Batman and Robin Annual #1 Flash back to Dick Grayson’s year one as Batman’s partner in fighting crime. Bruce and Dick both played Batman to Damian’s Robin. What Bruce’s son left behind leads them to relive their first adventure together as Batman and Robin.
Guardians of the Galaxy #11 courtesy Marvel
Guardians of the Galaxy #11The Trial of Jean Grey crossover with All-New X-Men! When alien empires learn Jean is alive – they want to put her on trial for the crimes of the Phoenix. Can the Guardians help the original X-Men save her from execution? Two of Marvel’s newest teams in an outer space adventure by Brian Michael Bendis.
Stan Lee on the set of Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD courtesy Marvel
Wizard World Portland Comic Con brings a galaxy of stars from movies, television and the comic book world to the Rose City later this month. Pacific Northwest fans have the chance to meet and greet celebrities and artists for three days (January 24, 25, 26, 2014) at the Oregon Convention Center.
Let’s begin with some Living Legends:
Stan Lee: The man who created Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four will be there all three days to sign autographs, take photos and share incredible, uncanny, amazing stories of his historic career. After multiple cameos in Marvel movies, Lee will guest star on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (see above) on ABC next month. Always a thrill. Get in line fanboys and girls – Stan “The Man” Lee is worth it! You never know what Stan will do for fans. Last year I watched the legend join dozens of Marvel inspired cosplayers for an amazing photo op!
William Shatner: Star Trek fans will be beaming as the man who commands as Captain Kirk transports to the Rose City.
Billy Dee Williams and Peter Mayhew of the original Star Wars trilogy: The ultimate cool customer, Williams portrayed the smooth Lando Calrissian, original owner of the Millenium Falcon and Mayhew was the mighty Chewbacca.
Adam West and Burt Ward: Batman and Robin of the classic 60’s series who inspired so many future geeks like me. Batman reruns after school were my first comic book character exposure that made be run to the magazine racks in search of comics! West and Ward are hilarious in person and give fans a fun, insightful insider take on the iconic television series and how it shaped their careers.
Infinity Gauntlet #1 courtesy Marvel
George Perez: The acclaimed writer/artist of New Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, Superman and classic epics: Crisis of Infinite Earths, The Infinity Crisis and JLA/Avengers (which he worked with fellow WW guest Kurt Busiek.) Personally, Perez is one of top reasons I’m attending. You’re meeting a true legend and major influence on today’s creators and beyond who is still working at the top of his game.
Mike Zeck: He’s one of “THE” signature artists of The Punisher. Zeck’s art on Kraven’s Last Hunt made it one of the greatest Spider-Man epics of all time. I found a copy of the masterpiece Secret Wars #1, in which Zeck drew Marvel’s greatest heroes and villains in a battle that was a major influence on the industry.
The First X-Men by Neal Adams courtesy Marvel
Neal Adams: The artist who helped revive the X-Men, transform Batman into a darker Knight and was part of incredible runs on Green Lantern/Green Arrow and Deadman. Adams is one of the most influential artists ever who challenged and changed the industry. Adams co-wrote and drew The First X-Men limited series for Marvel last year and was one of the all-stars on Detective Comics #27 celebrating Batman’s 75th Anniversary.
Kurt Busiek: The writer with phenomenal runs on Superman, Avengers, Thunderbolts plus epic limited series JLA/Avengers, Marvels and his own Astro City. Busiek will be featured in his own spotlight panel on Friday.
Television Superstars:
Four Stars of The Walking Dead: Norman Reedus, Michael Rooker, Laurie Holden and Jon Bernthal will be there to meet fans and answer (almost all) your burning questions about the smash hit series based on the phenomenal comic book.
Ron Perlman: Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy, Beauty and the Beast are just some of the signature roles of this superstar.
Bruce Campbell, Robert Englund and Summer Glau are among the stars giving fan moments and talking about the classic roles you love them for.
Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #4 courtesy Marvel
Comic Book Superstars:
Jim Cheung: The artist of Avengers: The Children’s Crusade, Infinity and covers for Avengers vs. X-Men.
Humberto Ramos, David Marquez, Michael Oeming and Steve Lieber are the artists signing for fans and featured in a roundtable panel Sunday.
Jim Valentino: Co-founder of Image Comics, Shadowhawk creator and fan-favorite Marvel artist before the Image revolution.
Michael and Laura Allred! From creator owned Madman to runs on X-Statix, FF and upcoming Silver Surfer, the Allred signature style is unforgettable.
I could go on and on naming celebrity and comic book guests but these are some highlights this geek. Be sure to check out the programming guide to see the stellar lineup of panels, parties and when to get in line for a possible photo op. Wizard World Portland Comic Con is January 24, 25, and 26. Stay tuned for coverage right here from the Rose City.
Let me say up front I love all the Batman books but here’s the point I want to make:
Batman and Batman, Incorporated have powerhouse storytelling teams…with big publicity pushes behind them. The return of the Joker and death of Robin were huge events worthy of the marketing push and mainstream media attention.
I want to commend the Batman and Robin team of writer Peter J. Tomasi and artist Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray who told the story of the impact from those events in one of my favorite arcs of the year or any year. Continue reading Best of 2013 BATMAN AND ROBIN
One of the most anticipated comic book issues on the horizon is Detective Comics #27. The mega-size book celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Batman – just part of DC Comics plans for the Dark Knight.
Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 and in The New 52 27th issue – an all-star roster of creators contribute stories about the Dark Knight.
Batman writer Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy, his artist on The Wake, weave a future story of Bruce Wayne and a new Robin. Murphy recently shared his design for the African-American sidekick Continue reading Batman’s Future Robin in DETECTIVE COMICS
Damian Wayne died in Batman, Incorporated but the aftermath has continued in the excellent Batman and Robin series by Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason. Since Robin’s death the series became Batman and a guest star as members of the Batman family joined Bruce in the road to recovery.
This week’s Batman and Nightwing #23 is the final steps to acceptance. It’s violent, painful and demonstrates the lasting power of Bruce and Richard.
I don’t want to give away the story twists and the emotional finale but I will tell this is an incredible issue for fans of Dick Grayson as he comes back to the Batcave for one final fight with Continue reading BATMAN AND NIGHTWING #23 The Final Fight
Grant Morrison’s Batman finale is coming and he thinks you might hate it?
Batman, Incorporated #13 is the final showdown between Bruce Wayne and Talia. Damian was a casualty of the war between these lovers and deadly enemies. If you think killing Robin is bleak then just wait for next week’s showdown.
Morrison was asked about next week’s final chapter by Comics Newsarama at San Diego Comic Con.
Holy Flashback! There’s a new Batman comic book based on the pop classic series starring Adam West and Burt Ward! Get ready to feel the swinging camp spirit with Batman ’66 out Wednesday!
Jeff Parker, Jonathan Case and Mike Allred answered the Bat-Signal and will bring the POW! SMASH! BAM! of the 60’s series onto digital screens! The online version is available now and the old-school comic book hits shops this week!
Love him or hate him…Damian Wayne is coming back to the DC Universe (sort of.)
The most recent Robin was born in the Batman arc, Batman and Son by Grant Morrison and killed this year in Batman, Incorporated. Damian was the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul.
Damian: Son of Batman was announced by the New York Post. The story returns to the possible future created by Grant Morrison and Andy Kubert in Batman #666. Superstar artist Kubert will write the new story with art by Andy Clarke. Continue reading Damian Wayne Returns
