T Krul. This was truly a Bright Day for Ollie (without having to pander to a crossover event) where he finally started the road to close cirlces and forgive himself. This is not a path of redemption because Ollie hasn't done wrong. It is a path of self improvement that was way long overdue. Great way to start my year too.

New Year, new trailer: Sucker Punch

2011-01-05T18:39:00.001-06:00

I guess this is how an anime world would look in real life. Down to girls in sailor outfit kicking ass. I like it.

For a better New Year.

2010-12-31T19:05:00.002-06:00

2010 is finishing and with it, the first decade of the 21st. century. On the crappy side We are still earthbounded (thanks to politicians), no sight of hoving skateboards nor space colonies, halfway into holographic transmition and early in the development of cyborgs, mutants or other assorted sources of superpowers. On the bright side, the planet is not a post apocalyptic wasteland (though getting closer and in Mexico's case we are already there gun wise), nor an AI has tried to kill us or a demonic invasion arrived, so things can go 50-50. Kinda like the Green Arrow comic.

In any case, we hope for the best and not anotehr crappy new year. And to keep the hope alive, enjoy the above video. If that song doesn't makes you to have a bit of hope, then you are dead. so, Happy NEW YEAR!!!

Merry Christmas or insert here the festivity of your preference

2010-12-24T12:21:00.002-06:00

As well, Happy New Year, than the next one won't be as crappy as this one. =)

Yohohoho, a Pirate's life is for me: 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4'

2010-12-15T12:09:00.001-06:00

Well, well, this is a pleasant surprise for me. This looks way better than the last two (at least better that 'At World's End'. probably because in this one Jack doesn't have to share the (anti)hero spotlight with anyone. The cast works for him not the other way around. And there is not Keira Knightly trying to be the main potato. 100% Jack. Adn Adventure. Yay mateys!!!

The Thunder God Strikes: Thor Trailer

2010-12-10T19:39:00.003-06:00

So the moment has arrived, the Thor movie trailer is out it all its glore. I have to give kudos to Brannagh and Marvel, this feels epica and has gorgeous designs all over the place. Being honest, it made look the GL one a bit childish while this is the dream of any rocker. Would be too much to ask a few songs of Nightwish in the soundtrack?

Hmm, me saying something nice about something Marvel that is not Iron Man. In what weird world I have stepped in? Just kidding. And for weirdness sake, I've also found this extended one (seems legit, though unable to insert it).

In my ideal world

2010-12-10T17:22:00.002-06:00

This is how dreadful Twilight should have ended (preferably in the middle of the first book to save us a lot of pain):

Thank you Mark Millar.

Music to Inspire: Ghost love score - Nightwish - (Rurouni kenshin)

2010-12-08T23:34:00.000-06:00

If I were to lead a ragtag army defying all odds against a massive army of evil, this would be the song my bards should be chanting when we charged.

Green Arrow #6: Family matters as usual

2010-12-01T10:07:00.006-06:00

The frequent readers of the Quiver might wonder why there is a review for #6 and not for the #5 of Green Arrow. Well, I learned my lesson with Kreisberg so when i don't like an issue, I just don't review it. As Marge Simpson said: if you have nothing good to say, just shut up. And #5 was a just a mess thanks to the impossed Brightest Day crossover.

Thus, we will move right away from that and into the recent Green Arrow issue and its review.

Spoilers ahead when aplicable.

The Good: I'm considering to stop mentioning the art. Aside a few panels, it remians good and consistent, so any positive comment on it will be redundant by now. Diogenes Neves must stay on the book forever.

Story wise, the book moves foward at a good pace. It was cool to see Ollie storming the castle in a more intellineg way than just going all bows blazing. He is not Batman but he is not chopped liver either. I'm a bit divided about the Queen and Nix. Well mroe about the Queen. I really hate her, which I guess is good for an archivillian, thing that Ollie has never truly had (Deathstroke is more like a macho rivalry thing). But on the other hand I hate her and how ham fisted she is. Nix is a good dragon to beat before reaching the real villian and if Mia was here, she would be a good foil. Galahand seems to be too comfy in his role of sage advisor/sidekick/loony inmate sharing your abode. But hey, at least Ollie has someone watching his back. Also good to show Ollie some restrain and not snapping her neck. He is not a ruthless killer.

The Bad: Not much, it just felt to short. Well maybe the whole issue with the pearl necklace and the hamfisted memories of a cheating husband and bad parent making Ollie to go again over his issues. C'mon, he is not Daredevil, he doesn't need the angst. Move on already.

The Ugly: This annoying tendency of DC of passing the good and the bad of the parents traits to the kids. If you dad is a villian, then you will be one sooner or later. if you dad is a chetaer you will be one too, which Ifind annoying because it reinforces the estrogen brigade point of view that Ollie is at fault for his ruined marriage. Last time I recall, she was the one dumping him and he actully never cheated her. But I guess that in these days of pc bullshit that won't run.

The veredict: Decent issue, J.T Krul is a good writer but the book really needs to drop the BD stuff and gain more momentum.

London 2012 Mascots - 'Out of a Rainbow'

2010-11-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

Recommended by Ai and I quote:

"It's amazing how a story can make a character from becoming another 'korea japan generic thingamajigs' to something worthwhile". Agree, the story is appreciated.

Certainly the GB Olympic 2012 Logo has been controversial (and fugly by some standards), but considering that GB is the land of the punk and to some extent their designers are always visionaries I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. No I'm not biased for having been a design student there, why do you ask?

It is like trailer week: Young Justice - Independence Day

2010-11-20T22:36:00.003-06:00

So much stuff of the interest of the Quiver and its simple tastes: two trailers of Young Justice.

Looks good, let's see how long it takes for CN to ruin it. Such is the karma of YJ for being so awesome.

Out of context #28: Choose your fights

2010-11-18T16:04:00.002-06:00

Or in this case, choose your battlecry wisely. I mean, hearing Kamehameha!!! coming from Goku's mouth is scary enough (if you happen to be the villian). But I think nothing will beat this battlecry. Afterall, his sole name instills fear (and a rib breaking fist) into the hearts of evildoers.

Randoms thoughts about the GL movie.

2010-11-17T11:17:00.008-06:00

Or why the Green Lantern movie could be a success offering a new superhero for the current era. It might look like I'm going out with a limb predicting this with just the first Green Lantern trailer that is not even the finished product (which in turn would make me look like a fool in one year's time), but rathe than predicting success with the film, I'm randomly thinking about the stuff see so far. Let's say these are just random musings.

Nowadays, the superhero genre is in vogue. Like Madonna time after time, is earning respect, at least financially from those dreaded soulssucking beings that are the excecs of any movie/tv company. The wider audience sees it as what is currently 'in'. As such, the GL will get audience. Being a space opera story, it will reclaim some of the sci-fi fans that are not necessarily comic book fans (yes, they exist, a friend of mine is one of those). Girls of course will go to see Ryan Reynolds in a tight outfit. Kids of course will love it and all the trinkets that will come from it, which I believe, will put WB in the Disney route of kid friendly mascots and toys. Luckily the GL corps already have thise firmly established, like C'hp. So the general audience will be receptive at fist with the idea and if WB plays its cards right, will earn it revenue easily.

However I can see the hardcore fans already moaning about the CGI, the costume, the cheesiness, that the writers are apaprently ripping off Kyle's personality (though actually Hal was just like that in Emerald Dawn so who ripped who), the cast, you name it. Usually fans are never ever happy till the final result is out and vene then they will never be satisfied, because everybody has already the perfect cast and story and film already filmed in their heads. And that is fine, to a point, as those are ideals and superheroes represent that: ideals of life. But I digress.

What I consider the main appeal of the GL franchise if it gest rolling around is the simplicity of the concept. yes I can see eyes rolling, mostly due the extreme complexity that Geoff Johns has injected in the mytharc of the story. At the end of the day, a GL is juts a guy able to overcome his fears, something we have to do in a daily basis, from talking to our bosses to asking out a girl or standing up to a bully. And the basic fuel for the GL powers is just willpower. Anyone with the right mix of audacity, imagination and willpower can be a Green Lantern. Granted, you need to get one of those nifty rings and the attached lantern but come on, considering that to emulate Superman you have to be a saint with alien powers and to emulate Batman you have to be the bastard child of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet to pay for all the gadgets, plus the training and being really messed up, getting an alien power ring in you hand is not that outlandish.

And that takes me to the final point of why GL might become the real third one of the fable Trinity and the hero for this decade (as much as I don't like Hal Jordan). Superman is at its best (and despite how much I love the character) an ideal to aspire for, what we can be in the things go right and overcome our basic impulses, but an ideal nontheless fit for a more hopeful age. Batman is more like a defense mechanism, a reflection of our own grim, dark desires forged with an iron will (and tons of bucks) to take back our streets from violence. Batman goes perfectly for a time of violence and impotence. Iron Man, as fun as he can be is just the modern cynic on a world in the brink of disaster, the best and worse of our technology and science put to work. Tony might do things for the right reasons, but he is cynic and hedonistic, like many people today. Green Lantern (take whichever of the main 4 ones you want, it doesn't matter) gives back power to the regular joes that keep going no matter what just by their guts, hopes, (shattered) dreams and force of will. It is the perfect mix between idealism and pragmatism, humor, defeat and victory, the closer to what a real human can be. Our hopes might be jaded, but they are still there.

Batman is the godlike human, Superman is a god among men and Iron Man is the man merged with technology to unprecedent levels. Green Lantern is basically what humans have always do: get by by using our wills and our imagination in a chaotic world. Hence why Green Lantern can be the answer for this generation.

This trailer is way better than yesterday's

2010-11-16T20:05:00.001-06:00

Man, it gives me chills of the good kind. And has made Hal Jordan more likable to me in 3 min. than in the whole existence of the character. Time to light up that ring.

Start lightning up

2010-11-15T18:42:00.003-06:00

It is clear the CGi still needs work (not counting Kilowog nor the green energy fist), but I like what I see: a light-hearted movie that leaves space for well... the space opera stuff. GL should have an epic sense of wonder and it is gettinge there. Hoping for more of these. Thoughts?

"Death is but a door. Time is but a window. I'll be back."

2010-11-01T14:47:00.002-06:00

Today is Day of the Dead in Mexico. Though I don't have problems to celebratae both mexican Day of the Dead and Samhain... I mean Halloween, it is time to give our local tradition a brief spot at the Quiver. With a classic Catrina... that is dead... as you know... nevermind.

Happy ghosthunting then!!!!

Inspirational Music #2

2010-10-28T14:52:00.001-05:00

Florence + The Machine - Cosmic Love.

This songs fits almost everything: drama, action, romance, mystery. EPIC in all levels.

One reason why Smallville's Ollie is awesome

2010-10-23T13:31:00.000-05:00

And he is right, he is big damn hero.

Smallville and I shared something this week

2010-10-17T18:02:00.005-05:00

And no, it wasn't a double version of me. it was something else.

Which makes kinda ironic, kinda fitting that my favorite show and myself reached a milestone: Smallville celebrated its 200th episode and I'm celebrating my 30 tears... I mean years of haunting this planet. Not the other way around. But alas, while giving myself a roast would be of bad taste, it is proper we talk about the 200th episode 'Homecoming'.

I will put it this way: if the show ended today, this episode could have been the perfect ending. It was that good and poignant. It was a love letter to all the loyal fans that have stood with the show through thick and thin and hearing all the criticism it often received (Ollie made a pretty clear statement about that at the end). At the start one could have been fooled to think it would be a flashback episode, a mememnto of the best events of the show. It wasn't. It wasa look at the past, present and future that actually showed us Superman in full force (even if it was from afar). It showed us the man that Clark already is and is just waiting to get out of the shell and these insights were provided by the weirdest time traveller this show could have: Brainiac 5.0, in what was one of the best acting efforts from James Marsters.

