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Joker Strikes Teen Titans

Teen Titans #15 courtesy DC Comics

The Joker’s reign of terror hits this week’s Teen Titans #15. The Clown Prince of Crime claims to know the real identities of Batman and his allies. The Joker declares he must kill Bruce’s friends and allies to make him a better  Batman. The men formerly known as “Robin” team up to take down the psycho.

The Red Hood (Jason Todd) of the Outlaws and Red Robin (Tim Drake) of the Titans join forces against the Joker in Teen Titans #15 by Scott Lobdell (writer of Red Hood and The Outlaws too) and Brett Booth. Batgirl will guest star and Batman artist Greg Capullo created this creepy image. This is not the final cover.

 

The Joker in Teen Titans #15 courtesy DC Comics
The Joker in Teen Titans #15 courtesy DC Comics

This week’s Death of the Family tie-in chapter picks after after Red Hood and the Outlaws #15. The Teen Titans rush to save a kidnapped Tim Drake. Jason Todd (aka Red Hood) may have a surprise for the Clown Prince of Crime.

“I think that the readers are going to be as surprised as the Joker is, to discover that his usual bag of psychological tricks that in the past that he has played on Jason no longer work they way he wants them to,” writer Scott Lobdell told MTV Geek.

“The Jason that the Joker faces off against here isn’t the same angry young man who was lashing out over issues related to Bruce and Joker. And part of that is because he’s actually developed these strong relationships with the two outlaws who have been close friends and confidants since they’ve started hanging out together. Unfortunately what that means is that the Joker has to dig even deeper into his bag of psychological tricks — and what he comes up with will shake Jason to his core!”

Could this mean the Death of the Outlaws?

By Editor

The Marvel Now Pageant

courtesy Marvel
courtesy Marvel

As we say goodbye to 2012 and mark 3 months into the Marvel Now relaunch – I thought it was a good time to celebrate the new creative teams, characters and titles. Some creative gambles have paid off. Cue the music. Time for the Marvel Now pageant!

Indestructible Hulk Best Personality! Bruce Banner laughs, smiles, makes Tony Stark jealous? Mark Waid gives Bruce a new attitude and new job with SHIELD. Maria Hill gets the Hulk as a weapon.

X-Men Legacy Most WTF? I don’t know what freaky level of reality Simon Spurrier goes to when he’s writing this book. Imagine X-Man with acid hits of Jim Morrison, Paul Muad’Dib and even a little Joker. Making Legion the lead character was an ambitious move. Spurrier has taken an unlikable character and given him personality and humor. David still has the worst hairstyle in comics. As I’ve said before you’d think one of Legion’s multiple personalities could be a stylish gay man taking over long enough to give David a makeover!

Uncanny Avengers Most Potential! The book the made me scream. Rick Remender is redefining the super team concept and transforming Red Skull into an even bigger badass.

Captain America Biggest Change! How do you follow-up a beloved era of espionage? Rick Remender goes in a radically different sci-fi direction taking Steve Rogers into Dimension Z – a strange new world Jack Kirby would have enjoyed.

All New X-Men #1 courtesy Marvel
All New X-Men #1 courtesy Marvel

All-New X-Men Best Twist! Brian Michael Bendis evolves the Children of the Atom with a blast from the past. Professor Xavier’s five original students are thrust into their future. Seeing Jean again – is it any wonder every guy falls for her?

Thor: God of Thunder Most Badass! Thor tracks a serial killer of Gods! That could be ’nuff said but I have to say how much I love seeing Viking Thor and King Thor in Jason Aaron’s epic.

Avengers Arena Most ambitious! 16 young heroes fighting to the death? This is not just a Marvel version of Battle Royale or The Hunger Games. I was hooked with the first issue. Dennis Hopeless and Kev Walker made me care me care for these newer characters I barely knew and they’re transforming a classic X-Men villain from joke to a serious and seriously sadistic threat.

