tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91174448029885601232024-03-18T10:59:01.570-04:00Pick of the Brown BagRaymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.comBlogger483125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-70239782447090137082024-01-10T11:07:00.000-05:002024-01-10T11:07:44.465-05:00POBB January 6, 2024<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">January 6, 2024</span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></i></div></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year! We made it! I honestly didn't think we would, but here we are! A perusal of the first two issues of <i>Batman Off World</i> begins a new year of <i>Pick of the Brown Bag </i>reviews.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6xEkaV2YPFLbTB67BqTduTwGiEpEBHxUfo3ToOxY2Zf2l6cXDHEP4h7si58sKrP-yeDJuutty3oBugfYYW0-KzIDoLUAtbB_EVew2dCbppF9Qb0vWkj5oRUh-bIIm4vAGGb3YuTlcbwJJSrvdWhysg1sv-RL1lnXZ5oAEpqbszEsJOk145MAefZ7mUk-/s800/Off%20World.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6xEkaV2YPFLbTB67BqTduTwGiEpEBHxUfo3ToOxY2Zf2l6cXDHEP4h7si58sKrP-yeDJuutty3oBugfYYW0-KzIDoLUAtbB_EVew2dCbppF9Qb0vWkj5oRUh-bIIm4vAGGb3YuTlcbwJJSrvdWhysg1sv-RL1lnXZ5oAEpqbszEsJOk145MAefZ7mUk-/s320/Off%20World.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When the Irish mob decides to fight for their territory in Gotham City, they hire some outside muscle to enforce their rule. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaq6Z1zurhXvBtUs21UsEKF-h1nD3tnlhQbDhqzigLAElL27-5ACvO8MKFEh3mTuro4zjSuQceEos4rsKn9gvn8LJkbF5_L9ukRaX6inxosrstgOeEU1rKDMr7GfLwWcYib4LMn3Bt-wYV9t30uE_wV-kt7srhsbYqEf6Lnt-jAdUp71DIWP8tK2YYzSf/s800/Off%20World%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaq6Z1zurhXvBtUs21UsEKF-h1nD3tnlhQbDhqzigLAElL27-5ACvO8MKFEh3mTuro4zjSuQceEos4rsKn9gvn8LJkbF5_L9ukRaX6inxosrstgOeEU1rKDMr7GfLwWcYib4LMn3Bt-wYV9t30uE_wV-kt7srhsbYqEf6Lnt-jAdUp71DIWP8tK2YYzSf/s320/Off%20World%20Three.jpeg" width="215" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Of course, historically and canonically, Superman predates Batman. So, Batman is aware of other lifeforms visiting and inhabiting the earth. Hence his nonplussed reaction at seeing the alien brute.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsonZcu-84aQkM5PrCgmoJ6t3bA4T7aiUsTosnSF8UBN-s2f-xPMValYRfuwG0JDLYzo9ft_MJnQ9QOVYIje6vLs9NY3JmvVZ4boEp8QqFHbYlDe1g9ZQQVmKk3uVpP4cDwWk80tA0GjVDAtVO1j1qCbTSFfNkPwWnNFfyrImDuS5AE7dCmw9fxbM328Z/s800/Off%20World%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="800" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsonZcu-84aQkM5PrCgmoJ6t3bA4T7aiUsTosnSF8UBN-s2f-xPMValYRfuwG0JDLYzo9ft_MJnQ9QOVYIje6vLs9NY3JmvVZ4boEp8QqFHbYlDe1g9ZQQVmKk3uVpP4cDwWk80tA0GjVDAtVO1j1qCbTSFfNkPwWnNFfyrImDuS5AE7dCmw9fxbM328Z/s320/Off%20World%20Four.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Batman's defeat forces him to make a decision. He will travel the universe to find a means to beat up aliens. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's really a simple, somewhat absurd premise but one that's original in the eighty plus years of the character. So, props to new Batman writer Jason Aaron for thinking it up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Off World</i> begins with Batman knee deep in aliens. The first leg of Batman's journey lands him in the ship of an alien warlord.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hbNFpfsUPCdksSm1yCeqOJxuFTdAytwekKGW9qqjzrHe-phG4hKm-6F-ihhV4iohrlP5O3-8m0eYiRPFRIePaMoAJvJYQWwiULBVeHVxuKqcxgKn1n_KL20Nk5MLLATChuETcspazOdEyhDfmcFOSuh5DOxKm3O-YRg77T4CQJYxLBxB7umtrdzIBfj/s800/Off%20World%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="800" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hbNFpfsUPCdksSm1yCeqOJxuFTdAytwekKGW9qqjzrHe-phG4hKm-6F-ihhV4iohrlP5O3-8m0eYiRPFRIePaMoAJvJYQWwiULBVeHVxuKqcxgKn1n_KL20Nk5MLLATChuETcspazOdEyhDfmcFOSuh5DOxKm3O-YRg77T4CQJYxLBxB7umtrdzIBfj/s320/Off%20World%20Five.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He's an original creation. So don't fret about identifying him. The phrase Stormers, short for War Stormers, is a new designation. Essentially alien soldiers, or cannon fodder if you prefer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, aliens come in different sizes and packages. Not every alien can be a War Stormer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfffIBT24w3mDjCM26HL2NvedJhn50sNeHLQxapqV_Qjn_XmPQeBxqRagbLoy-AXlRardnIZuhf8YVna_0SyPWKDdm93N5AQ7hLyDrZaA7DF8MtpOLVQvGYvMbMqAIS6Sqrn8E-DxSmidgT6UJL4fEbHfI6QBjACZW3wkolcUlfZFCmKAcZBxglfykJHRU/s1169/Off%20World%20Eight.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfffIBT24w3mDjCM26HL2NvedJhn50sNeHLQxapqV_Qjn_XmPQeBxqRagbLoy-AXlRardnIZuhf8YVna_0SyPWKDdm93N5AQ7hLyDrZaA7DF8MtpOLVQvGYvMbMqAIS6Sqrn8E-DxSmidgT6UJL4fEbHfI6QBjACZW3wkolcUlfZFCmKAcZBxglfykJHRU/s320/Off%20World%20Eight.jpeg" width="166" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ouch. Batman's janitorial position amusingly fits the martial arts trope of the student sweeping up the master's dojo and such. It also provides him with a rare opportunity that fits right into his plans.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmwRzSkFIfdIhSjr8dbWiNyJOwAeRe0Z5GbCQlv5jB5_zY7AZ2DVDmomqqvSXPyxNJeOq54jA2hx0bpFvxr98yILmW7vYeWyY8CyFEEPTNot_BkWndsK-2T4eKpJpYYo5cAA1sQdCKILUYbVFB59i0NFCBslmrkebGSWS6D7Y8Z4mBhQXFHdJSWcKyS-W/s800/Off%20World%20Nine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="800" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmwRzSkFIfdIhSjr8dbWiNyJOwAeRe0Z5GbCQlv5jB5_zY7AZ2DVDmomqqvSXPyxNJeOq54jA2hx0bpFvxr98yILmW7vYeWyY8CyFEEPTNot_BkWndsK-2T4eKpJpYYo5cAA1sQdCKILUYbVFB59i0NFCBslmrkebGSWS6D7Y8Z4mBhQXFHdJSWcKyS-W/s320/Off%20World%20Nine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Punch Bot is exactly what it sounds like. It's a training robot you punch. Batman being a genius rebuilds and restores the Punch Bot to its original condition, with one adjustment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwTj_lXBAZ62gxyhS3fPiVo6EgQKskJaJAUsd87HVDdRpTfgWaPt-6kT3PZ-T3iplhsLtz59k-Wh09IS99v97MdcPIhPFPNQIHypMp1acyZUzLWA69ERj2xIxNuEL_jmtYeV7qudET8-NzgHE5UbVC4mJgMu-Jq5wBCjDCQzV0BA0Rw6cew-BIsq_KDCX/s800/Off%20World%20Ten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwTj_lXBAZ62gxyhS3fPiVo6EgQKskJaJAUsd87HVDdRpTfgWaPt-6kT3PZ-T3iplhsLtz59k-Wh09IS99v97MdcPIhPFPNQIHypMp1acyZUzLWA69ERj2xIxNuEL_jmtYeV7qudET8-NzgHE5UbVC4mJgMu-Jq5wBCjDCQzV0BA0Rw6cew-BIsq_KDCX/s320/Off%20World%20Ten.jpeg" width="276" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now, Batman has exactly what he wanted. A course in beating up aliens by something of an expert.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The commentator offering color is a Tamaranian prisoner named Ione.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9oFwy7nfZaPKJJUQAy92fUHc1TIZiTdZWp6hn48DxkPvt3xvG2po997t_WhyprO2l6ALyAjnKTNUTjtXV-r-BlmdkJJuFqvBVV7CeTtsE4g1B4RktKrsU_SxsdB5uXVZelhgLDYpU0dhCi4Gvu7yFdyc1HvooFAFBBiAhKS_u0eUdo7u2YyancexmrdG/s800/Off%20World%20Eleven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9oFwy7nfZaPKJJUQAy92fUHc1TIZiTdZWp6hn48DxkPvt3xvG2po997t_WhyprO2l6ALyAjnKTNUTjtXV-r-BlmdkJJuFqvBVV7CeTtsE4g1B4RktKrsU_SxsdB5uXVZelhgLDYpU0dhCi4Gvu7yFdyc1HvooFAFBBiAhKS_u0eUdo7u2YyancexmrdG/s320/Off%20World%20Eleven.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ione is one of Starfire's people. This means Batman met the Tamaranians before his original sidekick Dick Grayson did way back in the pre-Crisis. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1wEHmeFRQVkIQdYjB1PANkQ2V3KuVBuvRj3WdLOK4Xs8nSXqFiS_bg1i3wJAW7aXuJCX1udaYT-xDYHp_PIWj44M_rUe6rcRd9FpeKC9WZ9D5LvRhXzZOhcC3t6QwV-N6ZmmWeu_xFCiC1NdjKMf5BgidfK9bcP0HaFtUqmkQmqRbLPC9UTaqIah3zDg/s500/New_Teen_Titans_Vol_1_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1wEHmeFRQVkIQdYjB1PANkQ2V3KuVBuvRj3WdLOK4Xs8nSXqFiS_bg1i3wJAW7aXuJCX1udaYT-xDYHp_PIWj44M_rUe6rcRd9FpeKC9WZ9D5LvRhXzZOhcC3t6QwV-N6ZmmWeu_xFCiC1NdjKMf5BgidfK9bcP0HaFtUqmkQmqRbLPC9UTaqIah3zDg/s320/New_Teen_Titans_Vol_1_1.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">An encounter that consistently reboots with whatever cosmos DC's heroes happen to be operating in. So, <i>Off World</i> fits quite nicely in the scheme of things. Not that it had to.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Anyway it's with the depiction of the Tamaranian you can see the stark difference in style between Doug Mahnke and every other artist. Mahnke with the even grittier inks of Jamie Mendoza makes everything, including a Tamaranian, weird and dangerous.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Artistically speaking, the late, great George Perez created the Tamaranians. A peace loving people, the Tamaranians also pursued freer sexual mores and were all gorgeous, bronze warriors with green alien eyes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">They were a kind of throwback to the fantasy figures of science fiction pulps. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig23xUMmRUoCvkavpv_bZbU-kGohWeHWY9BHgBORXbQwOMA21XFU7h62KcXOsikE1rJLn7EkWT-aWBEoW04pPHML3_9Cu_zMIn5Bg_9q6vHNQaCqcHyY_GKmojwo81MEb7QxxJLwk9RGCD7aKf0V1rzZ6A3sC_QtSuBpu4Wun5_J7H77Qtu9kr-pahrdJa/s864/Other-Worlds-April-1956-600x864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig23xUMmRUoCvkavpv_bZbU-kGohWeHWY9BHgBORXbQwOMA21XFU7h62KcXOsikE1rJLn7EkWT-aWBEoW04pPHML3_9Cu_zMIn5Bg_9q6vHNQaCqcHyY_GKmojwo81MEb7QxxJLwk9RGCD7aKf0V1rzZ6A3sC_QtSuBpu4Wun5_J7H77Qtu9kr-pahrdJa/s320/Other-Worlds-April-1956-600x864.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Most artists illustrating Tamaranians </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">after Perez followed his lead.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecA6KlJOywLr-sOlFFvKdaUE1T8ZDerz9wKioCDfJF7J_UcEJoVD4E0xGerD9zyj5IOVKrL2KK4-k4tDcFIaASP70_ZBmaNoaH9UFJjnNidzmDz02qSn1wze_U4lKMjmr4wAzKVE2D3EY4uTxeD86Bk17RLHk3lwblylzBTmewbJSekWP9lQB1zpJh9MW/s800/Red%20Hood%20Meets%20Starfire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecA6KlJOywLr-sOlFFvKdaUE1T8ZDerz9wKioCDfJF7J_UcEJoVD4E0xGerD9zyj5IOVKrL2KK4-k4tDcFIaASP70_ZBmaNoaH9UFJjnNidzmDz02qSn1wze_U4lKMjmr4wAzKVE2D3EY4uTxeD86Bk17RLHk3lwblylzBTmewbJSekWP9lQB1zpJh9MW/s320/Red%20Hood%20Meets%20Starfire.jpeg" width="309" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>From Red Hood and the Outlaws #1</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Nothing wrong with that. Mahnke opts for a different kind of beauty that represents tribalism, in an anthropological sense, and some bad experiences. That's why Ione sports tattoos. Her deep set eyes, one possibly artifice, gives her an almost hawk-like appearance. Her hair though clean and fluid bears a pragmatism that's uncommon to the Tamaranians. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtOULB8X-bBsARQerji4x1vWd1e1sEZIhpR_JW-fOHFmCqfyS_hzF702jUk-UMLIXkhUmq4GZE387MOf66YG1Mwld5i0a6RvEmtlP2OUZZFeFC75OqUshQcCw_ezJPyKX-A2NyfN_NBgCntxYf5X6KSlEaSmBufh70fyhP0RaIEcbxVR6JYrGvRhXYSzR/s800/Off%20World%20Twelve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="800" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtOULB8X-bBsARQerji4x1vWd1e1sEZIhpR_JW-fOHFmCqfyS_hzF702jUk-UMLIXkhUmq4GZE387MOf66YG1Mwld5i0a6RvEmtlP2OUZZFeFC75OqUshQcCw_ezJPyKX-A2NyfN_NBgCntxYf5X6KSlEaSmBufh70fyhP0RaIEcbxVR6JYrGvRhXYSzR/s320/Off%20World%20Twelve.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Gradually, Ione becomes Batman's confidant. As time passes, very quickly I may add, Batman begins to gain a reputation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS_nldD6FWP_L19-ruJKn4O1xR1b3wG9L1apN5TWF9yLLjid9uzBfOEpu7xNkxzY8vvEcv-RzilHXYBe8tvVS-ccKn_6jXSoHb5pMOyJJhQb_Ay2897dyCDtyg51KWh-efCzE8Un3mUM6vgMKzZQOxX2TyZFsI8Pf6JpA1PPnZTehhzHVpqTjcSh8nYbL/s800/Off%20World%20Thirteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS_nldD6FWP_L19-ruJKn4O1xR1b3wG9L1apN5TWF9yLLjid9uzBfOEpu7xNkxzY8vvEcv-RzilHXYBe8tvVS-ccKn_6jXSoHb5pMOyJJhQb_Ay2897dyCDtyg51KWh-efCzE8Un3mUM6vgMKzZQOxX2TyZFsI8Pf6JpA1PPnZTehhzHVpqTjcSh8nYbL/s320/Off%20World%20Thirteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He's building what he did in Gotham City within the new ecosystem of the warship. I find this exercise fitting Batman to a tee. He's not adapting to the new environment. He's shaping it to his liking.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Off World</i> is essentially a prison drama within a science fiction setting. For that reason Batman gets beaten up a lot before he becomes a master of alien anatomy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWkNWeu1qfYXRL_q0ls3VtF445TYZseNk1LlKoS1pYnyaLnLG5OyuDOTevH8_rY1p956vKSda6iKDIf-KDR58wmz_8aDAKJc3YAgtbZfWr2lBpwYcEtzQw4yLWiy9asTbLeEPMUteaXJMuCv0HdjcDCwrIkWquzqbgFMIWPSNS1_h-n4PCEwVB7pyFSm4/s800/Off%20World%20Fourteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="800" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWkNWeu1qfYXRL_q0ls3VtF445TYZseNk1LlKoS1pYnyaLnLG5OyuDOTevH8_rY1p956vKSda6iKDIf-KDR58wmz_8aDAKJc3YAgtbZfWr2lBpwYcEtzQw4yLWiy9asTbLeEPMUteaXJMuCv0HdjcDCwrIkWquzqbgFMIWPSNS1_h-n4PCEwVB7pyFSm4/s320/Off%20World%20Fourteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Still, this is a comic book. Perhaps not for all-ages but definitely not for somebody expecting <i>Oz. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIULwCTlf9Xy3ysD6MCDKB-e1jFXDKVXVx9cRU9jui_TB9XdE-vU6VtZV9dEftfK9kRzsGVEM_EQ7Ptq8PIxwI0ddpw6HGX0QXshd8pcCfACWFL0k-AKluxLqiL5mhJdBBBZ9mN0xtU5U_nckv0Z9qmLOwyrfEF3qSOeKT7BXGys7wnuo_-_3djTExIE27/s451/The%20Wiz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="300" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIULwCTlf9Xy3ysD6MCDKB-e1jFXDKVXVx9cRU9jui_TB9XdE-vU6VtZV9dEftfK9kRzsGVEM_EQ7Ptq8PIxwI0ddpw6HGX0QXshd8pcCfACWFL0k-AKluxLqiL5mhJdBBBZ9mN0xtU5U_nckv0Z9qmLOwyrfEF3qSOeKT7BXGys7wnuo_-_3djTExIE27/w233-h350/The%20Wiz.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ooops. Wrong, </span>Oz<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Batman isn't in any real danger. <i>Off World</i> is basically a game of "Gee, I wonder how Batman will survive that." Some of his survival depends more on Ione and less on his indomitable will. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another element that's well played is the fact of need. The warlord needs hands, or tentacles. Literally.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHM7RCPR7Dsg5bcE8RyBZtHIEFwbiIh_TgPICIpJ6PvZ50d5wObvC4vntz6DLY_WiUQbU5-hR2GwlE-Xb8c0HfRvUpj8zys0ADjds_ChIvIFX209zELVm4jQ5Nk3Y8VFbiSL4JiKQFEIeBBFX-VVSbcUlcNw0TqhRz47EchXLCCZs0T0OStWSgIWCb-oo/s800/Off%20World%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHM7RCPR7Dsg5bcE8RyBZtHIEFwbiIh_TgPICIpJ6PvZ50d5wObvC4vntz6DLY_WiUQbU5-hR2GwlE-Xb8c0HfRvUpj8zys0ADjds_ChIvIFX209zELVm4jQ5Nk3Y8VFbiSL4JiKQFEIeBBFX-VVSbcUlcNw0TqhRz47EchXLCCZs0T0OStWSgIWCb-oo/s320/Off%20World%20Six.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The idea of the "storm shield becoming clogged with space debris" makes sense. The use of prisoners as cleaners makes mercenary sense as well. Sure. A Federation starship would harbor oodles of methods for automatic cleansing. This isn't Federation space. Hell, it's not even Klingon space.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Because of this need, the warlord provides a certain amount of security on the ship. He allows the other prisoners to create a pecking order, but death is counterproductive to his wants. If his charges die <i>after</i> they've cleaned the shields...eh.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As such, the plot intrinsically finds methods of keeping Batman safe. To such an extent that he finds himself "magically" speaking multiple alien-languages.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_9JZihdiQ_fvHcqbDyo4r4Xan3GuqDav02XTbvyd4Ykpx7hnW3SuM4kW5i9bLCI9eHt-6XHRljclWkWVlSQJLWBvqkoPScL3lxdW3EIjtsuRK7NaRyvsu0VTd6IDAH334QRW2CicM9tkSnK3J4pHcQeryG4DQ2QHDXnEYaPatkoMo0OWpFHpXNqf14Ut/s800/Off%20World%20Fifteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_9JZihdiQ_fvHcqbDyo4r4Xan3GuqDav02XTbvyd4Ykpx7hnW3SuM4kW5i9bLCI9eHt-6XHRljclWkWVlSQJLWBvqkoPScL3lxdW3EIjtsuRK7NaRyvsu0VTd6IDAH334QRW2CicM9tkSnK3J4pHcQeryG4DQ2QHDXnEYaPatkoMo0OWpFHpXNqf14Ut/s320/Off%20World%20Fifteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Now, the warlord may figure that he can remove that lingo chip from Batman's corpse, should it come to that. However, the fact he implants lingo chips in all his prisoners indicates a level of dependence. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-vxL66FEoTQFjUzd81pA5HioJ8aUJySkJdQiSvYomBQ4cIggFo2CKor_VLHwnRSufwafpLHl0DRBxzaPmcBHKooWOsPFgkAlqZtmgPBU5GbPLTlnHRVrlYMle9KKmFBRk6nNo7TdJNuu2lavKcf82nuq_Q7MoZSQlnDBMmgfsWzbjc2PaP-_UF6YnUNL/s800/Off%20World%202%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-vxL66FEoTQFjUzd81pA5HioJ8aUJySkJdQiSvYomBQ4cIggFo2CKor_VLHwnRSufwafpLHl0DRBxzaPmcBHKooWOsPFgkAlqZtmgPBU5GbPLTlnHRVrlYMle9KKmFBRk6nNo7TdJNuu2lavKcf82nuq_Q7MoZSQlnDBMmgfsWzbjc2PaP-_UF6YnUNL/s320/Off%20World%202%20.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The second issue of <i>Off World </i>presents Ione's escape plan in full and shows how far Batman has come in his studies.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyiq55DSrijhHK7WPwzhWHyWzVaz8zTnwaqnggcImQgaFBeneQBnqzPEEpU1fs3RfZaenS7cZq0oyiP3tKMmsHV_iLNUwR_m6xcHtuE_xH-Vm9fBgFPbf8wlYCPlTFSl_lmRQcZK7vVcgMTiFxbitJJlql3X6ZJ7UgVF6sNmsolSAhHlQ26iKjOYn-jDK/s800/Off%20World%202%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyiq55DSrijhHK7WPwzhWHyWzVaz8zTnwaqnggcImQgaFBeneQBnqzPEEpU1fs3RfZaenS7cZq0oyiP3tKMmsHV_iLNUwR_m6xcHtuE_xH-Vm9fBgFPbf8wlYCPlTFSl_lmRQcZK7vVcgMTiFxbitJJlql3X6ZJ7UgVF6sNmsolSAhHlQ26iKjOYn-jDK/s320/Off%20World%202%20Two.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The escape plan naturally doesn't go without hitches, and Batman cannot help but feel a certain camaraderie with Punch Bot.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6Jl9UxfcaFSahYhLrnpBA6BaxWmY7EZrLtgAt5Cfs6VqK4vDSmMQB68aotY6gI1ANca9FMlDjBjwcK6Jfuu2dUIzYzRqF9Yekmb6x3sdF4zCu-nHNVdUEhI2MwXtbQW8DTmqvoOrwqcxEFJe7rsABx_z2lC3TzUxWPCYO5haK_MyhHSSKWnhcGtzJcit/s800/Off%20World%202%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6Jl9UxfcaFSahYhLrnpBA6BaxWmY7EZrLtgAt5Cfs6VqK4vDSmMQB68aotY6gI1ANca9FMlDjBjwcK6Jfuu2dUIzYzRqF9Yekmb6x3sdF4zCu-nHNVdUEhI2MwXtbQW8DTmqvoOrwqcxEFJe7rsABx_z2lC3TzUxWPCYO5haK_MyhHSSKWnhcGtzJcit/s320/Off%20World%202%20Four.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This selflessness places Batman in jeopardy. Yet, he's Batman. This is a tale set in his past. So you cannot once imagine the Dark Knight somehow biting the dust.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjkS6TNXdqgMT4TzT-n-_neB7bCwjVfL6XkfMlnbSpOg8SI3TM82Q-q3O4nUDnWHxPWmeWRHmFQw4zTwCBZee2U_JHs3sI9dw1CYF4XD9FJfqW-bGe5LC8TQLeg13SgTM87CvnW0P0fk7K8m2_DLpc3cyuoTfEb-6BzgGA7y-CG81FVYqPu81tQyc29Dj/s800/Off%20World%202%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjkS6TNXdqgMT4TzT-n-_neB7bCwjVfL6XkfMlnbSpOg8SI3TM82Q-q3O4nUDnWHxPWmeWRHmFQw4zTwCBZee2U_JHs3sI9dw1CYF4XD9FJfqW-bGe5LC8TQLeg13SgTM87CvnW0P0fk7K8m2_DLpc3cyuoTfEb-6BzgGA7y-CG81FVYqPu81tQyc29Dj/s320/Off%20World%202%20Five.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After eluding the trap of frozen death, Batman finds himself on a strange, new world. This again allows Batman to display his newfound knowledge of the cosmos.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The aliens parlay with Batman, and he learns of a grand injustice that must be opposed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c4JH998bn1qsmREKF7kaP7-u6kQBcovqCHk8wv6yFMtPOojNCYkCuuvJjpA1pA3SoH0p8MZzspRAQt6pOFd8Aunnm_HUWYm_vSg_TUa39CZJHkRBhogFAuvsdA4hMOq5B_8sbHGMbg2sHUaR6wikQt1PmWPuyPIcctEXR5zIbzMWPw06H2kDl5Mp4TbG/s800/Off%20World%202%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-c4JH998bn1qsmREKF7kaP7-u6kQBcovqCHk8wv6yFMtPOojNCYkCuuvJjpA1pA3SoH0p8MZzspRAQt6pOFd8Aunnm_HUWYm_vSg_TUa39CZJHkRBhogFAuvsdA4hMOq5B_8sbHGMbg2sHUaR6wikQt1PmWPuyPIcctEXR5zIbzMWPw06H2kDl5Mp4TbG/s320/Off%20World%202%20Six.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Batman Off World</i> isn't a perfect Batman series. There's that pesky question about who's guarding Gotham. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5qLz15eofDO7xOmjhvDG5Zw1zH2_2O3iqMW3Ep9BAFCcpLyxuUb-T1D-ckISI7oZUZOh0oSxzsdRmmRvmSxPje70VnQryUPWSS5HFQ4B9BSMG8oQE5B4pGBDpGJXP8IIlKsAbZ0fRBDUCkZfXSAnJ221k9SqPvrtiYoOfjKA-r2271n1PDa8GCFzPAHT/s800/Off%20World%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd5qLz15eofDO7xOmjhvDG5Zw1zH2_2O3iqMW3Ep9BAFCcpLyxuUb-T1D-ckISI7oZUZOh0oSxzsdRmmRvmSxPje70VnQryUPWSS5HFQ4B9BSMG8oQE5B4pGBDpGJXP8IIlKsAbZ0fRBDUCkZfXSAnJ221k9SqPvrtiYoOfjKA-r2271n1PDa8GCFzPAHT/w412-h180/Off%20World%20Two.jpeg" width="412" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Batman also lucks out a lot, even beyond the aforementioned rationalizations. <i>Off World</i> nevertheless is very entertaining especially for those pining for simpler days when the Batman mythology wasn't quite so confusing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccxrDehjV5Vz59fs6NblP88KVIGccIqmiZ8ftJCTeLZfTzd-wgAh-bfodvVXdhDhk9fZ-6j8NN6v6ZIwb203UikpN5Jp774GVfTyV2wryQyiQ374c0jsC15DzpGUUnRRlHCih9rAXUpEsOKPR_J9mdgdIv5b1MsxqNKzYwXUZ2oR3Bhoq2GFnkfIheVDT/s800/Off%20World%202%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccxrDehjV5Vz59fs6NblP88KVIGccIqmiZ8ftJCTeLZfTzd-wgAh-bfodvVXdhDhk9fZ-6j8NN6v6ZIwb203UikpN5Jp774GVfTyV2wryQyiQ374c0jsC15DzpGUUnRRlHCih9rAXUpEsOKPR_J9mdgdIv5b1MsxqNKzYwXUZ2oR3Bhoq2GFnkfIheVDT/s320/Off%20World%202%20Three.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's funny that Batman being dropped into an alien warship is easier to understand than say finding Batman only rich enough to buy townhouses and transversing Gotham City by its sewer system. I'll also be glad to argue that Batman teaming up with a Tamaranian bounty hunter is a lot easier to chew than his partnering with some low-tier extra dubbed <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2021/03/pobb-march-5-2021.html" target="_blank">Ghost-Prancer.</a></span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-18948469747234973402023-11-18T18:45:00.000-05:002023-11-18T18:45:34.865-05:00POBB November 14, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">June 14, 2023</span></span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></span></i></div></span></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>This week, I take you on a mostly spoiler-free voyage of the latest Captain Marvel film: <i>The Marvels.</i> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhTiqdxxMP6SvU739M77M6dWslPsvqK5kTSp46Zm51AU1KjBM37MZGyestMDRwPO_aYLz8mcRkNqslz9IZOVkXAOKViPoa8MjJO-2JqLlVrYVkZPnk-4DyEve9Vtgcac6CWQweN-oN4eaKV-sYsagUqK6YJdRK0BfUOSZUiSbuyu35QQ6fWiNjpxaL3te/s800/The%20Marvels%20Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhTiqdxxMP6SvU739M77M6dWslPsvqK5kTSp46Zm51AU1KjBM37MZGyestMDRwPO_aYLz8mcRkNqslz9IZOVkXAOKViPoa8MjJO-2JqLlVrYVkZPnk-4DyEve9Vtgcac6CWQweN-oN4eaKV-sYsagUqK6YJdRK0BfUOSZUiSbuyu35QQ6fWiNjpxaL3te/s320/The%20Marvels%20Poster.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Truth be told. I saw The Marvels in standard.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">It's just a cool poster.</span></i></div><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>You may be thinking: well, <i>The Marvels </i>is not really a Captain Marvel film since it's also graced with Iman Vellani's </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Kamala Khan alias Ms. Marvel and Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau...</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1N7ll2EmiT7PxGQAeKM6jZxmT6Tku9q0T1r9B__WMth2Cx6lZsj9cImiOxo1QAKLJ2tO4dF7gGS0gOmfuuSuEAJh6uLeFh014pKhdRYoAVV_ANMOldpNDxsIdpbLgOQNN7vMd0TQY38P6dxfbjJde9M3mKrE1uBsANfhlJjD0pxoNLXi5dfhRfGSWVNL/s800/The%20Marvels%20Together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1N7ll2EmiT7PxGQAeKM6jZxmT6Tku9q0T1r9B__WMth2Cx6lZsj9cImiOxo1QAKLJ2tO4dF7gGS0gOmfuuSuEAJh6uLeFh014pKhdRYoAVV_ANMOldpNDxsIdpbLgOQNN7vMd0TQY38P6dxfbjJde9M3mKrE1uBsANfhlJjD0pxoNLXi5dfhRfGSWVNL/w392-h221/The%20Marvels%20Together.jpg" width="392" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">...as well as a certain Samuel L. Jackson portraying you know who.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yeah. That means you really haven't been paying attention. Else, you would know that this isn't really the second Captain Marvel film. It's the third.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ-sxj3UvHfaY57lJchStD0JctVfGsKGxkT38ExG1Q0H7KKgACUetUhK4ZiU5KstRNXGdg9AyRq0xSlRwb8EPEXPBphaEGdyovw1AxmKnJJ2h20OBn_FnPhpe11_Cfi2VpRO-3lRIlBuNGjio7E5b6iiWe8UrI2QElYFOeRi9q0udtlyRq4XT_WJB0OHf/s650/Captain%20vs%20Thanos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="650" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQ-sxj3UvHfaY57lJchStD0JctVfGsKGxkT38ExG1Q0H7KKgACUetUhK4ZiU5KstRNXGdg9AyRq0xSlRwb8EPEXPBphaEGdyovw1AxmKnJJ2h20OBn_FnPhpe11_Cfi2VpRO-3lRIlBuNGjio7E5b6iiWe8UrI2QElYFOeRi9q0udtlyRq4XT_WJB0OHf/s320/Captain%20vs%20Thanos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Avengers: Endgame</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Marvel Comics films are frequently ensemble flicks because the Marvel cinematic multiverse...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUPfr2lSewCheCQWAwpqzuCbbNuoSa49LsKhCQFj0qspflgxrg8Hh2YTEhnmmC-4gWCy6CWSHPRICyE1u0WaZjOl2Ue2RG3nAKAv5Xhl9QrOy74wevuQZGoOd5uvfrZo43t-uc3CD1x3r2O50kMlMj5QEkK8hVKf9qMGFTsNQgTh_s2QsyDQNWzNl95xy/s800/scarlett-johansson-black-widow-iron-man-2%20copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="800" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUPfr2lSewCheCQWAwpqzuCbbNuoSa49LsKhCQFj0qspflgxrg8Hh2YTEhnmmC-4gWCy6CWSHPRICyE1u0WaZjOl2Ue2RG3nAKAv5Xhl9QrOy74wevuQZGoOd5uvfrZo43t-uc3CD1x3r2O50kMlMj5QEkK8hVKf9qMGFTsNQgTh_s2QsyDQNWzNl95xy/s320/scarlett-johansson-black-widow-iron-man-2%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Iron Man Two or Black Widow One. You decide.</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">...is actually more cohesive than DC's cinematic multiverse. That's ironic, if you read comic books. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Superhero entanglement feeds into the reason for <i>The Marvels</i> assembly. The theme also cuts a lot of needless padding. For example, Nick Fury doesn't really need to explain how he knows where Kamala Khan lives. He's Nick Fury, Director of SHIELD.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrk_97aiSc5zqsGU3U50sXYNrOjkpOHdY6Txju4z4yoYZgoPCLDkWWwglXLNrtTdCCXQlO-MvaW4g5iwI33b73zmNd2uVXvBfIHROeVYCJql4aCXXol1XTZq_fR2_GTsp9gx_AEs0VMpu5KiVo6ZHIsxDUJEShcXrOHNBgqHPbau5p9ls0YAb4FQFM1dy/s800/Fury%20Calling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="800" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrk_97aiSc5zqsGU3U50sXYNrOjkpOHdY6Txju4z4yoYZgoPCLDkWWwglXLNrtTdCCXQlO-MvaW4g5iwI33b73zmNd2uVXvBfIHROeVYCJql4aCXXol1XTZq_fR2_GTsp9gx_AEs0VMpu5KiVo6ZHIsxDUJEShcXrOHNBgqHPbau5p9ls0YAb4FQFM1dy/s320/Fury%20Calling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">However, for those who came late to the multiverse, <i>Marvels </i>briefly covers Ms. Marvel's origins and oddly enough Captain Marvel's origins. The latter in flashback. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I would have thought it more likely that some might not know Monica Rambeau's power source. She evolves in <i>WandaVision. </i></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-URu0RCbM2qal2YYLrMvlevxPeUoZCexrvZd6OS44C-aBAFiAmpWcFD2a5WyQ4Y-L5PrkfC0tB6QUQ856gxEQOhjvCVrwhAJ7SMKeSzDG4QJQGiu6B3PWbs60au9N_BTHK8PW9GF7i4EeghG-_Q28u2yPtqQ6xeHb5vFbRlm-rVFToCRfUqB3DJoWE7w/s800/Monica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-URu0RCbM2qal2YYLrMvlevxPeUoZCexrvZd6OS44C-aBAFiAmpWcFD2a5WyQ4Y-L5PrkfC0tB6QUQ856gxEQOhjvCVrwhAJ7SMKeSzDG4QJQGiu6B3PWbs60au9N_BTHK8PW9GF7i4EeghG-_Q28u2yPtqQ6xeHb5vFbRlm-rVFToCRfUqB3DJoWE7w/s320/Monica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Parris summarizes what happened only in dialogue. If you didn't watch <i>WandaVision</i>, you can be forgiven for not understanding the lip service. On the other hand, you can also say to yourself. Hey, it's a new super-powered lady and watch with no real dent in your enjoyment. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Monica Rambeau comes into her own as a superhero in <i>Marvels. </i>She</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> has</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> grown in depth since <i>WandaVision. </i>Her </span><span style="font-family: arial;">relationship with her Aunt Carol and her deceased mother is what's important.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you spent time with Disney stream series <i>Secret Invasion</i> and <i>Ms. Marvel</i>, you'll get more out of the film. Not because of plot points. You'll just better absorb the richness of character development in Nick Fury, Kamala Khan and her family. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As established in <i>Ms. Marvel</i>, Kamala's grandmother gifted her a bracelet. The bracelet triggered her abilities and allowed her to control them to a greater degree. Kamala's powers mimic the hard light constructs of a Green Lantern's ring.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGpxrdEn9X_E2NCu31pUQFxPnSdIPml0UI1hlvjnLXh6iO0MFokS-JsMH44JI0Zw_yydL0v1XKyg6koJUEyeAqwYdqM0kISuOe64AhkWO4dQMRx9r56NAvKbe6NUXcGc8cxO12U7fGXXzpopUEYZm-2e9NRJABy_k7kngyo2BjpJgHDo7u_WXuT9TEgJl/s696/Ms.%20Marvel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="696" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGpxrdEn9X_E2NCu31pUQFxPnSdIPml0UI1hlvjnLXh6iO0MFokS-JsMH44JI0Zw_yydL0v1XKyg6koJUEyeAqwYdqM0kISuOe64AhkWO4dQMRx9r56NAvKbe6NUXcGc8cxO12U7fGXXzpopUEYZm-2e9NRJABy_k7kngyo2BjpJgHDo7u_WXuT9TEgJl/s320/Ms.%20Marvel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The bracelet and its mate serve as the catalyst for <i>The Marvels</i>. They bring the band together. They're greedily sought for by Kree villain Dar-Ben. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajztL4L1L43NcrjgDX6QfJyhwYIom4VTyCS2tMygIPqz-1sCHf0nPUb024K4Kv_UbHKXqw1NvM26hSpqukPG0Ltel2OF50hXp_wqTTL-CGpGw7SDLMjWoER4SX_tUuBBpmgacIMopB_5kjUGxZvpCPFmIsX9kczEEJLIFLuu94EYhvkRsvbazCjlq62nN/s772/Dar-Ben.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="772" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajztL4L1L43NcrjgDX6QfJyhwYIom4VTyCS2tMygIPqz-1sCHf0nPUb024K4Kv_UbHKXqw1NvM26hSpqukPG0Ltel2OF50hXp_wqTTL-CGpGw7SDLMjWoER4SX_tUuBBpmgacIMopB_5kjUGxZvpCPFmIsX9kczEEJLIFLuu94EYhvkRsvbazCjlq62nN/s320/Dar-Ben.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The bracelets are the problem and the solution to most of the questions raised by a well-written science fiction plot. They also cleverly allude to the nega-bands that allowed Rick Jones and the original Captain Mar-Vel to switch places.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLFlhphYC0wVJXT_D_vtj_JHeOLe-XZXxoP-zo3Ug4J4hbbgYrPp14nLJe8gbHTv7bCDHj6PJyTFX6fGhILuck49-JVhHPES6k8lhlVMZSn2LO7hi1lqjO7TfVghDnvrKVchULSQGwQ_jc9IZbDKs2YlotPvCBTplZvWnS2MWqtv3PtsAUuha5wbfYfrB/s825/e29c6718-c510-4bd8-9f86-fa64bdda74d8-screen-shot-2022-07-13-at-103106-am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="825" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxLFlhphYC0wVJXT_D_vtj_JHeOLe-XZXxoP-zo3Ug4J4hbbgYrPp14nLJe8gbHTv7bCDHj6PJyTFX6fGhILuck49-JVhHPES6k8lhlVMZSn2LO7hi1lqjO7TfVghDnvrKVchULSQGwQ_jc9IZbDKs2YlotPvCBTplZvWnS2MWqtv3PtsAUuha5wbfYfrB/s320/e29c6718-c510-4bd8-9f86-fa64bdda74d8-screen-shot-2022-07-13-at-103106-am.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With a few exceptions, the Kree are basically shitty versions of Superman. Kree Warriors display remarkably homogenous superiority complexes because they possess a greater toughness, stamina and strength over ordinary aliens. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Lady Sif already bested one in <i>Agents of SHIELD</i>. In that same episode human SHIELD agent Mockingbird fought the Kree invader to an impressive standstill.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-xdLt1bY3GIF8qiy6TgDCCLhH8MVuFwCqOlXsbnq4G9zznniaqblNw8scRjCmLvAja5OmYBnlQfCHR3Pl1ik0lUX7fQ_9ZcVwWfr-F95T5MtdovZG1GgoFqbo5hBE5HZPBd913yren1ywa0jtYHo3N95YepLF9sZOC3Mj_h4SXNH73-wHfJGfNVySOuJ/s800/Mockingbird%20vs%20Kree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-xdLt1bY3GIF8qiy6TgDCCLhH8MVuFwCqOlXsbnq4G9zznniaqblNw8scRjCmLvAja5OmYBnlQfCHR3Pl1ik0lUX7fQ_9ZcVwWfr-F95T5MtdovZG1GgoFqbo5hBE5HZPBd913yren1ywa0jtYHo3N95YepLF9sZOC3Mj_h4SXNH73-wHfJGfNVySOuJ/s320/Mockingbird%20vs%20Kree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Captain Marvel, of course, smacked down a whole slew of them. The Kree rationalize that by ostracizing Carol Danvers, dismissing her and fearing her at the same time. She's dubbed the Annihilator. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">No explanation for how the Kree get on with their lives after an Asgardian and a mere human humbled one of their agents. Perhaps they don't speak of this humiliation.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In <i>The Marvels, </i>the planet of the Kree, Hala, is dying. It's only that passing semblance to Kryptonians that saves the species from expiring with it. Dar-Ben has a plan to save Hala and the Kree. It's a half-assed plan. One that makes perfect sense given the Kree mind-set. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dar-Ben also has an ulterior motive. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Her reasoning mirrors Darth Vader's petty revenge against Han Solo in <i>The Empire Strikes Back. </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">She and Captain Marvel go back aways, from Dar-Ben's perspective. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It seems that Carol unwittingly abased her. Carol on the other hand doesn't really know who Dar-Ben is. That slight is enough for Dar-Ben to attack all that Carol holds dear. Dar-Ben however is a tragedy rather than a personal genuine threat.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dar-Ben emerges as a wannabe grandiose villain, but she actually can't muster that kind of presence. She only seems tough because Captain Marvel is holding back a helluva lot. It's apparent through the movie. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The fact is that Carol could have simply cut off Dar-Ben's hand or arm that holds the McGuffin of power, but Captain Marvel doesn't do that. She's not that kind of person. All three heroes wind up fighting Dar-Ben simultaneously. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4KVwLLM4Wj-dX9pCcGubUPIUMCFg53z6Jkc_fcHNUznGyXW920aI91b06g81tamaayC7SufSKyLiZuRgkxIKW582UIQCeUMlq61zNfNSqQUX7IAXQyU_8Tk4-xBaoiqifkvVcLSFULdTdHuJYlvDzUipnrqgBqGeYfzsuQ4EKhA8CvSGgp1eNcFnHf6l/s800/Captains%20Switch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="800" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4KVwLLM4Wj-dX9pCcGubUPIUMCFg53z6Jkc_fcHNUznGyXW920aI91b06g81tamaayC7SufSKyLiZuRgkxIKW582UIQCeUMlq61zNfNSqQUX7IAXQyU_8Tk4-xBaoiqifkvVcLSFULdTdHuJYlvDzUipnrqgBqGeYfzsuQ4EKhA8CvSGgp1eNcFnHf6l/w380-h158/Captains%20Switch.jpeg" width="380" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The fights presented in <i>The Marvels</i> are some of the best. They're athletic and short, depending on wirework and the actresses' and/or stunt people's battle training more than CGI. The minds behind the movie furthermore seamlessly blend in the switching of the combatants without losing the momentum of the skirmishes. This was not an easy movie to make, and yet everybody behind it makes it look effortless.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUllEmL2oeSMw174EgrtrRgA-he-SPJDKBIC4i8bddffFmu23XPZqeNTIB2L4Ih_KQp2U9vS0LoENgXqhWTzod3A50UCiSnQ_9yh1FKhsDesczKmM5xxn64ghjMgOQbWPFTf4c6UQklQxuVwizRxICFRtu124ImYhiSh_OsNApGvS7goe_VcGlbQnTqC8e/s681/Captains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="681" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUllEmL2oeSMw174EgrtrRgA-he-SPJDKBIC4i8bddffFmu23XPZqeNTIB2L4Ih_KQp2U9vS0LoENgXqhWTzod3A50UCiSnQ_9yh1FKhsDesczKmM5xxn64ghjMgOQbWPFTf4c6UQklQxuVwizRxICFRtu124ImYhiSh_OsNApGvS7goe_VcGlbQnTqC8e/s320/Captains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That kind of natural flow can be seen in the performances of all involved. This movie actually plays like episode seven or so in a Captain Marvel series starring Brie Larson. The agency she imbues to the Captain, her interplay with Nick Fury, even her relationship with Goose the Flerkin, which happens to look like a cat, is so practiced that Larson persuades you to believe that Captain Marvel has been pursing a life ever since she left the stage of <i>Avengers Endgame. </i>In other words, Carol's existence didn't stop when the movie ended. Her life ran parallel to all the movies and stream series that came after.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-x9dO5Vo4JOSYsfrLeKzTAqr5j51XddTxy323OObUdPvD4in9Bq5cfYJzNz-c0j4RamvLuMFvnTVjCIB2U22DqQsAeWp_yKs3RJeHIdCGZjPL2gZqvrIUqCwDZQUD81PWO2eJhYg2npWlv1HLRbtig4G1HkDAFroksNz8xeujBQxpJHB0LCoKPeTSONt/s625/Shall%20We%20Dance,%20Captain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-x9dO5Vo4JOSYsfrLeKzTAqr5j51XddTxy323OObUdPvD4in9Bq5cfYJzNz-c0j4RamvLuMFvnTVjCIB2U22DqQsAeWp_yKs3RJeHIdCGZjPL2gZqvrIUqCwDZQUD81PWO2eJhYg2npWlv1HLRbtig4G1HkDAFroksNz8xeujBQxpJHB0LCoKPeTSONt/s320/Shall%20We%20Dance,%20Captain.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The movie in fact explicitly states that Captain Marvel is a known quantity throughout the galaxy, perhaps beyond. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Given my disdain for the particular genre the film dovetails into, I should despise these scenes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">These moments clearly happened to be on whatever creator's checklist for making an alien species. I should have really hated these instances, but I didn't. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Larson as Captain Marvel is simply too convincing not to take everything in what should be a nauseating action at face value.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOVsfyKCdNeb_YTLEmSBOQy6EoYOKHoPnCm1FXIXo7q2_HGu6RFcAs2f_ncZq8AI4FUPSRenbh0IFyK9zOjRYNsJ5-hOfCqlOC7zWdmz66vy6xXjU3WlDmpJIgJiv6GoiE2LFcSWUXdkClnm_0iuMAuYQE97sPz4aEfEt5PqarXtAZiJg-W-vMcZUXxEF/s800/Captain%20and%20Admirers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOVsfyKCdNeb_YTLEmSBOQy6EoYOKHoPnCm1FXIXo7q2_HGu6RFcAs2f_ncZq8AI4FUPSRenbh0IFyK9zOjRYNsJ5-hOfCqlOC7zWdmz66vy6xXjU3WlDmpJIgJiv6GoiE2LFcSWUXdkClnm_0iuMAuYQE97sPz4aEfEt5PqarXtAZiJg-W-vMcZUXxEF/s320/Captain%20and%20Admirers.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm aware of the online hate bubbling around <i>The Marvels</i>. I suspect it's got more to do with a potent black Captain Marvel character and a Pakistani-American Ms. Marvel joining Brie Larson. All three powerful women portrayed by accomplished actresses. With the Captain demonstrating once again why she may be the most powerful superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Well, to the haters...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AxZDj3-qqPBBB9hYfcihub2WWsDfhMN90n1PybFMLnpreLhtiORacXoBxvYQlGiOdPLTqo_wCCCw0JUNvDjx9eCXkqWIpCdk1tsGVZiiE463ajZbMjj5wYksYDb2MEyUcV9iDNrJYW7HNHJAiEo-Iluo7GrICBFV9XtODUW1UoTx8kbMQZcrjgxex6-Z/s375/Trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="375" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AxZDj3-qqPBBB9hYfcihub2WWsDfhMN90n1PybFMLnpreLhtiORacXoBxvYQlGiOdPLTqo_wCCCw0JUNvDjx9eCXkqWIpCdk1tsGVZiiE463ajZbMjj5wYksYDb2MEyUcV9iDNrJYW7HNHJAiEo-Iluo7GrICBFV9XtODUW1UoTx8kbMQZcrjgxex6-Z/s320/Trump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">...I don't get you. I never have. <i>The Marvels </i>is a blast of fun.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-68864345412427563512023-10-25T10:41:00.000-04:002023-10-25T10:41:52.914-04:00POBB October 17, 2023<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">October 17, 2023</span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">by</span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></i></div></span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i> returns with an October treat for the fans of good comic book artwork... </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7CHl40nM7fQDb0bKe3pHyznjQk8S_zH78X658BY_3DDSaa1Bu3urddHuldPuCXhj-Eww3icdXr0f74k8AGPpYwKCUGsWTI0R8K3RomZznqeOsD5f4YDKEh-TQ2ZNNji0vE22kmbKyKRu9lRGByENI_rrj6gIMzqiyMQIQSwBHps01HryGoG1jJPa0IeU/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Ten%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1000" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7CHl40nM7fQDb0bKe3pHyznjQk8S_zH78X658BY_3DDSaa1Bu3urddHuldPuCXhj-Eww3icdXr0f74k8AGPpYwKCUGsWTI0R8K3RomZznqeOsD5f4YDKEh-TQ2ZNNji0vE22kmbKyKRu9lRGByENI_rrj6gIMzqiyMQIQSwBHps01HryGoG1jJPa0IeU/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Ten%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">That expression on Andromeda's face kills me.</span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">...comedy and those who loathe post-apocalyptic cinema. Yes, yes. There are exceptions.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kynbxr-eq8QPQSgUpJvUZxFAFrCI8aU6pw9-l8tESpKOC2szVRPjj0Gc8CDpEqUsEDEkN8CO_4zdTn9MG3jPnDT10gYVoIQjhWQBS3kgnkoggWMEF007-0zHmpXRuRXVo3HXtOEMeUN878cPUV1wugRPXmAiaYIyYiWTcbQbNm6LJk6mJ9Z3OOM5E55G/s450/l_1392190_50142848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kynbxr-eq8QPQSgUpJvUZxFAFrCI8aU6pw9-l8tESpKOC2szVRPjj0Gc8CDpEqUsEDEkN8CO_4zdTn9MG3jPnDT10gYVoIQjhWQBS3kgnkoggWMEF007-0zHmpXRuRXVo3HXtOEMeUN878cPUV1wugRPXmAiaYIyYiWTcbQbNm6LJk6mJ9Z3OOM5E55G/w162-h243/l_1392190_50142848.jpg" width="162" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Fury Road</i> despite its superb execution and visual poetry nevertheless shared the same intrinsic flaws as other post-apocalyptic films. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Simply far too many survivors roam the desert or the ruins. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7mKCesQG1nakZvr7L08GQNg7-Sue_b3BVdTIGU29dIjAEt4xKNSEupDPiNsvaEWq0cs-TPOKwUENn6LccZUOSIzrN4pSH-87Z0YItH9AF91CZUh68pDUKaZLUTggVuyd4Y7GXjpoCXIDLDtFMdRfdmE2yUSQITABYkOgSONGgCyYdd0afXIVLyDDHba7/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Four%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="1000" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7mKCesQG1nakZvr7L08GQNg7-Sue_b3BVdTIGU29dIjAEt4xKNSEupDPiNsvaEWq0cs-TPOKwUENn6LccZUOSIzrN4pSH-87Z0YItH9AF91CZUh68pDUKaZLUTggVuyd4Y7GXjpoCXIDLDtFMdRfdmE2yUSQITABYkOgSONGgCyYdd0afXIVLyDDHba7/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Four%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There's always technology that somehow works, and/or primitive mechanics. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFNwwTk2aKGbp4CZKe_ypvke5jpiLHCLNMpOoT72Vf4GsnYeaDymB0SQ44P2tVtN-jji6IesBOTdbB9xPgT6-ismTbt21UNQZqmYbh3P1AQKio3k5W9azbwCtYlR2a806nlFtLOAwUNkx39o9HP9aWYcHIr1ZtMSBaKQ1J4XO7XPkP-3L-VAHKna3Ttm/s1000/Sonya%20Number%207%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1000" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sFNwwTk2aKGbp4CZKe_ypvke5jpiLHCLNMpOoT72Vf4GsnYeaDymB0SQ44P2tVtN-jji6IesBOTdbB9xPgT6-ismTbt21UNQZqmYbh3P1AQKio3k5W9azbwCtYlR2a806nlFtLOAwUNkx39o9HP9aWYcHIr1ZtMSBaKQ1J4XO7XPkP-3L-VAHKna3Ttm/s320/Sonya%20Number%207%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Food though scarce is available, and there's enough water to keep people alive. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The average human can only live three days without water. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWH7rpsQatT8mWUu6EtPPbQsuPEvpF8Jc2K8p9tOLSPvOARiQx_wM00Xb8iHB2ZHJo83cl0SSpQb1owcgJIT2z3hCdAMrHtCNaHTaRUD_UfiyxVOR62mLmyS2YSlEyZvpkjL7Okqj-FbsmZrOutJDUW6AXbusrjRTY-fZButKo9KE5tecbacS_x70CVOK/s1024/merlin_148264185_dee9aa4f-6437-4418-9e28-4c93e12499e6-jumbo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWH7rpsQatT8mWUu6EtPPbQsuPEvpF8Jc2K8p9tOLSPvOARiQx_wM00Xb8iHB2ZHJo83cl0SSpQb1owcgJIT2z3hCdAMrHtCNaHTaRUD_UfiyxVOR62mLmyS2YSlEyZvpkjL7Okqj-FbsmZrOutJDUW6AXbusrjRTY-fZButKo9KE5tecbacS_x70CVOK/s320/merlin_148264185_dee9aa4f-6437-4418-9e28-4c93e12499e6-jumbo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Aquaman even less so.</span></i></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I suppose I would be able to swallow the premises of post-apocalyptic movies had I not seen the truth as a kid.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dQTa7UnyRwzCWYWxBscvw7rfZTCt8g_iGf5zm_QBJnefPNARZloD8Bl2_11YJUKPcIVNr6ph8Gdlt5qqsahOOU104Iz5_uf3Bf_CZn6jzU8gAEHlZBAV1XzYs4p-UBwe41tKXsjhFdFGsMv4jU_i5MWWfoisTvro4rl3pGr1enJVlpCQWOi8mUZ3tr0j/s800/d2456e10-b458-11ec-9376-bedc70abe8be%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="800" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dQTa7UnyRwzCWYWxBscvw7rfZTCt8g_iGf5zm_QBJnefPNARZloD8Bl2_11YJUKPcIVNr6ph8Gdlt5qqsahOOU104Iz5_uf3Bf_CZn6jzU8gAEHlZBAV1XzYs4p-UBwe41tKXsjhFdFGsMv4jU_i5MWWfoisTvro4rl3pGr1enJVlpCQWOi8mUZ3tr0j/s320/d2456e10-b458-11ec-9376-bedc70abe8be%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>The Day After</i> continues to be the most realistic depiction of nuclear holocaust. The lucky ones get killed at ground zero. The sort of lucky Louies are caught in the blast radius and die with maybe a flash of indescribable pain. The most unlucky sods live on the outskirts of the bullseye. They didn't even win the lottery to get smashed by the horrendous wind that's capable of shattering bone. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The witnesses saw the mushroom cloud. I don't know what's worse. That they're under the impression they somehow managed to scrape out of the tragedy, or that they will die slowly from various cancers and the equivalent of AIDS. Oh, yeah. Nuclear War destroys the immune system. Cheers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAQuZFRzrMPUQTMygKt8Jt9K9E4IBmYEwa-xYSdHQj-HFmuJrcQbx8BCk8M2ibIMV1NSJB3UlyYXBzJlYmwIR3qbg74xjWVwhpZXd-fAudYNx0WeCLkCOGasILh7gkq5wZARQlH1SiKHriyljNfgL2YWQBa0Ldtc8QQnEC2D-yc1Qyo3DmrADW52h9Qw0/s431/l_84424_9be5b1c7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAQuZFRzrMPUQTMygKt8Jt9K9E4IBmYEwa-xYSdHQj-HFmuJrcQbx8BCk8M2ibIMV1NSJB3UlyYXBzJlYmwIR3qbg74xjWVwhpZXd-fAudYNx0WeCLkCOGasILh7gkq5wZARQlH1SiKHriyljNfgL2YWQBa0Ldtc8QQnEC2D-yc1Qyo3DmrADW52h9Qw0/s320/l_84424_9be5b1c7.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">You mean, Fred Williamson lied to me?</span></i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You see. If a thermonuclear holocaust occurs, it's the end of the human race. We're all dead. The smug bastards who built underground bunkers are dead. The evil fucks that knocked over the dominoes are dead. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Wait. Wait. Selby</span><span style="font-family: arial;">?</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_UEo6YmTUbTnT_7seXeiJDp2ssmq_nEOzpUB8JgQe-BEughKwZmNfExdaU_-ATBGQtIoJguY53o2C6uPamcDFy3tQhupZ1OzHvkNZYGAmQgh3jvZykE9HsuhjIZNL6fLx_frXedETOdqdNZbxtn5aUsmVo7WXs8bmvX2r_BfD8zXlWyCO-aq7oR_-ShL/s150/HollyRed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="150" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_UEo6YmTUbTnT_7seXeiJDp2ssmq_nEOzpUB8JgQe-BEughKwZmNfExdaU_-ATBGQtIoJguY53o2C6uPamcDFy3tQhupZ1OzHvkNZYGAmQgh3jvZykE9HsuhjIZNL6fLx_frXedETOdqdNZbxtn5aUsmVo7WXs8bmvX2r_BfD8zXlWyCO-aq7oR_-ShL/s1600/HollyRed.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Selby's dead, Dave. Everybody's dead, Dave.</span></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAaCl_u0xaa1wdk6qfBZYn7mIj_IZJ7ikRrBAKbsfMp73qqy6JBorK6pN014n5krb0Q7bdFvVLwgZRjMU4uuEZ_tmvEwO9B9NS9l9XKIeiw_jopg-rscYbzdPbT6O1FLLcXVNTsd99VsYVl4UFHaSjL0D7PxnPrnZf_X2J6BwRC83GFESKiRqfh4d89y6/s500/IMG_0467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAaCl_u0xaa1wdk6qfBZYn7mIj_IZJ7ikRrBAKbsfMp73qqy6JBorK6pN014n5krb0Q7bdFvVLwgZRjMU4uuEZ_tmvEwO9B9NS9l9XKIeiw_jopg-rscYbzdPbT6O1FLLcXVNTsd99VsYVl4UFHaSjL0D7PxnPrnZf_X2J6BwRC83GFESKiRqfh4d89y6/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Wonder Woman saved us all, and nobody got it. Except apparently me. <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2021/04/pobb-april-21-2021.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman 1984</a> is an utterly chilling experience. Of course, it's a fairy tale. Nobody with a magic lasso is going to rescue us. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Although...Gal Gadot <i>does</i> possess a black belt and <i>is</i> adept in multiple martial arts...so...possibly...she may be in a position...More and more, the world is turning into a James Bond nightmare.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gv33zYEqCZPN108mhJlU69KuYXZKvwolZRN7OH_RdGHArzKoPO9H2CPHDOlYs90n-zf91gRwxYhwey1BzHCirwhyqnwmbcUL7JO3vGH7GMpfCxbBWozK0BfvND37C1yehWBFDQ_IVRe4iJTijEmweh377vG8ikHes6JjeiOfo64AsD4_yHuAfJSNStTV/s308/GiseleYasharProfileImage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="206" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gv33zYEqCZPN108mhJlU69KuYXZKvwolZRN7OH_RdGHArzKoPO9H2CPHDOlYs90n-zf91gRwxYhwey1BzHCirwhyqnwmbcUL7JO3vGH7GMpfCxbBWozK0BfvND37C1yehWBFDQ_IVRe4iJTijEmweh377vG8ikHes6JjeiOfo64AsD4_yHuAfJSNStTV/s1600/GiseleYasharProfileImage.jpg" width="206" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Gadot began her career in <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gisele_Yashar" target="_blank">The Fast and Furious </a></i>franchise. It's the kind of elevation Sonya Devereux can only lust for.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64hwwbsqePHCRis1R4IniHBJgKZR2ojBWvGWsNPMU_i6SmibOZMFfdWNkrrmHrfn29ac0Bk0ePkKpnw9PEd7EnM92PMtFw-kxV3aUnZYgbIv7flNBQi-I3hO-dR1fG9B0YI0rVJq1kAmFJuLkz9fPvSL7sI94dmEPspQm1FDCFAjawWpRIHAHFIm316eO/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64hwwbsqePHCRis1R4IniHBJgKZR2ojBWvGWsNPMU_i6SmibOZMFfdWNkrrmHrfn29ac0Bk0ePkKpnw9PEd7EnM92PMtFw-kxV3aUnZYgbIv7flNBQi-I3hO-dR1fG9B0YI0rVJq1kAmFJuLkz9fPvSL7sI94dmEPspQm1FDCFAjawWpRIHAHFIm316eO/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Two.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sonya Devereux is a fictional actress in grade Z to B movies. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Each of her comic books is essentially a film strip of the latest cinematic feast. Each issue is a number one. The first of the series is available in</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://www.americanmythology.net/product-page/starring-sonya-devereaux-tpb-collection" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">trade paperback</a><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmlKGnfx1WqshNuKy1yl-aHK0ldifgQzoRnN5eBvTmxRvBDIpyclSBqR-T_JM_wBI32KAZJ1RPDEW_iQsRAC5bczlygN_CusyhS2lwgNsKsnw0PRGKpNaAq6NFIDr2D-cbqUSn4IHlOEs9J4-Z37inN1ibCjI0G68QsvLl7m1tzsxzXCbe5gG9VDRDrbY/s800/Sonya%20%231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmlKGnfx1WqshNuKy1yl-aHK0ldifgQzoRnN5eBvTmxRvBDIpyclSBqR-T_JM_wBI32KAZJ1RPDEW_iQsRAC5bczlygN_CusyhS2lwgNsKsnw0PRGKpNaAq6NFIDr2D-cbqUSn4IHlOEs9J4-Z37inN1ibCjI0G68QsvLl7m1tzsxzXCbe5gG9VDRDrbY/s320/Sonya%20%231.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In this issue of <i>Starring Sonya Devereaux</i>, Sonya hosts her post-apocalyptic sequel <i>Renegade Road Riders 3</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B59fLocaKsjF5wdPadPEIuAeAr0RBCPIrL2aQVg9DXY9Wq_pJjhUn-bwZMiirfsXRI_NnYu7CjYNNKsK7mxrvDjmyrHMiEWy5IFa980ZhtK7U9SHQLUUm-INS7V_wHYpGmCPxeSvt1kZ6tzZEM8BVSVNMfJ1sfVdbqHhR3K98e7M9HmSQPT2YcKQZLU_/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B59fLocaKsjF5wdPadPEIuAeAr0RBCPIrL2aQVg9DXY9Wq_pJjhUn-bwZMiirfsXRI_NnYu7CjYNNKsK7mxrvDjmyrHMiEWy5IFa980ZhtK7U9SHQLUUm-INS7V_wHYpGmCPxeSvt1kZ6tzZEM8BVSVNMfJ1sfVdbqHhR3K98e7M9HmSQPT2YcKQZLU_/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Three.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">While I'm aware of lots of gatherings, a post-apocalyptic convention is new to me. As it is to Sonya, but she quickly adapts. Does such a thing actually exist? Just curious.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The most recent of Sonya's "movies" had me at page three. The gag actually had nothing to do with the bomb. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1GxslJp-t5JayQ9zKSIMuZHkeRTwbRLaXBNo9_7kWiramk4tAuBERAtCalox2d6Lo17YW8dje9FLfNb2iAP-1_E9Nbm-7OcE11GYafmzPEsco1bA-8fYQuYz-gZej-oKzA8oKRV3Z4MOO60k8Jf7Z2Ap0Ppk14sRQAX0e3qzvWSFak62C5Mia0omeKnh/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1GxslJp-t5JayQ9zKSIMuZHkeRTwbRLaXBNo9_7kWiramk4tAuBERAtCalox2d6Lo17YW8dje9FLfNb2iAP-1_E9Nbm-7OcE11GYafmzPEsco1bA-8fYQuYz-gZej-oKzA8oKRV3Z4MOO60k8Jf7Z2Ap0Ppk14sRQAX0e3qzvWSFak62C5Mia0omeKnh/w460-h200/Sonya%20Number%20Four.jpeg" width="460" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ahhhh. Such alliteration must be lauded. All the narration on page three is like that. Really, take a bow. The joke indicates that we're dealing with a bunch of smart people that purposely make bad "movies." </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Renegade Road Riders'</i> first swipes at the post-apocalypse check off all the boxes I mentioned. The</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> whole look of the book is shared by its subject of parody. