BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS: A MARVELOUS LEGACY

As most of you have heard by now (and if you haven't then I'm truly shocked and you should be ashamed of yourself) Brian Michael Bendis is leaving Marvel Comics and is heading to DC with the intention of shaking up all kinds of shit. Because that's what he does best. He comes in, shakes shit up, pisses you off, and you end up loving the stories anyway. I mean . . . That's my side of it anyway!

As a kid, I was a huge Spider-Man and X-Men fan due to the animated series and the films that came out.

You may have heard of them

I didn't know much about the other characters like Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Luke Cage, etc. I knew enough to get by but I wasn't an avid fan. As I got older and got serious into collecting and reading comic books on a weekly basis (and then some) I started digging into the Avengers and more. One name always stuck out - Brian Michael Bendis. This guy's name was all over these comics and I fell more and more in love with everything he was doing at Marvel Comics. I'll get more into it later, but he was my first love at Marvel Comics in terms of writers I actively wanted to follow. 

You may or may not have seen websites that talk about his "legacy" at Marvel and all the amazing things he's done. This one is going to be more personal and specific to me. While I love characters like Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and others that he either created or revitalized there are quite a few stories that meant a lot to me in my young adult life. Granted these are in no particular order but here we go!

DARK AVENGERS/DARK REIGN

Every now and then a comic will sneak up on me and become the one that I have to read right away (and possibly buy multiple copies of) because it hits me like a freight train. Most of the time it's my new favorite because it's unpredictable and scares me a little. Dark Avengers was one of those books for quite a while. After Secret Invasion, Norman Osborn becomes the head of H.A.M.M.E.R. (replacing S.H.I.E.L.D.) and assembles his own twisted version of the Avengers including Venom, Bullseye, and Daken. It was wild and crazy and I had no idea what was going to happen next. Deep down, I knew this roster couldn't last forever but it was amazing to read and within the short time this book was around these characters, especially Norman, made a huge impact on me. 

HONORABLE MENTION:

During the Dark Reign story arc I was only getting two comics - Dark Avengers and New Avengers. The New Avengers were on the run in the previous arc from the Superhuman Registration Act (the comics Sokovia Accords for the film fans). When Osborn came to power not only were the "real" Avengers still on the run from the government they had to be on the run from their worst enemies turned into "legitimate" heroes. The Dark Avengers were the main villains throughout most of this run and it helped strengthen my love of those characters. They weren't necessarily polar opposites of the New Avengers as much as they were the same old villains I loved to hate, just in new costumes and given power they should not have had. Needless to say it was incredible to read and feel that the story was unpredictable and so much fun.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN

If you were to ask me what my favorite Spider-Man story is I'd respond with Ultimate Spider-Man. If you asked me which arc was my favorite I couldn't do it. I might throw out some highlights (which I'll do in a second) but for the most part, this entire run is damn near perfect Spidey stories. What makes it work more than anything is that Spider-Man is secondary to Peter Parker. The book probably should have been called Ultimate Peter Parker because it was his story more than anything. His trials, failures, triumphs, loves, hates, and everything in between. This book kicked off the Marvel Ultimate Universe where all the stories could start over and be set in "the real world." I always felt that USM did it best. Peter felt like a real kid to me. Every issue he was growing, failing, and ultimately learning about how to be a hero. I'm getting a little choked up just talking about it because it means that much to me as a fan. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

VENOM

Aside from his introduction in the Spider-Man animated series in the 90s, I was never a huge Venom fan. I liked the look and everything but the character never really clicked with me. That changed with USM. Just like I said that Peter Parker took on new meaning with this series so did Eddie Brock. Suddenly this character made a lot of sense to me and I loved this arc. It was scary, touching, and all too real. It was one of the first USM stories I ever read and fell instantly in love with it. 

CLONE SAGA

I know that a lot of older fans cringe at the thought of the "Clone Saga" from the Spider-Man canon. I never read any of it, never cared to as I heard nothing but bad things. My Clone Saga is from USM and let me tell ya - it's pretty frickin awesome. For a good chunk of it, Spider-Man is actually not even in it. Despite being on the covers and the book having his name on it, it's Peter's story. Peter watches as twisted, scary, and strange versions of him start popping up. This story also introduced Ultimate Spider-Woman who is Peter's clone that was changed to a female. Yepp . . . bizarre but done so well that the story never felt out of place for me. Everyone from the Fantastic Four to Nick Fury to the X-Men show up during this story and it never feels crowded or overblown. It's so much fun to read and dig into the weird clones. I just wish they had all stuck around . . . 

THE DEATH OF PETER PARKER

Oh man . . . this one was rough. Unlike the "main" Marvel Universe, dead was dead in the Ultimate Universe (although there were characters that came back, even Peter). I mean when this story was sold as "the death of Peter Parker." I believed it. I wished it was not true, I prayed it wasn't, tried to tweet to Bendis not to do it, but ya know . . . he did it. He freaking did it. If USM made me a Mark Bagley fan then this story made me a devoted follower of his work. This comic was so heart wrenching and touching. Peter made the ultimate (ha) sacrifice and in the end, died a hero. He made everyone in his life proud to have known him. I could accept Peter's death knowing that he died a hero and everyone he loved was safe. Also I knew that a new Spider-Man was around the corner . . . 

LEGACY CHARACTERS

Two of Bendis's best creations are the Legacy characters of Miles Morales as Spider-Man and Riri Williams as Ironheart. Both characters debuted when their predecessors either died or went missing. They share a lot of similarities with the original Spider-Man and Iron Man but both characters have forged their own destinies and are in it for the long haul. Hell, Miles is even the star of the upcoming animated Spider-Man coming out this fall! 

Some may argue that these characters were created to show more diversity at Marvel and maybe that is true, but I never thought of these characters as marketing gimmicks. They both have unique and compelling stories to tell. Their young age makes them ideal for new readers because, as I said with Peter in USM, they make mistakes and are forced not only to learn from them but to grow up faster than they should have to. I've loved following their adventures and rooting for them. As I said before, they became favorites for me because I thought their choices were unpredictable and made the comics more exciting to read. 

SECRET INVASION

This one has a bit of a story attached to it. When I got really serious about buying and collecting comic books on a weekly basis I was getting Mighty Avengers and New Avengers way back in 2007! Later that year I decided to move to North Carolina in an attempt to start my life over. As you can imagine, moving 600 miles away is expensive. For a long time I could not afford much of anything so my comics were the first expense to be cut. Several months later, as I worked hard to save money and learned to budget (ugh adulting sucks) I figured I could spare a few bucks for comics again. 

This was right around the time that Secret Invasion was going to start. So I bought the issues. And man oh man I was not disappointed. I felt like the heroes were in over their heads, the villains were going to win (technically they did with Dark Reign), and the Marvel Universe would never be the same! To this day, it remains my favorite Marvel event comic. It wasn't the first one I bought or read, and maybe it's just tied to the nostalgia in my mind, but it was so exciting. Every so often I reread it and get the same feeling of astonishment as when I first read it. 

HONORABLE MENTION:

NEW AVENGERS/MIGHTY AVENGERS

It wasn't until a few years later I got all caught up on everything that happened during the Secret Invasion story. I got the New/Mighty Avengers collections as a birthday present and dug right into them. In the stories you learn about why the Skrulls want to invade Earth, why they chose their targets, and just how long they've been on Earth and what they've been doing. It forced me to reread other Bendis stories and look at them totally differently. The books were so detailed and exciting I couldn't put them down. When I do my Secret Invasion reread, these editions are always on the list as well. Granted, I understood the main story just fine, but these give it so much more meaning that I can't think of the main story without them. They're just as important and fascinating to me. 

