The Problem with Hal Jordan as Green Lantern!

That Cringy Green Lantern You Want To See Fail! 

Hal Jordan, the fearsome Green Lantern of Sector 2814. 

4 min read

I've decided Hal is a bit of a bellend. One of those embarrassing characters who faces many challenges and setbacks, but still, always wins because the story writers have made him a 'Barry-Sue' is it or 'Marty Stu'? This is a man who soldiers on in his stories, and sometimes, you just want him to fail. A cheesy cock and predictable risk taker who has to overcome the toughest obstacles just to show you that determination means success. Isn't that a ball ache? That's him in a nutsack, a pointless Top Gun-esque maverick throwback who never moved on, but, surprisingly, he might grow on you because he carries the story. The character has blatant copy and paste attributes, but sometimes, I like the cheesy bastard! 

The Big Cheese

We can gather Jordan isn't as cool as any other lantern, because they're either more interesting than he is and modern, or simply fucking aliens. In fact, Hal Jordan is a gimmicky gonad of a guy! Look at these men I googled and see for yourself. Who plagiarised who here? Hal Jordan must be related to that resistance hero guy in the original 1983 television series, V. Look, it's a fucking Cheddar factory: 

It Has Something Beautiful

The Green Lantern Corps, on the other hand, is a collective force of bad-assery, and weirdness. It's under the leadership of ancient, blue coloured 'guardians.' Green Lanterns are super advanced space police of the DC Universe, empowered by rings of the highest technological advancements, that perfectly aid Lanterns who wear them. What a prick of a choice for a main character! The rings grant almost unlimited powers, limited only by the wearers imagination and will; they help protect the galaxy from all manner of threats. This is a fantastic premise that needs to be realised one day in a massive movie trilogy or TV series.

What makes the Corps unique is the diversity of its members; many originating from various world's across the universe, and possessing unique qualities. The diversity is wonderful, it works in a spectrum of life and dynamic relationships, one such member is the rough-hewn Kilowog, a monstrously pig-like Bolovaxian with the appearance of a pitbull, who took Jordan under his wing and bantered with him throughout the comic book series. They attempted to emulate this with the poorly received Ryan Reynolds Green Lantern movie. 

Where Lantern Fits In

Hal Jordan is saturated with will power because he is very determined, great. Of course, given his heroic stature there'll be no lack of unwavering dedication to protect the innocent and uphold justice—that stuff is just goes without saying. Hal Jordan is not an enjoyable comic character but maybe his past troubles added a little flavour to his graphic novels. A tad. Sorta. From the loss of his father to the destruction of his entire hometown, Coast City, this bloke has suffered many trials. Batman has an interesting role in The Sinistro War. Superman and Wonder woman make appearances in these pre-new 52 stories, but this is before Cyborg was in the Justice League and the Flash isn't important it's the story arc. I prefer these Geoff John's Lantern publications a New 52 or Rebirth alternative. 

Delicious Reads and Superb Powers

The ability to fly and to be shielded, as well as being able to wield such an extremely powerful ring. Jordan can fly across space. These are great qualities that he brings to the table. It might not be an intellectual read, but it's it's a tasty graphic novel! All those colourful, busy battle scenes are eye candy, beautiful. This striving hero is predictable for the reader but, I think it would be better if his friends, Kilowog, Guy Gardner and John Stewart saw him as a total p*nis. If he was a lone wolf, so to speak, it would be intolerable—teamwork, locations, enemies and characters make his comics good. 

These printed green lanterns can be more epic sci-fi than the earth based superhero stories. Opposing factions of lanterns fire projectiles that brutally kill their enemies, quite graphically at times. Limbs are lost and skulls cracked, we see innards. I don't know if it is my inner psychopath but, I like this sort of reality to this comic book war! 

Last Word On This

I've read the best of the Lanterns, enjoying Jordans legacy through the comic book masterpiece of Geoff Johns: I own the Eaglemoss version of the collection (above) it really is a daisy! I have a love hate with relationship with this. The contribution of other superheroes and characters improve it. I do find is easy to accept the 80s stereotypical white hero, but it has been improving in cartoons and such. So grab yourself a Geoff Johns from off the internet and enjoy paying tribute to one of DC's most beloved and enduring cheesy heroes, Hal Jordan!