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The visuals just have the feel of; let's go out in the desert and make cinema. What kind of movie? If you were filmmakers in the fifties and sixties you would be making a western. Eighties and nineties, post-apocalypse. Seventies? Anything goes. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Post-apocalyptic films and westerns share much in common. More so than the landscape. Artists/writers Brendan and Brian Fraim with some help from Todd Livingston and Nick Capetanakis are keen to demonstrate.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uuNwSVBifTPc6VWbdETnZ3aD9tWMpAsHkyIboMPAnp580IFx7ff2XTkowLhjHt8WKX_ojWrJmsqTjnXqQU5D0qqUhSpi4j32cUKth6zGgTcCyCLbNJPeKQTe7xbYLi3KgPzHl4EDzM6_3UaRqWrrXMUFiSevTl9tzcESKJARpCvs2Z10OiSMYO7Xzv3n/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Six%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1000" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2uuNwSVBifTPc6VWbdETnZ3aD9tWMpAsHkyIboMPAnp580IFx7ff2XTkowLhjHt8WKX_ojWrJmsqTjnXqQU5D0qqUhSpi4j32cUKth6zGgTcCyCLbNJPeKQTe7xbYLi3KgPzHl4EDzM6_3UaRqWrrXMUFiSevTl9tzcESKJARpCvs2Z10OiSMYO7Xzv3n/w423-h226/Sonya%20Number%20Six%20copy.jpg" width="423" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">This scene can appear in a western. We're just missing a saloon backdrop and cowboy hats.</span></i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The difference lies in the cost. I'm guessing westerns are probably a little more expensive to make. You need to corral the anachronisms and require a lot of horses. For post-apocalyptic cinema, you don't even really need effects.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecCaPtDBYPjvDj3H5pMUs1qEvQegTZsygr9I1w1SAjYmR8Wa0Xe7ARGOFbTFm-Vne5BdGnjl9F3g1ken2zD_BqucVUpcRYD04bbHPR7gsXwVUCfsQnM1dFgSsEdsakM3U_dn7MvhyiHNexlP7jgDG_S8FDdhyphenhyphenyyRqCbFM2sHKN4SRKtIxO8W8illNXc76/s600/BRONX_WARRIORS_ee_1_758_426_81_s_c1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecCaPtDBYPjvDj3H5pMUs1qEvQegTZsygr9I1w1SAjYmR8Wa0Xe7ARGOFbTFm-Vne5BdGnjl9F3g1ken2zD_BqucVUpcRYD04bbHPR7gsXwVUCfsQnM1dFgSsEdsakM3U_dn7MvhyiHNexlP7jgDG_S8FDdhyphenhyphenyyRqCbFM2sHKN4SRKtIxO8W8illNXc76/s320/BRONX_WARRIORS_ee_1_758_426_81_s_c1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Biker film? YMCA sequel? Break Dancing 3? No! </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>It's the post-apocalyptic masterpiece </i>1990: Bronx Warriors.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To be fair, you can make more expensive post-apocalyptic movies with beautifully designed vehicles, guns, costumes. <i>Fury Road</i> obviously. It's just not absolutely necessary.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryfWq0KoaylkHMMn-9BTqfzyDkI6Ef4AARMgejUYGwj3kJ3ZqeBhzT3I6n2NkAJ58GEzGBSOYRRCuDke1tS2ZE0ZC051-8_dBUcDl2nJiQhJ_Ms7VNFQBTmZTsofy5ded48JxF85WoEjr0mjGWOJSJtISGJwdtTs2JFdgg8AEpm3rWUxGa4fV-xoLZzaJ/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Eight.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiryfWq0KoaylkHMMn-9BTqfzyDkI6Ef4AARMgejUYGwj3kJ3ZqeBhzT3I6n2NkAJ58GEzGBSOYRRCuDke1tS2ZE0ZC051-8_dBUcDl2nJiQhJ_Ms7VNFQBTmZTsofy5ded48JxF85WoEjr0mjGWOJSJtISGJwdtTs2JFdgg8AEpm3rWUxGa4fV-xoLZzaJ/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Eight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dude's wearing a radio. I wish that was the most absurd thing I saw in a post-apocalyptic flick. I know. If I hate this genre so much, why do I watch? My knowledge comes from late night television broadcasts. I have never sat through a period post-apocalyptic movie in sequence, but I've seen a whole clutch of them in their entirety via staccato. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sonya Devereux in <i>Renegade Road Riders 3</i> portrays Andromeda Zoom, leader of a group of bi-sexual...um...truth seekers? </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3flaqv_zAIE5k07dnffWN-HlJn_7QCmfsDQ9og2B5Nh0EFEAKcxLb_cg9zCYdvU1Rq1aZkUQ-JOqKUba-2nt-KlfgUpdoTqNndpF9AZ7X1UPxAxUYgsfFyqBhPEIt7kPn6efEhg_Wzt0HurIKcssSXQqkDOVA6n3aSyzHaDdDtjTZ8C9TLeiEqWCE2gs9/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Eleven%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1000" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3flaqv_zAIE5k07dnffWN-HlJn_7QCmfsDQ9og2B5Nh0EFEAKcxLb_cg9zCYdvU1Rq1aZkUQ-JOqKUba-2nt-KlfgUpdoTqNndpF9AZ7X1UPxAxUYgsfFyqBhPEIt7kPn6efEhg_Wzt0HurIKcssSXQqkDOVA6n3aSyzHaDdDtjTZ8C9TLeiEqWCE2gs9/w374-h317/Sonya%20Number%20Eleven%20copy.jpg" width="374" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Don't expect any nudity or explicit scenes. The lesbian aspect of the "film" is actually cute, warm and funny. Not that these facets are mutually exclusive. The sexual diversity however is an outlier with regard to the genre. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Post-apocalyptic movies appear to be fueled by testosterone. They generally eschew LGBTQ. Sometimes you get an overtly gay flunky, but he's usually portrayed as perverted. Nudity is also at the most a smidge of boobies. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKzeYzYqxMXsQ42rK2XIwrpkXIyy5cotRbtv52dz6DR7F21u5bpHOXD_rnK5A6K0IRR74x1Dq3sUJ4eydyfw5JVGExz_rthphI1RVhRb7o2QOjJnenjr11ChQ70hmpBDFr4tsvEVx2cxkZZY5V7legba9Qlo37n5-5ULbkt1DEK0uTZXnT2NcDGeCuF2W/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Nine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="1000" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicKzeYzYqxMXsQ42rK2XIwrpkXIyy5cotRbtv52dz6DR7F21u5bpHOXD_rnK5A6K0IRR74x1Dq3sUJ4eydyfw5JVGExz_rthphI1RVhRb7o2QOjJnenjr11ChQ70hmpBDFr4tsvEVx2cxkZZY5V7legba9Qlo37n5-5ULbkt1DEK0uTZXnT2NcDGeCuF2W/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Nine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This genre of cinema gears more toward car fights, gunplay, flamethrowers and exotic weaponry. Rather, weaponry that seems exotic but really consists of tricked out fake uzis, or something. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you could sex films, the lion's share of the post-apocalyptic would be decidedly male. They tell the story of a male hero. They give you the unflinching machismo perspective. In a way they create a kind of wish fulfillment for certain bros. The kind that think civilization and equality emasculates them. Just give a <i>man</i> a gun, a beer and a car, and he can sort the whole business of nuclear aftermath unbound by law, money or those pesky liberal rights for women. For these men nuclear war is the ultimate leveler, which makes <i>Starring Sonya Devereux </i>quite the surprise. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Andromeda Zoom and her fellow Riders usurp the male focus of this genre while at the same time being extremely funny doing it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhkNaF9eBBH5Zdv2OQTW_sdgaIvypk4-LrOp7v578A5LVUKHhdbmmmldQYpjGrP2KrTkTkMaoKFdReNWSrIkBt7du6FBlUTyHhSmb698uwItB9C79w0Db2ZgQ1ytGdhMgWikxPZv7BQme-3z6BV97NkUbrouS96OWLsSem-calFNpo_wfDIGuqoT0s56m/s1000/Sonya%20Number%207.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="1000" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhkNaF9eBBH5Zdv2OQTW_sdgaIvypk4-LrOp7v578A5LVUKHhdbmmmldQYpjGrP2KrTkTkMaoKFdReNWSrIkBt7du6FBlUTyHhSmb698uwItB9C79w0Db2ZgQ1ytGdhMgWikxPZv7BQme-3z6BV97NkUbrouS96OWLsSem-calFNpo_wfDIGuqoT0s56m/w499-h173/Sonya%20Number%207.jpeg" width="499" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sonya's impromptu speeches are right up there with Maxwell Smart's expert spoofery. The expressions of her fellow actresses and their interaction provide consistent amusement. As does the running joke of suddenly empty water bottles.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This issue of <i>Starring Sonya Devereux</i> is actually a grade A Movie when compared to the actual animals. The plot makes sense. A fellow played by--Tim Reid?--visits the village. He bears gifts.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs0lg3TfkFGJVGG99ePIP6ZTmOecjCJ9-xX9gVQ1vtLoiK86TY4dZ_8uwAPdisxBQpAlehi2U4-dSQx3m8VJdTMQxRh4lVxYSFE0Pgf0c6vcqQk3zK1nb4pT5t295jW5KBI17UNBd1cHu89kakbB1CzLpizjWNIcGOEUGQJZo0nyIqURTHVPlcjcHX0K1/s1184/Sonya%20Number%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrs0lg3TfkFGJVGG99ePIP6ZTmOecjCJ9-xX9gVQ1vtLoiK86TY4dZ_8uwAPdisxBQpAlehi2U4-dSQx3m8VJdTMQxRh4lVxYSFE0Pgf0c6vcqQk3zK1nb4pT5t295jW5KBI17UNBd1cHu89kakbB1CzLpizjWNIcGOEUGQJZo0nyIqURTHVPlcjcHX0K1/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Five.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">All hell breaks loose over the water, depicting humanity's greed. Zephryne--possibly a reference to Jethrine, Jethro's twin sister on <i>The Beverly Hillbillies</i>--who is not part of the village returns to the Renegade Road Riders with the news.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahK8OrKmizRd66gyb8wCzwP8xt8zSB9f3oWqUmRkdI9IoLiXkL4S5wIci9T8dkBb9TLZhj6FjJqsoAqLLiCn7uAdWSlys3qxWeOv80r_NuT4QT2N0wayXfUPBFER2hDt171c8Nq5r2gpFMwI8olV9pH7WocweY3KzOsJEqyS7P4KbZ3mK-7XZdbik7sUr/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1000" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahK8OrKmizRd66gyb8wCzwP8xt8zSB9f3oWqUmRkdI9IoLiXkL4S5wIci9T8dkBb9TLZhj6FjJqsoAqLLiCn7uAdWSlys3qxWeOv80r_NuT4QT2N0wayXfUPBFER2hDt171c8Nq5r2gpFMwI8olV9pH7WocweY3KzOsJEqyS7P4KbZ3mK-7XZdbik7sUr/w356-h235/Sonya%20Number%20Six.jpeg" width="356" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Even their title, Renegade Road Riders makes inherent sense. They are loyal only to themselves not to the village. This departure naturally makes them renegades.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2svcbXp9cY37610qrHdln2PG4EkeWLY68xTA_iMdBJwe3UuN-xyJUzATRZoqBE6IxHHRcXjcP0fcEXfwG3DhAgHahm0cbjTEPEmG-PT5Kx_5VV752fzjJYwrEg9U19VA24tnjQHxYfxSbkdffL23g-qzm3psRiGzmK2wFeCW8Rj7LNtGf_whKECHPYasS/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Ten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2svcbXp9cY37610qrHdln2PG4EkeWLY68xTA_iMdBJwe3UuN-xyJUzATRZoqBE6IxHHRcXjcP0fcEXfwG3DhAgHahm0cbjTEPEmG-PT5Kx_5VV752fzjJYwrEg9U19VA24tnjQHxYfxSbkdffL23g-qzm3psRiGzmK2wFeCW8Rj7LNtGf_whKECHPYasS/s320/Sonya%20Number%20Ten.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Renegade Road Riders</i> is decidedly feminist. The majority of the characters are women. Though the women date other males, they are sexually bound to each other, which creates a loyal sisterhood. I know. I know. It's a send up, but what're you going to do? The depth is right there. Throughout, this movie<i> </i>counters the typical period post-apocalypse. It runs on estrogen.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Renegades are looking for concrete survival: water. I've seen some post-apocalyptic goofs that seek for all sorts of useless McGuffins or dubious enlightenment. The writers know that a finite quantity of bottles of water cannot sustain a population, and that's why the conclusion is a good one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">While the car fights and the gunplay are just as ludicrous as some of the "serious" entries in the genre, Andromeda's toe-to-to against the Big Bad actually is brilliantly plausible, true to Andromeda's characterization and once again enforces the Renegades eponym. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWc_eawJesX2luh3XOy08pQrC7HNIHqa7cNLWP34RYDZaggOJzxzqMEB6N0yslhMrSATGeaPn1CKjrxHY7sQ4fD9BjWhXqm9_fYxSeL9t6Nv53qD1jYv-1-yUv1CiPslG7pzEIdokLFoN9KeZVxVm2pzbO052lzYHFqaAs0vgfr6lAO1nW1AALajkfqX5/s1000/Sonya%20Number%20Twelve%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="1000" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWc_eawJesX2luh3XOy08pQrC7HNIHqa7cNLWP34RYDZaggOJzxzqMEB6N0yslhMrSATGeaPn1CKjrxHY7sQ4fD9BjWhXqm9_fYxSeL9t6Nv53qD1jYv-1-yUv1CiPslG7pzEIdokLFoN9KeZVxVm2pzbO052lzYHFqaAs0vgfr6lAO1nW1AALajkfqX5/w374-h229/Sonya%20Number%20Twelve%20copy.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The creative team of <i>Sonya Devereux </i>distinguish Andromeda and the other ladies with unique personalities. It's weird. So many of these flicks' casts blend together, along with the minimal plots. <i>Renegade Road Riders</i> stands out. You can also see the blatant schism between <i>actress</i> Sonya Devereux and her character Andromeda Zoom. So, there's a remarkable meta double-split within the book. Andromeda is different from Zephryne and brunette Chevlee. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">She's also definitely a role played by the fictional actress. A meatier one to boot.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-22045113232288558412023-10-11T10:57:00.000-04:002023-10-11T10:57:43.027-04:00POBB October 3, 2023<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">October 3, 2023</span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">by</span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></i></div></span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello, my name is Ray Tate. I am the creator, writer and host of the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag. </i>Simply put. This is a review blog about comic books. However, you'll get more than a thumbs up or thumbs down from me. I also delve into the history and the currency of the subjects. So dig into my look at </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Kelly Thompson's and Leonardo Romero's newest DC title<i> Birds of Prey.</i> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcLhUaJtw0HFDufMPmGtsLCguwYEy9Hn4TmMWYb4FBTNFKovSwnERvmxgie7RBlykoOHY-6P07KAKx3OkGuBVe53cYTy1FD3jyrYnqx5iH2ujfDe0fjEgrK1-7ljyr4bQdKlx4iMrEiLJDVOrsi-s5LvLirLzboOQFJ1tQZtKCs6GjsmQnPT1YI630b3j/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20%231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcLhUaJtw0HFDufMPmGtsLCguwYEy9Hn4TmMWYb4FBTNFKovSwnERvmxgie7RBlykoOHY-6P07KAKx3OkGuBVe53cYTy1FD3jyrYnqx5iH2ujfDe0fjEgrK1-7ljyr4bQdKlx4iMrEiLJDVOrsi-s5LvLirLzboOQFJ1tQZtKCs6GjsmQnPT1YI630b3j/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20%231.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The story actually begins years ago with the arrival of Supergirl.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYlpFUwKrRP8V_wK6cL82MaoEY1WOEWeCoVtg12ry-LllDjfnohf-UHa7oRadqEX76_TprOdAOB2ErcNxYnD3momEI_1TEIlW1vFBgR62zUN4PpmxqVvNh8snN9zGBvB2hNwxd6vn-M56Iu0h2YTbA4NAWsuY3ICa75Fq9SkOj7Ex4ZC6elUiOZ3jICh/s1122/tumblr_6f4765ef2a32c4ea46eab95e0fb8ccc7_1263480e_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1122" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlYlpFUwKrRP8V_wK6cL82MaoEY1WOEWeCoVtg12ry-LllDjfnohf-UHa7oRadqEX76_TprOdAOB2ErcNxYnD3momEI_1TEIlW1vFBgR62zUN4PpmxqVvNh8snN9zGBvB2hNwxd6vn-M56Iu0h2YTbA4NAWsuY3ICa75Fq9SkOj7Ex4ZC6elUiOZ3jICh/s320/tumblr_6f4765ef2a32c4ea46eab95e0fb8ccc7_1263480e_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Action Comics #252 (1959)</span></i></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Batgirl and Supergirl became best friends.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDcH45u7ZC1Z6BWxT1_rODpF8uAwoR9IALQXEZap7cRRAiFZWuqbqIywvXqnkqmblT5W9lRmy6T4Ve9IQ_DXybMw7kpIaFDCiE9SGlCZaEL8MtLGqWAzmWfuM6k5SQ6xnywWCzoSosPQRAMGNHEXqRNgKRHolwdSS0l5zh4fuEcFwKNMVAm8BQl1SWjjm/s875/image013-19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDcH45u7ZC1Z6BWxT1_rODpF8uAwoR9IALQXEZap7cRRAiFZWuqbqIywvXqnkqmblT5W9lRmy6T4Ve9IQ_DXybMw7kpIaFDCiE9SGlCZaEL8MtLGqWAzmWfuM6k5SQ6xnywWCzoSosPQRAMGNHEXqRNgKRHolwdSS0l5zh4fuEcFwKNMVAm8BQl1SWjjm/s320/image013-19.jpg" width="218" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><i>From Superman Family #171 (1975)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Nowadays, Batgirl and Supergirl don't really know each other. They're merely friendly acquaintances. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsaaBV05hG_7j7TCTRxCQTeyDAoe3WLd1PHlZ6TE6D0APIGIwKcakaDZo3VpBqSg4VCS64PbKEhYTvUx_wsCKwcCin9KoG5AwiVm3kiU5gJKiUrg99CLBvidi4txlrNXxao4gjPhXjzCzoRwNvePHKcECs0A48drFcQ_z03mUIW9uoKet9sDztfAZvZmp/s800/Prefer%20to%20Wear%20Masks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="730" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsaaBV05hG_7j7TCTRxCQTeyDAoe3WLd1PHlZ6TE6D0APIGIwKcakaDZo3VpBqSg4VCS64PbKEhYTvUx_wsCKwcCin9KoG5AwiVm3kiU5gJKiUrg99CLBvidi4txlrNXxao4gjPhXjzCzoRwNvePHKcECs0A48drFcQ_z03mUIW9uoKet9sDztfAZvZmp/s320/Prefer%20to%20Wear%20Masks.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Batgirl Annual #1 (2017)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Barbara Gordon's eyes are blue. They're blue, baby. Blue.</span></i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The schism is largely due to the original Supergirl's death in <i>The Crisis on Infinite Earths.</i> </span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pJW5ck4RqiGSCMyrQ0Yyr9cFWWhsq0fikGkNOyjaV3__4HXCNwLLMMFXOmjyBGqgJ5AwlBCD7FU2dWrI6mS2QrUM4MQMit2nghenZZw30pdjRFmwmbb-qRUiydSgBPcqsM7ahW3oazvJbAAI8u3p256ywdSVnz9BCj6lQ1bEc5lCke9xd5J8i6uZ1r4/s915/Supergirl%20Kicking%20Anti-Monitor's%20Ass.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92pJW5ck4RqiGSCMyrQ0Yyr9cFWWhsq0fikGkNOyjaV3__4HXCNwLLMMFXOmjyBGqgJ5AwlBCD7FU2dWrI6mS2QrUM4MQMit2nghenZZw30pdjRFmwmbb-qRUiydSgBPcqsM7ahW3oazvJbAAI8u3p256ywdSVnz9BCj6lQ1bEc5lCke9xd5J8i6uZ1r4/s320/Supergirl%20Kicking%20Anti-Monitor's%20Ass.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>If ever you wanted proof that Supergirl is more powerful than Superman...there you go.</i></span></div></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After the Crisis, a new universe Big Banged. Supergirl returned as a clone of Superman's Smallville sweetheart Lana Lang<i>. </i>No, no. That's honestly true. It's comic books.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF5Q58YZiQ0AlohpR-MGF9ToncaHQIb_wd0fV5NfBDXuDJTI0pAPFYsYboZtRiCIQbntc17imHTn-MhrShxfVYQty3_RPjPvKuZGMFKCB_JntSvRVd9yT5aAbQ85RYeReD1cv98XzySYIrjhXGsb93nW7Gn3bfafHuPbQGj3YMxhZ96IHRgv8YtYCtE7u/s500/Superman_v.2_21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaF5Q58YZiQ0AlohpR-MGF9ToncaHQIb_wd0fV5NfBDXuDJTI0pAPFYsYboZtRiCIQbntc17imHTn-MhrShxfVYQty3_RPjPvKuZGMFKCB_JntSvRVd9yT5aAbQ85RYeReD1cv98XzySYIrjhXGsb93nW7Gn3bfafHuPbQGj3YMxhZ96IHRgv8YtYCtE7u/s320/Superman_v.2_21.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Every version of Supergirl hence has been a variation on that clone, dubbed Matrix, created by John Byrne.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Matrix exemplifies Byrne's status as a world-building architect and the surprising longevity of comic book characters. You expect to learn Batman and Superman existed for about eighty-five years. It's surprising that a comparatively younger creation like Matrix made twenty.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Later, somebody decided...It had to be somebody on high...Screw it. Let's reintroduce Superman's cousin.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R_R3ydi8clMQbqnBBYJ3JxzNLsSHsEHp5R8qEawF0HLFHTXyJDwDNnvRZBVFvcorVz7dgc4qvCwDOyimfBT3QkVYd_WRXYKj5xo0FhTXo2ym4l9IePhJp19inJSSq5RJIuQ6Zvjad0fuIzsYTXiWPmD2tAy-EKecuf4AmfSkVEzEzSeRxkDAfolS-K1J/s926/large-8931436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="926" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4R_R3ydi8clMQbqnBBYJ3JxzNLsSHsEHp5R8qEawF0HLFHTXyJDwDNnvRZBVFvcorVz7dgc4qvCwDOyimfBT3QkVYd_WRXYKj5xo0FhTXo2ym4l9IePhJp19inJSSq5RJIuQ6Zvjad0fuIzsYTXiWPmD2tAy-EKecuf4AmfSkVEzEzSeRxkDAfolS-K1J/s320/large-8931436.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That still didn't stop constant reinvention.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamKX0G4EnpV8aLapKYTf3pU4NqgHHr6MlY_Srj3DZUK2gKAlC99oxqocUlpVKydJ_c3pWFs8jRZqQGE7SAjV2WZFLeRuJLxdXxeFgEUbngknl45Mduup5YyBcoThmeyG5pAIuiGrncmgYL2maakQnNh_pPPhttqLZka8VLkLAodiU05yUXpRFY7kU0Jzy/s1388/sg%201%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1388" data-original-width="904" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamKX0G4EnpV8aLapKYTf3pU4NqgHHr6MlY_Srj3DZUK2gKAlC99oxqocUlpVKydJ_c3pWFs8jRZqQGE7SAjV2WZFLeRuJLxdXxeFgEUbngknl45Mduup5YyBcoThmeyG5pAIuiGrncmgYL2maakQnNh_pPPhttqLZka8VLkLAodiU05yUXpRFY7kU0Jzy/s320/sg%201%20cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Without the stability of Supergirl's character history or any written consistency, Batgirl's historical friendship with Supergirl fell by the wayside. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL3h1POi-g8qoikWmeknzQ-2tguc39fxvPMQqzZ0UfUh48AROIuYe-HtQlzCDrzL85G-cH2YvZLehC-S1NGT-eikAvzk71zye5ZVNeypL9tOD6uSW8DBw5DXpl4r7UaK8iCeoCfri4TAdU_JkzO3VCvqCDZTV2EEGKfsFmtikdvf_z9BNKDw2JByR0Bo7/s480/1d18f69eece1876c9e568150207246ca.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL3h1POi-g8qoikWmeknzQ-2tguc39fxvPMQqzZ0UfUh48AROIuYe-HtQlzCDrzL85G-cH2YvZLehC-S1NGT-eikAvzk71zye5ZVNeypL9tOD6uSW8DBw5DXpl4r7UaK8iCeoCfri4TAdU_JkzO3VCvqCDZTV2EEGKfsFmtikdvf_z9BNKDw2JByR0Bo7/s320/1d18f69eece1876c9e568150207246ca.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>"We'll still be together in the animated series."</div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Without a Supergirl in her life, Batgirl instead established a friendship with the Black Canary, whom in the previous multiverse she didn't know at all. It's comic books. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Writer Chuck Dixon and artist Gary Frank brought the two crimefighters together about twenty years ago.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S460JJPTkIzn6WS8SE0pYkQWjgN-IC3_g73jty9hsUTUELDsTDzCanYLg61O9yFOhAz9CEZF3mqFIOlv2EVFsBXViDDpvxdpnIIz-VvsXZ-aXtGAOeeDtqfJFO0vDyChtGTgaxfDnbEel83HFi9B-_Gegu5e-qxL52bY1aKIhYG9I-10s5_bdXlXK2JH/s604/Birds_of_Prey_-_Black_Canary_and_Oracle_Vol_1_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S460JJPTkIzn6WS8SE0pYkQWjgN-IC3_g73jty9hsUTUELDsTDzCanYLg61O9yFOhAz9CEZF3mqFIOlv2EVFsBXViDDpvxdpnIIz-VvsXZ-aXtGAOeeDtqfJFO0vDyChtGTgaxfDnbEel83HFi9B-_Gegu5e-qxL52bY1aKIhYG9I-10s5_bdXlXK2JH/s320/Birds_of_Prey_-_Black_Canary_and_Oracle_Vol_1_1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm not sure you can argue Dixon and Frank <i>created</i> the Birds of Prey. Dinah Lance alias the Black Canary existed since the 1940s.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzkIfnvAnFDqC9CpZcGIUEOJe5J957-jUIJTsU5nW9CNM6w0vQtcZeqPOWprdjJElA6QG_4KDUuMatTIfmP6p4J2y-vEwBiMtxv18bHBv6k5Aw8nHrwKzB9fjPjMZGKNPIwNCTRg9fLgbXkir9W4gKxgHRSAUz43EvoFHWLDABrrZtorpIjnLTo9tTt8f/s320/Flash%20Comics%20%2386%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="320" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzkIfnvAnFDqC9CpZcGIUEOJe5J957-jUIJTsU5nW9CNM6w0vQtcZeqPOWprdjJElA6QG_4KDUuMatTIfmP6p4J2y-vEwBiMtxv18bHBv6k5Aw8nHrwKzB9fjPjMZGKNPIwNCTRg9fLgbXkir9W4gKxgHRSAUz43EvoFHWLDABrrZtorpIjnLTo9tTt8f/s1600/Flash%20Comics%20%2386%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Flash Comics #86 (1947)</i></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Barbara Gordon alias Batgirl since the 1960s.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNPygdyqsOfHPsl5euQcMYgRkwf7Ps46IMs8UwaeHpalPxHnfZ_KhhTDU1g6XYUyouwm3csqAH6zCnH7QrGxVELMMt9Q9XOEpmHlDSR3-GKf3gV25DD9LSQYG5j6qRPAKIMJJIi9aNvaTA8NiWnOEb2oUMxewQWmv3IXrTIHAbK7BGn4doZ4nH5o1TbBv/s500/Detective_Comics_359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNPygdyqsOfHPsl5euQcMYgRkwf7Ps46IMs8UwaeHpalPxHnfZ_KhhTDU1g6XYUyouwm3csqAH6zCnH7QrGxVELMMt9Q9XOEpmHlDSR3-GKf3gV25DD9LSQYG5j6qRPAKIMJJIi9aNvaTA8NiWnOEb2oUMxewQWmv3IXrTIHAbK7BGn4doZ4nH5o1TbBv/s320/Detective_Comics_359.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Detective Comics # 359 (1967)</i> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">None the less, thanks to Dixon and future <i>Birds of Prey </i>scribe Gail Simone, Batgirl and the Canary have been inseparably bonded ever since. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m4X4W83rxCZnslthTq3BIucCmeLUKnSWhovT9VGie6sFIUBcUPWXLamoqg-4otc8Cd4SFB419yXFQ4NddezvshkFuHhd0dPT5kSrsDKb0jUD6SnXjGrAVYDR8IWOa4doExHvNpgjifkyXiGoE2IEAx0w9VrPvg127ofcFebTXCWlftVp6nW8lhy8JpDJ/s800/Best%20Friend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="800" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m4X4W83rxCZnslthTq3BIucCmeLUKnSWhovT9VGie6sFIUBcUPWXLamoqg-4otc8Cd4SFB419yXFQ4NddezvshkFuHhd0dPT5kSrsDKb0jUD6SnXjGrAVYDR8IWOa4doExHvNpgjifkyXiGoE2IEAx0w9VrPvg127ofcFebTXCWlftVp6nW8lhy8JpDJ/w371-h139/Best%20Friend.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Indeed, Batgirl and Black Canary are currently best friends, a friendship that survived multiple DC Universe reboots. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IhPBjb7rfFIuviUgBtJXnqnBDNKOktVvwBQz-K4Fx-TxpEPv7L2m790f9L2T7ibUtw9njFLCaS2Wv4gsYFvsXrHUREa4PFhHmNokdwmDN2HsGnCt4PaXcRpTEcanoPbjOFujKbDpDxsHvAlOM6_HgMQMdHYhcF1s-Ofa-GSIE9UhHo97HKVs-aYAkqqW/s800/You%20Suck.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="800" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IhPBjb7rfFIuviUgBtJXnqnBDNKOktVvwBQz-K4Fx-TxpEPv7L2m790f9L2T7ibUtw9njFLCaS2Wv4gsYFvsXrHUREa4PFhHmNokdwmDN2HsGnCt4PaXcRpTEcanoPbjOFujKbDpDxsHvAlOM6_HgMQMdHYhcF1s-Ofa-GSIE9UhHo97HKVs-aYAkqqW/w401-h158/You%20Suck.jpg" width="401" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So what happens when an "unknown" party asks Dinah to reform the Birds of Prey without the 1960s Batgirl? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3c1oFLh5tPrZoW0unbBL65d5_sdxxmezh3oJoKSoX-Ymys5MnMuEBY5AUVjrPfGyoWkjktPbwudfFdGkk2WL9D_vVCTrxJhFszZhS6-VPcvOUVk8OXE7hkwWuJbe0MWdH908iHSwbCsjCfjmYBO8wBZqBCJeNUp_S1pDMcpkrBs8gYisfcY0MuHhL6Kg/s800/Big%20Fan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB3c1oFLh5tPrZoW0unbBL65d5_sdxxmezh3oJoKSoX-Ymys5MnMuEBY5AUVjrPfGyoWkjktPbwudfFdGkk2WL9D_vVCTrxJhFszZhS6-VPcvOUVk8OXE7hkwWuJbe0MWdH908iHSwbCsjCfjmYBO8wBZqBCJeNUp_S1pDMcpkrBs8gYisfcY0MuHhL6Kg/w371-h204/Big%20Fan.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">We're about to find out.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One of the more interesting things about <i>Birds of Prey </i>is how Thompson and Romero depict the weight of betrayal the Black Canary feels she's dishing out to Barbara. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37bbSRkXxSpJxSqZCvFp73E8VJgvNLHphF05L6ZKWqukPclYIkJ39lpKtYIXN_Xld71PtQtIvfRNLRhKkcw7a5JnXbvQ0Z1AWUbmCKnZbbWum9K1cQghrTKrIsjCv8Q8h5OXCxUEzxNWQU_7jXyWMXH2pSSgWt74rgD5v3ukDGRlVTBNBYGOCpEipe-Wq/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="800" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37bbSRkXxSpJxSqZCvFp73E8VJgvNLHphF05L6ZKWqukPclYIkJ39lpKtYIXN_Xld71PtQtIvfRNLRhKkcw7a5JnXbvQ0Z1AWUbmCKnZbbWum9K1cQghrTKrIsjCv8Q8h5OXCxUEzxNWQU_7jXyWMXH2pSSgWt74rgD5v3ukDGRlVTBNBYGOCpEipe-Wq/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How she desperately wants to inform Barbara but is forbidden to do so. That exclusion is somewhat but not completely explained. In any case, events force the Canary into a difficult place.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6zsqWlRxkKfYu87IndKRamitE0WkMIBbSCon1iZRS-_oqXgxpaPx_Z7_zHB9NExUII69HzUYjUlUSQW7UHiEhjUgwudjOtXeqGRxpMd2WxIOXjyCqRkrhpA9Atg3uUKYT559EcczYBZHaaHMPydsrPppX_4JmIhsuQHyzpZ2zAhLcUxC9uYb19kBKu1w/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="800" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6zsqWlRxkKfYu87IndKRamitE0WkMIBbSCon1iZRS-_oqXgxpaPx_Z7_zHB9NExUII69HzUYjUlUSQW7UHiEhjUgwudjOtXeqGRxpMd2WxIOXjyCqRkrhpA9Atg3uUKYT559EcczYBZHaaHMPydsrPppX_4JmIhsuQHyzpZ2zAhLcUxC9uYb19kBKu1w/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth%20Two.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The creative team lift the weight somewhat when Dinah asks Cassandra Cain to join the new Birds of Prey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNaQKDJpngJC3CMwG34G0QtqwCVhIEqPqExlg8OBwqd_s3q2F3OH7M8g6HFAgUQD6D5IYRtByuiKjiDbyTH_G15JM80JUmQbKUFzJSPcNaFtU6xCE8VfHseLcDTPuSRaeeN3CyCLtF8FBqnNYoe7fZna9xsCptW_DOer1gW3PjxxbPA2lY_F-j5BcCCoP/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNaQKDJpngJC3CMwG34G0QtqwCVhIEqPqExlg8OBwqd_s3q2F3OH7M8g6HFAgUQD6D5IYRtByuiKjiDbyTH_G15JM80JUmQbKUFzJSPcNaFtU6xCE8VfHseLcDTPuSRaeeN3CyCLtF8FBqnNYoe7fZna9xsCptW_DOer1gW3PjxxbPA2lY_F-j5BcCCoP/w418-h223/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Three.jpeg" width="418" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It used to be very problematic for me to accept Cassandra Cain as an actual character. That's partly due to my own prejudice. I loathed all of the superfluous substitute Batgirls foisted into the comic book world. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Powers That Were at DC could have simply healed Barbara's spine. It's comic books.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Regardless of her Batgirl status, introducing Cassandra Cain as an illiterate mute doesn't really speak highly toward women. Pun not intended. So, I had even more reason to ignore her.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I won't <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2020/07/pobb-june-30-2020.html" target="_blank">reiterate</a> my vitriol against the character. Click on the link and see the succinct. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">My feelings toward Cassandra Cain began to thaw when Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner presented what she could be.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm6ZAva8e-wQmRnNofdwcSKJBLJ1dZzXXgLP6jsV9lCIQP_KlPY_HQvBDEZWpwcHKaaU49Glw43ti-v_Gmyn7XSM3-NKizIoNqpFruYll3fgGHhw7KPHLysBt0B6a-YKeScai4JAifz-qNx6KmrEX3XPuLamioFzfGdDFKShQ4crSK2TfrSMlANYu_lcX/s886/Cassie's%20Outfit.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMm6ZAva8e-wQmRnNofdwcSKJBLJ1dZzXXgLP6jsV9lCIQP_KlPY_HQvBDEZWpwcHKaaU49Glw43ti-v_Gmyn7XSM3-NKizIoNqpFruYll3fgGHhw7KPHLysBt0B6a-YKeScai4JAifz-qNx6KmrEX3XPuLamioFzfGdDFKShQ4crSK2TfrSMlANYu_lcX/s320/Cassie's%20Outfit.jpeg" width="289" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That this new version of Cassandra Cain didn't exist at the expense of Barbara's continued mobility also factored into my reconsideration of Cassandra Cain. I started to enjoy her team-up with the Spoiler under Barbara Gordon's new comic book <i>Batgirls</i>. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQm_cKCSQ6imYKtBFBiYmbOvHW2yinKdMM0tnYkbEKItIV4JuH_p1h2ayDkT-iwIVzcVEf_mKEyDCCurBQK9Vuz-EtW3Nu6KfwpjM9xf-GCpo2EgJWgNR95bR24QM9W3CxbBcrnzTkHl7oXveQYK9zuCQvEBu7ZLujxlu8pu75_SMHcm4l0S3EP_7-GTT/s800/Batgirls%20%237.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQm_cKCSQ6imYKtBFBiYmbOvHW2yinKdMM0tnYkbEKItIV4JuH_p1h2ayDkT-iwIVzcVEf_mKEyDCCurBQK9Vuz-EtW3Nu6KfwpjM9xf-GCpo2EgJWgNR95bR24QM9W3CxbBcrnzTkHl7oXveQYK9zuCQvEBu7ZLujxlu8pu75_SMHcm4l0S3EP_7-GTT/s320/Batgirls%20%237.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Cassandra Cain started to get some artistic respect. Before she most often looked like a leathery bat-shaped sex toy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OmdL4afNwZtT1w-92E1dmpJP2gC1uASsx54T7izKNTSBjXpBUcT-Q8HtLYouEkiI5jVMcPsH_XYpZPMRFuirP4m3E6BOnGLVf7BmICEM5wvdtbL61WEUbP8zAgt6O6-TvjTJtbdhevLWmaFeYJcU6aHJQshcd9qJAg_KVzfZ-TKz4OtJg_WbnEbpdvOz/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OmdL4afNwZtT1w-92E1dmpJP2gC1uASsx54T7izKNTSBjXpBUcT-Q8HtLYouEkiI5jVMcPsH_XYpZPMRFuirP4m3E6BOnGLVf7BmICEM5wvdtbL61WEUbP8zAgt6O6-TvjTJtbdhevLWmaFeYJcU6aHJQshcd9qJAg_KVzfZ-TKz4OtJg_WbnEbpdvOz/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Zeroth%20Three.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I have no idea why Harley is referring to her as such. Cinnamon rolls are brown.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Artists such as <i>Birds of Prey's</i> Jordie Bellaire are starting to use contrasting colors against her "all-black" costume. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1pAGM0DVHZZVs4oM6kqdy3fmeeV5micla2xznF5rSDjEAY-xNZe21vFMFvHnP4dDUWeOLfho_qdzTwgNP4yXSMLfKS0dgUf5irTSixSfWGS8d4jmuVQpE4TSakkxELdO5JSoz3GKgihsXz1uaK-KfQiGnVPyFMDuZpsLqVfsUWf2ZOTM1UpvvI5Bt0KY/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1000" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1pAGM0DVHZZVs4oM6kqdy3fmeeV5micla2xznF5rSDjEAY-xNZe21vFMFvHnP4dDUWeOLfho_qdzTwgNP4yXSMLfKS0dgUf5irTSixSfWGS8d4jmuVQpE4TSakkxELdO5JSoz3GKgihsXz1uaK-KfQiGnVPyFMDuZpsLqVfsUWf2ZOTM1UpvvI5Bt0KY/w335-h204/Birds%20of%20Prey%20One.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There was really no excuse for her looking like somebody's pen had leaked. After all, Cassandra Cain arrived after this gentlemen.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoj2G6gxza8eumgHRqOyTmmKJ9rIZ1aDsO6uzd92br9fw_PY6TFPxM_ixIMkewC4TzYJcTwoIXbJqpjTaw1Z4GVG7L2K9MySDvlNPRUchF8NIMgIQfo84KdcY8X2P7L-VF-CWoG42hyphenhyphenoBGHQTA-Aok-YZYlf1XnB-IbKkEIUF70ROIbOjAGZBVOuqDDZm/s1200/Batman%20Keaton.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1200" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoj2G6gxza8eumgHRqOyTmmKJ9rIZ1aDsO6uzd92br9fw_PY6TFPxM_ixIMkewC4TzYJcTwoIXbJqpjTaw1Z4GVG7L2K9MySDvlNPRUchF8NIMgIQfo84KdcY8X2P7L-VF-CWoG42hyphenhyphenoBGHQTA-Aok-YZYlf1XnB-IbKkEIUF70ROIbOjAGZBVOuqDDZm/w330-h204/Batman%20Keaton.jpg" width="330" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As you can see Romero follows suit with emphasis on shadow <i>and </i>light. Colorist Jordie Bellaire takes advantage of the casting to give the costume some welcome grays and blues. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkRCvLmawd8iotsX4Bm5W1os61JocWhs2MVuVRGpKNcL3rfh7_l3b6a9mKfgBCKEGunSrTUB3I7m86Wycaa7HMNKZHt2cDnD0Me3VnzQMZmGhBGKkFttsjl8B5LkPU2FvSZdBPl1_RmtKAg04gQCTlI7FR_hM3MTrYuGiCAITVCkIlrcuxRRXwC_jE4L-/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1000" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkRCvLmawd8iotsX4Bm5W1os61JocWhs2MVuVRGpKNcL3rfh7_l3b6a9mKfgBCKEGunSrTUB3I7m86Wycaa7HMNKZHt2cDnD0Me3VnzQMZmGhBGKkFttsjl8B5LkPU2FvSZdBPl1_RmtKAg04gQCTlI7FR_hM3MTrYuGiCAITVCkIlrcuxRRXwC_jE4L-/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Two.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I still prefer Connor's and Palmiotti's abandonment of the outfit, but at least the artists of today illustrate her better than those of yesterday. They simply made her look like an oil smudge.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Connor and Palmiotti in the <i>Birds of Prey</i> mini-series adhered to Cassandra Cain being mute, but thankfully eschewed the illiteracy. Thompson sticks with the literate but reticently vocal Cassandra Cain from Becky Cloonan's <i>Batgirls</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJprJ7CnaJESbODRMG0Z70jDK3sXwDJ6uq92oHPFW7W2xK6_WXKhlbA10hKYxKrQyI_qJVipvDFlFNa5f3kcPBnXgk6dCe3zDaKRcnsnPyjjX4m27gnaX3WfeKeBZ1r6Hu5uePo0yEdGVVbfERIFzRoqCZ4wx6_mGUVMTkIWjJHTOt4kjb2VshzOA63Um/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eight.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="1000" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJprJ7CnaJESbODRMG0Z70jDK3sXwDJ6uq92oHPFW7W2xK6_WXKhlbA10hKYxKrQyI_qJVipvDFlFNa5f3kcPBnXgk6dCe3zDaKRcnsnPyjjX4m27gnaX3WfeKeBZ1r6Hu5uePo0yEdGVVbfERIFzRoqCZ4wx6_mGUVMTkIWjJHTOt4kjb2VshzOA63Um/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">And has no issue making fun of the taciturn bat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Black Canary sends Cassie to recruit the muscle for the team. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4oE309LLF5hLIDP9xMqkvZJiemW3pFaKe5dpfwiBOaZxUmHRi-ydaoof4Ye0TZPFzebwwUP1N4bZ-bpcKBN540Boda-9Y2hzJElrehLXnISusEZrKtnRk0SWif1jpXD0b3DJotOUopKMSEcuuBjNj2cZ6WcWcoaYJJq414qf8jg-hVylMoRSRoawm2tX/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4oE309LLF5hLIDP9xMqkvZJiemW3pFaKe5dpfwiBOaZxUmHRi-ydaoof4Ye0TZPFzebwwUP1N4bZ-bpcKBN540Boda-9Y2hzJElrehLXnISusEZrKtnRk0SWif1jpXD0b3DJotOUopKMSEcuuBjNj2cZ6WcWcoaYJJq414qf8jg-hVylMoRSRoawm2tX/w386-h241/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Five.jpeg" width="386" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Created by Jack Kirby, Big Barda is a New God from the planet Apokolips. She was one of Granny Goodness' Female Furies before siding and falling in love with Scott Free known as Mister Miracle. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Allow me to translate that paragraph for casual readers. One of the all time great creators of comic book worlds gave us Big Barda. Big Barda worked as a shock trooper for an evil flunky of a legendary Big Bad until siding and falling in love with an alien escape artist. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> She also always talked liked a stranger in a strange land. Kudos to Kelly Thompson for replicating her speech pattern and amusing patter. The "small bat" kills me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If Big Barda seems familiar to you, but you don't really count yourself a DC fan, you may have encountered her on <i>Batman</i> <i>Beyond</i> in the ranks of the future Justice League.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQHzGCWkA8zYthRTtvhp_LeqmWBKIrQUIxszB5IuQJlqCA_qIMabIlFpV9zkiM5defIYZuRKdpwLDIjHGkdOSeqZTHDOFO3uBToAZU3aXbuU62YgoNwWu3JMPOIUMLye8sGl0TzsLB79OAdoNKh7rtfsRTNuulBHesQ_48LR9b9cF7Mq2MDTzItK20wCJ/s600/Barda_JLU.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQHzGCWkA8zYthRTtvhp_LeqmWBKIrQUIxszB5IuQJlqCA_qIMabIlFpV9zkiM5defIYZuRKdpwLDIjHGkdOSeqZTHDOFO3uBToAZU3aXbuU62YgoNwWu3JMPOIUMLye8sGl0TzsLB79OAdoNKh7rtfsRTNuulBHesQ_48LR9b9cF7Mq2MDTzItK20wCJ/s320/Barda_JLU.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Though you may think the red outfit isn't accurate. It is. Barda wears the ensemble when relaxing.</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm very surprised the Canary included Zealot on the team.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZsuzU1XplIe1hyphenhyphenAEMKq20065oZLGXS1zkesq2iKWW1WUMG3SBQosgR9qm_K6Na28NcGHteEQOktg64ICuV7t5bAxVV_4ZgDQgfmL3FwpmCc_QkVdOwghSeszAENZxvWEmAaoXta3Nf8iHvbN_yutBv2EJ1iRyZIvU_FVJ8N41KHtYQkhRXO9DN00PSM0/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZsuzU1XplIe1hyphenhyphenAEMKq20065oZLGXS1zkesq2iKWW1WUMG3SBQosgR9qm_K6Na28NcGHteEQOktg64ICuV7t5bAxVV_4ZgDQgfmL3FwpmCc_QkVdOwghSeszAENZxvWEmAaoXta3Nf8iHvbN_yutBv2EJ1iRyZIvU_FVJ8N41KHtYQkhRXO9DN00PSM0/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Six.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Impressive, isn't she? I'm mainly surprised because I keep forgetting that Zealot is part of the DC universe. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Zealot is an alien and originally part of the <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildcats_(comics)" target="_blank">Wild C.A.T.S</a></i>. A supergroup once published by Image Comics. The team's co-creator Jim Lee moved to DC to become part of the reconstruction for DC's New 52: the universal reboot that restored Barbara Gordon's spine and subsequently fixed everything else that was wrong in a supposedly optimistic superhero rife cosmos. That's right. The whole snafu begins and ends with leaving Babs crippled by the Joker's bullet. Fix that and you fix everything.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The last member of the team Harley Quinn ironically needs the smallest introduction. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OOTFMPo8RxQrl5rqwrVWkySqKDQX6kI5thT31E5uwjnlymkEcArl4m0h3fNxKWGDx-xieKDzLAypeixlwElHD8OWqLzwdbT5ZB6jqpr15l0yV4owStJYm0wHiN6DJg3jLlwpgUxh6Q-x63KxtoJ6flcHz0N7UIdl4AywMJHLTJ_n8bKGQwj5XsnPkqdi/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OOTFMPo8RxQrl5rqwrVWkySqKDQX6kI5thT31E5uwjnlymkEcArl4m0h3fNxKWGDx-xieKDzLAypeixlwElHD8OWqLzwdbT5ZB6jqpr15l0yV4owStJYm0wHiN6DJg3jLlwpgUxh6Q-x63KxtoJ6flcHz0N7UIdl4AywMJHLTJ_n8bKGQwj5XsnPkqdi/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Seven.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Harley Quinn created for <i>Batman the Animated Series</i> by Paul Dini, Bruce Timm and voice artist Arleen Sorkin as the Joker's henchwench. She snowballed into an icon of feminism.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Harley Quinn became so powerful a pop culture figure that she became part of the DCU and to date reformed to become part of the Batman Family. The battle she and Cassie fight in the flashback of <i>Birds of Prey </i>is in fact a case of oneupmanship rather than hero vs villain.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The first issue of <i>Birds of Prey </i>impresses through the gathering. Thompson did her homework. When Cassie recruits Barda, she's in the midst of fighting the goons of an Apokoliptan nemesis. She employs Canary's sonic scream in a judicious moment, and a surprising associate of the Batman family makes an appearance. Leonardo Romero in turns makes this an exciting collection. Hopefully the graphics I included whetted your appetite for a double page spread of Canary and Cassie battling Ninjas as well as the expertly choreographed four page comedic fight between Cassie and Harley.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Though we find out the whys of <i>Birds of Prey's </i>reformation throughout the premiere. We don't get the details of it all until the second issue.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrKysSvWclj2ZaFToOAdYm2DfE5-7c5wyZbNH31phK-OzYTwaR-6-D1Am0F9HU45jUVflggrBG1So55V5fjBbI26cL9REWZZuNAk_D2LrAXrQC-o5KV7lu6M02Jz0WJrwncC19v-bbjZ6nucjK08J7BSMdIZNFIJmQ5bcBEz9h7lxqMqMBVAEOgT1Ppbh/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20%232.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrKysSvWclj2ZaFToOAdYm2DfE5-7c5wyZbNH31phK-OzYTwaR-6-D1Am0F9HU45jUVflggrBG1So55V5fjBbI26cL9REWZZuNAk_D2LrAXrQC-o5KV7lu6M02Jz0WJrwncC19v-bbjZ6nucjK08J7BSMdIZNFIJmQ5bcBEz9h7lxqMqMBVAEOgT1Ppbh/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20%232.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dinah and the Birds of Prey intend to rescue Cynthia Lance (Sin) from the island of Themyscira. That's Paradise Island for casual readers. The home of Wonder Woman and the Amazons. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7leSjMJsSYp_a-7_TyiJc0Hk_XtKCmiVQBrRV9HGIZru-6Y9gI0DuBa7R7I2yX_2WHtX5-qZ91x8PYL6NyATA4Evm8ICM-m-ggd4P8UPJgAqN9RX3J9shjHJwCLBYu-6NcQBjn254zTJFFytE4LEQqaooua1H5RK5Fib4YhllnyWSTO4urR6CHQ7b4dnD/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Ten.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7leSjMJsSYp_a-7_TyiJc0Hk_XtKCmiVQBrRV9HGIZru-6Y9gI0DuBa7R7I2yX_2WHtX5-qZ91x8PYL6NyATA4Evm8ICM-m-ggd4P8UPJgAqN9RX3J9shjHJwCLBYu-6NcQBjn254zTJFFytE4LEQqaooua1H5RK5Fib4YhllnyWSTO4urR6CHQ7b4dnD/w362-h199/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Ten.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">How? We don't know. I also do not know why Cynthia Lance is on Themyscira in the first place, how she got there, why the Amazons took her prisoner, etc. In fact, I don't know how Dinah happens to have an adopted sister. Fortunately, I don't need to know. Thompson provides an example of their bond in a flashback.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU5job-JcHqlrXNdSTH9GlgEmbEYzYtu0nM5Un7b5PYRWNLmsiPAzFwOCVY7ZR-C7a9Crl5oIu1V63RO4m47RKt-lg3UGGnZmYd3ltUqW93sTN0LBzwerAuk-0RLcYwYbgItB7CIlj6XIDXRelA09ktVxSu_2G2oPQnmtChLph0F7cxm2wjTFb5HzkKYw/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eleven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="800" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMU5job-JcHqlrXNdSTH9GlgEmbEYzYtu0nM5Un7b5PYRWNLmsiPAzFwOCVY7ZR-C7a9Crl5oIu1V63RO4m47RKt-lg3UGGnZmYd3ltUqW93sTN0LBzwerAuk-0RLcYwYbgItB7CIlj6XIDXRelA09ktVxSu_2G2oPQnmtChLph0F7cxm2wjTFb5HzkKYw/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eleven.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm willing to gloss over a sudden, adopted sister. Superheroes adopt kid sidekicks throughout all of comic book history. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two female superheroes of the past, the 1940s Black Cat and </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the 1950s Batwoman</span><span style="font-family: arial;">, followed suit. So, there's precedent even if I discount males such as Robin and Bucky. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The bond seems initially genuine enough. We can thank Thompson's strong dialogue skills and Romero's ability to depict subtle emotions and intimacy. Even Bellaire's odd color scheme enhances the mood. If Sin lives through all of this, maybe we'll see the bond grow stronger.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E6LaRhqbPlVaNc_8YTOsyX9-KE-BY2OT_yfNKvnAYaRw6BwLzGVvBHFNhh1Kef0ilVU4wZOlUW9goldyoVLVszQvv0-HZRDl6q_AKn5lkEJeITiOpM5HnZ-__c6ijX3Hm_IoN-igcVA6eNWwwwwraWXbO8Guc7Fu9yKGQby4l8vpZGscfelErV3CFS2F/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Twelve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-E6LaRhqbPlVaNc_8YTOsyX9-KE-BY2OT_yfNKvnAYaRw6BwLzGVvBHFNhh1Kef0ilVU4wZOlUW9goldyoVLVszQvv0-HZRDl6q_AKn5lkEJeITiOpM5HnZ-__c6ijX3Hm_IoN-igcVA6eNWwwwwraWXbO8Guc7Fu9yKGQby4l8vpZGscfelErV3CFS2F/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Twelve.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Birds of Prey</i> essentially is a heist. I love a heist. The team intends to get in, steal Sin and get out with no muss or no fuss. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKUsiq2DUFbcnFXR7Ogx2xzkcMHAgK_IqDX_P3AHA0u0hgHKsjwoSR3sG1DBdNhv62yt82Xj4aU4KPIeRcrvASl5IuLPdcPghtiLLj3LZ5BqGU9_h_CMNZm5jmH-TcXYxEnMUm9BxE3pIa9j4p-2q_sjMVkRo4QFgPzhNmLTWzEOCSKTMNKgn-WZ5SHUi/s800/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Thirteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="800" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisKUsiq2DUFbcnFXR7Ogx2xzkcMHAgK_IqDX_P3AHA0u0hgHKsjwoSR3sG1DBdNhv62yt82Xj4aU4KPIeRcrvASl5IuLPdcPghtiLLj3LZ5BqGU9_h_CMNZm5jmH-TcXYxEnMUm9BxE3pIa9j4p-2q_sjMVkRo4QFgPzhNmLTWzEOCSKTMNKgn-WZ5SHUi/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Thirteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Of course, with any heist things are going to go wrong, and I'm impressed that the Canary knows this. It shows she lives in a universe where heist movies play out. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm further impressed that Kelly Thompson acknowledges the events going on in <i>Wonder Woman</i> and has the cheek to use Tom King's story as a plot point. Speaking of Wonder Woman, Black Canary's former colleague on the now disbanded Justice League...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl-jPUFyzEzMRtDk5keEjuMfBJjBAx4ntar4vB_YYNQn8Vx3sjN8kgKZfLZcW0lEMAmgtVuFLSvs6OEcxEbj3pt-EpOYSQSqLGoICpyt0HDMK8Ctcj2QZ0CULFIXTf-bY2uABeXjxcoV-630uOeEBz9ITZ6qnw3AR-dmze0NNs2Q2KazSlptWQgrttMf7/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Fourteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYl-jPUFyzEzMRtDk5keEjuMfBJjBAx4ntar4vB_YYNQn8Vx3sjN8kgKZfLZcW0lEMAmgtVuFLSvs6OEcxEbj3pt-EpOYSQSqLGoICpyt0HDMK8Ctcj2QZ0CULFIXTf-bY2uABeXjxcoV-630uOeEBz9ITZ6qnw3AR-dmze0NNs2Q2KazSlptWQgrttMf7/w371-h181/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Fourteen.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ah. Well, that's not a particularly good answer. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I really can't believe Wonder Woman would say no to the Black Canary. Wonder Woman served as defense council for her former Nazi enemy Paula Von Gunther in a court of law. I think she would be happy to defend Sin. Likely succeeding as she did with Von Gunther. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That being said. There's a time travel implication that I'm willing to admit takes a big sledge hammer to reason. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If history says Black Canary didn't ask Wonder Woman, in the same way that history says she didn't team up with Batgirl for this heist, then so be it. She's stuck again. It's either follow the breadcrumbs left by the time traveler or create a paradox that destroys the multiverse. Damn butterflies.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AfC6Urua-ZUdX6XgQipYckgEYJa3-xme6DSCPbnuzfmQxp4EiX5IoSqbxSP_aUwp9rbUmWegNWh9gktODmc4I5ZFnUHWRPhu_ymilDGH0bna_B8WS1mViXqjob8JFY63NuJoKZJnKNOEDv7rkRjRBVMALd8NosWYpswjtXdVbEWg1UTrfD9UO0zwQIBh/s975/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Sixteen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AfC6Urua-ZUdX6XgQipYckgEYJa3-xme6DSCPbnuzfmQxp4EiX5IoSqbxSP_aUwp9rbUmWegNWh9gktODmc4I5ZFnUHWRPhu_ymilDGH0bna_B8WS1mViXqjob8JFY63NuJoKZJnKNOEDv7rkRjRBVMALd8NosWYpswjtXdVbEWg1UTrfD9UO0zwQIBh/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Sixteen.jpeg" width="311" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The rest of issue two generates a split in the narrative. On the flip side of the preparation for the heist, all of the Birds of Prey seem to require something at a magical emporium. This bizarre twist threw me for a loop. I also find it a little too convenient that everybody knows about this place.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV0VjBghbSQzKsrhDixbbWlMAGufsM2hOfTHvxmg_cq05QshyjzGRRnglKQguRfTsuqGfIDzv8H-uGCPAo5c8r93yyO-76WZktQoHPj6g6cbV8BdkV0zZGtPMB_fGxRcz9nQkVFJt2RcXs4Z1-CzuqYJq7ffzrvCvh5jeKZHHglAa5lzusrKRbbHWVUUf/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eighteen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1000" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnV0VjBghbSQzKsrhDixbbWlMAGufsM2hOfTHvxmg_cq05QshyjzGRRnglKQguRfTsuqGfIDzv8H-uGCPAo5c8r93yyO-76WZktQoHPj6g6cbV8BdkV0zZGtPMB_fGxRcz9nQkVFJt2RcXs4Z1-CzuqYJq7ffzrvCvh5jeKZHHglAa5lzusrKRbbHWVUUf/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Eighteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Still, if you want to create the illusion of permanency, this is the way to do it. Zealot in Gotham City. You can't get more DC than that.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The trip to the bazaar also allows Thompson to recreate a <i>Legends of Tomorrow </i>feeling.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_2CKSTyMOvzVuruUBrU_hWP5MkiR4YG4VAg8G8isprXIwZshS9BWpZpqu19OmWjr1YXGvKfi4im9SjHh9DIrbNQ4aRIResb6rOKxn1dUMat67VRpZX4pW-5W3LXh_FIkwY4qp_oL19BaZrpu95227gECwluSB33vAPuUp4qNmecfJl4CZgDCTTX1UItx/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Seventeen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="982" data-original-width="1000" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_2CKSTyMOvzVuruUBrU_hWP5MkiR4YG4VAg8G8isprXIwZshS9BWpZpqu19OmWjr1YXGvKfi4im9SjHh9DIrbNQ4aRIResb6rOKxn1dUMat67VRpZX4pW-5W3LXh_FIkwY4qp_oL19BaZrpu95227gECwluSB33vAPuUp4qNmecfJl4CZgDCTTX1UItx/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Seventeen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Though Constantine was more involved in...er...one way or the other with Sarah Lance, the White Canary, the Black Canary and John Constantine interaction is still valid. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The convergence of Birds of Prey needless to say ends in another two page battle. This time against stylish golems.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ32QPSzz3KGZWYqK5WnxMIo71SOE-FGQ5bDe-l4nHGja8gHcgp9QwqacAeZlOnjbE7OhRMWlgchF5H1zWqn3Nav1qfVdO8mkOXwVUdjZNR4pyJVLdCkEdtznmu2t69YvThtETuf35IecBuW3e8jsfO_O8wnyxyXUVtntVBPKxuYvOFi5O19291FhgwWPj/s1000/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Nineteen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1000" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ32QPSzz3KGZWYqK5WnxMIo71SOE-FGQ5bDe-l4nHGja8gHcgp9QwqacAeZlOnjbE7OhRMWlgchF5H1zWqn3Nav1qfVdO8mkOXwVUdjZNR4pyJVLdCkEdtznmu2t69YvThtETuf35IecBuW3e8jsfO_O8wnyxyXUVtntVBPKxuYvOFi5O19291FhgwWPj/s320/Birds%20of%20Prey%20Nineteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I'm afraid my scanner wasn't up to the task of capturing the full scope of the art, which remains stunning throughout. The second issue of <i>Birds of Prey</i> is however a little more disjointed than I'd like to see. It's a good issue but not a great issue like the premiere. On the plus side, the team gel, and Sin gets a good introduction. I have no idea whether or not this character existed before now. On the minus side, the side trip isn't explained enough. However, we may learn about its importance in a future issue. As to the means in which the Birds intend to infiltrate the island, which I'll not spoil here, I'm ambivalent. It's at once a little silly and a little sensible. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-51931374386007148972023-09-26T15:23:00.000-04:002023-09-26T15:23:33.237-04:00POBB September 21, 2023<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>September 21, 2023</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Welcome to a wonderful <i>Pick of the Brown Bag </i>with your host and creator Ray Tate. As you might have guessed from the description, the subject is the newest number one of <i>Wonder Woman</i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDPXOI13c_QCvSawP5DIxSG3YDagrfr_ahTVkuufNRv7vUgkbURlTwRqwGgDinFk99jZFcy6YrrWaJ3ES9Ju3Kq63byFt1E-DSPRskIJfyaYppT8Y9NApyQUS3epl5O0N_64ej1j4jl_LBXirzzC5KMu-OqfK7f3xew0rmiZ_pLFt4TUzTWzlC-2s10Lp/s800/Wonder%20Woman%20%231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDPXOI13c_QCvSawP5DIxSG3YDagrfr_ahTVkuufNRv7vUgkbURlTwRqwGgDinFk99jZFcy6YrrWaJ3ES9Ju3Kq63byFt1E-DSPRskIJfyaYppT8Y9NApyQUS3epl5O0N_64ej1j4jl_LBXirzzC5KMu-OqfK7f3xew0rmiZ_pLFt4TUzTWzlC-2s10Lp/s320/Wonder%20Woman%20%231.jpeg" width="209" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yes. Under normal circumstances, a new number one would be redundant, but what're you gonna do? ...Comic books...