ALL NEW X-MEN

I have a love/hate relationship with the X-Men. On the one hand, I love the characters so much and they're an important part of my Marvel reading list. On the other hand, every time a writer does an X-Men book they feel the need to create like 28,000 new characters and the books feel so stuffed I lose interest. Lucky for me, when Bendis started his run on All New X-Men that wasn't the case. I mean it happened later, but when it started it was just Beast going back in time and recruiting the past versions of the X-Men to try and set things straight for the team in the present. It was such a cool concept and I love those original Stan Lee X-Men comics. The first couple years of this book remains one of my all time favorites. Bendis is at his best when he writes young characters trying to find their place in the world, which is why I loved USM, Miles and Riri so much. So when I heard he was doing that with the original 5 X-Men my interest was piqued. 

As a side note, sometimes I don't care for an artist until they get on the right book. Stuart Immonen was an artist I had kind of liked but never really followed much. This book made me a fan of his. The way he drew the characters just seemed right and fit the story so well. I'm still impressed by the art in this book years later. Dang . . . I have so much to reread . . . 

SPIDER-MEN

Now this is one of my all time favorite Spider-Man stories. At the time, Miles was Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe and Peter was Spider-Man in the 616 universe, as opposed to now where they are both Spider-Man in the 616 Universe. It's . . . ugh . . . complicated . . . But back then it was simpler and a cross dimensional story was awesome and unheard of. The Ultimate Universe had never crossed over with the 616. But two different Spider-Men made it a more interesting story. Peter saw all the differences and could meet his family and friends in the weirdest way. The comic was so much fun and the interactions between the two characters was so awkwardly perfect (as it should have been). Bendis has a knack for writing not just Spider-Man well, but his rogues. Mysterio as the main antagonist in this was pitch perfect. I always liked the character but in this book he became a much more genuine threat. Also, it's fun to see the villain done in by their own hubris and arrogance. Like you get to see it in the book and it's hilarious. The dialogue, interactions, and everything here feels so real to me. I read this story several times over when it first came out. Thinking about it now makes me miss the Ultimate Universe. Although maybe it's coming back based on Spider-Men II? Hmmm . . . . 

INFAMOUS IRON MAN

Going back to my favorite type of stories being unpredictable ones I have to say what usually falls in that category are the Villains-Trying-To-Redeem-Themselves stories. Like Superior Spider-Man before it, Infamous Iron Man tells the story of none other than Dr. Victor Von Doom trying to become the new Iron Man in Tony Stark's absence. While that premise alone sold me on the comic immediately what kept me coming back was how it served as a great placeholder for a Fantastic Four comic in their absence. Ben Grimm, the Thing, was a main character and in a way, acts as the antagonist of the book. No one really knows what to make of Doom trying to be a hero: the bad guys, S.H.I.E.L.D., Riri, and maybe even Doom himself. 

When Marvel relaunched after Secret Wars, Bendis made his love of Dr. Doom clear by placing him front and center during the first few issues of Invincible Iron Man but who could have predicted that this would be where the story would have gone? Well, maybe some people did but I didn't. Also, Alex Maleev draws Doom like Vincent Cassel.

I don't know if that's intentional or not but this dude would make a perfect Dr. Doom if they ever try to reboot the film series again. But let's not get into that right now. . . Anyway, this story goes to show that some villains can fit different hero dynamics and it's great to see Dr. Doom squaring off and then trying to become Iron Man. 

DAREDEVIL

Some writers are really good at writing crazy space adventures. Others are good at gritty crime dramas. Bendis is one of those creative people that can go from a universe spanning insane story like Guardians of the Galaxy to a street level drama like Daredevil. Remember when I said Bendis likes to shake shit up? Well he pretty much shook up Matt Murdock's life beyond repair during his run. Daredevil is one of those great characters that works as a fun loving adventurer like Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's run or as a tortured vigilante struggling to keep his life together like Bendis writes. Truth be told, I got into this run very late in the game. It was coming out as I was collecting but hearing that Murdock's identity was outed seemed like too big of a story for me to wrap my head around. At the time I thought, "That's not OK." Like I said, Bendis will piss you off. Looking back I can't believe I was so dumb. His run on the Daredevil comic is downright magnificent. It's compelling, dramatic, exciting, and heartbreaking. It's exactly what great comics should be. As fun as Ultimate Spider-Man is for it's "coming of age" tales, Daredevil is great a gritty crime drama. It's hard to believe it's the same writer that can go from one to the other so effortlessly but Bendis does it, man. And he does it well.

HOUSE OF M

Another late edition to the Comic Junkie collection is House of M story. I don't remember how I came onto it. I think I was just buying anything and everything X-Men/Avengers that I could get my hands on. More than any other comic on this list, this one plays out like a movie to me. While reading it, it feels so fluid that I feel like I'm watching a film. Besides the "Redemption" or "Coming of Age" books that I love, another favorite of mine is definitely "Alternate Universes." This one in particular is one of my favorite alternate universes. Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, has given everyone on Earth their heart's desire. Peter is Spider-Man still but loved by the public and media, Captain America is an old man, never frozen during the War, Wolverine is head of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Magneto is the world's most famous mutant and mutants are the dominant species on the planet just like he always wanted. Once the heroes figure out what is going on and remember their own reality they fight to get it back. But it isn't the happy ending you'd expect. The mutant population is decimated, Wolverine regains his memories, Peter is tortured by his alternate life, and, as mentioned before but not explicitly stated in this story, the Skrulls are given an advantage in their Secret Invasion. 

AVENGERS

Saying that Bendis had a great run on Avengers is an understatement. He wrote something like 200 issues between New, Mighty, Assemble, and every tie in, event, etc. That's pretty impressive on its own but luckily the stories were so exciting and fun that I couldn't wait to read them. Before Bendis got his hands on the book, the Avengers was just another comic for Marvel. Bendis wanted to make it the flagship book that everyone looked up to and took their cue from. Basically, if you only bought one Marvel comic it was going to be Avengers. I tell you what, it worked for me. It seemed like any character could have a shot at becoming an Avenger from Spider-Man to Wolverine to Luke Cage to Jessica Jones to freaking Squirrel Girl. The ranks were wide open and the stories were so much fun to read. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

INFINITY

One of Bendis's talents is taking a C-list villain and making them a genuine threat. During his Avengers runs he took Parker Robbins, the Hood, and made him a really scary villain. At first he was possessed by one of Dr. Strange's villains, Dormammu. When that was taken away, he was desperate to get more power. He found it with the Infinity Gems (or Stones for the movie fans, personally I think Stones is better) and the Infinity Gauntlet. These issues brought the Red Hulk into the books as a hero helping the Avengers track the Gems down before Parker could use them for his evil ways. And gosh oh jeez LOOK at that cover! I had a previous post where I said that I hope that cover comes to life in the Infinity War film or its sequel. I think it will because it's just so cool. Either way, this story was so exciting to me because it was my introduction to the Infinity Gems and their importance in Marvel's history. And now they are movie stars!

THE NEW DARK AVENGERS

When it was announced that Norman Osborn and H.A.M.M.E.R. were coming back to torment the Avengers I flipped out. As I said, I loved Dark Avengers so much and missed those characters. Granted, this was a whole new batch of Dark Avengers but the stories were still compelling and fun for me. To Bendis, Norman Osborn shouldn't just be a Spider-Man villain, he should be the antagonist for all of the Avengers. It makes sense to me! The story sort of falls into the "Redemption" category but since it's Norman Osborn and the dude is batshit crazy, it doesn't quite work out for him. Hey, at least he tried!

AVENGERS VS X-MEN

Now technically I'm cheating here because Bendis co-wrote this with other great Marvel writers but he did the Avengers tie ins and that's good enough for me to count it. Also it's my blog damn it! 

Anyway, the Hero vs Hero story is a tale as old as time. Comics do it all the time but this one took it up a notch. I found myself sympathizing with Cyclops and his team while rooting for Captain America and the Avengers. Neither side is technically wrong but they're also not right either. It's tough to pick a side. After all, the main goal is to make sure that the Phoenix Force doesn't destroy the Earth. The story took some very interesting and surprising twists including killing off Professor Xavier. I mean that was rough to read. Like I said, Bendis could go from gritty dramas like Daredevil to crazy stories where the heroes are fighting on the moon like Avengers vs X-Men. Bendis makes it look so easy! 