Actually the whole episode was full of superb acting. Justin hartley showed both the doubts clouding Ollie's mind after his public revelation as well as his guts and inspiring speeches that were missing since season 7 at the end. Erica Durance has become Lois Lane (accept no substitutes), demostrating her range from sad/jealous Lois to maniac star reporter and intrepid wife Lane. It gave us a good taste of why Lois is the ONE for Clark. And Towm Welling gave probably his best effort in all the show's history. It was pretty credible his acting shifting between his present and his future version. As well it kinda explained how the secret ID will work with Clark as Superman being way too imposing and confident, contrasted with his 'normal guy routine' everybody is familiar by now.

Another homerun for the episode was that instead of dwealling with departed friends (except from three biref flashbacks of Lana, Chloe and Jonathan Kent) shared with us and Clark how positive his influence has been in the life of those he has encountered, both friend and foe; one of the first villians of the show came back to thank Clark for taking him down and setting him into the right path), which is what, at the end of the day, Superman is all about.

I could keep gushing about the whole episode all the day, but I think the best comment I can made, besides being perfect is that you HAVE to watch it. And to tease you more, I won a bet about why and when Clark would finally fly like in this episode; he needed to get rid of the burden of his past and find someone to love. Afterall and despite being an alien, his powers are tied to his very human emotions.

New art from GA#7

2010-10-13T12:13:00.003-05:00

I have to say, it has a very Errol Flynn-esque vibe. But I like it. Hopefully the inker and the colorist won't mess it up. Because the author of this illustration is Mike Mayhew from JUSTICE LEAGUE: RISE & FALL and to be honest I hated the art a bit there, though I suspect was more a reaction of the colorista nd the inker that made everything look stiff and plastic. Also I'm a bit wary of the incomming revelations in #6. It smells of origin retcon and those are hard to pull correctly.

Rekindling with Smallville

2010-10-09T14:32:00.004-05:00

After quite a bit of work, I finally managed to get updated with one of my favorite shows, Smallville, with a small marathon starting with season 9's finale to yesterday's episode. Watching it in one go made me remember whyI falled in love with the show and why I think that, despite all the common place criticism of the armchair 'critics', it is still a decent show.

I won't go in a review per episode, that would be too long and probably unnecesary, mostly due the fact that the episodes of this season, mroe than a stand alone issue, are working in a larger arc, tying up 9 years worth of plot ends and trying to give more coherence to a mytharc that rather than planned, grew organically at the hands of backstage issues.

There have been great good points so far, many to talk about, but I will just mention the main ones. And I will start with the villian. Yes I know that by 'Supergirl', the phrase 'evil darkness' and related is already overused. But I like the take of the show on Darkside. For starters, it draws heavily in Grant Morrison's idea of what the New Gods are: conceptual entities, not actual demigos or advanced aliens from a strange dimension that are at the same time living beings and deities in a complex Ragnarok game. The later would be hard to explain to the casual viewers, whilethe former works better for the setting and don't detract from the scary thought of what Darkseid IS!!! (sorry, couldn't avoid it). Clark basically smashes any enemy easily, so what a better challenge than an enemy that will test him in what this version of Clark has troubles with and actually makes him a relatable character: his personal flaws. To be a great Superman, what you need is character, no powers. So if they are going to end the perennial travel from boy to Superman, what better way that giving him what he is missing (and no, flying doesn't count because Clark can fly, just he for some reason avoids it).

And this takes me to what I think has been SV greatest asset and probably what a lot of people decries: the ability to take the comic lore and twisting it into a new reality. A true Elseworlds. here, the reality of what a being a superhero would entail is settling in, the difficulties of having to hide your true self (which rings more of Marvel than DC at times) in a modern day where nothing can stay private and how the 'science' can work in a 'realistic' manner but still being sci fi.

Other good example of this new improved flavor is Lois. erica Durance has become for me the quintessential Lois Lane. She is intrepid, without being a damsel in distress and handles very well all the weirdness surrounding her. The fact that she knows the secret and is playing with Clark about it shows two things: one, the whole starcrossed lovers is a stupid thing, so better get rid of it soon; and two, Lois is a better person than Lana. Instead of making it all about 'me, me, me and why you don't share your secrets with me', like Lana, Lois actually is understanding, not willing to compromise but willing to give the people she loves their space and actually help them to feel better about them. That is the Lois we know and love.

The massive guest star casting and return is a welcome addition too, from Carter and the JSA to the Suicide Squad (great take on Deadshot by the way). heck they even managed to let the door open for the best Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) to return in a 'pausible' way that is actually lifted from the comics, to put Chloe in a bus in a way that stays in character. Like is staying in character Ollie's 'Iron Man' moment and revealing his identity. Considering that this awesome version of Green Arrow is a bit suicidal, it makes sense and is actually something the comic version would do (and have done). Maybe I'm biased, but I want to see more of this version before the show ends as well as the sui generis version fo the World's finest (because we know Batman won't appear on the show).

On the bad side, and not considering the cheesy soap opera takes and effects, I count and I will be honest with this, the hoe El family. Kara was annoying and unnecessary as hell, with her superiority complex. But the worst offender is by far the Jor-El A.I. For starters, it makes a lousy father (no wonder when we are dealing with a jerk A.I. heir to HAL 9000). Second, the whole FOS has become a crutch for the writers. I mean, there are times when expository characetrs are needed (I'm writting one of those in a book actually), and in SV are even more necessary since the show has limited time to recover from 4 wasted season (thansk to crap teenage drama). However that damn A.I. is proving to be omniscient besides a jerk and having it explaing all the big bads of the story makes you wonder that if Jor-El was so great, why Clark and Kara are the only survivors. You get my point.

That point aside, the show is being great actually. Instead of dying with a whimper, it will go with a bang. Instead of being cancelled, the show is being allowed to die of old age and with grace. I will miss it when all is done, but the memories of 10 years will remain. The boy will become the man (with daddy issues, but still). With its final departure and DC's new plans, it will usher a new age of superhero shows. I just hope Green Arrow gets his due and he (and by extension Justin Hartley who has been a great GA) and his support cast, like Mia, get one of thos coveted shows. Otherwise it will be one of the injustice that Clark will left behind unsolved.

Green Arrow #4: A bump in the road.

2010-10-05T12:04:00.004-05:00

It is said that nothing can be perfect forever (just look at King Arthur's tenure) or get a perfect streak (The Bulls lost a few games from time to time) and as such now and the we have bumps in the road. Sometimes they last waaay too long (like the whole GA/BC run, which in hindsight I kinda regret getting and being optimistic about it) and sometimes it is just for a brief span. In this case, it was just half an issue and a cover.

Green Arrow #4 hits one of those proverbial bumps in what has been insofar and aism to be a good run, mostly thanks because of the editorial mandate of the unnecesary crossover (if it was a mandate) with the weekly series of Brightest Day. But let's get dangerous!!! I mean specific.

Spoilers ahead when aplicable.

The Good: Inside art remains great, so not much to say besides Diogenes Neves becoming one of my favorite artists.

Story wise, the second, decent half of the issue allows to return to the main plots of the book: the city at war with itself and the search for the killer of prominent public scumbags... I mean figures. Plus the Queen making a cameo to show how bad she thinks of Ollie. Meanwhile, while GA thinks he hs a clue and that Maria, the brunette activist is behind the murders, she is being threatned by the real killer, a hitman that probably will become a member of the new GA rogue gallery. Though as Aisaku asked, why is that the recent villians of GA are female? I have a few ideas for that, but I prefer to keep them to myself rather than laugh at the image that maybe they are meant to represent all the female fans of the exwife that sinked that ship. Oppps. Anyways, the new villian with her creepy mask similar to Michael Myer's has debunked the idea that Maria is the female archer depicted in the blacked silhouettes. I think she will be the 'Marion' to Ollie's Robin Hood, which makes me hopeful for Mia's return as the best sidekick.

The Bad: Sadly I can't say that the cover's art was good. In my opinion is ugly as hell and sadly my LCS doesn't carry the alternative covers and when they do they ask for an arma and a leg for them. First time since C4J that I find a cover by Mauro Cascioli that bad. That and the unnecesary first half crossover with BD #9 that didn't offered much in terms of plot, character progression or even jokes (snad a few remarks from Ollie). Serioulsy, it was really bland and detracted from the whole book.

The Ugly: I insist, the cover is UGLY, they should have used the alternative cover instead.

The veredict: Intsead of reaching 4 out of 4, it ended as 3.5 out of 4. I hope it is just a small bump and JT Krul brings back his A game next month. To get rid of the bad taste, take a look to the good cover.

DC Showcasing Green Arrow

2010-09-29T21:11:00.007-05:00

Despite the fact that the Superman/Batman: Apocalypsis DVD comes to Mexico in a month or so, the fact that I'm grading papers and tests and Aisaku is overworked with comissions, we at the Quiver managed to find the time and the place to watch the short film of Green Arrow included in the above mentioned DVD. The veredict is that I will buy as many copies as possible and that we demand a full feature NOW. But lets go into more detail, with a brief chat we had while watching the film.

----------

WL: You have to see this!!!

Ai: The comic book shop from the intro looks awesome. I want to go to one of those.

WL: I used to work on one of those. It was awesome.

Ai:... Anyways, who's the VA for GA?

WL: I believe is Neal McDonough, the guy from Desperate Housewifes.

Ai: Not very convinced of it. It lacks weight.

WL: Well yeah, the JLU voice by Kin Shriner was better, but let's give the new guy a chance.

A few minutes later...

Ai: Frag!!! It looked like the arrow went through his kneecap!!! In another news, the voice is getting better. I guess it was on purpose. They show the heroes as young guns. Like the voice in GL: First Flight.

WL: Well... it looks that they are going for a more emblematic picture taking ideas from different points of GA's story. See, there is the (ex)wife.

Ai: We know you are still hurting about it, let it GO. Now, it was a really good animation work. Are they the same from GL: First Flight?

WL: It seems so, though the director is Joaquim Dos Santos from JLU and Bruce Timm must be the producer. Awww Man!!! They could easily make a whole animated series or at least a full lenght feature of GA.

Ai: Agree, I would have loved a full feature. This one is way too short. I also liked the design of BC. Not so much the kid, she looks like Starfire from the Teen Titans, including the same grating voice.

WL: she is just the McGuffin. What I loved is that Ollie is not an invincible fighter like Bats, but a more flawed hero, he struggles in each fight and comes thorugh sheer will power.

Ai: I loved his entrance, with the arrow falling and the smoke.

WL: That too, the trick arrows look like actual weapons instead of gimmicks. And the fights are really well choreographed and realistic, or as much as you can get with superheroes.

Ai: And don't forget, GA with shoulderpads. Shoulderpads ARE back.

WL: Told you, it is like the 90's are back with vengeance, but now Bob harras is EiC of DC instead of Marvel. I liked the costume to be honest. Probably one of the best ones so far. And they even kept Ollie's snarking habits. Kudos on that.

----------

So all in all, it was a good film. You don't get much in terms of character development, but this is more like an iconic showpiece for new and old fans to enjoy. Highly recommendable. Ollie gives his seal of approval.

Someone or something is back

2010-09-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

Considering that Aisaku and myself are pretty big fans of Supernatural, it should't come as surprise that we are excited about this (portuguese subtitles not withstanding). It is alwasy tricky to draw information from this kind of promos as they avoid the classic cinema trailer trap of revealing half the plot right away. However I came with this possible ideas:

-The mysterious grandpa survived his possesion (I can't remember if he was truly dead when Dean came back to the past or if Mary's deal saved him). This doesn't spell good for the boys. Hello awkward family reunions!!! Which takes me to the next point of...