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First a brief recap of what happened before... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In 1941, United States Air Force pilot Steve Trevor crashes on the isle of the Amazons. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwKXYd_IBEkQ6iXpe-iOoypZn0pPgpx6fXEgSqg5dk1uWdBdX8FbfVrhOFrt68-91nJBxte6iktgJajQVHYGsZ6APf8THbTM43L43EWHa-tt_Qdyoj5qLYvC17_4OsauxYXJ8zJKsa9DDDQrPWKqelT1C7Ej5uPIctPQug8p4DxF9xCWrU9hcAIAp1nD_/s596/Steve%20Crashes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="596" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwKXYd_IBEkQ6iXpe-iOoypZn0pPgpx6fXEgSqg5dk1uWdBdX8FbfVrhOFrt68-91nJBxte6iktgJajQVHYGsZ6APf8THbTM43L43EWHa-tt_Qdyoj5qLYvC17_4OsauxYXJ8zJKsa9DDDQrPWKqelT1C7Ej5uPIctPQug8p4DxF9xCWrU9hcAIAp1nD_/w408-h158/Steve%20Crashes.jpg" width="408" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"> </span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">After consulting the Greek Gods, Queen Hippolyta determines that an Amazon must go to Man's World to return Steve Trevor to the armed forces. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xpq3P2XxyVVb_Cru0rk0LByq1A_kKv7UUh9_neZZFCJUFvjezuf30ZBhD5llI-e52Q2QR9QUPO_NlEtHG8ojCy-qsRvfu9Aojn-wvfCEU23FWgIOST6bukG8lmwx4UGkuG43Fupuhn1Bbd6-_KExlUraQrrx6J0OmPi6rZnhaQPlcP4DV4oFHPSrRjBS/s600/IMG_0464.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xpq3P2XxyVVb_Cru0rk0LByq1A_kKv7UUh9_neZZFCJUFvjezuf30ZBhD5llI-e52Q2QR9QUPO_NlEtHG8ojCy-qsRvfu9Aojn-wvfCEU23FWgIOST6bukG8lmwx4UGkuG43Fupuhn1Bbd6-_KExlUraQrrx6J0OmPi6rZnhaQPlcP4DV4oFHPSrRjBS/w506-h177/IMG_0464.PNG" width="506" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">More to the point, one Amazon must stay in Man's World to battle the Nazis and tip the balance in the Allies' favor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This envoy will be determined by an Amazon Olympics that culminates in Bullets and Bracelets.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHlonI9B-nmA6pQGtL_G61nX_-dQgew9k4itdtzY4OrrIWegsXsRI6ATPiEy9XqBjEVVBR4V3_Rndoi39HQ-OVDEuyzH71CFHOEe0657zOKlv5cqcOivNhtvlot_tlJoroD2i1uRjZUL8cYXG8hp_6W1ZjMcrZsMOhhxTOjRvPbCASNTEPa_QMroVU_jM/s592/Bullets%20and%20Bracelets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="592" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHlonI9B-nmA6pQGtL_G61nX_-dQgew9k4itdtzY4OrrIWegsXsRI6ATPiEy9XqBjEVVBR4V3_Rndoi39HQ-OVDEuyzH71CFHOEe0657zOKlv5cqcOivNhtvlot_tlJoroD2i1uRjZUL8cYXG8hp_6W1ZjMcrZsMOhhxTOjRvPbCASNTEPa_QMroVU_jM/s320/Bullets%20and%20Bracelets.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Princess Diana cared for Steve on the Isle and fell in love with him. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvz3FNihjgg8F4aTroWzEMFqrM8xMRuJkGoQavaE_GyBtLS75EF9pG_IvRGQxY3srrLe5hKf-5rQ4tupucb8zEZS0DaJx2LV81GMrjh3XJv53S0libUyCPiDZH_hFMP8lX2zrk3NS2RisSzvM36TDjv6k6Lopfq0iCM-kr2VLF-g0Y9I61_2vxl6g5l2_/s600/IMG_0463.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="600" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvz3FNihjgg8F4aTroWzEMFqrM8xMRuJkGoQavaE_GyBtLS75EF9pG_IvRGQxY3srrLe5hKf-5rQ4tupucb8zEZS0DaJx2LV81GMrjh3XJv53S0libUyCPiDZH_hFMP8lX2zrk3NS2RisSzvM36TDjv6k6Lopfq0iCM-kr2VLF-g0Y9I61_2vxl6g5l2_/w441-h199/IMG_0463.PNG" width="441" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Disobeying her mother, Diana dons a mask and competes in the contests. Naturally, she wins. She becomes Wonder Woman.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwsej-4o_BG2ZTDo0PMK7MX02kJrH4aX8USHT1len23966EkfA5-bQRWdr_xFkLkYOKytpDuzx4BoODOjDkdM1XG0RMeoj_PnHAzjGhms2spuPf8GfuP509Skvgt0RL2QhR-HKkYmeqC3HB8cYdZZVwWUOj5-v-Vi2jI2cDLsYIWNE5AZjD3TerVq5cR7/s594/Wonder%20Woman%20Unmasked.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="594" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwsej-4o_BG2ZTDo0PMK7MX02kJrH4aX8USHT1len23966EkfA5-bQRWdr_xFkLkYOKytpDuzx4BoODOjDkdM1XG0RMeoj_PnHAzjGhms2spuPf8GfuP509Skvgt0RL2QhR-HKkYmeqC3HB8cYdZZVwWUOj5-v-Vi2jI2cDLsYIWNE5AZjD3TerVq5cR7/s320/Wonder%20Woman%20Unmasked.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The story hasn't drastically changed and neither has Wonder Woman. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9s6-TF-BiwLx07kqt5xLbjIYBIC0q6ll9QGVpe0Qy8l5yyhWvAWsmojwgSCKqMtGkHfJn2v9v144DfJWufYGpDtfvmgUaUbvpOqzxCttXwJV_g1Sz99sgve_4csMdhKxhdieF2GMV_wPaGWKNvMJL7Oq0QzVe9dWq3zFthyQtkjXH5ebXC5CIkjet5Rk/s800/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9s6-TF-BiwLx07kqt5xLbjIYBIC0q6ll9QGVpe0Qy8l5yyhWvAWsmojwgSCKqMtGkHfJn2v9v144DfJWufYGpDtfvmgUaUbvpOqzxCttXwJV_g1Sz99sgve_4csMdhKxhdieF2GMV_wPaGWKNvMJL7Oq0QzVe9dWq3zFthyQtkjXH5ebXC5CIkjet5Rk/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Her stability is just when considering her contextual immortality.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLqeoGc1MMbVAsTF-zPrRwQK0uX5dDY8_C2yHObeVJVHmi4NH_lrx9XR92-jxonUVjvwqYyCASrS37Vxk-7HWKjOUTyXWtWVtc13WiPCGIgZvGuz9De4p9JxlEaNyz7zNQYMEDQhImQWezSBLJ4T7xLEgZiSlF_3aZdJOeM9s_DcWjmQ96VbdK8XlGl5N/s500/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLqeoGc1MMbVAsTF-zPrRwQK0uX5dDY8_C2yHObeVJVHmi4NH_lrx9XR92-jxonUVjvwqYyCASrS37Vxk-7HWKjOUTyXWtWVtc13WiPCGIgZvGuz9De4p9JxlEaNyz7zNQYMEDQhImQWezSBLJ4T7xLEgZiSlF_3aZdJOeM9s_DcWjmQ96VbdK8XlGl5N/s320/IMG_0467.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In this latest issue of <i>Wonder Woman</i>, a group of idiots accost an Amazon. She defends herself. Events escalate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogrJwaHmwP2IY2PiNrtpv18G3oe8_LGIzkLc5HFRtp8bDuxwBhud7rdbEwhJiu6IEeuRrNkP0b8iE9dfoCeAwK9bZe0kN0NKV3Lgi3Y6C6GjgHWYE6I0dfT_cbNMUHGJLl0_uih3EaLu8Rx5fxX03FhFVgIrdeu3-ZFYxJD32fZXAwWJILV-8ygfxVtyQ/s1000/Wonder%20Woman%20One.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="669" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogrJwaHmwP2IY2PiNrtpv18G3oe8_LGIzkLc5HFRtp8bDuxwBhud7rdbEwhJiu6IEeuRrNkP0b8iE9dfoCeAwK9bZe0kN0NKV3Lgi3Y6C6GjgHWYE6I0dfT_cbNMUHGJLl0_uih3EaLu8Rx5fxX03FhFVgIrdeu3-ZFYxJD32fZXAwWJILV-8ygfxVtyQ/s320/Wonder%20Woman%20One.jpeg" width="214" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Alas. The United States, instead of investigating the alleged crime and granting the Amazon due process, goes apeshit. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPu8nJKHoXyBXOZiR5oh2YDq4fBnb5OmeWyhDrm1wXHLz_bLBiaCGckM-us7R09yQ3ljX85m15ynDBeyFK4NSluNE0J7s9HQp8Q_U_0fU_5JWMiMiZ7ZSc8duYB-nfxVIFN6EyFLYaOlbW20ziiLxU0Ur72lKMo4yC-BQzXcU7XaWtrff8OxTziKbItOg/s800/Wonder%20Woman%20Two.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPu8nJKHoXyBXOZiR5oh2YDq4fBnb5OmeWyhDrm1wXHLz_bLBiaCGckM-us7R09yQ3ljX85m15ynDBeyFK4NSluNE0J7s9HQp8Q_U_0fU_5JWMiMiZ7ZSc8duYB-nfxVIFN6EyFLYaOlbW20ziiLxU0Ur72lKMo4yC-BQzXcU7XaWtrff8OxTziKbItOg/w372-h200/Wonder%20Woman%20Two.jpeg" width="372" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The government singles out Amazons, ships them back to Paradise Island or, preferred, murders them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPuBFFu1sTcE-NPuFcsZzMu85MTo3RFWTANHqjclUUSA-AzHbCKAPxUIUO1fZLPd7ThUJtEJz97qSN3Ab6yQwnPATtjkzcgZWv-6fwyXfN-5JaI3-At_qghKRiahjNuzVMA683uGhAeDiyFWPz5pjfVVLevMzwkipWUau4wtkJv-G9r8cwKwzSD4OPGY7/s800/Wonder%20Woman%2021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPuBFFu1sTcE-NPuFcsZzMu85MTo3RFWTANHqjclUUSA-AzHbCKAPxUIUO1fZLPd7ThUJtEJz97qSN3Ab6yQwnPATtjkzcgZWv-6fwyXfN-5JaI3-At_qghKRiahjNuzVMA683uGhAeDiyFWPz5pjfVVLevMzwkipWUau4wtkJv-G9r8cwKwzSD4OPGY7/w415-h222/Wonder%20Woman%2021.jpeg" width="415" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Heading these efforts. Perennial asshole Sarge Steel whom I last saw as President Reagan's attache in a nineties <i>Superman Annual. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH3fJodhJAxhuae8ROPdf2PpLCF63NQB1nCBN8HHukwBUl4E4BXHK78G-q7b0zYd9qj6myvMqdCYnBoFBrHew4DOaGJjro6NEAY2I2KpdGB9pAtJv1iiiQVBAmm6m9fxRsGy8yn_HmCLP_1Jfri31oyTBAbBBUuQ8pdrEhuFPr8vfwO1J-CVjI2qK_ev0/s1048/Asshole%20Sarge%20Steel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="563" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuH3fJodhJAxhuae8ROPdf2PpLCF63NQB1nCBN8HHukwBUl4E4BXHK78G-q7b0zYd9qj6myvMqdCYnBoFBrHew4DOaGJjro6NEAY2I2KpdGB9pAtJv1iiiQVBAmm6m9fxRsGy8yn_HmCLP_1Jfri31oyTBAbBBUuQ8pdrEhuFPr8vfwO1J-CVjI2qK_ev0/s320/Asshole%20Sarge%20Steel.jpeg" width="172" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">To be fair, he never started<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarge_Steel" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarge_Steel" target="_blank">out a sphincter</a>. He's also not the first detective to turn secret agent. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5FyPG3-S2DWUZrMQcvWgAQFNdaJx6yeBltC1BO-qN48DPVHM_UTlVV-YlycGE1u6pyRbWPYg0yN5mE0ZJtrW0xp8gsUU8FF4dOWi_Ux_DFoH73z427VDmwQU8pBMk_8yQkGjJGCeDOeNw3TtSz_CcturTzOO3w2GJQmBzht1tIZCd8LDG99YeaQCD8vd/s350/e2lbx-1467127473-4711-list_items-burkes_burke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="350" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI5FyPG3-S2DWUZrMQcvWgAQFNdaJx6yeBltC1BO-qN48DPVHM_UTlVV-YlycGE1u6pyRbWPYg0yN5mE0ZJtrW0xp8gsUU8FF4dOWi_Ux_DFoH73z427VDmwQU8pBMk_8yQkGjJGCeDOeNw3TtSz_CcturTzOO3w2GJQmBzht1tIZCd8LDG99YeaQCD8vd/s320/e2lbx-1467127473-4711-list_items-burkes_burke.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Homicide detective Captain Amos Burke of <i>Burke's Law </i>jumped the shark by becoming a government agent in the final season of his otherwise entertaining series.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Naturally anything concerning Amazons, concerns Wonder Woman, and when she comes to the stage, she elegantly shoves Sarge Steel's vaunted metal hand up his colon. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz-6My7K6vmxs3HQoO0hk3IowI5VPnFNkZxZkd2PJeFZxZBJw0_TXygaH1rtj45jPxExoEjrfhz_gmcS8GQcklMMEhb1YQvSwTQ5-SAR2xeKUkIRzmSefzqJrpGfezSe9rvYZ-s-fnegZNRLlyddxrsNCwnOZ7OZLSB_AFEZBjHyCm8cJXPW1R-o1PARO/s800/Colon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="800" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz-6My7K6vmxs3HQoO0hk3IowI5VPnFNkZxZkd2PJeFZxZBJw0_TXygaH1rtj45jPxExoEjrfhz_gmcS8GQcklMMEhb1YQvSwTQ5-SAR2xeKUkIRzmSefzqJrpGfezSe9rvYZ-s-fnegZNRLlyddxrsNCwnOZ7OZLSB_AFEZBjHyCm8cJXPW1R-o1PARO/s320/Colon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It may seem that I've broken one of the cardinal, subjective rules of the POBB. Honestly, though. I haven't really spoiled a thing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Wonder Woman</i> is actually a very deep and pertinent book. I'd expect nothing less from writer Tom King. His story is about bigotry, plain and simple.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Because an Amazon committed the crime, she's labeled a terrorist, rather than a criminal. Personally I hate the word terrorist. It's a word loaded with xenophobia. The consequences of that word often lead to generalizations that get innocent people killed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I prefer to think of habitual lawbreakers as criminals. No matter their country of origin. Donald Trump is a criminal. So is Putin. One of those criminals admires the other one. I'll not say who.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXbWGqZ5VQ4UEdytzB8N-YSfvTOsZ3mTAVVAeWpwczfZFQ_I6xEW8pNxHm_dAJFAiYmrgkqAsT0l0VPOumJ5mypLYDPh7oUn78IEg9I9j4n6tSKbh4B-1srTBSTKhwP8pw3PJCkPqsooQf0jOuMxhgB3KKNEGhTl1PXIaXC_hdWZOZQfNlKNVQ-B7Igfp/s700/Gal%20Gadot%20Spoiler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="540" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXbWGqZ5VQ4UEdytzB8N-YSfvTOsZ3mTAVVAeWpwczfZFQ_I6xEW8pNxHm_dAJFAiYmrgkqAsT0l0VPOumJ5mypLYDPh7oUn78IEg9I9j4n6tSKbh4B-1srTBSTKhwP8pw3PJCkPqsooQf0jOuMxhgB3KKNEGhTl1PXIaXC_hdWZOZQfNlKNVQ-B7Igfp/w189-h245/Gal%20Gadot%20Spoiler.jpg" width="189" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Much like other innocent global citizens, all Amazons suffer the accusal because of their marginal association with the fugitive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ23Q9dlqozwrcrgTgowHydnjL7xGvcnIfAle4c3wtACw6aONVjr0AnOs3lGO0krX0dR76-ws0CoGDUyK7EN7oF1Vcc-YARyecxtajEJtZCAepVekXITm7VTlkya6fd9-lvX8wawLmsvk331X9Jdy20GyjcAlQ_xYCGBTEZlfQscwamcxoc0Adrh1HUKT/s1000/Wonder%20Woman%2022.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQ23Q9dlqozwrcrgTgowHydnjL7xGvcnIfAle4c3wtACw6aONVjr0AnOs3lGO0krX0dR76-ws0CoGDUyK7EN7oF1Vcc-YARyecxtajEJtZCAepVekXITm7VTlkya6fd9-lvX8wawLmsvk331X9Jdy20GyjcAlQ_xYCGBTEZlfQscwamcxoc0Adrh1HUKT/s320/Wonder%20Woman%2022.jpeg" width="201" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Hypocritical members of Congress are eager to get their hands dirty, in secret. An interview with the average Joe indicates a deep-seated hatred of the Amazons.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtTmcvJ5-JuO40x6JesOPngEYMRF0eDccXs3r81VDoBUqpv1eP0TMvDFZuvwO_wvGV2lZlcMSIpGRnOs8NtvB3qWIIJjqrn0I1GaYHO3WGnVOMd83VmUWCJk6UQtFEJU8sQlggK34gwNpXc-uJ2pyw4MODiVygLM87z5_gYJlvrimnEnIbmgXxIftQulp/s800/Wonder%20Woman%20Four.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtTmcvJ5-JuO40x6JesOPngEYMRF0eDccXs3r81VDoBUqpv1eP0TMvDFZuvwO_wvGV2lZlcMSIpGRnOs8NtvB3qWIIJjqrn0I1GaYHO3WGnVOMd83VmUWCJk6UQtFEJU8sQlggK34gwNpXc-uJ2pyw4MODiVygLM87z5_gYJlvrimnEnIbmgXxIftQulp/s320/Wonder%20Woman%20Four.jpeg" width="266" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">He excepts Wonder Woman either because he doesn't realize she is an Amazon, or he counts her as a reformed Amazon.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You can also read </span><span style="font-family: arial;">in his dialogue </span><span style="font-family: arial;">an inherent fear and loathing of women who choose to pursue an untraditional lifestyle. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He further exemplifies the mirror argument of racists. </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Because I hate you, you must hate me. You're no better than me. Therefore, this is a matter of survival. Yeah. That's total rubbish. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">When unfair laws governing Amazons on American soil pass, the government plummets into fascism. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMzNjIWcXKi9fBFDzfTbKkFUyieKolXPuovsHkZfuSVDvGrrZxvYxi5iJeewk5j9tbRCNgx3T_qyN8kaZDu56fx1cTffh0dulVWhfWThNHpwSrn_O0U7CgbjgxsG3FbW54m-uVyjCCLeW7XxOCH-dsdb6OBrzMmLWTqTSWn8RTgi4JeAFcObv2D49gnB_/s800/Wonder%20Woman%20Five.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="800" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXMzNjIWcXKi9fBFDzfTbKkFUyieKolXPuovsHkZfuSVDvGrrZxvYxi5iJeewk5j9tbRCNgx3T_qyN8kaZDu56fx1cTffh0dulVWhfWThNHpwSrn_O0U7CgbjgxsG3FbW54m-uVyjCCLeW7XxOCH-dsdb6OBrzMmLWTqTSWn8RTgi4JeAFcObv2D49gnB_/w392-h283/Wonder%20Woman%20Five.jpeg" width="392" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sergeant Steel and his AXE Squad, perhaps purposely named after the masculine body spray, transform readily into the Gestapo. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Honestly, I think the original Sarge Steel from Charlton Comics would be horrified by this guy and punch him in the mouth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Sarge Steel and his AXE Squad likewise reflect the Ku Klux Klan of the eighties and nineties who tried to present a softer image. The Dunce Caps hawked an alternative to exterminating black people; they just wanted to ship them back to Africa. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It's very easy to transfer this argument to DACA. Dreamers arrived here as children. They don't know the countries from whence they came. Some of them don't even speak the language. Even if not born here, they grew up here. They are more American than some sphincters in Congress.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz5PrKhGKvkU-ctaIl7TegNrhfprXEsRLmqFNBwnU8KtZJbJ67pUrodoVibecOsAsLG0hAAtqW2OPLhV7EXnVfJ_PKjZS-MBzNND2MTflLH2pwv5XdfwE8vqwFZw26GjXXc9yIw5iK6I4Xve9kt9eXqQHcZPmOuLmznBysWGZrDlBNbo2QBGe8s0MFY4S/s1333/jimjordanimpeachment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1333" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz5PrKhGKvkU-ctaIl7TegNrhfprXEsRLmqFNBwnU8KtZJbJ67pUrodoVibecOsAsLG0hAAtqW2OPLhV7EXnVfJ_PKjZS-MBzNND2MTflLH2pwv5XdfwE8vqwFZw26GjXXc9yIw5iK6I4Xve9kt9eXqQHcZPmOuLmznBysWGZrDlBNbo2QBGe8s0MFY4S/w197-h197/jimjordanimpeachment.jpg" width="197" /></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Yeah. That's right. Looking at you. You putz.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Steel and his AXE Squad demonstrate some success due to technologically advanced armament that overwhelms any of the Amazons living in America. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Why Amazons would stay in the USA isn't explained very well. The Amazon fugitive visited the continent to do charitable work. Others have family, but I'm not sold on the idea of raising a child in America being better than raising a child on </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Themyscira. So let's just call this a conceit to better the metaphor.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Ameri-Nazis aren't above aiming an assault weapon at children, who will be removed from the Amazon families.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sk7yp7n1-FqH_JZ6DbSN4T9Q8FhSLibGr_9Nl9IKEVSy1mrs0sMonhLdx5v6HFTQUHG5OUiPbrOzi7o8C1rPEHrw_uuqi4tqXzCy9Q1o1dMK7jOQ2jx1GrU919LJm1Onbskdtb2jm66Kpy1AuzDtYL3YnXGGQH2BYW02Nva3G22BayVj07x5m7_M-4aG/s1000/Wonder%20Woman%2023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Sk7yp7n1-FqH_JZ6DbSN4T9Q8FhSLibGr_9Nl9IKEVSy1mrs0sMonhLdx5v6HFTQUHG5OUiPbrOzi7o8C1rPEHrw_uuqi4tqXzCy9Q1o1dMK7jOQ2jx1GrU919LJm1Onbskdtb2jm66Kpy1AuzDtYL3YnXGGQH2BYW02Nva3G22BayVj07x5m7_M-4aG/s320/Wonder%20Woman%2023.jpeg" width="271" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Separating children from the parents of illegal immigrants, by the way, is a <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-a-trump-era-policy-that-separated-thousands-of-migrant-families-came-to-pass" target="_blank">Trump initiative</a>. However, it's a practice patterned after Russian and Nazi tactics. Indeed the Nazis suborned Paula Von Gunther, who became Wonder Woman's archenemy, by holding her daughter hostage.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrMjy5q1ljSolrKw81f-uzXcYQDXL0tOvC315krqrfxcFqtOs7JeONywqppD1kHlogI5n9p2qM55FXpGz8SY9jIy4Qk81bEUQF-zNLCxF6dIJ1HGJ_sORWxxjr4xD-6zJSQXWuYEtmtQRPlPWUe4yDDZs3YW5Svvdd6ls5kbOLWNZkPmUbMYXtLjR5NCz/s400/paula-von-gunther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="291" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrMjy5q1ljSolrKw81f-uzXcYQDXL0tOvC315krqrfxcFqtOs7JeONywqppD1kHlogI5n9p2qM55FXpGz8SY9jIy4Qk81bEUQF-zNLCxF6dIJ1HGJ_sORWxxjr4xD-6zJSQXWuYEtmtQRPlPWUe4yDDZs3YW5Svvdd6ls5kbOLWNZkPmUbMYXtLjR5NCz/w185-h254/paula-von-gunther.jpg" width="185" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Wonder Woman later fights on Paula's </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>behalf in a court of law. That's right. Diana is perfect.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you object to how quickly America descends into autocracy in <i>Wonder Woman</i>. You haven't been paying attention. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjZv_1YrrpsBy88JaOv5p0Qpja0R9NzFmiugwozD0yoYfcml7dt3Msi3hBUQSG7O-H7CRD8mqG_n584K2RXBbzqUdJEoNyJBUsWr3v3JorQG6cb9JbnHKwRrowBHFExFJVHaBuVVnQh0zXh86euZ29ohEq4xhUtszgfd8gx8zeR9a9bodDZKFDWAw372n/s2000/75.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjZv_1YrrpsBy88JaOv5p0Qpja0R9NzFmiugwozD0yoYfcml7dt3Msi3hBUQSG7O-H7CRD8mqG_n584K2RXBbzqUdJEoNyJBUsWr3v3JorQG6cb9JbnHKwRrowBHFExFJVHaBuVVnQh0zXh86euZ29ohEq4xhUtszgfd8gx8zeR9a9bodDZKFDWAw372n/s320/75.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If Donald Trump wins the election against President Joe Biden, this country as you know it will cease to exist. Democracy dies if Trump is reinstalled in the White House. He will not leave. There will be no more elections.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ah, but <i>Wonder Woman</i> is a comic book. Just a simple comic book. It's really about wish fulfillment. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">We don't have a Wonder Woman, but if we did...</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Steel and AXE arrogantly attempt to murder Wonder Woman. I mean they've got improved armament, right? What can possibly go wrong.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pTHxRNaUOYS5TCYsRBOMICYmtTExbiEJDRcAxHkNVuFyQB9rv0hleUR6QP4U9CxCyVO0eBaX06vyQ5B205CCTym5pdcAxNfCbziJ8HnOq5vmETeETiIcztBTdNJQhyHFyBX_nUFwSsspz9pWlcI4zkxJ6IUFcexT1S9G6BotIYtLSLFNYA6o4V5nm5QV/s800/Wonder%20Woman%2020.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pTHxRNaUOYS5TCYsRBOMICYmtTExbiEJDRcAxHkNVuFyQB9rv0hleUR6QP4U9CxCyVO0eBaX06vyQ5B205CCTym5pdcAxNfCbziJ8HnOq5vmETeETiIcztBTdNJQhyHFyBX_nUFwSsspz9pWlcI4zkxJ6IUFcexT1S9G6BotIYtLSLFNYA6o4V5nm5QV/s320/Wonder%20Woman%2020.jpeg" width="252" /></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There's so much delicious artwork by Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey to feast upon. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The illustration throughout is glorious. When Wonder Woman resists being murdered--the nerve of her--it's just panel after panel of history in motion. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Everything you remember about Wonder Woman plays out in these final scenes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSmqs5dp4SoLV8DGxvqr4rXC-54S0loQjxCxljQklgIzGBdX9xQB2UxOkQCXtgmbuyh-Ts_X0uhTNReUimRHfNW-QWxr03qvPeUdnnegZ0ZW1PIDiWcNbOtAyb7gRko3PdFuh1yooafMkMbaBQZNmfyiSX3J8TR1uty50npLXRlRvbvj88TGDtMYw6dSK/s1000/Golden%20Lasso.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="1000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSmqs5dp4SoLV8DGxvqr4rXC-54S0loQjxCxljQklgIzGBdX9xQB2UxOkQCXtgmbuyh-Ts_X0uhTNReUimRHfNW-QWxr03qvPeUdnnegZ0ZW1PIDiWcNbOtAyb7gRko3PdFuh1yooafMkMbaBQZNmfyiSX3J8TR1uty50npLXRlRvbvj88TGDtMYw6dSK/w474-h203/Golden%20Lasso.jpeg" width="474" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-76501729320236395392023-09-12T10:23:00.000-04:002023-09-12T10:23:18.323-04:00POBB September 8, 2023<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">September 8, 2023</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. I'm Ray Tate, reviewer of comic books, creator of the blog and master of ceremonies. This week, I look at </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Plot Holes,</i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">from Massive Publishing.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxxIghaX8xZphSxrydoKlAv9ReMBl14bXggxTDJOsPOzHUhSbe3_W9uBOYIrooQG38xhy8lXF04CyRG1LrtW4xmUW6TbgXndtxu15RvlrF3r9SlIUvfbhb5n0BTJtkPMrAaPPy059Cb7CYJ_NRumey-MR5dXd6RrsrWAGaZMi_b0FL506AVdZtQWxkL-C/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Cover.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxxIghaX8xZphSxrydoKlAv9ReMBl14bXggxTDJOsPOzHUhSbe3_W9uBOYIrooQG38xhy8lXF04CyRG1LrtW4xmUW6TbgXndtxu15RvlrF3r9SlIUvfbhb5n0BTJtkPMrAaPPy059Cb7CYJ_NRumey-MR5dXd6RrsrWAGaZMi_b0FL506AVdZtQWxkL-C/s320/Plot%20Holes%20Cover.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The story begins in the middle of a mission. A group of real characters, <i>wink</i>, known as The Plot Holes, invade the flying saucer of little gray men. A clever flip of expectations.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKs0Rn3YjlG1Xx3KXkTwFWejRlpucz8oei0BRuk6-gN1GNnP2zGGI-oubmylBIs103vT8RjwUh_RJDv9kQ4yKiyd5q_KhfFY3QFkKhbC109TPQi9ZPsWJwL_aV5b4Arn15tJYL2_pDDZc-e7UxSBfJa5es5cpfwb5ca09li-l_VjaFUPssKidW7FJ2oek/s840/Plot%20Holes%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKs0Rn3YjlG1Xx3KXkTwFWejRlpucz8oei0BRuk6-gN1GNnP2zGGI-oubmylBIs103vT8RjwUh_RJDv9kQ4yKiyd5q_KhfFY3QFkKhbC109TPQi9ZPsWJwL_aV5b4Arn15tJYL2_pDDZc-e7UxSBfJa5es5cpfwb5ca09li-l_VjaFUPssKidW7FJ2oek/s320/Plot%20Holes%20One.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Our protagonists are, from left to right, Johnny Manga, Surge, La Raisor, Roar and Kevin.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2GeZDa0mKXrLx5QLjvIN28ORXGOPXp_UXiFQN2QEt1Gnj1NBSAvqT4GYGk1YEU9dMsjyQJAyBhenlZMFrwpM9UN4s6fOMgB1zvOdbzqfTYrUdAy_ZCJb3y3kp3jAtlzDmsUGqovJAYimNd2A47AffpFqBMIZyONLEZ-Fre3eCtNZWIeo83grLztjLIGS/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2GeZDa0mKXrLx5QLjvIN28ORXGOPXp_UXiFQN2QEt1Gnj1NBSAvqT4GYGk1YEU9dMsjyQJAyBhenlZMFrwpM9UN4s6fOMgB1zvOdbzqfTYrUdAy_ZCJb3y3kp3jAtlzDmsUGqovJAYimNd2A47AffpFqBMIZyONLEZ-Fre3eCtNZWIeo83grLztjLIGS/w422-h186/Plot%20Holes%20Two.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ed, the female gunslinger on the left, leads these individuals on literal literary excursions. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolVoNyef5sWmrmeSwyri3IGuPaAkqmhGOQtH8gKJrqQyNz0P2I3A1Idl8jm8XHqjMfsZ1QCg8Zr_xAM0F5ogra9uatNaa0FblsdvOFXLEE3G06hYlRHw3-WHMncAN6IIdr3TJ9_7_MiCpIe46gI7Ulh3je3r0HqnkbCuYKoiGoNFgxG0j-7a2JRtkM-yb/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolVoNyef5sWmrmeSwyri3IGuPaAkqmhGOQtH8gKJrqQyNz0P2I3A1Idl8jm8XHqjMfsZ1QCg8Zr_xAM0F5ogra9uatNaa0FblsdvOFXLEE3G06hYlRHw3-WHMncAN6IIdr3TJ9_7_MiCpIe46gI7Ulh3je3r0HqnkbCuYKoiGoNFgxG0j-7a2JRtkM-yb/w373-h276/Plot%20Holes%20Four.jpeg" width="373" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Cast members in every book believe they're real. Ed and the Plot Holes know the truth. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Plot Holes are characters without tomes. They roam sections of a vast digital library: adventure through western.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_8hofIE7LnIhvnH-EEa4OHRToPyEWGBif96oYoPLd-1qeNLkaLb--7cZeoH7XNEUKmBbjNxgnQ8CnRfXS8FWWX2h6j-1gPYaH-W6_xiB3J4GM9TpwVlwVnAHwD3OQezV_ova8Ve257z4Pb7UMB-JCRbVR5sA9l6mNmwjSnQZzNTh_m6WC6EWQKtyg95v/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="800" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_8hofIE7LnIhvnH-EEa4OHRToPyEWGBif96oYoPLd-1qeNLkaLb--7cZeoH7XNEUKmBbjNxgnQ8CnRfXS8FWWX2h6j-1gPYaH-W6_xiB3J4GM9TpwVlwVnAHwD3OQezV_ova8Ve257z4Pb7UMB-JCRbVR5sA9l6mNmwjSnQZzNTh_m6WC6EWQKtyg95v/s320/Plot%20Holes%20Five.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Imagine a digital library with every book published and ever to be published. If you thought <i>Doctor Who...</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs0jtXgIU69BpNMKCq0YTfvbDbhZUJloWHACsw6fxQiZRhFbT24Fk5Msie9VsyvpXByUYMXSrofNkTSkAXOnsQh_h0OUCBIcWnUUY61OZEXxyt1fpfugIQFDIThaaJ2n8kvKTcMJfpuBhOaZLqSE4tHhmigjKuvTMcWXNIs2TTWGihSJtxaK03DZcJSlp/s1920/Silence-in-the-library.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvs0jtXgIU69BpNMKCq0YTfvbDbhZUJloWHACsw6fxQiZRhFbT24Fk5Msie9VsyvpXByUYMXSrofNkTSkAXOnsQh_h0OUCBIcWnUUY61OZEXxyt1fpfugIQFDIThaaJ2n8kvKTcMJfpuBhOaZLqSE4tHhmigjKuvTMcWXNIs2TTWGihSJtxaK03DZcJSlp/s320/Silence-in-the-library.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...you're not wrong, but the idea of a<a href="https://www.loc.gov/collections/" target="_blank"> digital library</a> dates back to the 1800s. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Program that collects and publishes digital books suffered damage. It began to delete inferior works. Its judgement however is sometimes flawed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">To save the lion's share of an author's blood, sweat and tears, the Plot Holes fix minor issues or, in the case of the Grays, perform a major operation. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In short. Not bad.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The premise to <i>Plot Holes </i>goes back at the very least to a Merrie Melodies cartoon called, <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speaking_of_the_Weather" target="_blank">Speaking of the Weather.</a> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Two other cartoons followed in <i>Weather's </i>footsteps, but director Frank Tashlin broke the ice. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A pharmacy serves as the setting. The premise is magical. After hours, the figures in books and magazines come to life. They sing. They dance. They break out of the hoosegow. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HxrgkNJqNPtlw49QEYwxpGp90MelKNylBxB8hzaZ7Dj5TIol58l962cASRNKRwPpYbGEd6fqJdXPswhABJh6k_8NM0mFA6LHDzWlsJJ10S6SxmcdPD06zHkDxJqeRN63-Ac9Os_8x_ht9_nUapBlhN35IxDCBZAumSNifOi2yyh3QSTzq5akn7Zm3fP7/s1920/MV5BY2FjNDczODEtNTliMC00NzY5LTkyNjEtNmE4ZjVlNmRhZjgyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjMxMzM3NDI@._V1_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HxrgkNJqNPtlw49QEYwxpGp90MelKNylBxB8hzaZ7Dj5TIol58l962cASRNKRwPpYbGEd6fqJdXPswhABJh6k_8NM0mFA6LHDzWlsJJ10S6SxmcdPD06zHkDxJqeRN63-Ac9Os_8x_ht9_nUapBlhN35IxDCBZAumSNifOi2yyh3QSTzq5akn7Zm3fP7/s320/MV5BY2FjNDczODEtNTliMC00NzY5LTkyNjEtNmE4ZjVlNmRhZjgyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjMxMzM3NDI@._V1_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The animators even orchestrated a Charlie Chan stand-in to hunt down the criminal. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, you can say that these individuals also created the concept of a fictional detective emerging from his adventures to solve a real world mystery.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Plot Holes expands on Tashlin's original idea. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The setup to <i>Plot Holes </i>is very Saturday morning cartoonish and thanks to Matt Hollingsworth and Dave Stewart, just as colorful. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4MzG2ib-D3fdolYPnDnd_6CTqFPstJQ1QC3kpSCX3skIfUG2whGHkgLXNu8B4FxXGM5AM7Py6CNNk-wG9sFrShtF9KKaxzrrU3LsRYVlyMtQv2m6h-M3xuRgqp26r3K5Fu-fwmxXFONqmiNLhNEHf99sngmwmpt7vne87rcvctT0eWuS9v3_rPcpuuWK/s924/Plot%20Holes%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4MzG2ib-D3fdolYPnDnd_6CTqFPstJQ1QC3kpSCX3skIfUG2whGHkgLXNu8B4FxXGM5AM7Py6CNNk-wG9sFrShtF9KKaxzrrU3LsRYVlyMtQv2m6h-M3xuRgqp26r3K5Fu-fwmxXFONqmiNLhNEHf99sngmwmpt7vne87rcvctT0eWuS9v3_rPcpuuWK/s320/Plot%20Holes%20Three.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Honestly, apart from the sexual bon mots, <i>Plot Holes</i> could be a lost Hanna-Barbara series from the seventies. Which is a plus for me, but not necessarily for other readers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Plot Holes</i> furthermore is vey funny. Kevin, the kid from the 1930s, is a genuine riot with his not quite getting modern times. Though not in cliche way.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2GaIGzLRSiFoo_QUCkg7C8Cs8cwsnWMc_3EtMPOxgjlD_PKJH6h3ks7djpOQYF9Ll26dm_92dadMGCNwk2Ki0ZMmq91ijYIfnU0y5XCZlIZAQVsouDtBbeKkdxwOmA3OEXRQ40GYkF5xXJzm0jjFa5gIeQdAKERhJEeTDf_WyQDnO5UG0SF2LG4qXMnW/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="800" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2GaIGzLRSiFoo_QUCkg7C8Cs8cwsnWMc_3EtMPOxgjlD_PKJH6h3ks7djpOQYF9Ll26dm_92dadMGCNwk2Ki0ZMmq91ijYIfnU0y5XCZlIZAQVsouDtBbeKkdxwOmA3OEXRQ40GYkF5xXJzm0jjFa5gIeQdAKERhJEeTDf_WyQDnO5UG0SF2LG4qXMnW/w411-h99/Plot%20Holes%20Seven.jpeg" width="411" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The gags frequently arise from the hackneyed writing we've all been exposed to at some point in our lives. For example, the new team member on the cover. He with the mascot symbol tee-shirt believed himself real because his creator is a slice-of-life author.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetl_9lGN5l9rMbBHJpi7RTEaR1EGSUqgUny-LQ1jnlTOHo7SzInU88M7KN491q__7N9vqHj066ki1gaO7MRtTifUgZFU4L0ZGZR0gL5yHzbt026qplgnW-8Nvd-0Tl_9ZyetpiPwBz2jnqGjt1FpeZ8a04gGtbo8uFnRD3pNS-J7vL_SQDqapyTszTPtB/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Six.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="800" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetl_9lGN5l9rMbBHJpi7RTEaR1EGSUqgUny-LQ1jnlTOHo7SzInU88M7KN491q__7N9vqHj066ki1gaO7MRtTifUgZFU4L0ZGZR0gL5yHzbt026qplgnW-8Nvd-0Tl_9ZyetpiPwBz2jnqGjt1FpeZ8a04gGtbo8uFnRD3pNS-J7vL_SQDqapyTszTPtB/w476-h189/Plot%20Holes%20Six.jpeg" width="476" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ed cuts him to the quick with a sharp-edged analysis. No, Cliff is just another fictional character, one apparently designed to be an emo statement against the Nerds that now rule the entertainment world. Ed however finds him useful and worth saving for the very satire he represents.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Plot Holes</i> though its spine is certainly cracked nevertheless is beautifully illustrated and highly entertaining through various means. If you like send ups of reviewers such as myself, this book is for you. If you're just in for a rollicking science fantasy adventure, <i>Plot Holes</i> will be right up your alley. If you like commentary on archetypes in fiction, <i>Plot Holes. </i> Depth? Meh.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLd9cKoFY_zR0Iiwtc393Dcf7HNS1DmM6bqUFqau92SqQxbWa4I9MNgg5epCWbZGWTV9EaEtTvHVNohbwQqzzpWiDMumYpfjk2kEC3oXqi6Sr3BYlhuClr7q1wlkHCn0ZCzig2y_R55IPUwRtgT2qF0Rmt3K3YO1j8Pb1b66tGCzs6i71mBkk5LMB91Bg/s800/Plot%20Holes%20Eight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="800" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLd9cKoFY_zR0Iiwtc393Dcf7HNS1DmM6bqUFqau92SqQxbWa4I9MNgg5epCWbZGWTV9EaEtTvHVNohbwQqzzpWiDMumYpfjk2kEC3oXqi6Sr3BYlhuClr7q1wlkHCn0ZCzig2y_R55IPUwRtgT2qF0Rmt3K3YO1j8Pb1b66tGCzs6i71mBkk5LMB91Bg/s320/Plot%20Holes%20Eight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ah, yes. Just what are those things breaking through the genres? The Plot thickens.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-39214589922883077962023-08-15T16:06:00.004-04:002023-08-15T16:19:06.561-04:00POBB August 15, 2023<div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: center;">Pick of the Brown Bag</div><div style="text-align: center;">August 15, 2023</div><div style="text-align: center;">by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ray Tate</div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>, I'm Ray Tate and sometimes, when I can carve enough time out of my busy, busy schedule, I read and review comic books. If you don't see your comic book as a subject here, it may mean several things: it's mediocre and I didn't think it warranted review--cruel; I haven't gotten to it yet--okay; I haven't typed the review yet--lazy, or the ever popular I never heard of it--embarrassing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Having time off from work, I read a slew of comic books. A hell of a lot of them met the cruel criteria. They were filled with boring art, boring stories and/or boring characters. <i>Hawkgirl</i> ain't one of them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi0DshAci1bxbXNPiTSD3prhXKyd3sb394bI77KDFFl4rAV3Xu2hQhpDnacdj8_Q6MorXasf-qz7Z_ma1HLv28gcVZM3sptPm2DGn2M38w7J7L9larIAcI6CFgdnkJjhTMWz6uFh2wNraPixAEPrR-fAn-d0RNTw1Qy2mOMOazouXGeMzVjCP8k9PpbF9/s800/Hawkgirl%20Cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi0DshAci1bxbXNPiTSD3prhXKyd3sb394bI77KDFFl4rAV3Xu2hQhpDnacdj8_Q6MorXasf-qz7Z_ma1HLv28gcVZM3sptPm2DGn2M38w7J7L9larIAcI6CFgdnkJjhTMWz6uFh2wNraPixAEPrR-fAn-d0RNTw1Qy2mOMOazouXGeMzVjCP8k9PpbF9/s320/Hawkgirl%20Cover.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Writer Jadzia Axelrod creates an engaging, unusual narrative that's split between multiple characters. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Short stories normally rely on a single point of view. The detective doggedly homing in on the killer, for example. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In a novella, novel, or even a long short story, you can parcel. In other words, one chapter, or break, is seen through the eyes of character A. The second chapter through B. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This kind of thing can be ham-fisted. The reader can become confused by constant vacillation. I've tossed books that do this. Too many characters. Too many points of view. Another one for the "dumpster."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Axelrod however is writing a comic book, and she very skillfully exploits its unique nature as a medium to flawlessly blend multi-person narratives.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Comic books unlike film do not require segues or visual trickery to convey meaning. The writing/art presents a perfect amalgam for the eye. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The comic book is a slow, subjective, immersive medium. You sit down and decide the reading pace of a comic book. Whereas in film, the filmmaker subjects a pace for the viewer, who is nevertheless seated. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Optical trickery such as segues, blends, fade outs and tinting signify the time and space should it be required. Not so in a comic book.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Axelrod begins the story with the introduction of new characters.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmbvGVZwYnXzfY1ostvOkKnPAUCWZzPlL0MqpaXVbmqfzGhL3tCncSOlmgR5-lWmNgIF5txQ3pyfCj2u8-u9hTroD6wsW2YqFjq-Jx4RiVuaInxMK-_MtB1g5mbbKZs9CciT-dMFVb0xYzY31leqsVpxh8McfMHLIHXNdYPJSyV4O99HSvnqhsYuKOBW-/s800/Hawkgirl%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmbvGVZwYnXzfY1ostvOkKnPAUCWZzPlL0MqpaXVbmqfzGhL3tCncSOlmgR5-lWmNgIF5txQ3pyfCj2u8-u9hTroD6wsW2YqFjq-Jx4RiVuaInxMK-_MtB1g5mbbKZs9CciT-dMFVb0xYzY31leqsVpxh8McfMHLIHXNdYPJSyV4O99HSvnqhsYuKOBW-/s320/Hawkgirl%20One.jpeg" width="264" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Who are these cast members? I must admit, my brain started cataloging Hawkman and Hawkgirl associates, for various periods and found nothing of use. Nevertheless, by the time you're finished reading <i>Hawkgirl</i>, you'll know why the ladies are in the book, what are their goals and this scene's very clever importance. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Using the device of the necklace, the writer shifts time on the third page.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYj05jh4ZKw3E5FvvkJJU7kqmunD8mqHO8v3RquXRDOsbKvQHwsoGliDpxvyRLjEWzuByjHWBaUIBQz9SRCseAsB0gaBY4zIG7xTZeqcd96Y8RV_a4OoDWeLWd4HfCqrgqSc5G6J3A6C1Jn1dBbRfK2o9l5I_wH6LAZiPa__zuC2p3KGVRZejVA6Hh-9n/s800/Hawkgirl%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="786" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYj05jh4ZKw3E5FvvkJJU7kqmunD8mqHO8v3RquXRDOsbKvQHwsoGliDpxvyRLjEWzuByjHWBaUIBQz9SRCseAsB0gaBY4zIG7xTZeqcd96Y8RV_a4OoDWeLWd4HfCqrgqSc5G6J3A6C1Jn1dBbRfK2o9l5I_wH6LAZiPa__zuC2p3KGVRZejVA6Hh-9n/s320/Hawkgirl%20Two.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">On that page she kicks off the story proper with the infusion of the alien. Not Hawkgirl, who appears with the Justice League on page four, but something else.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZIqz7VA5L0VWr-iRNXGJybDlEfgMKtJURsySRfrP_2eC1KPwD4NVbO1fUMUMqTpbXd9XQ-SHNthSHq1iYL0ms0aaqcNritSbfw4MUjtQQz1GKaHmqT4QWUu-RQePAETiQ6KxDwvbtyFusY6aFd-HDQsNVU8RsN6CJPtMRQTLcE27ZmD7MKk8qIQYpqzG/s800/Hawkgirl%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="800" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZIqz7VA5L0VWr-iRNXGJybDlEfgMKtJURsySRfrP_2eC1KPwD4NVbO1fUMUMqTpbXd9XQ-SHNthSHq1iYL0ms0aaqcNritSbfw4MUjtQQz1GKaHmqT4QWUu-RQePAETiQ6KxDwvbtyFusY6aFd-HDQsNVU8RsN6CJPtMRQTLcE27ZmD7MKk8qIQYpqzG/w361-h255/Hawkgirl%20Three.jpeg" width="361" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Axelrod lets the dialogue, the interaction between old teammates and the beautiful action-filled artwork of Aman Nahuelpan and Adriano Lucas to draw the reader into this new chapter for Hawkgirl. It's an easy enticement.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For these colorful scenes, narration is unnecessary. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Everybody can spot Superman by sight, but not everybody knows Power Girl and the Black Canary. Axelrod</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> smoothly identifies each character in the dialogue. She makes that introduction part of the story. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Within the conversation, Axelrod reveals the ins and outs of Hawkgirl: her history, published and otherwise, her relationships, her abilities and more important for this story, her vulnerabilities.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZfEUdHxnZQ5Ub6dqRuLddMISGPInNUL0R5awroHsXGx6dV7YPQDPgxKOu5Fnvj0auxD8nqPmGJz-RBtTVyvjtuDH8D__5B505IqHNKePu7XNAX3QleOIEi6xEX-SmRsaK-1JZppE2v7N9SMUWpvzQj8e0-7a5L2Br8MkGD0_WOpg6yLrAOS3-o8jon-Z/s800/Hawkgirl%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZfEUdHxnZQ5Ub6dqRuLddMISGPInNUL0R5awroHsXGx6dV7YPQDPgxKOu5Fnvj0auxD8nqPmGJz-RBtTVyvjtuDH8D__5B505IqHNKePu7XNAX3QleOIEi6xEX-SmRsaK-1JZppE2v7N9SMUWpvzQj8e0-7a5L2Br8MkGD0_WOpg6yLrAOS3-o8jon-Z/s320/Hawkgirl%20Four.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It turns out that Hawkgirl may be putting on a brave front. All those lives, the voices in her head may be taking a toll. In addition because Hawkgirl's life is one of reincarnation, she may be prone to self-destruction, as indicated in another scene. On the other hand, it's possible outside forces influence her actions. Whatever the case, Hawkgirl does not die and reincarnate for her debut.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHizO8CVba1EKcdV80tMKeZrmmZ2rZYdqu2MRRSskjAOBss4ZpAchAgF8Q3ozZy5cqq1D9m0zVmCOYBUAmuoeOPx_WhF16OI_vlpye85zKI9XQmsbwJfQWOFLNuq3pMnrkYuLCb5uZYes1r07vGxdJZEpmVBZBbMhEfZaN1aZDW8gwI9mHpyYwQoJqzoY/s800/Hawkgirl%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHizO8CVba1EKcdV80tMKeZrmmZ2rZYdqu2MRRSskjAOBss4ZpAchAgF8Q3ozZy5cqq1D9m0zVmCOYBUAmuoeOPx_WhF16OI_vlpye85zKI9XQmsbwJfQWOFLNuq3pMnrkYuLCb5uZYes1r07vGxdJZEpmVBZBbMhEfZaN1aZDW8gwI9mHpyYwQoJqzoY/s320/Hawkgirl%20Five.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Axelrod surprises with a new hero.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Galaxy isn't actually new. Axelrod introduced her in a graphic novel gauged for younger readers. However, she knows you may have missed it. So the narration returns.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mary Sue alert? No. Not really. Hawkgirl is the star of the book, and she gets the focus. Galaxy's presence is merely sauce for the goose. Perhaps, Axelrod wanted to give Hawkgirl a protege, or merely a friend outside the Justice League. A feat she duplicates in a different way when Kendra meets up with a college chum.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rUhNtOp17EN7afyENiaqGnZ9QSZcSf_pO3ffkPpzEqBhUsq2_-TewS90rNqtxQTIf6ySffBX-wPGqCSIEMK1bNvu2QF4bFcJ6uno67Mh_AAPVoMneXWxYL1S69M-D8VHvIAxhnsAgKzfPDzuPuHGELSBDS9-WSnq-vey4SpMHKou6R8JP3fv-Bnm1cXd/s800/Hawkgirl%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="800" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rUhNtOp17EN7afyENiaqGnZ9QSZcSf_pO3ffkPpzEqBhUsq2_-TewS90rNqtxQTIf6ySffBX-wPGqCSIEMK1bNvu2QF4bFcJ6uno67Mh_AAPVoMneXWxYL1S69M-D8VHvIAxhnsAgKzfPDzuPuHGELSBDS9-WSnq-vey4SpMHKou6R8JP3fv-Bnm1cXd/s320/Hawkgirl%20Six.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's nice that Axelrod isn't just dealing with Hawkgirl nor her many incarnations. In fact with regard to the latter, none show up. Not even in flashback. She's more interested in looking at Kendra as a person. With that in mind, Abeline isn't just window dressing for Kendra. Axelrod briefly but succinctly builds on Abeline's characterization and history.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Normally, I would object to smashing real world politics and limitations into a comic book, but Nazis exist in the DCU just as unfortunately they still exist in our twenty-first century reality. So, Black Lives Matter and protesting bigotry is fair game in a comic book even when in the presence of men and women who routinely defy gravity.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If Axelrod hasn't sold you on <i>Hawkgirl</i> yet, she's got one more all-in move.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D0cmbQau7_L1_zfNRM5Xy9aZ9BtJXMmfPoDRZKdDSivc2Sw1b9To2M6LdhAF0iTsD3ZKvefTGiN7pd7ryDGNeEtGDdbHT9KIyA8m2tKUs0TcQMt66xWo8OD2pxMbje0iFqvn0zvVYxyCgPK1zbFX6lQCpHev87URslcWX3Qh65a84EsZubHVWJwKyBPP/s800/Hawkgirl%20Seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="653" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4D0cmbQau7_L1_zfNRM5Xy9aZ9BtJXMmfPoDRZKdDSivc2Sw1b9To2M6LdhAF0iTsD3ZKvefTGiN7pd7ryDGNeEtGDdbHT9KIyA8m2tKUs0TcQMt66xWo8OD2pxMbje0iFqvn0zvVYxyCgPK1zbFX6lQCpHev87URslcWX3Qh65a84EsZubHVWJwKyBPP/w286-h351/Hawkgirl%20Seven.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That's right. Batman. And hell, didn't Nahuelpan and Lucas pull out all the stops for the depiction? When you're given the opportunity to professionally illustrate Batman, you don't turn in shoddy work.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Batman and Hawkgirl served in the Justice League before the <i>Crisis on Infinite Earths</i>, before the whole reincarnation thing smooshed all the hawks together. More importantly, Bruce Timm's animated <i>Justice League</i> suggested a substantial relationship between Batman and Hawkgirl. Right from the get-go in the pilot, Batman suggests that he knows Hawkgirl from a previous encounter. Perhaps even encounters. As the series progresses, their banter indicate a growing friendship. So, Axelrod reinforcing that camaraderie as well as restoring the detective colleagues aspect pretty much puts<i> Hawkgirl </i>over the top. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As to whether or not you should buy now or wait for the trade. I advise buying now. The paper quality in the comic book is excellent for bringing out the best in the art. If DC publishes this on shiny paper, you might lose something in the transfer.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-32868781502873194822023-07-16T23:48:00.000-04:002023-07-16T23:48:12.999-04:00POBB July 13, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: center;">July 13, 2023</div><div style="text-align: center;">by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ray Tate</div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to another posting of the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag.</i> Well, I've not won the Powerball, so I'm still just trudging along trying to get on with reading comic books. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">To be honest, I've actually read a whole clump of new stuff over my short vacation. Most amounted to disappointing mediocrity. Nothing to get pissed off about, and nothing to extol. Except <i>North Valley Grimoire </i>from <a href="https://massivepublishing.com" target="_blank">Whatnot Publishing.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzg80HZxImW8nMX2wiNewl8YbJlmMnkKur9KvdxPzd4RCEv_CYW6fD6WGuKQdGERs9WtDjTUE6WwvsPgKjcwnrBbngJ0V6K9a1zyjBZm7aqb7WrayB1Kc57r1V40tmYPbMYH7M7Qi2PAJGg1N-KmLNzXXKXuCK5SpL7GkOkNkt8OQ8YMyJtqkp2QACVwv/s800/NVG%20%231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzg80HZxImW8nMX2wiNewl8YbJlmMnkKur9KvdxPzd4RCEv_CYW6fD6WGuKQdGERs9WtDjTUE6WwvsPgKjcwnrBbngJ0V6K9a1zyjBZm7aqb7WrayB1Kc57r1V40tmYPbMYH7M7Qi2PAJGg1N-KmLNzXXKXuCK5SpL7GkOkNkt8OQ8YMyJtqkp2QACVwv/s320/NVG%20%231.jpeg" width="208" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Two issues so far by writer Blake Northcott, artist Guiseppe Cafaro and colorist Bryan Valenza already hit the racks. You can still get in on this book on ground level, and <i>North Valley</i> is worth getting into. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">First of all, a wow to the artwork. Guiseppe Cafaro presents exciting illustration that doesn't look like it comes from the cookie cutter of bland.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTon65t88XnjcfrqH7DUAV3TECblnMDD37tgPwxQj0jffEekcd4oE-GXv0Kv_S6XzMAd4go1ADMRM7jHFqfcBKFViuLjNv7gzOu0k4Zjx-G8rkiqF54CThyb5yvm6WXv-3ClgX9uSbVXZjLQt_gAsfRzKFYIhEXZkLcR2SjdH-2LTEnbsMUB2LaFvlsGj/s800/NGV%20%234.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTon65t88XnjcfrqH7DUAV3TECblnMDD37tgPwxQj0jffEekcd4oE-GXv0Kv_S6XzMAd4go1ADMRM7jHFqfcBKFViuLjNv7gzOu0k4Zjx-G8rkiqF54CThyb5yvm6WXv-3ClgX9uSbVXZjLQt_gAsfRzKFYIhEXZkLcR2SjdH-2LTEnbsMUB2LaFvlsGj/s320/NGV%20%234.jpeg" width="304" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Kudos also to the colorist who provides the neon styled special effects. After that clutch of timid, boring house rendering, which nearly lulled me to sleep, <i>North Valley Grimoire </i>felt like a splash of cold water to the face. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__h6ANufnbZ0vypsGUQv_tjMJleCPol3Ol8vLWW0PEsRGnbo4QL6h_xMGbGug71MUKMuRKmGWjkBqPRNpUTewTk4WqNIy2iMT7tS6FMV07XJaWG99vvxPHU8Vvk4QeUta2t0_-Il0iTbs6V1WDKJXsGS40BDYbgw8nIPegH3olAEPqwqR4vAtgiNlyT3e/s800/NVG%20%237.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="800" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__h6ANufnbZ0vypsGUQv_tjMJleCPol3Ol8vLWW0PEsRGnbo4QL6h_xMGbGug71MUKMuRKmGWjkBqPRNpUTewTk4WqNIy2iMT7tS6FMV07XJaWG99vvxPHU8Vvk4QeUta2t0_-Il0iTbs6V1WDKJXsGS40BDYbgw8nIPegH3olAEPqwqR4vAtgiNlyT3e/s320/NVG%20%237.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So what is this book about, without of course giving too much away? The whole world that's reflective of our own reality doesn't know magic exists.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VvPnQ1QmAlr4mzIFpRZADRQHQX-sJlLRmgdOY4xg6uvTyi52w6PbHe787U6IvSOaxefaftWxY07vYBm4MT7U39lccITVdzUywTQoD8MuyjN5b0knX5ok4Ex5eoeEXfVTc4zo59LeAOxM_KFOhtFat9pEQdRWUT_yQ9Vo4hqbxvLQRNa09sEau-tz3WMY/s800/NVG%20%239.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="800" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VvPnQ1QmAlr4mzIFpRZADRQHQX-sJlLRmgdOY4xg6uvTyi52w6PbHe787U6IvSOaxefaftWxY07vYBm4MT7U39lccITVdzUywTQoD8MuyjN5b0knX5ok4Ex5eoeEXfVTc4zo59LeAOxM_KFOhtFat9pEQdRWUT_yQ9Vo4hqbxvLQRNa09sEau-tz3WMY/s320/NVG%20%239.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now, this isn't exactly groundbreaking for anybody that reads urban fantasy. A genre dedicated to seeding magic in large and small ways through worlds that resemble our own. Northcott however focuses on some mostly unexplored territory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHbBHASv573erILyfsMSfhHn0si96jsvyy0ZaSUaH5AR9iDWpY7xWUFQUnv57BQyHpRkQa1UjqEAqcygMfj7XbX66UAEArK_bM77F4B187Kg38ceZy9jrH7NrBEtwnkbe34ACV7GW9zMz89CWJ1wFPQdNaV3BHeIA2O1jWSEa3YUxdo12CApVE49SuoeT/s800/NGV%20%233.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="800" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHbBHASv573erILyfsMSfhHn0si96jsvyy0ZaSUaH5AR9iDWpY7xWUFQUnv57BQyHpRkQa1UjqEAqcygMfj7XbX66UAEArK_bM77F4B187Kg38ceZy9jrH7NrBEtwnkbe34ACV7GW9zMz89CWJ1wFPQdNaV3BHeIA2O1jWSEa3YUxdo12CApVE49SuoeT/s320/NGV%20%233.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We've got spies using magic. Well, damn. That's interesting. That's novel. Maybe it has been done before in other works, but I don't think I have seen this or heard such before.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">For the record, there's a lot more going on than just that. It's bloody mayhem and a big surprising curse that catalyzes the dynamics of the characters. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span>Bearing that in mind, you still will only get the non-spoiler graphics. These technically should be depictions on the warm side, but there's not a tepid moment in <i>North Valley Grimoire</i>. </span>Even in so-called quiet scenes, Cafaro provides an illusion of animation.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXw28mZ62K1i8pbpX88sp3W_TtSs0yaafg2MZ-CmEvJ5ywgquR9wbPH_mDcg02ZR1wzatrwo5tfQQRDgK5BFOQQfK55vDSUn9VomKk-fJLdl4NW7O7BNgFTowmSccQ47aH1K3h8kw8avEMRDNfPtITZlCQ3najOP7ELeEnGb8XwhxPDkYq1fOWJ6H-cO-/s800/NVG%20%2311.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="800" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXw28mZ62K1i8pbpX88sp3W_TtSs0yaafg2MZ-CmEvJ5ywgquR9wbPH_mDcg02ZR1wzatrwo5tfQQRDgK5BFOQQfK55vDSUn9VomKk-fJLdl4NW7O7BNgFTowmSccQ47aH1K3h8kw8avEMRDNfPtITZlCQ3najOP7ELeEnGb8XwhxPDkYq1fOWJ6H-cO-/s320/NVG%20%2311.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>North Valley </i>focuses primarily on Agent Malek who searches for the title book and Calista, a school girl who comes to possess the<i> Grimoire. </i>However, don't think that you can predict what's what and who's who in this story. It's not Bond nor Mulder and Scully. It's not <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer. </i>It's not Steed and Peel. It's not <i>Constantine</i>, either.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The tale begins with Malek infiltrating a den of smugglers and thieves, but this is all flashback under his debriefing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISicTRNcrasJJdriXypMzedp-EVvZp_5Qva4SZRxXqr2Q9gyG6Qf0gALlhc8_svhcdLfGHO52placY5NRMPn2o6c2IjABEDDH2oSUGBOej9PU_9k5Z-CtC3zPhbUin9abbXAErtR7qYNlq84OB8FgYmhsT5AUTdsjB8y5fINURxxtMniGu64Sx5GolOpr/s800/NVG%20%2313.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="800" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISicTRNcrasJJdriXypMzedp-EVvZp_5Qva4SZRxXqr2Q9gyG6Qf0gALlhc8_svhcdLfGHO52placY5NRMPn2o6c2IjABEDDH2oSUGBOej9PU_9k5Z-CtC3zPhbUin9abbXAErtR7qYNlq84OB8FgYmhsT5AUTdsjB8y5fINURxxtMniGu64Sx5GolOpr/s320/NVG%20%2313.