X-Treme X-Men: Doing It for Dazzler

Uncanny X-Men #130 courtesy Marvel

  Looking at the shelves a fellow comic book reader (with excellent taste and insight) and I were talking about Greg Pak’s new X-Treme X-Men. Almost in unison we say “I’m giving this book a shot for Dazzler.”

  How a character that should have failed (the Disco singer was created at the end of the Disco era) still be so beloved? Ali debuted in 1980 in Uncanny X-Men #130. Marvel worked with Casablanca Records (home of KISS and Donna Summer) to develop the character and even proposed a movie for the character. Dazzler soon rollerskated her way into her own series. It didn’t last.

Alison Blaire survived and became part of the Chris Claremont/Marc Silvestri Uncanny X-Men era. Matt Fraction moved Ali out to San Francisco when the mutants relocated out west. Pixie was a fan but Ali soon fell to back burner status.

 Greg Pak is sending Ali (along with alternate versions of Emma Frost, Wolverine and Nightcrawler) across the dimensions on a mission to kill…Professor X.

Dazzler is a creation from a bygone era that has been dangling on the edge of comic book banishment for years. Greg Pak tells Comics Newsarama why he saw potential in Ali and put her on his new team.

X-treme X-Men #2 courtesy Marvel

  “I bought that first Dazzler issue way back in the day and always though the character was a hoot. But I never had the chance to write her before, so I hadn’t really thought deeply about her until her name came up while I was in the early stages of developing X-Treme with the X-Editors. But as soon as I started mulling it over, I realized she was just perfect. First, she’s hugely powerful — her ability to manifest solid light blasts make her a pretty good Cyclops analogue, power-wise, which is a nice thing for a team leader.

But more importantly, she’s a great, grounded character with a fun self-deprecating vibe who would be a great POV character to run through a bunch of alternative realities with. Finally, she’s a straight-up hero. And embracing her sometimes goofy past while seriously delving into her character gives us great contrast, increased believablity, and a really strong hero’s journey. ”

Pak gave Ali a new boyfriend named Johnny Ito in X-Treme X-Men #1 and the a change in her sound. Why did this former disco diva go country?

“She’s getting real. And she’s having fun. Dazzler’s a pop star and an icon, which means she’s constantly reinventing herself,” Pak explains, “Keep your eyes open, too — she’ll go through a variety of costumes throughout the series. And she’ll sing a song in just about every issue. [Laughs.]”

In case you’re just joining the series here’s my review of X-Treme X-Men #1. The rest of Dazzler’s team is Emmeline Frost from Ghost Boxes story by Warren Ellis and James Howlett and Kid Nightcrawler are from Pak’s Astonishing X-Men Exalted arc. And how could I forget: the severed head of Professor X in a bottle!

Here’s a link to Dazzler Essentials Volume 1 by legendary X-Men writer Chris Claremont. Ali went up against gangsters, Gods and even Galactus!

By Editor

For more of Pak’s interview here’s the Comics Newsarama link.

 I did it for Dazzler but Pak’s writing is keeping on the X-Treme team!

Doctor Who & Star Trek Crossover: Alliances Shatter

Cybermen and Borg attacking Federation planets. Doctor Who, Amy and Rory on board the U.S.S. Enterprise. IDW’s out of this world sci-fi crossover takes some surprising twists in this week’s new chapter.

 

Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #4 courtesy IDW Publishing

The writers have been playing with the Doctor’s memories. How did he recognize Worf as a Klingon when he’s never met a Klingon? Last issue the Doctor flashed back to his encounter with Kirk and Spock back in a previous life (the fourth Doctor – Tom Baker.)

In this week’s  Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #4 the Time Lord meets the mysterious Guinan. Tipton, Tipton and Lee capture both characters perfectly. This IS how the Doctor and Guinan would act if they met. Both characters can sense the flow of time and when things are abnormal.