-... Sammy is back and I dunno (probably Dean agrees)if that is a good thing. He looks and acts... odd. I don't think he is possesed by Lucifer, but certainly his time in the pitt might have changed him. I don't think grandpa will be too happy of finding that both grandsons were destined to become the vessels of the most legendary quarrying brothers and that Sam actually went ahead.

-Seems that the fact that there wasn't an apocalypsis screwed the world, either by bringing back creatures from myth of by creating new ones with weird powers. Reality must be asking for payback. Or maybe this is the true apocalypsis. Either way, the business will be booming. And no Dean I don't think is your fault. Stop angsting.

More thoughts later. When my fever recedes.

Hero Academy

2010-09-08T23:17:00.005-05:00

As you know, the Quiver is not only my part time project, but it has the participation (usually behind the scenes) of Aisaku and Ivanhoe!

Well in this ocassion Aisaku is also working in another project, this time not as sounding board of insane ideas, but as an artist in a fantasy webcomic. Its name: Hero Academy.

It is an interesting comic and woth giving it a look. Also Aisaku is a gifted artist (he draws comissions too!!!) as you can witness in older entries of this blog, but knowing him he won't plug his own work. However I don't mind some shameless plug (my big ego allows me to suffer no shame as everything becomes part of my evil master plan). So hence the invitation through the Quiver to our loyal readership to check the comic while he new Smallville season is released and the next Green Arrow issue printed.

Go on, do it. I command you.

Gameplan: The Smallville's 10th season official summary

2010-09-03T22:36:00.003-05:00

We are getting closer to the start of the 10th and last season of Smallville, the cheesy, guilty pleasure of the Quiver. And as such, while we wait with great expectations (though not that high regarding the fx budget) and try to avoid too many spoilers, a brief summary of what to expect was released by Kryptonsite. Without going in too much detail (that is what the link is for), here is some of the highlight, with our 'clever' commentary:

-Old characters are coming back: and that includes Pa Kent (in which I assume is an astral trip by Clark's spirit). As long as Lana stays away, this will be a good omen. Bring more DC heroes (like the already announced Booster and Beetle) and spare us of the dread sight of Chun-Li.

-Clark will be more Superman-ish: well it was about time. He has got rid off two of his main villians and the tights and cape are not in sight yet. Hopefully this means that this final season will be more about heroics and less about craptastic romance, unless...

-Lois knows his secret but will remain tight liped about it, pushing him away to make him a better hero. Yeah, like that has worked before. Here will be the main romantic subplot of the season. At least is a different take to the classic Superman-Lois-Clark love triangle ans here Superman is not the rival, but the obstacle in a metaphorically sense.

-Chloe will leave her fate in Fate's hands: that released sumamry clearly hints that a) Chloe will be the new Dr. Fate or be related to the new Dr. Fate as hinted in the last season and b) Allison Mack might direct another episode (well I'm making up that last one, but a director is the master of the episode's fate so it would make sense). We will miss you Chloe. Specially Aisaku.

-Ollie will reexamine his life after Chloe's dissappearing act: Am I the only one that thinks that SV Ollie is better and cooler when he is not angsting as Clark? I mean some personal drama is good, but Ollie should be the most funny member of the bunch. And the most sardonic.

-The main bad will be the most dangerous foe of the DCU: namely Darkseid. Oh boy that one is going to be either sublime or a trainwreck (of the kind that you can't avoid watching). I hope that in this case they go with the Grant Morrison take of the character (a deity possesing bodies) and not the classic Kirby version. Don't get me wrong, I love the Kirby version, he is awesome. But considering how Doomsday was portrayed in the 8th season's finale, and the fact that it will be way more scary given the SV verse, Morrison's take seems a better fit.

-Tess: well she is still alive thank to that granny (Goodness?). Dunno what will happen with her. To be honest I'm not fond of her character. It is so uneven that when is good, she comes across as Lex Lite, but when is bad... well I wasn't going to miss her.

I might sound jaded and dissapointed but quite the contrary. I love this show with all its faults (which I have to acknowledge anyways) and rights and I wish with all my heart that this will be the best final season ever in a superhero show (though technically might be the first one to come naturally and not due cancellation). Hence why I like to laugh at this stuff. SV made me go seriously back to comics and its cheesyness glory keeps a special place in my heart. I just hope I'm not going to get dissapointed.

And I hope for a Green Arrow spin-off. You know it makes sense. Bring it on!!!

A MMO game of Biblical proportions

2010-09-01T22:57:00.001-05:00

I don't think or even fathom the idea of being able to match or even less top the acerbic, ironic and damn fun pen of Tycho from Penny Arcade. But I have to talk about this because seriously, it might be the most ironic idea ever: The BIBLE GAME!!! *insert booming voice from the sky*

It is just that the whole premise is either so bad is that is good or the most astute idea ever. Just think about it: in epic levels you might be able to split the Red Sea, kill the first born of any rival and use the Power of Rock to bring down Jericho's walls. It even makes me wonder which are going to be the expansion sets: 'Maccabees: The Reckning' or 'Samson: Live free or Die Hard' (with Bruce Willis as VA).

I know I'm going to be in troubles upstairs for the bad jokes, but seriously, I can't stop laughing.

Green Arrow #3: Dead Again

2010-08-30T20:30:00.007-05:00

It is that time of the month, natch, the year where we will be discussing the most recent time of Ollie being killed/injured by an arrow. At this pace, killing/injuring him will become a minor felony like killing Hawkman. So let's review Green Arrow #3 and find if it can delive a good read and make it 3 out of 3.

Spoilers ahead when aplicable.

The Good: Art remains great, which is a good thing in a time of delays and awful art. Neves keeps sending it out of the park, now we can witness his level of detail with the forest and the suit.

Story wise, probably this is the shortest time Ollie has been dead and he didn't even need a full blown ressurection. I have to admit that it baffled me that he was still alive while was carried by Galahad (more on him later) when he had an arrow sticking out of his head, but hey, I guess is possible in a world where his heart and lungs got pierced and still managed to survive and come back more badass a year later. It also seems that the über compression doesn't limits itself only to the story, but to the forest too, as it went through a whole seasonal cycle in a few moments, before Ollie's eyes (this is after the magic water of the same place healed him of the awful condition of having an arrow lodged in his skull). I assume this is related to the mystery of the white lantern and the incomming visit of the Martian Manhunter in issue #4.

Following the other plot threads provided so far, we have met the first of the Merry Men, in the guise of Galahad, an apparently psychiatric patience that according to him is the real Round Table Knight. Considering this is the DCU, it wouldn't be so far fetched. He looks like a character with great potential and a good foil/ally for Ollie, especially as he is still going through his personal crisis. Sooner or later that will have to be fixed too.

We had a brief sight of the girl Ollie saved in #1 and the murder of a Queen Industries mook by probably that girl (not sure yet) after the evil company is keeping the medicines and the help out of where it is needed. Which takes us to the next plot: the evil Queen (literally and figuratively speaking). It seems that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and Ollie got the ladiesman bad habit from his dad. In this case it seems that the villian is the Mistress of Robert Queen (which makes me wonder if the other blonde girl that tags along her won't be a half sister of GA, again this is DC). It seems that my theory is holding.

This story is full of medieval/fairy tale tropes: a banished prince, loyal knights, evil stepmom, a kingdom in hands of tyrants. It feels kinda like the Costner version of Robin Hood, but with a modern flavour.

The Bad:

A few. Still missing Mia, but I think I will like Galahad as Ollie's second in command. I dunno if I like that Robert Queen's retcon, the whole lamarckian or determinist thing of inheriting the aligment of your folks feels to contrived (e.g if your dad is bad, then you are a villian or will become one sooner or later). Though on the other hand, not every set of parents can be as squicky clean as the Kents.

The Ugly:

Too many ads in the book. I know they get revenues from that, but I would like more story and less useless adds.

The veredict:

3 out of 3. Keep it that way Krul. After all the suffering, we arrowheads deserve a good book about a first line leaguer.

Batman Beyond in the near future.

2010-08-28T17:03:00.003-05:00

These are good news for Quiver fan favorite character Terry McGuinnis aka Batman (Beyond). It seems this is a book I won't be cancelling in the forseable future. I just hope the book and the new team that will be working on it recovers the charm that the original show had and that sadly is lacking a bit from the current miniseries (basically, the Terry-Bruce relationship as seen at the end of the BB' show run and the Return of the Joker feature where they were more friendly to each other). It also will allow to explore what happened with other inhabitants of the DCUA, specially as know we are going to find about Dick Grayson. Schway!!!

Green Arrow (and maybe other ones) Toys recap

2010-08-24T16:11:00.006-05:00

You might have noticed that the blog haven't been updated for a few weeks, well, I started a new semester at my work asn between my useless bosses and unruly students my time has been compromised.

Now into happier topics, another SDCC has come and go and admist the now oversaturated content, we can discuss a particular niche of information: Green Arrow toys and action figures. Thanks to Smallville and JLU, Ollie has had greater exposure and as suhcm now we have more GA figures than before. While some of this products where showed previously in other forums, SDCC had them for exhibition. Let's take a look at them:

Brightest Day Green Arrow: We mentioned this guy before but let's talk about him again. It is a DC Direct figure, which means two things. It will be accurate to the current costume and will have awful articulations (if any) and smelly paint. It is not meant as a dig at the DC Direct figures, but in all honesty (and as much as I love my SV GA figure) those are the main problems of that brand. Nevertheless this figures is already in the preorder list of the Quiver (regardless of Aisaku's comment about the flappy earcovers of the hood).

Action Heroes Green Arrow: This one is basically a repaint/mod of the original version released for the Batman: Brave and the Bold of the same brand, but with the modernized, current costume. Blocky, sturdy, it is a great figure!!! And it actually could count as an art toy (an excuse I can use to buy it under the argument that I need it to show it in any toy design lecture). And the most delightfully ironic thing is that in comes with this guy:

All in the same package. Basically I can recreate now the final scene of C4J over and over in more cartoonish ways. Good thinking Mattel. The Quiver will try to get it for further amusement.

GA sculpture: Finishing the GA offer, we have this sculpture of of the Battling Bowman by DC Direct again. Really well designed (DC Direct does those one better than the action figures in my opinion). However like any DC Direct stuff of recent creation will be awfully expensive too. The fact that the sculpture is based in Jim Lee's design for the DCU Online videogame might attract some people and scare away others. For a cheaper, smaller version you might want to get the DC Universe Infinte Heroes version. Same design, but not very possable.

Azbats: While is not GA, AzBats is a favorite character of the Quiver (I know, it is from the dreadful 90's but Knightfall/Knightquest was a great arc). His design is still good... or so bad it is good, your mileage may vary. This bad boy (literally) comes from the DCU Classics line from matterl, which ensures it has been sculted by the 4 Horsemen (good) but might have some tiny details of QC (bad). I'm gonna put it this way: I was going to retire from such line as I don't have the money nor the space for more characters and this figure was the one making me to take back that decisicion. Damn you!!! *blandly shakes fist*.

Bow (MOTU) : Finally while not a GA nor a DC proper character, we have included Bow (from She-Ra fame) of the MOTU line on the basis that is an archer. While the original character design is quite outdated, you can't argue that is not a beautiful done figure. And it has a bow with not plastic string to ruin it (like the DCUC GA). Could be this the first MOTU of the Quiver Collection where Orko previously failed?*

No, if he has something to say:

Vikor (MOTU): While using another name (I guess that for copyright issues or to don't recognize that He-Man is based in Conan), the 4 Horsemen have provided us with the most kick-ass Conan (sorry Vikor... a really lame name) figure ever. I even have a spare Trigon head to put as tropy in his hand. It is like a 3d image of Howard and Frazetta's imagination. So cool.

