Birds of Prey is yet another of DC Comics' many relaunches in the face of Brightest Day, but it is not a good one. I never read the original Birds of Prey, even though I have the entire run of Green Arrow & Black Canary and kept meaning to check it out, so I took the opportunity to get in on the groundfloor this go-round.
The latest iteration is lead by returning writer, Gail Simone (Wonder Woman) and, though I can't speak for her previous work on the title or in general, the writing in Birds of Prey #1-4 (comprising Endrun) tries too hard to delve into character and explanation. Her attempts at thrusting familiarity onto the reader clunk into the gutters, and any notion of realistic dialogue is beyond her capabilities.
In one protracted exchange, Black Canary admits to abandoning her husband, Oliver Queen. Had the scene been about five blurbs shorter, it would have been a very clever exchange, but Simone ham-fistedly drags the reader through Black Canary's every thought as she justifies her rationale, specifically telling the reader what kind of person the Black Canary is (she's basically a cold-hearted, self-serving bitch under Simone's twisted pen). Readers are subjected to the kind of reasoning that would have gotten Birds of Prey canceled, had the character been male -- specifically because Gail Simone herself would have called for it! Regardless, that isn't characterization, that's explanation, and is indicative of Simone's approach throughout the title.
Birds of Prey is aimed at females, particularly females who hate men. Though there is a man on the team (Hawk), it is a team of superheroines, and women talk more than men -- about their feelings, plans, ideas, body issues, childhood, expectations, diet, ad infinitum -- so some of this over-explanation may well be the kind of thing female readers expect. I don't know, as I'm not a woman, nor am I familiar with female comics readers' sensibilities or expectations. This is not meant to be "sexist," I simply do not know.
But while we're here, Hawk is as broad a stereotype as any you'll find in any comic book, anywhere: A hard-drinking, tough-talking, sexually-freewheeling Tough Guy with a heart of gold (we're told). But then, he is Hawk (of Hawk and Dove, get it?) a "god" of war, so it makes perfect sense... doesn't it? It's hard to read any panel in which he appears because you can't stop rolling your eyes.
The art is hit and miss. While visually arresting, the action sequences are stiff and motion is poorly handled at every turn. Benes attempts to cover this up with crosshatching and other penciling trickery, but there is no way to hide the human form when it's in spandex. The artist should study the human form in spandex, as well as nudes, and learn how the body moves. Once he does this, all that crosshatch shit will disappear on its own. Also, distance yourself from Gail Simone.
REVIEW ENDRUN -- SPOILERS
The first four issues of Birds of Prey are, of course, an "arc" (read: Written for immediate TPB collection) entitled "Endrun." I'm not sure what the point of "Endrun" was going in, but Simone tossed it to write an homage to Tyler Clementi, the student who committed suicide after his roommates broadcast portions of his private life online across campus. Clementi's suicide and the allegations surrounding it touched many, myself included, but this was pure sensationalism at its lowest and most despicable.
Comic books are traditionally aimed at the adolescent, and provide many readers with a sense of comfort and vicarious "friendship." In a very real sense, comic book characters (and the creators) help "raise" many kids -- or at least babysit them from time to time -- and have a great capacity for teaching. As serial fiction, comics have always included, and been driven by, storylines mirroring real-world dilemmas, and this can be an important tool in teaching younger readers how a superhero -- actual icons to many younger viewers -- might handle this situation.
While comics receive mainstream acceptance these days, suicide is a truly important issue to many actual comic book fans (not just fans of the superheroes, movies, or "genre"), who are often outside of mainstream society. Many of us have personal experience with suicide, suicidal personalities, or at least the pain of separation -- of feeling or being considered "different."
After reading "Endrun," I'm not certain the self-proclaimed suffragist, Gail Simone, feels... anything. At all. Ever.
A bit-player appears from nowhere and kidnaps Barbara Gordon to force her to watch him commit suicide. Apparently, he was some sort of reformed conman the Bat Family allowed to be humiliated and tortured as part of his reprogramming... you know, to help him or something. (Again, Simone shows all the subtlety of a drunken fratboy whose dad owns a car dealership.) Batgirl sympathizes with a suicidal character (not empathizes - she's too strong to ever find herself in such a position, but she's "human" enough to "care") before forgiving him for being mentally ill! Then she promises to get him some help. FADE TO BLACK.
...
I was fucking stunned.
Now maybe Batgirl's paralysis extends all the way up to her pretty little bird-brain? I'm no doctor. There are only two things I can deduce from Batgirl's obvious injuries: She's a numb cunt and she sucks at her job.