 

Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #4 courtesy IDW Publishing

Something is definitely not right in the galaxy. The Cybermen/Borg alliance is not what it appears. The conflict takes a wicked turn giving the Federation an unlikely ally. The stage is set for a Captain Picard and Doctor Who showdown.

I’m really enjoying this series. The writers have nailed how these characters would really interact. The Doctor, Amy and Rory’s first time through a Starfleet transporter is classic. This issue delivers on character moments, action and humor. The friendly alliance between the Captain and the Doctor may be taking a twist in coming issues. I’m engaged.

By Editor

 

By Editor

 

Uncanny Avengers Scarlet Witch by Granov

 

Uncanny Avengers #1 courtesy Marvel

  It’s the week of the Witch..the Scarlet Witch! Wanda graces the cover of two variants for upcoming issues of Uncanny Avengers this October. Wanda will join Captain America, Thor, Wolverine, Rogue and Havok on a new team of Avengers and X-Men united against the threat of the Red Skull reborn.

  Marvel revealed this variant by Adi Granov (Iron Man Extremis.) I have this on the beautiful illustration on the cover of Granov’s sketchbook that I got at Emerald City Comicon earlier this year. Earlier this week Marvel shared this cover by Milo Manara.

 I’m loving the Scarlet Witch comeback but I suspect we’ll see some Rogue variants soon.

By Editor

Uncanny Avengers #1 Acuna Variant

 

Uncanny Avengers #1 courtesy Marvel

  Rick Remender and John Cassaday launch Uncanny Avengers this October. Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, Rogue, Havok and Scarlet Witch assemble a new version of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the aftermath of AvX to fight a reborn Red Skull and his S-Men.

  Marvel revealed this Uncanny Avengers #1 variant by Daniel Acuna. Although this relaunch is part of the Marvel NOW! I’m loving the retro feel. Havok will be team leader. You may or may not be a fan of Alex’s headgear but I think he has one of the coolest and most visual power signatures in comics.

By Editor

Avengers Vs. X-Men The End Teaser (Dark Phoenix Returns?)

courtesy Marvel

  I admit I exclaimed “OH —-!” when I saw this teaser image for Avengers vs. X-Men #12 from Marvel. It’s a haunting blast from the past as what appears to be Jean Grey as Dark Phoenix strikes a pose amid cosmic flames with the ominous title “The End.” 

If you’re old school like me you can’t help but picture Jean Grey pleading with Scott to kill her on the moon before the Dark Phoenix takes over again in the classic conclusion to The Dark Phoenix Saga by Chris Claremont and John Byrne.

  But I’m feeling hope too. Not that Hope. I think of Grant Morrison and Marc Silvestri’s Here Comes Tomorrow modern masterpiece when Jean set Cyclops on the right path to prevent a nightmare future and she went to off to a higher plane. Is Jean back to make things right?

  AvX has been so much more than team vs. team. Heroes on both sides have been in conflict over which side to choose. While I love the action and fights I’ve really been engrossed with the inner conflicts.

  Is this a resurrected Jean Grey or Hope as the Dark Phoenix? How does the final chapter of AvX lead to the original X-Men being brought into the present day?

Avengers vs X-Men #12 by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert arrives in October

By Editor

Batman, Superman, Flash Annuals

Detective Comics Annual #1 courtesy DC Comics

A big day for comic book fans as DC unleashes a wave of New 52 Annuals! I always loved those as a kid – a bigger size issue with a huge story. Three of DC’s biggest icons star in 3 big annuals out today.

The first New 52 Detective Comics Annual features a showdown between Batman and the Black Mask. Artist Roman Molenaar joins writer Tony Daniel on Detective Comics Annual #1. The artist talked with The Source about joining the Batman family.

“He knows exactly how to write for an artist which makes it a delight setting up the pages,” says Molenaar of Daniel, “Fans can expect fast-paced action and details all over the place as far as the art goes. Batman will need all of his physical and mental strength for this Annual and be ready for the return of one of his most diabolical villains!”