I guess that this year's christmas bonus is already taken.

*I find MOTU exaggeratedly expensive. And Matty Collector a total scam.

Supernatural Animation: Big eyes, no tentacles.

2010-08-08T12:02:00.000-05:00

Looks way better than expected. The expressions are a bit exaggerated but that is normal. As I said previously, I will be back to the anime saddle with this series.

Green Arrow #2: Becoming Robin Hood

2010-08-04T10:44:00.001-05:00

Not the most inspired title for an entry, I give you that. But not every entry can be a winner like the recent issue of Green Arrow #2, where the road to transform the book into the modern Robin Hood continues. So lest start our review of the second issue. Spoilers ahead when aplicable.

The Good:I could repeat the comment of last month about the art: 'The art is top notch, from the cover to the inside pages. Diogenes Neves is a great fit for the book. The art is kinetic yet clean'. And yes it is so good that we will get a new figure of this version of Green Arrow.

See? That was quick considering is DC direct but I digress. As i said the art was good. It gives the book the right feeling for urban fantasy. and the detail of the new Arrow Lair was amazing for such a brief snippet.

Now the story. I have to say that I like the pace of the book so far. The A-plot is moving at good pace but Krul is leaving enough material to come back later. It is a good compromise between decompression and fast pacing storytelling (compared to the überdecompressed Kreisberg or the sometimes hectic Morrison). Again, it feels like reading an urban fantasy novel where the story moves foward when it needs but without over or underdoing it. The Robin hood stuff remains there(specially in the opening pages with who I assume is the new sheriff in town) but remain placed in the background.

Another thing I liked is that Krul managed to show why Ollie and Hal are such good buddies but without making this a GL centric issue. hal was just a guest star in a story that allowed the GL plot to move without messing with the GA one. Again, the writer hits a nice balance of two or more different things.

But probably the most possitive thing of this issue is how Ollie's current mood and life perspective is showed. It is clear that GA is suffering of a massive depression to the point that basically he is living, as Hal pointed out, as an outcast, all alone like in that island. Ollie wants almost everybody out of his way, but more than pride my feeling is that he is doing that as he is being depressed about what happened in his life not so long ago. Even with the JL offer of help, he declines as he is still dealing with his actions and the outcome of 'Rise and Fall'. For those that think that GA is a cardboard character this surely is a 'shut up'. As well, it was good to see that in this six months, Ollie has managed not only to get familiar with the forest, but use some 'ewok' tricks to use this battlefield in his favour (take that Bruce).

Finally, the mystery plot of the Queen, the commenst she made and Ollie's adamant defend of his name start to throw around a lot of theories: is the new enemy his mother? A sister? My bet is that is an old flame of Ollie's dad or a girl that Robert Queen saved and took under his wing years ago (not unlike Ollie with Mia), giving the disdain in her voice when talking about GA.

About the end of this issue with an arrow between eyes, we know the death door is 'closed until further notice' but this is more to show what are the forest's powers rather than a shocking moment (seriously at this pace killing Ollie will become a minor felony not unlike killing Hawkman). My pet theory that the forest trees are reincarnations of all the deceased people of Star City, based in a few comments between Ollie and Hal.

The Bad:

Same complain as before, even Hal knows it, Ollie needs a partner which means that he needs more Mia/Speedy. Is it really necessary for the sheriff to war chainmail?

The Ugly:

Nothing, well maybe the design fo the action figure (which is not something related to the book properly). Actually more than ugly was hilarious to me to witness the method that Ollie used to get Hal aribone and powered up. Straight up from a cartoon.

The veredict:

Another great issue for a book that sorely need those. It might be just my opinion but from what I've been reading of DC's output lately, this is probably the best book so far, along Batman & Robin. Give it a try.

I think I will have to get a PS3 soon

2010-07-27T15:18:00.002-05:00

Damn you DC. I have to play That. And if weren't enough, this will be out too.

It is my core belief that the PES soccer series will be always superior to the FIFA ones (starting by the fact that is not called FIFA).

More Young Justice info

2010-07-26T20:26:00.003-05:00

Really just watch the interview. It is not like I will summarize it for you. Seems that this will the JLU show of this decade, considering the amount of the guest stars and the core roster. And there is an archer as main character with Ollie (in the new suit) as membe rof the visiting JL. Neat. Looks like a good year to be a DC Fan.

"And the geek shall inherit Earth...

2010-07-24T21:45:00.005-05:00

... as God saw them united in their madness -trekkies, warsies, dc drones and marvel zombies alike- putting their differnces aside and united- fighting bigotry and hypocresy of organized cults/religions using humor and sarcasm and it was good. Then the Big Man went to his private cloud to watch the awesomness of The Dark Knight and Iron Man before starting the countdown"

'The New Winchester Gospel 4:25

For more pics and reports about the issue, please go here and here. I know I might get some hate mail but I don't give a shit. The world would be a better place with less people trying to enforce their discriminative standards on others.

GEEK POWER!!!

I write like

2010-07-12T15:26:00.005-05:00

I saw this experiment at Mightygodking and decided to try. Afterall I aspire to become a fantasy writer (not a fantasy of a writer as it is now). And I sustain that my major influences are H.P. Lovecratf, Terry Pratchett, Hajime Kansaki and the 80's cartoons.

But apparently, according to this site: I Write Like, my style is like:

I write like
Chuck Palahniuk

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Who the hell is him? Well according to Wikipedia, source of all missinformation, Charles Michael "Chuck" Palahniuk is an american novelist and journalist know by the award-winning novel Fight Club (of the latter movie fame with Edward Norton and Brad Pitt). Not a bad thing to aspire mind you. Just not the result I was expecting after submitting a bit of my recent fantasy writting.

So let's try with different bits (I wish there was one that accepted spanish language text as my production is bigger there).

Now this one is out of the left field:

I write like
Ernest Hemingway

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Just for submitting this article about me and archery. Hemingway? Seriously? I mean that would expalin a lot of things but to be honest I have barely read Hemingway in my life.

Ok, now with a musing from Superman's life:

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Wow, it seems that when I get poetic with stuff about Superman, I'm Stephen King. Odd. But it would lend itself for an interesting mix,

Let's try with something with Green Arrow in the mix:

I write like
Stephen King

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Finally some consistency. Ironic that when I talk about superheroes I write like the master of horror.

And with a poem I wrote after my stuff got robbed:

I write like
Bram Stoker

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Well that's more like it.

And finally, when talking about H. P. Lovecraft, this was the result:

I write like
Dan Brown

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

This makes think three things:

1. The algorithm doesn't work. You can't trust computers to appreciate art.
2.I have the styles of writers I've barely read, which is odd and very inconsistent.
3. I'm destined to redefine the fantastic literature like the above writers have redefined their respective niches.

Afterall, being like Stepehn King can't be that bad... except when someone adapts your work to movies.

The Apocalypse is coming

2010-07-09T12:24:00.001-05:00

Well yeah, we know that the world as we know it will end in 2012, after the Olympics. But I'm not talking about that Apocalypse, I'm talking about this one:

Sometimes when I think the Universe hates me, I get rewarded with this stuff. Because additionally, this dvd contains a Green Arrow short story. Maybe there is somelove for me out there. As long as is not coming from Granny Goodness.

The New Wonder Woman Costume Poll

2010-06-29T19:18:00.004-05:00

Every now and the Wondy gets a new wardrobe, from the cool to the plainly awful (like almost everything in the 90's), but they never last and end returning to the classic outfit, which to be honest, has nothing of greek (sorry but nothing excuses the star spangled panties). Now that she is reaching her 600 issues benchmark she got a new one courtesy of DC's main fashion designer, Jim Lee.

To be honest I kinda dig it, despite reminding me of the 90's outfit. This is way more functional, modern and sexy without being trashy. However I insist, it needs more greek warrior elements. It can work for other characters, but the greek stuff is a core element of the character that I've never been able to understood why is so often overlook.

But lets hear it from you guys and gals, what is your take on this? Is it going to work? Should DC dare to change the iconic character? For that matter is it possible to truly change an iconic character?*

*Batman kinda doesn't count because the 'Batman' concept works as legacy, as the current Morrison run and Batman Beyond has proven. So you can change the cowl design or its owner but the idea remains.

Green Arrow #1

2010-06-27T19:18:00.005-05:00

Well, followers of the Quiver know that for me GA is always #1, but this time I'm talking about the brand new and shinny #1 issue of the new volume. Left behind are the messy divorces, awful wives, all the crying fro stuff and all. bring on the new Robin Hood and a new format for reviews (as I'm lazy to write long ones). By the way, possible spoilers:

The Good:

The art is top notch, from the cover to the inside pages. Diogenes Neves is a great fit for the book. The art is kinetic yet clean. And the new costume has the best parts of all the versions and looks kick-ass. I hope it stays like that for several years (long enough to get a new GA figure).

The story was so far the best thing. While many was worried about the possible overuse of the Robin Hood theme, I think that it was exactly what the book needed for a long time. This issue had a good mix of action, fantasy, interesting plots (why I have the feeling that the new owner of Queen industries will say sooner or later: 'Obi-Wan lied to you Oliver. Your mother is not dead... I'm your mother/lost sister/evil twin?) and sci-fi stuff.

J.T. Krul (who admitedly has a awesome name), managed to keep Ollie's personality intact without being overtly political, specially with the Katrina references. Granted this Ollie is quite moody and brooding, but somehow he is still mourning. And cracking jokes. The duel with the new sheriff and the private security should prove a test of fire for the good GA. The girl that he saved at the start of the book has the same taste for social justice that Ollie has and I have the feeling she will either become a new love interest (which I wouldn't mind, I don't miss the ex) or an ally (in the sense of being part of the Merry men). Glad to see too that Ollie still has allies in Star City and that he has found means to help people regardless of his current situation. The robbery of the food was hilarious.

Finally, the most interesting thing is the most obviosu one: the forest has weird propierties to the point that it deactivates power rings (I wonder if it will affect metas in general or just ringslingers) and changes the landscape every time. It should prove to be a very unique feature if Ollie can use it in his favour. And he is a hunter remember? He will do.

The Bad:

Too short and not exactly new reader friendly (specially for someone who avoided, unlike me C4J and Fall of GA). Needs more Mia/Speedy.* Worried about that villian whose shadow looks awful similar to Connor.

The Ugly:

Too short (modern comics malaise I'm afraid). And to be honest I think the Merry Men thing could have been better introduced instead of the whole 'Omen'-like future caps DC is doing at the moment. Feels too cheesy. And I hoped that GA would bring down Nudocerdo in a heroic way and not for that idiot to be gutted like well a cerdo (pig) by someone else henchman. I feel cheated of retribution.

This issue is exactly what GA was sorely lacking for the past months. Highly recommended. Let's make GA an A-List character once and for all.

*Hopefully she will be in the Merry Men band of Ollie.

More Supernatural Anime news

2010-06-24T10:01:00.004-05:00

As in 'Supernatural' the awesome tv show and its derived anime, not as a supernatural anime, whatever that might mean.

These are the character design images leaked earlier in the web:

Dean:

Sam:

The resemblance, anime-style taken in account is uncanny. And with anime you can you the extra mile with FX and gore and still look classy (I'm looking at you Hellsing).

More details:

'Supernatural The Animation is set to debut in January in Japan as a 22-episode direct-to-DVD series that covers the first two seasons of the live-action show. The anime will remake some episodes while also introducing original stories centering on secondary characters and events from the childhoods of the Winchester brothers.