Throughout my life, I find myself following certain writers and their work. Bendis was one of the first that I fell in love with and wanted to pick up almost anything he does/did. When I heard he was leaving Marvel for DC I was so excited. I know we are in for a treat with Superman and his continuation of Jinxworld. But I have to admit that I'm very sad his Marvel days are behind him. I mean . . . maybe he'll go back, but 18 years is a long time at a company and it's safe to say he kicked a lot of ass and took a lot of names during his tenure. While I'm sad he won't be a Marvel writer anymore I'm looking forward to (maybe) 18 years at DC where he can shake things up, piss people off, and tell great stories that put a smile on my face.

That's me with Brian at New York Comic Con 2011. I remember telling him i felt he was perfect fit for Marvel because their characters were all about people trying to be superheroes while DC was heroes trying to be people. He agreed with me then. 7 and a half years later and I'm excited to see his take on the other side.

Till Next Time!

JJ - The Comic Junkie!

BATMAN RETURNS: 25 YEARS LATER - A COMIC JUNKIE'S RETROSPECTIVE

Well . . . I'm old, aren't I? Eh, not really depending on who you ask. But here's the thing - when a movie you love reaches a milestone, it brings on the nostalgia BIG TIME. Batman Returns was released on June 19, 1992. Compared to the original, groundbreaking Batman of 1989 it was met with mixed results. 25 years later and there is still debate on the film. Some call it a masterpiece, others call it a disaster. That could be said of a lot of superhero films . . .

Ahem . . . 

Times were different back then and the film that was released was one that Tim Burton was excited about. He was able to take the characters in bold, new, unique directions and that's what he always wants from his films/projects. After a quarter of a century and hundreds of views, I've critiqued this film front to back. I'd like to share with you my favorite parts and the things that I think still hold up with this film so many years later. 

MICHELLE PFEIFFER AS SELINA KYLE/CATWOMAN

No one will ever say that Pfeiffer is a bad actress. She's fantastic and gives her all to every role she's in. Selina Kyle is no exception. Her version of Kyle has a great arc throughout the film. She starts off a mousy, meek, underrated secretary (assistant) to corporate tycoon Max Shreck. When she digs too deep, she's cast aside, Shreck thinking that she'll never be missed. Not only does she come back, but she comes back with a vengeance. She gets her revenge on Shreck, goes after the men she wants (Batman and Bruce Wayne), and stands up straight for the things she believes in. Although she's considered a villain in the story, one could argue she's an antihero looking to right the wrongs that have been done to her in her life. She's not just a love interest to Bruce Wayne. Their attraction is mutual and believable but it doesn't define her. She doesn't hate all men, either. She's just trying to get revenge on the ones that she feels wronged her, which just happen to be all the male leads . . . 

Pfeiffer brings a tortured soul to life in a realistic, tragic way. When we first meet Selina we get the feeling she's very unfulfilled in her life. From a guy that rejects her because his psychiatrist suggests it, to an overbearing mother, to a boss that makes her work too hard for too little, she's finally had enough and takes control of her life. And when she has that control? Boy, you better watch out! 

THE LOVE STORY ISN'T FORCED

And can you really even call it a love story? Either way, it doesn't come into the film like a studio mandated contract stipulation. Batman and Catwoman have always had a love/hate relationship throughout their comic book history. My favorite Batman/Catwoman story is Batman: Hush. I've always been of the mindset that Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle belong together. Maybe in another universe, they find each other without all the tragedy and live happily ever after. However, given both people have an inherent self-destructive nature, they can't help but constantly hurt each other and themselves along the way. 

In this film, the characters first truly interact when Selina has embraced her true self and meets Bruce at Shreck's office. Bruce is instantly infatuated with her. On their first date in Wayne Manor (where Bruce has all his first dates, apparently), she starts to fall for him as well. I think they recognize kindred spirits in each other. Even the next scene shows Selina frantically trying to put on her Catwoman suit while Bruce calmly chooses his Batman armor.  They are two sides of the same coin. At the end of the film, Bruce desperately pleads with Selina to come home with him and he'll look after her. She's at first enamored with the idea then rejects it. As much as the other might want it, they can't be together. Selina knows this to be the truth while Bruce has to sadly come to terms with her decision. Hey we've all been there, right? #relationshipssuck

DANNY DeVITO AS THE PENGUIN

To this day, DeVito's portrayal remains my favorite version of the character. Like Bruce and Selina, Oswald Cobblepot is yet another tortured soul. I mean, hell, all the Batman villains are in some way, shape or form! In Batman Returns, we learn that the wealthy Cobblepot family gave birth to a hideous creature instead of a beautiful baby. They decide to throw this child into the sewer rather than, ya know, raise him and teach him to be a good man. Cobblepot is then raised by the Red Triangle Circus Gang and somehow or another, it's never really explained, turns them into a criminal organization bent on destroying Gotham City. As the film progresses, we learn that Oswald wants to reconnect with society, but only because he wants them to suffer the way he suffered. 

Penguin has a great arc throughout the film. While he never really changes per se, he shows himself to the audience as a great manipulator and puppet master. Penguin emerges as a hero to Gotham City, having "saved" the Mayor's baby and then wanting to run as Mayor to clean up the streets of Gotham City. Of course, he's the one dirtying them up, but the citizens don't realize that right away. Once he's exposed as a fraud, he retreats back to the sewers and tries to exact his revenge on Gotham City. 

DeVito plays the character so well. Just when you're starting to sympathize with him, you realize he's just playing you and you hate him again. It almost works even on Batman! When he's first introduced he says, "I want to find my mom and dad and try to understand why they did what I guess they felt they had to do!" Bruce looks at him and feels sorry for him. Bruce knows what it's like not to grow up with parents. Then he sees Penguin standing next to Max Shreck and then he immediately realizes something is up. While on patrol, Alfred asks him, "Are you concerned with that strange, heroic, Penguin-person?" Batman replies, "I think he knows who his parents are . . . There's something else . . ." Bruce sees through Cobblepot's BS in a heartbeat. It takes some time, but he's able to show the citizens of Gotham that Penguin doesn't just look like a monster - he IS a monster. 

I could go on all day about that greatness! But I'll leave it at that. DeVito nails the character. From cunning manipulator to deranged psychopath and everything in between, he's a villain to remember in the Bat-films. 

A VILLAINOUS ALLIANCE

If there's one thing lots of superhero films are guilty of, it's putting too many villains in one film. Luckily, and maybe I'm in the minority here, I think all the Bat-films have done it in a very unique way. Batman definitely has the best rogues gallery in all of comic bookdom. Any villain that you think can't be redeemed I guarantee some writer somewhere has found a way to make them cool. Every writer/artist has had their own interpretation of the characters. Burton realized that these extreme people would have extreme personalities and capitalized on it. Both are unhinged, but they are still smart people. If they want to defeat Batman, they're gonna have to work together. While their alliance is (believably) fragile, it is real. The film does a good job of setting up why the other hates Batman. In Penguin's case, he's running for mayor and realizes Batman can expose his true nature at any time. With Catwoman, she recognizes that Batman will stop her from wanting to get her revenge on Shreck so she needs an ally to stop him. Also there was the whole . . . throwing her off a building thing. 

Saved by kitty litter . . .

These characters may not have interacted much in the comics, but their alliance in the film doesn't feel forced or studio mandated. They're both weird, tortured people looking to stop Batman. And really, that's all the motivation they need . . . 