Fantastic Four/FF Most Fun I’m having a blast with Matt Fraction relaunch of Marvel’s First Family and their “replacements.” Reed is taking Sue, Johnny, Ben and the kids on new adventures through space. The sudden family vacation is just a cover for something dire. While She-Hulk, Medusa, Ant-Man and Johnny’s girlfriend have been recruited to hold the fort. Action, humor, heart,

Avengers Most Inspiring! Jonathan Hickman and Jerome Opena’s relaunch of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes is awe-inspiring! A trio of new villains, a frantic fight on Mars for the fate of Earth and Captain America assembling a diverse and huge roster of heroes. Hickman is going BIG with the Avengers – big cast, big concept, big stakes.

By Editor

DC Comics Most Anticipated 2013

Superman by Jim Lee courtesy DC Comics

My Most Anticipated DC Comics of 2013:

Death of the Family Conclusion! Who will live? Who will die? Will the Joker succeed at his plan to sever Batman from his friends and allies? Gotham City and the Batman family may look and feel frighteningly different after February! I have this feeling that Batman or one of his allies will be pushed too far by the Joker’s games and kill.

Trinity War Superman and Wonder Woman are the new power couple of DC Comics. Only Batman knows about their secret romance…that we know of! How will DC’s biggest three icons factor in the 2013 event. How will the Steve Trevor-led Justice League of America play into the conflict?

 Multiversity Grant Morrison teams up with an all-star art team to bring back the Multiverse in a new 8-part maxi-series set in 6 different universes. Prepare to have your mind blown and senses shattered!

Batman Incorporated #12 Morrison is leaving monthly superhero books for now. I can only imagine how Morrison and Chris Burnham will chronicle the final battle in the war between the forces of Batman Inc and Leviathan! How will Morrison execute the final showdown of Bruce Wayne versus Talia Al Ghul? Could the Batman Inc and Death of the Family finales mean the end of Damian?

Superman To celebrate the Man of Steel film and 75th Anniversary DC recruited two of their biggest creative guns for a brand new series. Scott Snyder (Batman) and Jim Lee (Justice League) will create a new series for DC’s biggest icon. Snyder redefinied Batman and Gotham City with a brand new enemy (Court of Owls) and the comeback of a classic rogue (Joker.) How will Snyder take the Man of Steel of new heights?

 By Editor

Legendary Writer In AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Finale

 

Amazing Spider-Man #700 courtesy Marvel

Dan Slott is been taking Peter Parker to new heights as the latest in the long line of creators keeping Spider-Man swinging. Marvel revealed a legendary creator is back for the milestone final issue. J.M. DeMatteis wrote a story for Amazing Spider-Man #700 out today.

“I think it’s because Peter Parker is the most psychologically real character in any super-hero universe—and I almost hesitate to use the word character,” he explains of his affinity for Spidey. “I believe in Peter. I identify with him. His trials and tribulations reflect my own and that’s allowed me to pour so much of myself into Peter when I’ve written him. A kind of mind-meld happens and we become one person,” reveals DeMatteis.

  “I think the readers react similarly; there’s something about Peter that resonates with them, that feels true. He is, first and foremost, the everyman of super heroes. He’s one of us. That’s why I’m always happy to revisit the character: it’s like getting a chance to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends.”

 

Amazing Spider-Man #700 courtesy Marvel

The legendary creator gives a hint of what his story will be.

“What I will say is that I wanted to do a story that was special and unlike any Spider-Man story I’d done before. One that was a suitable for this big anniversary celebration. I think my story, “Spider Dreams,” fits the bill. It’s a stand-alone story that—well, if I say anything more about it, I’ll spoil the surprise, so I’ll shut my big mouth now.”

I wonder if Spider Dreams is inspired by one of my favorite Spidey stories you could call nightmarish! Kraven’s Last Hunt by DeMatteis and Mike Zeck is just one of the classic storylines by this incredible writer.

By Editor

 

 

An X-Men Christmas

X-Men #109 courtesy Marvel.com

Tis the season so I wanted to share a special Christmas issue of the X-Men.

   X-Men #109 was dubbed a 100 page monster issue featuring a new story by Chris Claremont plus 3 classic tales set around the holidays. While the previous stories are all action packed with Sentinels, a demon stalking Kitty and Gladiator versus Cannonball, the main story is very moving and reminds us how Chris Claremont poured a lot of heart into the team he wrote so many years.