Let me know in the comments what you think!

What Everyone Gets Wrong About Joan of Arc's 'Divine Mission'.

Joan of Arc: The Unseen Story Behind France’s Most Compelling Character

7 to 9 min read

Who was Joan of Arc?

Jeanne d'Arc, was born in the year 1412 in Domrémy, a village in north eastern France. Her father was Jacques d'Arc, a farmer, and Isabelle Romée. To English speakers she is known as Joan of Arc, and we might picture her in the same light as how the movies and entertainment might portray her: like a pious Wonder women, but raised on Catholicism instead of the old Greek gods. For all we know her personality might have been awful!

Joan grew up surrounded by a community that shared a dominant religious worldview, in a land of political unrest, which she would have accepted from a very young age. This fits my mental imagining of this highly religionised unlikely warrior woman. The key to her story however, was that she told people that she heard the voices of various saints urging her to help France in it's war against England. 

The Military Mind: Was Joan of Arc a Secret Strategist?

As a child I was told about this woman hearing voices speak to her and I believed she had something in common with Arkham Asylum patients. However, there is a gorgeous theory about her divine 'voices' impressively being put to political and strategical uses; a code to secretly communicate orders to their own troops! What has always been seen as Joan of Arc's unfaltering faith and self sacrificial stance with the English, may well have been the woman protecting a 'secret command' which was directed and inspired French resistance! For as we saw in Domrémy, God backed the French against the woeful English. So clever!

The Unstable Monarchy of Charles VI

The context of Joan of Arc's story is historical France, which was not very stable, much like it's Monarch, King Charles VI. Looking past the psychiatry he most likely grappled with a type of Schizoaffective disorder, an episodal condition which attacks both mood and thought. What a bloke, facing battles on so many fronts. The King's power was often delegated to his uncles and to his wife when he was down, so, he might have been more of an average bloke after all. 

Henry V and the Political Landscape of France

Henry V of England took advantage of Charle's mental illness and attacked aggressively, winning at Agincourt. Henry V invaded France and dominated; declaring himself successor to Charles who, was deemed illegitimate. The Treaty of Troyes stipulated that Henry's heirs would succeed him and in doing so, keep an English backside on the French Throne. There was a joint reign after both Charles VI and Henry V died. A dual monarchy of Charles VII and Henry VI. Isn't that crazy? 

Joan of Arc’s Call to Action

Eventually, we English, well the ancestors of the English, had taken most of Northern France. At this time, Joan of Arc, was a teenager and she told people that God had chosen her to save France; she convinced a nobleman, Robert de Baudricourt, to take her to see the King. Today, she'd be on a psychiatric ward with a dose of clozapine. 

Joan of Arc Meets Charles VII

In 1429, Joan of Arc met with Charles VII and managed to persuade him of her divine mission. This individual responded by granting the teenage girl a small army, a horse and armour. According to contemporary sources she rode into battle clad in armour carrying a banner! A very psychotic young lady. 

The Battle of Orléans: A Turning Point

In May, the same year, Joan of Arc was a respected leader of the French army; she led her men to victory at the Battle of Orléans, this was a major game changer in the Hundred Years' War! She won victories and people started to believe in her divine intervention (voices in her head), would have made her presence a token blessing from God to her superstitious  contemporaries. I imagine the morale of her men may well have soured, because people believed so much superstition and religion back then! 

Joan of Arc: A Teenage Patriot and Military Leader

Joan of Arc was pious, a teenage patriot and a resistance fighter, but above all, a strategical advisor to the top brass. Can you believe this sh*t? A child. Her presence bred mixed feelings within the French and English sides. Joan of Arc proved that a girl could do the most demanding work of any man in the middle ages. Society was patriarchal with roles specific for women, this young woman challenged the status quo. Dangerous thing to do in a world of thugs. 

Contemporary Accounts of Joan’s Appearance

There are quite a few contemporary accounts, especially letters, saying that she was of average height, which was just under five feet going on fifteenth century skeletal remains. She had dark hair and was slightly tanned and a strong woman; a great horse rider, attractive, but not pretty. 