DANNY ELFMAN'S SCORE

I've mentioned this before but it's worth repeating - Danny Elfman knows how to make a memorable fucking movie score. Every scene in the film is heightened and given new energy by Elfman's brilliant compositions. The music is written in such a way that it's recognizable as Danny Elfman, but it fits each individual character. Batman's theme is instantly recognizable as a dark, brooding, yet heroic theme. Penguin's music sounds like a tragic Circus symphony, and Catwoman's theme is playful, mysterious, and dangerous. When the music comes on, it's a sign that either the hero is coming to save the day or the villain is coming to wreck it. When the music needs to be softer, it is, when it needs to convey an emotion, it does. The music never overpowers the film, it enhances it in every possible way. Movies these days don't do that anymore. I bet you'll instantly recognize Elfman's Batman score but will have a hard time remembering what Iron Man's theme sounded like. It's a sad truth about movies these days. Hopefully, with Elfman doing the Justice League score, we'll start to remedy this oversight. 

TIM BURTON'S INFLUENCE

One of the major complaints about this film is this: "It feels like a Tim Burton movie that just happen to have Batman characters in it." My counter-argument is, "That's a bad thing?" Tim Burton has made some of the weirdest films you've ever seen, yet they stand apart from other filmmakers. He has a really unique vision for his films and it's noticeable in every single frame. Characters like Batman, Catwoman, and the Penguin are head to toe in black and white while the rest of Gotham City is in bright colors. Each of the main characters is shrouded in darkness while the rest of the world is bright, shiny, and fun. However, these "dark" characters are far more interesting. Their worlds have been turned upside down in one way or another. It could be the death of their parents, being rejected by their parents, or being overlooked by the whole world, their worlds are all scary, tragic, and painful. Therefore, their worlds are far more interesting. The only color on Batman's costume is the yellow oval around his chest piece. Catwoman and Penguin have no color on their costumes. Batman retains a little bit of Gotham City with him wherever he goes, but Catwoman and Penguin have none. By the way . . . 

MAX SHRECK: GOTHAM'S LEX LUTHOR

It's easy to dismiss Christopher Walken as a walking meme or an easy impression to show your drunk friends (I've done it). But here's a little bit of truth for ya - Christopher Walken is an Academy Award winning actor (Deer Hunter 1979). Nothing against DeVito, Pfeiffer, or even Keaton, but Walken brings some gravitas to this wacky movie. He's the only main character not dressed in a ridiculous costume or make up. His portrayal of Max Shreck is meticulous, conniving, and downright evil. He doesn't care for the citizens of Gotham City. He doesn't even really care about his bottom line. All he cares about is himself. He's going to preserve his own life at all costs. At the beginning of the film, the Red Triangle Circus Gang is looking to kidnap him and he doesn't put up much of a fight when his son steps in on his behalf. Later in the film, he's happy to team up with the Penguin if it means his reputation won't be tarnished (although he's trying to further his own agenda). He kills his secretary (assistant) without a second thought. He drops Penguin as soon as the public turns on him without a shred of remorse. In fact, he just shrugs, "them's the breaks" he's saying with his actions. He's one of the best parts of the film but he's often overlooked because he's not in a garish costume. Which is a shame because he plays arguably the most important role in the film. He's the one that ties all the main Bat-characters together. He's Selina's boss, Penguin's associate, and Bruce Wayne's rival. And he does it without being the Walken stereotype we love to joke about at parties! 

MICHAEL KEATON AS BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN

Here's the tough one. How do I accurately describe my feelings toward Michael Keaton as Batman without sounding like a raving lunatic and in only a few short sentences. I'll give it a shot! 

As an actor myself, I recognize the want to put on a show. When the audience is eating up your performance you want to give them more, more, more like a Rebel Yell. However, that's not always the way to go. As an actor, you're slaved to your character. Michael Keaton, coming from a comedy background and likely being a "more-more-more" type of performer, understood this. However, he fights against it and gives a performance that can only be described as "less is more". Don't get me wrong - that is in NO WAY an insult. It's probably the highest compliment I can give to him. No offense to the other Bat-actors. They all give great performances in the films that they are in, but in Burton's Bat-films, Keaton is basically playing the "straight" man to the "wacky ensemble." 

His Batman is a silent guardian. He doesn't say much, his actions speak louder than words. In most scenes, he doesn't speak unless provoked. However, with his eyes and his body language, Keaton says a lot without having to say anything at all. Every situation he's in, he seems to have it under control. Even if he is in over his head, it doesn't show. This is the Batman I grew up with. He could get out of any situation with sheer confidence and willpower alone. By the end of the film, he's the figure that the Circus Gang fears most. He's re-established himself as Gotham's protector. Penguin may have put up a good fight, but Batman is the champion.

It's interesting looking back on this film. I think as a kid I watched it and loved it because it was Batman. Now as an adult, I can watch it knowing who made it, what their motivations were, and what the end product looked like and judge it from there. Based on nostalgia alone, this will remain one of the best Bat-memories I have. But given that I've had 25 years to watch it and love it, I'll this - Batman Returns has aged well and I'll always love it as a weird, unique, exciting Bat-film. 

Till Next Time!

JJ - The Comic Junkie! 

ADAM WEST - AN ACTOR, A MAN, A LEGEND, AN INSPIRATION

When you hear "Batman" what's the first thing that comes into your mind? For me, it's Danny Elfman's theme and Michael Keaton spreading his wings to take down two punks.

Yeah! That's the stuff!

As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate almost every single incarnation of Batman in some way, shape or form. Whether it's in the comic books, animation, live action, video games, cosplay, etc I can appreciate the love that everyone has for Batman. 

Confession time - I never considered Adam West to be MY Batman. Michael Keaton and Kevin Conroy will always hold the crown in that regard. Now, having said that, I will say that I used to watch Batman: the Movie from 1966 over and over and over again. I remember being really little and seeing a couple of the original episodes on TV. However, they didn't do reruns of that after a while (I'm pretty sure it was on ABC) and I only had the movie to watch. I wasn't a big fan of the campy tone but I loved any and all things Batman as a kid so I gobbled it up. 

After Batman and Robin, it seemed like demand for Batman was at an all time low. Batman Beyond was on TV and there were reruns of Batman: the Animated Series on Cartoon Network. I felt like I was the only kid that watched the original Batman movies and cartoons. It seemed like none of my friends liked Batman because he wasn't as popular anymore. Then I got to high school and I met a lot of people that loved Batman like I did! I couldn't believe it! We could talk about the movies, the cartoons, and all that jazz. Then Batman Begins came out in 2005 and EVERYONE started to see how awesome Batman was! It was an awesome experience. 

I'm getting a little off track here . . . Let's go back to Mr. West. 

One of my favorite episodes of B:TAS is "Beware the Grey Ghost." In this episode, Gotham City is being terrorized by someone calling himself "the Mad Bomber." Bruce remembers a TV show he watched as a kid called The Grey Ghost. One of the episodes featured a criminal calling himself the Mad Bomber. Bruce can't find any episodes on VHS (it was a different time) so he tracks down the actor, Simon Trent (played by Adam West). Bruce enlists Trent's help in catching the Mad Bomber. Trent is at first afraid and angry with Batman for tracking him down. He later teams up with him, wanting to help stop the Mad Bomber. 

I love acting. I especially love actors that step outside of their comfort zones. Simon Trent / The Grey Ghost is a much different character than Bruce Wayne. If anything, he's probably closer to the real Adam West than anything. He's an out of work, depressed actor. He can't get any roles because every casting director in town thinks of him as The Grey Ghost. He's incredibly frustrated. When Batman approaches him, it annoys him thinking that Batman would come to him. What good can he do? He's just an actor! Trent eventually gives Batman a copy of "the Mad Bomber" episode to get rid of him. Batman, clearly disappointed says, "I used to admire what the Grey Ghost stood for." Trent angrily replies, "I'm not the Grey Ghost!" Batman retorts, "I can see that now."

Jeez . . . never meet your heroes kids. Anyway! Later in the episode, Batman is in trouble and is rescued by THE GREY GHOST! 

Yay!

Batman takes Trent back to the Batcave. Trent mentions how it looks like The Grey Ghost's lair. Batman admits that it was by design. He then shows Trent a secret room with lots of Grey Ghost memorabilia. He confesses, "As a kid, I used to watch you with my father. The Grey Ghost was my hero." Trent says, "So it wasn't all for nothing." 