According to the Supernatural Wiki, actors Yuya Uchida and Hiroki Touchi, who dub the roles of Sam and Dean for the Japanese broadcast of the live-action series, will lend their voices to the anime.'

Just waiting to hear who will put the english voices. In any case I will be getting this anime one way or another.

Well it's official, I will be back that the anime wagon once this is released. Sober for 5 years. Damn

Highway to (anime) hell

2010-06-09T22:12:00.004-05:00

By that title I don't mean anything that will be bad. Quite on contrary, these are probably some of the best news I've heard. An anime of Supernatural. And is not a hoax, it is an official project from WB expected to be released in 2011. If you head hasn't exploded after watching the finale, now it would be a good time.

Here is the link for the WB site for the anime. It is in construction but it is a start. It would be great if Jensen, Jared and Mischa provide the voice over for their respective characters.

The posibilities of this, as they say (considering anime's penchant for gore, horror and guns), are endless.

One word review of Supernatural's finale

2010-06-03T23:13:00.006-05:00

PERFECT!!!

A photo sequence explanation of

2010-06-02T15:15:00.005-05:00

My reaction when I heard that Michael is going to direct the new TMNT movie:

First I was like this:

Then my reaction was:

Finally, when I told my friend about this, looking for a share of sympathy, we ended like this.

Why oh God why? Why I have the dread feeling that we will get CGI turtles that will barely appear while suffering the bad genital jokes, american jingoism and related anthis typical of the human characters in Bay's films?

Better be that at least the action figures are worthwile or I will go Nightwacther/Raphael on someone's ass just to release the anger this will produce.

Just to be in the proper World Cup mood

2010-05-27T00:06:00.003-05:00

I know this is mostly a comic related blog. But is is also my personal soap box to also discuss things that I like and sometimes, dislike. Case in point and contrary to popular belief, I do like soccer. I just hate mexican soccer (except from Chivas) as I think is the modern version of the roman 'circus and bread' and that the local fans are seriously deluded*. However again I do like soccer, european soccer, mainly the Erdevise (Holland), the Calcio (Italy) and the Premier League (England), but mostly, the Champions League and the Eurocup. Also as designer I have developed a taste for Nike's and Pepsi's soccer commercials, which from the mundane to the awesome, including soccer pñayers vs samurai robots.

So to put us in the proper mood for the incomming World Cup here are some of my favorites that, now that I think about it, could be really funky comicbook idead:

The Wild Wild Field:

An invading army, a bloodthristy leader, helpless villagers in a medieval town. Who saves the day? A motlet crew of misfits and rogues swinging axes... I mean kicking a football:

A secret tournament organized by a 'shady' character where contestants are eliminated swiftly. RollerBlade? Nop. Mortal Kombat? Well, only if Cantona decides to play in his own game:

Not so much a story but more a somewhat emotive ideal of how fun should be the mere act of playing a game:

And last but not least, my personal favorite and the best idea for a comic book:

Good VS Evil:

Now that is a story I would like to read or watch on TV. Ahh if only real world soccer were so entertaining.

*I say this because: Mexico soccer league is mediocre, the national team gutless and aside a few players, none of the team has the mentallity to deal with high level competence. And still I keep hearing at my work that Mexico is going to be the champion.

Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions.

2010-05-20T11:23:00.004-05:00

First of all, this might have spoilers, so if you haven't watch the film, stop reading... yeah like that is gonna work.

Finally, last night, alongside the new member of the Quiver team (who needs to choose his nom de guerre to properly join our merry band) managed to watch the latest Robin Hood film, directed by Ridley Scott and starring Russell Crowe. And I was pleasantly surprised to see a great film that ironically enough is an awesome Robin Hood film thanks to the fact that is not a 'Robin Hood' film.

Sounds odd isn't? Well let me explain. When I say is not a 'Robin Hood' is that this film steers away from the classic formula used in countless of films and tv shows that have become integral part of the Robin's lore. Now bear in mind two things: one, I love Robin Hood (hence one of the reasons of why I love Green Arrow) and two, my favorite version of a Robin Hood film is Prince of Thieves. I don't give a damn about what the critics say, that film was in my opinion one of th best versions of the story. Despite Costner's accent, the film had a great take of the story, dropping the cheesyness of previous versions. Plus Alan Rickman as the Sheriff and the OST were the best parts of it. Sorry but as much as I would like to say that I liked the ealier versions, such as the Errol Flynn one (that inspired Green Arrow), it is not of my personal taste. And the less we can say about the awful and mediocre film of 'Men on tights' the better (I keep saying that Mel Brooks brun all his funny side in Spaceballs).

Ironically enough I have heard critics saying that this Russell Crowe's vehicle is an awful film due exactly that same reason, there is no swashbuckling nor cheesyness on it. Granted, it follows the not so recent Hollywood's revisionist outlook of making legendary tales as if they were based on reality (e.g. King Arthur or the Last Legion). Whilst with most stories this doens't work that well, due the lack of actual magic. With Robin Hood it actually works, specially since this take has been used I would dare to say, Ivanhoe. Even the Prince of Thieves and the BBC's latest RH show used a bit of 'historical aiming'. So in that regard, what we got is a tale of how Robin and his men made their way back from a lost war (depicting the Lionheart as close a the real one was in hsi final days) to a land in need.

What I found interesting of this movie was that while is not a 'Robin hood' film per se, as mentioned above, it does uses bits and pieces of its predecesors. For example, the whole relationship of Robin and Marian feels inspired by the Sean Connery film of the same name, which at the same times takes parts of the least used ballads. How the set up their first robbery felt a bit like Prince of Thieves and there was veen room for the more classic take when Alan-a-Dale (it was great to see him a film version after this long) and Will Scarlet sing their songs. Really, there is a bit for everyone.

Probably what hold my main attention was that this Robin is honest and outsopken, though a flawed man that tries to do the right thing. And he is a libearl loudmouth. Basically, the blueprint for Green Arrow. It might sound lame but this film reminded me why I love England and why I'm glad that I took archery training. By the way, it looks like Russell did his homework and actually trained well in the use of the bow. It doesn't looks awkward (aside the few shot behind his hand while releasing the string, which I know are hard takes to do). Heck they even represented properly a medieval siege with military tactics instead of the classic 'lets just bang the doors together'. The Magna Carta reference was a great addition that I would like to see explored in further films. because to be honest, this film was set up like a prequel without being an actual prequel or needing another film, a very intelligent move. They even filmed in UK (not in Notthingham, but hey Wales is a great palce to do it).

The only three faults I could hold against the film but I won't were Crowe's accent (that nto all the time, but for moments sounded like scottish or irish, which is not that bad all thinsg considered) and that it di had a very 'Gladiator' like scene near the end of the final battle, but even then the scene was justified. So minor things really. The thrid one is a plothole about how they found he was faking being Loxley. That one did bothered me a bit, but I guess that by that moment they were in a hurry to set up the pieces for the legend.

Finally, what I liked is that the movie didn't tell the story of how Prince John is defeated, but why Robin is an outlaw, how he gathered his 'merry men' (which in the old english it seems that means outlaw's followers instead of actual merry people) and did it in a very nuisance way. They even merged in an elegant way the two proposed origins for Robin: the yeaoman archer and a down on his luck lord.

I can't think in a better way to recommend this film to fellow arrowheads than saying that this is how a GA movie should be done (thematically speaking). To non arrowheads, just go and watch it. It is a great film that doesn't detracts from the previous Robin Hood films, but adds of them a new layer of awesomeness.

In an additional note, it was good for me to wacth Scott grimes as Will Scarlet in a very 'Man of Action' role. Heck his rooftop jumps during the Nottingham ransacking were something I didn't expected and very Green Arrow-ish. Also I think Grimes is a good actor and I'm glad he is getting gigs after ER finished.

A Taste of what is to come.

2010-05-13T10:56:00.003-05:00

Forgiveme if for the next month I post over and over again these images (including a review of the issue), but I can't get enough of this. Heck, this image below is even giving me the title for the future review of this issue (yes thsoe are back because GA needs reviews and there is no conflict here anymore to write them as the issues I hope will be good, remmeber my rul, if there is nothing to talk about, better don't say anything at all).

Let the image do the talk.

More info here.*

*Just avoid the annoying posters there, every forest has nasty little pest.

Made of Steel, Made of IRON

2010-05-05T22:14:00.001-05:00

I saw the movie this weekend (for some odd reason we got it here before than the US). Thus i won't spoil it for my readers of the neighborgh country. I will just say this, while is good movie, feels like a middle chapter and the first one was better. Still totally worth to watch a couple of times, plenty of comic references.

And wait till the very, very end of the credits (you know, after that last line that syas that no animals were hurt and these are fictional characters and all that yaddayadda). There is a massive Easter Egg for next year's Marvel Movies.

Bottomline, I will put it like this: the Iron Man movies have made me a fan of Tony (despite my dislike of Marvel and Quesada). Oliver Queen is still THE #1 for me, but Tony just got up the 2nd place in my list of favorite superheroes. I guess I'm projecting my fantasies of being rich, genius and a badass ladies man superhero.

In this moment of religious reflexion...

2010-05-04T18:44:00.002-05:00

We, as fellow Force sensitive, Jedi and Sith alike, need to go back to the core and the basics of our teachings, guided by the skills of the Lego people:

Granted, the sacred trilogy (now hexalogy) has been put in disarray due the lousy, poor money-making schemes of some misguided leaders, just to lure new kinds into their dark glove. Some new apocrypha information has been made official dogma while more coherent, enlightened and soundly awesome canon has been disregarded by the powers that be. This has put on shame our community.*

But we are strong, we will endure. May the 4th be with you. Always.

*Any similarity with current, modern affairs of a mainstream religion**, is intentional, but in good jest. If you can't take this with a laugh I feel sorry for you.
**In case you want to know, I'm baptized in that mainstream religion, hence why I have no qualms at mocking the current state and despair and how badly the situation has gotten. Though according to Facebook and the UK census, I'm a believer of the Force. :P

Out of Context #27: This is not a children's show

2010-04-29T13:35:00.001-05:00

Now I know why I find creepy ventriloquism.

J. T. Krul take on the'Outlaw For the People'

2010-04-28T21:15:00.004-05:00

Interetsing interview with J. T. Krul about what will happen with our Emerald claded Archer and spiritual leader of the Quiver. His ideas sound good, specially the mystery with the forest, which makes me even more eager to get the new issue next June (and if possible or someone can get it for me, the prmo poster with the new #1 cover and the text that has been inserted in recent DC comics).

However I still think that at least Mia should be there with him. Robin has Little John, will Scarlett and the Fryar Tuck at his side as the Merry Men. Let mia be part of that tradition. Ollie needs a partner that can actually trade banter with him at the same level. It is better than leaving her at limbo with the Bird off and Roy trying to kill her. Keep Mia in please!!!

We mourn, you are gonna pay

2010-04-23T21:11:00.009-05:00

I got mugged last night (well my flat, where my family tends to be there at times was robbed). While the material goods are replacable, I lost not only the sense of security, but a precious piece of my childhood, a friend of sorts that was my lucky charm/keyring for the past 20 years, to the point he is a main character in the story I was writting. I'm thankful that aside losing a few goods that took me year to save for, nothing else of major value (like someone's life, mine or my mom's taht by sheesr luck weren't at the place during the crucial moment) was lost. And yet here I'm pissed off (and that I beg your pardon for the rude language I'm gonna use) at my fucking country, my fucking hometown, the useless goverment and law forces, the fucking people living here. In comic terms I'm going to put it like this: what Ollie did to Prometheus is genereous compared to what most people here would do after suffering years of insecurity. I guess that is why God hasn't granted me my wish of superpowers. Because if I had got them, it would be a reenactment of what Black Adam did to Bilaya. So for those that say that heroes shouldn't kill, that Ollie or the Punisher are waaaay to violent I dare you: try to live here in Mexico where at best, you only lose your stuff and at worst (and possibly the most common outcome) your life. Then tell me if you don't agree that to deal with criminals, they have to be erradicated the first time.