That's not the way to ever handle anyone who's suicidal, and the only person who could not recognize this has to be wildly insensitive to the extent that I suggest a clinical examination. The whole thing is so heavy-handed that it's impossible to consider it anything other than the author herself speaking to the reader, and since Simone's Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode was pulled from the schedule yet again for bawdiness, I'm going to call a spade a spade:
Never has there been a more obvious, blatant, and specific outing of a sensationalistic hack who chiseled her way into this business with an air of both superiority and entitlement. I'm just happy this bitch did it to herself, because nobody else in the industry had the balls to call her out. And everyone who supports this chick and her agenda is a climbing, talentless hack, too.
I detest Gail Simone as both a human being and a "writer" and am appalled that DC Comics would ever even consider publishing such unfeeling, disturbingly sociopathic, and completely malinformed material. This is the same chick who threw a fit over misogyny in comic books! Now she's telling readers that people who consider suicide -- especially those who were fucking tortured and humiliated as some deranged sort of "healing process" --- are mentally ill "people" who should be pitied from a distance!? EVEN IF THE PERSON PITYING THE VICTIM IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS STATE OF MIND!?
Fuck every goddamn inch of you, Gail Simone. You're a hack piece of shit who wormed her way into "a man's world" with an iron fist. At your very best, you are little more than an amateur fan-fic blogger. I've read more interesting shit on milk cartons, you talentless, loudmouthed cunt. Go back to community theater where you fucking belong.
Fuck you, Batgirl. You're nothing but a flightless bird -- a climber who will never truly make it because you're a stock stereotype of a real character. And also because you have no legs, bitch.
Fuck you, DC. In 25 years, you've managed to put out fewer than 10 titles worth paging through in the comics store, much less paying for. Every, single one of the editors who worked on Endrun should be forced to read it every day they work there before they even walk in the building, just so they can experience the truly soul-crushing damnation they have inflicted on those who suffer from mental illness, as well as those who are otherwise healthy but have contemplated suicide.
Many talented women work in comic books, and always have; Gail Simone is neither talented, nor the first. If she spent even half as much time perfecting her writing as she spends tooting her own humanitarian horn, she would be a passable staffer, but I don't see that happening. Simone has gone much further than she should have, given her limited abilities and the way she crashed the gates, but Birds of Prey is the resounding reminder that she's just not good enough for primetime. Never have I wished someone got laid in highschool more than myself.
If you, or someone you know, is considering suicide, you are not a loser, you are not mentally ill, and you should not feel ashamed. Emotions are illogical and have spawned entire professions, fields of thought, and movements in Art and Science; no one understands them, and no emotions are "bad" or incorrect. Feeling suicidal, especially for young people, is very normal -- but if you are experiencing these thoughts and emotions regularly, or you are seriously considering taking action on them, please call someone for help. Sometimes, talking to someone is all it takes.
Just not someone like Gail Simone.
Originally written, November, 22nd, 2010
Note that the author of this piece wishes no physical harm on Gail Simone nor anyone at Comics Alliance, nor any other talentless pussy who prefers censorship and crying like a baby over freedom of speech.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Happy Birthday, Will Eisner! - Google
This is the Google "doodle" up today, in honor of comicdom's Will Eisner, who would have been 94 today. Eisner died in 2005. The doodle is an homage to Eisner's best-known strip, The Spirit. Google also asked comics historian, Scott McCloud, to post yesterday's blog entry regarding the life, work, and legacy of Will Eisner.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, March 04, 2011
Two and a Half Men in Two and a Half Days
Comedian Gil Ozeria had never seen a single episode of Two and a Half Men before he decided to tape himself watching the entire series, all 177 episodes, in a row. The stunt will take exactly 62 hours to complete, which is right at two and a half days!
Gil has developed a system of scoring the show, counting the number of women Charlie Sheen's character sleeps with, how many exterior shots there are, and how many times the cast eats pizza using silverware... among other things.
He's been at it for about 10 hours now and has only laughed once. You can watch along here.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Gil has developed a system of scoring the show, counting the number of women Charlie Sheen's character sleeps with, how many exterior shots there are, and how many times the cast eats pizza using silverware... among other things.
He's been at it for about 10 hours now and has only laughed once. You can watch along here.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Isis Gets New Title for 10th Anniversary
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the first appearance of the comic book hero Isis, Bluewater Productions announced a series of upcoming titles to feature one of the publisher’s earliest flagship characters.
