The Source Of Hyperbole

I was just catching up on the comic blogs I read and, as usual, came across things from the DC Comics blog, The Source.

Obviously it's DC's own blog so it pushes the company's comics as much as possible.  It usually has a good line on news, previews and artwork as well and, generally speaking, it's a good read.  Then today, I came across this post about Justice League: Generation Lost #6 and found myself wondering if I'd read a variant issue yesterday.

"JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #6 is such a game-changer for the series, is just SO BIG a revelation that by telling you ANYTHING at all would blow EVERYTHING for you. I mean, it’s HUGE!"

Really? Is it?  We have a brief recap of Captain Atom's origin and he reveals that, a couple of issues ago, he was shunted into the year 2351 where there are no more heroes, the moon's badly broken and a lot closer to Earth than it should be.

"I certainly can’t tell you anything about a cameo by a DC heavyweight that will absolutely shock you to the core."

A "DC heavyweight" cameos? I don't know whether to laugh or cheer - as much as I like Power Girl, is she really a DC heavyweight? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for more Power Girl but wasn't exactly shocked "to the core."

"And writer Judd Winick would absolutely KILL ME if I revealed that when Captain Atom demands to know—"

The big reveal? Telegraphed pretty much from page 1 and no surprise at all.

I like The Source but this post was just nonsense.

Decisions, Decisions . . .

I'll be 41 in less than a month, a fully grown man with a wife, a job, a mortgage and two cats.  I'm thus vaguely consistent with all the things society says I need to be considered a grown-up.

Of course, there's the comic habit that sees no sign of dying out just yet, illustrated by my love for DC Comics.

Also, for some years now I've been quietly reliving my youth by owning (and constantly wearing) Converse boots, the sort I could only dream of owning as a kid but never did.

And now this:

Did I mention it's my birthday soon?

Monday Covers #10

52 #49

52 was a bold experiment in weekly comics for DC, particularly following Action Comics Weekly back in the good old days which hadn't worked out as well. A large part of 52's success was definitely down to the cracking story, but it was also helped along by consistently good covers. Having Will Magnus appear in a James Bond-esque role with the Metal Men as bullets from his gun? Genius!

Who'd Like A Cocktail? #91

Hawk gets some dietary advice.

• BATTLEFIELDS #8 - Anna gets promoted and her mild flirtation with Golocyachev comes to an end. Oh, and she's carrying on a conversation with her dead friend. Out loud.
• BRIGHTEST DAY #6 - The two Firestorms seem to be in trouble as they finally realise someone else in in the Matrix; Mera admits she was an assassin sent to kill Aquaman; and Martian Manhunter discovers something terrible in the Australian outback.
• THE DARK TOWER: THE GUNSLINGER - THE JOURNEY BEGINS #3 - we see Roland deal with the death of his friend (and traitor) Hax the cook.
• DCU LEGACIES #3 - ah, the Silver Age begins! There's a wonderful page where Wein and co. just how mental the stories were back in the old days, and I don't doubt that they're referencing actual tales. It was nice to see John Jones wandering around as well, being a detective, along with the formation of the Justice League of America. Really enjoying this series.
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #41 - heroes and villains going crazy because of the Starheart takes up the majority of this issue, with page after page of fighting. The actual story only kicks into gear in the last few pages which seems a bit of a waste. Still, nice to see Mr. Miracle back again.
• NEONOMICON #1 - Cthulhu mythos stories written by Alan Moore; I'm not sure it gets any better than this! Really liked The Courtyard from a few years ago and this follow on promises much.
• POWER GIRL #14 - oh my . . . this used to be such a fun title, now it's all "My life's ruined!" amidst fight scenes. Still, the artwork's nice.
• TIME MASTERS: VANISHING POINT #1 - Dan Jurgens writing Superman again, with Booster Gold thrown in for good measure, along with Goldstar. Six issues which, I suspect, will be gone all too soon, but it's off to a good start.
• ZATANNA #3 - I'll admit to being a little surprised that the first story arc wrapped up here; I figured six issues minimum. Very well done, though, and so nice that Zatanna didn't have to fight her father; that was resolved with a good deal of care and affection. All round top story!

And what made me smile:

Superman using dialogue from Superman The Movie! Nice touch!

DC Comics Presents: Young Justice #1

I won't be buying DC Comics Presents: Young Justice #1 despite my exhortation for you to do the same. Why? Because I already own JLA: World Without Grown-Ups #1 and #2 (which are reprinted in this one-off) and the entire Young Justice series that came out of it.

I just want those of you who missed out on it first time round to pick it up now and then start hoping that DC reprint Young Justice in a collection of trades. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Monday Covers #9

Ghost #7

When I started thinking about doing this clutch of favourite covers, this was one that instantly sprang to mind, and no, not because it has cleavage on the front.

It's the stark black and white, the big guns and that splash of red of Ghost's lips that work for me - a classy, understated image that simply works.

Who'd Like A Cocktail? #90

The new Rocket Red gets into the spirit of the JLI

• BOOSTER GOLD #34 - this may be the first time I've looked at Giffen's artwork and just thought "Ugh!" Still, the issue as a whole was great with Giffen and DeMatteis teaming up Booster and Blue Beetle once more, just like it was back in the good old days. Mr Miracle and Barda were welcome guest stars - they're sadly missed after the whole Death of The New Gods things and it was great to see them back. This book is easily top of the list right now.
• THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #35 - I think this might be the first issue of this title that I've really enjoyed since Straczynski took over. Don't get me wrong, his earlier issues have been good, but with my fondness for weird and wacky stories, this stands out.
• JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #5 - things get a bit serious as the reformed in all but name Justice League International agree to stick together and take on Max Lord. One very slight gripe: I know it's an artistic device but that last panel when they're all standing and looking out at the reader with grim expressions, having decided to get Max Lord . . . why aren't they stood around facing each other?!
• MAGOG #11 - sadly Scott Kolins's run on this title is being cut short as it's only got a couple of issues to run so it feels a little like marking time. I just wonder if James Robinson knows someone's going to make a mess of Opal City.

And what made me laugh:

The fourth wall gets broken, Dan Didio is confirmed as a character in the DCU just like Grant Morrison and John Ostrander, and the Inferior Five return to mainstream continuity!