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pay attention to the debriefing. It's not just a narrative device. Sent to investigate the appearance of the <i>Grimoire </i>in of course North Valley, Virginia, Malek makes his presence known at a murder scene.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNTxq9Vwg1urn-sVn-LIaX75VtVwZsaAhURfWRtMCTAASuhDe6AaNu62G9TNzASDEMHUT1Y3WFWRx-6k6t0s6_vMBuE6SQ3NtKK_CjMufHT9Qh66oqSVonU39JuiAi73QPwqfujM5av7x8oBuhDKl1fGMs7oWvgORJYii49FH9q95wYctTWSmYJzJP97P/s800/NVG%20%2314.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNTxq9Vwg1urn-sVn-LIaX75VtVwZsaAhURfWRtMCTAASuhDe6AaNu62G9TNzASDEMHUT1Y3WFWRx-6k6t0s6_vMBuE6SQ3NtKK_CjMufHT9Qh66oqSVonU39JuiAi73QPwqfujM5av7x8oBuhDKl1fGMs7oWvgORJYii49FH9q95wYctTWSmYJzJP97P/s320/NVG%20%2314.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We then inventively cut to the Hawthorne Academy where Northcott, Cafaro and Valenza introduce Calista.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V9Gr4D3lJ3ZzAvXK9lRYPQ5CAk-diygV1YeXBbTSpTXHdfV9nV2Jv5_98FMnpqCNwXqBnfCBBIkkZIigq1YgI00pcTKY10w5_yFfL0FsiGPbVRYbwxwD6BohSq1xnrEiQRyIegjGjkOef--4lz1kIXWzwjKjM-lo5vaj-tKKDsFmU4iRgvD_yqsdOM_3/s800/NGV%20%2315.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V9Gr4D3lJ3ZzAvXK9lRYPQ5CAk-diygV1YeXBbTSpTXHdfV9nV2Jv5_98FMnpqCNwXqBnfCBBIkkZIigq1YgI00pcTKY10w5_yFfL0FsiGPbVRYbwxwD6BohSq1xnrEiQRyIegjGjkOef--4lz1kIXWzwjKjM-lo5vaj-tKKDsFmU4iRgvD_yqsdOM_3/s320/NGV%20%2315.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Calista reveals her relationship with her deceased friend Jackson. The "therapeutic" note that Calista wrote to Jackson served as the segue, but we also get to see Jackson living and breathing in her memory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEqsVKPVZAM-Z9ZHt-bq_eu6PSBGcq_FrODlIJd2-IB6hLROHMuHdgPI6WSLdfvFhuaBIS031f1kJ_h5DTl4TThD_inLpOEYoaE-EyNBhL13252EpLYOoEadasvK3S_lTuWn01fb2JpHh-qQlazAeVgr1niXkljKHIgY71j22sqejcbCC2M8CLCcafkpm/s800/NGV%20%235.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEqsVKPVZAM-Z9ZHt-bq_eu6PSBGcq_FrODlIJd2-IB6hLROHMuHdgPI6WSLdfvFhuaBIS031f1kJ_h5DTl4TThD_inLpOEYoaE-EyNBhL13252EpLYOoEadasvK3S_lTuWn01fb2JpHh-qQlazAeVgr1niXkljKHIgY71j22sqejcbCC2M8CLCcafkpm/s320/NGV%20%235.jpeg" width="281" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Later in the evening, Calista discovers the <i>Grimoire.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj0L9hmdIGotRldY41BJlQRP_HaAROOvggBE3rHZ-LGESi5ZT3tWGp9LeVqyJ0E08ncLPrQoht69OxFgbn8ks61G4lkaixGqXUkZGusD8rKsscJbJWxAdySNA9uk5c8MPbFpnadY5udJlCKXWG6q6-NX0KW_edTu9lhpaYkdMNIoNq_FEcUxe73fYPcyf/s800/NVG%20%2312.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="800" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIj0L9hmdIGotRldY41BJlQRP_HaAROOvggBE3rHZ-LGESi5ZT3tWGp9LeVqyJ0E08ncLPrQoht69OxFgbn8ks61G4lkaixGqXUkZGusD8rKsscJbJWxAdySNA9uk5c8MPbFpnadY5udJlCKXWG6q6-NX0KW_edTu9lhpaYkdMNIoNq_FEcUxe73fYPcyf/s320/NVG%20%2312.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span>Reading the pages, she uncovers some information about Jackson. The revelation makes her consider recruiting a collaborator. </span>Calista meets up with her friend Kaz. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TQaG2jPqePR3dIRjYfR6mpJpN_AcHQKebqms-_fr411aeXVsVyN5iaTwlPdBuU5cXk5vSoRYl31lXHJz68Xjm8oMulTW3z00ZffrSWa6fgD4UaRfvxuUBrS06kxdK5dSzYe81MsgQTUyPinIjbExlu7m92AgTgkU6ZRs2e7IiceN78Exsq2FtA9qPPcR/s800/NGV%20%236.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="800" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TQaG2jPqePR3dIRjYfR6mpJpN_AcHQKebqms-_fr411aeXVsVyN5iaTwlPdBuU5cXk5vSoRYl31lXHJz68Xjm8oMulTW3z00ZffrSWa6fgD4UaRfvxuUBrS06kxdK5dSzYe81MsgQTUyPinIjbExlu7m92AgTgkU6ZRs2e7IiceN78Exsq2FtA9qPPcR/s320/NGV%20%236.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Of course, that fellow in the shadows with the gun isn't there to say hi. In a frenetic display of violence and magical retribution, all glorious hell breaks loose.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-gGjjdgzvlda9FEeeiy9FPaZJnFBDTyinWGZ_Y3MYghMG2vr6w8kxWA0meT8imz-A9Ax9Y-Ab_XZObdWiMImKLnOGFyenZDQvJfk2wQNcfdQOH2AMFacnautSKYF3j_Lpt3_rv-T_Ipbov5CYD-hAj7SwS6VYEJ-viMtCkpOx3mvm5l9_JczR7jmG3Pf/s800/NVG%20%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-gGjjdgzvlda9FEeeiy9FPaZJnFBDTyinWGZ_Y3MYghMG2vr6w8kxWA0meT8imz-A9Ax9Y-Ab_XZObdWiMImKLnOGFyenZDQvJfk2wQNcfdQOH2AMFacnautSKYF3j_Lpt3_rv-T_Ipbov5CYD-hAj7SwS6VYEJ-viMtCkpOx3mvm5l9_JczR7jmG3Pf/s320/NVG%20%232.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The second issue provides the reader with more goodness. We get to know Jackson from his point of view, when alive, in the opening scene.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6LV315aMfblOtx0GVruDFfJWQlaTBprY1NCs-BqrVBjh2jXpsKU7fCcCtYzbGPhNraYnL9QStzjaT8Iki1ivygpqs4idTQJgaWe6a3OJOsQiQ6M3O9yaVcKNAIEWGuFKebSvzs0c55bLC8hXkErRS3nEXOESHMnzO0nTsCkKe6KH7Ead7fW9qPH51KXZ/s800/NGV%20%2316.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6LV315aMfblOtx0GVruDFfJWQlaTBprY1NCs-BqrVBjh2jXpsKU7fCcCtYzbGPhNraYnL9QStzjaT8Iki1ivygpqs4idTQJgaWe6a3OJOsQiQ6M3O9yaVcKNAIEWGuFKebSvzs0c55bLC8hXkErRS3nEXOESHMnzO0nTsCkKe6KH7Ead7fW9qPH51KXZ/s320/NGV%20%2316.jpeg" width="285" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the present, Kaz and Calista try to figure out what happened while the authorities cover up the evidence.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-d_YHRM976urVA6NFxaT0EEkwzDTjIjinFxTQgO2BZeXwMEVkWbPJBXtLRB_V8CtvmI2Ae0zM0ImqSNRs2eFmcHQKznjakxUko_bovZCDX9KQO-sR7RD8-h5W9ixTAGuyyQ5ejLtJkNFXosKAzI1svmkBTsgBEdjwIp08JW_0LrFulay9k5jdlzreh8n/s800/NVG%20%238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="684" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-d_YHRM976urVA6NFxaT0EEkwzDTjIjinFxTQgO2BZeXwMEVkWbPJBXtLRB_V8CtvmI2Ae0zM0ImqSNRs2eFmcHQKznjakxUko_bovZCDX9KQO-sR7RD8-h5W9ixTAGuyyQ5ejLtJkNFXosKAzI1svmkBTsgBEdjwIp08JW_0LrFulay9k5jdlzreh8n/s320/NVG%20%238.jpeg" width="274" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Perhaps those authorities include Malek who consults with an old friend to facilitate his investigation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jGbh6su4lKrNhHmVIngcikJwkjVQX9KzMT8Doo19SiYvSQd1oxfDk1xKWtdUdkT-nkuUZ3U5eODtDvbl9ZBkvKBr8-WnvrE2vBV9YLsunptPMYQHxgdlNULfGjkxK7Z2C21nRRQ0d58j8-niCBZURgyQWkM8WOwuHxH0UqvUnI0_HiA4UAI3lDsRBleR/s800/NGV%20%2317.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="641" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jGbh6su4lKrNhHmVIngcikJwkjVQX9KzMT8Doo19SiYvSQd1oxfDk1xKWtdUdkT-nkuUZ3U5eODtDvbl9ZBkvKBr8-WnvrE2vBV9YLsunptPMYQHxgdlNULfGjkxK7Z2C21nRRQ0d58j8-niCBZURgyQWkM8WOwuHxH0UqvUnI0_HiA4UAI3lDsRBleR/s320/NGV%20%2317.jpeg" width="256" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Notice how Northcott incorporates magic, unusual magic, in the familiar espionage scene.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The confab leads us back to Hawthorne and Calista's arch nemeses. The cheerleading squad.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6-WGgO4aD8-i01J_S-InUnhqbvvOhMx8X-9anXeNhmvUJidVv-040ZLmXiKGtSvsc_9S61WOs9WkfH5eJ2Bk4gZHcA6UFTpfuVHLx31DLcEYEErRX2-eTwDPN_DZ3TKYJ25BDDTZB6ppE_KZzID-XpZInH2UGWvHs8cJseKbwrAax9Js6VQIXXMiEKns/s800/NVG%20%2310.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="800" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6-WGgO4aD8-i01J_S-InUnhqbvvOhMx8X-9anXeNhmvUJidVv-040ZLmXiKGtSvsc_9S61WOs9WkfH5eJ2Bk4gZHcA6UFTpfuVHLx31DLcEYEErRX2-eTwDPN_DZ3TKYJ25BDDTZB6ppE_KZzID-XpZInH2UGWvHs8cJseKbwrAax9Js6VQIXXMiEKns/s320/NVG%20%2310.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And again. All these scenes are the quiet ones. There's just oodles of engaging action and twists to be found. Onward and upward to issue three.</span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-16637554260489734742023-06-15T17:53:00.000-04:002023-06-15T17:53:52.605-04:00POBB June 15, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">June 15, 2023</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">by</span></i></div></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></i></div></span></i></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yup. I managed it. Another posting of the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. In this column/blog I review comic books, movies, sometimes prose novels and whatever media tickles my fancy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The POBB used to be weekly, but due to time constraints and my--ahem--own laziness, I haven't mustered my full Brown Bagginess. I'm working on it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This week I cast my eye upon the completed mini-series <i>Voyagis</i>, from Image<i>. </i>In a change of pace, I'll try to layout the factors that led me to buy this book. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The cover of the first issue immediately attracted my attention. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLs4Z_sXj7-ehdg6ixRUjH4Qd90_4yVI-PFXww4WdeFwMkSQhdKHMypUHVB-nmRR4daTlWoQdKm_MF6eaeZ_xTiuhJhWL9vlSsczizt7_zpfvhOaDl2E7xA4L99syB_UnCZiQJAZ-tkO5imyad0d6vUFCR22HI8kCnQnT24Qls7QgJUzEYkdiAjqtSQ/s800/Voyagis.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLs4Z_sXj7-ehdg6ixRUjH4Qd90_4yVI-PFXww4WdeFwMkSQhdKHMypUHVB-nmRR4daTlWoQdKm_MF6eaeZ_xTiuhJhWL9vlSsczizt7_zpfvhOaDl2E7xA4L99syB_UnCZiQJAZ-tkO5imyad0d6vUFCR22HI8kCnQnT24Qls7QgJUzEYkdiAjqtSQ/s320/Voyagis.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The blue alien, Sen, is indeed the star. The art inside the comic matches the beautiful designs on the outside. Illustration inside and out doesn't need to be by the same artist, but the quality of the art must be favorably comparable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span>The entirety of <i>Voyagis </i>happens to be a complete Sumeyye Kesgin production. Kesgin even provides the lettering. </span>Ellie Wright partners with Kesgin for the colors.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzhPyYe1qFYsyaYE5xkQZ0JuzofbxpyvYo4ZVZmYTq2riyDyISFJq7_jNixF3sr7vtT1oFU3ooOutJ4nHlUYDAaFfBfCWh4cpQm99CjFNDXYywyrQUlAyGlTDoHwZQR4kPjGO21bfVsAZZmybzgGhqx1x7b5grumvSRUKji28iLke72iSpZdmq4gvuA/s800/Sen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzhPyYe1qFYsyaYE5xkQZ0JuzofbxpyvYo4ZVZmYTq2riyDyISFJq7_jNixF3sr7vtT1oFU3ooOutJ4nHlUYDAaFfBfCWh4cpQm99CjFNDXYywyrQUlAyGlTDoHwZQR4kPjGO21bfVsAZZmybzgGhqx1x7b5grumvSRUKji28iLke72iSpZdmq4gvuA/s320/Sen.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A flip-through indicated that <i>Voygagis </i>is not filled with lots of talking. Unless the book is meant to be a philosophical masterpiece, I see oodles of verbiage in what's supposed to be a visual presentation as detriment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Kesgin relies on the optical delights to convey the action. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjxftP_y9VkM5QWzdHYq_R4OiBpOaD8npmdbYvAArQxJCjfxAtOoBGUZNKBoJmvrpPJ8NM2-RAhcPbkB_ouOh-tCXyoFicqF2ZQM5-D_oVVM0K8keHLuB5_fTjlBla8evtALzzg2M3aL8qE3H2U7itoiFEq3T1j6Z-WBwi8G9KpfWyBxHMXi3w8F17A/s800/Rip%20Roaring%20Adventure.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjxftP_y9VkM5QWzdHYq_R4OiBpOaD8npmdbYvAArQxJCjfxAtOoBGUZNKBoJmvrpPJ8NM2-RAhcPbkB_ouOh-tCXyoFicqF2ZQM5-D_oVVM0K8keHLuB5_fTjlBla8evtALzzg2M3aL8qE3H2U7itoiFEq3T1j6Z-WBwi8G9KpfWyBxHMXi3w8F17A/s320/Rip%20Roaring%20Adventure.jpeg" width="285" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Sen and her friend Zakk, the green alien, seek out salvage on their planet Modia and in its orbit. There's a twist.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8GuL2Guv2VoPn-S01x83sWuAQSNh5I9whkjqtFVzBRD0ZjPobLLMbSTJKH7RgbxgbwroHtzwih76TbvkysOGu77cOBMvdbIPQM4sLf5wETEsW98pPRZhZAmJm6V1jYJzDmDU3nbsOQeAa3M-ImMj3z25-Mj4JlsPqT5QcOxnp8EnLXlZxEQd7dIsRg/s800/Salvage.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="800" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8GuL2Guv2VoPn-S01x83sWuAQSNh5I9whkjqtFVzBRD0ZjPobLLMbSTJKH7RgbxgbwroHtzwih76TbvkysOGu77cOBMvdbIPQM4sLf5wETEsW98pPRZhZAmJm6V1jYJzDmDU3nbsOQeAa3M-ImMj3z25-Mj4JlsPqT5QcOxnp8EnLXlZxEQd7dIsRg/s320/Salvage.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Plants are perhaps more valuable than metal. I've seen the opposite concept play out in the <i>Doctor Who </i>episode "Creature from the Pit," but I haven't seen a plant-value-based universe before. So, bonus points for originality.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The plants play a variety of roles in the story. One sentient tumbleweed type amusingly named the Dude is Sen's pet and watchdog. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0as0pLAZhXvbTGhO7jxdKsKxxWuW-W47I0Ni6bpYNXhfu02_pqLobsgshnmgAKgSvNkBD7_aWMWsjdqlHhuunS8b4BvI2P9rTi5yR3eoYXdqmLnZbR_pY5Vzj7Tlti6MrvFlcqOiHbPUfyKOP7o1vyQbpv8D9mnNlW0hMLPdKdfj8Evpp0mQgN0QVw/s800/The%20Dude.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="800" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0as0pLAZhXvbTGhO7jxdKsKxxWuW-W47I0Ni6bpYNXhfu02_pqLobsgshnmgAKgSvNkBD7_aWMWsjdqlHhuunS8b4BvI2P9rTi5yR3eoYXdqmLnZbR_pY5Vzj7Tlti6MrvFlcqOiHbPUfyKOP7o1vyQbpv8D9mnNlW0hMLPdKdfj8Evpp0mQgN0QVw/s320/The%20Dude.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Another fuels her gun. It's subtle. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So you can easily miss it, though present on the cover.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoNNHMIHFbEOSKxb1PDGxPj3IzF0jAbZkfW8xK7NuopWjFtUYjjIwDpck6QG2iWfqsadiE1aaBk8ke85UQi19vilQw1wngS1i5NTqjxB2MvtK7zTduphjjUh1tcNcVY-bZrsRGINH4uxcXgB0x1_MLyq65omV44ga8Vfit75swyLTKb_YtOni1wjkSw/s298/The%20Plant%20Feeds%20the%20Gun.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="209" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoNNHMIHFbEOSKxb1PDGxPj3IzF0jAbZkfW8xK7NuopWjFtUYjjIwDpck6QG2iWfqsadiE1aaBk8ke85UQi19vilQw1wngS1i5NTqjxB2MvtK7zTduphjjUh1tcNcVY-bZrsRGINH4uxcXgB0x1_MLyq65omV44ga8Vfit75swyLTKb_YtOni1wjkSw/s1600/The%20Plant%20Feeds%20the%20Gun.jpeg" width="209" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Sen's and Zakk's pursuits put them at odds with an imaginative Big Bad named Mr. Primoris and his robotic henchman Plabot, which I pronounce as Play-Bot.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt66ZIBA8QJA9-Wce_fMbw3uh1gScvZPV9T_UoHBPl5Bada6xUaNYgq1ysd5Zdl7JIjRRos6UZ8rqam-99erqc1U3s0EDbGvMJuoJ46PD_p_1-K5sU_h5I4Tycd1APFTK3KUR4lJTZQzaIbx3v0RXOx-bBNRsE6lFl-C8xDc4dLw0UJAMGpLvX36m9g/s800/Villains%20of%20Voyagis.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt66ZIBA8QJA9-Wce_fMbw3uh1gScvZPV9T_UoHBPl5Bada6xUaNYgq1ysd5Zdl7JIjRRos6UZ8rqam-99erqc1U3s0EDbGvMJuoJ46PD_p_1-K5sU_h5I4Tycd1APFTK3KUR4lJTZQzaIbx3v0RXOx-bBNRsE6lFl-C8xDc4dLw0UJAMGpLvX36m9g/s320/Villains%20of%20Voyagis.jpeg" width="214" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">At first, Plabot attacks just because it can. Primoris however takes a special interest in Sen. The intensity of the attacks increase, but under no circumstances may Plabot murder Sen. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Stressed and/or damaged at the end of the first issue, Sen succumbs to unconsciousness in orbit and dreams. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC526zg3QkpId-_bpOSao6YtHa3Z8Wkojknv2HeOaKaf5CC0LftmrkO9w8FZsY49clKIOhhhydpWkmCYnWWFGbtFLoz0-vnf-31SA-E5C3I05C-SafmRUwYGuxqnmxNMhYS8m3amNPUTzBLVvctzNJJE0j3H9QobOpLKfnRjgH4K4ylpeofi9rRbXQng/s800/Voyagis%20%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC526zg3QkpId-_bpOSao6YtHa3Z8Wkojknv2HeOaKaf5CC0LftmrkO9w8FZsY49clKIOhhhydpWkmCYnWWFGbtFLoz0-vnf-31SA-E5C3I05C-SafmRUwYGuxqnmxNMhYS8m3amNPUTzBLVvctzNJJE0j3H9QobOpLKfnRjgH4K4ylpeofi9rRbXQng/s320/Voyagis%20%232.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the second issue, those dreams evolve. Sen dreams of surroundings familiar to we readers but not to a blue alien inhabiting the planet Modia.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaHUyY0OA8wilNI7y7EwWi4ZyWgznxqOadB-UaOWdT8TZHoZYvN8XGBLx_NDgg9KSaBAHQmlPsFJg6ltKle60A1w6esWTp2tAe-VBq6evU82O9lvzSLjclxMUaKfRdO9tlgISWYYrOnWIbxHl4TW95FSKd7KaxNEieBY3VR3P-79_O53L0qdpudMg1w/s800/Voyagis%20Vac.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="800" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaHUyY0OA8wilNI7y7EwWi4ZyWgznxqOadB-UaOWdT8TZHoZYvN8XGBLx_NDgg9KSaBAHQmlPsFJg6ltKle60A1w6esWTp2tAe-VBq6evU82O9lvzSLjclxMUaKfRdO9tlgISWYYrOnWIbxHl4TW95FSKd7KaxNEieBY3VR3P-79_O53L0qdpudMg1w/s320/Voyagis%20Vac.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">At this point, the reason for Sen's dream state remains elusive. It all started when she spotted an object familiar to readers, but not to blue aliens inhabiting the planet Modia, floating in space.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8T7FhCRzVKkgoeCN3xmVaYLT_UcRtzkFBFPMOF-tSlnvX32oPDd9zC5z-yC0WLe3hC_vQWJPm83en5gvmMYxJmXQqWdWkWWGqKsb0dDmbYeuil_u-9ImOG1R2lj682QqYstFg5Unuw5Z1-OEpu2D0PBVuA52WP--VNfhsuncojAkVbrW16RNolM4_A/s800/Voyagis%20Object.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="800" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8T7FhCRzVKkgoeCN3xmVaYLT_UcRtzkFBFPMOF-tSlnvX32oPDd9zC5z-yC0WLe3hC_vQWJPm83en5gvmMYxJmXQqWdWkWWGqKsb0dDmbYeuil_u-9ImOG1R2lj682QqYstFg5Unuw5Z1-OEpu2D0PBVuA52WP--VNfhsuncojAkVbrW16RNolM4_A/s320/Voyagis%20Object.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In a fairly exciting sequence, I mean, technically it's just a recovery operation, Sen and Zak manage to snag the mystery object. That action however leads to a whole bucketful of problems.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4_b9-nlZXEfpk57QOlN9oxDh1tYaYrEhc85zgfZgVLDg_euLPgtRrK3ESGqveHkR3opmnOoTk2SdylIK0rKQgJH8Q_x3iPy6Lui4FZh1IC5gGkxG6bR3JbFgBLrtRF-PVoWZq8bGiG6A-njeBDa3Eg_P114VMAC8jUdvIIoC2RXYKI4QLCD8jEWVmg/s800/Voyagis%20Crash.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="800" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4_b9-nlZXEfpk57QOlN9oxDh1tYaYrEhc85zgfZgVLDg_euLPgtRrK3ESGqveHkR3opmnOoTk2SdylIK0rKQgJH8Q_x3iPy6Lui4FZh1IC5gGkxG6bR3JbFgBLrtRF-PVoWZq8bGiG6A-njeBDa3Eg_P114VMAC8jUdvIIoC2RXYKI4QLCD8jEWVmg/s320/Voyagis%20Crash.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Our heroes manage to scrape out enough power to reach their home. Sen gives her prize to Comba, a technician/analyst and Zakk's love interest.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oIxi40hT24Q4L464MpwdkREvYZM_I_Df6HPIkuqEv7lmfdnL3DYVwcelpchux-LW1nGR5vnCe4KsnZQgsqgP1iTb_f020nw3gJnhDmv7kqylITKVpF5TkatsvzK0tQQSE4O08lGYDQdCDzt9aWGyb0_lTgmSd2px7ib5-zT5IEFIGH0bVOb5b9_6Eg/s800/Voyagis%20Comba.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6oIxi40hT24Q4L464MpwdkREvYZM_I_Df6HPIkuqEv7lmfdnL3DYVwcelpchux-LW1nGR5vnCe4KsnZQgsqgP1iTb_f020nw3gJnhDmv7kqylITKVpF5TkatsvzK0tQQSE4O08lGYDQdCDzt9aWGyb0_lTgmSd2px7ib5-zT5IEFIGH0bVOb5b9_6Eg/s320/Voyagis%20Comba.jpeg" width="237" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As analysis of the object begins, Sen once again falls into la-la-land and the lands of her dreams. I give Kesgin a lot of credit. These drop-offs could have easily been tiresome and repetitive. His timing and the vividness of the dreams keeps the reader invested. The dreams <i>are</i> important. You just don't find this out right away.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">S</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">P</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">O</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">L</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">E</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">R</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWG7qo4eOm89uxt9cR1OBHHButPK1Fm7gl80bLFNG15_wN9nQR9gJ4hF3b-AfKT9xMjrL3JsfLGS-EN2VjG_CnE0YRxt0VD1rww-AWL1BJp0lvu8oug2wH5j33Z3wqEhxBAQj0wVhe2YXIBXAQ6u6Cm0lVY_3D3yhccH7ubCkf7h7g9EjsmClAsq4HQ/s480/Wonder%20Woman%20Spoiler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWG7qo4eOm89uxt9cR1OBHHButPK1Fm7gl80bLFNG15_wN9nQR9gJ4hF3b-AfKT9xMjrL3JsfLGS-EN2VjG_CnE0YRxt0VD1rww-AWL1BJp0lvu8oug2wH5j33Z3wqEhxBAQj0wVhe2YXIBXAQ6u6Cm0lVY_3D3yhccH7ubCkf7h7g9EjsmClAsq4HQ/w241-h181/Wonder%20Woman%20Spoiler.jpg" width="241" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">L</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">E</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">R</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">T</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQgVAPmvEj-ll3z9-SKZL0_HW2fQlLFi61CP91fEO7xQ_KYY_c8V20WJZtbJijarRLsmjLeDhDNyY6g0SO7lJzbQLktUGhOIU4y6zX0MaBdShI64i-oe5wuIFNb2BnMigX7Uu8tl55mOlHRpyUBtDzMGlusnor58GmP0p-kg7Blv_WuqPDmcvUaY8Cg/s800/Voyagis%20%233.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQgVAPmvEj-ll3z9-SKZL0_HW2fQlLFi61CP91fEO7xQ_KYY_c8V20WJZtbJijarRLsmjLeDhDNyY6g0SO7lJzbQLktUGhOIU4y6zX0MaBdShI64i-oe5wuIFNb2BnMigX7Uu8tl55mOlHRpyUBtDzMGlusnor58GmP0p-kg7Blv_WuqPDmcvUaY8Cg/s320/Voyagis%20%233.jpeg" width="208" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Voyagis</i> issue three builds on the surprise hinted at in the final scenes of issue two. Sen's dreaming leads to an encounter with Joy (Joi).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5lMoxd0YlejVSdA75q27nhfvrofi4GfhVw9M_2lZH6RhZ4m-v1SV1iii_cE75AlPCfrollp6J5W2odjaZ3XAGWAoN1jSIwvH7KS7waFoMrzSf9PvGZ-8oSR5QYAK1s0G9mlEoi8uWrws71t3S-4PjJ4SinLk7Ai3EdJuzca-qGita4J0ZrJfkX_EUQ/s800/Sen%20and%20Joy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="800" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5lMoxd0YlejVSdA75q27nhfvrofi4GfhVw9M_2lZH6RhZ4m-v1SV1iii_cE75AlPCfrollp6J5W2odjaZ3XAGWAoN1jSIwvH7KS7waFoMrzSf9PvGZ-8oSR5QYAK1s0G9mlEoi8uWrws71t3S-4PjJ4SinLk7Ai3EdJuzca-qGita4J0ZrJfkX_EUQ/s320/Sen%20and%20Joy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Sen believes she's interacting with a figment of her imagination. So does Joy. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Is <i>Voyagis </i>then </span>the old puzzle by Daoist philosopher Zhuangzi? Am I a person who dreams that she's a butterfly, or am I a butterfly who dreams that she is a person? The enigma is all sleight of hand. What's really going on is much more intriguing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVV65ktSxkwOrDHDIF4Xqtb3l8h7pyBHK9MDIuJklJLXLHtlyGVMHEF0CrdL8xc3AYNAth87HPu-I-VL2TObvl9yJ7YftZIYOrK97RRopuJTsPIu27Bb5W06U-dMI65GJhZ-dR5B67HwMg2heku_E1EE4fOC-zrye162t43vnORJzFJMQHPz2BRdTaQ/s800/Which%20of%20Us%20is%20Real.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVV65ktSxkwOrDHDIF4Xqtb3l8h7pyBHK9MDIuJklJLXLHtlyGVMHEF0CrdL8xc3AYNAth87HPu-I-VL2TObvl9yJ7YftZIYOrK97RRopuJTsPIu27Bb5W06U-dMI65GJhZ-dR5B67HwMg2heku_E1EE4fOC-zrye162t43vnORJzFJMQHPz2BRdTaQ/s320/Which%20of%20Us%20is%20Real.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Kesgin adheres to the traditions of science fiction. There's science and reason in the fiction. He points out that Sen cannot be dreaming about something that is totally alien to her yet not to us. <i>Voyagis </i>then is clearly a mystery not just an exciting action drama in space.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">While Joy hosts Sen, or visa versa, Zakk, Comba and Sen's adopted tribe discover the wonders of the object Sen so determinedly sought to recover.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqXnfhQzznHw68Bb56c4ndgF2FSUHD7lAC215UyknrOl9GGoPY0QKiPxMvQCIZBx0vTGDDk5YNFkomI3PtT7bsiMesCijG7zkCe_68cH27bWslhwBhPoMM1o6cgdhHV6Uy4053UrZdPcmwc6Phcqbo7pZKY3vnpxOksEhCtW49efPTK_mrz1PjPJlfw/s800/Are%20We%20Alone.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqXnfhQzznHw68Bb56c4ndgF2FSUHD7lAC215UyknrOl9GGoPY0QKiPxMvQCIZBx0vTGDDk5YNFkomI3PtT7bsiMesCijG7zkCe_68cH27bWslhwBhPoMM1o6cgdhHV6Uy4053UrZdPcmwc6Phcqbo7pZKY3vnpxOksEhCtW49efPTK_mrz1PjPJlfw/s320/Are%20We%20Alone.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's refreshing, though I doubt original, to see aliens that look like aliens being the ones to imagine the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Namely us. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">For the fans of space pulp, don't worry, Kesgin hasn't forgotten about you. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7i94SC6YzqP9w-_VMtl6Kh8QIQx67KeWPedw0Rfbh6OGISnki5ndLkxVoHq7ky75QV4XEGH2cLXTZPpuV4kQ8alKeqbWVcI0kKViJWb_Z3n0aVp8ZTYw2u_oBVVIn2yRgYGmexopYJksqji3NDMi1Ks_5lQOH5jTW4iiVCzmR1QrST1yKFySsRyjVg/s800/Plabot%20Strikes.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7i94SC6YzqP9w-_VMtl6Kh8QIQx67KeWPedw0Rfbh6OGISnki5ndLkxVoHq7ky75QV4XEGH2cLXTZPpuV4kQ8alKeqbWVcI0kKViJWb_Z3n0aVp8ZTYw2u_oBVVIn2yRgYGmexopYJksqji3NDMi1Ks_5lQOH5jTW4iiVCzmR1QrST1yKFySsRyjVg/s320/Plabot%20Strikes.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Taken to Mr. Primoris' headquarters, Sen learns interesting details about the artificial intelligence, a real one, that seems to give Primoris the edge.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit74y2guXndwmKGf7aL84qzKIJJ7b97pG_fN6DbE2RcbyZyWRck4NaTfokBxvHRbqL68ZcP7QJ2QKWwKQcjIItkcjTCFXeiLxOsduM8PP2ipLduKxD-p5qDwOxZ-i6v3TfsdsGSp1BsGp-uTsF17CdD2OpdNb864c1G51jjgc7JGKJMeIKR_cx-KshA/s800/Voyagis%20Alpha.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="800" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjit74y2guXndwmKGf7aL84qzKIJJ7b97pG_fN6DbE2RcbyZyWRck4NaTfokBxvHRbqL68ZcP7QJ2QKWwKQcjIItkcjTCFXeiLxOsduM8PP2ipLduKxD-p5qDwOxZ-i6v3TfsdsGSp1BsGp-uTsF17CdD2OpdNb864c1G51jjgc7JGKJMeIKR_cx-KshA/s320/Voyagis%20Alpha.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Voyagis </i>issue<i> </i>four presents the rescue. Zakk isn't about to let Sen die. And so vibrant, violent fireworks ensue. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV7iTyqMqZyrk1B01HlVC42U8E_ApJkrQCzThn-E2_kleYqErykAJhObAcOlj7bB8Mpzsp-sL6svuNEbiZWnUtEOYxGLtRsgl1AC--hbxGEG6_WWvL0J4_UpZ8HeA3LbFdCPOPtXvNRVQmsUudW6_Rn32p6xQoVeOcH9bRGFGkS11I-gSfIvD96tcfg/s800/Rescue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="800" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV7iTyqMqZyrk1B01HlVC42U8E_ApJkrQCzThn-E2_kleYqErykAJhObAcOlj7bB8Mpzsp-sL6svuNEbiZWnUtEOYxGLtRsgl1AC--hbxGEG6_WWvL0J4_UpZ8HeA3LbFdCPOPtXvNRVQmsUudW6_Rn32p6xQoVeOcH9bRGFGkS11I-gSfIvD96tcfg/w303-h281/Rescue.jpeg" width="303" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Hopelessly outgunned, Sen dopes out a clever solution and a means to answer all the questions about her youth and her value to Mr. Primoris.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNQIIa_qpM3bbRKXQw8ZotBAwCq2RxtvovrXwECUqLLUKc2WKcPsxRSY6UjBKcm6vbXTANVTTUB0a9kg3lURP1s-Cm3wbQBARbdodRgxNOkIhj5fZZmt3r-5NAYEkGarBQNdA-klBkL_GWiOVbhzsOd6hJVXuH2L8pXvUhMIcSaBBJk0YZmDWe0JL3A/s800/Sen's%20Youth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="800" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNQIIa_qpM3bbRKXQw8ZotBAwCq2RxtvovrXwECUqLLUKc2WKcPsxRSY6UjBKcm6vbXTANVTTUB0a9kg3lURP1s-Cm3wbQBARbdodRgxNOkIhj5fZZmt3r-5NAYEkGarBQNdA-klBkL_GWiOVbhzsOd6hJVXuH2L8pXvUhMIcSaBBJk0YZmDWe0JL3A/s320/Sen's%20Youth.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now, <i>Voyagis</i> becomes even more intriguing. It seems that Sen's value integrates with the newly discovered planet Earth. Kesgin furthermore makes use of the vast distance, and time dilation that occurs between worlds. In other words, you never see the stars, even our sun, as they are. Because of the speed of light, you're seeing them as they were.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This issue provides the big reveal of Primoris. Just what is he hiding under that cloak.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3H2Vd1mpDUNOtouV2AW596vxNWC3uygW8oisWuQ0C65fRaagr6smi3YIJe4o2tU86EuB-DNeJ-DDRkERPxlkgUT9HvcblDrcMOgFo97GKXuzw4P_ikAd4pB9-LJyw1lV-DPqGZDF-o6FYA1Ak4AyeihjINy9kZg-jujQHtwolDYwoRWvHEhfMflgpA/s800/Under%20the%20Cloak.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="800" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3H2Vd1mpDUNOtouV2AW596vxNWC3uygW8oisWuQ0C65fRaagr6smi3YIJe4o2tU86EuB-DNeJ-DDRkERPxlkgUT9HvcblDrcMOgFo97GKXuzw4P_ikAd4pB9-LJyw1lV-DPqGZDF-o6FYA1Ak4AyeihjINy9kZg-jujQHtwolDYwoRWvHEhfMflgpA/w423-h172/Under%20the%20Cloak.jpeg" width="423" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I'll not spoil the visual, which is spectacular, and should be seen for yourselves.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibydBkIB22Y3JCp9JRZ9J7M7ArUTkV94j7pflqkkTaAOny9ikJ7t0E9ckYOkRgmbh3a4ZmVBfsmsixLYZIgb0QWrcRWlrwdiPnH2ociHSg5kXZro49m88tXkbt34L_g33i_FEXXo7P4uBnXroWv4eXKdpiEAAhyPiXXTNocKPj_QIMZIp8J2nGkJu7rA/s800/Voyagis%20%235.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibydBkIB22Y3JCp9JRZ9J7M7ArUTkV94j7pflqkkTaAOny9ikJ7t0E9ckYOkRgmbh3a4ZmVBfsmsixLYZIgb0QWrcRWlrwdiPnH2ociHSg5kXZro49m88tXkbt34L_g33i_FEXXo7P4uBnXroWv4eXKdpiEAAhyPiXXTNocKPj_QIMZIp8J2nGkJu7rA/s320/Voyagis%20%235.jpeg" width="208" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the conclusion to <i>Voyagis, </i>Kesgin crafts superb answers to all the nagging questions. Who is dreaming who? Are both Sen and Joy real entities? What is Primoris up to? Why is Sen so important to him? Hint. He's <b>not</b> her father, nor any other relative. How will Sen's tribe, if true, survive? Modia is an inhospitable world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaFTx6Tzl_KUfv4gF7Ff6ujeQM5J7RfvNcPyiZzH4F6Hl5xyXxVy6T72xIyjWqFgwA_jvaV0UgVYGNGSDPZq2aM4zsBFIJvC_y3mOApvXlacw7pRTECbpWwu8C4n2TCfxT3K5oRSN24Dc5yxQwxWIXxKwUiWDibUjDIQlVEWL73NqBMbUhCwWQC36Ug/s800/Voyagis%20Conclusion.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaFTx6Tzl_KUfv4gF7Ff6ujeQM5J7RfvNcPyiZzH4F6Hl5xyXxVy6T72xIyjWqFgwA_jvaV0UgVYGNGSDPZq2aM4zsBFIJvC_y3mOApvXlacw7pRTECbpWwu8C4n2TCfxT3K5oRSN24Dc5yxQwxWIXxKwUiWDibUjDIQlVEWL73NqBMbUhCwWQC36Ug/s320/Voyagis%20Conclusion.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The dreams are more substantial than the reader thinks. They're a warning and a promise. As well as cutting edge science fiction, with a particulate of freshness.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-21259271452045144002023-06-03T18:01:00.002-04:002023-06-03T18:01:43.381-04:00POBB May 29, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> Pick of the Brown Bag</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">May 29, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">by</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. My name is Ray Tate, and I review comic books. This week, I look at the newest incarnation of <i>The Avengers </i>and the second issue of <i>Scarlet Witch.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12KFLmOShDIFfBRrqdTqlEs571ol5cqKpMZrFZOB3UB5JKYm_1IiQcITDduJBYAGdelGzGQ-KINbHXEXmNK7bdjasBhMrPHFlxgNUHXt45aJXaVlVvIn7LcurfOC7sdW4eQqjaM7tlMWt7VGe5Gbrcx80NMgPYsgfnJMVZBFo38Udp5T2fiAMP-FJg/s800/Avengers%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12KFLmOShDIFfBRrqdTqlEs571ol5cqKpMZrFZOB3UB5JKYm_1IiQcITDduJBYAGdelGzGQ-KINbHXEXmNK7bdjasBhMrPHFlxgNUHXt45aJXaVlVvIn7LcurfOC7sdW4eQqjaM7tlMWt7VGe5Gbrcx80NMgPYsgfnJMVZBFo38Udp5T2fiAMP-FJg/s320/Avengers%201.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you were to judge by the tags, you would come to the conclusion that I'm not an Avengers fan. That's not exactly true. It would be better to say that I haven't enjoyed the direction of <i>The Avengers</i> since the 80s. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I sampled <i>The Avengers</i> here and there, but nothing really stood out like the cinematic Avengers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpmNsNMsOypkOfRLYyu3wDb_EGkt1VDxwdYjaX9kh0fpErI2Inm63aLyVzrqdg5t4M6VqwHAjIIDB80FRMDUPJaca9XPJGybOeHNhV-9DblPYeKxYFdqj5CdEneRApOcEZPAbo0lL3aAtFQP2Pti9gQTZKoCyHW2Z3J1tBPpW7P2wMDAIILCDFHu5cA/s800/avengers_battle_of_new_york.0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpmNsNMsOypkOfRLYyu3wDb_EGkt1VDxwdYjaX9kh0fpErI2Inm63aLyVzrqdg5t4M6VqwHAjIIDB80FRMDUPJaca9XPJGybOeHNhV-9DblPYeKxYFdqj5CdEneRApOcEZPAbo0lL3aAtFQP2Pti9gQTZKoCyHW2Z3J1tBPpW7P2wMDAIILCDFHu5cA/w342-h192/avengers_battle_of_new_york.0.jpg" width="342" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Nor the old-school Avengers of my youth. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Uc0V7wd4nrKIJidiIv8tTqPYK0FhxdkkRxUGUOezJt34dYE6wLZD60mvY1fdlHBHYb2kQc9aaEdGCXZBhgdYgks6eaZ8qN0PVjIRXKJn1gbW1Bv39-XOMQrVhEqnMHvXFa6PJKG5fSJ-R2S-whHc_UgJvgMViKxYokjsOstQP03HQx-yxKQarGq8fw/s800/img_0827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Uc0V7wd4nrKIJidiIv8tTqPYK0FhxdkkRxUGUOezJt34dYE6wLZD60mvY1fdlHBHYb2kQc9aaEdGCXZBhgdYgks6eaZ8qN0PVjIRXKJn1gbW1Bv39-XOMQrVhEqnMHvXFa6PJKG5fSJ-R2S-whHc_UgJvgMViKxYokjsOstQP03HQx-yxKQarGq8fw/s320/img_0827.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Because of my appreciation for Jed MacKay's writing, I felt it was definitely time to give <i>The Avengers</i> another try. Incidentally, I also still subscribe to MacKay's <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Moon%20Knight" target="_blank">Moon Knight</a>, which features Tigra as a co-star, and the <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Black%20Cat" target="_blank">Black Cat</a>, which is now<i> Black Cat and Mary Jane</i>. I just haven't had the time to read as much as I'd like.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Jed MacKay has a knack for characterization and sensible but often times twisty little plots. A short hand description for the kind of writing I like. Furthermore, you usually never feel lost in a Jed MacKay book. Let's see how he does with Marvel's flagship title.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnFs6k5fcGiplsiAs5gIUsWinuX6RPLOdOIXCOK2t9Oqyg6BwJeZryK90KAVKo40U6uucPZ3jweRbDj7MdTT1GEgSSffBKi-mQcalrjH9kJbfxNePnQxtcAXP9V9RgUhGYVyHZIB89WflrsZ-KV_NjPunY0JB2pr2QlAnMNnAyWgg1meUAiIsvGwofw/s800/Avengers%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="649" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnFs6k5fcGiplsiAs5gIUsWinuX6RPLOdOIXCOK2t9Oqyg6BwJeZryK90KAVKo40U6uucPZ3jweRbDj7MdTT1GEgSSffBKi-mQcalrjH9kJbfxNePnQxtcAXP9V9RgUhGYVyHZIB89WflrsZ-KV_NjPunY0JB2pr2QlAnMNnAyWgg1meUAiIsvGwofw/s320/Avengers%20Two.jpeg" width="260" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Already, I'm feeling positive about this choice. The story is about the formation of a new team of Avengers and their rationale for joining. It's also about Carol Captain Marvel Danvers. Right on page one, we get that. MacKay is making the story about the characters not events.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The former members of the team vote in Captain Marvel as the new leader of the Avengers. A precedent reminiscent of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Captain Marvel gets to work establishing herself and recreating the Avengers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4z3d9c02pgdccuAzC1gGPVgEJufLgQqro7TAlXx6jpq6RggZ9LR4NELdVe57kHJH_vLoMdjA3Od6eEdTeJFbsnvGuQvAC-c8o4dfnRdXHz6-jvQUCPU1AhrBje5CTQmfv4vRfDnG4n_Rn4_ZCDSxHu04gdGW-48rWGwkVIsTgIUjBHz1L-H4XjhQNw/s800/Avengers%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="800" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4z3d9c02pgdccuAzC1gGPVgEJufLgQqro7TAlXx6jpq6RggZ9LR4NELdVe57kHJH_vLoMdjA3Od6eEdTeJFbsnvGuQvAC-c8o4dfnRdXHz6-jvQUCPU1AhrBje5CTQmfv4vRfDnG4n_Rn4_ZCDSxHu04gdGW-48rWGwkVIsTgIUjBHz1L-H4XjhQNw/w361-h141/Avengers%20Four.jpeg" width="361" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">All of Marvel's heroes gained baggage over the years, and it doesn't help that Marvel seldom blows up its multiverse and starts over again, like DC Comics. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF48rYB7k5T9OKvfZbEJrpWbG-AJFB5WGHqQLd85LaQyRGryujxlZ5KoZY9axOYuONxLEdUlbmNytpImE944do1GMja2IOH5bY2dvndDoUMcKFjdBjYeoZkAb16qT-5kDXZeTlnvUEDntIaS-rSAtFbIzixh_IM5EMVfKCzX78KUFTmENp9_hmSmCtGw/s800/Avengers%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="800" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF48rYB7k5T9OKvfZbEJrpWbG-AJFB5WGHqQLd85LaQyRGryujxlZ5KoZY9axOYuONxLEdUlbmNytpImE944do1GMja2IOH5bY2dvndDoUMcKFjdBjYeoZkAb16qT-5kDXZeTlnvUEDntIaS-rSAtFbIzixh_IM5EMVfKCzX78KUFTmENp9_hmSmCtGw/s320/Avengers%20Five.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">To say that MacKay pays lip service to the at times confusing history of the cast would be unjust. Rather, he uses the events in the comic books as episodes in the characters' lives.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xoNZ6Zqj7tLiITnPuFdTx7gFsJasc-E4B45NnZqG8VkUynCNCwUZwWp0_pRnUrQBu4Di-QLFeIWxEKvh0rzqCA0sADlCZIQYSpGFdWA7T_Djt3olQjrXyWtKtP5SqoftLi9usVNrFLi4DgS-eAj-6EkIMs7PIwrraFBO_mxJFbd2sQ4XkCIpif2cEA/s800/Avengers%20Nine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xoNZ6Zqj7tLiITnPuFdTx7gFsJasc-E4B45NnZqG8VkUynCNCwUZwWp0_pRnUrQBu4Di-QLFeIWxEKvh0rzqCA0sADlCZIQYSpGFdWA7T_Djt3olQjrXyWtKtP5SqoftLi9usVNrFLi4DgS-eAj-6EkIMs7PIwrraFBO_mxJFbd2sQ4XkCIpif2cEA/s320/Avengers%20Nine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I've lost track of Vision. I didn't know about his active role in the Marvel Universe. I didn't know he's sporting a more aesthetic look with the color scheme of his original costume.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I don't actually know what Vision's talking about, but the way MacKay writes the scene, and the way <i>Black Cat </i>artist C.B. Villa stages the scenario, tells me that this recent continuity impacted the Vision. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy-OJN5LcJ-dF0fRi66u8bFRaPZdodLkwIsfZQac3yePluQXrMSALLHmRBMqq7nah98u34SIdu0ha2pu3S7brT34VDhiuiV6i20_GQeIdWEygNBHfNwY2-Oqk2RIcKKlETLjP2VpbO4PRF4uJhxXzkSYXTUl9WtwZH21E5PUeV6mXPM2lWLzBEiqdpg/s800/Avengers%20Ten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="800" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy-OJN5LcJ-dF0fRi66u8bFRaPZdodLkwIsfZQac3yePluQXrMSALLHmRBMqq7nah98u34SIdu0ha2pu3S7brT34VDhiuiV6i20_GQeIdWEygNBHfNwY2-Oqk2RIcKKlETLjP2VpbO4PRF4uJhxXzkSYXTUl9WtwZH21E5PUeV6mXPM2lWLzBEiqdpg/s320/Avengers%20Ten.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I don't need to buy those back issues to find out what the hell bothered the Vision. I've got this moment summarized through superb dialogue right in <i>The Avengers </i>and art that presents emotional depth.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGldVhyTbIP2cHvvqK3UwXQuxEJccFY5nIB2yY2Rbh8gk2S21J4PMFXf-xDKH8Lcousj8lO5xoaW-PphyNcrQ0yTFpE_5q1jibUtBhR5qkh0Tw10tN2fvnJTlilDxTSejfBg47VrmMJkRjY7ceQIee31ursw3LReQ40pQ1V8bxKmif9MWxCrCoO7AHA/s1000/Avengers%20Seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGldVhyTbIP2cHvvqK3UwXQuxEJccFY5nIB2yY2Rbh8gk2S21J4PMFXf-xDKH8Lcousj8lO5xoaW-PphyNcrQ0yTFpE_5q1jibUtBhR5qkh0Tw10tN2fvnJTlilDxTSejfBg47VrmMJkRjY7ceQIee31ursw3LReQ40pQ1V8bxKmif9MWxCrCoO7AHA/s320/Avengers%20Seven.jpeg" width="197" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">There's been an overall effort to reclaim the Scarlet Witch and the Falcon--now Captain America. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, MacKay makes their encounters with Captain Marvel playful and provides the much needed humor to balance the gravitas of world ending threats.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqxtzroABryYRlNRoZob5PZ7Qi-pL5jnqa7SQ98cYartDgV1ZzyplneAbojVLWP2Xj7ASQQv2TNO5ooSckddDn5f3P1uN6xXuWbFJmGCROtsEfwXKxSpH5U6B342DFQwuEbAx1InNrbwCK9KjDNKn_JEBIOW3snRZTMkxebro2y7JMOTH5NOTNoCdgQ/s1000/Avengers%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqxtzroABryYRlNRoZob5PZ7Qi-pL5jnqa7SQ98cYartDgV1ZzyplneAbojVLWP2Xj7ASQQv2TNO5ooSckddDn5f3P1uN6xXuWbFJmGCROtsEfwXKxSpH5U6B342DFQwuEbAx1InNrbwCK9KjDNKn_JEBIOW3snRZTMkxebro2y7JMOTH5NOTNoCdgQ/w368-h266/Avengers%20Three.jpeg" width="368" /></a></div></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The metal fellow may look familiar to John Byrne<i> </i>fans. That is Terminus, who first tried to destroy the earth in <i>The Fantastic Four</i>. He's a scorched planet kind of thing connected to an old enemy of the Celestials, from <i>The Eternals</i>. If you didn't know that, well, Iron Man has got you covered.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8snyJl335lpGpZrreUYjyso6uwLbDEodX6IHf4PupA0kf5TUiZIrugI8u_dVM8X48zQYvXsKsDI_BlTBZLmJFvvY5xBwuAJhqThgmaYu4ekwdSddlRhZCywxhBlUTj131AMTs77I4ymuWnvRm9wbV8Tm2A1ei5UOhWDd7tpcLD6JuRZ8da4sI66JP4A/s800/Avengers%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="800" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8snyJl335lpGpZrreUYjyso6uwLbDEodX6IHf4PupA0kf5TUiZIrugI8u_dVM8X48zQYvXsKsDI_BlTBZLmJFvvY5xBwuAJhqThgmaYu4ekwdSddlRhZCywxhBlUTj131AMTs77I4ymuWnvRm9wbV8Tm2A1ei5UOhWDd7tpcLD6JuRZ8da4sI66JP4A/s320/Avengers%20Six.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You see. You can go into this book blind. MacKay will give you everything you need to know without belaboring the point. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVrcXdrtLN_ZL7Xj7yiV_rc0gdeWxl7PZuDTWC_SAk8CSGnqXhD_T82BIaZ9ryVAHLlrSlYBYTuUGr2KHPPW0b0xb1HDAgZqOwiMA4tV1-yxiyLcGfDijPKuGotkz5mhSpL7EucE_mKomxhuZ3pnaJ6NSaMdKwA1nY-FDG36l7xNO5idSc8O0NrZ5QQ/s800/Avengers%20Twelve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVrcXdrtLN_ZL7Xj7yiV_rc0gdeWxl7PZuDTWC_SAk8CSGnqXhD_T82BIaZ9ryVAHLlrSlYBYTuUGr2KHPPW0b0xb1HDAgZqOwiMA4tV1-yxiyLcGfDijPKuGotkz5mhSpL7EucE_mKomxhuZ3pnaJ6NSaMdKwA1nY-FDG36l7xNO5idSc8O0NrZ5QQ/s320/Avengers%20Twelve.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The increasing danger is another fascinating element. It's easy to dismiss the first issue of <i>The Avengers </i>as just another round one. Instead, MacKay positions a heavy-weight threat for the Avengers to face, and as the battle ensues, the solution turns out to be something that just might wipe them all out. That's the unexpected twist to which I alluded. I really didn't expect one Avenger possibly sacrificing himself to save the world in the premiere of the new volume.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSEriZU3MJbpxdM9qGVZQkdRJxf2f64oBpFk7jZ4KBTYhRG6ln7ATjlejsZ4QETVEO_2_aJ0cADoVmMc-7ajvsY6lSVBk1Bio_2f5JHlUjLDdbs6gJiRT0befGgadePmTb5J-t5_RujaTvinp-ZKYimiTjb8p7Kf_rdS1I8BjDVwz6GC5UsI0MWbR4A/s800/Scarlet%20Witch%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSEriZU3MJbpxdM9qGVZQkdRJxf2f64oBpFk7jZ4KBTYhRG6ln7ATjlejsZ4QETVEO_2_aJ0cADoVmMc-7ajvsY6lSVBk1Bio_2f5JHlUjLDdbs6gJiRT0befGgadePmTb5J-t5_RujaTvinp-ZKYimiTjb8p7Kf_rdS1I8BjDVwz6GC5UsI0MWbR4A/w165-h253/Scarlet%20Witch%202.jpeg" width="165" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The debut of Steve Orlando's <i>Scarlet Witch</i>, established Wanda's new gig as the proprietor of an occult curiosity shop that also doubles as her base of operations. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A person in dire need will find herself at the opposite side of a special door that leads to Wanda's place. The epilogue last issue depicted Viv Vision walking through Wanda's door.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Viv Vision is the constructed daughter of, you guessed it, the Vision. Vision decided to make himself a family in his eponymous Tom King horror themed superhero mini-series. It's definitely recommended but not your usual fare.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPZ7VMMXsqAIRySBSjqoqoUehOBjP5MbIDIpRxgepBkk_rloSyzUu79AQM-qzV1b2SuBPYYZxAexhnKODQ9bzlGO81xE60rZ6KHOVwKnu5eTZgDfM-Giv_zTE6nJZVHYma-Zvtwrc1UPSQLaCHviqQ-OcEGXrkW5Q3avswDq5fGzS7kDaUN9yfjkREw/s800/Scarlet%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPZ7VMMXsqAIRySBSjqoqoUehOBjP5MbIDIpRxgepBkk_rloSyzUu79AQM-qzV1b2SuBPYYZxAexhnKODQ9bzlGO81xE60rZ6KHOVwKnu5eTZgDfM-Giv_zTE6nJZVHYma-Zvtwrc1UPSQLaCHviqQ-OcEGXrkW5Q3avswDq5fGzS7kDaUN9yfjkREw/s320/Scarlet%20Two.jpeg" width="313" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's your right to question whether a synthezoid can have nightmares. However, this is not <i><a href="https://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Blade%20Runner?m=0" target="_blank">Blade Runner 2049.</a> </i>For comic book fans, who don't need some tedious stab at existentialism, Viv is alive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-V2sAsm8Xz9mjNyFeB8GD62bS1pCAypzpsCxVecb3-iUJi5ettTNsXJ-WeDujQ48i8p-t_Oekylq3sIDkX19MkjmwIIJ49t25RpVtrJX8zdHxUpHq912U-cyaSZ2XqamzCZq_kGKuJlkoDTv4YpeGrKueg3t9Kh1LTTp_RZdMo_oMVROO7SWyXAa7A/s800/Scarlet%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-V2sAsm8Xz9mjNyFeB8GD62bS1pCAypzpsCxVecb3-iUJi5ettTNsXJ-WeDujQ48i8p-t_Oekylq3sIDkX19MkjmwIIJ49t25RpVtrJX8zdHxUpHq912U-cyaSZ2XqamzCZq_kGKuJlkoDTv4YpeGrKueg3t9Kh1LTTp_RZdMo_oMVROO7SWyXAa7A/s320/Scarlet%20One.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">After a really nicely staged conversation between Wanda and Viv about their connected history, Wanda puts she and Viv to sleep. In Viv's dreamland, Wanda confronts the problem.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyPD7sI29q1p5PMCrxAyeZ_TpXUNeOC3i3N1r1iKWJJwpWkmyY0g1MjV9bWHYZM9numTMbPXSYCqd_BQ60opINMk7T5vt-UwAmG_3lS8P7avJPybAsQ_E_KFPK4lPDSArFCuqSFgvECGIx_g5DCBUFwYQWjlGRE4moUgv7IBXen_PxE4bBCKMlzCoIw/s1000/Scarlet%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="685" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyPD7sI29q1p5PMCrxAyeZ_TpXUNeOC3i3N1r1iKWJJwpWkmyY0g1MjV9bWHYZM9numTMbPXSYCqd_BQ60opINMk7T5vt-UwAmG_3lS8P7avJPybAsQ_E_KFPK4lPDSArFCuqSFgvECGIx_g5DCBUFwYQWjlGRE4moUgv7IBXen_PxE4bBCKMlzCoIw/s320/Scarlet%20Three.jpeg" width="219" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Do I know who this whacko is? Nope. Do I care? Only after Wanda begins her supernatural/dream battle against her.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Dreamqueen is no lightweight, but Wanda runs her down as if she were roadkill. One should expect that. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So what we have in <i>Scarlet Witch </i>is a feminist, empowering bit of beautifully illustrated entertainment courtesy of artists Sara Pichelli, Elisabetta D'Amico and Matthew Wilson. Keep 'em coming.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Oh, what? There's more? Stephanie Phillips and artists Chis Allen and Dee Cunniffe partner Storm with the Scarlet Witch in a short story pitting them against a Hippocampus.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBovvgagEuuh-qHknlkmKi5iuDqH5C56Ctx0y8p-TX3e42NLrFFr8RcXjRNO_i9nNKXOfRoxCYx6FRWEnU0wf-6EtPxC8pLsKvWELNlNI4V7XZV6aKB_TwD3TD21XnpdeesrWDhoV12WyBb5TMb2BU9oP_DQk2T6GF3LkbCwCVERUFxfv1QWBELf9XA/s800/Scarlet%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBovvgagEuuh-qHknlkmKi5iuDqH5C56Ctx0y8p-TX3e42NLrFFr8RcXjRNO_i9nNKXOfRoxCYx6FRWEnU0wf-6EtPxC8pLsKvWELNlNI4V7XZV6aKB_TwD3TD21XnpdeesrWDhoV12WyBb5TMb2BU9oP_DQk2T6GF3LkbCwCVERUFxfv1QWBELf9XA/s320/Scarlet%20Four.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Or given the green, a Kelpie if you prefer. The Hippocampus is the earlier beastie. The steeds pull Poseidon's chariot in Greek myth. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anyway, in the brief sweetly illustrated pages, Phillips brings up the idea of Storm sharing more than teammates with Wanda. Chris Claremont raised the idea way early in <i>The Uncanny X-Men. </i>The deific ancestry </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">often falls by the wayside when most writers emphasize Ororo's mutant status. Bonus points for the literary reference.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-25850345346348412762023-05-20T18:24:00.000-04:002023-05-20T18:24:34.468-04:00POBB May 18, 2023<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>May 18, 2023</i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i>by</i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>The</span><i style="font-style: italic;"> Pick of the Brown Bag </i>returns! My name is Ray Tate, and I love comic books. The POBB is an erstwhile weekly review blog created, written and constructed by yours truly. I used to critique the entirety of the week's yield, but have now opted for more in depth reviews of just a few. This week I look at <i>Gotham Academy Maps of Mystery.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_SKDJUQWHldABOvofPq49cGmclFfOoJ_ekyPy4_BkF3JP1gLBV05VtBiQRL99lou5LYr0rY-GXsCLOa3bfX6LbSO9K6LTIQA7YAfekiGH6ceU-61dIQpY5Cmgj4iuzw_59DmqYJO_Qd8FSwjjM5F-UDrjHni8RewmKxL0J8QkLFObweS93G-k-xcqg/s800/Maps%20of%20Mystery.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_SKDJUQWHldABOvofPq49cGmclFfOoJ_ekyPy4_BkF3JP1gLBV05VtBiQRL99lou5LYr0rY-GXsCLOa3bfX6LbSO9K6LTIQA7YAfekiGH6ceU-61dIQpY5Cmgj4iuzw_59DmqYJO_Qd8FSwjjM5F-UDrjHni8RewmKxL0J8QkLFObweS93G-k-xcqg/s320/Maps%20of%20Mystery.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just gaze at the beauty of that old-school cover with the 1970s Batman logo! Peer at the eerie lettering promising mystery! Batman looks like Batman. Ear length proper. The delightful Maps Mizoguchi is clad in a Robin uniform. They're fighting Kappa. How could I not pick this up and consider it for my collection?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the record, I had no idea what this book was about, other than, should the cover be true, Batman and girl-Robin fighting aquatic monsters. I didn't actually know these monsters were Kappa until identified by Maps.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l_Kd5bNptIfTApxAeYcZa2bvhYgFEA7A1Mf9NoA_4Vxrgo0riyF6XAZoZej7fj_ZzMcCwNTFwujOrLLda1w-pZJYfAXkrZgErNgf6QcgabgOrn6eXyaEtRrFBOq2UNtJkq3kAXgNm9Te6MwcqLs4mrd-bVvRSEKn9Pf72SyN1TyRLVF7gkOy7-LTmw/s800/Maps%20Nine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="800" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l_Kd5bNptIfTApxAeYcZa2bvhYgFEA7A1Mf9NoA_4Vxrgo0riyF6XAZoZej7fj_ZzMcCwNTFwujOrLLda1w-pZJYfAXkrZgErNgf6QcgabgOrn6eXyaEtRrFBOq2UNtJkq3kAXgNm9Te6MwcqLs4mrd-bVvRSEKn9Pf72SyN1TyRLVF7gkOy7-LTmw/s320/Maps%20Nine.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm familiar with <i>Gotham Academy</i> through the series trade paperbacks. <i>Gotham Academy </i>is exactly what's in the title. However I didn't make the connection at first due to the much more overt <i>Maps of Mystery</i> monicker. Oh, yeah. Yeah, baby. Alliteration is back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A flip-through indicated that number one, the cover didn't lie and b, the interior artwork by Karl Kerschl matched that depicted on the cover. Sold. I didn't even care what the other stories in the anthology had in store for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You see. From my perspective, the Batman books have become for the very first time hard to read. I left the world of Batman after Tom King and Mikel Janin departed. I liked about ninety-eight percent of what they did. Afterward, DC gave the green light to a Big Stupid Batman event, and it changed a lot of traditional Batman material. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Shaking up Batman's sphere may have suited some people, but not me. I simply grew more confused with every change. Contrarily, the tangential Batman books, <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Nightwing" target="_blank"><i>Batgirls </i>and <i>Nightwing</i> </a>gelled and became more comprehensible. When Batman guested, he made sense. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZGjs2FBMl2ua2HzgOrqkD3OkM2ulQqgG32A38AS58w6UO_RrfnwzpmwW6YX-PIHHoMC8h4fY6jZpiqnkW9wQZ561ulqYR1qgv0Kv2KswJM2fC3xQsu0JblTQd1OKqKPAFVSQynRbKalPm0wTD5RgxZw4qmVZxh51TFLWqjawjk396PgHxQ54QXSMUg/s500/Batman_Vol_3_119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZGjs2FBMl2ua2HzgOrqkD3OkM2ulQqgG32A38AS58w6UO_RrfnwzpmwW6YX-PIHHoMC8h4fY6jZpiqnkW9wQZ561ulqYR1qgv0Kv2KswJM2fC3xQsu0JblTQd1OKqKPAFVSQynRbKalPm0wTD5RgxZw4qmVZxh51TFLWqjawjk396PgHxQ54QXSMUg/s320/Batman_Vol_3_119.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, this one-shot collects previous Maps Mizoguchi back-up stories. So if you remember these covers...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCsPZ_Rv_JZDdKvuLbS-QUwS_9vQhNOMVUXu7xABLFYDP33SjAaHvvt3CiaBso_w4GNX74ZEWf_Bg_SjLjN2XRoDNQTvFj22lxwZOsBJYIj3VwWN-K61osTbNef3bkbxLnVwY5UgdQD_9gA4pW8LhM6qYHXDpto8iryu-9kOVTAjx-jLm-h-rFSKeIA/s500/Batman_Black_and_White_Vol_2_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCsPZ_Rv_JZDdKvuLbS-QUwS_9vQhNOMVUXu7xABLFYDP33SjAaHvvt3CiaBso_w4GNX74ZEWf_Bg_SjLjN2XRoDNQTvFj22lxwZOsBJYIj3VwWN-K61osTbNef3bkbxLnVwY5UgdQD_9gA4pW8LhM6qYHXDpto8iryu-9kOVTAjx-jLm-h-rFSKeIA/s320/Batman_Black_and_White_Vol_2_4.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">...you've likely already got the stories. I do not. So, yay me. The first tale elegantly introduces the cast of Maps Mizoguchi's world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaATj0AJDjIueE5e9fqFZ6f6fLMy4dEKoEAFFJ4d_a65VejR8H-CZwMzzL0X2XwyIrgg_mgyGTjP3JCh3BElVVLNnxUvHYriPDZUy7R2Iu3VwncUx2CIGPb3FFDBXOFa99c-hj4Si8446_cM-E9__Bm_pkhVU6wJ95lyYqlGsg64Vcsf79Mn3fN7kiw/s800/Maps%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaATj0AJDjIueE5e9fqFZ6f6fLMy4dEKoEAFFJ4d_a65VejR8H-CZwMzzL0X2XwyIrgg_mgyGTjP3JCh3BElVVLNnxUvHYriPDZUy7R2Iu3VwncUx2CIGPb3FFDBXOFa99c-hj4Si8446_cM-E9__Bm_pkhVU6wJ95lyYqlGsg64Vcsf79Mn3fN7kiw/s320/Maps%20One.jpeg" width="295" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right on page one, Safi is named. She's either a chauffeur and/or bodyguard. The reader doesn't know for sure, but we can guess she's a caretaker of some kind. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the very start. We get two proper character introductions and the indication of Maps' motivation in the entertaining narration. That's excellent writing and excellent artwork. I also want to point out the "warmth" in the lettering. Throughout, the lettering really pops. Doesn't look robotic.