Joan of Arc’s Capture and Trial

In 1430, the English captured the girl at the Battle of Compiègne and she ended up on trial by the Roman Catholic Church in Rouen; the charge was heresy of all things! Joan of Arc, had innocently gave herself to her religion, King and country. Iron willed, this catholic farmers daughter stood accused of crossdressing, not just some biblical sin, but doubtlessly a charge they conjured up to bring her down. Other so-called charges focused on her claims to hear divine voices and witchcraft; they claimed she was a threat to church authority. This religious moral inconsistency was a disgusting injustice. 

Joan of Arc’s Tragic Fate

Even though she persisted her innocent as they sadistically carried out their medieval torture; they still burnt her alive. It happened on May 30, 1431, in Rouen, she had only lived nineteen years. The triumph and glory of Joan of Arc was, arguably, the real trigger, that made miserable men jealous enough to conspire, and then murder this successful young mental female. Why you would betray a great military strategist for the sake of ego is beyond me. 

Joan of Arc: A Symbol of Injustice

Sadly, I can't speak highly of her unwavering faith, because from my perspective that nasty religion put her on the stake. Without a shadow of a doubt, I admire her defiance, grit and determination in the face of persecution, she seemed like a remarkable soul. On a more solemn note, this is a story of injustice, sexism, religious hypocrisy and political scum killing an innocent youth

Joan of Arc’s Enduring Legacy

This young woman became the enduring symbol of French nationalism and female empowerment. In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized by the Catholic Church, which, I find to be an audacity after the faith initially betrayed her good graces. Today at least, she is rightly honoured by the people of France, those for whom she strived for all along. 

 

Is The New 52 Justice League a bit meh?

A Deep Dive Into The New 52 Justice League: What You Need to Know! 

4 to 6 min read

Alright, let’s talk about The New 52 Justice League. If you’re looking for the ultimate superhero team-up origin story, this is it. Volume 1 is not just well-written and beautifully illustrated; it’s packed with the excitement of characters meeting for the first time, which is an absolute joy for someone like me, a graphic novel fan in his forties!

This first Justice League book is a belter. Following my reading order, the next book is Barry Allen's flashpoint story arc which created this universe; he returns home at the end of the book and his costume and his memories begin to change too. It was clever how he is absorbed into the new 52 version.

After finishing this volume, I’m diving right into Barry Allen’s Flashpoint arc. That twist where he returns home, and everything about him starts changing—brilliant storytelling! 

The dialogue in Origins, Vol. 1 has a spark that jumps off the page, keeping me hooked. Honestly, it's weird how comics can deliver more action than films somehow. I guess it's the art and storytelling in sequences of orderly boxes that span through the pages!! 

After all those DC films crashed from that shitty Suicide Squad (cheers, Leto Joker) to the marmite-like mess of Batman vs. Superman, it’s been trial, but mostly error! Wonder Woman seemed to save the day initially, but even her sequel cause a global mexican wave of face-palming. Even Deadpool stopped doing DC jokes after that! Luckily, we still have some decent TV shows like The Flash. Fans should be paid to make the films. 

At least the 'The New 52' was an absolute dream. It had been around a bit before the DC movie disasters, but it was new to me, and it was an exciting new dimension for DC to re-invent all of its characters! I really hope they don't reintroduce underwear on the outside of the trousers again! In Origin, we see a brand new Superman, Batman, Wonder woman, Lantern, Cyborg, Aquaman and Flash. You can see its influence on the Justice League film, but better. 

That being said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, is it? Superman comes off a bit too cocky at times. It took a while for readers to warm up to him, he finds his footing. Green Lantern doesn’t quite shine like he did in the Blackest Night era, and Lobo? Total disaster.

One surprisingly engaging storyline was the Throne of Atlantis arc. It dives into a conflict between the surface world and Atlantis. I’m not buying into the whole Atlantis myth, but the world-building is solid, and it gives Aquaman some much-needed depth. It’s not just mindless reading; it adds layers to the characters and their struggles.