But as since I'm still a regular, non-trained human with no chances to cry for justice and do something, the only thing that can do is to write to vent off, something inspired by the legends of Fionn McCumhail, my own stories and my anger. I'm writting it as a therapy of sorts.

Tonight, we mourn the death of a good friend
a great warrior fallen defending the homeland from the raiders
always the firts to enter the fray
always the last to leave it
tonight we mourn our childhoodfriend
sharing happy memories from the past.

But tomorrow, we will exact revenge
we will raise hell and shatter heaven
to avenge our fallen comrade
every single spirit will be summoned
every karma payment will be requested and fulfilled
every alliance called upon
every spell cast upon thee
Becuse tomorrow, you sons of wargs
are going to wish not only never laid a hand upon our friend
never raid foreing lands
you are not even going to wish never been born
because after what we are going to do with you
you are going to wish for a swift death that rest assured
you are never going to get
Because you fucking morons
are going to pay forever.
We are the Fianna. We are your doom.

P.S Oliver Queen is right.

This is just awesomely bohemian!!!

2010-04-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

Two masterworks of modern culture coming together. There is still hope for humanity. A solid 10 in the Ollie Queen/Dean Winchester scale of Cool (tm).

Farewell Carl Macek

2010-04-22T10:07:00.003-05:00

Carl Macek (1951-2010)

Robotech's original producer Carl Macek passes away on Saturday, April 17th.

This weekend, Carl Macek died. This is a sad news for fans of the anime and animated shows in tv. For those that don't know, he was the mastermind behind the adaptation of the first Macross series to the western taste and tv requierments, putting together a compelling story with another two different animes (including Mospaeda). Robotech helped to the introduction of anime this side of the planet and for many of us, specially in Mexico, was our very first anime and first sc-fi show.

I remember coming to home after school in a rush as I didn't want to miss what would happen in this space soap opera where you could truly see characters with emotions, pilots dying, legends of ancient beings of power and massively cool mechas (I'm still looking for my Skull Valkyrie). In some ways I think he was quite influential in the minds of young kids with wishes of writting stories or drawing characters.

I can't think of a better send off that the Robotech Theme Tune. Godspeed Carl, you will be missed.

Young Titans or Teen Justice?

2010-04-21T14:00:00.005-05:00

That is the question I'm asking myself after seeing this announcement about the most recent evrsion of the Young Justice animated series and the roster than makes up the team. You know I don't like to be all fan and complain about how this ain't my Young Justice (and be all: they are raping my childhood or something like that). Is just that I had hopes for watching the original roster with cocky Kon-El and insane Impulse, even to the point of compromise and get a decent Nightwing instead of Robin.

Let's be honest here: I don't mind the black version of Aqualad (it is not like he is going to complain), it actually looks cool. And I can take Artemis as a substitute for Arrowette mixed with Wonder Girl. But the rest of the roster is like the mopey Teen Titans we have now and that make a really depressing reading.

I expect this to be an actuall good animated show. DC has a long story of putting fun, good quality animated shows since the legendary Batman: The Animated Series. Even a mediocre DCUA product is 100 times better than most of modern western cartoons. So I have no doubts about thet output.

But seriously... how hard it could be to get this guys in the version that made PAD a n entertaining writer (opposed to the unbearable writer that is now) and was actually a fun comic. How you can mess this?

Sorry for the rant. I just hope that if this project is a mix of the Teen Titans and the Young Justice Concepts, they take the good, funny stuff and leave out the depressing things (in other words: avoid like the plague the current personalities, stories and concept of the TT).

There is something in that forest

2010-04-17T17:33:00.007-05:00

Today I woke up with a weird theory connecting Green Arrow, Brightest Day and recent comments by J.T Krul and Geoff Johns about Ollie having the strangest connection to the White Light. And I’m planning to share this theory with you whether you like it or not.

Besides the obvious connotation of the ‘lone, outlaw hero for the people hiding in a haunted forest’, the Robin Hood vibe that DC is going for, it is obvious that something more is being brewed here. Apparently the editorial decision was to wipe out all the fictional cities aside Gotham and Metropolis (and probably Coast City now) since none of them have truly unique features. However seems that Johns and the rest of the DC team decided against that and instead to find a way to provide them particular features. Star City now has, alongside what I would call the biggest Robin Hood fanboy (I mean Ollie Queen of course) a ‘star shaped forest’ grown out of nowhere… or is it?

No, it wasn’t as Brightest Day #0 showed to us, which made me rethink a few random ideas I had turning and churning around my head. These are the ideas:

a)A few weeks ago, I was talking with Aisaku about Lian’s death and the odd comments about Ollie being related to the magical forest. I joked that maybe Lian was going to return from death in an unexpected way, becoming a forest spirit of sorts, protecting grandpa from the evil men he is trying to stop. Kinda in the venue of the old Robin Hood legends where Sherwood Forest was haunted and protected by spirit, granting its boons to Robin.

b) If something was shown during Blackest Night and Brightest Day, is that there is a cradle of heroes that are larger than life, larger enough to come back from death and be part of the White Lantern Corps or be resurrected by the avatar of Life. Green Arrow is one of them, those than have a link to that mysterious white entity. Start City’s inhabitants do love Green Arrow (well most of them) and hold in high esteem the former Mayor Queen for rebuilding the city. He got a ‘non-guilty’ verdict because the jury, representing those inhabitants decided that he had enough. Who could blame him for what he did, after the loss that the city and its inhabitants suffered, coupled with his personal ones?

With this in mind, my theory becomes somewhat obvious: the white light did revive those spirits of the dead citizens, Lian included, just not in the way everybody expected. The forest is composed of the souls of the dead, hence why the rumors of that something is in there. Basically the forest is alive, with something akin to a communal mind, maybe with Lian as representative. That means that the forest will be actively protecting its hero in his quest to rid the city from the corrupting hands of Nudocerdo, hiding Ollie from the JL and providing a good tie to the Robin Hood stories. And the trees will spot the White Lantern Corps logo so they might be powered by that mysterious energy. Hence the previously mentioned weird link between Ollie and Brightest Day.

It is just a shame that Mia won’t be there to be Ollie’s Merry Men Band of one person. I think GA needs her more than Batman needs Robin. They had a real rapport and I’m worried about her future.

However I can live without Connor and his current brat attitude and certainly I can live without the ex-wife. Good riddance I say in the later case.*

*For the BoP/Simone fans just one thing: before bashing Ollie in order to defend your precious Dinah/Barbara pairing, you need to remember that every character is the favorite of someone so it deserves JUSTICE!!!! Unless you want to hear of course how a lousy wife is Dinah for dumping her husband in the worst moment of his life. So much for the wedding bows. And is a shame that a writer holds hostage a character.

** The mean side of me wants to say that the BoP fans can choke with Dinah for all I care, but I won’t… ooopsss.

Two heroes will rise.

2010-03-18T12:54:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I was excited about the fact that soon we will have a Batman Beyond mini with this awesome cover:

I was enjoying the moment (and I will worry about the creative team later) till today when I found this superb cover:

And the news tagging along it at the DC blog . While I'm not fond of the idea of breaking up the marriage of Ollie and Dinah (this is only a guess based solely in what might the arc be) I'm all in in this. I love the idea of a more Robin Hood-esque Ollie, after all that is one of the main reasons I love the character. I love the idea of a hero of the people and I love the idea of an outlaw hero doing what is needed to save the city he loves. I know this angle is not the cup of tea of everybody nor that the way they set up this was the best way to do it. And of course I don't like the idea of Roy being a villian or the potential death of Mia. However the core concept of Ollie becoming a modern Robin Hood to save Star City is exciting. I'm also glad that DC has decided to relaunch the book instead of cancelling it. In these times when many fans suffer the sad demise of their beloved character's and their comics (I'm lookin at you Blue Beetle), I'm happy that the powers that be

And in case you wonder, I have zero issues with Ollie taking a more proactive and at times lethal approach (he will not become the Punisher, get that into your heads). He is nto killing petty thieves, he just offed a really dangerous supervillian that didn't offer any way to control him. Sometimes, moral choices have to be taken (read JAL/Hitman). Ollie is a complex character with many faults, which makes him way more interesting than others. It makes him human and more relatable.

I can wait for thsi new arc and I can only hope for the best (and not regret this later). I guess that despite my many shortcomings, someone really loves me up there.

Get a grip people

2010-03-05T11:53:00.005-06:00

To be honest, I liked C4J. Now that I said it, I will expect the heat (one of the many reaosn I don't spend more time on the internet nowadays). But I still think C4J was entertaning and drove a point about justice, revenge and the thin line that separates. Granted it did it in the most inconsistent, ham fisted, cheesy, cliched (I mean, blowing up a city again to make a heroe go nuts?) and awkward possible way. But that doesn't make it the worst story ever. That place should go to Ultimatum. Heck, all in all the art was pretty good, albeit not exactly consistent, which is more than I can say about other praised books.

Yes, as an arrowhead I'm sad of Lian's death, Roy's injury and the destruction of Star City. They are part of the Arrow family that I hoped some day to see together in a single book playing the family clan aspect that no other comic team has (and no, the Batclan is not a family, it is more like a corporation). But the outrage this book has produced only shows how people has lost their grip on reality. It is just a comic book. We just have witnessed real tragedies these past months, so I think the outrage is seriously misplaced. I won't go down the road to compare real world tragedies with comic ones, but I just wanted to make the point. Get angry for somehting worthwhile, not for a comic that you paid to read (assuming you actually read it and you are not complaning just for the sake of following what some dude in a forum or website says. At least have the decency of form your own opinion).

It was bad form to kill her after what they did to Roy? Absolutely. It wasn't needed. Then again heroes are exposed as any of the rest of mere mortals to this kind of stuff. Could it have been handled better? Of course. But at least the image of Lian was done with class and was poignant, it made you feel bad for the right reasons. Not a gore fest like Ultimatum. C4J won't be remembered as the best mini ever, but it is hardly the worst one. It was mediocre, half decent at best.

And for those that think this was hypocritical or OOC of Ollie, seriously, go back an read old comics. It has been established that Ollie, despite all his faults, loves his family dearly and touching any of them will push his red button. During Longbow Hunters he smoked the guys that tortured Dinah. Being a liberal or left-wing has nothing to do with dealing a capital punishment over someone that not only has proven to be a villian of the most despicable kind, but a real danger for everybody on the planet. That kind of person are not human beings, they are animals and dangerous animals should be put down.* Ollie has never felt proud of killing someone, actually he has felt a lot of remorse before for doing it (something that Smallville captured perfectly). He might be contradicting his speech about heroes shouldn't kill, but that is hardly hypocritical when someone has destroyed your home city, killed its citizens, including your granddaughter and maimed your son. Ollie did what no one had the guts to do. True heroes shouldn't kill, but there are moments when there is no more options available and there is a lot at stake. Prometheus didn't allow for more options.

And for the record, I was glad and felt satisfaction when I saw this:

It won't bring back Lian, but at least no more parents will suffer the lost of their kid thanks to Prometheus.

And that is what I like about Ollie: he is a very conflicted man that knows that he is not perfect, that he has done really bad things to those he loves and yet strives to be better, to improve himself, to redeem himself. And the fact that he has the guts to take the hard choices even if he doesn't agree with them. That is not being hypocrite, that is being a conflicted human. When I want to read about saint-like heroes (which I do), I read Superman or the Flash. When I want to read fun stories, I read Power Girl. But when I want to read about a more human character that can be ironic, fun and dramatic, I read Green Arrow. Thank heavens for variety.

