July 2010

Batgirl #12

batgirl-12-coverI’ll admit, originally I was less than happy with the choice of Stephanie Brown as the new Batgirl, but writer Bryan Q. Miller has proven me wrong. In this case I’m more than happy to admit my mistake.

“Batgirl Rising” concludes here as Batgirl sets out to save Oracle from the clutches of the Calculator with the help of the villain’s daughter (and one-time SuperFriend Wendy Harris).

Once again a strong issue all around. And I’ll give a shout out to artists Lee Garbett and Pere Perez for giving us just the right look for our spunky, smart, and sassy heroine.

A new Batgirl has found her place in the DCU, and I’m glad. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Secret Six #23

secret-six-23-coverWhat can you say about a comic where Bane rips off a man’s arms and beats him to death with them, Catman goes back on the hunt, Rag Doll eats off a man’s face, and Deadshot shoots down a chopper with a single bullet?

Fun? Yeah, fun.

Guest writer John Ostrander’s tale of the Six being hunted on an island is an intriguing one, but it lacks some of nuance and twisted glee Gail Simone usually provides. And personally I wasn’t a fan of the (almost pretty) art by RB Silva & Alexandre Palamaro which didn’t seem to fit the scruffy and gruff nature of the story.

Even if it’s not quite as good as usual there’s plenty of mayhem and madcap action that makes this issue worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Condorman

  • Title: Condorman
  • IMDB: link

There are movies which live in my childhood. Viewing them years later, no matter the length of time which may have passed, I’m instantly transported back in time to that darkened theater, fond memories, and childhood wonderment.

Condorman, based on the James Bond spoof by Robert Sheckley, is one of those films. From the Pink Panther-style opening featuring the rousing score of Henry Mancini to the final unheard whispered line at a crowded Dodger game (and everything in-between), I’m hooked. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the film Woody Wilkins (Michael Crawford) is a comic book writer living in Paris while working on his latest creation: Condorman, “Vulture of the western world.” When his best friend, a pencil-pusher for the CIA (James Hampton), needs a civilian to deliver some not-so important secret papers in Istanbul Woody happily volunteers, passing himself off as a top secret spy codenamed Condorman.

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Shadowland #1

  • Title: Shadowland #1 (of 5)
  • Comic Vine: link

The descent of Matt Murdock contiues in this new mini-series from Andy Diggle. Daredevil has built a monument, a fortress, in the middle of Hell’s Kitchen from which the Hand my strike swift vengeance on those would dare cause trouble within its borders. And he’s got himself a spiffy new costume. Pretty good stuff all around including a necessary scene among the Avengers discussing concern over Murdock’s new role.

As to the final scenes between Bullseye and Daredevil all I can say is I’ll believe the outcome is real when I see it. Diggle has played the sleight-of-hand once too often in recent months for me to take Daredevil’s apparent use of lethal force seriously (especially when of of the tie-ins coming out next month is titled Shadowland: Bullseye).

Odds are we’ll be seeing Bullesye again. Even if it’s another bait-and-switch the storyline of pushing Murdock down the dark path seems to be in full swing. And if it’s real…well, that’s a hell of a hard first step down a path of no redemption for the hero of Hell Kitchen to take in the first issue of this five month long event. Either way it should be an interesting few months for Daredevil readers.

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Despicable Me

  • Title: Despicable Me
  • IMDB: link

Pixar seems to have cornered the market on family films that provide equal measure of comedy and action with the kind of dramatic moments assured to pull at your heartstrings. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a niche left to be filled. Sometimes you just want to sit down to an animated film and have fun (without that punch to the soul or shedding a tear). For those looking for good kid films filled with plenty of laughs and paced within an inch of their life you could do far worse than Despicable Me

Gru (Steve Carell) is a super-villain who never quite hit it big. Sure he’s caused trouble with his freeze ray at the local Sarbucks or terrorized traffic with his giant tank-like automobile. And with the help of his legion of minions he’s stolen small artifacts from around the world. But Gru has never made the big score, and his chances are running out as new, younger super villains like Vector (Jason Segel) are looking to take his place. His latest scheme involving a shrink ray and an attempt to steal the moon may be his last chance to grab the fame which has forever eluded him.

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