Starting this month, Bluewater will be publishing three Isis graphic novels which comprise complete story arcs from vintage issues, a new two-part 10th Muse crossover special edition, and the relaunch of The Legend of Isis as a monthly title.
The Legend of Isis, which debuted in September 2001 under the Image Comics “Image Introduces” flag, tells the story of an ancient Egyptian lady-in-waiting, transformed into the embodiment of the goddess Isis and hurled 5,000 years into the future to current day Los Angeles.
“The character Isis was a cornerstone in the company's earliest days. She means a lot to me, so I am thrilled and gratified to be able to bring her stories back to the forefront,” said Bluewater president and character creator, Darren Davis.
According to Bluewater, the trio of Isis graphic novels will include The Return of the Scarab Queen (late February), Lynx (June), and The Tombs of Ra (December).
The crossover special edition title, also available in late February, pairs Isis with Bluewater’s other iconic hero, the 10th Muse. In the upcoming two-parter, written by Kenton Daniel and penciled by Benianimo Bradi, the wizards of the moon called Loam are desperate to rid themselves of an eldritch djinn threatening their peaceful existence. They are so desperate that they are willing to trick one god and kidnap another in order to force their assistance. Isis and 10th Muse are thrust together and are forced to make a choice --- with the fate of an entire society hanging in the balance.
Additionally, Davis revealed that the Isis character was recently optioned by a Paramount Studios through the production company Grammnet (Medium, Gary the Rat) to turn the comic book into a feature film.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Starting this month, Bluewater will be publishing three Isis graphic novels which comprise complete story arcs from vintage issues, a new two-part 10th Muse crossover special edition, and the relaunch of The Legend of Isis as a monthly title.
The Legend of Isis, which debuted in September 2001 under the Image Comics “Image Introduces” flag, tells the story of an ancient Egyptian lady-in-waiting, transformed into the embodiment of the goddess Isis and hurled 5,000 years into the future to current day Los Angeles.
“The character Isis was a cornerstone in the company's earliest days. She means a lot to me, so I am thrilled and gratified to be able to bring her stories back to the forefront,” said Bluewater president and character creator, Darren Davis.
According to Bluewater, the trio of Isis graphic novels will include The Return of the Scarab Queen (late February), Lynx (June), and The Tombs of Ra (December).
The crossover special edition title, also available in late February, pairs Isis with Bluewater’s other iconic hero, the 10th Muse. In the upcoming two-parter, written by Kenton Daniel and penciled by Benianimo Bradi, the wizards of the moon called Loam are desperate to rid themselves of an eldritch djinn threatening their peaceful existence. They are so desperate that they are willing to trick one god and kidnap another in order to force their assistance. Isis and 10th Muse are thrust together and are forced to make a choice --- with the fate of an entire society hanging in the balance.
Additionally, Davis revealed that the Isis character was recently optioned by a Paramount Studios through the production company Grammnet (Medium, Gary the Rat) to turn the comic book into a feature film.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Patrick Gleason: Witchblade #142, 143
Image Comics has announced that Top Cow Productions' WITCHBLADE is taking a break from recent events for a special two-part part story. Guest artist Matthew Dow Smith joins writer Ron Marz for a supernatural crime story that, for once, doesn't star the Witchblade!This two issue story arc in issue 142 and 143 focuses on special investigator Patrick Gleason, who is usually seen by the side of his partner, Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade. When Patrick travels to upstate New York to visit an old friend, he ends up helping a local rookie police officer transport a deadly mob assassin back to New York City. The killer, Vincent "No Prints" Petramale, claims to have never killed anyone, but when circumstances go horribly wrong, Gleason has to figure out who the real threat is, and fast!
The prolific veteran writer Ron Marz (whose credits include ARTIFACTS, ANGELUS, and Green Lantern) said, "These issues seemed like a perfect chance to put the spotlight on Sara's partner, Patrick Gleason, and explore his character a little more fully than we've been able to in a while. I think people will come away from these issues with a little different perspective on Gleason. And, of course, the chance to work with my buddy Matt Smith again is great, while Stjepan Šejić skipped ahead to work on #144 and #145."
Artist Matthew Dow Smith (DOCTOR WHO) added, "I had a lot of fun working on these two issues. While it's always great to draw WITCHBLADE herself, I think this was an interesting addition to the series."