At the end of the episode, The Grey Ghost is back on the public radar and the series is released on home video. Trent is in costume, signing copies of the videos for fans. Bruce Wayne is one of those fans. He has a goofy smile on his face and says, "Please make it out to Bruce." Trent takes the video and signs it casually. Bruce starts to walk away but he turns and says, "You know as a kid I used to watch you with my father. The Grey Ghost was my hero." Trent smiles, obviously recognizing the quote, "Really?" Bruce uses his Batman voice to respond, "And he still is." 

Ok . . . I'm literally choking up saying all this. This episode means a lot to me because as a kid, I was introduced to Batman through my parents. I remember my dad taking my whole family to see Batman Forever and Batman and Robin when they came out. I had big Batman birthdays. My mom loved going to those movies with me and watching them with me on video.  

In a strange way, I think this episode was almost biographical for Adam West. Here he probably thought playing Batman was this one time thing that was fun, profitable, and he could leave it behind. Little did he know that his portrayal of Batman inspired millions of people around the world, some would go on to be famous actors, writers, directors, animators, etc. Batman means so much to so many people. Actors come and go, but the best ones leave behind a legacy. Mr. West was and always will be Batman for an entire generation.

Over the years, I've come to respect and love what his series did for Batman and his allies and enemies. I bought the series when it was released on Blu Ray and laughed and cheered at every episode. It saddens me so much that Mr. West has left us, but it brings me joy knowing that he'll never be forgotten. 

RIP, old chum. You've earned the rest.

Till Next Time!

JJ - the Comic Junkie! 

HEROES ARE ALWAYS NEEDED

It's been reported that Zack Snyder has stepped down as director of the upcoming Justice League film following a family tragedy. His daughter, Autumn, committed suicide and Snyder is taking much needed time with his family away from work to heal. My heart goes out to Mr. Snyder. I'm lucky enough to admit that I've never lost a parent, sibling, or child in my lifetime. I can't imagine the pain that comes with that. It's tragic and heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the Snyders at this difficult time. I'm not sure what happened to Autumn, and maybe I don't want to know, but I'd like to share something here that maybe could help someone in the future.

I'm someone that has suffered from Depression my whole life. Some days it's as mild as just being kind of bummed out for no reason. Other days, it's as severe as not wanting to get out of bed. I know lots of people that suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. Sometimes it's utterly terrifying. Truthfully, the best medicine is laughter. Learning to laugh and make yourself happy. It's exhausting but usually worth it to get through a tough day.

My depression was at it's worst several years ago when I first moved to North Carolina. I was in a brand new city, a brand new state, a job I had no previous experience with, and worst of all I lived all by myself. At first I was excited to start my new life. Little did I know that a new life is super challenging and more often than not I was completely alone. I had very little money despite working two jobs, all my friends lived 600 miles away, and I was single. My parents lived in the same town and my dad worked in the same office, but it wasn't the same as having peers my age to hang out with, drink with, laugh with, etc. It was a scary time for me.

Since I didn't have much money, I couldn't afford to get my comics every week. I was upset till I realized I could ask for subscriptions for Christmas! I didn't want to be greedy so I only asked for three (one from each family member) - Batman, Green Lantern, and Justice League. When I had more cash living at home I was getting 10-15 comics a month. I was bummed that I was missing out on other comics but I was happy to get these. Batman was just starting the R.I.P. storyline and Green Lantern was leading up to Blackest Night. I don't remember what happened in Justice League because the quality of that comic kind of went down with changing writers and artists and it wasn't as good. That was a bummer. Nevertheless, I was still happy.

It was so good!

Don't worry he didn't really die! 

After about a year, when I was finally making a little more money at my office job and paid off some of my debts, I decided to go back to buying comics on a weekly basis. I was able to get more than just the three in the mail. I was able to catch up on what the other DC heroes were doing as well as the Marvel ones. I was getting New Avengers, Dark Avengers (which I really miss by the way), Ultimate Spider-Man, Action Comics, The Flash, and a few others that I would pick up randomly. As much as I liked comics when I lived in Erie, I think I fell even more in love with them while I lived in North Carolina. The comics made me feel less lonely and gave me something to look forward to every week. Every Wednesday on my lunch break I would drive to my local store, get my books, and read as many as I could before I had to go back to work. It became a weekly ritual for me. Something to keep me happy and excited.

It was during this time I started to kind of get to know (so to speak) the different writers and artists on my favorite comics. It was how I figured out that Geoff Johns was my favorite DC writer and Brian Michael Bendis was my favorite Marvel writer. I grew to appreciate their different styles and the different artists that they worked with. I was able to attend Comic Cons in New York City as more than just a passing fan. I could bring books for them to sign, sit through their panels, and even talk to them and gush over their work. As I said, my oldest sister was able to join me at other Cons and we could enjoy the experience even though most of it is just standing in lines for like a year! But I digress . . .

So what am I trying to say here? What is this about? Well, at a time in my life when I was all alone, scared, depressed, and homesick while trying to make this new place my home, I found hope in comic books. Every week I could dive into new adventures of Batman, Superman, the Avengers, or whoever. Every week I had something to look forward to and be excited about. Every week seemed less sad and more optimistic. Over time, I was making more money at work, went on several dates, made lots of friends, and my outlook on life was better. What helped get me to that better place was my favorite superheroes. I can honestly tell you that those comic books saved my life. Granted, they may not be anything special but having something to look forward to every week was a big step in getting better.

Maybe I sound like a crazy person with all of that, but it's the truth. It's something I've never really shared with anyone before to be perfectly honest. I know what it's like to feel like there's no reason to live. I know what it's like to feel like no one cares for you and it would be easier just to fade away. It's an awful, all consuming feeling and sometimes it feels like it will never end. But you know what? It does end. It's never too late to make a change, find a new hobby, make new friends, find a new lover, find a new religion or whatever may help you. For me, comic books were companions I had every week to keep me happy when I was sad.

I hope this post finds someone that needs it. This was my story how I overcame a difficult time in my life with comic books and superheroes. I don't know what your story is but I hope you find it. Because when you look back, you'll be so grateful to whoever or whatever helped pull you out of that funk.

To anyone that may need it here are a couple of websites dedicated to helping people thinking about suicide and suffering from depression:    afsp.org       JEDfoundation.org

Please get help if you need it. Those comics not only helped save me but they inspired me to be a better person. To be a hero just like Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, etc.

Now you know a little bit more about me! It's hard to talk about this stuff sometimes but I like to share it here because this blog means a lot to me and I like putting my thoughts and feelings out there for the world to see! I hope this helps someone who may need it!

Till Next Time!



JJ - The Comic Junkie!

THE FLASH - MORE SPEEDSTERS!

One thing about The Flash that's undeniable is that, for a TV budget, the special effects are outstanding. Between Barry, Kid Flash, Gorilla Grodd, King Shark, and the other various speedsters, villains, etc the show proves that no villain is too big or too small. One area of expertise that the VFX guys have nailed is the speedsters. It started with Barry then we got the Reverse Flash, Zoom, Jay Garrick, Trajectory, Kid Flash, Rival, Jesse Quick, Savitar and others I'm probably forgetting. I probably named them all . . .

Anyway! DC Comics is not short of any speedsters. There's ones from the future, the past, alternate Earths, I mean it's crazy! The Flash hasn't been shy about using these characters and tweaking their stories as they see fit.

 Case in point . . . 

As I've mentioned before, I rarely stop thinking about these shows on the CW. Mainly because I think they're wonderful and it's the type of stuff I wish I had had as a kid. There are still tons of stories that can be told and many more speedsters that can be introduced on the show. I'd like to run through (pun intended) a list of my favorite speedsters that have not yet made an appearance. 