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the next two pages, we meet Maps' parents. On page three, boom. It's Batman.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_prgG_eO3alhIVP0JxnKLFk5XEiwOcRE4-STLw_QhINbvnHyL9UgJQV1hB0jRPU0P7BlMTHHJBnXOjdhS8mbdD06D1WmQk2JQwNnHRB_Ji50Qkmv5ShNntTRmAUWzb18v5Jc4qz6cxdTPSwSa4y9HB2eYAiu15SN4qI9GfEdSqLHwM4DDxHNRbZlvQ/s1923/Maps%20Two.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1117" data-original-width="1923" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_prgG_eO3alhIVP0JxnKLFk5XEiwOcRE4-STLw_QhINbvnHyL9UgJQV1hB0jRPU0P7BlMTHHJBnXOjdhS8mbdD06D1WmQk2JQwNnHRB_Ji50Qkmv5ShNntTRmAUWzb18v5Jc4qz6cxdTPSwSa4y9HB2eYAiu15SN4qI9GfEdSqLHwM4DDxHNRbZlvQ/s320/Maps%20Two.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Does Batman dismiss Maps' outburst as childish enthusiasm. Not at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZZQvBzjh2hx21BxSKvAlqMjAdIggs69iS_PXb4clP6x8Fs4A6ic3LlGnJj7xVIqwcC1RrishCsTB801GHTwUpFpy9e62X8eRDUd17yYm2QqwW-lihK5QhSxOeZCSfk7sGIW9UQa4K-MvopTm-Bxw5YAfjGEnnxFeIORNNevJgATF1kmqUf2Jz3N4-Q/s800/Maps%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="746" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZZQvBzjh2hx21BxSKvAlqMjAdIggs69iS_PXb4clP6x8Fs4A6ic3LlGnJj7xVIqwcC1RrishCsTB801GHTwUpFpy9e62X8eRDUd17yYm2QqwW-lihK5QhSxOeZCSfk7sGIW9UQa4K-MvopTm-Bxw5YAfjGEnnxFeIORNNevJgATF1kmqUf2Jz3N4-Q/s320/Maps%20Three.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That look. The detective look.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Batman being a detective. That's what I'm searching for. Already, I love this book. I imagine treasuring it for years. Pulling it out when I've been punched in the face by a really bad story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The one-shot even meets the famous Bechdel Test.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPeujburr9WW7_tpfKEymGJLXdiLDAgDEPND8QRSy9wmF5ZX7wyHiGhW0q_7gyW2TlqwReAuWtMYtXshyOMrSkaMB0P9R7a8wxnWh73HQHAS1oLyGVjISsnrMdZFCYaGGpBe1G4RaoHQL3ql2fai0hQ5BfZ8LwqBg6Xab4LUI7y-lGOyzXNP2f2mbVA/s800/Maps%20Four.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="793" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPeujburr9WW7_tpfKEymGJLXdiLDAgDEPND8QRSy9wmF5ZX7wyHiGhW0q_7gyW2TlqwReAuWtMYtXshyOMrSkaMB0P9R7a8wxnWh73HQHAS1oLyGVjISsnrMdZFCYaGGpBe1G4RaoHQL3ql2fai0hQ5BfZ8LwqBg6Xab4LUI7y-lGOyzXNP2f2mbVA/s320/Maps%20Four.jpeg" width="317" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Two women. Having a discussion about something other than a man or the plot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before you know it, Maps is Nancy Drewing to mystery and discovering strange clues.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhMq4aVzs-NPD4Ctge10Xnb6m2yVtFhm2I6Xo4lbM60dV57ywLeYea9s_eQ4HT6MwpWzvOMVoqZfkYwtJ4PAOxzOaS_QUl-Ft13bmJbslDyVCKLs__2-y2iarPK_2qMhbsEnsLqmf3fm3ljpxp86_LkvM1b7nXYnLU96NsiDlLcnkqJgBKV1yN2HKcw/s800/Maps%20Five.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhMq4aVzs-NPD4Ctge10Xnb6m2yVtFhm2I6Xo4lbM60dV57ywLeYea9s_eQ4HT6MwpWzvOMVoqZfkYwtJ4PAOxzOaS_QUl-Ft13bmJbslDyVCKLs__2-y2iarPK_2qMhbsEnsLqmf3fm3ljpxp86_LkvM1b7nXYnLU96NsiDlLcnkqJgBKV1yN2HKcw/s320/Maps%20Five.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her sleuthing drops her right in the sonar of Batman. See what I did there? Batman took her seriously. He's already investigating. He's Batman.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTWsuaP_VEPiEHDxKa9rOxxzg0Hxb2VZMFEmcPXG_wVndGbUOmkPbiwRNU9DgVqppAK6X6d5fsovNeKXVgB6IlGaI-sPnT81WB524wo1dCNmXFnojwChGllWZHnr3LAyVeQ3xS4V1nUN5jhzGsliycRolyJNvdVUITLlcKGo0bWJUGRLSy9ud2cL5Yg/s2019/Maps%20Six.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1765" data-original-width="2019" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTWsuaP_VEPiEHDxKa9rOxxzg0Hxb2VZMFEmcPXG_wVndGbUOmkPbiwRNU9DgVqppAK6X6d5fsovNeKXVgB6IlGaI-sPnT81WB524wo1dCNmXFnojwChGllWZHnr3LAyVeQ3xS4V1nUN5jhzGsliycRolyJNvdVUITLlcKGo0bWJUGRLSy9ud2cL5Yg/s320/Maps%20Six.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Batman also wants to protect Maps because he's the adult in the room. That's what adults are supposed to do. Protect children.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While attempting to shield Maps from harm, Batman gives her the thrill of a lifetime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIYoBv5p6J47yKj1T7QR4L89nerfIqQctd0IjQDpzFzXmX87KqbbBgp15BWDvCy8IqhFiDneoZSiCPX1g87di5GU8VmduTkuGZGD0OfMcyegWqjE6Sn7rOPWCBxQSx61JE-lYxsd05rZfy97LcDntI2gYxNvgrB9nzSfWLD8aGQhhN9vpKXnf93RcSg/s800/Maps%20Seven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIYoBv5p6J47yKj1T7QR4L89nerfIqQctd0IjQDpzFzXmX87KqbbBgp15BWDvCy8IqhFiDneoZSiCPX1g87di5GU8VmduTkuGZGD0OfMcyegWqjE6Sn7rOPWCBxQSx61JE-lYxsd05rZfy97LcDntI2gYxNvgrB9nzSfWLD8aGQhhN9vpKXnf93RcSg/w404-h222/Maps%20Seven.jpeg" width="404" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soon, our monster makes itself known. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpmyzzkyUg5HnXLYwPem0_oyKjxA6GT-yQ_a55JIDFjEMcONXFZzSwiM2uEN4IZExiSdNh29AU4szfc4DLHpVCGZMY9fUxqNAQ_WddBLTKCCp_2sb_3yC5D84vMWAEss5eA5OorGA-q3iLpGIV_lbaaT2F8KNYYO5Muh2L2lMrw7xZ5cfxjtxCGbJnw/s800/Maps%20Eight.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="800" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpmyzzkyUg5HnXLYwPem0_oyKjxA6GT-yQ_a55JIDFjEMcONXFZzSwiM2uEN4IZExiSdNh29AU4szfc4DLHpVCGZMY9fUxqNAQ_WddBLTKCCp_2sb_3yC5D84vMWAEss5eA5OorGA-q3iLpGIV_lbaaT2F8KNYYO5Muh2L2lMrw7xZ5cfxjtxCGbJnw/s320/Maps%20Eight.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do you realize we're on page eight? Page eight! The brevity and the pacing of this story presents utter perfection. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiMXqkMBiUo3HSZf30GxPCX94p3IrsW6cwntcr0-rltvSoYxonCxgilFKhXTutxJekwW7bihmGdPcL2HAA011pEyQ8HvswQ_ltkQY6TJETQSoXRtS6FwbKM1A6YDD7PWvR9ZXhcrYRmW2xBTNzueUthCcOIJ6Kkua5dgLBRZ1HjGUYWRFWNBVrwdEMw/s800/Maps%20Ten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="800" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiMXqkMBiUo3HSZf30GxPCX94p3IrsW6cwntcr0-rltvSoYxonCxgilFKhXTutxJekwW7bihmGdPcL2HAA011pEyQ8HvswQ_ltkQY6TJETQSoXRtS6FwbKM1A6YDD7PWvR9ZXhcrYRmW2xBTNzueUthCcOIJ6Kkua5dgLBRZ1HjGUYWRFWNBVrwdEMw/s320/Maps%20Ten.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, Maps becomes very worried about Batman. Batman is a hero to the children of Gotham. This is consistent throughout the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age and the Modern Age. Children in the context of the fiction love Batman as much as the children of our reality do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More exciting Kappa fighting leads to discovery and though Batman kindly asks Maps to stay out of it for her own safety...well...you know what's going to happen. Kerschl conveys this update to Batman in a very unusual way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJdds8GHAyQabJ__cJJ6qzgziMZtHJnGOXxzRZJ5y0Ib6XOMciMC8Tb0xvOtLuOGP_wBUyMEx1Azw9iP9rX_G8c1LmjrxMIFXcjM79OcycftIVmTbiXFV_ouhf6EonJPqXGODiYA3L4Xmua7dtB2rgRjgpL9dkIVCz9jHNz-FzjyJonqtC4DGOGFmxg/s1000/Maps%20Eleven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJdds8GHAyQabJ__cJJ6qzgziMZtHJnGOXxzRZJ5y0Ib6XOMciMC8Tb0xvOtLuOGP_wBUyMEx1Azw9iP9rX_G8c1LmjrxMIFXcjM79OcycftIVmTbiXFV_ouhf6EonJPqXGODiYA3L4Xmua7dtB2rgRjgpL9dkIVCz9jHNz-FzjyJonqtC4DGOGFmxg/s320/Maps%20Eleven.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yet, this scene is neither off-putting nor confusing to even a marginal Batman fan. Let's call it refreshingly weird. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow Clayface has a girl relative who attends Gotham Academy and befriended Maps enough to give a piece of her as a kind of watchful eye.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The story draws to a close with another terrific but brief fight, an explanation for why all of this happened now and reconciliation with Maps. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeCUxWNBVm8AzaAO3xZ2lFKCpWNVf26DsMq5zYg7as9HqdLjPPyQWdSRJN4eDhppFsx_xAeJorK-g9ro28EvetyRjxSSQpOYJ1F4NGgn_hQrXP32G-vEB64ExHmRrOUxX_8yt6tsG_Ir39orcNciayaBlV7eWSdExXXXmOWmgfEzuHyCrf6WFi-hutg/s800/Maps%20Twelve.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="800" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeCUxWNBVm8AzaAO3xZ2lFKCpWNVf26DsMq5zYg7as9HqdLjPPyQWdSRJN4eDhppFsx_xAeJorK-g9ro28EvetyRjxSSQpOYJ1F4NGgn_hQrXP32G-vEB64ExHmRrOUxX_8yt6tsG_Ir39orcNciayaBlV7eWSdExXXXmOWmgfEzuHyCrf6WFi-hutg/s320/Maps%20Twelve.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A very rare moment in comics where the raw emotion indicates that Maps is not just a highly intelligent girl detective but also a very frightened child. What's also impressive is that Karl Kerschl never resorts to cliche. Maps never inadvertently endangers Batman. She genuinely tries to obey him. She furthermore contributes greatly to the investigation and the story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K8vcfr9xvQGhfhGj8y7bZf4j04jREvOEripEIHCYLV4kLabbI4WNyqX-hMd58ms6nu0up1RK1ecxTMWVZeGulNnh-x8XkDagJrSYaCs_QQYBP3qi_vA-wTP_IVO5FRHgWXV5oqVmEJ37h5ZAMYbWW0cJ98Zqo56Wm6BQlzoY19iyQpdcc-Omi004Vg/s1000/Maps%20Fourteen.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K8vcfr9xvQGhfhGj8y7bZf4j04jREvOEripEIHCYLV4kLabbI4WNyqX-hMd58ms6nu0up1RK1ecxTMWVZeGulNnh-x8XkDagJrSYaCs_QQYBP3qi_vA-wTP_IVO5FRHgWXV5oqVmEJ37h5ZAMYbWW0cJ98Zqo56Wm6BQlzoY19iyQpdcc-Omi004Vg/s320/Maps%20Fourteen.jpeg" width="121" /></a></div>The third tale is more free-wheeling in its continuity. Nevertheless a traditional Batman story featuring Maps now elevated to Robin. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This short comes from a recent <i>Black and White </i>anthology. Its manga styled artwork merges with the motifs of Batman. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Because of the manga facet, you can consider this perhaps a Maps dream or an imaginary story. Still, I love it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46hdMwgqB0nIx8zMhblAaonTLwlr-Ey6CmEEdr_TkuZoxe80mZZTBEaqf0A8nuXdNcwVn5-ZsVSI4KkSVEcAQY53L0FEjDhpQCWXlKV0bWBzZcCLbffiHgEuz9xdQMpKn3PKGhAd01kYZlhXFyilGaxDxysv_BeIRL-pRQSJRMa-JMXKgNMxvsNcSVw/s800/Maps%20Thirteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46hdMwgqB0nIx8zMhblAaonTLwlr-Ey6CmEEdr_TkuZoxe80mZZTBEaqf0A8nuXdNcwVn5-ZsVSI4KkSVEcAQY53L0FEjDhpQCWXlKV0bWBzZcCLbffiHgEuz9xdQMpKn3PKGhAd01kYZlhXFyilGaxDxysv_BeIRL-pRQSJRMa-JMXKgNMxvsNcSVw/s320/Maps%20Thirteen.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again, I need no primer to understand the plot or the character dynamic. Batman investigates a supernatural mystery.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB59ZO7k8YuT5MNNm8yK2YtlOFIreyayjDtbJhlGyCKd-4hNKYUrf6dvoiwFYp22zpZJfYr9HUrBYZSy1aoZJgTRx1hKZRwNTucu2ujI9zeP2vWW1JiVf7uigys9AReGkGoYC9WSrdp_NjpzoWLurFCKoVg4-dhxhvLTKMFq506VH0gN3nNWqreGakhg/s800/Maps%20Fifteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="800" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB59ZO7k8YuT5MNNm8yK2YtlOFIreyayjDtbJhlGyCKd-4hNKYUrf6dvoiwFYp22zpZJfYr9HUrBYZSy1aoZJgTRx1hKZRwNTucu2ujI9zeP2vWW1JiVf7uigys9AReGkGoYC9WSrdp_NjpzoWLurFCKoVg4-dhxhvLTKMFq506VH0gN3nNWqreGakhg/s320/Maps%20Fifteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Batman's debunking statement indicates that this is not a shared world tale. Batman takes the role as detective yet again. Finding the reality of seeming occult trappings at the very least goes all the way back to canonical Sherlock Holmes and "The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In theme, "The Davenport House" shares much with the Denny O'Neil/Neal Adams spooky stand-alone stories that occasionally manifested between they crime dramas. The art again by Kerschl gives the tale a very modern polish. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't really say a lot about the mystery without spoiling it. Kerschl plots a detective short-story in which there's a genuine whodunnit. How we get there and watching Batman use the powers of observation and deduction is the fun part. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwa3LHCps9ZsYaRR9BFyBX1n74KpNm7xp6trIZnV4Ghe4ojat1djblB_PtqYBh5isFt_6wDTPEyoVt9LN_k_BTXIF9iAlqly7fC75SvkNRPgI7gMLYPL8vEru5Mgd1CAjw9pnDlpMg7r13UOZLNEaDINr0vR49Z3xKTEaoUhZckXQHhookVhTI0eH8Q/s800/Maps%20Sixteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="800" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzwa3LHCps9ZsYaRR9BFyBX1n74KpNm7xp6trIZnV4Ghe4ojat1djblB_PtqYBh5isFt_6wDTPEyoVt9LN_k_BTXIF9iAlqly7fC75SvkNRPgI7gMLYPL8vEru5Mgd1CAjw9pnDlpMg7r13UOZLNEaDINr0vR49Z3xKTEaoUhZckXQHhookVhTI0eH8Q/s320/Maps%20Sixteen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll just say that it's a predominantly Batman starring vehicle with Maps in tow just because. That just because however injects a certain something into the proceedings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second story is an all Maps and Gotham Academy tale written by <i>Batgirls </i>writer Becky Cloonan and <i>Batgirl</i> and <i>Gotham Academy </i>writer Brenden Fletcher. With Karl Kerscl on art duties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPtWggb9vAszMMsAD8cyIGzfUlskuzSNII9Rc3hSeP8SLnHzHoblfKuxgj0gDUnYmtTsELt0ldLW9PwWrj3wnHpQXhgaZMGzthXk_9Ne8er6oGvTFUvpx-5i9PpNhkmnwcrm9lT5RWQqUb1JAuhKGuwj_izFi6b519lSlKWUm78ot9EPSTwEEkUfk-Q/s800/Maps%20Twenty.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPtWggb9vAszMMsAD8cyIGzfUlskuzSNII9Rc3hSeP8SLnHzHoblfKuxgj0gDUnYmtTsELt0ldLW9PwWrj3wnHpQXhgaZMGzthXk_9Ne8er6oGvTFUvpx-5i9PpNhkmnwcrm9lT5RWQqUb1JAuhKGuwj_izFi6b519lSlKWUm78ot9EPSTwEEkUfk-Q/s320/Maps%20Twenty.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Again there's an authorial/artist interest to introduce characters rather than assume you know who's who. Kyle for example is Maps' brother. The mean girl taking Olive Silverlock's place is Pomeline. They may have spotted a zombie.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The tale's a readable, quiet story, but it doesn't compare to the other two. It also creates a distinctive impression that Olive, the central character of <i>Gotham Academy,</i> she of the white-silver hair, is dead. I don't ever recall seeing her death, but it could have happened during the Joker War or whatever.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Maps of Mystery</i> is six bucks which is pretty steep, yet I do feel if you're a Batman fan just looking for good--even great--Batman to read, it's well worth it. The first story clocks in at twenty four pages without ads. The third story runs eight pages also without out ads. The second tale, ten pages, again without ads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-41994461805791160932023-04-16T18:02:00.002-04:002023-04-16T18:02:45.794-04:00POBB April 10, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>April 10, 2023</i></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by</i></div></span><span><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's been awhile, but I'm still here. Welcome to <i>The Pick of the Brown Bag!</i> The continuing saga of a man that desperately wants to read and review his comic books but finds himself in a constant time crunch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT9bZU1eKzqCvJxQCOMcbmflA1vAIP_nl5C11sJNIQofyMcXwDdgMZWtX7GgM1O7Elg3rz0SY67wMBTt3e3KM2sFCw8UDaxzHCcDQHO98-BDhhYTZhYyH5mpyUExt3RZNr2Tlzw9ol7LuSzciW7wWGXvz9iomcBORhiOAUUWZ7bwWg8gDpIYtBr4JjA/s1200/hNYbF-1460408583-315-lists-header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiT9bZU1eKzqCvJxQCOMcbmflA1vAIP_nl5C11sJNIQofyMcXwDdgMZWtX7GgM1O7Elg3rz0SY67wMBTt3e3KM2sFCw8UDaxzHCcDQHO98-BDhhYTZhYyH5mpyUExt3RZNr2Tlzw9ol7LuSzciW7wWGXvz9iomcBORhiOAUUWZ7bwWg8gDpIYtBr4JjA/s320/hNYbF-1460408583-315-lists-header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In 1963, writer Arnold Drake and superb realist art maestro Bruno Premiani created The Doom Patrol.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm8YCOmh5qGmpUMOcPSUna-gOkTA3w81HZQpKCiEQ162HzfrRFv9HjuBW5RRr4tHf4HoocV8HXl1TV4_Enr5NPGVLFGOrosK90w9knUE7dcU3rpXt19W0dI5RyZcgguuZ8xcWQwwnfLXXdoDg3XwUNMPEy_Q-kIU8I--g4lm2GRs7JJEUZ_xFbGodzQ/s320/Mygreatestadventure80.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBm8YCOmh5qGmpUMOcPSUna-gOkTA3w81HZQpKCiEQ162HzfrRFv9HjuBW5RRr4tHf4HoocV8HXl1TV4_Enr5NPGVLFGOrosK90w9knUE7dcU3rpXt19W0dI5RyZcgguuZ8xcWQwwnfLXXdoDg3XwUNMPEy_Q-kIU8I--g4lm2GRs7JJEUZ_xFbGodzQ/s1600/Mygreatestadventure80.JPG" width="220" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Doom Patrol consisted of Cliff Steele, Rita Farr, Larry Trainor and Niles Caulder. They were a quartet of misfits that suffered at the hands of fate. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrXGtnf9ESY_X9Nn-MsuK-Sq-gWgZ_FOoeLyfkZVRCM9J6F8bg3lZgMSAmD1QFnrXj1Wx5KHzUX8l4Jezg9PGtaZdSszhWQRpagVAN7RGFr84hcXfTbXIMn86cTs_RPaFlY2RlUbMwbh0Oj6AS9-E4sUoXO3sj4gwiEDEGzVUxvywrfQaHimK92AB2A/s800/MANOS%20HANDS%20OF%20FATE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrXGtnf9ESY_X9Nn-MsuK-Sq-gWgZ_FOoeLyfkZVRCM9J6F8bg3lZgMSAmD1QFnrXj1Wx5KHzUX8l4Jezg9PGtaZdSszhWQRpagVAN7RGFr84hcXfTbXIMn86cTs_RPaFlY2RlUbMwbh0Oj6AS9-E4sUoXO3sj4gwiEDEGzVUxvywrfQaHimK92AB2A/w248-h186/MANOS%20HANDS%20OF%20FATE.jpg" width="248" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">No, no. Not him. </span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Soon to be arch-nemesis General Immortus catalyzed the crippling of Niles, who became known as the Chief. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCpmOfwUc8ApGvH0DGMifoED1X-T6mIJuduDzvUKv7Kj7luZqOWfctMNNJZ6ykKouSJrkRi-kHqZ38bQy-N_vMkre7SrqN5Ov3ZP4S2GazDAc0TncNeULdgGynYQlLDJQI4KOSL3jaloh3HurX33xTqlSnrivD5HH0u0TLrD4pfZDb3QVQK8joarkEw/s800/The%20Original%20Chief.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCpmOfwUc8ApGvH0DGMifoED1X-T6mIJuduDzvUKv7Kj7luZqOWfctMNNJZ6ykKouSJrkRi-kHqZ38bQy-N_vMkre7SrqN5Ov3ZP4S2GazDAc0TncNeULdgGynYQlLDJQI4KOSL3jaloh3HurX33xTqlSnrivD5HH0u0TLrD4pfZDb3QVQK8joarkEw/w253-h238/The%20Original%20Chief.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Actress Rita Farr on a jungle shoot inhaled toxic fumes and transformed into the giant/miniature Elasti-Girl. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTebYPru3ofl9ClaFfcYoDW3afIrsCOLzJ0MM9Xskf6UZ8L_VHo7cUaYexJQELFolNctoO_DLjKwdX1Zw_zmea1y5iU-wB0fF7d3TnL5uKgU-6NBEB7udhh8WroEZzZH_K-WeM5yoWM_GQJ35pteAiYfXAjdRJV2dAo3pj4wEVCyGMY2llz2NjzPH4Bw/s800/Elasti-Girl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTebYPru3ofl9ClaFfcYoDW3afIrsCOLzJ0MM9Xskf6UZ8L_VHo7cUaYexJQELFolNctoO_DLjKwdX1Zw_zmea1y5iU-wB0fF7d3TnL5uKgU-6NBEB7udhh8WroEZzZH_K-WeM5yoWM_GQJ35pteAiYfXAjdRJV2dAo3pj4wEVCyGMY2llz2NjzPH4Bw/s320/Elasti-Girl.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Race car driver Cliff Steele wrecked on the track resulting in his brain surviving in a robot body. The second Robot Man.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPIeR-ooZZsR-kkh11Sdd_MevBF11qa8Sneuo2oVrbaScgdstCTZwEBHMaeXVyeNs9GZYN5VbznWKHV3kR_eW8UckW1w1n-IOkT_ogFlIyqAhO4l-Fvk5ne7WpigWCdvakA2ORqVn8JxkGkhJkrPDFGFGDWwfQo1DhBbk-OxkFDV6J0Rx9pCynJh1Yw/s800/Doom%20Patrol%20Robot%20Man.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="784" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPIeR-ooZZsR-kkh11Sdd_MevBF11qa8Sneuo2oVrbaScgdstCTZwEBHMaeXVyeNs9GZYN5VbznWKHV3kR_eW8UckW1w1n-IOkT_ogFlIyqAhO4l-Fvk5ne7WpigWCdvakA2ORqVn8JxkGkhJkrPDFGFGDWwfQo1DhBbk-OxkFDV6J0Rx9pCynJh1Yw/s320/Doom%20Patrol%20Robot%20Man.jpeg" width="314" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Larry Trainor, a test pilot, encountered deadly radiation which required him to be swathed head to toe in specially treated lead lined bandages. A being lived in that radiation and now lives in Larry. He granted Larry purpose as the Negative Man. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV6REypAHnFZ-e-EPVegOpgoN9jWvJS4H1nDUjkPO3RbvYJc3kza2DQpUcrCtOgCJNODR8tis8Ua0dutcgP6osGOB4Gm866ngDfC2JoDkcnFpemox-Ei-LOZdXw2_iXowklRS_gDAYj9JYxky1DBJDOORWitq010-dodcXib5ttdABnlWbSua6muf-Q/s800/Larry%20Trainor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcV6REypAHnFZ-e-EPVegOpgoN9jWvJS4H1nDUjkPO3RbvYJc3kza2DQpUcrCtOgCJNODR8tis8Ua0dutcgP6osGOB4Gm866ngDfC2JoDkcnFpemox-Ei-LOZdXw2_iXowklRS_gDAYj9JYxky1DBJDOORWitq010-dodcXib5ttdABnlWbSua6muf-Q/s320/Larry%20Trainor.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Doom Patrol concluded their original run with issue one-twenty-one, where their creators took an unusual step.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXtefrJIFHlMtydnqrwjvlN3sIVFTOWxj-qsTlw41Yo2SME9hRynoJycLReHGLVLKS1d_uX_yyeK28OkVFl0Ohm1VDwASjLLKp11RW5EDo1Jz2N0hJyUimUB__D9mdMrrisWKoBYr6ps2x3V1llDXa5R5vRvSr1oCgTf7FkGt4xH17yn-dOfUn30LQQ/s1000/Death%20of%20the%20Doom%20Patrol.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXtefrJIFHlMtydnqrwjvlN3sIVFTOWxj-qsTlw41Yo2SME9hRynoJycLReHGLVLKS1d_uX_yyeK28OkVFl0Ohm1VDwASjLLKp11RW5EDo1Jz2N0hJyUimUB__D9mdMrrisWKoBYr6ps2x3V1llDXa5R5vRvSr1oCgTf7FkGt4xH17yn-dOfUn30LQQ/s320/Death%20of%20the%20Doom%20Patrol.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Doom Patrol sacrifice themselves for fourteen ordinary Joes in a small Maine fishing village. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span>For about ten years, the Doom Patrol remained dead. </span><span>The Chief however designed Cliff Steele's robot body too well. Cliff's metallic remains, which protected his human brain, washed ashore. Robotics genius Will Magnus, creator of the Metal Men, discovered him and redesigned Cliff's form.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPFNVdSk-b25szYWEj2jmzNHOyDR2cad-D-dEaG4CFG7QSmb5P_XuctsY2bkBDW85WHVQgKW4mABfMH6z9dm6kpdv3SalX6WwcdNwSqXmlNnPMu9A5fcvA-1kDE5JIEC8h_PHsh43a5V6f-eO2sCTaNc1LIQhehd2vNiBCDLSqoYO4r4qQGJNJY2Lww/s300/showcase_94.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="194" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPFNVdSk-b25szYWEj2jmzNHOyDR2cad-D-dEaG4CFG7QSmb5P_XuctsY2bkBDW85WHVQgKW4mABfMH6z9dm6kpdv3SalX6WwcdNwSqXmlNnPMu9A5fcvA-1kDE5JIEC8h_PHsh43a5V6f-eO2sCTaNc1LIQhehd2vNiBCDLSqoYO4r4qQGJNJY2Lww/s1600/showcase_94.jpeg" width="194" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Thus begins the reformation of the new Doom Patrol, who though not forgotten will have even less impact than expected on future versions of the team.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSfP8bhR0wtMXiAvALM6OPLzKsfnvCn0_EQOk2CAob-wreGASjZCmB8fAC-_UZoT41jynHHrXH13ch8Ocn_280rIofvoU4b1FNg6FOQrbKRzznDLaLTmmU6Y__e_VFfkkL69fB4yeyjt7O7AAv4vnuds4bVuRB0pWU9TEhne8sDhldmZsvLkcLqvMZA/s187/685527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="120" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSfP8bhR0wtMXiAvALM6OPLzKsfnvCn0_EQOk2CAob-wreGASjZCmB8fAC-_UZoT41jynHHrXH13ch8Ocn_280rIofvoU4b1FNg6FOQrbKRzznDLaLTmmU6Y__e_VFfkkL69fB4yeyjt7O7AAv4vnuds4bVuRB0pWU9TEhne8sDhldmZsvLkcLqvMZA/w166-h260/685527.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The fact of the matter is that of all the various protagonists introduced in various incarnations of the Doom Patrol, only Crazy Jane, created by Grant Morrison and artist Richard Case, had any staying power. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhQu_lpuvcqmgl5fJ0MmDo8MPZlGcNlvuj6fu-ClF8AB8LNE7qW0J99yiJbqfbTxLjL95JeDn6uXPCA_TCb44Atsiv-tqVAIBiR9UWAtxHr-fWIJNth32OqyswTgzAqfaSBREhrYVF1wjrlQP5IhcXyh2v7bhqjPKkH1aT3k5zug7fcWJHGmorF03TA/s186/620351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="120" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhQu_lpuvcqmgl5fJ0MmDo8MPZlGcNlvuj6fu-ClF8AB8LNE7qW0J99yiJbqfbTxLjL95JeDn6uXPCA_TCb44Atsiv-tqVAIBiR9UWAtxHr-fWIJNth32OqyswTgzAqfaSBREhrYVF1wjrlQP5IhcXyh2v7bhqjPKkH1aT3k5zug7fcWJHGmorF03TA/w184-h285/620351.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Morrison's <i>Doom Patrol</i> series is truly a marvel to behold, pun not intended. I enjoyed every weird issue. However, Morrison inadvertently fed the beast nicknamed <b>D</b>ead <b>C</b>hicks and/or <b>D</b>amaged<b> C</b>hicks. He brought back Larry Trainor and the Chief, but omitted Elasti-Girl. He also revealed the Chief never was crippled in the first place or healed himself.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU5kTUZFrrvFIidCp864M_K9E_lRkqovck2EDOw0x43bvpVSEb8zjb-iqRwbijgULKJ_u_E8K6dFVXERIAdzjBiGDS5mPoUbIGkt00azBidX73hcN6VP3oDuTtyMLumBSAmJh6_4GNPlhaBqp5Fre0f13Jb-ChcG0KfVDY5QfZ75my1vs3tUkiI_mkw/s1540/Doom%20Patrol%20p57.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeU5kTUZFrrvFIidCp864M_K9E_lRkqovck2EDOw0x43bvpVSEb8zjb-iqRwbijgULKJ_u_E8K6dFVXERIAdzjBiGDS5mPoUbIGkt00azBidX73hcN6VP3oDuTtyMLumBSAmJh6_4GNPlhaBqp5Fre0f13Jb-ChcG0KfVDY5QfZ75my1vs3tUkiI_mkw/s320/Doom%20Patrol%20p57.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yeah. That's pretty unfair in a universe that crippled Barbara Gordon needlessly for twenty-five years. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Fortunately, John Byrne had the next substantial crack at the Doom Patrol, and he rebooted them from scratch. The original quartet with a clean slate history appeared in their own series under the care, and it was indeed care, of the artist/writer.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gJzK_jg2r4BNBpzbgYMVR7wOMI7x0UHsZDo_rVW8g-twCOjiY3krg9D4_Kd6VyawpkmnL1dniV8IIsllFu_IBbx3ut-8j0myCiqZk5l3x3EJ0ip9oXzNu6qGIS9HnhRyHc3ivWtDHkFMI6KB1tsuwsymKBmu_pJLD5EtNpiSuWSW0gtKdfJIFSVm5g/s500/9781779500847-us.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gJzK_jg2r4BNBpzbgYMVR7wOMI7x0UHsZDo_rVW8g-twCOjiY3krg9D4_Kd6VyawpkmnL1dniV8IIsllFu_IBbx3ut-8j0myCiqZk5l3x3EJ0ip9oXzNu6qGIS9HnhRyHc3ivWtDHkFMI6KB1tsuwsymKBmu_pJLD5EtNpiSuWSW0gtKdfJIFSVm5g/s320/9781779500847-us.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">DC revisits Doom Patrol frequently, but never would I have imagined the Doom Patrol becoming a stream-series. That incarnation of the Doom Patrol draws on the entirety of the characters' and the team's histories. So does the newest comic book. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiEKnXUvral2W3pu-VyFaQvqSQQyBHbU22F-v3vsvhhZy6R2gbKuwxDkaBamVbuZUyGW2Xxdf2UBExj6H9AQtGiRLFhra3F3ff-tYO8FFp_kN5r0IKHvHoxC04i3JdkRMvJCTfcIzNjAg3Tc8fi1ElAf6KokKA94Eliym7TQGQ6lQgykl0I9QrryKSA/s800/Doom%20Patrol%20%231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQiEKnXUvral2W3pu-VyFaQvqSQQyBHbU22F-v3vsvhhZy6R2gbKuwxDkaBamVbuZUyGW2Xxdf2UBExj6H9AQtGiRLFhra3F3ff-tYO8FFp_kN5r0IKHvHoxC04i3JdkRMvJCTfcIzNjAg3Tc8fi1ElAf6KokKA94Eliym7TQGQ6lQgykl0I9QrryKSA/s320/Doom%20Patrol%20%231.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Dennis Culver, Chris Burnham and Brian Reber steer the latest reiteration of the Doom Patrol into Gotham City. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The so-called <i>Unstoppable Doom Patrol</i> is part of <i>The Dawn of DC.</i> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have no idea what that "dawn" business means, but I can tell you what it doesn't mean. The premiere of <i>Unstoppable</i> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">does not represent an origin issue or the very first appearance of the Doom Patrol in a rebooted universe</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. The Doom Patrol is a known quantity in a shared universe.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfBJZ474ZRqYzzsHO_bBk6ey8NIycJhUSfxJXfows_ZZVZgnjMxCp6W5fh63Mj1OEBW22emSZJyp2wFleWL4T08yROLnXvdsR36OIUcPLARtwTeO3KY_EyS3hkXMvyiq7CTqxXw347KEyKE5A9HAXM-tCJf8cfRB3a_CMdYxNun6KX_J6HUN9EnS5LQ/s800/Hate%20the%20Doom%20Patrol.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfBJZ474ZRqYzzsHO_bBk6ey8NIycJhUSfxJXfows_ZZVZgnjMxCp6W5fh63Mj1OEBW22emSZJyp2wFleWL4T08yROLnXvdsR36OIUcPLARtwTeO3KY_EyS3hkXMvyiq7CTqxXw347KEyKE5A9HAXM-tCJf8cfRB3a_CMdYxNun6KX_J6HUN9EnS5LQ/s320/Hate%20the%20Doom%20Patrol.jpeg" width="220" /></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Not a well liked quantity. But a known quantity. This animosity toward the Doom Patrol developed in the offshoot titles. While the Doom Patrol always considered themselves freaks. The citizens they ended up protecting more often did not. The original Doom Patrol formed to set an example. To demonstrate that people who are different can nevertheless contribute to society in meaningful ways. Cliff, Rita, Larry and the Chief became accepted when they formed a "superhero" team. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98v8XbexaZvyaaFd7DWAYI61oZMql7Bj2MoypRuy3wJg7Yjc78FdXCmo4JQGYdBVEagqHCNL87RflB-beLDA3AAGBUTG4p5XX5s67WRks98fxAFbANey2ngNDah5ykxqkmclhBY7gPYvBzKsqkkcW4GFez3xLcbcl7cSIJn2kUdB_22eaJOJs94AeIw/s800/New%20Mission.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98v8XbexaZvyaaFd7DWAYI61oZMql7Bj2MoypRuy3wJg7Yjc78FdXCmo4JQGYdBVEagqHCNL87RflB-beLDA3AAGBUTG4p5XX5s67WRks98fxAFbANey2ngNDah5ykxqkmclhBY7gPYvBzKsqkkcW4GFez3xLcbcl7cSIJn2kUdB_22eaJOJs94AeIw/s320/New%20Mission.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The new mission statement draws upon the original. It actually works even better in the now than it would have then. We are more aware of mental stress because everybody all over the world got a taste of it during the bad days of the COVID epidemic. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The idea of the Doom Patrol trying to pre-empt what amounts to a "mental health" misunderstanding is very plausible. There's even an excellent scene where the new model of the Chief reasons it out with Batman, who naturally, guest stars.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD6CDYE1Io-rgfql-dhSVLyrfSIkYM0rWD-x2TiytN6GMOUemfyBoOkku7ae37T3qeZH1dhgYW9i33MdbSH06Py2YlTBC3-sLCqY9jnM47mlj4egdaSp7wfd3NK_pS81sUA5QNAzszRs_yEkQs-5QmVWRujMLhOKwN1ZKlsMsV4PzigJqOkj4xCteaQ/s800/The%20New%20Chief.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="800" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD6CDYE1Io-rgfql-dhSVLyrfSIkYM0rWD-x2TiytN6GMOUemfyBoOkku7ae37T3qeZH1dhgYW9i33MdbSH06Py2YlTBC3-sLCqY9jnM47mlj4egdaSp7wfd3NK_pS81sUA5QNAzszRs_yEkQs-5QmVWRujMLhOKwN1ZKlsMsV4PzigJqOkj4xCteaQ/s320/The%20New%20Chief.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Batman has in fact come to the same conclusion at times. During the New 52 era, Batman encountered the Birds of Prey. Then they consisted of Black Canary, Katana, Starling and Poison Ivy. After a fight against the Talons, enforcers for the Court of Owls, he remanded Poison Ivy back to the Birds of Prey's custody. He believed Ivy was better off with them than in Arkham. True. She was indeed doing good while not being a do-gooder.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Batman isn't a massive guest-star in this Doom Patrol debut, but his presence gives the team context. Batman is not only aware of the Doom Patrol. He also knows the Chief's secret, which I'll not reveal here. His knowledge arises from more than masterful deduction. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BOSizcdVBgtPMY33z3yzyUwBEtDz4KCg8X-OYtxZEUwOxuxSFLFffea_cxRkeO99lfD-6XicXY76hrR0_O8zjXtX53N4RWS1MDQQyiDIWDL1sUqt62xS7FQD63FBzgz8bKOcHohWqTinIaPv_fbY7OWIANdMB2_ok1HMV8xQIIKJOkVBnB4UePOXFg/s1000/Batman%20Enters.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BOSizcdVBgtPMY33z3yzyUwBEtDz4KCg8X-OYtxZEUwOxuxSFLFffea_cxRkeO99lfD-6XicXY76hrR0_O8zjXtX53N4RWS1MDQQyiDIWDL1sUqt62xS7FQD63FBzgz8bKOcHohWqTinIaPv_fbY7OWIANdMB2_ok1HMV8xQIIKJOkVBnB4UePOXFg/s320/Batman%20Enters.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Bunham and Reiber present a classic Batman. As mentioned, the reader isn't on ground level. The DC Universe has been thriving. This is neither the Batman's, Robin's or the Doom Patrol's first appearance. They appear to be old colleagues. The Chief in fact mentions the Justice League and the Flash. This is in keeping with tradition. The Powers That Be only removed the Doom Patrol from the DC Universe proper when they shifted Grant Morrison's series to the Vertigo imprint. The Doom Patrol have always been part of the DCU.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In addition to the engaging plot, Batman cameo and the technical excellence, <i>The Unstoppable Doom Patrol</i> offers much more to recommend. Elasti-Woman takes a page from her stream-series counterpart portrayed admirably by April Bowlby.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI5ZO_Q4ob8sFs0uFA7Mo0vk8MWjW0pJ6nQ9k7g6WFOmF57-5e0JisB3wFk4ndu3ajL3KVIurJfpytMQwq_Zu_gk3VDvuIZfi9jGbt2JI23CStMLrJjrgwpIhe1EgyqvcH962ykcGNVqanUAAe8lDpDlOgpZaTdbE7RriOSQ3Bi3xfELS__779AtYVg/s800/Face%20Melt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI5ZO_Q4ob8sFs0uFA7Mo0vk8MWjW0pJ6nQ9k7g6WFOmF57-5e0JisB3wFk4ndu3ajL3KVIurJfpytMQwq_Zu_gk3VDvuIZfi9jGbt2JI23CStMLrJjrgwpIhe1EgyqvcH962ykcGNVqanUAAe8lDpDlOgpZaTdbE7RriOSQ3Bi3xfELS__779AtYVg/s320/Face%20Melt.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">After Rita Farr joins the original Doom Patrol, she gains full control of her elasticity. The stream series however suggests that her abilities and emotions are tied together. Thus, Burnham's depiction of a droopy faced Rita Farr, chastised by the Chief, nods to the Bowlby depiction.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The Doom Patrol face a body-horror derived giant monster that looks to have come strait from Brian Yuzna's and Stuart Gordon's H.P. Lovecraft factory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiXz6YcZbRnfBX1Rv9-cKjHS280thZC5hqh7VtagSLJIDpZ8C1d2efzcUioAqf2VOGPNJaFAyfbvZYGlT75VP8dkEm48bWyNPU_fq0dRNTZuOHXpgMXC1eUEsuz11Xvi9M6OxU1qcMTOXl2wY-hV3RBQoxzAqeRK6NWSS_cie_mn3OahhOf_9QG-oqw/s800/Giant%20Monster.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="800" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiXz6YcZbRnfBX1Rv9-cKjHS280thZC5hqh7VtagSLJIDpZ8C1d2efzcUioAqf2VOGPNJaFAyfbvZYGlT75VP8dkEm48bWyNPU_fq0dRNTZuOHXpgMXC1eUEsuz11Xvi9M6OxU1qcMTOXl2wY-hV3RBQoxzAqeRK6NWSS_cie_mn3OahhOf_9QG-oqw/s320/Giant%20Monster.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The fact that the beast is smacking around its tormentors and or custodians grants it sympathy. It hasn't done anything particularly nasty to any innocent bystander, and the creature/person's wardens aren't particularly likable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The creative team reverse engineer Crazy Jane. From her original Grant Morrison version-to Vertigo-and now back again to her original, with a slight but smile-worthy twist. She's a very strange superhero.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjowDitd6-Er3s8-YyXejlE_-AaxxRRT_cLL-JbuGp3MSNRSA1YtAKUqMHAU_i3tKH-cksCrllYUMWbP1crQ_VRRdnTBYLEAQGD1IecVw0r-eRLAcfShfdBDsosjmb1C_h4g2-3KQbxOmHcxCVUjzyE92c13-YVwrsA1QZm5iTrXOsECGOtIR4CMnKA/s800/Crazy%20Jane.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjowDitd6-Er3s8-YyXejlE_-AaxxRRT_cLL-JbuGp3MSNRSA1YtAKUqMHAU_i3tKH-cksCrllYUMWbP1crQ_VRRdnTBYLEAQGD1IecVw0r-eRLAcfShfdBDsosjmb1C_h4g2-3KQbxOmHcxCVUjzyE92c13-YVwrsA1QZm5iTrXOsECGOtIR4CMnKA/s320/Crazy%20Jane.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Robot Man isn't just the brawn of the team; arguably Rita fills that role. He's also the voice of reason. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gtiZfQAdz3eAm0umCdUoM3dxDCemWlWcD_T1wygzkfz-yrFP5nqy0ie85IfchUNsrl6hbb7zMFYe80PlRGLSZojS2W0btmx5mXARFKV95ir9EtCuYCGGqzlDvT9iOd9toaIjA8jFQP5uNxLN2Xs2y2wQ_VPTk3S8uIIwWRjT3yW9081V3YhojZFAPg/s800/Cliff%20Steele.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="413" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gtiZfQAdz3eAm0umCdUoM3dxDCemWlWcD_T1wygzkfz-yrFP5nqy0ie85IfchUNsrl6hbb7zMFYe80PlRGLSZojS2W0btmx5mXARFKV95ir9EtCuYCGGqzlDvT9iOd9toaIjA8jFQP5uNxLN2Xs2y2wQ_VPTk3S8uIIwWRjT3yW9081V3YhojZFAPg/s320/Cliff%20Steele.jpeg" width="165" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The new character Beast Girl, an overt callback to Teen Titan Gar Logan, is quite entertaining and provides a lot of youthful bounce and humor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O_BLLdNBymXCPqWMXzDnbP6-GZVIrRKbQEy1mlYDv46IaYaVdfal60j9MuYvThB-O5SQuqnx95w8K9nB8AwM_heTvraiXsGCcb7umskz0r8IUCJj1v1FF9zDTAWNQGoQ8uGd5X478mfnwHwBrHPrjOQJ4SVaOA9A7W0Psp-RrKiBJqxHxd5f2iURIA/s800/Beast%20Girl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="781" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1O_BLLdNBymXCPqWMXzDnbP6-GZVIrRKbQEy1mlYDv46IaYaVdfal60j9MuYvThB-O5SQuqnx95w8K9nB8AwM_heTvraiXsGCcb7umskz0r8IUCJj1v1FF9zDTAWNQGoQ8uGd5X478mfnwHwBrHPrjOQJ4SVaOA9A7W0Psp-RrKiBJqxHxd5f2iURIA/s320/Beast%20Girl.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In other words, what we have here is a perfect debut that will appeal to all Doom Patrol fans, Batman followers, comic book art aficionados and for those that like there super-hero/science fiction tales with a touch of weirdness.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-14999900689498519602023-02-21T15:08:00.002-05:002023-02-21T15:08:52.937-05:00POBB February 20, 2023<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>February 20, 2023</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Welcome to the<i> Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. A comic book review blog created, owned and operated by yours truly, Ray Tate. This week in the POBB I look at <i>The Harrower </i>from Boom Comics.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHj_j7USia3t4U6LjkmTQeFENZ23Tu6jm8VcH0TuUDSwAAQl_OAG7mXTrUmVwva894cqXbOeRXnqcTIu-7QS1EKscJUahZl2Xwdhv8nOBg9pP0r9o3MG00u-B2HrMOlM0wUBzcD1tyt_TMh4FGMhAPfN71hbOXNF8PSAA1sMIdmkNziXz6nP2wZHfUQ/s800/Harrower%20%231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHj_j7USia3t4U6LjkmTQeFENZ23Tu6jm8VcH0TuUDSwAAQl_OAG7mXTrUmVwva894cqXbOeRXnqcTIu-7QS1EKscJUahZl2Xwdhv8nOBg9pP0r9o3MG00u-B2HrMOlM0wUBzcD1tyt_TMh4FGMhAPfN71hbOXNF8PSAA1sMIdmkNziXz6nP2wZHfUQ/s320/Harrower%20%231.jpeg" width="209" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;">Harrow, according to <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com" target="_blank">Merriam-Webster</a>, is a<i> "</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>a cultivating tool set with spikes, teeth, or disks and used primarily for breaking up and smoothing the soil." </i>In the old days, it also meant to "pillage and/or plunder." Both definitions apply to the monster. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUHL4evrsqNWP8gISti5aCLXuuTorInBNv6mXNjKozXeQQknj2MuWsk1yyKo_yUs1WsXPmnJ3o5AWkXR14bx_4sHyJ6XDqNV1WpsyRDnd8iuPzJigIh19d4K-0O0_qukT23p8Rj5hUvUQvqCCixIUvZFRhMzowfg9jrtakubux8-Q7M9AzrySYDgS0Q/s800/Not%20a%20Costume.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="751" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUHL4evrsqNWP8gISti5aCLXuuTorInBNv6mXNjKozXeQQknj2MuWsk1yyKo_yUs1WsXPmnJ3o5AWkXR14bx_4sHyJ6XDqNV1WpsyRDnd8iuPzJigIh19d4K-0O0_qukT23p8Rj5hUvUQvqCCixIUvZFRhMzowfg9jrtakubux8-Q7M9AzrySYDgS0Q/s320/Not%20a%20Costume.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Isn't it nice when the art and creature live up to the ballyhoo of the cover? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I'm not spoiling anything. Any chance that this is just some real estate swindler dressed up in a spooky outfit is laid to rest on page four. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel want you to see this creature, neither in shadows nor fog. Nevertheless their </span>story is filled with mystery and suspense. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Let's tackle the suspense first. This is a comic book that follows the Joe Bob Briggs mantra of a good drive-in flick: "Anybody can die at any time." </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cbLgibGHOJVR4x079qprm81gteyv50ho90L6tYjvDr0hT0zd1g6v7zZSfiTAzCscIb9U6m7jX8m8AYt_4VxO0PGqoCvvRv1f-gy-J_xW2XA6bp-0i4SCXSYNMcxel1-zL0X90u7VfAj5QuxPLSinTHnOca3RwN6Y772PEhFieDx559LW3ePHCfjiIw/s800/Somebody%20Will%20Die.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="800" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cbLgibGHOJVR4x079qprm81gteyv50ho90L6tYjvDr0hT0zd1g6v7zZSfiTAzCscIb9U6m7jX8m8AYt_4VxO0PGqoCvvRv1f-gy-J_xW2XA6bp-0i4SCXSYNMcxel1-zL0X90u7VfAj5QuxPLSinTHnOca3RwN6Y772PEhFieDx559LW3ePHCfjiIw/s320/Somebody%20Will%20Die.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Characters that you think will be the continuing protagonists don't make it out of this premiere issue alive. Characters you think are on the up and up, or at least uninvolved, turn out to be "High Priests."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>The mystery lies in just what the hell is this thing, what is its nature and how it came to be. Revel and Jordan appear to take their cues from the superior episode "<i>Die Hand Die Verletz" </i>of the </span><span>superior horror series <i>The X-Files. </i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqWuMW8CVMRQMVW9XDBvaEWYoS3QjuExut2O98cwT7AoejX3SB2UU9GyKNxB-dNbtGVn_hqQG1GFK_sTW1OxWvA2sSRGGsMtVxSvj7_bYj7MEshivk2MQl3q-_kOqYJwO5CcFTv1_0ehUg44zqvHew0r46g3YVKmVJ5JPKBx8h7NU7hfj19pdJ5FWMA/s800/Understanding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqWuMW8CVMRQMVW9XDBvaEWYoS3QjuExut2O98cwT7AoejX3SB2UU9GyKNxB-dNbtGVn_hqQG1GFK_sTW1OxWvA2sSRGGsMtVxSvj7_bYj7MEshivk2MQl3q-_kOqYJwO5CcFTv1_0ehUg44zqvHew0r46g3YVKmVJ5JPKBx8h7NU7hfj19pdJ5FWMA/s320/Understanding.jpeg" width="292" /></a></div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The adults know something is really going on, and has been going on for decades. They however keep their kids in the dark.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The horrors takes place in Barlowe, NY. The setting pays homage to Haddonfield located in John Carpenter's classic <i>Halloween.</i> Barlowe is a town that's small and isolated, but the townsfolk are educated somewhat sophisticated Northerners<i>. </i>Not the populace of <i>Deliverance</i> South where one may expect a crazed religious cult to spring up.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIdppSvuSIQpp4EtoJQDQ9fF39EtRiUwlXdqWqNq69VHZs4cn1XCy8gC5WpzI6ziT-LmuYw9liHk5H7qUaxAg5H4VgEdcH9hOAKh7KvOTOZQrlQVOuORtHqLhO_ZSM7X-2BIexqUwtQHq9CUCme4lIyKeb65jCU1NeUM_H6_6E405aXR0D2VZAmKg2A/s800/Sinner's%20Mark.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="800" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIdppSvuSIQpp4EtoJQDQ9fF39EtRiUwlXdqWqNq69VHZs4cn1XCy8gC5WpzI6ziT-LmuYw9liHk5H7qUaxAg5H4VgEdcH9hOAKh7KvOTOZQrlQVOuORtHqLhO_ZSM7X-2BIexqUwtQHq9CUCme4lIyKeb65jCU1NeUM_H6_6E405aXR0D2VZAmKg2A/s320/Sinner's%20Mark.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The kids learn about the Harrower in school, as local folklore. These lessons undermine the reality of their situation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_-y2HcVvV_Av77JieBmQL3JQffxO9qtjhCIjxqChGdCsEgr3RU-OrIGpWsEh1JWsLLGqedleARRfbV0vrIcG1Dhfm00ZZNYtxIBtxy5bwh17VEI6r9OTw6EhNpk8dxebQVp0VF-JRziz1aIjYerxI-fziOfb8hYt8EHGTNshJu_dUzzStYKV2j0JiA/s800/Hero%20in%20the%20Making.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="800" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_-y2HcVvV_Av77JieBmQL3JQffxO9qtjhCIjxqChGdCsEgr3RU-OrIGpWsEh1JWsLLGqedleARRfbV0vrIcG1Dhfm00ZZNYtxIBtxy5bwh17VEI6r9OTw6EhNpk8dxebQVp0VF-JRziz1aIjYerxI-fziOfb8hYt8EHGTNshJu_dUzzStYKV2j0JiA/w543-h146/Hero%20in%20the%20Making.jpeg" width="543" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Thus is born a potential hero. Our mystery man is the Sheriff's son who knows more about the Harrower than all the rest.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Things come to a head on a lonely stretch of road surrounded by the woods. Modern horror movie conventions play out, but Jordan and Revel plant extra seeds of plausibility.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjdZubL9L2HUcE2OX2b3PoLOCqA83JG8MjcXy29Im9FCaUkldBHXzxckXTtOGsXoi6cbwyLFXD90bv-mRkk1WGU72Rcs76zCOk8EnqQKJBinsYgZnXcMuXoc5FucPHcOpQwPfIFWa_Jpq8C5gVYIYKZQVIcah6UNFotYVdNTggwuuJ0q9kx3_88KBw/s800/Punctured%20Tire.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="800" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLjdZubL9L2HUcE2OX2b3PoLOCqA83JG8MjcXy29Im9FCaUkldBHXzxckXTtOGsXoi6cbwyLFXD90bv-mRkk1WGU72Rcs76zCOk8EnqQKJBinsYgZnXcMuXoc5FucPHcOpQwPfIFWa_Jpq8C5gVYIYKZQVIcah6UNFotYVdNTggwuuJ0q9kx3_88KBw/s320/Punctured%20Tire.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There may be a perfectly mortal reason why the burst tire of the car strands the group as well as why cell phone coverage suddenly deadens. I also like how Revel and Jordan separate the group. The whole situation appears perfectly reasonable, especially given that they're still within the civilization of Barlowe, NY. It's not like the kids are in nowheresville, podunk capitol of the world. They're on familiar ground. They have every reason to believe nothing is going to happen to them. Alas.</span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-20572632205817163592023-02-01T02:19:00.001-05:002023-02-01T02:19:42.905-05:00POBB February 1, 2023<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">February 1, 2023</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Pick of the Brown Bag</i> returns with a seriously belated Happy New Year to all POBB readers. This week I look at a brand spanking new title from Marvel Comics.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjdijcIEWeXGWWkDZFpLImtUtP1krdzP4z3GXouBtxe0lXodEd4VEHbP04vkXcV0n8C8gAtMaEd33mWFfT7Kc_FGnMMy-QZQYSOqfz70Dbwzi4rUxULhWsxFBKrkdSVvKhGKhK3b2DYkj3z4N8aAeHg5DGsJfhYuPHmRa1BHENMFqX9SxLls6Fr7qUA/s800/Scarlet%20Witch.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjdijcIEWeXGWWkDZFpLImtUtP1krdzP4z3GXouBtxe0lXodEd4VEHbP04vkXcV0n8C8gAtMaEd33mWFfT7Kc_FGnMMy-QZQYSOqfz70Dbwzi4rUxULhWsxFBKrkdSVvKhGKhK3b2DYkj3z4N8aAeHg5DGsJfhYuPHmRa1BHENMFqX9SxLls6Fr7qUA/s320/Scarlet%20Witch.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Scarlet Witch is of course not new. She's a classic Silver Age character created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr4qHkjCJZl1u3jX0_Y1MCwA9Ks99TkEK0D7TrWL8RNmNVJgoQaKskHhbi5FVyu4xE1o-hhe_3nVjSr1zi28hf2Qn9YbNtGghIsoPqSCkE8SX1fjscCxkMI-9nWWuAzCydKMcyy6nrcxKt0npCcflMEGXS-1riuoOGb3-UYn5Espq-vtjQi_KXVKqHQ/s450/portrait_uncanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijr4qHkjCJZl1u3jX0_Y1MCwA9Ks99TkEK0D7TrWL8RNmNVJgoQaKskHhbi5FVyu4xE1o-hhe_3nVjSr1zi28hf2Qn9YbNtGghIsoPqSCkE8SX1fjscCxkMI-9nWWuAzCydKMcyy6nrcxKt0npCcflMEGXS-1riuoOGb3-UYn5Espq-vtjQi_KXVKqHQ/s320/portrait_uncanny.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arriving as a member of the Brotherhood of Evil in <i>The Uncanny X-Men, </i>Wanda Maximoff alias the Scarlet Witch debuted as a villain and a mutant with the power to affect probability. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">In other words if she used a Hex Bolt, on say, a table, all the probabilities that the legs would break at the same time amounted to one-hundred percent. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the original Avengers disbanded, Captain America formed a new team consisting of Hawkeye, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch. All players on the opposite side.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP9xNJhXtLenBpAz6NJB52XMb-0GDzfvE4wTrJSCifVL50BGa35JibIC66Kcd3RPlWeiptkokHKexnl76-Dua5Ga8AtC8A22y7E7b8FttMswe7bdZDT3rnEyIlWeOl3Yiz6ldnM1-FbFYVbeNq6_VmqSdCO_0aZGaUPAXBPEs0yK_tk-zrvONajR3jw/s450/portrait_uncanny-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQP9xNJhXtLenBpAz6NJB52XMb-0GDzfvE4wTrJSCifVL50BGa35JibIC66Kcd3RPlWeiptkokHKexnl76-Dua5Ga8AtC8A22y7E7b8FttMswe7bdZDT3rnEyIlWeOl3Yiz6ldnM1-FbFYVbeNq6_VmqSdCO_0aZGaUPAXBPEs0yK_tk-zrvONajR3jw/s320/portrait_uncanny-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He intended to reform these individuals and he succeeded. Wanda became a consistent Avenger for about thirty years real time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs-vq0u_6C6X5rMUsvXtt-jlD8ouQfwk4lW6Wxx3xGw0MK7Hd8_xHjmpS-E6VTuKCnaf9iCxRYT-odSaXD3gzuGw8JtGcg5oPRWmKpBJBg7cndtfyP2bNbPuZGmEVdBwm1nHmHbkd9SxcA0ehpTi5UoW7ttmUrlTvXIlO2vOaPAHIV24yAR7jyxZ_xw/s499/Avengers_Vol_1_147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs-vq0u_6C6X5rMUsvXtt-jlD8ouQfwk4lW6Wxx3xGw0MK7Hd8_xHjmpS-E6VTuKCnaf9iCxRYT-odSaXD3gzuGw8JtGcg5oPRWmKpBJBg7cndtfyP2bNbPuZGmEVdBwm1nHmHbkd9SxcA0ehpTi5UoW7ttmUrlTvXIlO2vOaPAHIV24yAR7jyxZ_xw/s320/Avengers_Vol_1_147.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">My First Avengers comic book.</span></i></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">At some point, don't ask me when, Wanda transformed into her namesake. Then she became an arch magic user, though apparently not on Stephen Strange's level. </span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ83yquQwh2jg6CZxfxgmSdNEpK1JbQfNeSpv0jao5DttpEKUaF3zv0PchlCJc6kaAs5O2TThbYIk7EsF-k08Lq7nC3HUwYOXIN8_azPaPzpoZ_QhCWdqqQ6qazw8t3XssFuHo9Y4lIZnOlBZGyLvF7XrzQyGNHFyC5Q_st3I2lOvZyQ_4i3fs9ndlQ/s800/Kicking%20Stephen's%20Ass.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="800" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJ83yquQwh2jg6CZxfxgmSdNEpK1JbQfNeSpv0jao5DttpEKUaF3zv0PchlCJc6kaAs5O2TThbYIk7EsF-k08Lq7nC3HUwYOXIN8_azPaPzpoZ_QhCWdqqQ6qazw8t3XssFuHo9Y4lIZnOlBZGyLvF7XrzQyGNHFyC5Q_st3I2lOvZyQ_4i3fs9ndlQ/w294-h249/Kicking%20Stephen's%20Ass.jpeg" width="294" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't even know if she possesses a mutant power anymore. If she does, she uses it rarely.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've never really warmed up to the Scarlet Witch, but I never hated her either. For me she was just basically one of the Avengers in the same way that Saturn Girl was always one of the Legion of Super-Heroes. </span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPYrhWekeH0K1kgry3p1JPsqVjYot9o6fRKD9Be2gPVi1QH2w8hzmNu6O5n1JpW4GHgn1oHH2YwFUOzzLJOnziB-P-lkvpvlKonGfhFm0NM9EJp4i2WM0JceeOSbS5ZcRNZR-naHgjUDJ4LvFnBPBjCjbJKEoLYs7bxcbw474Ahu9gO4J04EhCm-NHw/s700/553db66e69bedd953567ff69.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPYrhWekeH0K1kgry3p1JPsqVjYot9o6fRKD9Be2gPVi1QH2w8hzmNu6O5n1JpW4GHgn1oHH2YwFUOzzLJOnziB-P-lkvpvlKonGfhFm0NM9EJp4i2WM0JceeOSbS5ZcRNZR-naHgjUDJ4LvFnBPBjCjbJKEoLYs7bxcbw474Ahu9gO4J04EhCm-NHw/s320/553db66e69bedd953567ff69.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">That said. I love Elizabeth Olsen as the Scarlet Witch, and I suspected her portrayal of the character might influence the new title. In fact writer Steve Orlando's take is unique.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wanda always struck me as living in her costume. Rarely did she dress incognito. She didn't have a secret identity, nor a life outside of the world of superheroes or sorcery. Before anybody objects. Saying that she fell in love with and married the Vision. I know all that. Just bear with me.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Orlando gives Wanda an interest outside of capes and cowls. He creates for her a curiosity shop. It's in The Emporium that the story proper starts. The real beginning of <i>Scarlet Witch </i>occurs on page five and does so with no Crash-Bang-Wallop.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin86BuPW763bKgRo3svYrTigxiCQr3qYWl3tGxblF-3Vk5sqDIaQIXOCeUxuTPY2FSReReNzodonUYhjav3pJ8VQf3vkZ_UdDVZ7gmdNUoj4QLWQMuAP_WfQG-dOoKUbCKcI4uHi75vEqzyhACW5GbVJOU4Ypqz26Y-8N4FK779Ilb8mZww3TRsfcFfg/s800/Proper%20Opening.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="800" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin86BuPW763bKgRo3svYrTigxiCQr3qYWl3tGxblF-3Vk5sqDIaQIXOCeUxuTPY2FSReReNzodonUYhjav3pJ8VQf3vkZ_UdDVZ7gmdNUoj4QLWQMuAP_WfQG-dOoKUbCKcI4uHi75vEqzyhACW5GbVJOU4Ypqz26Y-8N4FK779Ilb8mZww3TRsfcFfg/s320/Proper%20Opening.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Scarlet Witch's</i> Darcy shares similar physical attributes as well as a name with Dr. Darcy Lewis of <i>Thor</i> fame. Dr. Lewis appeared in <i>Wandavision. </i>So, you may be inclined to go, <i>hmmmn</i>. However, the comic book Darcy doesn't exhibit Dr. Lewis' genius. Just her taste in hats.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYpRTfRTF3B1ERyKsAzEubaMZzBx6Q1V10OKU-qlfiSG9ycQqSqYuIiaq-CFoN0d-AvryyoBeLEzX5UM2oi04e84X7wZLIIjdDKtKDQ6M3AKl5d_Pp8W9wGkMq7ZOI62X_Fj3wJXccCWw1agqh6uEuZzvVdBk1idNGCCFVT9SrB1Xvd0MNINeZZzxXA/s216/images-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="216" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYpRTfRTF3B1ERyKsAzEubaMZzBx6Q1V10OKU-qlfiSG9ycQqSqYuIiaq-CFoN0d-AvryyoBeLEzX5UM2oi04e84X7wZLIIjdDKtKDQ6M3AKl5d_Pp8W9wGkMq7ZOI62X_Fj3wJXccCWw1agqh6uEuZzvVdBk1idNGCCFVT9SrB1Xvd0MNINeZZzxXA/s1600/images-3.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pacing is one of the <i>Scarlet Witch's </i>greatest assets. Orlando gives his story time to establish. He grants the characters moments to interact, and he allows Wanda's brother Quicksilver to provide a sounding board for her new venture. Not to mention distinguish himself from his past self: a hot-headed sphincter that had a creepy attachment to his sister. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not so in <i>Scarlet Witch. </i>Orlando provides playful brother-sister interactions that are positively blissful. </span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DNhqFvztWO6qhnxuyrzIlVEBq88D6AlJ0e0ifGVve2EWVkYr2SzQzbk5mGnv-6djKtPBVn67UQGXamKqas86-z4eEgc3H6GvZ5HHjC231mWRUYAsDkDsmYixg7MhWKk230BuUcNDIk3S2dBkwj6xp-chSxXbtgfd8_ZIzUvYoYespHF_w3Ej2u9EEQ/s800/Sterility%20Potion.