“The first DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL features the return of one of Batman’s most dangerous adversaries – the Black Mask!” adds editor Mike Marts. “Picking up from where readers last saw him in the ‘Night of the Owls’ storyline, gangster Roman Sionis has once again donned the maddening mask and formed his False Face Society. How will the Dark Knight combat this unique threat? And is there an even greater villain lurking in the shadows?”

Superman Annual #1 courtesy DC Comics

The Man of Steel takes on the most evil alien of the Wildstorm Universe in Superman Annual #1. Helspont is a Daemonite warlord and galactic menace born in the pages of Jim Lee’s WildC.A.T.S.

“We’ve heard a lot about Helspont and his intergalactic conquests – I thought it was time to see him in action! Unfortunately for Superman, the Last Son of the House of Daemon has a bite that is much worse than his bite!” new writer Scott Lobdell tells The Source.

“There is an old life rule that says you shouldn’t move in with your best friend. You would think a guy as smart as Clark would know that hosting Jimmy would strain even his super human levels of endurance.”

“I love that the Annual touches base with other aliens living on Earth. We get to see Starfire, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman — and the cameos don’t stop there! I think it was only fitting that we should touch base with these characters considering how much Superman’s actions in the coming months are going to effect the perception of all aliens currently visiting our planet. This is one of those Annuals that is a total game-changer!”
“In the Man of Steel’s first Annual we deal with an alien threat that has targeted the Last Son of Krypton, and we get the truth’s behind invaders that have been here for some time and are about to be eradicated by their own kind,” adds series editor Eddie Berganza. “There’s also close encounter cameos by Starfire, Hawkman and Martian Manhunter. Why should they be loyal to their adopted planet is the question raised.”

The Flash Annual #1 courtesy DC Comics

“THE FLASH ANNUAL #1 is the culmination of the past six issues, as we finally get to see the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Rogues team up against the Flash,” co-writer Brian Buccellato tells THE SOURCE. “[Co-writer and artist] Francis Manapul and I are bridging the gap between the old ‘gun-toting’ Rogues that everyone remembers from previous continuity, and the new meta-powered incarnations. In the Annual, we finally reveal HOW the Rogues got their super powers and at what cost.”

“While the Annual does answer a lot of questions and give context to Flash and his relationship with the DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Rogues, it also propels the book into the next major story arc,” Buccellato continued. “We got the biggest thrill out of having Flash team up with someone unexpected in his fight versus the Rogues. I don’t want to spoil anything, but his uneasy partnership is with a former Rogue that was recently left out in the cold.”

Detective Comics, Superman and The Flash Annuals  arrive today.

By Editor

ABC Greenlights SHIELD TV Pilot by Joss Whedon

Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill in Marvel’s The Avengers courtesy Marvel.com

  ABC has ordered a pilot for a live-action television series from Marvel’s The Avengers writer-producer Joss Whedon according to Deadline. Whedon will co-write and possibly direct!

  S.H.I.E.L.D. is the peacekeeping organization run by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) as seen in Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers. The pilot will be written by Whedon, his brother Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen. Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) were agents of SHIELD.

  Can we get Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) out of her contract and in this show?! I love Maria Hill!

  Here are links to some of my favorite SHIELD stories you might enjoy: Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD by Jim Steranko, Nick Fury vs. SHIELD by Bob Harras, Secret War by Brian Michael Bendis and The Ultimates: Ultimate Collection by Mark Millar.  Here’s a link to Marvel’s The Avengers on Blu Ray.

By Editor

Avengers Alternate Opening

Marvel’s The Avengers courtesy Marvel

  What if Marvel’s The Avengers had opened this way? SHIELD Agent Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) reports to The Council in this alternate opening to the big screen version of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes courtesy Marvel.com.

  Marvel’s The Avengers is on Blu-ray September 25th. Joss Whedon is signed on for a sequel and a television series (starring SHIELD? Maria Hill? Cobie?)

Here’s a link to buy the Blu-Ray.

By Editor