You can’t overlookTrinity War and the beautifully drawn Darkseid War that wrap up the Origins saga. Darkseid is a genuinely menacing big bad boss, and he makes the stakes feel real. I found myself pulled into the drama of DC’s universe, where danger is lurking around every corner. Truthfully, I confess, I have less enjoyable characters: Cyborg is the internet on legs, Shazam comics are just written for younger audiences, Aquaman is the fishguy outdone by his Atlantis context, Wonderwoman is eye candy with an unappealling backstory—there are many compelling characters in DC. 

Looking back, the biggest cringe was 'hero' and 'villain' speak that is throughout mainsyream comics. For example, whenever I read, 'I wanna be a hero, like you,'

          'But you cannot, you're a villain!' 

          'No, I am working with Barry to become a hero!' 

It minces at my janglers slightly. These so called heroes are all pretty much vigilantes working alongside or  against the law to fight crime! The hero jargon doesn't sit right. 'Gimme your bastard wallet! Now!!!,' imagine that. 'Come on, I'm an actual villain!!' It's quite silly. 

At least the heroes are flawed and relatable, which is what draws us in isn't it? At the core of every great superhero story is that fight for justice, but that’s not what keeps these stories enjoyable, it's the smacking the shit out of each other, the war and struggles. Deaths and wagimg who will beath who. Batman is the best. Legit. 

Now, if you check out the animated version of Origins, called War, well, let’s just say it's shit. Just read a graphic novel!

In the end, DC breathed new life into their universe with the New 52 because of the Batman and some of these Justice leagues. A comics, graphic novels or omnibus is a frozen moment of time, a slice of the DC cake preserved for you to consume. It never goes out of date. I recommend getting stuck in and then follow on into rebirth. 

What Everyone Ignores About Hulk

Hulk Character Development: Hero vs Monster | Evolution in Marvel Comics

5 to 7 min read

When it comes to comic book characters few are as iconic as the Hulk. That's because he's a green temper tantruming vandal. He was created by the comic book legends Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962, but has made a few evolutionary changes since—his first colour was a creepy grey, and he had more in common with Wednesday Addams than The Avengers. But who is the Hulk today? What makes him such a compelling character?

The Hulk in a Nutshell

The central theme of The Incredible Hulk is contrasts, a copy and paste rebrand of Dr. Jekyll and Hyde. Likewise, we have the brilliant scientist: Bruce Banner, a man with a calling to understand the mysteries of the world and his contrasting counterpart, a super monster man with the IQ of rubber duck. An entire age of sage rage from this not so jolly green giant; he is a monster but he can't be seen as a victorian murderer, like what we see with the rage of Mister Hyde. He's a good monster, right? F*** off he is! 😂

The way Hulk/Banner interact within the confines of the same person can be interesting, but it isn't though is it? 

Bruce Banner's like the nerdy kid at school who is, to be fair, quite well mannered but boring. I get it, he is a reluctant hero because it means unleashing the beast (The Hulk). The odd bully would make the of mistake of pushing them until they'd go full-on toadlicking warriortard and kick seven barrels of shit out of them! 

Of Course The Monster is Angry! 

True, every male, from teenager to seniority felt it. All of us grimaced at his excruciatingly tightening confines, and those dangly greens, what a farmer would be proud of at the county marrow competition. Ruined. The trousers remained the same size around the crotch! They burst under a cruel pressure of body mass increase everywhere else! 

Issues With Himself? 

Hulk has beef with Banner because he's in proportion, if you know what I mean? The green drama is all an over compensating performance because he's insecure and threatened by Banner. Bruce Banner can charm and date a woman, even try it with Betty or Scarlet, that Black Widow. He can hold a conversation because of his superiour intelligence, while Hulk, is opposite. Purely for laughs we could speculate the rage monster thing is just a smoke screen protecting a very sensitive hulk. 

Hulk is a Monster (Within Editing Standards) 

Has his primordial savagery de-bowelled, decapitated, quartered innocent children, women or old people? Why have we never seen him covered in the blood of his kills? Chains of nutsacks strung around his neck? Why doesn't he practice territorial pissing or other primordial animalistic shows of dominance? He's only a vandal. He smashes stuff, then runs away from authority. 

Unlimited Power!!! 

The Hulk's power in print, is almost limitless! He's ridiculous strong, but what's insane, is he becomes more godlike as his anger grows! The bloke lifted a mountain and jumped across cities, but still, he never kills anyone! The movie versions dropped that nonsense. 