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="800" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DNhqFvztWO6qhnxuyrzIlVEBq88D6AlJ0e0ifGVve2EWVkYr2SzQzbk5mGnv-6djKtPBVn67UQGXamKqas86-z4eEgc3H6GvZ5HHjC231mWRUYAsDkDsmYixg7MhWKk230BuUcNDIk3S2dBkwj6xp-chSxXbtgfd8_ZIzUvYoYespHF_w3Ej2u9EEQ/w401-h124/Sterility%20Potion.jpeg" width="401" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of these scenes take place in the generous span of six pages. These pages combined with five more also allots artist Sara Pichelli with the opportunity to demonstrate her ability to render natural movements and actions. These fluid every day instances contrast with the nevertheless skillful bombast in the prologue and the second act. Strong inks by Elisabetta D'Amico facilitate the power in Pichelli's pencils. In addition, Matthew Wilson's colors mix and match with earthy aesthetics and soothing pastels. </span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1EQHnY69NApY83ABMPJt51DCJRlkGN_NiKiZ6XcoUS3eeciVy4ByX52QamIkOvZrYqfA-VaZXHDiA8bkEIk2cakIWP2QUo3c_e-d2XSeSC1dWuuT-NdDYD1BAfqeXamBuhet26pReW8OdSKYGjzCpMUxSqObnXyLTTeB0nx6FZPaxCnzjgV2nt2hMg/s800/Brother%20and%20Sister%20Act.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1EQHnY69NApY83ABMPJt51DCJRlkGN_NiKiZ6XcoUS3eeciVy4ByX52QamIkOvZrYqfA-VaZXHDiA8bkEIk2cakIWP2QUo3c_e-d2XSeSC1dWuuT-NdDYD1BAfqeXamBuhet26pReW8OdSKYGjzCpMUxSqObnXyLTTeB0nx6FZPaxCnzjgV2nt2hMg/s320/Brother%20and%20Sister%20Act.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those of greater need include Jarnette.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAq0PxtI4UqiSmO410oUEh4mAqDXOPkUIHIjMGGH9nCvY8YrV8U6Ab6vtZpU_xNXqblB-Lp-i1fxMSEFDgjNcjK6gg3wox5JXJin3cRikVMWp1Quk5by746_8v8Nrut4Qqp0KS3_qSQD0L0reI9QGjF0ubN2FQcUhJptBvD7Nfe2ShYKCf0dkxmFq2g/s1000/Jarnette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAq0PxtI4UqiSmO410oUEh4mAqDXOPkUIHIjMGGH9nCvY8YrV8U6Ab6vtZpU_xNXqblB-Lp-i1fxMSEFDgjNcjK6gg3wox5JXJin3cRikVMWp1Quk5by746_8v8Nrut4Qqp0KS3_qSQD0L0reI9QGjF0ubN2FQcUhJptBvD7Nfe2ShYKCf0dkxmFq2g/s320/Jarnette.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jarnette hails from the Italian town of Armatrice, which has a pestilence problem in the form of Jackson Day, the Controller.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89GUvxsNov5bdXCItmmnN0ByMRTcnUJaTjMgjMabR8vxZQ3lRogLJmhpTBVXZn1rFuehTWJh4tNVqgN5HbfHIRCvvINV7Pv7UJ6n1wVFEthNnPuy1fPyXhf4Geh8btw2ZGCAMuJw2vAFtZ0h9XbQpaB9iYGaO_RvQ8A52PDf5-l3sQ_Wz5KRMzi4TJg/s800/Jackson%20Day.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="800" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89GUvxsNov5bdXCItmmnN0ByMRTcnUJaTjMgjMabR8vxZQ3lRogLJmhpTBVXZn1rFuehTWJh4tNVqgN5HbfHIRCvvINV7Pv7UJ6n1wVFEthNnPuy1fPyXhf4Geh8btw2ZGCAMuJw2vAFtZ0h9XbQpaB9iYGaO_RvQ8A52PDf5-l3sQ_Wz5KRMzi4TJg/s320/Jackson%20Day.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't recall this particular Controller appearing anywhere else. He's not the Iron Man villain. His blue skin and white hair may mark him as Kree. Never you mind. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">He possesses the same power as the Mandrill, the Purple Man and Eros. This makes him rather skeevy. And his buttoned down disco shirt doesn't help matters.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbxyGWFAB5uEyclTfX22o6t7ewlRYaoLMo1rUTN5aSzivS1tDN6WzPdbITl99bTYk6fKUJwFk5duIwwWj4tDkezM_GK75cSKgDjQtSLMyyc8mqGV2UHKz-4W_WuKyAbXp8UzFTm4_7JvikhFECVA1u9_UDI9Rji_P3jm1XYYfO1uP8a1Z3m8pPKncbA/s800/The%20Magic%20Marshall.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="800" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbxyGWFAB5uEyclTfX22o6t7ewlRYaoLMo1rUTN5aSzivS1tDN6WzPdbITl99bTYk6fKUJwFk5duIwwWj4tDkezM_GK75cSKgDjQtSLMyyc8mqGV2UHKz-4W_WuKyAbXp8UzFTm4_7JvikhFECVA1u9_UDI9Rji_P3jm1XYYfO1uP8a1Z3m8pPKncbA/s320/The%20Magic%20Marshall.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Although Day succeeds in getting the upper hand for a moment, this fellow isn't in Wanda's weight class. So, <i>Scarlet Witch</i> stands out also for being a done in one forty page adventure. That brevity only enhances the value of the book.</span></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKlTStltRlsY3vqgC7R445bXDSgE_JXM22dpmCOI5CSQ9xJWE_d4DCA49AKKDOvzEi1srz_VgYjQPk9k8G9wUTbp6Ftsw9YWiJTDB5McvInopBeLg-S7s4vV7NI6cNtf32_M63YImf21ybT3z8T5w7XGe-bhGIJW0rQvFVLQHH9y-NUYuw6DaoRL8Fg/s800/Darcy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="800" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKlTStltRlsY3vqgC7R445bXDSgE_JXM22dpmCOI5CSQ9xJWE_d4DCA49AKKDOvzEi1srz_VgYjQPk9k8G9wUTbp6Ftsw9YWiJTDB5McvInopBeLg-S7s4vV7NI6cNtf32_M63YImf21ybT3z8T5w7XGe-bhGIJW0rQvFVLQHH9y-NUYuw6DaoRL8Fg/s320/Darcy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></div></span>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-18074309143221131242022-11-22T19:19:00.000-05:002022-11-22T19:19:50.948-05:00 POBB November 21, 2022<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>November 21, 2022</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>by</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Ray Tate</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. I'm Ray Tate, and this week I take a break from such books as <i>Batgirls, Nightwing</i> and <i>The Human Target, </i>which inadvertently became frequent subjects<i>, </i>to cast an eye at <i>The New Golden Age </i>and <i>Star-Girl The Lost Children. </i>I promise to review some Marvel and indy books in the near future.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I would include #PickoftheBrownBag for Twitter users, but what with Elon Musk burning Twitter to dust, that doesn't seem logical. I'm still sticking with Twitter for now and will post some short thoughts of the books under that hashtag, but you know....ah...well...c'est la vie. Twitter had a good run.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, for the current and future postings, I'm going to add something to the first paragraph just before the body of the review.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pick up<i> The New Golden Age </i>and <i>Star-Girl The Lost Children</i>. Even if you're not keen on the well-written stories, the art in both will wow you. See? That was easy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_hzUCbzZhxG7HJIYmfTU-5wTjIeJw7nsxLDRyU2wTBrf0oZArZGiYnWHrVOKPWhngMYLZt053Od5QExGigW2-ibG9qrGnFa2dLDAHYr2JgL-16vwi4cT3lRH6OByjRYL1s8DTv5aJFVT-CRfkV8xBCoDGPvbgiLUbRpy7nNzNgdtcs8MBaeODfTGfA/s800/The%20New%20Golden%20Age.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_hzUCbzZhxG7HJIYmfTU-5wTjIeJw7nsxLDRyU2wTBrf0oZArZGiYnWHrVOKPWhngMYLZt053Od5QExGigW2-ibG9qrGnFa2dLDAHYr2JgL-16vwi4cT3lRH6OByjRYL1s8DTv5aJFVT-CRfkV8xBCoDGPvbgiLUbRpy7nNzNgdtcs8MBaeODfTGfA/s320/The%20New%20Golden%20Age.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>The Golden Age </i>boasts the pedigree of writer Geoff Johns, artists Jerry Ordway, Todd Nauck, Steve Lieber, Diego Olorteguei, J.P. Mayer, Scott Hanna, Scott Kollins, Viktor Bogdonovic, Brandon Peterson and Gary Frank. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">With color art by Nicolas Filardi, John Kalisz, Matt Herms, Jordan Boyd and Brad Anderson, <i>Golden Age</i> clocks in at forty-eight pages with no--repeat--no ads. But is it worth the five dollar price tag? Affirmative.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The story opens with young Helena Wayne enjoying a snowy day in Gotham City. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3I-6Co72D02qwAFYnAyUiQX0iC6oqMAQZKZkzBc87MKdhPODrL2FPpyMNjAsxL3RxWQnkpTdHIAMJQGIFg6go4EZAF6XtUQsTGCTLUOSERhtboQ59WPWDqkcOqmoIoUzafgN5sU63rmgRy_0smayZmIJ6NssdTXXTQNKk5fKx5rbUg2nHhiunRrPcw/s782/Snow-Bats.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="619" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3I-6Co72D02qwAFYnAyUiQX0iC6oqMAQZKZkzBc87MKdhPODrL2FPpyMNjAsxL3RxWQnkpTdHIAMJQGIFg6go4EZAF6XtUQsTGCTLUOSERhtboQ59WPWDqkcOqmoIoUzafgN5sU63rmgRy_0smayZmIJ6NssdTXXTQNKk5fKx5rbUg2nHhiunRrPcw/s320/Snow-Bats.jpeg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Created in 1977 by Paul Levitz and Joe Staton, Helena Wayne is the daughter of Batman and Catwoman. Helena becomes the Huntress to avenge her mother's death.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_zbefeuMlQokhc0Y2EkqqAmQu0pAZCctClzmwFFNJ2F5xTsMU3QorFBVBQbf6tWpkAuGnBSHezLc5jHkTni4oJ45cjwbf76myH-sdfmnfNEdyPCWQ82kQIXf0FzNv1U7EDaTu0XKwpP1M0wlZ7Z0ydRqh8VlPVuRs1sfhnpzOMNGRGciXQqhkCFWaw/s800/Huntress%201st%20copy%20Sm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_zbefeuMlQokhc0Y2EkqqAmQu0pAZCctClzmwFFNJ2F5xTsMU3QorFBVBQbf6tWpkAuGnBSHezLc5jHkTni4oJ45cjwbf76myH-sdfmnfNEdyPCWQ82kQIXf0FzNv1U7EDaTu0XKwpP1M0wlZ7Z0ydRqh8VlPVuRs1sfhnpzOMNGRGciXQqhkCFWaw/s320/Huntress%201st%20copy%20Sm.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">For those not in the know, DC thrives on the concept of parallel earths and the multiverse. Defined in the name. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The above scenario occurred on earth two. Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino who gave us <i>The Flash of Two Worlds. </i>conceived earth two for pure entertainment. Other writers used the concept to explain character ages.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaqDsGw8J8PBIjN3E7u0IJxNRfPAn9NQwje4O4xtpsZteH33sPRioUA6W4fjKTk1uGHOR_0eUG8Ubo9QTF2i3QLtm024-EnkGkVk_3gi-Gcyf9glIRGd3L4mFTnhDyrXGh692E7aqfCdwmD6jLFEi0JgIj-Cw4Gn6QlSa-pouR6bIpha-9wYXr84SGA/s313/Detective_Comics_27_(May_1939).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="220" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaqDsGw8J8PBIjN3E7u0IJxNRfPAn9NQwje4O4xtpsZteH33sPRioUA6W4fjKTk1uGHOR_0eUG8Ubo9QTF2i3QLtm024-EnkGkVk_3gi-Gcyf9glIRGd3L4mFTnhDyrXGh692E7aqfCdwmD6jLFEi0JgIj-Cw4Gn6QlSa-pouR6bIpha-9wYXr84SGA/s1600/Detective_Comics_27_(May_1939).png" width="220" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Historically Batman existed for eighty plus years. He doesn't look like he's aged a stick. It's a fictional conceit, but how to explain it in context? The Powers That Be split Batman in two. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJJm1vrENC85uBsELf65sR7pV1HJS_kgjSHQiiTpPop8Zo-48jMhM_YK9sg4TwkXY-KPs1VOM9YCY9eYekdU4eEMUxr77VXVjrEQKBAYsDx0Jv-jaSZNUahyoF9TNqv4qXnVcT3lz44EfuECN5TzFYnQvJ9ObFHoDUun66vBt4WqBCyQr73QDLH-oeQ/s800/Batman%20of%20the%201970s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="560" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJJm1vrENC85uBsELf65sR7pV1HJS_kgjSHQiiTpPop8Zo-48jMhM_YK9sg4TwkXY-KPs1VOM9YCY9eYekdU4eEMUxr77VXVjrEQKBAYsDx0Jv-jaSZNUahyoF9TNqv4qXnVcT3lz44EfuECN5TzFYnQvJ9ObFHoDUun66vBt4WqBCyQr73QDLH-oeQ/s320/Batman%20of%20the%201970s.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The then modern Batman from the seventies' Bronze Age actually began his career in the nineteen sixties. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWFGeHGqTBbn_LeVEHbYQObylPTwCdkgctxDPhljRGo3UoG84ndXInbNZJ1wMkR6j7t9iFZz8yuzFX-7NBTnY2_9LQFca8UjF0WNzs_oOksyPbNljfknpIEPY72unex7dVqSauYAOGaih9tACWnUdDLVlIkCPtM2PIa_mVVe5V5utcy4RIJ0BAMifSg/s800/adam-west-visits-comic-con-20148u5gjpg-8dd6f7-160w-1646091416300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWFGeHGqTBbn_LeVEHbYQObylPTwCdkgctxDPhljRGo3UoG84ndXInbNZJ1wMkR6j7t9iFZz8yuzFX-7NBTnY2_9LQFca8UjF0WNzs_oOksyPbNljfknpIEPY72unex7dVqSauYAOGaih9tACWnUdDLVlIkCPtM2PIa_mVVe5V5utcy4RIJ0BAMifSg/s320/adam-west-visits-comic-con-20148u5gjpg-8dd6f7-160w-1646091416300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The original led his life on earth two. He started in 1939, married Catwoman, had a daughter and retired his cowl at the same time his counterpart built his considerable reputation. More or less.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Writer Johns rationally points out that by now the earth two Batman would be dust. So he takes the Batman Family on a new spin. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwSwPyTIFqrebXo4eU6K1eoSakTULMZCACZnFX_I0GIzh2FPmjBRNlmCc-NWtJOmkW_lIP7k3AmZETAjzpTokGOyQnXFeOC3Lzuk1c0HOfdjEAE-hcEya8wv5vO2o6NX2TbpOG4xXybromSfBwTJgpQM9fRDTZU4kHi5OC41LaVNqJaKi9_FloXH7yw/s800/I'm%20Batman.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="800" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwSwPyTIFqrebXo4eU6K1eoSakTULMZCACZnFX_I0GIzh2FPmjBRNlmCc-NWtJOmkW_lIP7k3AmZETAjzpTokGOyQnXFeOC3Lzuk1c0HOfdjEAE-hcEya8wv5vO2o6NX2TbpOG4xXybromSfBwTJgpQM9fRDTZU4kHi5OC41LaVNqJaKi9_FloXH7yw/s320/I'm%20Batman.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Johns distinguishes this Batman and Catwoman duality in another way. Catwoman </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Batman</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">plied their trades against the character backdrop of the Justice Society. The 1940s group that started all superhero associations in comic books.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bt-WsN_OHydmKp0q1e07UHmWvq9bnXZkQ4KKNwPcdtPx3Uqyj4xwiviGFBrKbnC33pdjgZB04vh-YmGRf9b8Qwy6x-7y1LL_abRxt02S28TDJJUnGBMMlnskm61NXhpkrBIQA5E24myGtBLteWxTzbqANjufLBjd3FoPVI1_5eRFOUmtm1hH9WcwFA/s800/Dr.%20Fate%20and%20Catwoman.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Bt-WsN_OHydmKp0q1e07UHmWvq9bnXZkQ4KKNwPcdtPx3Uqyj4xwiviGFBrKbnC33pdjgZB04vh-YmGRf9b8Qwy6x-7y1LL_abRxt02S28TDJJUnGBMMlnskm61NXhpkrBIQA5E24myGtBLteWxTzbqANjufLBjd3FoPVI1_5eRFOUmtm1hH9WcwFA/s320/Dr.%20Fate%20and%20Catwoman.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The story nevertheless focuses on Helena Wayne enjoying a snowy day in Gotham City. What could be more innocent? Reading on, we discover Helena's being watched.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoiMwKYmefnJaRLw7dBh8O6TidrTgTZjid8UZzdc7FGRMnh0EeDgF-w9Wf9usfDcW5I6gGNYkPrDDUBoqlXKljXbCZp499ZNbt39MYKnj1sptymzNbfDlWzDyqUlL70BbKn4mJbmEB6_TaUL3YMP--7hfYpHlNiR5Pmi0dHPtuA4u5NeD3l0oZobtyw/s800/Helena's%20Nightmare.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="800" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgoiMwKYmefnJaRLw7dBh8O6TidrTgTZjid8UZzdc7FGRMnh0EeDgF-w9Wf9usfDcW5I6gGNYkPrDDUBoqlXKljXbCZp499ZNbt39MYKnj1sptymzNbfDlWzDyqUlL70BbKn4mJbmEB6_TaUL3YMP--7hfYpHlNiR5Pmi0dHPtuA4u5NeD3l0oZobtyw/w388-h127/Helena's%20Nightmare.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This is no child's nightmare. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj327-NJGVRLsAORJzsIQQpzcR0ETsFwexHvEOQfJLF2WZO9VUgTH4A3DhljfDc-VE7gBGiQlZTcIJNIyaCRhbsw8-53W02I5FifwFCN8N0YF_XIHvu6pEr7Fpcaa9fTkrenwzfuHVcSpHsZhjzzT1cjigt5nVg6M_Dx_2D-0BBSdwqtkKBdUYroqylSA/s800/The%20Creepy%20Man.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj327-NJGVRLsAORJzsIQQpzcR0ETsFwexHvEOQfJLF2WZO9VUgTH4A3DhljfDc-VE7gBGiQlZTcIJNIyaCRhbsw8-53W02I5FifwFCN8N0YF_XIHvu6pEr7Fpcaa9fTkrenwzfuHVcSpHsZhjzzT1cjigt5nVg6M_Dx_2D-0BBSdwqtkKBdUYroqylSA/w350-h186/The%20Creepy%20Man.jpeg" width="350" /></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The villain of the piece flits through this new earth two's history at will. Past, present, future. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANcZ74nQ63ZRJx3EiAbhl858fVzUrZLU0hrGVSpoM8eKZMb7RfCd7t-IU92c9drcFiRI6mJNF_Ux16HfDyp79F1Hy84zczqZSkWN_FV0Pn4qdLoOmy4HsDk_HqHj4kPy2iKOeBQZhYOw1xEgTybBTwXcoJRZkL90sYGR_zeWT8yTsOjv9j9qww3j2lg/s800/31st%20Centuy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANcZ74nQ63ZRJx3EiAbhl858fVzUrZLU0hrGVSpoM8eKZMb7RfCd7t-IU92c9drcFiRI6mJNF_Ux16HfDyp79F1Hy84zczqZSkWN_FV0Pn4qdLoOmy4HsDk_HqHj4kPy2iKOeBQZhYOw1xEgTybBTwXcoJRZkL90sYGR_zeWT8yTsOjv9j9qww3j2lg/s320/31st%20Centuy.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">His motive is suitably bizarre and it laces the proceedings with intense drama. Furthermore, the figure appears to tie-in with Johns' other major work that's flying under the radar. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVtwWFbxWuE2eJ3zcTknVpn8evMNu5o6TObjuhdYoDPcnWsSC7025VEMBwXTnSSkMxX9Eak6ZLGCDLTBzvOwl-V61Dk7O4r3-7BMlGiddG4FV0dZTVo0eZY8sdrnHDF8jwcoP054Q2xLtMi44wBav2TWyrfB_VDF4_UYEqYUfIKKktTnsizcquYQHDg/s800/Lost%20Sidekicks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVtwWFbxWuE2eJ3zcTknVpn8evMNu5o6TObjuhdYoDPcnWsSC7025VEMBwXTnSSkMxX9Eak6ZLGCDLTBzvOwl-V61Dk7O4r3-7BMlGiddG4FV0dZTVo0eZY8sdrnHDF8jwcoP054Q2xLtMi44wBav2TWyrfB_VDF4_UYEqYUfIKKktTnsizcquYQHDg/s320/Lost%20Sidekicks.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2021/06/pobb-june-22-2021.html" target="_blank">The Star Girl Spring Break Special</a></i> suggested that somebody or something kidnapped all the hero sidekicks from time and space. <i>The Golden Age </i>introduces readers to those partners in heroism.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Johns even creates dummy <i>Who's Who in the DC Universe</i> entries for these new heroes and villains<i>. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuhcKatLCDlApke8GTau-kY2uLuJAkm7Oj5228YtdsXLW-3GA4r74kE9zgSgG3XrsB8D7gKqxyc8eQw2G30SMM-lXYP-EwmWY4GOrTWNVMNIq4ldPZQPZgE3zcDA3pkyR62Md2HuFwRyVVgsYE7O5MpnU17p_1spCuFzPPqI_Skwmlz6lHC8wkeQeA/s1547/The%20Boom.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="1000" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AuhcKatLCDlApke8GTau-kY2uLuJAkm7Oj5228YtdsXLW-3GA4r74kE9zgSgG3XrsB8D7gKqxyc8eQw2G30SMM-lXYP-EwmWY4GOrTWNVMNIq4ldPZQPZgE3zcDA3pkyR62Md2HuFwRyVVgsYE7O5MpnU17p_1spCuFzPPqI_Skwmlz6lHC8wkeQeA/w228-h352/The%20Boom.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, yes, The Boom's entry states she first arrived in <i>Flash Comics #10, </i>but that's utter rubbish. <i>Flash Comics</i> literally relates another, more innocuous story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With the creation of Robin in 1940, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bob Kane and Bill Finger invented the kid sidekick. The concept of the sidekick still didn't catch on until much later. Most of the Justice Society did not have kid sidekicks. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Johns cheekily contradicts that they did. The heroes just don't remember them because some force abducted them from history. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4ZAm3VRDtD9xIHaiKRN8iXspTwqeqfYUah_-srCFMXLoY2pmJbxVu4uYA4vpHoy7Iylx8WArai9BDJPKCWFC0lSJhxprHQuGT99psgkbqdtmsGZAk-4hgmdYasP31WHEJpe19kZeI6bws2qkbSHQt3YZQjwAR23T_yEG0jA6H0BltEbJe1_BAuTZLQ/s800/The%20Death%20of%20Batman.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="548" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4ZAm3VRDtD9xIHaiKRN8iXspTwqeqfYUah_-srCFMXLoY2pmJbxVu4uYA4vpHoy7Iylx8WArai9BDJPKCWFC0lSJhxprHQuGT99psgkbqdtmsGZAk-4hgmdYasP31WHEJpe19kZeI6bws2qkbSHQt3YZQjwAR23T_yEG0jA6H0BltEbJe1_BAuTZLQ/w244-h357/The%20Death%20of%20Batman.jpeg" width="244" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>The New Golden Age</i> closes on the death of Batman. This moment which factors historically into a lot of JSA stories of the past becomes pivotal in kicking off a new mystery to be solved by the daughter of Catwoman and Batman, the new Huntress of earth two.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz00SFiYUmkFJvSAOeHF-LoFXnPZjIRn-EF-T7l5MBBj-YdD9mzDf5p5rDwuxWDDzNwMqZ9vZHv3ADj3DDWVAxXoxXCbFUe0NINIMeatr6mwAWISYhOIB03U0_ulHkE0fZrjMmd11RgryBfOGDfjrPec9oLxLEEQs1r_Y2HQ3xx7AjM_3Rx6MDFIOCrw/s800/Star%20Girl%20%231.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="515" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz00SFiYUmkFJvSAOeHF-LoFXnPZjIRn-EF-T7l5MBBj-YdD9mzDf5p5rDwuxWDDzNwMqZ9vZHv3ADj3DDWVAxXoxXCbFUe0NINIMeatr6mwAWISYhOIB03U0_ulHkE0fZrjMmd11RgryBfOGDfjrPec9oLxLEEQs1r_Y2HQ3xx7AjM_3Rx6MDFIOCrw/s320/Star%20Girl%20%231.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As previously stated, <i>The Golden Age</i> also reignites the mystery Star-Girl's been investigating with the Red Arrow, Emiko Queen, sister of the Green Arrow. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdKGqsmxw5_MI171qRgt3s3NlwtSymPf8PodHWlB_W0iW8gOZFiOus2_KW6CLwUF2OQojCrjk_gP9yM6VKpOmDW05IOCgY-dVJ98vd5hmaFoWXNnD1yRNmGqqk7FS39LGN3UxGnp22iaJvtanJt92_KNGERzwtGtIIa27IcaVEIP8BG5gnJUoOCvMeA/s800/Emiko%20Queen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="800" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdKGqsmxw5_MI171qRgt3s3NlwtSymPf8PodHWlB_W0iW8gOZFiOus2_KW6CLwUF2OQojCrjk_gP9yM6VKpOmDW05IOCgY-dVJ98vd5hmaFoWXNnD1yRNmGqqk7FS39LGN3UxGnp22iaJvtanJt92_KNGERzwtGtIIa27IcaVEIP8BG5gnJUoOCvMeA/s320/Emiko%20Queen.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You can be forgiven for not knowing who Emiko Queen is. She's relatively new and partially the result of Willa Holland's wonderful portrayal of Oliver Queen's sister Thea on <i>The Arrow.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nSZpoIdQQ54jB2gob8h2dVVlMwh1PbRlZcJ00OxrOrwS5ogcqkKB1ArqqpXceM5lnr9QWNx14t-GbfwrHWTO2zf3h4LmhsNuPZjaTc0Uq7AF_m4G0oCqxh8ZLXqKuqF4RJkgt6g2x6gQ_56Gwcgx7ouSehDeGgdd-6D85fL49suh902E-OB2ZnPDsA/s675/Thea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="675" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nSZpoIdQQ54jB2gob8h2dVVlMwh1PbRlZcJ00OxrOrwS5ogcqkKB1ArqqpXceM5lnr9QWNx14t-GbfwrHWTO2zf3h4LmhsNuPZjaTc0Uq7AF_m4G0oCqxh8ZLXqKuqF4RJkgt6g2x6gQ_56Gwcgx7ouSehDeGgdd-6D85fL49suh902E-OB2ZnPDsA/s320/Thea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">To confuse matters more, Emiko actually did manifest in <i>The Arrow</i> during its final seasons. Emiko played by Sea Shimooka.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05BYBB-FvfoAB-LubMGcdM8pl9XQz0L_gkKICEk3kCrvP27umcAabp48aJ6H-EB8ZxHHL7tuo8grsIpqz85aUfz-wwGypGCmLIG_GnqV7WeXhjfxVAF2yCLhBzR620U_FASFA4sNf-Z8r77BYpriPpRTVvfkj8JsH2H5VkYomMCZGaqSQxk0OncNYSw/s900/Emiko%20from%20the%20Arrow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05BYBB-FvfoAB-LubMGcdM8pl9XQz0L_gkKICEk3kCrvP27umcAabp48aJ6H-EB8ZxHHL7tuo8grsIpqz85aUfz-wwGypGCmLIG_GnqV7WeXhjfxVAF2yCLhBzR620U_FASFA4sNf-Z8r77BYpriPpRTVvfkj8JsH2H5VkYomMCZGaqSQxk0OncNYSw/s320/Emiko%20from%20the%20Arrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>The Lost Children</i> begins with the obscure heroes TNT and Dan Dynamite engaging in a typical high speed chase in pursuit of garden variety bank robbers. An indication of a more innocent time.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wjxsvO6riIUgNmnVxTs4mhAKuDUB9-t7E_PHgqmfTKIM6x6ulKWElVSYGHUdY-aCRItkg5l-bxt7rdmDzKnzS8lyTiyl9cFZEuVFEBCoc7Cuq_G-wFVE49o1MqJuEXwfsTxMs5N1WcGyfOIV77fDTEo0p1TMhw8OxTEhHB6CTvd7b6-rud0M5As0qg/s800/TNT%20and%20Dan%20Dynamite.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wjxsvO6riIUgNmnVxTs4mhAKuDUB9-t7E_PHgqmfTKIM6x6ulKWElVSYGHUdY-aCRItkg5l-bxt7rdmDzKnzS8lyTiyl9cFZEuVFEBCoc7Cuq_G-wFVE49o1MqJuEXwfsTxMs5N1WcGyfOIV77fDTEo0p1TMhw8OxTEhHB6CTvd7b6-rud0M5As0qg/s320/TNT%20and%20Dan%20Dynamite.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Though Johns created new sidekicks in <i>The Golden Age</i>, I'm here to tell you. These guys actually are historical heroes from the comics. They just didn't make it big. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNerW4gNnPeTIKgeBk9RDc0FyFreqL1PNev21Hxz6OArTcHHXiCqO-AXqfx2RK8t9rUlIn-IWm0sAKBtDD2EZtdpYJtHJRoaxzGDhgamiGGFAqdHlybjUUnS4t8X_pmD0hGED5CBH2idv-QOI1KxQC5NRQCj62e1baYpeNXSD5V0kY6ISDFcH5Y6Hig/s600/lf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNerW4gNnPeTIKgeBk9RDc0FyFreqL1PNev21Hxz6OArTcHHXiCqO-AXqfx2RK8t9rUlIn-IWm0sAKBtDD2EZtdpYJtHJRoaxzGDhgamiGGFAqdHlybjUUnS4t8X_pmD0hGED5CBH2idv-QOI1KxQC5NRQCj62e1baYpeNXSD5V0kY6ISDFcH5Y6Hig/s320/lf.jpeg" width="241" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They're part of "...and others."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Of course TNT also represents Johns' double joke. The original Star-Spangled Kid, the former sobriquet of Stargirl, naturally started in <i>Star-Spangled Comics</i>. So, <i>The Lost Children</i> in a way continues the umbrella titled book from the 1940s.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Anyway. Courtney's and Emiko's investigation takes them to the research of a now elderly Dan "Dynamite" Dunbar.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbk1PO-rEUotKV72oRRmdUHDVW0sPFH_JajWLEK1Nf_m8NVP2U5ls4n8DhRhkZWLADfICxPV5zd6tLyaomk_GO_3ceYynEMWdqFoZdoK_-UZS0k5DjqiO-L87SFmutdVlDDitAINyb43e23TBQE_dCXrYK_Dl7xk63hcXHRSjdOWfztJQhOSQ0w29TA/s800/Missing%20Sidekicks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbk1PO-rEUotKV72oRRmdUHDVW0sPFH_JajWLEK1Nf_m8NVP2U5ls4n8DhRhkZWLADfICxPV5zd6tLyaomk_GO_3ceYynEMWdqFoZdoK_-UZS0k5DjqiO-L87SFmutdVlDDitAINyb43e23TBQE_dCXrYK_Dl7xk63hcXHRSjdOWfztJQhOSQ0w29TA/s320/Missing%20Sidekicks.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As you can see, Courtney's as in the dark about some of these sidekicks as we are...psst...that's because many never appeared in any comic book until now.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself though. Maybe you don't even know who Star-Girl is. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLHW7raRG0BZwZlM2ayP7CkOo2KlcR6PbrF94DBVG6SnAuH8rIactbdOKi7ahL6_juvMUIE7M33_iADNRc7teQJ08zio1FwALAkUhs25uABTf-4w3CVZkPBHBQONEy9K_4SyYTw0YAlb58ZuP3B61gLcGfa7Z_QewzuP1Wz_rKCAxX8aMtcp0Pexbeg/s852/Stargirl_and_STRIPES_JLU.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcLHW7raRG0BZwZlM2ayP7CkOo2KlcR6PbrF94DBVG6SnAuH8rIactbdOKi7ahL6_juvMUIE7M33_iADNRc7teQJ08zio1FwALAkUhs25uABTf-4w3CVZkPBHBQONEy9K_4SyYTw0YAlb58ZuP3B61gLcGfa7Z_QewzuP1Wz_rKCAxX8aMtcp0Pexbeg/s320/Stargirl_and_STRIPES_JLU.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Geoff Johns and Lee Moder created a new Star-Spangled Kid, whom Johns based on his late sister Courtney. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Make no mistake. For Johns, Star-Girl is real personal. She's appeared in several iterations on television, including <i>Smallville </i>and <i>Legends of Tomorrow</i>, before gaining her own television series. Its her current state that influences the story and background of <i>The Lost Children </i>the most.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9hBPBnAin_Aw72sPodTpV6kyL-r1J0W_X5fxmypAkY8-MZM25mPE0_NzVDjnAuS2O78mlhOavTnGe25tPDAiiCL4ia5SI7klOhALE-gvv8zIkhcptJNHrUiqI8tKkttS6L3Tm_bq2kDN65fbv-svKveVYqP-NVxRcQqIuqoVdrzV9PPwRQfKvGF2A/s672/Amy%20Smart.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="672" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2D9hBPBnAin_Aw72sPodTpV6kyL-r1J0W_X5fxmypAkY8-MZM25mPE0_NzVDjnAuS2O78mlhOavTnGe25tPDAiiCL4ia5SI7klOhALE-gvv8zIkhcptJNHrUiqI8tKkttS6L3Tm_bq2kDN65fbv-svKveVYqP-NVxRcQqIuqoVdrzV9PPwRQfKvGF2A/s320/Amy%20Smart.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Actress Amy Smart makes Coutney's mom the everyman, moral compass of the show. Because of Smart's humanistic treatment of the character, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Courtney's mom gains much more substance in the very first issue of this series.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9JwK0xDd6vV35KRrB_tNMqU1ASMxmG5yjpEL78ZdVBeOzT-9YEeB9HqaGoan68a0th-w-7y-ww-ecj8LiMGjo3QeWWMg8z3bFXCxRIVLD_u5Kc4oriAGLCQ_eSF3HkIh4c5Myw_2KtnIPqAg3lKojKl7OdowsKCB_KysWHbKKIuP6asVn2xYT8c1ow/s800/Courtney's%20Paents.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9JwK0xDd6vV35KRrB_tNMqU1ASMxmG5yjpEL78ZdVBeOzT-9YEeB9HqaGoan68a0th-w-7y-ww-ecj8LiMGjo3QeWWMg8z3bFXCxRIVLD_u5Kc4oriAGLCQ_eSF3HkIh4c5Myw_2KtnIPqAg3lKojKl7OdowsKCB_KysWHbKKIuP6asVn2xYT8c1ow/s320/Courtney's%20Paents.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Courtney's step-dad Pat Dugan is actually an old 1940s hero named Stripesy. Nowadays he tools around in a big mechanical suit, known as STRIPE. Johns transforms Pat. He becomes more relaxed to match his essayer Luke Wilson.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01D5b7L-bZHsLnZsKwA5ZNahIiexDuS0ewzdXGKoRXoKkmeLPKGVty-tZwFQ3iDj8ct1R6t2kefLNsGdp4iS3AfkDksuRMKA4mlwDl-UFpDGd1S-cfp2vMhdgOS-BOKjzD1VziN6zSLDsR5J9sEuLdK0xBSFkdqkw_KRujrHJqKwXcKZ1mnRiKU0aag/s646/stargirl-luke-wilson-stripe.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="646" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01D5b7L-bZHsLnZsKwA5ZNahIiexDuS0ewzdXGKoRXoKkmeLPKGVty-tZwFQ3iDj8ct1R6t2kefLNsGdp4iS3AfkDksuRMKA4mlwDl-UFpDGd1S-cfp2vMhdgOS-BOKjzD1VziN6zSLDsR5J9sEuLdK0xBSFkdqkw_KRujrHJqKwXcKZ1mnRiKU0aag/s320/stargirl-luke-wilson-stripe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The natural fusion between television series and comic book character combined with her multiple appearances forms a more interesting and richer superhero. Stargirl still boasts the optimism that Johns wanted to preserve for his sister's memory, but Courtney is now more seasoned than before. She's measured rather than headstrong. That makes her an ideal partner for the Red Arrow as they investigate the mystery of <i>The Lost Children.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">While writing this entry for the POBB, Kevin Conroy died. In every interview I saw, every appearance, I just knew. This guy was one of the good ones.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYhhazIPUe064TikWXZwQq-Nx97m6brDaKcjuql2Oq2sEaZ86atzM5RnxTrQqKXtQbY5K0_pVq0GU2sBPOA1Gq--xJtjf1k4rlybzKsrefujHxh1HMfL1KUlHpLZkKLGxVkzy4_oLu0OBCkQ-x0Pq-qGp4DH7Kp4OzWU8gvd2CTGJgFh7HF4hUvp3A/s300/images-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrYhhazIPUe064TikWXZwQq-Nx97m6brDaKcjuql2Oq2sEaZ86atzM5RnxTrQqKXtQbY5K0_pVq0GU2sBPOA1Gq--xJtjf1k4rlybzKsrefujHxh1HMfL1KUlHpLZkKLGxVkzy4_oLu0OBCkQ-x0Pq-qGp4DH7Kp4OzWU8gvd2CTGJgFh7HF4hUvp3A/w359-h201/images-2.jpeg" width="359" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The underrated </i>Island City</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">His death hits hard, but Kevin lives on as Batman. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Hopefully forever.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSg056LhaIJXvHroUvkukgjJoBjZ9cxQ5Mlxasm7t2BpP8uDdfluX1uxL6_ArtIzrkwS2MqXA-3HeavczpGVSoXSdCWzad6xPOpLX0LPyOy8MwBYRWXsqmVLpe0hrPXqsFMOIDpdsHcSi_vFkob0e-7ccGFs8SlXpZ6FAgQ5xsjwE-XTSW8awrBsdig/s783/BatmanSwinging_5306bd98a59db7.06514357.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="608" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibSg056LhaIJXvHroUvkukgjJoBjZ9cxQ5Mlxasm7t2BpP8uDdfluX1uxL6_ArtIzrkwS2MqXA-3HeavczpGVSoXSdCWzad6xPOpLX0LPyOy8MwBYRWXsqmVLpe0hrPXqsFMOIDpdsHcSi_vFkob0e-7ccGFs8SlXpZ6FAgQ5xsjwE-XTSW8awrBsdig/s320/BatmanSwinging_5306bd98a59db7.06514357.JPEG" width="248" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-76296237545845623232022-10-18T22:44:00.000-04:002022-10-18T22:44:14.106-04:00POBB October 17, 2022<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">October 17, 2022</span></i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">by</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ray Tate </span></i></div></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Greetings. Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag. </i> If you'e new to the blog, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ray Tate and I review comic books. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> This week, in favor of the upcoming spooky holiday, I bob for Neal Adams' <i>Monsters</i>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj28pxKrVM4p38XXF1SQ8jdYx_FEJA_XIOF-y8DhYaqX33ed08R-YCXgpX44jubiFsYc2o-55LaqZNa9jhH0mrIAcICkJO1w_abC7Q39zRLsQBxNp9KGaWVCmclKl00IfUyTmxhFrpa4ymcFFEgccM42AIOVsItpRrlqRpqqMuYf89wwCsazkY2nUQWQ/s800/Neal%20Adams%20Monsters.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="586" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj28pxKrVM4p38XXF1SQ8jdYx_FEJA_XIOF-y8DhYaqX33ed08R-YCXgpX44jubiFsYc2o-55LaqZNa9jhH0mrIAcICkJO1w_abC7Q39zRLsQBxNp9KGaWVCmclKl00IfUyTmxhFrpa4ymcFFEgccM42AIOVsItpRrlqRpqqMuYf89wwCsazkY2nUQWQ/s320/Neal%20Adams%20Monsters.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">S</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">hould you haven't the time for the deep dive on the blog, y</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ou can also find me on Twitter: #PickoftheBrownBag. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Neal Adams died April of this year. I met him once at my comic book shop, the Phantom of the Attic. Neal struck me as relatively young, seemingly a little older than me. Full of life, interesting to talk to and quite honorable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CX-db6A4qm2MS8hkLZ9Dqmpu1ynC9S5cfKQZY6wd0wII_6Eo7EmZJdZ0-lUQOTJOc-Z7zkp9pvYr_CZtCv3BsnkDEak7GjbkFKPnK0Bk29T-jC1FsqlsjxgzIaeCsJZX3Gpr6_lDSTf9W4yNJjZUIBP5PW6tm3nv03OY7Vby4VDDJlnLECfSwSPwBw/s800/Neal%20Adams%20New.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CX-db6A4qm2MS8hkLZ9Dqmpu1ynC9S5cfKQZY6wd0wII_6Eo7EmZJdZ0-lUQOTJOc-Z7zkp9pvYr_CZtCv3BsnkDEak7GjbkFKPnK0Bk29T-jC1FsqlsjxgzIaeCsJZX3Gpr6_lDSTf9W4yNJjZUIBP5PW6tm3nv03OY7Vby4VDDJlnLECfSwSPwBw/s320/Neal%20Adams%20New.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Neal left an enviable legacy. H</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">e'll especially be remembered for the balletic definitive Batman of the seventies; the ghost aerialist Deadman and the partnership of the Green Arrow and Green Lantern. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26_yIbp5kuDyHYhAsjDN2eUmH2_TtaqZZslplYmrM7P00xD3JnGLAbHmb946CfTLsMw4zAp1WbQSnuNkyAJxOK0vzxjHVYCOh6QlQiM4s4liFGLpPrBmQu4W31m7MFC9uzo9wdMe3CHEJvsDk1PX6GtbzkUvyRETAEmAdp8IOpsFFLsNIJ1DgiMkhA/s800/Neal%20Adams%20Batman.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo26_yIbp5kuDyHYhAsjDN2eUmH2_TtaqZZslplYmrM7P00xD3JnGLAbHmb946CfTLsMw4zAp1WbQSnuNkyAJxOK0vzxjHVYCOh6QlQiM4s4liFGLpPrBmQu4W31m7MFC9uzo9wdMe3CHEJvsDk1PX6GtbzkUvyRETAEmAdp8IOpsFFLsNIJ1DgiMkhA/s320/Neal%20Adams%20Batman.jpeg" width="218" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Neal furthermore christened and co-created the first African American Lantern. Through the fifty-two plus episodes of <i>The Justice League</i> John Stewart is probably more indelible than any other in the Green Lantern Corps. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo66s1AETITfg_17GL_m7xovl52xjzQZce6HhlKUxGFIEJKVznM6FugtFK2hk-4RKuyVM8bNy7cWlBx_JMuSkNe2zfdPYL-STEqH2x0zMAsWaYZ7HTTYN4tyug83uWJKGwTq9wJ7MeI8t-5aVPRksz56KOXtrPg7hbBknU_buUzlZEpBFguioVq0FxA/s600/John_Stewart_(JL).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvo66s1AETITfg_17GL_m7xovl52xjzQZce6HhlKUxGFIEJKVznM6FugtFK2hk-4RKuyVM8bNy7cWlBx_JMuSkNe2zfdPYL-STEqH2x0zMAsWaYZ7HTTYN4tyug83uWJKGwTq9wJ7MeI8t-5aVPRksz56KOXtrPg7hbBknU_buUzlZEpBFguioVq0FxA/s320/John_Stewart_(JL).png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Neal updated the X-Men for Marvel by dint of his realistic dynamism and also co-produced the Avengers opus The Kree/Skrull War.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">When Neal decided to do his own thing it could be very inventive indeed. Neal Adams founded Continuity Comics. It's here he published <i>Echo of Futurepast</i>, a mature magazine in the vein of <i>Heavy Metal. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49srXNmu-iDSdAyo6llEoeAeecvEeNIDh5DkJhX-WII75Lx-MX9O6a1ZP4AHqx3VnZuVeSUnAfsdI0t9_GDU2q_7jf6eYNw1MCPkkhOyW59itmJln-fR6AvhDDrW83wYDhvBqmy5PkE-rUL4CGdYv-2qnAuuZLUsV68ClLSRghX059hdMZkC0TB8txQ/s910/731581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49srXNmu-iDSdAyo6llEoeAeecvEeNIDh5DkJhX-WII75Lx-MX9O6a1ZP4AHqx3VnZuVeSUnAfsdI0t9_GDU2q_7jf6eYNw1MCPkkhOyW59itmJln-fR6AvhDDrW83wYDhvBqmy5PkE-rUL4CGdYv-2qnAuuZLUsV68ClLSRghX059hdMZkC0TB8txQ/s320/731581.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In several issues of the magazine, Neal pitted Dracula against the Frankenstein Monster and the "Wolf Man." <a href="http://www.vanguardpublishing.com" target="_blank">Vanguard Publishing</a> now collects the story and some horror-related bonus material into a handsome seventy-two page oversized hardback.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Though Neal's art often spoke louder than words, he was not renowned for his writing. <i>Monsters</i> is a complete Neal Adams production. In other words, he wrote it. He drew it. He colored it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Neal was a big proponent of expanding the color palette in comic books and pushed companies back in the seventies to go beyond primary hues. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Like he did for his highly-recommended Batman collections and </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">using the latest technologies, Neal</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> recolored the meticulously scanned original artwork. So this hardback is in essence the blu-ray of the serial.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2UIWx6HpK41sINyKl7vcohaqGQlRqpBfVqszgXT037w8J8059TBhDsVBgdz_Oelg5Qb0QK6tNsBVAXFupsrsCqLH_3SFUKwfFZZF86HJVy7tHilZ7QhHeChmackjIpMCYXZ57p2hQ9jndYev9WcwozgTlAlSOg1boO2Qf9u9HMhA43o2-EwEa0orcQ/s800/The%20Villagers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="800" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM2UIWx6HpK41sINyKl7vcohaqGQlRqpBfVqszgXT037w8J8059TBhDsVBgdz_Oelg5Qb0QK6tNsBVAXFupsrsCqLH_3SFUKwfFZZF86HJVy7tHilZ7QhHeChmackjIpMCYXZ57p2hQ9jndYev9WcwozgTlAlSOg1boO2Qf9u9HMhA43o2-EwEa0orcQ/w404-h182/The%20Villagers.jpeg" width="404" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Torch wielding villagers chase the latest in the line of Victor Frankenstein and his fiancee Ericka out of the castle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65NuAzNvHssEJZaquS3AOWmWg6_r3RfbktKuvE7lyYehCyS0QAr2a0NopS-wnRlMIigrdZ0NO9uX7pKdXwM-VHR31zhctDyy95CJhrq2UtOGVp_Obf6fm8gJ4gG2ImmBtlXUmv6tr9F6ZcYU1UxBThMiKO--DDcP9ij2jtM2tccp1CsXbDG4syiq0zA/s800/Ericka%20and%20Victor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="679" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65NuAzNvHssEJZaquS3AOWmWg6_r3RfbktKuvE7lyYehCyS0QAr2a0NopS-wnRlMIigrdZ0NO9uX7pKdXwM-VHR31zhctDyy95CJhrq2UtOGVp_Obf6fm8gJ4gG2ImmBtlXUmv6tr9F6ZcYU1UxBThMiKO--DDcP9ij2jtM2tccp1CsXbDG4syiq0zA/s320/Ericka%20and%20Victor.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In keeping with the tradition of Universal films, the heir is loathe to commit to his family's history. The villagers take no chances. The only good Frankenstein is a dead one.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The chase leads Victor and Ericka to Romania, and this is where the book begins. Wolves turn Victor and Ericka to the domain of Count Vlad Dracul. Though he refers to himself as Prince Vlad.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKIuKJyj0-7opsKjwAm_7KTkbka8uMQpXD4GiaDIffJ-hclpQvsh71FsBCd-7t3-5a5kVmCvk5F56E-BxCG1KLL-GxCMA26g-65YURbvPMem8NclgPqRM7E1zBvdC5Mm9gvfF7bqOWxydzHceYE_w587zcKDSStEO0269wNviL9a_Rjy_KOxwRoUsNQ/s800/Vlad%20Dracula.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="800" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKIuKJyj0-7opsKjwAm_7KTkbka8uMQpXD4GiaDIffJ-hclpQvsh71FsBCd-7t3-5a5kVmCvk5F56E-BxCG1KLL-GxCMA26g-65YURbvPMem8NclgPqRM7E1zBvdC5Mm9gvfF7bqOWxydzHceYE_w587zcKDSStEO0269wNviL9a_Rjy_KOxwRoUsNQ/w479-h190/Vlad%20Dracula.jpeg" width="479" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As you can see, Neal took some very unusual diversions from the traditional blood-suckers portrayed by Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee. He also changed Dracula's outfit of black dress to colorful period wear.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVVI3A9p6D_PeiZFpPjmc2ys1A3FYtZog4Tv9LEeL0saYeEfsTdnSfixHmMfr2pIySbcOhKxrAISxTbBeaw29niZEkV3I1Uq4ASqsTjt6Wj_niOlQ2Pq-4ZUqW3X17tojfgiWmtb9j15rUzug_DFZyhTEr1ZKdv9NnoVMFKolz2LGXyMouaErLf1b3A/s800/Electricity.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVVI3A9p6D_PeiZFpPjmc2ys1A3FYtZog4Tv9LEeL0saYeEfsTdnSfixHmMfr2pIySbcOhKxrAISxTbBeaw29niZEkV3I1Uq4ASqsTjt6Wj_niOlQ2Pq-4ZUqW3X17tojfgiWmtb9j15rUzug_DFZyhTEr1ZKdv9NnoVMFKolz2LGXyMouaErLf1b3A/w411-h213/Electricity.jpeg" width="411" /></span></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Dracula soon impels Victor to create a new monster. In keeping with Universal Pictures, the creature departs from the novel and adheres to the sympathetic portrayal of Boris Karloff. Albeit with a different past.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now that we have Dracula and the Frankenstein Monster, all that's needed is the Wolf Man. Neal Adams provides.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddblCnrye9SnMHkopydTZTTE2PT9enoafnTRwrC4uCmt7XAfL0FvsvvrUkfwcLvzXYjD-Zx2v3NxH9wQqKv3QblBQ_n6TjUkK86SFk1hvkN68Z4UP2YuIreWMsrUPqZvkRQJu09-WoOWwji5JBPmPimOqeDmS1rQ-H75zYZpAPChsuXCA5yczgV1a1A/s800/Werewolf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="800" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddblCnrye9SnMHkopydTZTTE2PT9enoafnTRwrC4uCmt7XAfL0FvsvvrUkfwcLvzXYjD-Zx2v3NxH9wQqKv3QblBQ_n6TjUkK86SFk1hvkN68Z4UP2YuIreWMsrUPqZvkRQJu09-WoOWwji5JBPmPimOqeDmS1rQ-H75zYZpAPChsuXCA5yczgV1a1A/w415-h209/Werewolf.jpg" width="415" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's with this lycanthrope depiction that Neal departs drastically from the expected<i>, </i>much to the reader's delight. Dracula's hubris in fact catalyzes the only thing predictable in the story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYTgTijOk71vTITmdm1NaKOPq9sXzu1bNNgmA9qwz9v4qSuluT4cBLCSf2B1I9SD-aGol7jn5aZfiBut3hBAEuY_4OM9PvvOPKE00q-2wGMHsGKV6FP1488S6dXqA3FtSvrjpi3RB0PuiR70_InpG6ws9Kyg4jPrDWcXOU6EUB2zSnCEmSdIlBQ2GcA/s800/Dracula%20vs%20Frankenstein.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYTgTijOk71vTITmdm1NaKOPq9sXzu1bNNgmA9qwz9v4qSuluT4cBLCSf2B1I9SD-aGol7jn5aZfiBut3hBAEuY_4OM9PvvOPKE00q-2wGMHsGKV6FP1488S6dXqA3FtSvrjpi3RB0PuiR70_InpG6ws9Kyg4jPrDWcXOU6EUB2zSnCEmSdIlBQ2GcA/w410-h186/Dracula%20vs%20Frankenstein.jpeg" width="410" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I mean. You did want them to fight. Right? Monster slugfests are always welcome in my book, and if there's a rationale behind them, all the better. Dracula's privileged nature inevitably conflicts with the creature's want for total freedom. Other emotions motivate the werewolf. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitid6tBb_WrSuEjitLbluTOBqFfXDEeuZzz5TIVYXr0vWvukqIR89EczptkFghluxfwJP8iE5r_VAFdcTI6EDBVZv-_RxichDO4VuNHInVZkInXjq9oQ8I3_k_yQVWJqnqZ-zELf7BIUnjiuywalJ_8NhowJWhAyWC5bcGoHdA2RVO_jDr5f8FHPg3cw/s800/Dracula's%20Transformation.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitid6tBb_WrSuEjitLbluTOBqFfXDEeuZzz5TIVYXr0vWvukqIR89EczptkFghluxfwJP8iE5r_VAFdcTI6EDBVZv-_RxichDO4VuNHInVZkInXjq9oQ8I3_k_yQVWJqnqZ-zELf7BIUnjiuywalJ_8NhowJWhAyWC5bcGoHdA2RVO_jDr5f8FHPg3cw/s320/Dracula's%20Transformation.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In terms of artistry, Neal draws upon his auteur. When it comes to creating Man-Bats, Neal is second to none. In addition, because this serial leaned toward a more mature audience, the incendiary finale seldom holds back and would have given nightmares to the best special effects artist of the time. The rampant skill is so evident that even those masters with access to today's best techniques would have difficulty in matching Neal Adams' grotesque vision.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Monsters: ISBN 978-1-8875-9156-0</i> is only about twenty-five bucks. Check with your local comic book shop. If you come up dry, even through Amazon or Barnes and Noble, click on the link to Vanguard Publishing above.</span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-17037681350623753412022-10-07T18:54:00.000-04:002022-10-07T18:54:03.554-04:00POBB October 5, 2022<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>October 5, 2022</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">by </div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate</i></div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to another <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. Things have been rather hectic for me, so I'm instituting a new protocol to freshen the blog and keep a foot in the reviewing pool. I will be critiquing single issues of comic books that I've just read. For future posts, I'll also be looking at graphic novels that will be ideal for Halloween spooking. Anyway, that's the plan. Let's see how well I stick to it. You can find me on Twitter as well, just in case you need a quick thumbs up or thumbs down decision: #PickoftheBrownBag.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSUD6UnuMe09kNjmSJcMQ8AqOIvyigeDYjo8XMIw58VwCMwktWagM_6jWqNXJTcv5dn_6fWqH8bMqshqz6-WfLz2igxFlAqFS0ogo5zweZhXbvlm0YsR0Y5FwP6yNYtsxitK_3GlFL73VObRHAYu3TQPZqm4Q2FxLObUCiQwTd3msPP-GOPa31y6ZLg/s800/Human%20Target%20%237.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHSUD6UnuMe09kNjmSJcMQ8AqOIvyigeDYjo8XMIw58VwCMwktWagM_6jWqNXJTcv5dn_6fWqH8bMqshqz6-WfLz2igxFlAqFS0ogo5zweZhXbvlm0YsR0Y5FwP6yNYtsxitK_3GlFL73VObRHAYu3TQPZqm4Q2FxLObUCiQwTd3msPP-GOPa31y6ZLg/s320/Human%20Target%20%237.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Christopher Chance is a private investigator/body guard nicknamed <i>The Human Target. </i>A Bronze Age creation, Christopher disguises himself as an intended victim and takes the intended's place until he deals with the threat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In this new series by Tom King and artist Greg Smallwood, Christopher substituted for Lex Luthor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD7PojBTQjt6i0dNGzl8CKs9-DGkCBUeZ2zLe4HZzdgrgjq7W-ZYyWM3yUqqRZaEOrC-Y87V31uQM5KMDfG86eusZUDCzK8oLA3LxVIkg77ap3E3F6srWIFkDw66EcZke4WZC78TB0XQcR5YlhTzdghN8yuEs0iWaoC3dXSP_DGP-SBdz_q2cE9vImA/s800/Bang.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="800" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGD7PojBTQjt6i0dNGzl8CKs9-DGkCBUeZ2zLe4HZzdgrgjq7W-ZYyWM3yUqqRZaEOrC-Y87V31uQM5KMDfG86eusZUDCzK8oLA3LxVIkg77ap3E3F6srWIFkDw66EcZke4WZC78TB0XQcR5YlhTzdghN8yuEs0iWaoC3dXSP_DGP-SBdz_q2cE9vImA/s320/Bang.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Though he survived the shooting, he wound up poisoned for his troubles. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A walking dead man, that cannot be helped even through science fiction or magical means,,,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqUE0z0fuTJQ1KD8c9cWV4WRbNgxwKLjMCAAtC-TfXlVkgIal1KqsLUvh9NlB3j-XE7wgyESk5s6xkFxT8Xp7veB2ymOgEXqQ-mp7nup9gykuY9KfVq7ZeLIvlPh7VYYnOyH3PS0eJa4azdeBExl2wbZpuIxKhJTKK-ZUlqB6Xk2lGKdq813-kMh0MQ/s800/Dr.%20Mid-Nite.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="800" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqUE0z0fuTJQ1KD8c9cWV4WRbNgxwKLjMCAAtC-TfXlVkgIal1KqsLUvh9NlB3j-XE7wgyESk5s6xkFxT8Xp7veB2ymOgEXqQ-mp7nup9gykuY9KfVq7ZeLIvlPh7VYYnOyH3PS0eJa4azdeBExl2wbZpuIxKhJTKK-ZUlqB6Xk2lGKdq813-kMh0MQ/w402-h163/Dr.%20Mid-Nite.jpeg" width="402" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...Christopher now seeks to find out which of the Justice League attempted to murder Lex Luthor and inadvertently nailed his coffin shut.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Tom King bases the story on a very obscure pair of <i>Justice League</i> books that occurred outside of the bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha era but still used the bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha line up. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EdQ0Ll2DnbcatwQvkX9utV3XRgyp_TDA6c0DhTPa7d4RCA17bCXM7hqOYuRleWqLKQnkeCzMStjK28_-Qei1YmQ1WPW5mYz6PaO0sT-lrf2ZTyhPc0yXPIsdgdyyECmeopwlkMgctWlF_Dl0LC8edIS8kb6j3KYPuEj1wxDIL_5tiewmMCsZUD49w/s1000/Roster.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1000" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4EdQ0Ll2DnbcatwQvkX9utV3XRgyp_TDA6c0DhTPa7d4RCA17bCXM7hqOYuRleWqLKQnkeCzMStjK28_-Qei1YmQ1WPW5mYz6PaO0sT-lrf2ZTyhPc0yXPIsdgdyyECmeopwlkMgctWlF_Dl0LC8edIS8kb6j3KYPuEj1wxDIL_5tiewmMCsZUD49w/s320/Roster.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You may vaguely remember the time Lex Luthor teamed up with a dude named Overlord...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCtpkexp2B8kWLDSIOtRwUfJSHxB_iNOu9S1A_ey433loBjp2UFhZera89DXWeZPR0bjR4-kzW8FTXkh__oRJ-JW61BvhnXR2GObCpOf9q4Zqd7JZTK8UcPhj_6NZ8Ho0OV_pQfbPMtF81LLz7Feb7ytfMrg5L6ic8vFT5tl4woSwfwTi7zYymjNcFw/s800/Overmaster.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="800" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCtpkexp2B8kWLDSIOtRwUfJSHxB_iNOu9S1A_ey433loBjp2UFhZera89DXWeZPR0bjR4-kzW8FTXkh__oRJ-JW61BvhnXR2GObCpOf9q4Zqd7JZTK8UcPhj_6NZ8Ho0OV_pQfbPMtF81LLz7Feb7ytfMrg5L6ic8vFT5tl4woSwfwTi7zYymjNcFw/w401-h168/Overmaster.jpeg" width="401" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...er...Overmaster to kill Superman.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">He wound up killing Ice instead.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">She got better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG-O6wswmEQy7rr8d9Z1BDQ5MwW9h7OfK5TXUEwRaj53WNqnomLNowayYrVcwXWBUsVXyVGgCcaSKhMHUQqWdpLVIsybQhk8Rfhi2sQLDcHVj-iDUATjLy2s3dDvNz-0aiy8rHQq66JFypI2Bql2Fizmp2qd11fNsEQLBGBVKYs6-C7ktwiUJp6oYzg/s800/Better.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="800" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG-O6wswmEQy7rr8d9Z1BDQ5MwW9h7OfK5TXUEwRaj53WNqnomLNowayYrVcwXWBUsVXyVGgCcaSKhMHUQqWdpLVIsybQhk8Rfhi2sQLDcHVj-iDUATjLy2s3dDvNz-0aiy8rHQq66JFypI2Bql2Fizmp2qd11fNsEQLBGBVKYs6-C7ktwiUJp6oYzg/s320/Better.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Way better.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0xAMp4wxdoYvX8q2_9xyf1T64RshTZ3278q24bwNDnU24m8wAhCPqldil8jBNpUJQpgL8hwA3pIWvAxl9g0N7TmQJ45ZGS9IrK0TIw2FAfCl7E6FxlIkf45FYt1e2LeYkxMcZ92s1o9cC4c7IW99VhV6KkWz4aHV9gmW6ShnLGGKdMbZMpvSoGZCvA/s800/Way%20Better.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="444" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0xAMp4wxdoYvX8q2_9xyf1T64RshTZ3278q24bwNDnU24m8wAhCPqldil8jBNpUJQpgL8hwA3pIWvAxl9g0N7TmQJ45ZGS9IrK0TIw2FAfCl7E6FxlIkf45FYt1e2LeYkxMcZ92s1o9cC4c7IW99VhV6KkWz4aHV9gmW6ShnLGGKdMbZMpvSoGZCvA/w209-h376/Way%20Better.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Anyway, the history places the League on Christopher's suspect list. Some Leaguer wanted to off Luthor to avenge Ice. Each issue, Christopher questions members of the Justice League.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMMmjPzIgzuUWVe5je8BpUF9kgN34u-fPZxrjh-I1cZJdSVmO9td5Ih-37209Fm_sagrBhbBcACzbdAURfSgH_pSI9ATi1EtOPkUkqMIvdR-ICvzOac2NnpTln-la4E8-pzSdxqPmP1OLlwHUhlOOgZ1tAmYwM7L4RurMllqadUOojdhKBfLWca4VAQ/s800/Blue%20Beetle.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMMmjPzIgzuUWVe5je8BpUF9kgN34u-fPZxrjh-I1cZJdSVmO9td5Ih-37209Fm_sagrBhbBcACzbdAURfSgH_pSI9ATi1EtOPkUkqMIvdR-ICvzOac2NnpTln-la4E8-pzSdxqPmP1OLlwHUhlOOgZ1tAmYwM7L4RurMllqadUOojdhKBfLWca4VAQ/s320/Blue%20Beetle.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I purposely did not review the last chapter of <i>The Human Target</i> because I couldn't think of a way to talk about it without spoiling the entirety. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEVktylxIU5mY9mg5fqxErJLjg5Ifxp6fgbNwPicaelLTddtY8t_xaeE4gTQ3ME-Im1wlpI0Ne0Ti2za22dAzdnYWieMAl3d5jtVZ4A9yL6RQ8Vw3IW_HUQkdV4McG67oerj2qU4PhsgGR0vmk-4NO9OvoVCog3tpPrB9ylAIrdzKQ88rhcMYCF82SA/s800/Human%20Target%20%236.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="531" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEVktylxIU5mY9mg5fqxErJLjg5Ifxp6fgbNwPicaelLTddtY8t_xaeE4gTQ3ME-Im1wlpI0Ne0Ti2za22dAzdnYWieMAl3d5jtVZ4A9yL6RQ8Vw3IW_HUQkdV4McG67oerj2qU4PhsgGR0vmk-4NO9OvoVCog3tpPrB9ylAIrdzKQ88rhcMYCF82SA/w180-h272/Human%20Target%20%236.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The spoilers had nothing to do with the mystery. They instead presented a monumental event that could only happen in a DC book set outside of continuity proper. Black Label fits the bill; after <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2020/02/pobb-february-12-2020.html" target="_blank">Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner</a> redeemed the line from the stench of <i>Batman Damned.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE40pKI5gKNYqQ_nwIkHCLg2UFQU1wdssqpp0ANPqS7h6B8LbBOsAAKHxgnjstzcf6XpF1ATUorzSC8RogDy2R14i2JsyAq3h_M3kfTdKNJsP_Nxn4nEFOvOE_EigIP895RsgPFVh6RKwfKZlKl0fKV0Wa3g8mL8HvANidMaM7rSEfAntKo2lI9RlXA/s800/Censored%20Final.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcE40pKI5gKNYqQ_nwIkHCLg2UFQU1wdssqpp0ANPqS7h6B8LbBOsAAKHxgnjstzcf6XpF1ATUorzSC8RogDy2R14i2JsyAq3h_M3kfTdKNJsP_Nxn4nEFOvOE_EigIP895RsgPFVh6RKwfKZlKl0fKV0Wa3g8mL8HvANidMaM7rSEfAntKo2lI9RlXA/s320/Censored%20Final.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Originally, DC intended Black Label to present classy HBO styled mature material that nevertheless featured DC characters. Think of <i>Westworld</i> only with capes and cowls. DC dropped the whole idea of explicit intentions after the depiction of Batman's shadowy penis sent shockwaves through the internet. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you're imagining a bat-cowled penis shouting, "I'm the god damned Batman's penis!" you're welcome.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>The Human Target</i> though not shying away from sexuality, isn't explicit. In fact there's nothing in this title that would disturb a teenager, regardless of gender.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbKtTN0CgoT--67cBSlrNAe47yhphPGIOPJmcetyehGukz0TQAMzB_GAs9UVeBvFK7BpKWRRyuZlhyouysS0OtI6rpeda7wLuWo2Z2dNCCOdNuo05b5ZgPhXeOnqdF8AeAMHDAFSHQYnmwuMMxTpJVbuIQoNEQlUi54TEbTiqiugoYUcCKhvd81WpxA/s800/Uncensored.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNbKtTN0CgoT--67cBSlrNAe47yhphPGIOPJmcetyehGukz0TQAMzB_GAs9UVeBvFK7BpKWRRyuZlhyouysS0OtI6rpeda7wLuWo2Z2dNCCOdNuo05b5ZgPhXeOnqdF8AeAMHDAFSHQYnmwuMMxTpJVbuIQoNEQlUi54TEbTiqiugoYUcCKhvd81WpxA/s320/Uncensored.jpeg" width="272" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">See? The most disturbing thing that occurred in <i>Human Target </i>had nothing to do with sex, and it's the kind of perturbation to the mind that makes you think. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Issue seven of <i>The Human Target</i> presents Christopher's interrogation of the prime suspect: Beatriz da Costa alias Fire. Ice in fact joined Christopher on his hunt to convince him of Fire's innocence. She also wants to persuade him that none of the Justice League could have done the deed either, but primarily her concern is for Fire.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhgZHcHD5yY5CnPyHcXQ4A6wFAPJBB31BhS3QJkrMyIRIMzcjNQdmM6LxHc1IXogcpnH7p9daGG08vLFrVvf95dbFqAAhrGitB349uBDI-RKbsBTWp1AOktvV9BHGnTg-TK7ayepcWS68Qtuc0JuNXtbOdhuuye6jwAhpTIB8m8b00ToY1qJuBtCg3g/s800/The%20Kiss.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="469" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhgZHcHD5yY5CnPyHcXQ4A6wFAPJBB31BhS3QJkrMyIRIMzcjNQdmM6LxHc1IXogcpnH7p9daGG08vLFrVvf95dbFqAAhrGitB349uBDI-RKbsBTWp1AOktvV9BHGnTg-TK7ayepcWS68Qtuc0JuNXtbOdhuuye6jwAhpTIB8m8b00ToY1qJuBtCg3g/w230-h391/The%20Kiss.jpeg" width="230" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That gorgeous illustration by Greg Smallwood that should be turned into tee-shirts and posters sums up the entirety of the chapter. Fire is a dangerously sexy woman, the classic film noir bad girl, but the question is: did she do it?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROgcGq8BilQrZLNYr3-Etkf2tRaa2XIH529eEVyMZoE1KqJSQCaujVW0xLnyMMjiLTpWbWY0YPlxChS9B8cityyKvegR0zXyOfMtfPOPCW2Ji5RnaBYoM4Dhwmls1lOj57b6exYOiu43iukfvtmju8vYAu_2x0pwAo_9zCsx-lcm66X4Rj38m56F3qA/s800/Prime%20Suspect.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="779" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROgcGq8BilQrZLNYr3-Etkf2tRaa2XIH529eEVyMZoE1KqJSQCaujVW0xLnyMMjiLTpWbWY0YPlxChS9B8cityyKvegR0zXyOfMtfPOPCW2Ji5RnaBYoM4Dhwmls1lOj57b6exYOiu43iukfvtmju8vYAu_2x0pwAo_9zCsx-lcm66X4Rj38m56F3qA/s320/Prime%20Suspect.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The answer she gives may surprise some readers who thought the worst of the first half of the team Fire and Ice. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4BVppHgkR7lu0Eo93a4HFgjzSd10XfUyc1ak4uC0eyoHSokjoekXh_3nEOmHI0wXCelbRXrNgVokKSFIpVER-40canz9QttT7cwedkojI2f78AMt19uF45roeRLPgE36GYOh2iEgFryPs4ukQ0UyV9O9YVF6_cNTodgUgv7B0STkKxO_Sa9gah1ejw/s800/Fire%20and%20Ice.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4BVppHgkR7lu0Eo93a4HFgjzSd10XfUyc1ak4uC0eyoHSokjoekXh_3nEOmHI0wXCelbRXrNgVokKSFIpVER-40canz9QttT7cwedkojI2f78AMt19uF45roeRLPgE36GYOh2iEgFryPs4ukQ0UyV9O9YVF6_cNTodgUgv7B0STkKxO_Sa9gah1ejw/s320/Fire%20and%20Ice.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">My money is still on G'nort unwittingly radiating the water used in the coffee pot that poisoned Christopher Chance.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLuTi7qP_cTr5t3rGPohl53CJ7HoyubuQmtlGPax5opWsiuDbdTybl7hRGtnAPtP56n2y4tM1q3aLTz1i-CQSZBsv9Hy-HyP3sXdL10Xve-F0oHcbr58FWLbMtyTBmJF8HsHeX18FyayfRTY5IseOuAeYEo5i5cEMyQ5ZG9hAN2Lnn6mqPIr300n-rA/s269/G'Nort.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="197" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLuTi7qP_cTr5t3rGPohl53CJ7HoyubuQmtlGPax5opWsiuDbdTybl7hRGtnAPtP56n2y4tM1q3aLTz1i-CQSZBsv9Hy-HyP3sXdL10Xve-F0oHcbr58FWLbMtyTBmJF8HsHeX18FyayfRTY5IseOuAeYEo5i5cEMyQ5ZG9hAN2Lnn6mqPIr300n-rA/s1600/G'Nort.jpeg" width="197" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Since returning my attention back to<i> Pick of the Brown Bag</i>, I also read The Human Target special <i>Tales of the Human Target</i>. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMPf2bQ_aazU8wwBYt80qVorsqb_Tc_nabOYg8axbM-a6b-a1nTo9sV4ax9OBI6Txl6OJZPclr0uSXhgGoFyN3OBD3tVBEE_Lep4C-XZmeojxQFv-XoDf1SDSeumSFy371EKD9xzzzoxZQ9xN_82SL6-p2ZIM-SapTq1E0i08pFa6PJbo6qt5cP_lBQ/s800/Tales%20of%20the%20Human%20Target.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMPf2bQ_aazU8wwBYt80qVorsqb_Tc_nabOYg8axbM-a6b-a1nTo9sV4ax9OBI6Txl6OJZPclr0uSXhgGoFyN3OBD3tVBEE_Lep4C-XZmeojxQFv-XoDf1SDSeumSFy371EKD9xzzzoxZQ9xN_82SL6-p2ZIM-SapTq1E0i08pFa6PJbo6qt5cP_lBQ/s320/Tales%20of%20the%20Human%20Target.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">While these short stories are fine in themselves and fun, they bear little connection to the series. Nor, does the series mention anything in the anthology.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtZ22Ph3s2shygCIjn9GS3g736S9yGFgSLiEdj3llH46eD51rbPezqai61WYQ0JVOWS_eMuFwK_JsUJTE2ZxIOCMGOGQFS7MlsaPpP08vAakZ_r0YywK992N_aP4K4d5p8IerCM1fBv3AKBEqXOvw69nUpRgtPTlB0pomO1mRd75Sl03Ylm0AsGgPVQ/s800/Booster%20Befoe%20Chance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="800" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtZ22Ph3s2shygCIjn9GS3g736S9yGFgSLiEdj3llH46eD51rbPezqai61WYQ0JVOWS_eMuFwK_JsUJTE2ZxIOCMGOGQFS7MlsaPpP08vAakZ_r0YywK992N_aP4K4d5p8IerCM1fBv3AKBEqXOvw69nUpRgtPTlB0pomO1mRd75Sl03Ylm0AsGgPVQ/s320/Booster%20Befoe%20Chance.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In fact I think some if not all the shorts contradict the series. It seems to me that Christopher Chance throughout <i>The Human Target </i>is meeting the Justice League roster for the first time. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I also find it implausible that Chance meets each member of the League who also are his best suspects in separate episodes in his life before he's poisoned. Just too many coincidences.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURnabUPkrqvtskXheu3N8vXou9VObM7q7vNJHdJR8-f72hcJqmOY6wuZYfEOn26aMXEofZEon-yyiCjW5yrh69w8NytD-iq1CzUUy01_gQeHr9viGp_wAPmntCBxSy6LANK-viyAeX88xmE_ZmytTtO6KrbTy39kBH3oH48yBcLJKo9CKve-6NB_zTQ/s800/Guy%20Before%20Chance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="800" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURnabUPkrqvtskXheu3N8vXou9VObM7q7vNJHdJR8-f72hcJqmOY6wuZYfEOn26aMXEofZEon-yyiCjW5yrh69w8NytD-iq1CzUUy01_gQeHr9viGp_wAPmntCBxSy6LANK-viyAeX88xmE_ZmytTtO6KrbTy39kBH3oH48yBcLJKo9CKve-6NB_zTQ/s320/Guy%20Before%20Chance.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If this special is collected in the trade paperback, fine. You're not out anything. However, if you're reading <i>The Human Target</i> as it's being produced, then you really don't need the special, nor should you go out of your way to get it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iszauUbAhPw_m1w2iIuouGGmMSPIpHFaaP1I64oX6FB27ksdC_U_SjvosyLk5GmlpgNiFjy3cQsu2baDxO4AsTmiR_j_G_FS6GtSiswrQwN801zTGCwokucWx-67M0oQOFuIj2AdS5e40_GuIN8PjpsXReU8zGM-jZgB86gBnsmsTo4MMexgG8RiwA/s800/Fire%20Before%20Chance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="800" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iszauUbAhPw_m1w2iIuouGGmMSPIpHFaaP1I64oX6FB27ksdC_U_SjvosyLk5GmlpgNiFjy3cQsu2baDxO4AsTmiR_j_G_FS6GtSiswrQwN801zTGCwokucWx-67M0oQOFuIj2AdS5e40_GuIN8PjpsXReU8zGM-jZgB86gBnsmsTo4MMexgG8RiwA/s320/Fire%20Before%20Chance.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">On the other hand if you're ga-ga over artists Kevin Maguire, Mikel Janin and/or Rafael Albuquerque, you may want to add this book to your brown bag. Greg Smallwood provides the wraparound narrative that grasps straws when trying to knit the prequel to the series.</span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-58692859022058662022022-09-14T08:40:00.000-04:002022-09-14T08:40:48.071-04:00POBB September 12, 2022<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>September 12, 2022</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>by</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>Ray Tate</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">First let me apologize for the delay. It took me awhile to get this post edited into something easily digestible. I then survived being hit by a truck. Not a scratch on me despite the horrendous state of my car in the aftermath. I will sing the praises of the Mini-Cooper Clubman's safety features for the rest of my life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In my final deep dive for <i>Nightwing</i> and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El</i>, not only will we be looking at the most recent issues but the way Tom Taylor replenishes the strength of DC's greatest asset, a shared multiverse of superheroes. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUuB3RVE7Mib8vzrHOUA657XqhpvRe1NKPl8QuSwYipJYmd39ahLLK_alAGjQxHZPrFnJVQ_n8oTRg0LddExfFNi976eO4p1zID0DRY648YGnHSqGsPwUJEkOTqGyGx8L0RMKMiTmFzIA1ZcH9k385preFs5-C65czDkUAgJ9UDNX4VGkWq1MsKt7AA/s800/Nightwing%20%2392.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUuB3RVE7Mib8vzrHOUA657XqhpvRe1NKPl8QuSwYipJYmd39ahLLK_alAGjQxHZPrFnJVQ_n8oTRg0LddExfFNi976eO4p1zID0DRY648YGnHSqGsPwUJEkOTqGyGx8L0RMKMiTmFzIA1ZcH9k385preFs5-C65czDkUAgJ9UDNX4VGkWq1MsKt7AA/s320/Nightwing%20%2392.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As usual, should you need a quick thumbs up or thumbs down for the comic books, you can find me on Twitter: #PickoftheBrownBag.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The overall theme of <i>Nightwing </i>is that Dick Grayson is a good man. That wasn't always the case. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbnvndj-ek5Gzk94thczxF94_ovz9IpZS85-0CQ1DAzl2whX7Dhf0b6A76u41EQc_fldzJZ7_HEU6m9GzoBKAi5pwD3V7Ii3Tere8WuaHoZVUwtdJftpPEp3dW1WI_reAbxQMILUOod7oJPh9i3y2vsO7UNx1PzL_AomBBTdXPGGTEMd25SCCeuP3VQ/s1842/Page%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1842" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbnvndj-ek5Gzk94thczxF94_ovz9IpZS85-0CQ1DAzl2whX7Dhf0b6A76u41EQc_fldzJZ7_HEU6m9GzoBKAi5pwD3V7Ii3Tere8WuaHoZVUwtdJftpPEp3dW1WI_reAbxQMILUOod7oJPh9i3y2vsO7UNx1PzL_AomBBTdXPGGTEMd25SCCeuP3VQ/s320/Page%2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">What a cry baby. He should join the Republican Party.</span></i></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In the New 52, Dick Grayson is a success story. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Scott Snyder was the main architect of the Batman Family at the beginning of the New 52. Other writers followed the bread crumbs. The result is a transformation, better still, a reclamation of Batman, Robin and Batgirl.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIycCEcVdSt-49_JP70f334ecGRJ9DzGsxsyYavJvewxgVUy1_hDb177Prk7Az65niz0BRFKddvJ1kdirjSvBwYJXGEmbec4FLzwG3_DYH7Bkq7H9YAy48nEhJCxHFWmgnR6Bh3BtpC-6Nghm0W8fRA70HNkk8bKcKayqd85D7jTD2HdOlOlHLzmu6Q/s800/Batman%20Family%20Modern.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIycCEcVdSt-49_JP70f334ecGRJ9DzGsxsyYavJvewxgVUy1_hDb177Prk7Az65niz0BRFKddvJ1kdirjSvBwYJXGEmbec4FLzwG3_DYH7Bkq7H9YAy48nEhJCxHFWmgnR6Bh3BtpC-6Nghm0W8fRA70HNkk8bKcKayqd85D7jTD2HdOlOlHLzmu6Q/s320/Batman%20Family%20Modern.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kyle Higgins, Benjamin Percy and now Tom Taylor in <i>Nightwing </i>all maintain an overall theme. Batman became Dick Grayson's father. Dick Grayson became a better man for it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7q8X_cBy0ax1aT_uQgrvP9qhnSEKwrbPBbCt7_b7hsYK6CxoXpr3EOjzVL67HYdPT9f9KDVlo1e_kKNtZykJ7vGpfrLYgKfkf9PBJQtePRNsRw1SOCEQFbyM3PNcehs3nvyHlrNpCYey7IkG_wWVN4uVEBLh2tmMTxZfHoPwge3wkIUpdND5lFaD0w/s800/Take%20Off%20That%20Cowl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7q8X_cBy0ax1aT_uQgrvP9qhnSEKwrbPBbCt7_b7hsYK6CxoXpr3EOjzVL67HYdPT9f9KDVlo1e_kKNtZykJ7vGpfrLYgKfkf9PBJQtePRNsRw1SOCEQFbyM3PNcehs3nvyHlrNpCYey7IkG_wWVN4uVEBLh2tmMTxZfHoPwge3wkIUpdND5lFaD0w/s320/Take%20Off%20That%20Cowl.jpeg" width="319" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Taylor explicitly introduces the idea that Alfred contributed profoundly to their growth. Fitting then that It's Alfred, slain in Tom King's impressive and recommended run of <i>Batman, </i>that catalyzes Dick Grayson's current actions.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ibwQGoNhFDNVElrrCfZa7bqbUx2OmwMvKsHxDxd0ELCnh793LgBB1ooa6W6RvTXE2lRFzcFXQ0FjZF3vi5vcYLuJtb096DGXPknn10ZmwGIYNhleNcWYas_kzEqsO9JcdZ9ao5Ak6N_AXGEipDYQWZ2pFid6-YlWN5sXCRJqZJYcre6WjX8UeR0p-w/s800/Alfred.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ibwQGoNhFDNVElrrCfZa7bqbUx2OmwMvKsHxDxd0ELCnh793LgBB1ooa6W6RvTXE2lRFzcFXQ0FjZF3vi5vcYLuJtb096DGXPknn10ZmwGIYNhleNcWYas_kzEqsO9JcdZ9ao5Ak6N_AXGEipDYQWZ2pFid6-YlWN5sXCRJqZJYcre6WjX8UeR0p-w/s320/Alfred.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Alfred bequeathed his fortune to Dick Grayson. Dick takes a page from his adoptive father's book and becomes a philanthropist. His first goal redeem Bludhaven.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdgyal1sSB4i2QV3wTzTCOUMunhuRbKLGoFOc2exdTYCJPwyBDPdJk8jERBoi6KrHIwfZ1UDRRhc1q4pum7vIfYOJMuBqPnr4xmwkci-QvjxrJ7PSoejnpaJiwXCXpi2dQQrNogVX8Q31xgpq71naY6jPp8KYgYWjJyALkFqw3KEKLzKJ4RxWxRPZZg/s800/I%20Hate%20Parks.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="800" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdgyal1sSB4i2QV3wTzTCOUMunhuRbKLGoFOc2exdTYCJPwyBDPdJk8jERBoi6KrHIwfZ1UDRRhc1q4pum7vIfYOJMuBqPnr4xmwkci-QvjxrJ7PSoejnpaJiwXCXpi2dQQrNogVX8Q31xgpq71naY6jPp8KYgYWjJyALkFqw3KEKLzKJ4RxWxRPZZg/s320/I%20Hate%20Parks.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>ZUCCO? The ZUCCO! The Killer of the Flying Grayson!</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> Family name, but Melinda is actually a spy in the House of Hate.</i></span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Bludhaven, created by Chuck Dixon, is a sister city of Gotham run by the political boss Blockbuster, who hates Dick Grayson more than his alter-ego.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Dubeow0zBAlij1DcSI_mY7gKi0pIOedeFI2MvXdCPY6BgKukFNPOxwpnartesOyqHPhwfuxesoRN5Uuy-KRGu8vyn9qI3qeLeNcc__iru09jCVDGV7TFd9SSFYPZ2lLeX80CwDOzZoDHc4Mb26FLzUlazur1mC58pRMdqsfK4qYqOjNOonMyN6n-g/s800/Where%20Did%20That%20Footage%20Come%20From.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="761" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81Dubeow0zBAlij1DcSI_mY7gKi0pIOedeFI2MvXdCPY6BgKukFNPOxwpnartesOyqHPhwfuxesoRN5Uuy-KRGu8vyn9qI3qeLeNcc__iru09jCVDGV7TFd9SSFYPZ2lLeX80CwDOzZoDHc4Mb26FLzUlazur1mC58pRMdqsfK4qYqOjNOonMyN6n-g/s320/Where%20Did%20That%20Footage%20Come%20From.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Blockbuster and his cabal of lieutenants--which consist of the higher echelons of Bludhaven government--target Dick Grayson and his efforts to make Bludhaven a better place. To that cause, Blockbuster hires a group of assassins.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9oq1v3OcQC1oq450yGtr3hotly9uCGtSROYeIgzlNkNeW1NLSsvN4lBOYqDDeJapW1ZVWhrHmcix8endWgyXvOK1aCJ6TUMcXn7RMMbeNePbkP3UBPTnKJmUeTH3toBx1HRkgiVlvuS1F4aohq2WSCIIGXzvLK7ImU-laPPr4lKLjbPF_RNkVtehMA/s800/Drones%20vs%20Dick.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9oq1v3OcQC1oq450yGtr3hotly9uCGtSROYeIgzlNkNeW1NLSsvN4lBOYqDDeJapW1ZVWhrHmcix8endWgyXvOK1aCJ6TUMcXn7RMMbeNePbkP3UBPTnKJmUeTH3toBx1HRkgiVlvuS1F4aohq2WSCIIGXzvLK7ImU-laPPr4lKLjbPF_RNkVtehMA/s320/Drones%20vs%20Dick.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Blockbuster however doesn't know Dick Grayson is secretly Nightwing. And Nightwing has oodles of friends.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h5EuEdAHwv-bw83kmJzW3jmOtR0vVmmjc89CrVg7rMXpe5T35jdcEke7V97V5czwuerAHazxa6ClMhtL78_7u4Th_Hk2tsmaVreFnHYQFpkeDumbfACr-F7nXV1b5jQ3FV9QxQQcEcsHm8hCOfYuM388ENPMiBoNpwALq8nCFrYzKagwS8KHzVVBWQ/s800/Nightwing%20%2390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4h5EuEdAHwv-bw83kmJzW3jmOtR0vVmmjc89CrVg7rMXpe5T35jdcEke7V97V5czwuerAHazxa6ClMhtL78_7u4Th_Hk2tsmaVreFnHYQFpkeDumbfACr-F7nXV1b5jQ3FV9QxQQcEcsHm8hCOfYuM388ENPMiBoNpwALq8nCFrYzKagwS8KHzVVBWQ/s320/Nightwing%20%2390.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Taylor devotes two issues of <i>Nightwing</i> to bring in the Flash. You've got zero chance to stop the Scarlet Speedster by conventional means. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TWrTlhgPtEKPhj7ApaF5HQIDqsGOnXyh0RnBjTOKgVM523eu_UvvEBq3mnQA8et2c9JxCplkTjcnNwXfaLoQ_BMsd4BqvYrQsxawtE-7n-HQfRZoyR40z1n3xtn2GXuYQQBvfO0aOZEOwrlxTzR0PWht0GLlm9Zs8hXIFEfCwsImaJ_59KW80u04xA/s800/Can't%20Prepare%20for%20the%20Flash.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TWrTlhgPtEKPhj7ApaF5HQIDqsGOnXyh0RnBjTOKgVM523eu_UvvEBq3mnQA8et2c9JxCplkTjcnNwXfaLoQ_BMsd4BqvYrQsxawtE-7n-HQfRZoyR40z1n3xtn2GXuYQQBvfO0aOZEOwrlxTzR0PWht0GLlm9Zs8hXIFEfCwsImaJ_59KW80u04xA/s320/Can't%20Prepare%20for%20the%20Flash.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Keep your eye on the blur. Because the Flash will appear in <i>Superman Son of Kal-El. </i>Also written by Tom Taylor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhQA0kKRlnvZRmIGNoJqatuvqcYj42aIA3dCaPgrCPk3mklgDy5DYItWjIjyq_jUMr2oyQpXh8Dfgy1-M_ZqhqVxIr7suyjv0G8BLs__qvU9C6HIkqefuUdehFuEEDoIdndcb6jfr4uB5FdTeFM135bo2QYiNgQKShKakRgfTtrZovwp9hXQaWixx7A/s800/Superman%20SOK%20%2311.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhQA0kKRlnvZRmIGNoJqatuvqcYj42aIA3dCaPgrCPk3mklgDy5DYItWjIjyq_jUMr2oyQpXh8Dfgy1-M_ZqhqVxIr7suyjv0G8BLs__qvU9C6HIkqefuUdehFuEEDoIdndcb6jfr4uB5FdTeFM135bo2QYiNgQKShKakRgfTtrZovwp9hXQaWixx7A/s320/Superman%20SOK%20%2311.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Son of Kal-El </i>exemplifies how Taylor utilizes the shared universe model. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If you've been following along <i>Nightwing</i> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;">you know that these cameos root solidly out of previous plot lines. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anybody that appears in <i>Nightwing</i> can appear in <i>Superman Son </i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>of Kal-El. </i>And visa-versa. These guest stars go down a lot easier with the foreknowledge. You can still enjoy either title without reading both, but it's more rewarding to think of the Flash's appearance as the result of a coffee chat between Dick and Wally rather than Superman seeking a favor from a fellow hero, who doesn't actually know him.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjdnSzMXjXkGqwHi1faHRDdicIktxNBNx4_nXr_sq6nm11F-soXUx3vsDVJmse0FNvy-D3ewn27K5SOCfu2SjEKzecH3UYHPc0fcPHo81y8sH9fN6B6wcgudQeXNnE2hx22EKVEppQB86Y9L6MujaIh85fi5FDoCwAkY0FdGRnCoimC5-V1RxpTExGQ/s800/Keep%20and%20Eye%20on%20the%20Blur.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="800" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjdnSzMXjXkGqwHi1faHRDdicIktxNBNx4_nXr_sq6nm11F-soXUx3vsDVJmse0FNvy-D3ewn27K5SOCfu2SjEKzecH3UYHPc0fcPHo81y8sH9fN6B6wcgudQeXNnE2hx22EKVEppQB86Y9L6MujaIh85fi5FDoCwAkY0FdGRnCoimC5-V1RxpTExGQ/s320/Keep%20and%20Eye%20on%20the%20Blur.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Fun Fact: Wally West is historically the first bona fide sidekick to join the Justice League.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">That friend of a friend type technique also foreshadows the introduction of other Justice Leaguers. One is a surprise. So, I'll not spoil the party.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbGs0TzCDFv-Y90okAcJn_d1EDWxq8DVZy6o8IhYIAlKYmpVvW6s0sgr6S_PLU0F9B_3ZAlo1ahwcOE1BILMEh3mwtsF9rMw_BXPGX1EnA-FjMIoseH8M_pjBJIzYhwaDB3Ih33nOVtYWvHpdV3kW2Tpy4hrr4-XzY_UQ_wF11w_mtI1-2m20uEE1Lw/s800/Superman%20SOK%20%2313.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbGs0TzCDFv-Y90okAcJn_d1EDWxq8DVZy6o8IhYIAlKYmpVvW6s0sgr6S_PLU0F9B_3ZAlo1ahwcOE1BILMEh3mwtsF9rMw_BXPGX1EnA-FjMIoseH8M_pjBJIzYhwaDB3Ih33nOVtYWvHpdV3kW2Tpy4hrr4-XzY_UQ_wF11w_mtI1-2m20uEE1Lw/s320/Superman%20SOK%20%2313.jpeg" width="206" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Classic Leaguers will take their places in the issue that properly introduces <i>Supergirl </i>cast member Dreamer to the DCU.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvUhZlcIDy_kQxQnQIubzzhTlQNjeE8ZBJuyhLdWPRZ_zKe7lTaJKEEP2tDXHM-RCmukafx53DNcpXRv_VzoPe9Jgy8_PyTTkH5R_smTUfHeunRViz41xRTBCZbS4XfEBZc1RVWtL3cJCgHUU9qmLyAvB4KNzme666M-q2oEbWqPp4VfhxxpFYhNxMw/s800/Kelex%20Serves%20Tea%20to%20Dreamer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvUhZlcIDy_kQxQnQIubzzhTlQNjeE8ZBJuyhLdWPRZ_zKe7lTaJKEEP2tDXHM-RCmukafx53DNcpXRv_VzoPe9Jgy8_PyTTkH5R_smTUfHeunRViz41xRTBCZbS4XfEBZc1RVWtL3cJCgHUU9qmLyAvB4KNzme666M-q2oEbWqPp4VfhxxpFYhNxMw/s320/Kelex%20Serves%20Tea%20to%20Dreamer.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">There's Kelex serving her tea. Because, of course. It's just perfect writing by Taylor.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQpmxPBuvayDDeq_jQQJrs3O9qFZw0d3zyQHxUF9D9XfjjfO5gweH6Txw0mSjvCEH4ZF0oUaolFQxnP0Ayh99mHTTwewnck724XSaVnIzTNMRrjavxxXNMXQdjRpAJZIRiPNCxXwevVB5sTOk0LU_D-kq2ifao05SRT9pKLGnZobuaNdmiZv1nFd5Q/s800/Superman%20SOK%20%2312.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQpmxPBuvayDDeq_jQQJrs3O9qFZw0d3zyQHxUF9D9XfjjfO5gweH6Txw0mSjvCEH4ZF0oUaolFQxnP0Ayh99mHTTwewnck724XSaVnIzTNMRrjavxxXNMXQdjRpAJZIRiPNCxXwevVB5sTOk0LU_D-kq2ifao05SRT9pKLGnZobuaNdmiZv1nFd5Q/s320/Superman%20SOK%20%2312.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Batman, practically a regular cast member in <i>Son of Kal-El</i>, and cover guest star Krypto clash yet again in the often hilarious issue twelve<i>.</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwtHOPpnxeJiv6ngmEreg3MlAkSEyXU_U0kEND91oKitKzUAdhcLsPYiyomvS0fC99utKX5MBT-fpKpThbSYQe4tcYAz6lLUI83_nVbkojcIMOEDZpvoh_yQogXQoRqP322A5d4Q-4jboBOXY2ynl8RRo5AVHmxrs9H_CS8JoimAxwIJRhMjPFFrQ8Q/s800/Batman%20vs%20Krypto.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwtHOPpnxeJiv6ngmEreg3MlAkSEyXU_U0kEND91oKitKzUAdhcLsPYiyomvS0fC99utKX5MBT-fpKpThbSYQe4tcYAz6lLUI83_nVbkojcIMOEDZpvoh_yQogXQoRqP322A5d4Q-4jboBOXY2ynl8RRo5AVHmxrs9H_CS8JoimAxwIJRhMjPFFrQ8Q/w247-h376/Batman%20vs%20Krypto.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ten Steps ahead of every person. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>A super-powered dog, not so much.</i></span></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Krypto has always been and is more than the joke he could have been. Krypto is simply inherently cool, and he doesn't act the part. The secret to Krypto is that he's a really good hyper-intelligent dog.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Returning to earth, Krypto detects an underlying threat from the Lex Luthor/Henry Bendix axis of evil.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MZcvAxRTUonrFmbNnHBIL2v2DxpWD13eGEO5MAUKuaXTrnpJuzfA5P0afSMuloZKPL6Xu2pjoz-mA0UETI-Wx8tcHkIcVq8U7sij_-sj51fCZSQcbRlUPxnU18vzJJ7MYJg6vK0tPRE9ux1zkVl6jQ8XG2OPY33LF6ib6QfOKRPDaGZ8sEim6ssglw/s800/Krypto%20No%20Like.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MZcvAxRTUonrFmbNnHBIL2v2DxpWD13eGEO5MAUKuaXTrnpJuzfA5P0afSMuloZKPL6Xu2pjoz-mA0UETI-Wx8tcHkIcVq8U7sij_-sj51fCZSQcbRlUPxnU18vzJJ7MYJg6vK0tPRE9ux1zkVl6jQ8XG2OPY33LF6ib6QfOKRPDaGZ8sEim6ssglw/s320/Krypto%20No%20Like.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Krypto's senses lead to a fun Gordon/Yuzna styled tour-de-farce beautifully, or disgustingly, rendered by artists Cian Tormey, Ruairi Coleman, Scott Hanna, colorists Frederico Blee and Matt Herms.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dick Grayson furthermore checks in this issue, and it's quite a different take. We've never really seen Dick Grayson in a boardroom setting. Bruce, sure. Dick is usually in college, dropping out of college or being bullet shocked into amnesia.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBsaKIEdu15N8kR4Qaamlhiq-gb-ytiTMBdCZ3tdbtN0tO-dzFY8o2qZRDLEiI0miRCvd8iHiUZ9t3IhnOt87ddsoI_sXh1SiYEcm6HPMSNSgt6pbV91EmdAdA8ZC7770fL33h4QuRRmFFQqcB8YsAZTdkgqHgvjamM_P9YBwmVgrLvRY8Lo-0qLhkg/s800/Dick%20Grayson%20and%20Lex%20Luthor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBsaKIEdu15N8kR4Qaamlhiq-gb-ytiTMBdCZ3tdbtN0tO-dzFY8o2qZRDLEiI0miRCvd8iHiUZ9t3IhnOt87ddsoI_sXh1SiYEcm6HPMSNSgt6pbV91EmdAdA8ZC7770fL33h4QuRRmFFQqcB8YsAZTdkgqHgvjamM_P9YBwmVgrLvRY8Lo-0qLhkg/s320/Dick%20Grayson%20and%20Lex%20Luthor.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">You'll also note that Lex Luthor no longer possesses the knowledge he once did. He doesn't know Batman and Bruce Wayne are one in the same. He doesn't remember Dick Grayson being a pivotal part of <i>Forever Evil.</i> These events presumably died with Lex's sort-lived hero status and Justice League membership, during some Big Event I never read. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Taylor uses the secret identity to his advantage in storytelling. A long time ago, murmurs among fandom and creative talent threatened the concept of secret identities. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Frequently, Taylor finds something new or relishes traditional ideas to direct the secret identity as a cogent and potent plot device. For example, KGBeast's men never would have kidnaped Barbara Gordon knowing she is Batgirl.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJF_gpHsDqmUYhSlVBPlqUWr9vimf3YwZqsfnxKiTtTt5xrtTAzqT-FVu-LFt5OnSyOQvPrG6xKvRCo6Zt7W34XkincG9mzECoeL92Wia1FOCgKj38mVWFfCy-GlkybqCbDM_QCMZygyp4uxxD9jY7kfkRIIRWgtBKg_V52OWI-KO5JIiMF-lSlt7Mg/s800/Barbara%20Gordon%20Kidnaped.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="800" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJF_gpHsDqmUYhSlVBPlqUWr9vimf3YwZqsfnxKiTtTt5xrtTAzqT-FVu-LFt5OnSyOQvPrG6xKvRCo6Zt7W34XkincG9mzECoeL92Wia1FOCgKj38mVWFfCy-GlkybqCbDM_QCMZygyp4uxxD9jY7kfkRIIRWgtBKg_V52OWI-KO5JIiMF-lSlt7Mg/s320/Barbara%20Gordon%20Kidnaped.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>I see what you did there.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In <i>Nightwing</i> 92 through current issue 95, Dick Grayson plays his chess game against Blockbuster. Now, Dick isn't a grandmaster like his father, but he makes some interesting moves. Like taking a powerful knight off the board.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7lAl8n2EDCy9wN6wusGrugjQ27GD2FusyZyj9dW_MWlBsNBaEjkRyPGbwjTGn9WHdOD-ybQCtqEVFcD0ZYPaurODoE1VCEkp5LZQog98iPmp29i3Glb0l54WQUlBHTn-ZGJp9HzmZl8J0QlvlYKdinNWoDRcRcJiYHsgO-AQDxsHwGEJjENg6qkm2w/s800/Dirty%20Commish.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7lAl8n2EDCy9wN6wusGrugjQ27GD2FusyZyj9dW_MWlBsNBaEjkRyPGbwjTGn9WHdOD-ybQCtqEVFcD0ZYPaurODoE1VCEkp5LZQog98iPmp29i3Glb0l54WQUlBHTn-ZGJp9HzmZl8J0QlvlYKdinNWoDRcRcJiYHsgO-AQDxsHwGEJjENg6qkm2w/s320/Dirty%20Commish.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">With the removal of the dirty Commissioner, an older more mature face from the Superman cast replaces Blockbuster's tool.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOSTtmuKmpG0lzKqavJVemVgDpzRFHz5pakji84PPffrahp96wOi9VhlnYj2xlk4Mc1iIxE_1feXEoLAsELnaEZMtIJgkj8Vk95PnGLM1VImnMzabi379hkhMnaZHX4zWLALaWNNs2QJFBkYSdkvlYJiykXKhIdAdLamrud-fyQKu7xVqKd7Flb2DbQ/s800/Maggie%20Sawyer%20and%20Dan%20Turpin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="725" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOSTtmuKmpG0lzKqavJVemVgDpzRFHz5pakji84PPffrahp96wOi9VhlnYj2xlk4Mc1iIxE_1feXEoLAsELnaEZMtIJgkj8Vk95PnGLM1VImnMzabi379hkhMnaZHX4zWLALaWNNs2QJFBkYSdkvlYJiykXKhIdAdLamrud-fyQKu7xVqKd7Flb2DbQ/s320/Maggie%20Sawyer%20and%20Dan%20Turpin.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This, combined with Lady Siva's warning, in issue ninety-one weakens Blockbuster's position considerably. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaQUQucH2zFEA3g_cXos3zNiNp5IJeWITTisNFhlMRmSQ5i7D-qoMapinmvOClsKyqWxghbJrwykW2bitQVX9_QKtCCat-lr8DcRyDvO-TERllb5j1gC3PXl3ZlKMFqVZr-HA0O50B3iQ6TOsH3hvCpPA1fHy_jA9X_1Ykj_4uPvTR8X4BJJoR_Mt3w/s800/Blockbuster%20and%20Shiva.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="800" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaQUQucH2zFEA3g_cXos3zNiNp5IJeWITTisNFhlMRmSQ5i7D-qoMapinmvOClsKyqWxghbJrwykW2bitQVX9_QKtCCat-lr8DcRyDvO-TERllb5j1gC3PXl3ZlKMFqVZr-HA0O50B3iQ6TOsH3hvCpPA1fHy_jA9X_1Ykj_4uPvTR8X4BJJoR_Mt3w/s320/Blockbuster%20and%20Shiva.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Dick makes his biggest move in issue ninety-five with the entire Batman Family and Titans backing his plays.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEwWKOYpDLRYEBZ2L6LZd9LP6lohNeOhg6RR6gMrZbHfEsm14XMOsAAzsVtrgN7FhBHxQ66Vp0P4cCBsdwY4ObT7g0uUsenBCNq2jsOLaWLCetTQhWEfA3rbY9oJhewlBxr2GuuaQaUB-2FUktk73dWMlUbtBrmRCHXCHWnlzPH22kQzeGpiEo78iIA/s800/Batman%20Family%20in%20Nightwing.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDEwWKOYpDLRYEBZ2L6LZd9LP6lohNeOhg6RR6gMrZbHfEsm14XMOsAAzsVtrgN7FhBHxQ66Vp0P4cCBsdwY4ObT7g0uUsenBCNq2jsOLaWLCetTQhWEfA3rbY9oJhewlBxr2GuuaQaUB-2FUktk73dWMlUbtBrmRCHXCHWnlzPH22kQzeGpiEo78iIA/s320/Batman%20Family%20in%20Nightwing.jpeg" width="260" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It should be the culmination of victory, but Taylor isn't done with Blockbuster yet. There's still another chapter to be written, and it involves the concepts we've been discussing in this post.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Before that, I'd be remiss in not spotlighting Taylor's playful writing for a scene involving Batwoman and Maggie Sawyer.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S9tAgQUNfyTxvwiCW9OKIEpMVxoVSjecjUtK-z_SsHywehgYlpo61ddLGE6WpUc4nRvWkNhuEQ2UABPVFNTm8Fg0TSdUE0-kcgEkmXrHjBDBABIq0d8B0-AU5acsfm5MTmEY3pgeF7-pnwz6wkquqj6Qbqb-pFEmvFbRhOYETDNe6mzMBMnS98tLUA/s800/Batwoman%20and%20Maggie%20Sawyer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S9tAgQUNfyTxvwiCW9OKIEpMVxoVSjecjUtK-z_SsHywehgYlpo61ddLGE6WpUc4nRvWkNhuEQ2UABPVFNTm8Fg0TSdUE0-kcgEkmXrHjBDBABIq0d8B0-AU5acsfm5MTmEY3pgeF7-pnwz6wkquqj6Qbqb-pFEmvFbRhOYETDNe6mzMBMnS98tLUA/w482-h202/Batwoman%20and%20Maggie%20Sawyer.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you're like me, you're Nightwing. Puzzled by the glacial mood between the two ladies. See, I vaguely remember something between Batwoman and Maggie Sawyer, but I couldn't honestly tell you what it is. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The truth is that I loathe Batwoman. I think she has the personality of rebar. I've seen her written well enough once in Scott Lobdell's <i><a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2018/12/pobb-december-5-2018.html" target="_blank">Red Hood and the Outlaws</a></i>. That's it. Boom. One time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">I genuinely liked the much more sensible Ruby Rose-Batwoman of the CW, and I liked the second Batwoman, Javica Leslie, who was coming into her own as a detective. The Batwoman of the comic books is just another Batgirl substitute, existing solely because she's gay. Maggie Sawyer created by John Byrne is a million times more interesting than Batwoman. She started out that way and accumulated depth with every appearance. Floriana Lima incidentally rocked when she portrayed Maggie on <i>Supergirl. </i>The comic book Batwoman continues to be a flatline. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Well, that's a wrap. If you noticed, I was a little more forthcoming than usual, but honestly, as always, I told you absolutely nothing to spoil the entirety of the plotting. I kept tons of elements under the hat. So, if these hints tantalized you, imagine how exciting the actual books turn out to be. They're probably all collected by now or soon will be. So, if you haven't picked up the floppies, catch up with the trades. Toodles.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-48577589625033394502022-08-08T10:51:00.001-04:002022-08-08T10:51:36.782-04:00POBB August 6, 2022<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">August 6, 2022</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">by</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;">Ray Tate</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Welcome to the second part of the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag </i>that explores the DCU that's evolving in issues of <i>Batgirls, Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ3-Zi03w8T-QwKpNKSs3K-FMflUIQun5RPcl0MiomHiiRH-nJfDtWhKcnTHLh1TS87DFqAZMozk5ogoq20HhwOddoGSLP3uiQI1FYktwxGOl9hb9dN-4KWdoixoDtIAkGLETr48GIZte4OSfSG4apxroGm7-oTPwDS8QdspNJ5nYNebfG7j5nk3QLQ/s800/Nighwing%20%2389.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="523" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZ3-Zi03w8T-QwKpNKSs3K-FMflUIQun5RPcl0MiomHiiRH-nJfDtWhKcnTHLh1TS87DFqAZMozk5ogoq20HhwOddoGSLP3uiQI1FYktwxGOl9hb9dN-4KWdoixoDtIAkGLETr48GIZte4OSfSG4apxroGm7-oTPwDS8QdspNJ5nYNebfG7j5nk3QLQ/s320/Nighwing%20%2389.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This exploration may be ginchy for some, but others may need to know a recommendation toot sweet. For those fence sitters, you can still find me on twitter with some quick words about the books I review</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">: #PickoftheBrownBag. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXoAczx4yh_2o_aRRi-rTiaB4OxUVpV4UfzSn4YvKtkPCIPjvVUf54YK_-rU0K9f80MjmxiWBPXJuHJACTthUMHSvF90nb_1LYVI7Cmh2IJ0r6SaUMkEDKs18mx7qLlc3NHfVVmsuJQh3t0H25zqdkjj_HBA-4kivMhYf3RlfXTT9mgNH4Wes76fJRw/s800/Superman%20Son%20of%20Kal-El%20%2310.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXoAczx4yh_2o_aRRi-rTiaB4OxUVpV4UfzSn4YvKtkPCIPjvVUf54YK_-rU0K9f80MjmxiWBPXJuHJACTthUMHSvF90nb_1LYVI7Cmh2IJ0r6SaUMkEDKs18mx7qLlc3NHfVVmsuJQh3t0H25zqdkjj_HBA-4kivMhYf3RlfXTT9mgNH4Wes76fJRw/s320/Superman%20Son%20of%20Kal-El%20%2310.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Tom Taylor writes <i>Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El. </i>So, it was a safe bet that they would crossover at some point, and so they do, frequently. A Batgirl appearance also isn't uncommon.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4k9JUwmclFQ9FKmhEaxvRXTwWt434LlkDU8Yf2aZ-0ORCzDoTaTYisb0eZ1srBOsVxiOin6e6mabjfcaLv-WDc4XStHOWtGLeZJa2nP1-1bNDErwsA2dumQC-PhYfU894NHODIIqYM2j5yjnSIZEl5wiKCNkhTuS1AAy3V5pIgPS8lDRb14ysoKyKw/s800/Batgirl%20in%20Superman%20Comics.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="800" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4k9JUwmclFQ9FKmhEaxvRXTwWt434LlkDU8Yf2aZ-0ORCzDoTaTYisb0eZ1srBOsVxiOin6e6mabjfcaLv-WDc4XStHOWtGLeZJa2nP1-1bNDErwsA2dumQC-PhYfU894NHODIIqYM2j5yjnSIZEl5wiKCNkhTuS1AAy3V5pIgPS8lDRb14ysoKyKw/w423-h217/Batgirl%20in%20Superman%20Comics.jpeg" width="423" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And yes they finally get Babs' eye-color correct.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">What you cannot predict is that <i>Nightwing</i> and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El</i> benefitting some of the best Batman appearances ever.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53mgiFNIg-2n14zHuKx8E2xyTDpOs7l9a1eZjXJwRCy2PaSL2AxJn309Yxmue68RNRvubwExJ4hTXKfA2YtTXInsSsJh_INCAz18eaCNy2c5m04por9H0N2WzO_W9GhWtOyGdJqVUw4ZhV5qEvvCh17UH_b9osdPeqmo1Wr-IEGVgxLO-lVRSBAwF8w/s800/Batman%20and%20Jonathan%20Kent%20Sr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="737" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53mgiFNIg-2n14zHuKx8E2xyTDpOs7l9a1eZjXJwRCy2PaSL2AxJn309Yxmue68RNRvubwExJ4hTXKfA2YtTXInsSsJh_INCAz18eaCNy2c5m04por9H0N2WzO_W9GhWtOyGdJqVUw4ZhV5qEvvCh17UH_b9osdPeqmo1Wr-IEGVgxLO-lVRSBAwF8w/s320/Batman%20and%20Jonathan%20Kent%20Sr.jpeg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Awww...Dude</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Superman Son of Kal-El #11</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Taylor banks on the idea of Batman and Superman being the <i>World's Finest</i> team. Now speaking in strict continuity terms, not just historical, which is way easier to identify, that always was the case. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the New 52 era, Geoff Johns and/or Grant Morrison revealed that Batman and Superman worked together as a team soon after the Justice League formed. Greg Rucka in a done-in-one short story for a <i><a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2017/06/pobb-may-31-2017.html" target="_blank">Wonder Woman Annual </a></i>explained that Batman and Superman met Wonder Woman before they combined forces with the Flash, Aquaman, Cyborg and Green Lantern. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Taylor commingles the histories of Superman, Superman Jr, Batman, Nightwing, Batgirl, Jonathan and Martha Kent and Lois Lane even more within the pages of <i>Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCMhvQSGkqjPAmCOmYh2OMkvf0t_SLS5-rVBvXQnBS7otWTmR-ycTAEm1oNtp_aWGE6_2F4gDF67zDbB8PCJ6uJp8mE5RxyOcA9OlRFSOI_ptJEdGL_lDB3zygldRJPyXlt0c6NSUb6-3S_tneRkKwRm6t3emU_GwhT-fKUUadIL7PTviwlN1aF4rDg/s800/Lollipops.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCMhvQSGkqjPAmCOmYh2OMkvf0t_SLS5-rVBvXQnBS7otWTmR-ycTAEm1oNtp_aWGE6_2F4gDF67zDbB8PCJ6uJp8mE5RxyOcA9OlRFSOI_ptJEdGL_lDB3zygldRJPyXlt0c6NSUb6-3S_tneRkKwRm6t3emU_GwhT-fKUUadIL7PTviwlN1aF4rDg/s320/Lollipops.jpeg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Nightwing #89</span></i></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">He even thoughtfully explains how Jonathan Kent happens to be a teenager in a kind of reverse Grandfather Paradox that allows Lois Lane to be a perpetually youthful mother. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpUe9ZR2qkOjKGYwjERoB8CgbDrg4MZ9rWXOYtUiDwfLiyy6rMnL5PKJxqFCR-8LNJbRBk9qdpIJruKi5i923DpyiejUSgQUie4KArvVVcO5RbxI29jHaKWYtb4bcTdS2FvPSkJaq13YOXnd8fRw4kk_ib22gh00LweAVCZ9znm3WQZVw4tf40DsAUg/s800/Nobody%20Read%20That.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="800" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpUe9ZR2qkOjKGYwjERoB8CgbDrg4MZ9rWXOYtUiDwfLiyy6rMnL5PKJxqFCR-8LNJbRBk9qdpIJruKi5i923DpyiejUSgQUie4KArvVVcO5RbxI29jHaKWYtb4bcTdS2FvPSkJaq13YOXnd8fRw4kk_ib22gh00LweAVCZ9znm3WQZVw4tf40DsAUg/s320/Nobody%20Read%20That.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yeah, nobody read that. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you're wondering. Lois is in her early thirties. She's a contemporary of Batman and Superman. Nightwing and Batgirl are about twenty-seven. Jonathan Kent could be anywhere from twenty to twenty-two. I reckon Jason Todd falls into that range as well.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">When Jonathan Kent fails to save innocent lives, truly beyond his control, he turns to his holographic Dad for advice. That simulacrum proves less than helpful. Fortunately, Superman's robot, Kelex eavesdrops and turns to Nightwing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VfrZ_IrL6EimgH8gUZxtTsSiVcozmtNRcphjds7rJUoF05r_NQ0yxTVap0I7xk8B2qYvG4OTIJ_c4niblomOcOy-ENJ3_kC-CRRMRMe4qXaho2aOIF4BCt3cuPRDroJG9OsAiorlhCJHMz_fuoWqp6yWBbe7kpXTeGdm1cn8wOWCfU5JQpWc9aJ4eQ/s800/Kelex%20Pays%20a%20Visit.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="749" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VfrZ_IrL6EimgH8gUZxtTsSiVcozmtNRcphjds7rJUoF05r_NQ0yxTVap0I7xk8B2qYvG4OTIJ_c4niblomOcOy-ENJ3_kC-CRRMRMe4qXaho2aOIF4BCt3cuPRDroJG9OsAiorlhCJHMz_fuoWqp6yWBbe7kpXTeGdm1cn8wOWCfU5JQpWc9aJ4eQ/s320/Kelex%20Pays%20a%20Visit.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Nightwing #89</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Kelex, created by John Byrne, drifts in and out of the Superman titles, almost independently from the writer, but I think Taylor is the first to give Kelex a real personality. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xndi_Qy_fu3xP169Idywz0K87mGWQSZ96Eg_vIujfl9tuwp6agMzcbHG18jA9seeXNIDAxSxXYl4PJj4QUn6Cyo-ucVaHjeSS80MGWJDYWZZK223JatsRxcyX3iAas6cAokmnctz0Bz1w6WvJSFqY4d51EYee-Fe9uqow3A9XW5_9nLiil00ct1PAw/s800/Superman%20Son%20of%20Kal-El%20%239.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xndi_Qy_fu3xP169Idywz0K87mGWQSZ96Eg_vIujfl9tuwp6agMzcbHG18jA9seeXNIDAxSxXYl4PJj4QUn6Cyo-ucVaHjeSS80MGWJDYWZZK223JatsRxcyX3iAas6cAokmnctz0Bz1w6WvJSFqY4d51EYee-Fe9uqow3A9XW5_9nLiil00ct1PAw/s320/Superman%20Son%20of%20Kal-El%20%239.jpeg" width="211" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This meeting paves the way for the official Nightwing/Superman team-up pitting the heroes against a villainous two-for comprised of Lex Luthor and Henry Bendix. Bendix is the ruler of the isle of Gamorra who superficially looks a lot like Lex Luthor.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l2UQKVQHmyfh2tUDjAnOUi8JaRNMvTII2B80VvuMwqvHnSF9yCuM03EmIapRN7Q5SuDXFuvbvIEZkGGx_UhODWWKdKjYfui9MngVtTKCYJqFBSuB55Qj0U_Ym9S6sA9Oc-mlIj5BO-1Fv6P6ryc_ycKuM-XPY3epzgAtFCPre73X5QD4G5MEPQ8TKQ/s800/Bendix%20and%20Lex%20Luthor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="787" data-original-width="800" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l2UQKVQHmyfh2tUDjAnOUi8JaRNMvTII2B80VvuMwqvHnSF9yCuM03EmIapRN7Q5SuDXFuvbvIEZkGGx_UhODWWKdKjYfui9MngVtTKCYJqFBSuB55Qj0U_Ym9S6sA9Oc-mlIj5BO-1Fv6P6ryc_ycKuM-XPY3epzgAtFCPre73X5QD4G5MEPQ8TKQ/s320/Bendix%20and%20Lex%20Luthor.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You may vaguely remember those G and B names from <i>T7</i>, a latecomer to the New 52, that dealt with an eponymous group comprised of such luminaries as Dinah Drake, Amanda Waller, John Lynch, Slade Wilson, Steve Trevor and Cole Cash.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Lex and Bendix are screwing around with meta-humans to mind-control them and make them their mercenaries. If they don't obey, well...</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHND9cjGFrOW7C8viVkxNjBaGbWhVyj43kLmO0FZf5ul3tK9nNh_ucDdkqpPTe6SPafTrTlt8FWNUPUKnLoyZcxXGi655AIjHjtAowVr1eJDob7xPIZw4xJ7VApHB-vvMxE7cIz5_cnOfVQGuabC9mayu9yqxDT1HXc0cZrWUUvV-zJsnzUVrrRqF_Q/s800/Scanners%20Superman%20Style.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="800" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHND9cjGFrOW7C8viVkxNjBaGbWhVyj43kLmO0FZf5ul3tK9nNh_ucDdkqpPTe6SPafTrTlt8FWNUPUKnLoyZcxXGi655AIjHjtAowVr1eJDob7xPIZw4xJ7VApHB-vvMxE7cIz5_cnOfVQGuabC9mayu9yqxDT1HXc0cZrWUUvV-zJsnzUVrrRqF_Q/w390-h151/Scanners%20Superman%20Style.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You may be asking yourself why would Lex Luthor do this. The answer. I don't know. It's risky business playing <i>Scanners</i> with people. Practically speaking, it's unprofitable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t_wHeHbhCL1vZczw6mdF9ZLJmKxYGJunZtArTLqK45DyvHUjuv6TNCmdlJTqZMZW19ZDH4tgwJ_nCohFMKbI9Ct2YEUQjWqW7sAVrm0ZzcaMjRYbiEjkBjuQhYz4EhItjNhGT8mhyrRkfLa3D5N_aTbLzFlLEB0j7x4CwzqvszilrtygfeX8HF1I4A/s311/QuarkDS9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="311" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6t_wHeHbhCL1vZczw6mdF9ZLJmKxYGJunZtArTLqK45DyvHUjuv6TNCmdlJTqZMZW19ZDH4tgwJ_nCohFMKbI9Ct2YEUQjWqW7sAVrm0ZzcaMjRYbiEjkBjuQhYz4EhItjNhGT8mhyrRkfLa3D5N_aTbLzFlLEB0j7x4CwzqvszilrtygfeX8HF1I4A/w221-h209/QuarkDS9.jpg" width="221" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">One school at DC really wants Luthor to be a villain even if he's lost every motive that makes him want to kill Superman and/or the Superman Family. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3ZKGR7t2dtjnUTJf-NmDQG4L_pxbYl5FQAjxYx0tHxRDDk2q2RrxcNUrp17_eI-JxPWh0HuhRaALPYLN-EgI1KMTVBiUvLQLxwlzXTUzMGbZVdlWPpnOJpKyUhWSJvEC5z9c_xwEqRcGOhQ--ka8GuGXcg2kVZYE01bc0_XOBfMgLBSENA-m8ViHHg/s800/Girl%20with%20Super%20Powers%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="800" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3ZKGR7t2dtjnUTJf-NmDQG4L_pxbYl5FQAjxYx0tHxRDDk2q2RrxcNUrp17_eI-JxPWh0HuhRaALPYLN-EgI1KMTVBiUvLQLxwlzXTUzMGbZVdlWPpnOJpKyUhWSJvEC5z9c_xwEqRcGOhQ--ka8GuGXcg2kVZYE01bc0_XOBfMgLBSENA-m8ViHHg/w357-h257/Girl%20with%20Super%20Powers%20copy.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Superman Family #1</i></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Usually when they want Lex to be a villain nowadays, they flex toward racism. Lex just doesn't like aliens. The earth is now full of them. I've never seen him try to kill Starfire or the Hawks. What about Power Girl and Huntress? They're technically aliens.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you look at all the media portrayals of the villain, a definite motive drives Lex Luthor. The comic book Lex however has everything the other Lexes don't: wealth, fame, power, women if he wants them. So, I really don't buy <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2017/08/pobb-august-23-2017.html" target="_blank">Lex Luthor's villainy</a> anymore. He doesn't seem to have a rationale other than he's bored and wants to be a villain. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">My only thought about Lex in <i>Superman Son of Kal-El</i> is that he's more of a reflection of where we are today. An autocrat that lacks a single redeeming quality and looks like an orange toad left in the sun too long can incite a murderous mob of acolytes to overthrow democracy and get away with it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhPQ6UFzKvUdyRLiSB6vmp4UfGLrQZV8G9DY-DZBUQRu_-3B48z-K0pH5KGrPSL-_nQpelGlBRNMIt3lOEPeOgVCM5jlEazR33eIRFrVZPGKeNVTZUZsokIPhVQAFghb8fIh0Y2LbKNTPIlUDF_6rR6DAaWkusOD594snKTlwsghLtWRifOUCTa55tg/s800/Attorney_General_Merrick_Garland.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhPQ6UFzKvUdyRLiSB6vmp4UfGLrQZV8G9DY-DZBUQRu_-3B48z-K0pH5KGrPSL-_nQpelGlBRNMIt3lOEPeOgVCM5jlEazR33eIRFrVZPGKeNVTZUZsokIPhVQAFghb8fIh0Y2LbKNTPIlUDF_6rR6DAaWkusOD594snKTlwsghLtWRifOUCTa55tg/w165-h206/Attorney_General_Merrick_Garland.jpg" width="165" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">What the fuck are you waiting for!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Lex Luthor can get in bed with Bendix on this scheme to put bombs in meta-human heads and get away with it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Whatever. I'm not in this for the explosions. For a change. I'm in this for the amazing character moments, the comedy and the sweet, sweet artwork.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92bH3JLuei4WMSIcBA_oWDLgmtgPphtidT0ZkkfA-wMcVRTqEW9GKTDxCZREDgNCWsogOnY8R3mn_P01sAxmBw9nOD2e2enhn0JttH2zMiYw8NV3l_0Eaor7K_p6X21QDnHqq7fZqPjhCN3d6FcsjpBDtYY600kiu7kU673NbLguJPjPU6CuVMji4A/s800/Sweet%20Sweet%20Artwork.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv92bH3JLuei4WMSIcBA_oWDLgmtgPphtidT0ZkkfA-wMcVRTqEW9GKTDxCZREDgNCWsogOnY8R3mn_P01sAxmBw9nOD2e2enhn0JttH2zMiYw8NV3l_0Eaor7K_p6X21QDnHqq7fZqPjhCN3d6FcsjpBDtYY600kiu7kU673NbLguJPjPU6CuVMji4A/s320/Sweet%20Sweet%20Artwork.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">One of the themes that works extremely well in <i>Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El </i>is <i>The Truth</i>. <i>The Truth</i> is an online guerrilla journalism project run by Jay, Superman's boyfriend. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTusB8g5KSub2Xgwx2wveru2aBWpruSwO_0EUU5Du5UcVaYQk-K-Va1wFr0KMTeHQzTLL4wyBKH9FoQyM3i-JwyAZ51zsamGrz5a6igav6S0FnsQxd5nRee0BWcZVJHA1TiVWd0G_rgNO-fuKXpm6Wia9PhGWcy82nWJodoSXy4j4c4sGMRGEjOX16A/s800/The%20Truth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTusB8g5KSub2Xgwx2wveru2aBWpruSwO_0EUU5Du5UcVaYQk-K-Va1wFr0KMTeHQzTLL4wyBKH9FoQyM3i-JwyAZ51zsamGrz5a6igav6S0FnsQxd5nRee0BWcZVJHA1TiVWd0G_rgNO-fuKXpm6Wia9PhGWcy82nWJodoSXy4j4c4sGMRGEjOX16A/s320/The%20Truth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Chap with the Magenta Hair</span></i></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Most writers portray Bruce Wayne as merely the weaker face of Batman who uses his persona to better his crimefighting. To be sure, when writers do attempt to demonstrate Bruce's philanthropy, we seldom see the result. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Taylor emphasizes Nightwing's want to make the world a better place in tangible realistic ways. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eKBkjYrb-XEHBrCHKpBJ_GkbVW5AxFisqiMb8Vu7x3RIgRZOdYi7vNCCPqD_ArYGh4OSDJ-rjC3YOXPQoT8hMojdJwKEENY7rxvkM4ZnoivAdp6AldE51HCe5V9-OrclP-qxOBnf9pAuleQ4qA8EPAJyo6Ckpwac7rxbZ7U3M2QoQhUUCCuznnfYKg/s800/Dick%20Grayson%20and%20the%20Truth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eKBkjYrb-XEHBrCHKpBJ_GkbVW5AxFisqiMb8Vu7x3RIgRZOdYi7vNCCPqD_ArYGh4OSDJ-rjC3YOXPQoT8hMojdJwKEENY7rxvkM4ZnoivAdp6AldE51HCe5V9-OrclP-qxOBnf9pAuleQ4qA8EPAJyo6Ckpwac7rxbZ7U3M2QoQhUUCCuznnfYKg/s320/Dick%20Grayson%20and%20the%20Truth.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Nighwing #89</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Nightwing decides to invest, keeping Jay and making Lois Lane the face of <i>The Truth. </i> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This makes perfect sense assuming something happened to <i>The Daily Planet, </i>as is frequent. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8LPhYvffQAZJkAQ33joeVhF87MpNRWqmNwlMXhDVbhAaT8sGdbc0d9stXB2Y_FcZw2fAAhlcFplYfNOf9Uo4T4rNUpCJpOz_hcYFshBThutoIJjHVY-sBdB70zc-5kZD0aoNHEYfHdDk1npKM25Rse0vlnzGfu1oz3NSLjz0NhV-GaqD53caSAEnKQ/s800/Face%20of%20the%20Truth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="623" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8LPhYvffQAZJkAQ33joeVhF87MpNRWqmNwlMXhDVbhAaT8sGdbc0d9stXB2Y_FcZw2fAAhlcFplYfNOf9Uo4T4rNUpCJpOz_hcYFshBThutoIJjHVY-sBdB70zc-5kZD0aoNHEYfHdDk1npKM25Rse0vlnzGfu1oz3NSLjz0NhV-GaqD53caSAEnKQ/s320/Face%20of%20the%20Truth.jpeg" width="249" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Superman Son of Kal-El #9</i></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Lois is <i>the </i>DCU reporter. A Pulitzer winner and the wife of Superman senior. Historically, every generation knows who Lois Lane is. She permeated through radio, newspaper strips, serials, cartoons, television and movies.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mind you. <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2017/05/pobb-april-26-2017.html" target="_blank">Dan Jurgens </a>reworked all of Superman's history to the point where Wonder Woman mid-wifed Lois and helped deliver Jonathan. So we owe him a debt.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In Taylor's version of the shared worlds of DC, Lois is even more powerful a figure. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Lois is a confidant. She knows every hero's secret identity and history through her marriage to Superman. Let's see what happens when Lex attempts to promote a smear campaign against her son. Again, no rationale. Just a reflection of a "Fake News," spouting amoeba-brained cult leader.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ARkocpuN3lBtu7Pl0xq7HcNav-boyGM5qj4jNHieP0-U7y2IHj7Za-EwZGDzfbEEJF2VsSIRIyCClzjahTijJUT_mbZuYZrt_h9h9j_CfAFQibxkjiPDGGb1cAs8oftBzFWdF3wGBMP0J0pvCKHhM_6TWmn27lSUaWDKmOGIvKEDczMJD23rCqvOpQ/s800/Lois%20and%20the%20Golden%20Lasso.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="644" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ARkocpuN3lBtu7Pl0xq7HcNav-boyGM5qj4jNHieP0-U7y2IHj7Za-EwZGDzfbEEJF2VsSIRIyCClzjahTijJUT_mbZuYZrt_h9h9j_CfAFQibxkjiPDGGb1cAs8oftBzFWdF3wGBMP0J0pvCKHhM_6TWmn27lSUaWDKmOGIvKEDczMJD23rCqvOpQ/s320/Lois%20and%20the%20Golden%20Lasso.jpeg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Superman Son of Kal-El #10</span></i></div><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Taylor emphasizes throughout <i>Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El, </i>that she and the other heroes are old friends. She furthermore takes an active part in the work they do.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the next installment, we'll see how Tom Taylor trades guest stars between <i>Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El </i>to strengthen the story and how this whole shebang is still a chess match between Lex Luthor and Batman. That still doesn't explain Lex's villainy. Sorry.</span></div><div><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-57627661779569276262022-07-26T18:24:00.000-04:002022-07-26T18:24:58.297-04:00POBB July 26, 2022<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>July 26, 2022</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>by</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Ray Tate</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag. </i> In this column, I review comic books, good and bad, independent and mainstream. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">For this and the next posting it's a deep dive into the written work of Becky Cloonan, Mike Conrad and Tom Taylor. I'm also looking at renditions of artists Robbi Rodriguez, Rico Renzi, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, Cian Tormey and the rest of the creative teams behind <i>Batgirls, Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This blowout isn't a quick decision kind of thing, but you can still find my snappier judgements on twitter: #PickoftheBrownBag. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89MaLYBnBKSg8aA30gCUNd7F_V4FJbCGc0Fv2nLrywm1iCf01dWihYDMAnUArXcTxfZDtbQ6_PgXFT-suKawa0kSmUksc9cxipFCzL_i-2CJPoks2rQJulCK5H-z2lLVG6TDJYx2B9qIinITDOLucDBmOOgkXX4ka7RmAjC3AEq8T6URsVel-RJZnA/s800/Batgirls%20%237.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf89MaLYBnBKSg8aA30gCUNd7F_V4FJbCGc0Fv2nLrywm1iCf01dWihYDMAnUArXcTxfZDtbQ6_PgXFT-suKawa0kSmUksc9cxipFCzL_i-2CJPoks2rQJulCK5H-z2lLVG6TDJYx2B9qIinITDOLucDBmOOgkXX4ka7RmAjC3AEq8T6URsVel-RJZnA/s320/Batgirls%20%237.jpeg" width="210" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">If you haven't been paying attention, all of the aforementioned titles crossover to create a unique, optimistic shared world that's within the DC Universe proper. Perhaps, one may even say that <i>Batgirls, Nightwing </i>and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El </i>now comprise the DCU proper.