REVERSE-FLASH aka DANIEL WEST

He's one of the more recent additions to the canon, and might actually be retconned with Rebirth now that I think about it, but he was a great character. Daniel West was the son of William West, brother to Iris and uncle to Wally.  His mother died during childbirth and his father never let him forget it. He grew up under the abusive nature of his father. While Iris grew up and rose above that trauma, Daniel did not. He grew up angry and spent most of his adult life in prison. After an accident gave him super speed, he decided to go back in time and kill his father to prevent the trauma that turned him into a criminal. 

While Daniel is a great character, there's no denying that he has a great visual. His costume seems to be morphing around him and can even come off as projectiles to hurt the Flash. Granted, it's too late to tell a "long lost brother" story with Daniel, since that arc was given to Wally, but there's still room for this particular West family member. He could be Wally's doppelganger from another Earth, perhaps Earth 2? He could be Joe's brother which could work because we don't know much about Joe's parents or family. Or maybe if the writers are lazy enough he could just be another long lost brother, but I wouldn't bet on that considering the writers are better than that on The Flash. Either way, this version of the Reverse Flash offers a much different visual style than we've seen before. He's got the tragic backstory, now we just need him to come wreak havoc on Central City! 

GODSPEED aka AUGUST HEART

The most recent addition to Barry's Rogues Gallery, even though he's not a Rogue . . . It's complicated, Godspeed is really August Heart, a detective with the Central City Police. He has one of the most interesting backstories of any of the Barry's villains. He was the only witness to the accident that made Barry into the Flash. He was in Barry's lab trying to obtain evidence of his brother's murder. Unfortunately, the lightning strike destroyed all of the evidence and the suspected killer was set free. Years later, a Speed Force storm hit Central City and August was one of the people affected by it. At first, he posed himself as an ally to the Flash but was secretly the dark vigilante known as Godspeed. He got revenge on his brother's killer but it did little to satiate his new bloodlust. He ended up killing several other people affected by the Speed Force. 

Godspeed was the first new Rogue Barry fought during DC's Rebirth launch last summer. Again, he's another character with a great visual that would look really cool racing next to the Flash on TV. Plus, assuming the producers and writers don't change his story too much, he has the added benefit of being connected to Barry right from the beginning. Although sometimes this type of story is hard to swallow, if done right it could be interesting. They could easily make August a part of Barry's past. Let's say he was in a coma but instead of just nine months like Barry, he's actually been in the coma for years. He comes out of it, realizes his brother's murderer has gotten away with it, and snaps. That's definitely within the realm of possible storylines we could see on the show. In fact, I'm hoping it's what they go with for season 4! 

IMPULSE aka BART ALLEN

Bart Allen is Barry Allen's grandson from the future. There's no real back story other than that! He came back from the future to fight alongside his grandpa in the present. He started off as Impulse but later became Kid Flash when Wally became the Flash and then eventually the Flash, then he died, then he came back to life as Kid Flash again. COMIC BOOKS!

My fondest memories of Bart Allen were from Geoff Johns's run on Teen Titans. By then he had graduated to Kid Flash. He was a great character and a lot of fun to read. When he was killed off I was very upset. Luckily, Johns must have felt the same way and brought him back. His origin seems to have been changed somewhat since the New 52 which bugs me. However, that may get rectified soon enough with Rebirth making changes like bringing back characters and, at least somewhat, retconning their origins.

I'm hoping he'll come into the Flash in the near future. I have a sneaking suspicion that due to Barry seeing his own future, albeit only six months from now, that we're on the way to him seeing much further on and possibly even encountering Bart. I think that would be a great story and hilarious to see a young Bart calling 26-27 year old Barry "grandpa." With season 4 officially announced I'm sure we'll see Bart sometime in the future (pun intended).

JOHNNY QUICK aka BARRY ALLEN (from Earth 3)

I've been banging this particular drum for quite a while now so I won't get super into all the details but I will say it again - THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN.

Johnny Quick is an evil Barry Allen from an alternate Earth. He's just as fast as the Flash but for as good as the Flash is Johnny is bad. I truly think that this character needs to end up on the show and I can't stress enough that Grant Gustin should play him. With the characters travelling through the multiverse like all the fuckin time, this story is not out of the realm of possibilities. Maybe the next crossover could include the Crime Syndicate with evil versions of each of our heroes. Or Johnny could find his way to Earth 1 and mess up Barry's reputation. A similar story was done on Smallville with Clark switching places with Ultraman. It was one of my favorite stories from Smallville and I'm a little surprised it hasn't happened yet on any of the Arrowverse shows. However . . . I'm sure it will . . . Maybe . . . Hopefully. 

By the way, in the Smallville version Tom Welling played the evil Clark and was believably a very different version of the character. I have no doubt Grant Gustin is capable of doing the same thing :) 

THE FLASH aka WALLY WEST 

But JJ, you may be thinking, the Flash already has a Wally West! What on Earth would they need another one for? I hear you but I have a pitch here:

During last summer's DC Universe Rebirth story, it was revealed that the original Wally West was trapped in the Speed Force and was desperate to escape and warn the heroes of Earth that a great threat was coming. We assume this great threat is Dr. Manhattan and/or the other characters from the Watchmen universe. Barry was able to pull Wally out of the Speed Force and Wally was finally able to warn someone and reveal that time had been taken away from them. Basically, after Flashpoint, some unknown force (again probably Dr. Manhattan) had meddled with time in an attempt to weaken the heroes of Earth. Wally is one of the few characters that actually remembers the DC Universe pre-new 52. 

OK, here's the pitch:

As was revealed during the season finale of The Flash in season 1, the characters were all living in an alternate reality due to the Reverse Flash killing Barry's mom. We've never heard of that story ever again. The only glimpses of it were from the holographic future newspaper the fake Wells (real Eobard Thawne) used to look at in his Time Vault.

That paper was from April 2024, ten years after the season started. Let's say something similar happened where everything is now changed in the Arrowverse and there's another Wally West lost to the Speed Force. He finally finds a way to communicate with Barry and Barry starts to remember his life where his father was never sent to prison and his mother wasn't murdered. With hints like "Red skies vanish" and talk of a "Queen Consolidated-Wayne Tech" merger in the paper, there's clearly some story opportunities there. I would love to see this revisited as opposed to just referred to as a future event. Because let's face it, it comes from a future where Barry as the Flash vanished chasing Eobard Thawne. I know that technically that Barry was erased from the timeline, per the aforementioned season 1 finale, but so was Eobard and look at him! He's causing trouble for the Legends on their show! It might sound like a long shot but I truly think that this particular story and that timeline should be revisited. 

These are my suggestions for my favorite speedsters making their way to The Flash. The show so far has done an excellent job of telling great stories with these characters. I have no doubt that most, if not all, of the characters I mentioned here will be included at some point during the show's run (pun intended). Hopefully they'll take my suggestions and let me write an episode or two! Ya never know . . . 

Till Next Time!

JJ - the Comic Junkie! 

SUPERGIRL - INFINITE CRISIS!

On the CW, four DC superhero shows are out there telling really cool stories. On Arrow, there is the gritty crime drama, The Flash deals with metahumans and meta-threats, Legends of Tomorrow is the wacky time travel show, and Supergirl deals with aliens and strange visitors from other planets. Basically, we get the best of all these different comic book stories on a weekly basis. It's pretty exciting! The best part, at least to me, is that for as much as these shows have done, there is still a lot more that they can cover. We've seen the Multiverse, the future, the past, alternate timelines, and even the big man himself:

So dreamy . . . 

These are all things I thought I'd never get to see during a live action TV series. All of these shows, while crafting their own stories, have remained true to the spirit of the DC Comics that inspired them. Since this has been going on, it's made me wonder - what's next? There are unconfirmed, but probably true, reports of Booster Gold being the next DC hero on TV along with the usual crop of lesser known heroes and villains popping up across all the shows on right now. 