WITCHBLADE #142, a 32-page, full-color comic book is in stores now. WITCHBLADE #143 will be for sale in stores March 9th, 2011.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Bluewater's 10th Muse Headed to TV
 |
| 10th Muse |
The 10th Muse is the long-running comic book and graphic novel series which tells the story of a young law intern imbued with the essence of the Greek mythological goddess of justice.
"We're going to sink our teeth into Darren's treasurechest of storylines and spin them into a show that kicks ass, with all the mystery and action the fans would expect," said VMP head Jay Douglas, who is set to executive-produce the series with partner Nav Gupta, Marc Manus, and Bluewater’s Darren Davis.
According to Vanquish Motion Pictures, the series will revolve around a group of budding law students starting a prestigious internship at the San Francisco's DA's office. At the heart is Emma Sonnet, who recently disappeared for a month in Greece and returns with no memory of her missing days. What she does come back with is a strange new gift, which drives her to pursue justice even to the point of bending or breaking the law she’s devoted to serving. As Emma discovers her connection to the nine Greek Muses of antiquity, the underlying mystery of her power unfolds. Emma is the Muse of Justice – the 10th Muse.
Jennifer Quintenez, a TV writer with a background in comics, is writing the pilot. Quintenez' TV experience includes episodics for Twentieth Television, as well as a WGA award for her original pilot, "Thrall."
"I'm really excited to dive into this world that Darren Davis has created. The characters and Emma's central dilemma are rich and interesting. I think they'll prove a fantastic engine for a long-running series. I love the tension between justice and the letter of law, and look forward to playing with the ways that tension impacts Emma and her friends.”
10th Muse debuted in November 2001 through Image Comics and soon rocketed to #6 on Diamond's Top 100 beating out several well-known and established titles. The issue featured a story by revered comic book legend Marv Wolfman. In the years since, 10th Muse has appeared in several mini-series and graphic novels -- most recently, she inspired a collection of crossover stories with characters from other publishing companies.
"You never forget your first love," said Bluewater president and series creator Davis. "10th Muse is iconic for Bluewater and for me, personally. I cannot wait to turn on the TV, hear the cool theme song, and know I am in for an hour-long action-adventure ride.”
Vanquish Motion Pictures is currently producing the upcoming feature DevaShard, based on the Hong Kong epic/fantasy graphic novel, with "Prince of Persia/Pirates of the Caribbean" producer, Eric McLeod, and Underworld co-creator, Kevin Grevioux. Douglas and Gupta are also producing the action/thriller, Broken Sword, based on the nostalgic globe-trotting video game with Radar Pictures.
A new 10th Muse comic book series starts this summer. A series of graphic novels is planned for the spring.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Undying Love (2011)
Image Comics is proud to present UNDYING LOVE, an all-new eight-issue miniseries from the creative collaboration of Tomm Coker and Daniel Freedman. Set in an expertly mood-evoking and cinematic Hong Kong, UNDYING LOVE presents a simple concept: hardened American ex-soldier, John Sargent, has fallen in love with a beautiful Chinese woman named Mei. The only thing keeping these star-crossed lovers apart? Mei is a vampire.Determined to ensure the possibility of a future together, Sargent sets out with Mei on a journey to free her from this curse and make her human once more. Unfortunately, that means destroying the vampire that first made her - and Mei was bitten by one of the most powerful vampires in history! Further complicating their desperate situation, their unlikely human/vampire dynamic has piqued the unfathomable interests of other strange beings drawn from Chinese folklore.
“Being able to create a world, populate it with interesting characters, then realize that story through my own art is fantastic," Coker said of his work on the series. "It was the most fun I’ve had in years and I think that comes across when you read the book.”
Co-creator Daniel Freedman added, "With UNDYING LOVE, we tried to create something really special, bringing together different elements of the West and the East and letting them run wild in this violent love story. To say things get a little messy would be like asking a bear to eat with a knife and fork.”
UNDYING LOVE #1 (FEB110389), a 32-page, full-color action tale of fantasy, horror, and unlikely romance - equal parts vampire mythology and Chinese folklore - will be on sale March 30th, 2011 for $2.99.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Reed Gunther in Full-Color
REED GUNTHER, the all-ages western adventure created by brothers Shane and Chris Houghton will soon be available in full-color for the first time through Image Comics this June. The creators' originally self-published five-issue miniseries will be followed by an all-new series chockful of the same wild antics fans expect from their favorite hapless cowboy!Whether battling supernatural monsters, tracking down slimy villains, or catching a runaway train, REED GUNTHER has already won many fans over with its good-natured wit and rambunctious style. Comic Book Resources gave an enthusiastic recommendation: “If you truly want to read a comic that is good, clean fun, completely unhinged from continuity, crossovers or company agendas, then do yourself a favor and pick this book up.”