He S**T Himself! 

Hulk was bricking! However, he is still a prick, because the US military continue to struggle with him whenever he has a dramatic meltdown! The Hulk is like a selective natural disaster, but no danger to the populace, its purely economic damage to the property. 

Adding Some Perspective to this Monster Hero Thing

For a moment imagine this incredible sulk is factual. Get gritty, realistic. Hulk gets lusty, not worth thinking about. If he is a monster wouldn't he consume human flesh as opposed to munching on Shawarma with the Avengers? When you follow the logic of Billy Butcher in 'The Boys' the Hulk would stand out as another bullshit PR branded hero who isn't what he seems. 

What’s the Crack? 

What would truth seeker news report after he halves a man using only his bare hands before throwing the soggy meat at a pensioner walking her yorkshire terrier? That's the crux of it, when you look at a real rage monster properly. I doubt I'm alone here. Hulk has to be either one or the other. He can't be both! There is either a real monster there or just an expensive tantrum. 

The Green Monster is a Hero, now? 

Look, whenever an alien fleet rocks up, he plays his part and saves countless human lives. This is a eight foot off colour shit is actively choosing to help the army and support police after being a menace to them—he knows better! He's acting with intent. 

The writers should, in these scenarios, make this creature a controlled or manipulated monster at the very least. He can fall into being portrayed as a poorly designed accidental hero type monster. Ill defined. The pitbull will protect it's owners children by chewing the neighbour kids arm off. Hulk is a labrador. 

Bruce Banner and the Hulk remind me of my bipolarity, just by observing the shifts mood alone. I can almost sympathise with Bruce Banner! Bipolar rage is also a real danger and even though my skin and eyes remain unchanged: I wouldn't hurl a car at someones house! 

However, if I was a super villain-like enemy or a comic writer, I would make Hulk very angry with himself, promote self destructive tendencies and watch hulk smash himself to oblivion. The green guy could not save himself from self obliteration—his own gimmick is rage. Brutal. 

Even though Hulk's a fictional character, the issues he raises are very real. No they're not, no one smashes buildings down because they're put out. Well. . . maybe Adele. Why would we need to deal with a rage rescuer? A savage saviour? A primordial protector of people, it makes little sense. He's reduced to a muscular vandal with bad hair. How do we balance the need to protect society with the rights of a human being, cursed to be a walking maelstrom of power?

We might recognise that this quagmire is neither very good nor bad. We are led to pity Bruce Banner who lives as the tormented bearer of the guilt of smashing property and screaming at people. He's a carbon copy of Jekyll and Hyde, bugger me: it's time to do this properly! 

I Never Got His Appeal

In some ways, 'The Incredible Hulk' can be seen as a metaphor for some kind of human condition. That's why I never wanted to play as this character when I was a child: I much prefered Superman or Luke Skywalker. Anyone else really. I mean, who wants to pretend to be the hero with cognitive impairment? 

Bruce Banner's emotional struggles were a constant theme in that show in the eighties. At the end of each episode the poor bastard walked away, sad and alone, while the most upsetting piano outro music left viewers miserable. 

Be that as it is, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Many truths would escape the story of a mountain throwing rage monster, which is, I repeat, for all intent and purposes, framed as a superhero. In Age of Ultron, for example, the green dude rampaged the city; cars are crushed (all empty of course) and our intrepid hero, booted a police vehicle into two police officers with such an impact that should've killed them—that's my point. 

This Hulk bloke has the potential to be a dream character, but at the moment, he's pretty much either a badly designed hero or a cheap villain with muscles. He's an intellectually challenged He-Man. Make him a monster or give it up. 

 

DC Rebirth Superman Became More Archetypal!

The Superman and His Rebirth! 

5 to 7 min read

The General Character Concept

The man of steel on the big screen was iconic because of Christopher Reeves. There have been other actors since him, a few before, but he seems to be the one that stuck in our heads and influenced comic art in the 80s to the early 2000s. I prefer genuine conceptions to be honest, forgive me for being a pariah but Reeves gave us an over saturated, family friendly example of bad story telling, and he did that cheesey sodding grin!

General Impression...