   “Ceremonies” shows the X-Men family in a snowball fight, ice skating, enjoying a date, breaking up, giving each other comfort. Comics always deliver action, thrills and battles but once in a while, a change of pace issue like this one makes you remember why you’re cheering for the X-Men to win.

I may not be posting as much as you’re used to this week because I’m spending time with family but I will be back up to full speed after the holiday. Thanks for visiting and supporting Comics Blend. As you unite with friends and family I wish you safe travels and a happy holiday.

By Editor

Best of 2012 Marvel

X-Men #39 by David Lopez courtesy Marvel
X-Men #39 by David Lopez courtesy Marvel

Best New Series: Captain Marvel This fan review sums up why!

Best Continuing Series: Wolverine and the X-Men Humor, action, heart and the unexpected. Jason Aaron pack big moments, hilarious exchanges and moments that went for the heart and the gut!

Best Artist: David Lopez (X-Men) This was a tough call with the always mighty Jim Cheung (AvX covers) in the lead. Nick Bradshaw made an outstanding debut. This cover and Lopez’s portrayal of Storm just stayed with me.

Best Writer: Jason Aaron (Wolverine and the X-Men, Thor: God of Thunder)  Everything I’ve said about Wolverine and the X-Men plus a serial killer of Gods in Thor – nuff said!

Best Mini-Series: Avengers vs. X-Men

Best Single Issue: Wolverine and the X-Men #18 I picked this issue because of how it made me feel with the most shocking ending of the year. The last panel just hurt in my gut and heart! Jason Aaron made me love a strange little student at Logan’s school and then blasted him.

Wolverine and the X-Men #17 courtesy Marvel

Funniest Issue of the Year: Wolverine and the X-Men #17 (the All Doop epic with Mike and Laura Allred art!)

Comeback of the Year: Scott, Jean, Bobby, Hank and Warren in All-New X-Men

Best New Talent: Seth Peck & Paul Azaceta (X-Men #38 & #39 aka Domino & Daredevil)

Best Art Influenced By Life: The wedding of Northstar and Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men.

By Editor

 

Best of 2012 DC Comics

 

Batman #11 courtesy DC Comics
Batman #11 courtesy DC Comics

Best New Series: Talon the killer who got away from the Court of Owls is back for vengeance.

Best Continuing Series: Batman by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo! How do follow up the Court of Owls? Bring back the Joker and make him more horrific and twisted then ever1

Best Artist: Greg Capullo Batman

Best Writer: Scott Snyder Batman, American Vampire, Swamp Thing

Best Single Issue: Batman #5 Here’s my review when this came out back in January.

Best Comeback: Joker

Best Surprise: Superman kisses Wonder Woman in Justice League #12

Best New Talent: James Tynion IV (Batman backup stories, Talon)

By Editor

Best of 2012 Image/Dark Horse/Indie

The Walking Dead #100 courtesy Image/Skybound Comics
The Walking Dead #100 courtesy Image/Skybound Comics

Best New Series: Manhattan Projects, Fatale (Image) I can’t decide.

Best Continuing Series: The Walking Dead (Image)

Best Artist: Nick Pitarra (Manhattan Projects)

Best Writer: Brian Wood (The Massive, Conan) Ed Brubaker (Fatale) Jonathan Hickman (Manhattan Projects) (Yeah, I know but I couldn’t decide!)

Best Mini-Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimiliation2 (IDW Publishing)

Best Single Issue: The Walking Dead #100 One word. Lucielle.

Best Moment: Josephine unleashed in Fatale #10 Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips bring their second arc to a bloody, awesome ending.

Best Guest Star: Oh My, George Takei beams to Riverdale in Kevin Keller #6

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #14 courtesy Dark Horse Comics
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #14 courtesy Dark Horse Comics

Best Newcomer in a Continuing Series: Billy the Vampire Slayer in Buffy, The Vampire Slayer Season Nine

Best New Series That Should Be On Cable TV: The Massive by Brian Wood (Dark Horse)

By Editor