Recently, I reread one of my favorite comics written by my main man Geoff Johns, Infinite Crisis. When the story opens, the Trinity of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are barely speaking to each other, the Justice League and Society have disbanded, Superboy unwillingly turned against the Teen Titans, Magic is in disarray, there's an intergalactic war, and the villains seem more unified than the heroes! It's total chaos man! 

There were five characters that were at the center of this event - Superman and Lois Lane from Earth 2, Alexander Luthor from Earth 3, Superboy from Earth Prime, and Power Girl from our Earth, later revealed to be the Supergirl from Earth 2. They were all survivors from Crisis on Infinite Earths. They lived in a safe space created by Alexander to protect them from being erased from existence. After seeing how disparate the world has become, Superman decides to break them out and try to bring his Earth back. It's later revealed that Alex and Superboy have been secretly sneaking out of their sanctuary to rearrange the universe so that they create their own perfect Earth. It's a pretty wacky, out there type of story but it's also super awesome and a little trippy. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves to read stories where the heroes are forced to rise above tragedy.

While I was reading the comic I couldn't help but think about Supergirl. It occurred to me that she has traveled through different dimensions like the Phantom Zone and to Earth 1 during the last crossover.

It was awesome!

While it may be a bit of a stretch, I think it would be really cool to incorporate elements of Infinite Crisis on Supergirl. We've had their version of Superman, but it would be really cool to see what would happen with different versions of each character. An older, wiser Superman, a seemingly friendly but still manipulative Alex Luthor, a rash, impulsive, and dangerous Superboy, and Power Girl, Kara's doppelganger from another Earth. I'd love to see these characters make their way to Supergirl season 3 or maybe even the next crossover. Let's examine each character and what they could bring to Supergirl and the DC-CWverse in general.

SUPERMAN OF EARTH 2 - KAL L 

On Earth 2, Superman was the first and best of all the heroes. His story is just like the Superman story we know - hailed from Krypton, raised by the Kents, fights for Truth, Justice, yadda yadda yadda. At the beginning of Infinite Crisis, Kal believes that during the last Crisis they rescued the wrong Earth and wants to work to save his Earth, He also believes that if he saves his Earth that Lois's health will be restored. He's later convinced by Earth 1's Trinity that there is no such thing as a perfect Earth because a perfect Earth wouldn't need a Superman. He decides to fight with the Justice League against a rogue Superboy-Prime. He dies stopping Superboy and is able to rest in peace with his beloved Lois. 

I think an older Superman with a mysterious agenda would be the perfect way to surprise the characters and the audience. Earth 2 Superman was my favorite character during Infinite Crisis because he represented the old DC Comics but he didn't feel outdated. His arc was really well done in the story. As with most portrayals of Superman, he wants nothing more than to save the world and bring the light to those in darkness. He learns that darkness is a part of life and that sometimes the darkness wins. However, it's never too late to find the light again. That's what Superman is all about.

Plus, it's hard to see in the image I shared, but his costume is hilarious. The sleeves look like my grandpa's sweater. Ha ha . . . I love it.

POWER GIRL - KAREN STARR (KARA ZOR L)

For many years, DC didn't know how to explain Power Girl's presence in the comics. She seemed to have all of Superman's powers but Kryptonite didn't really affect her. She was given a few different origin stories but none of them seemed to stick. It wasn't until Infinite Crisis that she was finally given a backstory. She was actually one of the few survivors of the original Crisis on Infinite Earths. She had literally fallen through the cracks in reality and therefore her memories were wiped. Kal comes to her and shows her the truth - she's Kara Zor L, his cousin from their version of Krypton. He and Lois had raised her like a daughter and she became a hero on Earth 2. She finally figured out where she belonged and wanted to work with Superman to save his Earth and hers. However, she was betrayed by Alex and Superboy-Prime and used to bring back the multiverse for Alex's weird experiments. I mean it's cool, it's comic book stuff, but it was weird. Alex is weird.

Power Girl is a character that I was always hoping to see on the CW at some point. The producers said that they had thought of introducing her, played by Melissa Benoist, during one of the shows while Supergirl was on CBS. I think now that Supergirl is on the CW where she belongs, there is still room for his idea. It's not out of the realm of story ideas that Power Girl is the Supergirl of a different Earth that either Kara or even the Flash could travel to. Heck, the Justice Society was in Legends of Tomorrow! What's to say she wasn't a member on our Earth back in the 40s? Either way, I think she's a great character that should make an appearance and meet her doppelganger.  

ALEXANDER LUTHOR

Alexander Luthor, Jr. is the son of Alexander Luthor, the only hero on Earth 3. Earth 3 is run by the Crime Syndicate of America, evil versions of the Justice League. When the original Crisis on Infinite Earths happened, Earth 3 was destroyed but Alexander was saved by his parents to help fight the Anti Monitor. He was the one that created the safe "heaven" (pocket dimension) that Kal, Lois, Superboy-Prime, and himself lived in before the events of Infinite Crisis. He seemed to be a friend to Kal and Power Girl but later revealed that his plan was not to bring back Earth 2, but to create his own perfect world. He says that while Lois and Kal were very kind to him he felt that when a Luthor stands next to a Superman they would "always be at odds." 

Alexander didn't survive the events of Infinite Crisis, which was a real shame because he was actually one of the best characters in it. True he shared a lot of similarities with our version of Lex but he was far more powerful and arguably, much smarter. I think if Supergirl were to introduce this version of Lex they could have their cake and eat it too. They could have an actual Lex Luthor on the series but it wouldn't necessarily be the "real" Lex Luthor. In the same way that Tyler Hoechlin's Superman could give fans the Superman they knew and loved if they were disappointed with the film version, Alex Luthor could do that for those fans as well. That gold armor might be tough to replicate on their budget, but then again it could be really awesome! Either way, I'd love to see Alexander cross over to the real world instead of just the comics. 

SUPERBOY-PRIME - CLARK KENT

Ah, Superboy-Prime . . . one of DC's best characters if for no other reason than he's a parody of angry fans and 90s themed over the top villains. He's originally Clark Kent from Earth-Prime where there are no superheroes. All the superheroes we know exist in comic books but there are no real life heroes. He grows up as Clark Kent, a normal boy that grew up reading those comics. One day, his powers are activated and he becomes Superboy, the only hero on Earth-Prime. After the Anti-Monitor's attack he's the only survivor of Earth-Prime. He also grows increasingly frustrated and restless at the state of the world he and the other heroes decided to save. He decides to confront Earth's new Superboy, Conner Kent, and ends up attacking him and killing a few Teen Titans. He's then trapped in the Speed Force by Wally West, Bart Allen, Jay Garrick, and even a few speedsters from the past. Eventually, he escapes and tries to set off a new Big Bang by blowing a hole through the planet Oa. He's stopped by Kal and Superman and the Green Lantern Corps. Before the New 52, Superboy-Prime came back a few times, usually under Geoff Johns pen like in Sinestro Corps War and Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds. 

While the character isn't exactly my favorite, I would love to see him on Supergirl. We've seen rogue Kryptonians but we've never see an out of control Superboy with all the powers of Superman and Supergirl but none of their morals. It's a life lesson we all know well, "With great power comes great responsibility." I'd love to see that type of story unfold on Supergirl. It would give the writers an excuse to troll their fans a little bit by poking fun at them but also it would be a fun character to see brought to life in all his obnoxious glory. 

Infinite Crisis was the first DC event book I ever read. I learned so much about the history of the characters and the multiverse in general. The story blew my mind and rereading it so many years later as made me excited to know that DC is attempting to bring back that sense of legacy that was lost during the New 52. These four characters were so important to the story and I think they definitely have a place on the CW with Supergirl. 

Till Next Time!

JJ - the Comic Junkie! 

SUPERGIRL - THE COMIC BOOK SHOW AMERICA NEEDS TO SEE RIGHT NOW

You know what's great about Supergirl? It's not afraid to be progressive in a time when the world seems to hate progress. I don't like discussing politics on this forum because it's not my area of expertise but also because I prefer to keep this blog positive and fun.