This Superman in the DC Rebirth graphic novel series consists of an Action Comics run, as well as one from the Superman comics, they correspond well. We can see a gentle nod to the classic era Superman and those earlier comics but it doesn't try to be Christopher Reeves. It might not be a perfect graphic novel series for everyone because you'll see filler and some family focusing parts; look, you can't have continuous shit smacking action. I was impressed with how the writing smuggled Superman back into print! You have to roll with the story.

When You Think About It...

This kryptonian is the last person you would want to seduce your wife or girlfriend. He's got a perfect masculine form, most earth women fall at his feet and he can fly. I mean, you can't pick a fight with him because he's stronger than anything you can see. But he wouldn't, he's a good guy!

In the New 52 there was a thing between him and Wonder woman, but that was all retconned into something that never happened. You see, what makes Superman so good is his high morality, his extremely selfless nature. He's unlikely to have dodgy images on his hard drive or snort anything in a dodgy shitter. The man is a long suffering prime specimen of virtue, which despite sounding boring, makes him a champion we need in our fantasy world! 

We are essentiallly viewing the future miles down the road in a possible comic creation still straining its neck nodding to the 80s movie. SPOILERS: Clark Kent and Louis Lane lost everything, and went into hiding. After surviving on an alien planet during the convergence event they finally arrived on the New 52 version of earth. It was yet another parallel world for them, not their own. It already had a Superman of its own who was a bit of a tit! Isn't that a mad premise? Clark remains in the shadows and focuses on his family, but he had to make himself available to assist if needed he couldn't be a cop-out. END OF SPOILER. 

Confusing Stuff and Underwear

If you liked Superman as a kid, you really should read these. Admittedly, it can be a confusing story if you dont follow a savvy reading order. I recommend starting with the New 52 death of Superman. However, those Iconic red trunks and all that old school hero get-up eventually return, in the end—a nod to the character's rich historical legacy. It's different with Batman because. . . well, realistically, there has been a glut of underwear-free batman movies since 1989.

The artwork is eye candy and compliments the enjoyable read, providing vivid colors that vitalise the dynamic angles in various action scenes. I love how the art conveys the feeling of being high as Superman takes off. Sadly there is more than just the one artist. I still found myself wondering how he managed to father a child with Louis Lane on the first place: a strand of this Kryptonians hair can hold a ton, his sneeze can blow over a car, when he flicks a peanut it's as deadly as gun shot, so how could he fornicate with a fragile earth woman without blowing her head off? 

Critics and Naysayers

SPOILER: The introduction of Mr. Oz was a bit of DC sneakery. There is a lot of that in this series. He was huge a misdirection from the upcoming Watchmen event that overshadowed every Rebirth publication. This mysterious mass manipulator from behind the scenes, was a cool addition to Superman lore. END OF SPOILER. 

Of course there are people who moaned about Superman's so-called diluted issue, but, in comparison, Green Lantern's New 52 and Rebirth make this Superman look astounding in comparison! Traditionally, the man of steel is hope and a symbol who inspires everyone - exactly what it says on the tin. This Clark Kent, (in hiding), is plagued by doubt after the generic bland convergence story arc. Okay, yes, he witnessed the death of that worlds version of Superman, insecurity haunted him after super criminals came for his son. We see his human side.

If classic Superman is the fully restored optimal version of himself, Clark is not quite A1 for much of his story. He's had to learn why his kryptonian qualities weakened, and so, this gives rise to his family priorities. Sadly, there is no stupid marital bickering over things like the correct method to boil an egg, or you know, maybe disapproval of Louis wanting more filler? Either way, we would all love his powers! I'd be straight on the worlds strongest man show just to demoralise those giants. 

Verdict. 8/10

In these comics he starts out as more of a Super-bearded-man, the husband, the dad, son and friend, maybe more real than the action figure he has been before. That is refreshing. Nothing is more fitting than a family for Superman; sadly however, this fatherly take didnt convince writers to let our iconic and unwavering beacon fart on his son once or twice, or belch at the dinner table - dropping a dumb gaff to his wife would've gone done well. That's what most real dads do, or is that just me? 