In all honesty, as an arrowhead, I think we have a bigger fish to fry, namely the risk of cancellation of the book. It is common knowledge that the book hasn't doing well, specially after Kreisberg and his awful pencilers (I can only be positive up to certain point, these guys crossed it). This move is basically a shot in the arm, which is never a good sign.

My main concern (somewhat justified by the lack of previews at the DC site for GA books after May and the shortness of the arc of Rise & Fall) is that this will leave the characters of Ollie, Roy, Mia and Connor** 'radioactive' and they will end like Cass Cain or Hawkman, unused and relegated to cameos and team books for the near future until a gifted writer finds a way to fix it (basically someone like Geoff Johns or Paul Dini). And I'm not planning to wait a decade for more GA comics. While I trust that J. T. Krul can deliver great stories (his BN Green Arrow tie in was awesome), the aforementioned lack of previews might signal either a reboot of the franchise (a desirable outcome) or the cancellation.

Green Arrow should be, along with Dinah, at the upper echelon levels of the other DC heroes. It is a classic character that in the right hands can be enthralling, entertaining and compelling thanks to the fact that he is the most flawed, human character in the stable***. DC should get that. He might not be A-list like the Big 5, but he is one of the best B-list characters that DC has, a true classic. I mean, thanks to Smallville, JLU and Batman: Brave and the Bold, he is a pretty well known character now.

The Harper's family current status is sad. The (potential) cancelation of the GA books due poor handling of the characters is the real tragedy in the comic realm****. Get real.

PS: And don't blame Mia on this. She did a mistake leaving Lian alone. But as a heroe her duty was to find and stop (or try to) whatever was causing the destruction of the city. It is a miracle she didn't die. So stop saying she is the worst nanny of the world.

*Maybe is because here in Mexico, being a left-wing person means that you don't have a conflict with being pro-death penalty (the anti side are the right wing guys here). Though considering what we have to endure every day it is not hard to see why someone would be pro-death penalty.
**Dinah is safe, she run away to BOP.
*** See Green Arrow Year One, Archer's Quest or Longbow Hunters.
**** And even then it is not a tragedy in the real sense of the world. I can think in several real tragedies.

Damm dirty guest hawks... err.. stars... nevermind

2010-01-25T23:05:00.003-06:00

Nice interview with Justin Hartley, aka Green Arrow, about the two upcoming episodes at Newsarama. Worth the read, rises the excitement about 'Disciple' with a proxy Merlyn.

Let's discuss it.

Oh my goddess!!!

2010-01-25T11:22:00.004-06:00

For those who say that Smallville screws up things... watch and cry:

Lois (or to be exact, Erica Durance) is *speechless staring* knocking it out of the park. And this way better costume for Wonder Woman than the current one. It actually looks somewhat ancient greek. Lois might not be Wondy, but at least Smallville gets it right with the costumes in a modern reinterpretation.

There is no plan B?

2010-01-13T09:58:00.002-06:00

You might wonder why I have been posting videos and images instead of essays, lowerg thus the level of discussion on the Quiver. Well between my absorbing job and moving toa new place, my time has been reduced. And this is the best way to keep it updated. That said it is also not my fault that 2010 will have so many movies I'm actually interested to watch and I don't have the previous restrictions of expensive tickest and lousy cinemas.

And here we have a movie I'm interested to watch. When I was a kid, I was fond of watching the A-Team, as while the concept is not striking and the stories were formulaic, the character relationships kept it fun. So while a remake of the show in a film format is easy in paper, if you don't get the right mix in the cast you could screw it (specially after the other fails based on 70's and 80's shows).

While I know that the trailer can misguide us in our preceptions, I can't but glee at the fact that Liam Neeson (who is a great actor) will be Hannibal and Bradley Cooper will be Face. Not sure about the other two (Murdoch was to be insane, that's for sure) but so far it looks good. I won't say the catch phrase till I see the movie, but I do have to say that they used to have a Plan B if memory serves right. or at least were good at improvising.

Out of Context 26: A commom sight at a Star Wars Fans reunion

2010-01-12T09:56:00.002-06:00

I thought in going for the optional title of 'I Fell your pain' but honestly I don't think that the prequels are that bad. They are not as good as the original trilogy, I give you that Wade, but they are not that bad once you take out the bad acting from Hayden 'Mannakin Skywalker' Christensen, the lousy romatic dialogue (which basically makes you skip 90% of Ep. II), ignore the excesive CGI replacing good old fashion FX, realize that Jar Jar is the least of the problems, the moronic way the Jedi walked towards their doom and focus only in Obi-Wan, Yoda and the Emperor.

Actually... I see what you did there...

Who, Dr. Who

2010-01-04T00:19:00.003-06:00

I've never been a big fan of Dr. Who, until recently, as I watched a marathon of Tennant's tenure as the good Doctor. Now watching this new trailer I think I will add another BBC show to my list. I mean for me Tennant's Doctor is the best one, but it seems that Matt Smith will bring a new sense of wonder and excitement to the table, and that is always welcome.

I wonder what will Aisaku say about this.

A question to start the New Year

2010-01-01T11:37:00.001-06:00

Looks nice but... where are the bows and arrows? Unless this Robin plans to use the sowrd as an arrow.

I like pretty things

2009-12-17T17:03:00.003-06:00

I have mixed feelings about the recent events from Cry for JUSTICE!!! and the incomming Arsenal miniseries and Green Arrow's six-part arc. While I'm a DC fan I admit they are not in their right mind at the moment (but at least is not Marvel). Howevere I do like this awesome image and future cover.

Now this cover inspired the following thoughts:

A) Seems that Justin Hartley will become the photo-reference for Ollie (akin to what has happened with Christopher Reeve and Superman).

B)It was about time Ollie got a new, improved, awesomesauce costume. The SV version is just that.

C) I guess it is official, Saint Barry, patron of the superheroes. I guess Dinah will become the patron saint of the fishnets and Hal... no idea, but there are some cheap jokes around that.

D) That must hurt. The arrow in the hand I mean.

E) He needs to hum his own theme tune in the comic.

Reason No. 2 of why Green Arrow is awesomesauce

2009-12-15T10:11:00.001-06:00

He hums his own theme tune while making a great entrance to kick's some villian's butt.

Out of Context #25: Greatest Trick Arrow Ever

2009-11-24T10:39:00.000-06:00

Batman might be prepared for everything. In comparison Ollie is nothing but resourceful and if he were a comic, he would excel at improv comedy. If he can make a bow and arrow out of his teamates work then...

He is like the DCU's Macguiver!!! Eat that critics.

Holy Crap!!!

2009-11-22T21:14:00.003-06:00

I had high hopes for the JSA episode of Smallville, considering the cast, who wrote it and the fact that is now a feature film. But man this teaser just left me speechless for like 10 minutes. Check it out:

If might sight works, the actual roster we will see in the 'film' aslo includes Green lantern (hell yeah!!!) and Sandman. And the 'Da Vinci'-esque picture you can see pretty much the main guns of the JSA there. Plus Green Arrow looking awesome and a Dr. Fate costume that actually looks great. Indeed if the world is going to need all the help it can get, the it is right to get the big guns out.

I can't wait for the episode.

Looks like an action figure

2009-11-16T10:25:00.003-06:00

Or a revamped version of the hawkmen from Flash Gordon (with way less tummy). Here is the look of Carter Hall in the incomming feature film of Smallville. It was better than I expected in one sense: It doesn't look as bad as Doomsday. I hope they get the flying done well.

Cowabunga dude!!!

2009-11-12T09:03:00.002-06:00

I wope up today with my turtle senses tingling form somehting awesome. And they were right, here it is the first trailer of 'Turtles Forever' the most recent TMNT production to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Green Machine. It looks great:

And here is a taste fo the film (though i don't remember the 80's version being so cartoony.

Regardless it is an awesome way to celebrate a quarter of a century for a great franchise. Let it be more of this.

Cowabunga!!!

Trick or Treat... of DOOM!!!

2009-10-31T10:03:00.003-06:00

It is no secret that Halloween is one of my favorite celebrations of the year. It has some mystical aura where you can mix the fun with the scary. And in this line of thought I consider than one of the best ways to spend the day is a with a movie marathon. Now, for me not any movie makes it because lets be frank, for the past decade most of the horror movies show gratious violence for the sake of it. Therefore I consider that a true Halloween movie must mix some elements of humor, suspense and horror or simply be a classic where the true horror is a tool used to narrate a good story. So no Saw, zombiefest nor gore classics in my list.

And to show my point, here is my list of recomendations for the day when the dead and the moster walk the Earth in search of candies and horror.

1. Ghostbusters:

A true classic in all sense. When iw as a kid this movie made me laugh in the same amounts that it scared me (specially the Library scene). Now it might not be at all scary, but more than two decades after, is still pulling its weight. If you haven't seen it, stop wasting your time on internet and do it. if you don't like then then you are a soulless creature in which case I would like you to introduce my friends Stantz, Spengler and Venkman, they might want to have a few words with you. And avoid marshmallows, trust me.

2. Fright Night

Seductive vampires? Check. 'Intrepid' (in the loosest definition of the word) hunters? Check. Scary story? Hell yeah. Unlike the current sissy, teenaged vampyre crap of recent memory, the Fright Night really delivered the goods. A forgotten classic by now, it is still an enjoyable piece of horror film from the 80's.

3. Re-animator

I know I said no zombie films and this is considered a zombie film. However it is one of those movies that have become really good in the basis of being soooo bad. Inspired by a short story from a true master of horror, H.P Lovecraft. Maybe what makes this movie a classic is not the story nor the (excessive gore), but the large, ham-fisted acting of Jeffrey Combs (better known as The Question from JLU). He eats the scenery like a zombie eats a brain (lame joke I know). If I have to break one of my movie rules for Halloween, it has to be for this one.

4. Sleepy Hollow

Unlike many fo my friends, I'm not fan of Mr. Burton's work in general (my opinion is quite similar to Kevin Smith's in that regard). However I recognize that this particular work, always including the master of the strange that is Johnny Depp captures to a 't' the spirit of the legend of the Headless Horseman like no one else did since Disney filmed that short movie with the narration of Bing Crosby.

5. Gremlins

Granted, the second one is funny, but honestly? It is also kinda lame. But man the first ona was really scary and good for the time it was released. It was at what i consider the peak of Spielberg's work and wheter you laughed at the anthics of the green menaces or you were downright scared of them, this movie is a great fit for Halloween. Ironically enough, it was released as a Christmas movie. Take it like you want.

6. Bram Stoker's Dracula

Vampyres have been part of the Halloween mystique from ages and what better than watching a movie inspired by the novel that practically launched the bloodsuckers to the stardom. This movie is rope of good actors (yes even Keanu)and for what I remember, follows the book pretty well. Highly recomended.

7. The Exorcist

C'mon, just the theme tune of this movie gives you the chills. The movie will leave you with nightmares. Just avoid the sequels and prequels. Nuff said.

9. Legend

Someone will ask why I put a somewhat osbcure epic fantasy movie with a nivel Tom Cruise as an elf that reminds you of Link in this list. But hey when you have Tim Curry characterized as one of the most sacring, well done Devils ever made in film history, you can go wrong.

10. Mermaid's scar

Last, but not least, for the anime fans, Mermaid's Scar, by Rumiko Takahasi (Ranma 1/2, Inu Yasha)in one of her few forays in horror, captures the scene of the japanese foklore regarding horror. Japanese concept of it is not for everybody (if not ask those who decided to 'adapt' Ringu into The Ring), but it is a different choice to try. And this movie stills scares me after almost 14 years.