In my opinion, it certainly feels like America might be taking a few backwards steps in terms of progress. When I think about what we're going through as a country I think about Supergirl. Supergirl is able to hide touchy topics under the banner of outer space aliens and fun adventures, but it's tackling them nonetheless.

Just cuz it looks like a monster doesn't mean it IS a monster

(Although this one actually is)

One of the things that Supergirl does so well is tell the story of being a hero in difficult times. It's one of the things that Superman has always stood for. It's encouraging to see that the Supergirl TV series is equally as interested in building up a quality hero in trying times rather than deconstructing the hero. The hero is challenged each and every week, but a lot of the stories that have been done this year have felt much more topical than ever before. I'd like to throw out some specific examples I noticed that struck a chord with me.

A PRESIDENT WILLING TO ACCEPT ALIENS

America has always been a country of immigrants. People from all over the world have come to our country hoping to start a new life or build a better life than where they came from. That's how America was founded in the first place. It's a wonderful dream and America has always been synonymous with immigration. Supergirl took that real world notion just a step further and included immigrants from other planets and other galaxies. Most of these immigrants want nothing more than to just live on Earth peacefully and go about their business unnoticed, such as the case with M'Gann M'Orzz (Miss Martian). 

However, just like in real life, there are people that come to this country that want to start trouble. They either want to spread fear and hate or prove that they are the superior race. Their logic is flawed and dangerous, but it's loud. Unfortunately, what one group of radicals does tends to override the quiet or otherwise good that the other immigrants are doing. Like I said, they're loud and therefore get more attention. Fear spreads fast and then it turns into hate. We see it every day on the news and social media. These are hot button topics in today's world. There's talk of a ban, a wall, and general hate crimes just because a handful of a certain people are causing trouble. 

In Supergirl, the President, played by Lynda Carter, understands that a few radicals does not mean an entire race is bad. She recognizes that there are more good aliens than there are bad ones. There's a great conversation where J'Onn talks about understanding fear and hate not only as a Martian but as an African American. It was a line that might get over looked but truthfully it struck a chord with me. I liked that the show was willing to discuss real life racism. These characters are not immune to real life problems outside of fighting alien threats and crossing different dimensions. It shows that the producers and writers, just like the comic books have always done, are willing to tackle real life issues thinly disguised as fantastic adventures. 

In the show, the President is going to sign a bill allowing for alien immigrants to come to Earth peacefully, but she's opposed by a radical group of humans, Cadmus, that believe all aliens are dangerous and shouldn't be allowed on Earth. It's similar to what's happening in America right now, except it's our real life President that is less accepting and wants to close off borders. One could argue that he's just looking out for American safety and security, a noble notion, another could argue he's going about it the wrong way. Either way, it's interesting to me that Supergirl is willing to have a similar discussion in a very positive, respectful way. 

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET 

Homosexuality has always been a hot button topic. Truthfully, I don't know why. I've met many gay, lesbian, bisexual people in my life, some in my family, and it's never impacted how I thought of them as a person. I've met nice, mean, annoying, friendly, quiet, angry, happy, etc gay people just like I've known straight people that were nice, mean, annoying, friendly, quiet, angry, happy, etc. The simple truth of the matter is that their lifestyle is not much different from anyone else's. The difference is that they are a minority and therefore suffer unwarranted hate and discrimination. As I said, I don't understand the hate/discrimination, I'm not offended by their lifestyle, but people like to make other people's choices and lives their business (especially when it has no effect on them). 

Supergirl has been praised for its depiction of a woman coming out of the closet in a very realistic, respectful way. Kara's adopted sister Alex, met a NCPD detective named Maggie Sawyer, an out of the closet lesbian, and started to develop feelings for her. This led Alex down an emotional and painful journey inside herself where she started to come to terms with the fact that she wasn't "weird" or "wrong" for never focusing on a relationship, but on work instead, she just wasn't being honest with herself about who she really was. I was very impressed by the decision to have Alex come out of the closet. While it's not a new concept to have a main character have a major revelation like this (think Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer), it is still a hot button topic and a brave decision from the producers and the actor, Chyler Leigh, to go through with it. 

To me, the important part of the revelation was Kara's reaction. For a moment, she saw her sister as a totally different person and that scared her. Kara had to come to terms with Alex's struggle and learn to accept that her sister was the same person she's always been, gay or straight. Alex has accepted who she is now and is a much happier person. Kara sees that and it's made their relationship stronger.  This particular story has given the characters a stronger arc and more to do rather than discuss Kara's love life, the alien of the week, or how much their mother bugs Alex sometimes. Alex has much more dimension to her now and it's strengthened the overall show.

RACISM - GREEN VS WHITE

I mentioned before about how easily hate and fear can be spread by a few radicals. In the case of J'Onn J'Onnz and the other Green Martians, the radicals are the majority and have all but wiped out the Green Martians. J'Onn finds a young woman claiming to be a Green Martian named M'Gann M'Orrz. It's not until a few episodes later he discovers the truth that she is actually a White Martian that has defected from her people. She's come to Earth to start over and repent for her crimes. J'Onn is furious when he discovers who she really is, claiming that all White Martians are monsters and killers. He locks her up in the DEO simply because she's a White Martian and refuses to acknowledge her as anything but a monster. In the most recent episodes, M'Gann was under psychic attack and fell into a coma. Alex was able to convince J'Onn to enter her mind and rescue her. Once he saw her for who she really was, he began to accept her and even love her like he loved his family back on Mars. She helped him realize that not all the White Martians were evil. This past episode, The Martian Chronicles, she decided to leave Earth and find other White Martians that were compassionate to the Green like herself. 

Comic books have always tackled social commentary in the most colorful way possible. Luckily the TV shows and films lately have followed that trend. Whether it's a corrupt, deranged man running for political office like in Gotham or the racial tension shown in Supergirl, these shows aren't afraid to hold up a mirror to real life. J'Onn is quick to dismiss M'Gann simply because she's a different Martian from himself and his experience with White Martians was never pleasant. He's never known a White Martian to be kind and compassionate. He assumes they are all evil and will always be his enemy. It's not until he literally steps inside her mind that he realizes she's a good person. If only we could all be so lucky to have that experience in real life. 

I found J'Onn and M'Gann's story very touching. In fact, it was my favorite subplot from this season so far. Although it's being told with alien characters, you can't deny that there is truth to the story. How many Muslims, African Americans, Latinos are the victims of hate crimes and wrongful persecutions simply because they are not white? It's a sad fact. And yes, there is racism toward white people as well, but it's nothing compared to what other ethnicities suffer on a regular basis. In J'Onn's case he believes his racism is justified, after all he literally watched his family die at the hands of White Martians. There are similar stories in our real world. Look at 9/11! A radical group of terrorists were responsible for death and destruction. However, those men do not represent all of Islam. Just like in the show where J'Onn learns to accept a White Martian as his friend, there were reports of New Yorkers rallying against President Trump's ban at JFK international airport. These were the people most affected by 9/11 and those Islamic radicals but they know the difference between the radicals and the men and women that only want to spread peace. That's heartwarming to me because it shows that there are good people in our world that understand the difference between labeling an entire religion and race as dangerous and the good people that are negatively affected by the racism. 

Politics is not my strong suit. I admitted that up front. However, I do see America in a decline due to hate and fear. My goal here is to spread positivity, excitement, and fun to my readers. I do believe that love trumps hate, but it's a lot harder to love. Don't get me wrong, I get where the fear comes from but it doesn't excuse violence and hate being spread across the world. That's one of the reasons I love Supergirl so much. The show is all about hope and courage in the face of trying times. Kara Zor El is an excellent role model for all of us to look up to. She's brave, kind, compassionate, but most of all she's a woman that is tested time and time again. She could easily turn to hate but she chooses to love and protect everyone that needs her. She's the hero that we all need right now and I can't wait to see where the show goes next! 

Till Next Time!

JJ - the Comic Junkie!