Wonder Woman vs Aquaman

DC Rebirth: The Aquaman and Wonder woman

4 to 6 min read

I went through a massive phase of reading heroic and epic graphic novels, and when I look at my shelf I can recall every story. The full set of Aquaman, and the six or seven of Wonder woman's DC Rebirth graphic novels I have really hit the spot. I have found much to admire with the works of Dan Abnett, there were, however, some elements that fall somewhat short of the mark.

Rucka's take on Wonder woman was so welcome, a great return to the Amazon's original pre-new 52 character. In this collection, Diana struggles to figure out what is going on in her life, she is troubled, bordering on feeling mentally ill. This was a humbling read and quite relatable. Especially as so many of us will experience poor mental health at some point in our lives. Her mind, as challenged as it was, didn't slow down her protective nature which propelling her story forward. She's still a badass!

As always, heroism, girl power and honour sits at the heart of this run. Her self-discovery was the big sell for me. The spectacular art by Liam Sharp and Nicola Scott illustrates the magnificence and strength of Themyscira and its people. The likes of Wonder woman and Aquaman differ somewhat to The Flash, Cyborg, Lantern, Batman and Superman who have similarity with Hermes, Hephaestus, Hades and Zeus. (Lantern has no hellenic equivalent). However, Wonder woman and Aquaman on the other hand, are linked to these ancient cultures. Wonder woman is thousands of years old; I find this idea has a quality about it, as well as how America has taken her under it's wing. 

Disappointment lingered around the pacing of the Rebirth story, which, I agree, felt slow at times. Personally, her self-discovery warranted more drama, regaining her memory never seemed to convey how much more amazed she should have been; there was no culture shock with themescyra or a tasty climatic resolution, which I craved. The Amazon Princess has limited depth, and her relationship with Steve Trevor was a small offering. 

With Aquaman we see the writing talent of Dan Abnett, the guy who wrote Ravenor for Warhammer 40k. This was a breath of fresh air. Abnett's Arthur Curry/Aquaman, was brilliantly introduced and marketed to the reader. He re-branded those micky-taking tropes we see about Aquaman on-line and presents the reader with a plausible alternative. 

This printed version of Aquaman resembles the film, however, it is better. For instance, we see Arthur struggles to balance his kingly  duties with his loyalty to the surface world. These Rebirth publications are way more political than the Jason Momoa's and Amber Heard alternative.

However, some critics have noted that Aquaman's Rebirth series can feel overly serious at times, but I think Abnett was wise. The writer's exploration of Atlantean politics and culture made the interpersonal relationships more imersive for me, this doesn't work for everyone. As expected. We are all different. 

I suppose, while both Wonder Woman and Aquaman are enjoyable reads, they do have their flaws; many of these comic books do. If we consider that many hit the 7 out of 10 mark on goodreads, it isn't bad going!

 

The Button DC

Batman/The Flash: The Button

5 min read

The Button is a DC Rebirth graphic novel, written by Tom King. The Rebirth series follows the new 52 timeline. I recommend it, straight up. The story follows two alluring archetypes of the comicbook world, Batman and The Flash, who are investigating a strange anomaly; the smiley face Watchmen button, recovered from a wall in the Batcave! 

Two detective types who dress up to fight crime. One is super-human and the other is a resourceful, well disciplined sociopath with a sense of justice. It works! I never liked tje treadmill to be honest but this version of The Flash is the best and the artwork is a belter! Time travel and alternate universes have been done many times, but doing it well is what matters. 

 

We always compare one superhero to another, Batman and The Flash in combat would end terribly quickly—no human human can randomly defend against such speed! On the other hand, who cares? Batman comics are much better and that is where it counts! The Flash and Batman both have fantastic suites, especially in this graphic novel. Fans often like superheroes to be muscular hard men in costumes with a mask, with beautiful females scantily clad with a whip and a bursting cleavage and short skirt. 

Hades and Hermes have been transcoded into modern comic book writing. The annoying thing here is that my favourite character would be extremely hard pressed and would have to prepare way in advance to stand a chance in any altercation with most meta humans, especially The Flash, Superman or Cyborg, but also Aquaman and Wonder woman. It always comes down to the smashy smashy doesn't it? Well, it shouldn't be the case because the stories are more than that these days. This is a detective story gone mad. 