Well this is my list, the list I'm planning to follow with my friends this day. I know there are other movies worth watching today like Ringu or The Grudge, but I think this list captures pretty well the spirit of Halloween (not of Samhain that is different, but i will talk about that later). Enjoy and 'trick or treat!!!'

Toy week: DCU Universe Classics Green Arrow

2009-10-28T11:09:00.001-06:00

Using my time machine I'm going back to the toy week to talk about this figure that as expected and promised last year, I got for my birthday. And I will start this review by saying that this without doubt one of the best, comic version inspired, Green Arrow figures in existence.

Man with this figure it would be easier to say what is bad that enlist all the good thinsg of it. The level of detail in the face, beard and even fingers is downright amazing (the Four Horsemen really did their homework with this one on how an archer should look). Paint is great, articulations points are superb to the extreme that allow you to pose this Ollie in countless positions that can interact with other figures (I remember seeing a picture of this figures where is fighting with Deathstroke's one). Heck, it is an agreement with Fer from Rocket Collectables that this is probably the one of the best (if not The Best) figure released so far from this line.

The only true downside of this figure is not the figure per se, but the items coming with it, in specific the bow. With a figure in this quality level, where even has the right fingers in the right position to pull the string, it is a blasphemy that we got a bow without a proper string. Instead we got an ugly bow with a plastic line instead of the string and with an arrow glued to it. You have no idea how many times I've been tempted to customize that bow into a proper one (excpet that for being an Industrial Designer I'm pretty lousy with customizing stuff). This of course limits the positions you can use for the figure while holding the bow. But hey, I guess nothing can be this perfect without a downside.

It might looks like a short review but truth be told, there is not much to say when this figure, in the Oliver Queen-Dean Winchester sclae of cool, clocks a 9.5.

Machiavellic

2009-10-27T11:30:00.000-06:00

It would have been a way better title for Smallville's last episode with all the plotting going around in a mix of of the 'Running Man' and 'This is your life'. So far, this is one of the best episodes of the season and I'm not saying this because is Ollie-centric (though it certainly helps) but because the overall plot and character development moved really well compared to previous episodes (nevermind seasons). So let's rip apart this one.

The Good:

-Ollie's whole journey to rediscover himself and his inner hero, his true sefl. I won't go into much detail in case you haven't seen the episode (or if you did,, then there is no point in reading about it again). But Justin Hartle kicked all levels of ass with his acting in this course. This episode humanized Ollie even mroe and showed that what it takes to be a hero is juts having the heart for it. His redemption path is starting and I hope they give him more screen time now that he is back in the green duds.

-Chloe and Clark are back in speaking terms: I prefer those two when they are a team (even if Chloe is sometimes an uberhack/deus ex machina) than when they are punching low blows to each other.

-Clark and Lois interaction: for those that doubted, yes, TW and ED have way better chemistry than previous couples. They are channeling the original comic book feeling of the couple, but without retorting to the classic 'dumb Clark'. In some ways it reminds me of Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain's interactions from the 'L&C:TNAS' show but with less cheesy lines and more realistic reactions (such as Lois' after watching Ollie's video).

-Erica Durance: I think she deserves her very own mention as she has become the best actor/actress in this season. She IS Lois Lane and is giving the show a chemistry that it never had with Kristin Kreuk as 'Porcelain Doll' Lana. Erica is bringing real depth to Lois' portrayal, going from the gung-ho army brat, to the clever reporter to the caring friend without feeling forced or lacking.

The Bad:

-Not much this week, thankfully.

The WTF:

-Chloe is now not only a master hacker, but also a master manipulator. It seems that she learned some things from Lionel 'The REAL Magnificent Bastard' Luthor, with the whole stunt she pulled to bring back Ollie from the edge. That was a cold intervention.

The Moment of the week (because I can't call it a wtf):

-Well it seems it is official that Ollie is the 'Batman' figure of the show, considering the whole exchange taking place at a rooftop and Ollie perching over a gargoyle. At least he still has his sense of humor. And I think this will make the inclusion of the JSA and the return of the JLA more enjoyable. Ollie is a good caharcter when moping, but is way better when he is being a hero.

Out of Context#24: New kids on the block?

2009-10-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

I guess the competition has gotten stiff Bats. Though Aquaman and GA need a better *'Insert name here'-signal designer.

The Society is revealed

2009-10-21T11:48:00.010-05:00

Although it is old news by now, I think we need to talk about this, considering that this GA blog sometimes is quite Smallville centric.

So witness the casting for the JSA members that will appear in in Smallville:

Hawkman:

By Michael Shanks, from Stargate SG-1 fame. Man I bet that my friend N will be seriously happy about this. And by the way, in the word of Geoff Johns, writter of the episode: 'Yes, Hawkman will have wings. And a big mace. Oh. And he and Green Arrow don’t get along. At all.'

Seriosly, the SV producers should ask him to write at least the season arcs and get better stories for the show.

Dr. Fate:

Dr. Fate is relativily easy to cast, as we usually don't see his face under that shinny helmet, so he can look any way. However the voice has to be imposing. If I rememeber Brent Stait's appearences in different show well, then I think they got it right. Now, the question is, how they will get his costume done, consdering SV style (actually I could ask the same about Hawkman's wings)

Stargirl:

Considering who is writitng the episode, I can't say I'm surprised of her appearence. While she is not a founder of the JSA, she is now an iconic member of the team. Britt Irvin will portray her. I haven't seen her other roles in other shows, but form the pics, she looks the part.

All in all SV tends to get their casting choices pretty spot on. I'm kinda bummed that Wildcat is nto appearing, considering that from the founders, he is one that doesn't represent too much problems for the show, power wise (unlike Sentinel) or continuty wise (unlike Jay Garrick, who in SV is just an alias of Bart). But hey, they got two of the founder rosters and Stargirl isa pretty good option to go for considering that introducing Powergirl would open a new can of worms.

Soul crushing

2009-10-15T16:38:00.004-05:00

The reason I haven't posted lately is that I have been inmerse in what is probably the most soul crushing time for a lecturer/apsiring heroic archer -and no, that doesn't includes you city exploding behind you- I'm talking about: grading papers.

After dealing with the depressing aftershock of grading that, questioning your value as teacher and damming your bosses for putting you to teach instead of letting you to do research alone like a good evil genius I realized that I would prefer to deal with Deathstroke instead. At least he gives you a 'fair' chance.

Hopefully i will be able to report some stuff after my birthday next Saturday, which may or not include a review of the awesome Green Arrow from DC Universe Classics, the JLU toy version of Batman Beyind and Old Bruce and the start of my quest to get the original TMNT from 1984 (hint: I'm missing weapons and the chubby one).

Later.

No flight, no tights

2009-10-09T23:34:00.005-05:00

My thoughts on the recent developments in Smallville's season 9:

While this might be the way the writers are trying to show Clark yet again trying to embrace his Kryptonian heritage (parallel to the black and silver just reincarnated suit) , ignoring his heartland roots. This would set up his eventual return to the all american red and blues. This would be neat.. but can we really trust Smaville's writing to be that smart?

Metallic foes for Clark

2009-10-08T21:40:00.004-05:00

As is usual lately, I ran behind updating the blog, in big part as you know, due my workload at my job. Now with that out here is the SV review of the second episode:

The good:

-Metallo's introduction to the SVverse. Ok Brian Austin Green might not be an action hero kind of actor, but man, his portrayal of Metallo had something lacking in others: depth. He gave the character the necessary expresion to convey the horror of finding himself in that situation and his subtle yet effective portrayal of increasing insanity. I hope he is back in later episodes.

-Lois: to be honest, Erica Durance is stealing the show. She is channeling the quintenssential Lois Lane, from her reporter/deductive skills to her crush on Superman passing by her relationship with Clark.

-Clark: finally he is using his brain to tackle a problem instead of going as Ollie put it 'half cooked'. As well, while he stills broods, at least he does it for a sec and then fix it. Jor-El must be kicking his arse a lot.

-The new implciations: as I suspected, Zod and the kryptonians are not the ones from the current time, but from the past (maybe cloned bodies from the past versions, which would explain the lack of powers). Otherwise I dunno how they will explain the young Jor-El

The bad:

-Chloe: again she is annoying. I think the character is getting close to its expiration date.

-Tess subplot: boring as hell. Seriously, she is not contributing anything, 'cept being 'Lex light', which is not a good comparion.

The Fugly/WTF:

-How come that Callum Blue gets higher credit than Justin Hartley? There is no respect for seniority nor character importance.

Overall, the second episode kept the standard of the previous one. However there is something missing, dunno what, I was more excited about last season. Maybe it needs more Ollie.

WingedLion's Quiver

Green Lantern: the animated series.

Love and Comics in time of Reboots: The DCNu

A late, late commentary on the Smallville finale.

CHAMP19NS

Odinson is happy with moving pictures (Thor movie short review)

Green Arrow#11: Where Ollie steals the magic bow from the Archer of the D&D cartoon

Little Thor

I eat my words: Thundercats' new trailer

This looks way better: Green Lantern trailer 2

News from the Kingdom of Thundera

Out of context #29: Mrs. Richards, you're trying to seduce me.

I will follow that man to Hell's gates. Cap Trailer

By Crom!!! Conan the Barbarian (2011)

X-Men anime character design

These Cats are really different.

A proper send off: The reason why McDuffie rocked as creator

Farewell Dwayne

It was matter of time

Supergoal

Quick answers to the current comicbook related affairs

My wallet will cry!!!

Thundercats: The return

'His life really is a series of bad plans, isn't it?' Dungeons and Dragons comic review

Green Arrow #7: the root of all problems

New Year, new trailer: Sucker Punch

For a better New Year.

Merry Christmas *or insert here the festivity of your preference*

Yohohoho, a Pirate's life is for me: 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4'

The Thunder God Strikes: Thor Trailer

In my ideal world

Music to Inspire: Ghost love score - Nightwish - (Rurouni kenshin)

Green Arrow #6: Family matters as usual

London 2012 Mascots - 'Out of a Rainbow'

It is like trailer week: Young Justice - Independence Day

Out of context #28: Choose your fights

Randoms thoughts about the GL movie.

This trailer is way better than yesterday's

Start lightning up

"Death is but a door. Time is but a window. I'll be back."

Inspirational Music #2

One reason why Smallville's Ollie is awesome

Smallville and I shared something this week

New art from GA#7

Rekindling with Smallville

Green Arrow #4: A bump in the road.

DC Showcasing Green Arrow

Someone or something is back

Hero Academy

Gameplan: The Smallville's 10th season official summary

A MMO game of Biblical proportions

Green Arrow #3: Dead Again

Batman Beyond in the near future.

Green Arrow (and maybe other ones) Toys recap

Supernatural Animation: Big eyes, no tentacles.

Green Arrow #2: Becoming Robin Hood

I think I will have to get a PS3 soon

More Young Justice info

"And the geek shall inherit Earth...

I write like

The Apocalypse is coming

The New Wonder Woman Costume Poll

Green Arrow #1

More Supernatural Anime news

Highway to (anime) hell

One word review of Supernatural's finale

A photo sequence explanation of

Just to be in the proper World Cup mood

Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions.

A Taste of what is to come.

Made of Steel, Made of IRON

In this moment of religious reflexion...

Out of Context #27: This is not a children's show

J. T. Krul take on the'Outlaw For the People'

We mourn, you are gonna pay

This is just awesomely bohemian!!!

Farewell Carl Macek

Young Titans or Teen Justice?

There is something in that forest

Two heroes will rise.

Merry Christmas or insert here the festivity of your preference