“Chris and I were physically carrying new issues of REED GUNTHER to our local comic shops to be sold," said writer Shane Houghton of the brothers' decision to move to Image Comics. "We are incredibly excited to be working with Image, who can help us spread our goofy, wild adventures of cowboys and monsters to a wider audience.”
“Publishing through Image allows us to release our original series in color, something we had always wanted to do," added illustrator Chris Houghton. "Watching Reed ride Sterling into the sunset is going to be that much more spectacular now in color!"
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Roseanne's Surly Neighbor Claims Nut Farm Illegal
Roseanne Barr's new reality series hasn't even hit the airwaves and she's already in trouble with the law! Her neighbor, Roree Oehlman, filed a complaint as to work done on Roseanne's property, claiming it was done in the interest of public safety (though I don't believe that).
Hawaii County sent Roseanne's company a letter on February 24th, requesting a completed grading permit application, needed whenever more than 100 cubic feet of dirt is moved on a property. Oehlman complained that ATV trails have been bulldozed on Roseanne's Macadamia nut farm.
I have no idea as to the reality of the situation, but this clearly sounds like a shakedown. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Roree Oehlman is acting on behalf of some area clique who believe Roseanne's proposed reality series will not reflect well on the community, or is just unwanted in general. If not - if this Roree Oehlman is simply an asshole - it will only make the show better!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Hawaii County sent Roseanne's company a letter on February 24th, requesting a completed grading permit application, needed whenever more than 100 cubic feet of dirt is moved on a property. Oehlman complained that ATV trails have been bulldozed on Roseanne's Macadamia nut farm.
I have no idea as to the reality of the situation, but this clearly sounds like a shakedown. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Roree Oehlman is acting on behalf of some area clique who believe Roseanne's proposed reality series will not reflect well on the community, or is just unwanted in general. If not - if this Roree Oehlman is simply an asshole - it will only make the show better!
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Donald Duck Model Sheet Sets Auction Record
Hake's Americana & Collectibles set a record for the sale of their first Disney animation model sheet; the Donald Duck 9.5 x 12"model sheet sold for $75,000. It is the first known appearance of Donald Duck, made in advance of 1934's "The Wise Little Hen." The July, 2008 sale has yet to be topped, though the appreciation of "Disneyana" has barely diminished in the convening years. The economy, however, has not been as kind.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Jeremy Haun Lands on Artifacts
As the final act of ARTIFACTS draws near, Top Cow proudly announces that Jeremy Haun (Berserker, Detective Comics) will be the official artist for issues 9 - 12 of this epic, star-studded series. After recently becoming a Top Cow exclusive artist, Haun will now bring Ron Marz’s potentially cataclysmic ARTIFACTS story to its conclusion before he tackles his scheduled ongoing run on The Darkness.Many great artists have preceded Haun on this title, including the recent contributions of Michael Broussard (formerly of Top Cow’s Pit) and original Image co-founder, Whilce Portacio. In addition, the 13th issue of ARTIFACTS will feature an unannounced special guest artist for what Comic Book Resources called, “...a world-changing, landscape-sweeping carnage-filled adventure.”
Jeremy Haun said, "I've been looking for a project for quite a while where I can really grow as an artist and produce something truly epic that I can be proud of. Artifacts is just that project. I can't wait for people to see what Ron and I are doing on the book. It's going to be... BIG."
"All writers have lists of artists they want to work with." commented Ron Marz. "Jeremy has been on my list for a while, so I'm really pleased ARTIFACTS is going to be our chance to collaborate."
Marz added, "Of course, with the epic scale of the storyline, and literally dozens of characters taking part, I intend to leave Jeremy a broken man... er, artist... by the time we hit the last page of issue #12."
Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik stated, "All of us at Top Cow are thrilled to have Jeremy Haun as part of the Top Cow family and when we realized he'd have a 6+ month lead up to The Darkness, the perfect opportunity presented itself to make him part of our biggest event ever!"
As apocalypse approaches in ARTIFACTS, how will Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini and Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado’s daughter Hope influence the ultimate battle for the fate of the Top Cow universe?
ARTIFACTS #9, a 32-page, full-color comic book by writer Ron Marz and artist Jeremy Haun, with covers by Eric Canete, Dale Keown and John Tyler Christopher, is in stores on May 25th, 2011 for $3.99.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)