The mutual respect of both men is in their blah blah blah, shared purpose, and a bit of banter! Great. We know and expect the comradery and chemistry, which, I MUST say, is better than that dog awful flash flick where they ruined Keatons Batman. In this, both men bring their own investigative skillset to the story: a rush of comic book enthusiasts ordered this the very micro-second it was officially released purely and only, one hundred percent to see the blue Manhattan chap and the unfolding of the Doomsday Clock story. Ha! It was just a teaser! The watchmen never appeared and everyone was like: 

'Well, 'I'm sure they said we'd see the watchmen crossover, ah well. . . it was a cool run, yeah a really cool run!' 

'But it was a crossover! It featured the badge, that pin, that the comedian wore and we made a few other references, but it was really a Flash and Batman crossover: Bat-bloke Brucie and his speedy mate, Baz. Sorry.' 

'Oh. . . alright then.' 

 

The New 52 Flash

The Flash/Barry Allen has so much potential. 

5 to 7 min read

The New 52 eight graphic novel Flash set, was written by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato. Of course, it had it's fair share of praise and criticism, but I enjoyed most of them like satisfying relieving dump of an evening—it makes you feel lighter. The art style stands out because of Manapul and Bucellato; it wasn't amazing. 

It reminded me of that bloody television show: It started out promising and I was pulled in, and it began flirting with some comic themes! Honestly, everything really was hunky-dory, until Mark Hamil rocked up, the yellow bloke returned and it gradually degraded into one of the cringiest comic-to-television disappointments I've ever seen! They destroyed Flashpoint; then the Flash movie did exactly the same. Ezra Miller doesn't even slightly resemble comic-book Barry! 

Anyway, the later Manapul & Buccellato storylines fumbled with the ball a bit, but it is no where near as bad as that televised monstrosity! That being said, for some unknown reason, I enjoyed those cheesey bad guys, The Rogues. I shouldn't have, but I did. They are god awful character designs that are so far removed from a criminal you would think they were designed by the most elite pampered person in the world who has never watched the news. Either way, these characters did fit in quite well with the spin off, the Forever Evil story which ran later. 

Yes, some of these storylines are well written and quite detailed. It would've been enjoyable to see more of Barry Allen's crime scene work and street level investigation, this stuff compliments his justice league collegue the Batman. His down-to-earth-level of superhero work is more raw and more believable than the far fetched tomfoolery of psychic gorilla's, weather rod wielding villainy and that type of tongue in cheek narrative you might find yourself forgiving as you read. However, it slightly connects to the dark world of Watchmen. 

You might like Francis Manapuls Flash. As reading goes, I recommend pretending Flashpoint is the first book, read it, and then, I would pretend the New 52 Justice League is the second book. That's before I'd start the first four or five graphic novels of the Manapul New 52 set. Once accustomed with those, I recommend exploring the first few of The Flash Rebirth volumes and conclude with Batman/Flash The Button. 

Barry Allen has his issues and a strange life, but he certainly isn't a very complex character—he's just the readers guide. Yeah, not just a protagonist. Not many Flash publications have immersed me into the main characters rich history nor put me into his life. The books have, on the other hand, taken me into his situations and conflict, I reinforce what I said: The Flash feels like a guide and pretty level headed, shallow, ready salted person I cannot resonate with much. 

If we ignore the shortcomings, he is great in the comic book Justice League. However, The New 52, Flash graphic novel set is a series that has its ups and downs. The concept of a speedster is a tricky one to wrestle with, given how unrealistically powerful this meta human must be. 

With him on the team they should never lose a fight—he's faster than light. I have to ignore the physics if I want to enjoy Flash stories. This is when we see writers act like apologetics by dulling down superhero powers to more acceptable. 

While the over all idea of The Flash is definitely not perfect, there's no denying that he's also a character worth developing properly in his own right. Batman had a scowling Michael Keaton, the brutish Ben Atflick and the husky voiced Christian Bale; all brilliant in their own way!

Barry Allen in print, is blonde haired and blue eyed, an athletic looking man. He's quite level headed given his forensic science interests and he works as a CSI to vindicate his father. Ezra Miller and John Wesley Shipp didn't come close to The Barry Allen found in our graphic novels, except, maybe for Grant Gustin. What do you think?