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Not through plotting although there are examples in that area, but with regard to the characters. This phenomena will become apparent as you read on.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifoiqktBFU7-rcsGR1jyke_pN6bCMSTfsHuQ-JgLvuRnJwG5BGHMFXZUBFph3A_vxVVZAtpigrLeL89Qjm9gThVH_rnjxKAZX_Jxm0iVwXXykAQqnjriInuTP2WnnKrihW4pnP1bc2aima2lYVKmSKcLLkr52TOpMNEEoGjfVlH0bLHdLPRezpqBsXw/s800/Blue%20Eyes.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="800" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifoiqktBFU7-rcsGR1jyke_pN6bCMSTfsHuQ-JgLvuRnJwG5BGHMFXZUBFph3A_vxVVZAtpigrLeL89Qjm9gThVH_rnjxKAZX_Jxm0iVwXXykAQqnjriInuTP2WnnKrihW4pnP1bc2aima2lYVKmSKcLLkr52TOpMNEEoGjfVlH0bLHdLPRezpqBsXw/s320/Blue%20Eyes.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The most improved book award goes to <i>Batgirls</i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTs0hC7iGA3SpDfF9DvkvJ1nbrWq5v2LqeDa-GJsl2SwyXAafkdcGExqsqF43_NIPK2QzWy9-j4Oi-INnna0g-RTzY1lrpUV16Y6eFPKka--JIKc8itVjQs-O4VZP3WiVl63DVDFTnKVdbgtthgRUMtkIvKwhHDfqnP-ddrMvACcK0LTNsy3639qIkg/s800/Blue%20Eyes%20Two%20Eleictric%20Boogaloo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTs0hC7iGA3SpDfF9DvkvJ1nbrWq5v2LqeDa-GJsl2SwyXAafkdcGExqsqF43_NIPK2QzWy9-j4Oi-INnna0g-RTzY1lrpUV16Y6eFPKka--JIKc8itVjQs-O4VZP3WiVl63DVDFTnKVdbgtthgRUMtkIvKwhHDfqnP-ddrMvACcK0LTNsy3639qIkg/s320/Blue%20Eyes%20Two%20Eleictric%20Boogaloo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Finally somebody listened. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicisljq4l_Iokt74NLgdLK8tO8PQTVHnwd4oKGCaoyJWN46yHX16mh-3QGYrczqiYTnuoNjZWCnZU-URoZJoTH06nf4vFoFibzOmwgXpZaDIwOWO29tiagAwQkLGU-boESf5-V8mRI7s9p4qYL8iICetfrfyK2XgE9nJtI8rlKkC4vMyA8F2-WkAkDDA/s800/Batgirls%20%238.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicisljq4l_Iokt74NLgdLK8tO8PQTVHnwd4oKGCaoyJWN46yHX16mh-3QGYrczqiYTnuoNjZWCnZU-URoZJoTH06nf4vFoFibzOmwgXpZaDIwOWO29tiagAwQkLGU-boESf5-V8mRI7s9p4qYL8iICetfrfyK2XgE9nJtI8rlKkC4vMyA8F2-WkAkDDA/s320/Batgirls%20%238.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The fine tradition continues in current issue of <i>Batgirls </i>number eight.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoEUfA25scMCA59YQXlKu0CxLlFgbn0JMp_8KZhvaCUB1otOWbySaZ2a8jh9OC8MUXoybvpWvFd4w6dWIZKaPxYT6_vSr86vP-mvCBUFKZWa25AW69-LGP5CQTNWcNpi4_6cBNSHCrFigKJH8Nm8U0EGVtHoYRnROK--s4Cn_foc3FUtnyfGXnp1WJQ/s800/Blue%20Eyes%20Three.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoEUfA25scMCA59YQXlKu0CxLlFgbn0JMp_8KZhvaCUB1otOWbySaZ2a8jh9OC8MUXoybvpWvFd4w6dWIZKaPxYT6_vSr86vP-mvCBUFKZWa25AW69-LGP5CQTNWcNpi4_6cBNSHCrFigKJH8Nm8U0EGVtHoYRnROK--s4Cn_foc3FUtnyfGXnp1WJQ/s320/Blue%20Eyes%20Three.jpeg" width="196" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As well as the restoration of Babs'<b><u> blue eyes</u></b>, <i>Batgirls </i>is overall well-written, gorgeously illustrated in a singular style and Babs is suited up more often than not within the book, not just the cover. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyIgiqVusrMcYD8B2szq49_u2sHlewZFJo0YfG3B1r-hBJOh--LC10vFNj138vwaQEILcGWWB43bSMRf_oUU0xkeAr3mscxB4JDQ5lcpDWsf7AwjIbqNEHfJ5UMmxrQk4ztBYV7p4Pfr64UWC0Lhkj8alOiaOpdofA0NaZpnzDmdIdyaj9C-ZoZrknQ/s800/Batgirl%20in%20Batgirls%208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="800" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWyIgiqVusrMcYD8B2szq49_u2sHlewZFJo0YfG3B1r-hBJOh--LC10vFNj138vwaQEILcGWWB43bSMRf_oUU0xkeAr3mscxB4JDQ5lcpDWsf7AwjIbqNEHfJ5UMmxrQk4ztBYV7p4Pfr64UWC0Lhkj8alOiaOpdofA0NaZpnzDmdIdyaj9C-ZoZrknQ/s320/Batgirl%20in%20Batgirls%208.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That's really all I'm looking for in a skillfully scribed bona fide Batgirl book. Blue eyes and a Batgirl uniform. I mean, honestly you give me those three things in a so-so comic, I'll probably buy it.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">These two issues of <i>Batgirls</i> still unfortunately deal with the leftovers from the last Big Batman Stupid Event; for that reason, you should probably read them after <i>Nightwing </i>eight-six but before <i>Nightwing </i>eighty-nine.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The seeds of that Big Stupid Event sprouted from the soft reboot <i>Infinite Frontier</i> introducing nobody villain Simon Saint.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Simple Simon, I refuse to refer to him as Saint, since there are two <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Saint" target="_blank">gentlemen</a> who have rightful claim to that name, damaged Gotham by lighting it up with flying saucers...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYqmDXEgGlOl-PQB1n23bG8Lj5iyopv2H3gARbFKl8DSaR-7cAOL19neUJMqK6oMP9e0Eq5zr7V69syRii662QYpWOot8t9uPuZUL0Jqsw2izVO2WDnNI62glmUYxnMqp382lWpQF5RSvq1RtMHenO3yjkMMaTb5spkrBKDP4_4olfsFns9SFOj4mmA/s800/Saucer.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYqmDXEgGlOl-PQB1n23bG8Lj5iyopv2H3gARbFKl8DSaR-7cAOL19neUJMqK6oMP9e0Eq5zr7V69syRii662QYpWOot8t9uPuZUL0Jqsw2izVO2WDnNI62glmUYxnMqp382lWpQF5RSvq1RtMHenO3yjkMMaTb5spkrBKDP4_4olfsFns9SFOj4mmA/s320/Saucer.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...and attempting to eliminate the Bat population with dudes in low-rent Gundam suits. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiwtdyKW2xsWYr6haHvENAedvw77xvTFlQ74Ia0QRvox3eKniLkFHm0Sk8pZ_cVwDCPRQ-AqA39DvYLeaE28chVeaB5JgWCTlcIRAFrU84AVGYsLQO6-fbZO3WqnNYM8GmjS-tQoTK5pnfDMxsHeksGjHlyk-CpaeeU4_58QIAF1I1TzYjsGkBjt25g/s800/Tarsus%20and%20Simon%20Saint.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="800" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkiwtdyKW2xsWYr6haHvENAedvw77xvTFlQ74Ia0QRvox3eKniLkFHm0Sk8pZ_cVwDCPRQ-AqA39DvYLeaE28chVeaB5JgWCTlcIRAFrU84AVGYsLQO6-fbZO3WqnNYM8GmjS-tQoTK5pnfDMxsHeksGjHlyk-CpaeeU4_58QIAF1I1TzYjsGkBjt25g/s320/Tarsus%20and%20Simon%20Saint.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Stormtroopers would have been more successful. Anyway. The aftermath of this whole shindig results in Batgirl and her entourage trying to fend off the lethal advances of nineties post-apocalyptic patterned dudes like Tarsus up there. Tarsus by the way may sound familiar to you if you took an anatomy class. Once you realize what Tarsus is you should have known this bucket-headed menace was doomed to fail. You might say that he has an Achilles heel. See what I did there?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">These two issues of <i>Batgirls</i> despite dealing with the remains of the Big Stupid Event, also deliver a tale with a beginning, middle and end. So you actually get something of traditional worth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Beginning, the bad guy kidnaps a girl. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdp4RoMAC8ytn9nw_0YYqLXmsyWkLjLkgGRxWvHhfS7tHKjaZQnEd0gNmEN5d6Qq65Oeq-DfnEpUwyKrkID_3_Hmk_BkfoCAQUXmjkI5CjoDT5sB0hwRH9VU6wdO6xAxaahvLoOcg1XC3zAzpVPCvPj8yDzQHr0Gl7pIknfWlV2KT3Zz4naVTXtvsuQ/s800/Transgressions.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghdp4RoMAC8ytn9nw_0YYqLXmsyWkLjLkgGRxWvHhfS7tHKjaZQnEd0gNmEN5d6Qq65Oeq-DfnEpUwyKrkID_3_Hmk_BkfoCAQUXmjkI5CjoDT5sB0hwRH9VU6wdO6xAxaahvLoOcg1XC3zAzpVPCvPj8yDzQHr0Gl7pIknfWlV2KT3Zz4naVTXtvsuQ/w407-h202/Transgressions.jpeg" width="407" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yikes. I haven't seen this much inappropriate man-on-man love since Devin Nunes wanted to have Trump's baby. Oh, so it's not misconstrued, I support LGBT. Just not the Trump/Devin Nunes tryst, nor the monstrous baby they may have conceived.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskiZGNTqabhTTW83pDXAE8jqKzOhGRRUjbwVItQrx-RB3jHcujlmXZWIz6ZXfbG3-3Fk0Ap9KqWe1KuIOpIDzD6vLBSsBHleAkzuDRgI485SJBwnZH7UfmIQuQZnl5GRDwUDGg_2_ZlaUMl2l5IrMXvHQheofdCdYLgTli1ZkoIiq11oWnux1yQ7xCQ/s320/humanoids%205.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="320" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskiZGNTqabhTTW83pDXAE8jqKzOhGRRUjbwVItQrx-RB3jHcujlmXZWIz6ZXfbG3-3Fk0Ap9KqWe1KuIOpIDzD6vLBSsBHleAkzuDRgI485SJBwnZH7UfmIQuQZnl5GRDwUDGg_2_ZlaUMl2l5IrMXvHQheofdCdYLgTli1ZkoIiq11oWnux1yQ7xCQ/s1600/humanoids%205.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The middle, Batgirl and her team investigate. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOokWQWm7uDybzV3LOzXidLuPMn438qc6F8xOnQyYjpcvYOidlhyDHsVlip5CHB9Tqw3NiSOIWPOdbNXaghv0iQHl7dqxYVUoqrp8A7GiZCISRFcBUT_xBr0b8ARkvy6QR3VggbR9iHyN0BZuOwOTSIameELvMNn1p8VgOp0u-9b3TQSsLc9UuwIzdg/s800/I%20Like%20Spoiler%20and%20Cass%20as%20Well.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOokWQWm7uDybzV3LOzXidLuPMn438qc6F8xOnQyYjpcvYOidlhyDHsVlip5CHB9Tqw3NiSOIWPOdbNXaghv0iQHl7dqxYVUoqrp8A7GiZCISRFcBUT_xBr0b8ARkvy6QR3VggbR9iHyN0BZuOwOTSIameELvMNn1p8VgOp0u-9b3TQSsLc9UuwIzdg/s320/I%20Like%20Spoiler%20and%20Cass%20as%20Well.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You see? I'm perfectly aware <i>Batgirls</i> features somebody other than Barbara Gordon. I'm also willing to talk about and spotlight Spoiler and Cassandra Cain. I've got nothing against them. They just never should have been substitute Batgirls when Barbara's spine could have been healed at any time. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Cass looks much better with a face. Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner proved that in <i><a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2020/07/pobb-june-30-2020.html" target="_blank">Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey.</a> </i>Rodriguez classes her up in <i>Batgirls.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7jCmGWf-Y4a1NrZ41ANAsDK54f2MdY0aNcIX9AjsKmoWcg1W_1XlmeCdkTL35QoU1mxdruYtxhLyP3FRKsTkCTL93IZl-X90FihSNccbYMGoj6P6B1ZRxBUoldOljDDef_6PfSdBLp7eIyBT2KAKnglml9RhMv-UQptWxx0nwQaJmKvPMtPodHzhLg/s800/Highlighs.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="711" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7jCmGWf-Y4a1NrZ41ANAsDK54f2MdY0aNcIX9AjsKmoWcg1W_1XlmeCdkTL35QoU1mxdruYtxhLyP3FRKsTkCTL93IZl-X90FihSNccbYMGoj6P6B1ZRxBUoldOljDDef_6PfSdBLp7eIyBT2KAKnglml9RhMv-UQptWxx0nwQaJmKvPMtPodHzhLg/s320/Highlighs.jpeg" width="284" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Rodriguez demonstrates how a real artist should draw Cassandra Cain when wearing her classic costume. He generates lit contrasts, so you can see the detail. Was this really so hard? Rodriguez's partner colorist Rico Renzi further enhances the differences in texture and hue. Thus, the design doesn't look like somebody spilled a bottle of ink on the page and as an afterthought decided to finger out the shape of a bat with little bat boobs.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The end, rescue or defeat. I'm not saying which. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoBU2Wp3DlientHSbgYkB8vylbWaBtmIrhIEk8L_LtYKX0KeqQGCCnRzdxtOe9DVS2McyALKgHeMEOXVxBm2NxNL6kfn0QOK2biEMjPKD4l21Xmkb88u9Nufw42tvhVoe3wM9MgIyt2MHO9BzP3hJZXFiAsulq0Om4gqcVNSdDQpXU2SqTqzUM2lGAg/s700/Gal%20Gadot%20Spoiler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoBU2Wp3DlientHSbgYkB8vylbWaBtmIrhIEk8L_LtYKX0KeqQGCCnRzdxtOe9DVS2McyALKgHeMEOXVxBm2NxNL6kfn0QOK2biEMjPKD4l21Xmkb88u9Nufw42tvhVoe3wM9MgIyt2MHO9BzP3hJZXFiAsulq0Om4gqcVNSdDQpXU2SqTqzUM2lGAg/s320/Gal%20Gadot%20Spoiler.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It just so happens that the girl in question is another leftover from the Big Stupid Event debacle. So you may not care about the actual character, but you should care in general because she is just a girl and deserves to be saved. Unless, you're thinking like this waste of skin.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcs-jgn2aHohNT5lChlEaHuYMNcLULymyln9YBizEpHNctcWkHxrn8DipigkESvY-uZK1ffK6yAoDz83912NGQEhYgHDY5aws0zyxfzC64DJQ15oGDbP32DwScClZcYMS6YWRT8OuQAjZT49pjbs-5mQlWmoOQYVjeeK__KcHQl7PYttX45ZU6n1uTg/s800/rokita.ap-aa12f77eaad6f81d12a270c7ea640656ea67e05e-s800-c85.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdcs-jgn2aHohNT5lChlEaHuYMNcLULymyln9YBizEpHNctcWkHxrn8DipigkESvY-uZK1ffK6yAoDz83912NGQEhYgHDY5aws0zyxfzC64DJQ15oGDbP32DwScClZcYMS6YWRT8OuQAjZT49pjbs-5mQlWmoOQYVjeeK__KcHQl7PYttX45ZU6n1uTg/s320/rokita.ap-aa12f77eaad6f81d12a270c7ea640656ea67e05e-s800-c85.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Disbarment and defamation lawsuit coming soon </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to a courtroom near you.</span></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Of course if you're that waste of skin, you're probably not reading this blog anyhow. Cause you're likely not that much of a reader.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Batgirl calls in Nightwing to help her infiltrate the Iceberg Lounge, where Tarsus stashed the girl. The Iceberg Lounge is owned of course by the Penguin. Rodriguez and Renzi contribute a delightfully grotesque depiction. The Penguin is wearing the hat.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ65B9bdA9NUm-wrgo0VSgLb9lkfq-5kx5mfyDAF8yXw1VBl4VGwofxXE9XDaIWrCP_3ICmljkUStDjts1qKd5AGyMLmUU-SAozHesiasCIYz2OJnKi84Q1I2G3l-joH-Vqz5AIfHOceS_xnDslC6K6wmjvkpvE075cmhTAAgM3UtEmT3WoEezBFovDQ/s800/Penguin%20and%20Sword%20Swallower.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ65B9bdA9NUm-wrgo0VSgLb9lkfq-5kx5mfyDAF8yXw1VBl4VGwofxXE9XDaIWrCP_3ICmljkUStDjts1qKd5AGyMLmUU-SAozHesiasCIYz2OJnKi84Q1I2G3l-joH-Vqz5AIfHOceS_xnDslC6K6wmjvkpvE075cmhTAAgM3UtEmT3WoEezBFovDQ/s320/Penguin%20and%20Sword%20Swallower.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Some good old school fisticuffs against villains you may not know...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6HaYGeAPdMu7w4_s9YgZw8DqhQFkY8B47oF6BYlrHkTAf_0gOdQQ_lQTPOiExAOFP70rrFoQ4se4QxqRz9d84LOWF-4KDz9aLrq6MWJNFb9WfCx-89IuVAMiz6TLqcNhu6ude7AcqlIg3NQ6T4xsOuLKhunYyGn59Rx41NphEiVBXGO7y4MzZ-e66w/s800/Valentine%20Who.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6HaYGeAPdMu7w4_s9YgZw8DqhQFkY8B47oF6BYlrHkTAf_0gOdQQ_lQTPOiExAOFP70rrFoQ4se4QxqRz9d84LOWF-4KDz9aLrq6MWJNFb9WfCx-89IuVAMiz6TLqcNhu6ude7AcqlIg3NQ6T4xsOuLKhunYyGn59Rx41NphEiVBXGO7y4MzZ-e66w/s320/Valentine%20Who.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...villains you do know as well as villains that work for villains you know ensue. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ibVHRsb7TgOIxhhTRz7yrp_67iafF566GLiuBiKk6difG_WXjPCBzSs25eRfJuVvNOoL02mT1iY2J1vIVvV_E0iUmucuaTmgF4zPz8-_3ro_QQKPPDSlCvNEXNRqwxlYEd8Nv0xdCGaDe9B63F6cetKHyGJq6yBRHhMOVF19L-J5QAGNrUYaWFulA/s800/Penguin%20vs%20Batgirls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="800" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-ibVHRsb7TgOIxhhTRz7yrp_67iafF566GLiuBiKk6difG_WXjPCBzSs25eRfJuVvNOoL02mT1iY2J1vIVvV_E0iUmucuaTmgF4zPz8-_3ro_QQKPPDSlCvNEXNRqwxlYEd8Nv0xdCGaDe9B63F6cetKHyGJq6yBRHhMOVF19L-J5QAGNrUYaWFulA/s320/Penguin%20vs%20Batgirls.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This is pretty much a perfect comic book. The art and writing do justice to the stars, who have been around for ten to forty or so years. The other characters' longevity is irrelevant since they're just here to be punched and disposed of cleverly, and for those of you that want it, there's a love story going on behind the scenes.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The creative team behind <i>Batgirls </i>and <i>Nightwing </i>are very Dick Grayson and Babs Gordon pro-romance.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have never been a Batgirl/Robin shipper. I never thought they should hook up because Batgirl originally was five to seven years older than Robin. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdUNWqxXSjZvCIm7yEEbxockObA8eUIfR0wW6yzHKLgGnR_JMe8j34qRiMEIRi-TF_jWvttHerM0Yyrj027HJv3AX28O01CGBk5m7ZKenX5RC5fUai0UdSzeW_OuggttmajWEQMJ3-sQEOQOCpVz9Hj-xYR3UGkqPHz9T2-ikXpJVQSmZepEUSYdDHw/s800/Batgirl%20Candidate.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="787" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdUNWqxXSjZvCIm7yEEbxockObA8eUIfR0wW6yzHKLgGnR_JMe8j34qRiMEIRi-TF_jWvttHerM0Yyrj027HJv3AX28O01CGBk5m7ZKenX5RC5fUai0UdSzeW_OuggttmajWEQMJ3-sQEOQOCpVz9Hj-xYR3UGkqPHz9T2-ikXpJVQSmZepEUSYdDHw/s320/Batgirl%20Candidate.jpeg" width="315" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">She was at least twenty-five since she was a Congresswoman. Though I clocked her older. Estimating twenty-seven. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Robin wasn't even in his senior year of college. This made Robin about nineteen at the most. Twenty if you want to be really generous. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Given my comic book youth I never even considered May/December romances as a thing that actually happened outside of movies. So it never occurred to me that Robin actually had a shot with Batgirl should she choose. I had heard but dismissed as a myth about the older woman making a man out of a boy. Batgirl didn't seem the type, and Robin seemed too immature to be a man. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">All of what I knew changed during the post-Crisis.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">DC incorporated <i>The Killing Joke</i> into proper continuity. Never should have been done given how all the magic and science fiction once available in the pre-Crisis resurfaced in the post-Crisis. To add insult to injury, DC also de-aged Barbara so that she would be within Robin's--Now Nightwing's--reach. This made me furious.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Rather than de-age Babs <i>and</i> heal her spine. They<i> just </i>de-aged her to create a fantasy where Nightiwng and Barbara could have sex in a different world kind of bullshit. They took away one obstacle to create a wet dream that benefitted Nightwing, who in the post-Crisis was a sphincter.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YGhiJ25jwSrBg4PP-H8PD7WtZn9i6S5DzfVnL22BH2bH0U6qK1P329jmJPLMIftNJBFOTXIEs1MzKj_SqFxCOkpGCPwU0NrFsSZLF6uw2lQGGXe8L9130NInR4mLTJymV6S1HTmhe0xryOXIsLFwk_GUHyDnQ8DQfMawC3tQueyM64rDhhS5IXQWSA/s1842/Page%2015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1303" data-original-width="1842" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YGhiJ25jwSrBg4PP-H8PD7WtZn9i6S5DzfVnL22BH2bH0U6qK1P329jmJPLMIftNJBFOTXIEs1MzKj_SqFxCOkpGCPwU0NrFsSZLF6uw2lQGGXe8L9130NInR4mLTJymV6S1HTmhe0xryOXIsLFwk_GUHyDnQ8DQfMawC3tQueyM64rDhhS5IXQWSA/w338-h239/Page%2015.jpg" width="338" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Oh, Kindly Shut Up.</i></div></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That jerk didn't deserve Batgirl. In fact he didn't deserve sex, which made his horn dog successes with women even more irritating. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">With the birth of the New 52, the Powers That Be, specifically writer Kyle Higgins, restored the humanity in Nightwing. He was no longer Night-Whiner. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Dick Grayson actually became a decent guy. Other writers like Scott Snyder and "show-runner" editors decided that Batman didn't need to be a hateful machine to be fucking cool. In fact, he's way cooler now than he was in the post-Crisis. Possibly even the pre-Crisis.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ik_EiDTN2gKJdMnutERB5ukJbQHqMn01mcCR0dUnWfPIJ9vjviMacH1ogqtXGb8xT1eUMaUcEkszqnIvgN0HOOQgBzKAuBL_OdZYzDqCeLNerze-3kjg8XUaHYs0y_9wijFmrHqw5_cz0udlBB2fWqfDQXJfhBd8cELgI_Nf5EsfxFGNR-mwo7QTRQ/s800/Shadow%20of%20the%20Bat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="535" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ik_EiDTN2gKJdMnutERB5ukJbQHqMn01mcCR0dUnWfPIJ9vjviMacH1ogqtXGb8xT1eUMaUcEkszqnIvgN0HOOQgBzKAuBL_OdZYzDqCeLNerze-3kjg8XUaHYs0y_9wijFmrHqw5_cz0udlBB2fWqfDQXJfhBd8cELgI_Nf5EsfxFGNR-mwo7QTRQ/s320/Shadow%20of%20the%20Bat.jpg" width="214" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They restored Batman's relationships with Dick Grayson, Barbara Gordon and even Jason Todd, truly resurrected after ambivalently being resurrected, maybe. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So now, after twenty or so years of teasing shippers, Nightwing seems to be headed into a permanent relationship with Barbara Gordon, courtesy of Cloonan, Conrad and Tom Taylor. How do I feel about it? I'm good. I never considered Barbara Gordon as some kind of nerd girlfriend. She's not real. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9IE9mm3a0va-_KjRvC8QIC6qkegcZParoTuQzzqn1Klipn2uzuZeEbaM72L7v3XdMDdxb-maL56JpK4bgzftYhRqssTwAul1UA2r6LRzjR9-3spWuxQ89wiY_ieDQBXoE6qj3WHSnxoJsed_jxLw6hs8MycQcTFXN4ci-6UogpsRW4AhIYa4Ksl6Ew/s391/Yvonne_Craig_Batgirl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9IE9mm3a0va-_KjRvC8QIC6qkegcZParoTuQzzqn1Klipn2uzuZeEbaM72L7v3XdMDdxb-maL56JpK4bgzftYhRqssTwAul1UA2r6LRzjR9-3spWuxQ89wiY_ieDQBXoE6qj3WHSnxoJsed_jxLw6hs8MycQcTFXN4ci-6UogpsRW4AhIYa4Ksl6Ew/s320/Yvonne_Craig_Batgirl.jpg" width="205" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yvonne Craig was real and my first crush.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I just wanted Babs to have somebody that deserved her. Man or woman, despite my never once imagining her to be gay. Would have been totally fine if Supergirl and Batgirl picked each other. Would have been fine if she never thought about sex again. Nightwing however finally does deserve Barbara Gordon. </span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The relationship develops slowly and humorously throughout the run of <i>Nightwing </i>where in fact Babs first returns as Batgirl.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HQvSeqJhlAFVI_owIbbO8G9WJIBmDLmBEJdq4xf3OQlQVXgEAH6B4erYk520pDsnKYGXWQceu9BguXWHEuTGvj3YDS5teZ9xdjWULUp1Zlr7nHMK2e0rP4Pfj69GQhyqrpZPRAaccBGcHMaVNjMf0-hHdL0qSPcL-HPAoUYqAZaErIKRxTGzT1LcKQ/s800/Batgirl%20in%20Costume%20from%20Nightwing.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HQvSeqJhlAFVI_owIbbO8G9WJIBmDLmBEJdq4xf3OQlQVXgEAH6B4erYk520pDsnKYGXWQceu9BguXWHEuTGvj3YDS5teZ9xdjWULUp1Zlr7nHMK2e0rP4Pfj69GQhyqrpZPRAaccBGcHMaVNjMf0-hHdL0qSPcL-HPAoUYqAZaErIKRxTGzT1LcKQ/s320/Batgirl%20in%20Costume%20from%20Nightwing.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Fuck yeah! </i></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That is her current, awesome costume designed by Robbi Rodriguez and Adriano Lucas. Batgirl's return occurs in <i>Nightwing </i>eighty-four which is still part of the <i>Fear State</i> business with Simple Simon.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the next issue, Babs and Dick under the influence of the Scarecrow's fear gas, employed by Simple Simon battle each other until...</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gKOJU2xlbVL-12ZCli7aGKTqb6BrnEyaMXR1TvoDQbMlYj0ye41YHwX9Fvmqnz8OhCHHFNUfUUmx0DmXWzTySncxOasIDzh-NchD-nyyt1XNtPvRAuTyUN7HZ7r-edf8n9h5rS3XJk8Enlht8NDul5FY01Q4HV1wNWNq_-2tPjEF4m7n6szo1TnaDA/s800/Fear%20Gas.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="513" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gKOJU2xlbVL-12ZCli7aGKTqb6BrnEyaMXR1TvoDQbMlYj0ye41YHwX9Fvmqnz8OhCHHFNUfUUmx0DmXWzTySncxOasIDzh-NchD-nyyt1XNtPvRAuTyUN7HZ7r-edf8n9h5rS3XJk8Enlht8NDul5FY01Q4HV1wNWNq_-2tPjEF4m7n6szo1TnaDA/s320/Fear%20Gas.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Yeah. So, they're an almost item now, but Tom Taylor isn't making them a typical couple.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZOE42LY9a9lJIq2OXtH5tV70CxaaCftuwQSRaXoY6lpmkFPqMf_X9zPrdCaHfUYJRKR-uxGkyTwI6Lgbbehx_pWxZyOzAn9IXFWoODX2GPBBrXbkebqLuf_OPJjotC0mdibPJo2UoQph55_v_zQqlbtJUOab_ImHQnKdUxwB9J5vL-6PxGHVNUuKww/s800/We%20Haven't%20Put%20a%20Label%20on%20It.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZOE42LY9a9lJIq2OXtH5tV70CxaaCftuwQSRaXoY6lpmkFPqMf_X9zPrdCaHfUYJRKR-uxGkyTwI6Lgbbehx_pWxZyOzAn9IXFWoODX2GPBBrXbkebqLuf_OPJjotC0mdibPJo2UoQph55_v_zQqlbtJUOab_ImHQnKdUxwB9J5vL-6PxGHVNUuKww/s320/We%20Haven't%20Put%20a%20Label%20on%20It.jpeg" width="212" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the next <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i> I look at the <i>Nightwing</i> and <i>Superman Son of Kal-El</i> duality and how Tom Taylor incorporates/sneaks much of the DCU in the two titles.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><br /></div></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-40813915958251964222022-07-13T09:42:00.000-04:002022-07-13T09:42:45.024-04:00POBB July 11, 2022<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: center;">July 11, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ray Tate</div></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In this independent column, I review comic books as well as other media. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Because the comic book <i>Doctor Who</i> is a spin-off of the longest running science fiction television series in the history of the medium, you’ll taste a sample of that versatility with this posting. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re looking for a quick decision on any of my subjects. You’re better off checking me out on Twitter: #PickoftheBrownBag.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">After you retrieve your booty from your friendly-neighborhood comic book store, I recommend that you tune in to the free <i>Doctor Who</i> audio broadcast <i>Doctor Who</i> <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds" target="_blank">“Redacted.</a>" </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclA82mdi9l-ZVdRiloslT6QYuQj17Nbv5_6My0wRBFaILEDEJTNH1rvQjs6Q7OA6Ovb6EzfsNc-tR_nZ5ZA8AHBFagcoatn13L_7J1ioRI4PNztc0FUnWAHu5X6aGC5ITFRHkhv2R2Gy8wtSylwj6JsKis5IwDtCJaxtItJdoavQBDB49Ngnw4AA6BA/s1350/289273210_8268572153156739_5301422160991457219_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclA82mdi9l-ZVdRiloslT6QYuQj17Nbv5_6My0wRBFaILEDEJTNH1rvQjs6Q7OA6Ovb6EzfsNc-tR_nZ5ZA8AHBFagcoatn13L_7J1ioRI4PNztc0FUnWAHu5X6aGC5ITFRHkhv2R2Gy8wtSylwj6JsKis5IwDtCJaxtItJdoavQBDB49Ngnw4AA6BA/s320/289273210_8268572153156739_5301422160991457219_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">That link will take you to BBC Sounds, which offers a lot of free podcasts as well as streaming music including the Glastonbury concerts. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Anyhow, just stick in the word "Redacted," or "Doctor Who" in the search function. Sorry for making you do more work than a Fox News pundit. Trying to avoid broken, lost links.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The ten part story had me enthralled to very end. The radio serial isn’t just a bit of fluff. It’s authentic <i>Doctor Who</i>. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jodie Whittaker participates as the Doctor, along with some familiar voices from the show’s past and present. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Incidentally, if you’re looking for the current <i>Doctor Who</i> series stream and you have no access to BBC America, join <a href="https://www.amcplus.com" target="_blank">AMC+</a>. The new American home for <i>Doctor Who</i>.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the way, I'm not getting paid in any way, shape or form from either industry. I represent a public service to direct you to <i>Doctor Who, </i>a show that I love,<i> </i>and comic books worth reading. Also trying to save you money by avoiding the bad ones. That's all the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i> ever was and still is.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hKhFZpztXy8MMJdrmkh6wmkAh646GHXUpLtIu-trEwfpGI_n2ZdqQ74AaLlMWz1ttZXbJMYQ4N1KC7I_7An2xco1gC-8aDY56vo3TzCyjYPerX3fG2NmZK-Sw6txX3HBwzPc5Xb94Ou1CL8XatvPFSqGlzVFMMOvvYO5-0UgaoGkC95rMWKdZfWaOw/s800/Jo%20Martin%20DW%20%231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hKhFZpztXy8MMJdrmkh6wmkAh646GHXUpLtIu-trEwfpGI_n2ZdqQ74AaLlMWz1ttZXbJMYQ4N1KC7I_7An2xco1gC-8aDY56vo3TzCyjYPerX3fG2NmZK-Sw6txX3HBwzPc5Xb94Ou1CL8XatvPFSqGlzVFMMOvvYO5-0UgaoGkC95rMWKdZfWaOw/s320/Jo%20Martin%20DW%20%231.jpeg" width="215" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you haven’t watched <i>Doctor Who</i>’s current season, you’ll still be able to enjoy the comic book which features the likeness of Jo Martin as the Doctor. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zRfNVjYplj3OKPOXBM8rBL8HPc5J-9omPLADccvJmf9z1-rngxtKKa24h42a0XHwjdLxmQeiDF0znkRaaWkm-z5QLaCcmDzK8MW4IX2gBf-vVCNKmDmMbR-bwqUZgLxyQFv0PwU3GM2ccVzK0GYSnkXrb8-eYZ2jE9Z-Iq2HvznXAha7nnfUau9y3g/s800/doctor-who-ruth-clayton-jo-martin-jodie-whittaker%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zRfNVjYplj3OKPOXBM8rBL8HPc5J-9omPLADccvJmf9z1-rngxtKKa24h42a0XHwjdLxmQeiDF0znkRaaWkm-z5QLaCcmDzK8MW4IX2gBf-vVCNKmDmMbR-bwqUZgLxyQFv0PwU3GM2ccVzK0GYSnkXrb8-eYZ2jE9Z-Iq2HvznXAha7nnfUau9y3g/s320/doctor-who-ruth-clayton-jo-martin-jodie-whittaker%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Introduced in Jodie Whittaker’s Series Twelve as a mystery Doctor. "The Fugitive of the Judoon" reprises her enigma in Series Thirteen, which comprises the <i>Doctor Who</i> serial "The Flux," now available on blu-ray.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrygwPwUbRp6HK39YpviDQBV19Wh9mEw9pu1sSaLvYix_HAhao81hJjMQ6FdRPdp9_gHa7aXCiLv15UF0vkd8H1ivKlYZp6LL6aY_eHK-w43NQ6Oi6x58P2mxV3hGmKDNoGxlGX8aQYSazWJE6-9wzJcFU1S2GHJEgJJ_daIrKIMkoL1fyFs-AJT65g/s620/Jodie-Whittaker-and-Jo-Martin-in-Doctor-Who-806a0a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrygwPwUbRp6HK39YpviDQBV19Wh9mEw9pu1sSaLvYix_HAhao81hJjMQ6FdRPdp9_gHa7aXCiLv15UF0vkd8H1ivKlYZp6LL6aY_eHK-w43NQ6Oi6x58P2mxV3hGmKDNoGxlGX8aQYSazWJE6-9wzJcFU1S2GHJEgJJ_daIrKIMkoL1fyFs-AJT65g/s320/Jodie-Whittaker-and-Jo-Martin-in-Doctor-Who-806a0a2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the by, a second viewing of "The Flux" especially with closed captions reveals a lot of good, solid science fiction and/or far-fetched technology introduced previously. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">There’s still some metaphysical tomfoolery regarding the nature of time, but the clutch of stories aren’t nearly as dumbfounding as they were the first time around.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The Flux" further sheds light on The Division, an inscrutable organization also introduced in Series Twelve. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Division plays a big part in "The Flux." The Doctor’s arch-nemesis The Master at the conclusion of Series Twelve reveals the Doctor worked for the Division, but they wiped out her memories of her association. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s not really a new technique. In fact it’s an oddball centerpiece of <i>Doctor Who</i>.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Time Lords are aliens that live on the planet Gallifrey. They forswore interfering in other cultures’ development except in the rarest of occasions. As a result they gave up casual time travel. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4PGqjklHenaGqPz01gZJyTmZIJW9HMH4FCAosxIUrrF_ap4aMIWd0ZexdpSBLHf_fyZ_Lw7lmyNwYE8v0O18BQ3R2h0WDnA0HL41gZT6-3ELRqD-BDGwSnnvK1-a-Lj3yupeSyX4j0lr4J1eNtuPsbBcxhT5O8atDxUBAqggiX6x7LQENYhjEiGRQA/s976/Hartnell%20Doctor.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="976" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4PGqjklHenaGqPz01gZJyTmZIJW9HMH4FCAosxIUrrF_ap4aMIWd0ZexdpSBLHf_fyZ_Lw7lmyNwYE8v0O18BQ3R2h0WDnA0HL41gZT6-3ELRqD-BDGwSnnvK1-a-Lj3yupeSyX4j0lr4J1eNtuPsbBcxhT5O8atDxUBAqggiX6x7LQENYhjEiGRQA/s320/Hartnell%20Doctor.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Doctor disagreed with his people. So, he and his granddaughter Susan steal a faulty, decommissioned TARDIS to leave Gallifrey. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtTzVFS5q6JDn4PE6VlOVJ-S26rPRakLEH1Smv2Oxnozz63C8vAq4QFlIjCVB01p0xTBs2lZJJojOy8alttksfc7_bszxJtgoeguN2xTgakfC4feOBfxY9NieJu98FgOJUc_qTLXA1QD5XnA0LGMa1Zo0UniBDDoiTV5b0YuEdE86jn0b7KvVi9UYzQ/s740/First-Doctor-and-Susan-TARDIS-in-Doctor-Who%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="740" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtTzVFS5q6JDn4PE6VlOVJ-S26rPRakLEH1Smv2Oxnozz63C8vAq4QFlIjCVB01p0xTBs2lZJJojOy8alttksfc7_bszxJtgoeguN2xTgakfC4feOBfxY9NieJu98FgOJUc_qTLXA1QD5XnA0LGMa1Zo0UniBDDoiTV5b0YuEdE86jn0b7KvVi9UYzQ/s320/First-Doctor-and-Susan-TARDIS-in-Doctor-Who%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The show gives many other reasons why the Doctor and Susan steal the TARDIS, but one remains steadfast. The Doctor and Susan wanted to explore the space-time continuum in total freedom.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVl3dfdJuII5vwEWLQyIxyrWyZ2G0oK-D79Rk5xDXg11oqANkL_pb9aOgsyAiNHUj_pJtqQedNnx41oi6-lUPZMZVASssQS39cDY5MhnGv20PcuRB9SYHGrppCmi58IpL4kMTJ-55rHe8r3TOUFWXx4HJmocghgNdraRuRUgnotB2ZORoj0I9ktmGrg/s640/war%20games%20trial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVl3dfdJuII5vwEWLQyIxyrWyZ2G0oK-D79Rk5xDXg11oqANkL_pb9aOgsyAiNHUj_pJtqQedNnx41oi6-lUPZMZVASssQS39cDY5MhnGv20PcuRB9SYHGrppCmi58IpL4kMTJ-55rHe8r3TOUFWXx4HJmocghgNdraRuRUgnotB2ZORoj0I9ktmGrg/s320/war%20games%20trial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">In Patrick Troughton’s final <i>Doctor Who</i> serial “The War Games,” the Doctor has no choice but to reveal himself to the Time Lords who eventually punish him for his crimes against Gallifrey. Two of which include interference with other cultures and the theft of a TARDIS. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpB8EZLZVrf5kmM3J3TsvQlZELU9vTSmwz-4uFnvQOVOxBfs_nnjLeqIy0J2v_KWssKI97KRQtx2sZG43IY-K-gVf_HDzPrkalKeh4Xu8c3-xww8pPSpu0HyovEFz6UarpunilQGu6303lmo419mZSRjswDDg6ukQLMxb9xv8gyuDiE9MoUACuYkVEg/s400/doctorwho-thedeadlyassassin24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCpB8EZLZVrf5kmM3J3TsvQlZELU9vTSmwz-4uFnvQOVOxBfs_nnjLeqIy0J2v_KWssKI97KRQtx2sZG43IY-K-gVf_HDzPrkalKeh4Xu8c3-xww8pPSpu0HyovEFz6UarpunilQGu6303lmo419mZSRjswDDg6ukQLMxb9xv8gyuDiE9MoUACuYkVEg/s320/doctorwho-thedeadlyassassin24.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tom Baker serial "The Deadly Assassin" indicates the Celestial Intervention Agency, perhaps the governmental Gallifreyan face of Division, intervened on the Doctor’s behalf. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Time Lords strike a bargain with the Doctor and use him as their operative, for those aforementioned rare occasions, as evidenced in the Colin Baker era episode “The Two Doctors.” </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwYvIaQJGOEBbYuHcFgOj6AtjJjojqhUK54n31eqBkyQ7lKt_2e21drTZf8SpTXBMaji-rJiQV4TbkCQHi7b2vMkrrWqYI_dadiXFfpt7jpjFZ3QWq2r0H4K0QCmsplPvT17T5EaaZ4uMx_jyKZo21X9Wx8x5QsjncR23ucmNCif2q2ooWVXPZXDCmA/s800/dw_cl_0686_second-and-sixth-doctors-in-the-two-doctors-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwYvIaQJGOEBbYuHcFgOj6AtjJjojqhUK54n31eqBkyQ7lKt_2e21drTZf8SpTXBMaji-rJiQV4TbkCQHi7b2vMkrrWqYI_dadiXFfpt7jpjFZ3QWq2r0H4K0QCmsplPvT17T5EaaZ4uMx_jyKZo21X9Wx8x5QsjncR23ucmNCif2q2ooWVXPZXDCmA/s320/dw_cl_0686_second-and-sixth-doctors-in-the-two-doctors-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">What happens in between the "second" Doctor Patrick Troughton and "third" Doctor Jon Pertwee eras of <i>Doctor Who</i> is anybody’s guess. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmYj-yW_va0JbKXB6aAsXcZTdLG-9577g-PPG6tGGEXL5eAIKMYKGAF5hfZb3uR0egZcwWDtpIEMmCSBdI3Izh7bCgksTr7ZQyuq7pUzmF1TcoBHXagm4U0SvRu_7Pg70cg3qpqOWUOUhU_Crt1no3nE9BFAHVAPKeq7SpejspjsiVO9UyBdZwLe8Xg/s400/Doctor%20Who%20-%20Liz%20-%20Doctor%20Who%20and%20the%20Silurians%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmYj-yW_va0JbKXB6aAsXcZTdLG-9577g-PPG6tGGEXL5eAIKMYKGAF5hfZb3uR0egZcwWDtpIEMmCSBdI3Izh7bCgksTr7ZQyuq7pUzmF1TcoBHXagm4U0SvRu_7Pg70cg3qpqOWUOUhU_Crt1no3nE9BFAHVAPKeq7SpejspjsiVO9UyBdZwLe8Xg/s320/Doctor%20Who%20-%20Liz%20-%20Doctor%20Who%20and%20the%20Silurians%201.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Suffice to say, Jon Pertwee as the Doctor now carries out the original sentence imposed by the Time Lords. A new face. Confined to the planet earth. Although, curiously, they have rewarded him with legal ownership of the TARDIS he originally stole. The Time Lords furthermore alter the Doctor’s memory so he cannot operate so much as the TARDIS’ flashing light atop its police box shell. In one episode, the Doctor manages to transport himself into a pile of dust bins. No. This Doctor isn't going anywhere.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, we get to Jo Martin who retroactively predates William Hartnell’s first Doctor. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Doctor, whom we know little about, operated with greater knowledge of The Division. At some point she becomes just as much as a fugitive as the Doctor we know and the Division obliterates her memory, not just alters it.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCERV0Mb0JYS_uc3f2d-wh3IqB5i6Yyy5tggVAonPZxJhjsqjHl_sxc6cBJC7cIfN870ufbLH5vVrv0oZW5hU1Cu2c-EgG5dPOSGWz_Uq1DUDgUd3G2kTWl1X-YrmncCT7-oEu1Pt7lZAKTQbfZbpEnnYGZhKcnkCJ1Xle1ArAal422Vnp-Qn6fC3iRw/s800/the-three-doctors-jon-pertwee-william-hartnell-patrick-troughton-ten-year-anniversary-doctor-who-back-when-1400x792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="800" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCERV0Mb0JYS_uc3f2d-wh3IqB5i6Yyy5tggVAonPZxJhjsqjHl_sxc6cBJC7cIfN870ufbLH5vVrv0oZW5hU1Cu2c-EgG5dPOSGWz_Uq1DUDgUd3G2kTWl1X-YrmncCT7-oEu1Pt7lZAKTQbfZbpEnnYGZhKcnkCJ1Xle1ArAal422Vnp-Qn6fC3iRw/s320/the-three-doctors-jon-pertwee-william-hartnell-patrick-troughton-ten-year-anniversary-doctor-who-back-when-1400x792.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, William Hartnell’s Doctor truly believes himself to be the first, the original. As he often mentions. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reality Break</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s somewhat unfortunate that show runner Chris Chibnall created this schism. Doctor Jo Martin would have fit nicely in between Patrick Troughton’s and Jon Pertwee’s times as the Doctor. It irritates me when people don’t take the simpler solution and instead create friction. On the bright side, nothing in his treatment conflicts with the Doctor being “half-human, on his mother’s side.” So, I’ll take what I can get.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fiction Resumes</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jody Houser takes on the so-called fugitive Doctor. I’m against this label because most of the Doctor’s life has been one of a fugitive. Why she should be singled out is beyond me. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, this is mostly unexplored territory, but Houser’s characterization of the Doctor rings true. She's also trying to balance out the Doctor as an operative for the somewhat lawful evil Division and as the Doctor we know. It's not an enviable task, but she manages it with aplomb.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The story begins at the finish of a previous adventure with the Doctor teaming up with a Weeping Angel. The Division uses any species to get the job done, including the Doctor's traditional enemies. So, a truce is established.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RdYob9qCpu-jxF5P-zklxkVd4LCELuTJ4plXOkmi8EjRtwNJgt-bJJUZ3e5VhzVaI73e8Y9qAem0mUJUSI4hr71qQmTaJg6PIUSl3YUPfA23rk2QWdcCV7h_z7qfTNryl6cGMI4i2ukUiIVFxlag-2QJiPloyasdXRczHM2Sf9TLSPO5Jk0QHZQMMQ/s800/Angel%20In%20the%20TARDIS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RdYob9qCpu-jxF5P-zklxkVd4LCELuTJ4plXOkmi8EjRtwNJgt-bJJUZ3e5VhzVaI73e8Y9qAem0mUJUSI4hr71qQmTaJg6PIUSl3YUPfA23rk2QWdcCV7h_z7qfTNryl6cGMI4i2ukUiIVFxlag-2QJiPloyasdXRczHM2Sf9TLSPO5Jk0QHZQMMQ/w400-h225/Angel%20In%20the%20TARDIS.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The vignette which works as a short-short story smoothly segues to the Doctor's new mission and new companion, Taslo.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ_0znL9qWbTa5o7x0lMQh0QyzJ5gbcBu6We_NOXV9rSxSHfGVymVG5--xhgwLBEIjba3Mh9WwpfwbRS2uEh9DDCUy9LWVTcCKzg9G1UR58QMyngWYHdYKwbaH2xrge_-uHhdtb9B1eUepc26MPunq_b3a5SKbashg8XaKiWC9npTM8gvG4mmEkaVxA/s900/Taslo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="900" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQ_0znL9qWbTa5o7x0lMQh0QyzJ5gbcBu6We_NOXV9rSxSHfGVymVG5--xhgwLBEIjba3Mh9WwpfwbRS2uEh9DDCUy9LWVTcCKzg9G1UR58QMyngWYHdYKwbaH2xrge_-uHhdtb9B1eUepc26MPunq_b3a5SKbashg8XaKiWC9npTM8gvG4mmEkaVxA/w388-h218/Taslo.jpeg" width="388" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps because of Taslo's similarity to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Rupert Giles shows up to handle the Doctor's and Taslo's mission.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rK0ImPxDtPeauKhEueH5tUwD699NEcOISXt2M7IUunlZqRn166IZmId4oBo0ESss4weM-9D_bPS0OzpYYBdc8uGs6oBYNqFptc47Gqdk5Duz0q5klSgmmyQEA76Qxg5Bn1c_oekU5UKWuWKqiOEq8Qu1Hov-svrj6M4Za20Hxl_jYYo68j4XH4rftg/s800/Rupert%20Giles%20and%20Taslo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rK0ImPxDtPeauKhEueH5tUwD699NEcOISXt2M7IUunlZqRn166IZmId4oBo0ESss4weM-9D_bPS0OzpYYBdc8uGs6oBYNqFptc47Gqdk5Duz0q5klSgmmyQEA76Qxg5Bn1c_oekU5UKWuWKqiOEq8Qu1Hov-svrj6M4Za20Hxl_jYYo68j4XH4rftg/w388-h211/Rupert%20Giles%20and%20Taslo.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Taslo by the way is a Time Lord, and Time Lord names are cumbersome. It must be in their Constitution and some old asses from the Time Lord Council refuse to change it. So Taslo is probably short for something like Taslocresceanumean. Every Time Lord no matter class or status shortens his name or assumes a nick-name.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvbzpSTsftLO5WD-jKc4kPu9eDrsZrYXr_7gtSw2uLuzuGMOqeTq7tri9qAU13ddClc4sA79YVVOP-SCsKnzWSFiPLR_oZfra6e0mDFKGZavlwEGGeuoFOuuUfUkgg8iF7y4caRlC0IcyH2y8Rm5v6kCn80jIILKIb6GGH_wn7vjN6f3mpO1KgOmPVQ/s800/The%20Mission.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="712" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvbzpSTsftLO5WD-jKc4kPu9eDrsZrYXr_7gtSw2uLuzuGMOqeTq7tri9qAU13ddClc4sA79YVVOP-SCsKnzWSFiPLR_oZfra6e0mDFKGZavlwEGGeuoFOuuUfUkgg8iF7y4caRlC0IcyH2y8Rm5v6kCn80jIILKIb6GGH_wn7vjN6f3mpO1KgOmPVQ/s320/The%20Mission.jpeg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Division want wholesale genocide of the cult that offends them. To that effect, they issue the Doctor a ton of weapons to do the job. What's hilarious is that they actually thought the Doctor would drop a bomb, no questions asked.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">In the best example of Houser's balance between the Division's Doctor and our Doctor, the Doctor investigates rather than instigates. </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiEtImCiEMo3BXiZ4LWnOFK9XqXKZIF_5BtLlBd5_KqTVbUwORQawrCm5vrZYx0686KTdYSyhec_cZEbwfczA3RSH-MvblZYpChEu3buOneIq6Od_psn3cke4024Xf3rcLbikoliagfWfFMA6wr9ubmExLe_SX62oTtye-OV6Dt0_qpOgelR-CrISWw/s800/No%20Weapons.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="800" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiEtImCiEMo3BXiZ4LWnOFK9XqXKZIF_5BtLlBd5_KqTVbUwORQawrCm5vrZYx0686KTdYSyhec_cZEbwfczA3RSH-MvblZYpChEu3buOneIq6Od_psn3cke4024Xf3rcLbikoliagfWfFMA6wr9ubmExLe_SX62oTtye-OV6Dt0_qpOgelR-CrISWw/s320/No%20Weapons.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">Being true to the Doctor's ideals, the Doctor does something quite Doctorish that will delight fans of the series.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">The move does however put Taslo on notice. The Doctor isn't so much working for the Division, but using the Division for her own ends. A nice bit of insight from Houser.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">If we accept that the Doctor is still the Doctor though perhaps more proactive, we may argue the hypothesis that she uses the Division's vast resources to better pin-point threats to the universe. Ones that she can then thwart in her own way.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">The Doctor and Taslo land on the planet they were meant to blow up, and it's here where in issue two, they meet the peaceful species that the Time Lords and/or/nor Division want to exterminate.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQHAGyHXmPV3KnJyAQBMQFyOInpu-6dB5thj2iaQ6tDG4MNFeeOYcNLploOEf7dqxjERhkhU4mfOYIrfCKrm7UkNsThSebsGKudZtQqLebs5WRxDiGpPT5oSP566z0gYex4gl2L4qPik8lu3J40TP2nlw0y5c46tYBz4GzFvVpW6QVcOsJ_swF9smjg/s800/Jo%20Martin%20DW%20%232.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbQHAGyHXmPV3KnJyAQBMQFyOInpu-6dB5thj2iaQ6tDG4MNFeeOYcNLploOEf7dqxjERhkhU4mfOYIrfCKrm7UkNsThSebsGKudZtQqLebs5WRxDiGpPT5oSP566z0gYex4gl2L4qPik8lu3J40TP2nlw0y5c46tYBz4GzFvVpW6QVcOsJ_swF9smjg/s320/Jo%20Martin%20DW%20%232.jpeg" width="209" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">The second issue explores the question why. Why do the Time Lords and/or/nor Division consider these fellows a threat? The aliens greet the Doctor and Taslo with open arms.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L8atMR0amiM4teYfAyXoFY6rZRQTtvxfX1fi-Ndby5Bb7A5oI9WnAlmFN96Fg3yenkWgFbpjyH_HE0fXlGboqmVWpq7g_bUWr77YRFtrvWWcZpj2T_SaKgrbR7hIzsYAiyKkXLBwf7Uk7pBfy3kyrEikOVhUHi19B-rvgFuU_7bBGq6AQtSFRs4f4w/s800/Happy%20Thanksgiving.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8L8atMR0amiM4teYfAyXoFY6rZRQTtvxfX1fi-Ndby5Bb7A5oI9WnAlmFN96Fg3yenkWgFbpjyH_HE0fXlGboqmVWpq7g_bUWr77YRFtrvWWcZpj2T_SaKgrbR7hIzsYAiyKkXLBwf7Uk7pBfy3kyrEikOVhUHi19B-rvgFuU_7bBGq6AQtSFRs4f4w/s320/Happy%20Thanksgiving.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Some may be reminded of the myth of Thanksgiving. It's not a bad comparison. The Division sent the Doctor and Taslo to murder innocent people. The people invite them to dinner and try to make friends.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Taslo as you can see cannot believe the Doctor's willingness to give the aliens the benefit of doubt. This gibes with the idea of the Doctor's legend of being The Oncoming Storm. Eventually, Taslo comes around.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnvFrptlXhlQe6QQ2eOjzUHoFg_v5kfG-bTosnQd-vd1ZVZrVoSGsn3Qa4nB5pylpY7qbCWDJSNePZ_3ilRUKhpu33rzWhAWNRwMzHEO6076Aql535HvP4Rso9z2CUMwKuB3xGL4v_6MEDz3Gn6N_cv1ZtXE5XAKAWpyUAc_4-oHJqHm_6uXeRLdKtg/s800/Six%20Knives.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="800" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnvFrptlXhlQe6QQ2eOjzUHoFg_v5kfG-bTosnQd-vd1ZVZrVoSGsn3Qa4nB5pylpY7qbCWDJSNePZ_3ilRUKhpu33rzWhAWNRwMzHEO6076Aql535HvP4Rso9z2CUMwKuB3xGL4v_6MEDz3Gn6N_cv1ZtXE5XAKAWpyUAc_4-oHJqHm_6uXeRLdKtg/s320/Six%20Knives.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Though not at first. Taslo demonstrates fealty to the Time Lords in a similar way all the Time Lords seem to trust the ruling body throughout all but the recent episodes of the series. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-7ZYOy9qhAumBThNRvgV6Z8WWR2J_OpKi2YCx7ITaC6yvpZvqKj4nvqE88F-hO_KDSBPkuZkk_28hH4q7v1G3HOWJDKseV8Mp1dREViexEwPn2k-1EBNSoamUIY_RMEC2chh2eqd-lIM70XKyFSK108zPtOR11V318EYqRHBB309IogLBv_4Yx1Hbw/s320/War%20Games%2010%20(Time%20Lords)%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="244" data-original-width="320" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-7ZYOy9qhAumBThNRvgV6Z8WWR2J_OpKi2YCx7ITaC6yvpZvqKj4nvqE88F-hO_KDSBPkuZkk_28hH4q7v1G3HOWJDKseV8Mp1dREViexEwPn2k-1EBNSoamUIY_RMEC2chh2eqd-lIM70XKyFSK108zPtOR11V318EYqRHBB309IogLBv_4Yx1Hbw/s1600/War%20Games%2010%20(Time%20Lords)%20copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Though the Time Lords may have once been quite good. Even the Doctor admits this in "War Games," they become much more corrupt as the series progresses.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Perhaps one shouldn't blame the Time Lords and instead look to the writers being exposed to corrupt governments all over the real world, but where's the fun in that?</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVmyRB7H1LpOxFETyS8DNkW5LGqi4Q-z4ZC2iQdkYwn5ie0R1DLaaLVQ1qUYLbbGO0VxlQMloaot0CprWVNbKzTcMoLiuuJfmt8PduUE5QfF2k3Od1-8kNVlQmZvf66R9VbXaS1BTvQu64jjCIB5fH_L-WyY4O6PzDro7RbsbaIU1l6I7R91H_7DzA/s600/asfa-600x337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVmyRB7H1LpOxFETyS8DNkW5LGqi4Q-z4ZC2iQdkYwn5ie0R1DLaaLVQ1qUYLbbGO0VxlQMloaot0CprWVNbKzTcMoLiuuJfmt8PduUE5QfF2k3Od1-8kNVlQmZvf66R9VbXaS1BTvQu64jjCIB5fH_L-WyY4O6PzDro7RbsbaIU1l6I7R91H_7DzA/s320/asfa-600x337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Gallifrey apparently only has one golden age of government after "The War Games." That occurs after Collin Baker's Doctor faces "Trial of a Time Lord." Though it's not the gist of the episode, we learn that insurrectionists are using the Trial as a distraction to overthrow Gallifrey's current government. Presumably this era lasts until the final days of Paul McGann's Doctor.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">Taslo finally regrets her actions and sees the light when the aliens targeted for extermination reveal not a secret, but something that just didn't come up in conversation.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeovAA2q0ZwAygJoLUQwVny42olgxCdrTq7Ebt-fhs-V8rWWUR54tA1vEIPhz9lsR2_ThN122rUaAxDQs0l911NFQkU2ZpycFhgrZdjt70RxtCGAxAiNUTgsKDqnbG9jvpcRfXAQwearvSp-RvmvpKK3uN24jTgKSNCgRDTZOGf48-TFuavafkwgTFw/s800/They%20Lied.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeovAA2q0ZwAygJoLUQwVny42olgxCdrTq7Ebt-fhs-V8rWWUR54tA1vEIPhz9lsR2_ThN122rUaAxDQs0l911NFQkU2ZpycFhgrZdjt70RxtCGAxAiNUTgsKDqnbG9jvpcRfXAQwearvSp-RvmvpKK3uN24jTgKSNCgRDTZOGf48-TFuavafkwgTFw/s320/They%20Lied.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">These first two issues of the new <i>Doctor Who </i>series are quite entertaining, especially with the elegant and accurate art of Roberta Ingranata. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue; font-size: large;">I must admit to growing tired of Houser's multiple crossovers and reiterations with the Doctor and her past incarnations, but this new series has all the energy and originality of Houser's much more memorable non-gimmicky run of <i>Doctor Who</i>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-62538522410042870442022-06-28T15:00:00.001-04:002023-12-09T17:32:16.992-05:00POBB Special The Fiendish Plot of Fu Man-Clarence<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">A <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i> Special</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Fiendish Plot of Fu Man-Clarence</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ray Tate</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EPrWKBQfFUQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="EPrWKBQfFUQ"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L8-gGvV-XjBYA6CUvFpHwm0fFfUbvGQJQ6sradzvEr86d6hANhwJ9VwW3x33b-ArqZQEerCp9Dwg6y2i4Eqn-JR6tO49TLenZRz9-u0i4vglkeoIdps_ee7lGIX6R4K3QbKuDz6VcDRDbWP9nW5ZU0r1467MUZjV-qZobTOK2yxxWEHB-pCwbSYTRw/s800/GettyImages-71184731-1200x1192.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8L8-gGvV-XjBYA6CUvFpHwm0fFfUbvGQJQ6sradzvEr86d6hANhwJ9VwW3x33b-ArqZQEerCp9Dwg6y2i4Eqn-JR6tO49TLenZRz9-u0i4vglkeoIdps_ee7lGIX6R4K3QbKuDz6VcDRDbWP9nW5ZU0r1467MUZjV-qZobTOK2yxxWEHB-pCwbSYTRw/w214-h213/GettyImages-71184731-1200x1192.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Clarence Thomas became instrumental in striking down a near fifty year old legal precedent. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The latin phrase <i>Stare decisis</i> no longer pertains to law. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, people in the LGBT community are terrified. They should be. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thomas is just itching to overturn gay marriage rights and other protections of civil liberties. He all but shouted this by stating <i>Obergefell vs Hodges </i>was “wrongly decided.” Sound familiar? </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, yes. Your rights are about to suffer. On the bright side, the High Court just put more guns on the street. So, you may not suffer long. Nobody may.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92LtDG6tb7pp8qzMGGPkwirDP2jSsdLMP0P1cPjS36jEyuoSYH9LP1xaEwe97yFGRPs-JCUsm6jUb_R6z2cp2LNd0xVuiP8hFuJQJmW2ZmlBGO3R0OV1MpHd5s-j3Ov-TgbsF3rwVHRUCOc9eGxPJh_vIBVzRKiRfke-hEf-NTSQOn9vdih-V04clkw/s800/gettyimages-1230455457-1-_wide-a25974aa028ba722caed733965f956ce6d504927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92LtDG6tb7pp8qzMGGPkwirDP2jSsdLMP0P1cPjS36jEyuoSYH9LP1xaEwe97yFGRPs-JCUsm6jUb_R6z2cp2LNd0xVuiP8hFuJQJmW2ZmlBGO3R0OV1MpHd5s-j3Ov-TgbsF3rwVHRUCOc9eGxPJh_vIBVzRKiRfke-hEf-NTSQOn9vdih-V04clkw/s320/gettyimages-1230455457-1-_wide-a25974aa028ba722caed733965f956ce6d504927.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Clarence Thomas loathes people in general, but I suspect Thomas has a much more devious plan. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aSVrKXI5Tm-rpcb-g5Vc2Eyl-0rU_CuiI0U0jBkVPc9jtDxxn1ezEH3Wkl9hxssoMps3zmjJXHJ1jIdB-u82HwBQ0s6VBhFz_5gY6TaxBWohUDs8SOY11radOh-lDLR9LBStBgyprcS6QEPFp_2xjJN6e_nW2o2i6qpqQcbW9X47poP3I70TXgcVeA/s300/Mr_Burns.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="189" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aSVrKXI5Tm-rpcb-g5Vc2Eyl-0rU_CuiI0U0jBkVPc9jtDxxn1ezEH3Wkl9hxssoMps3zmjJXHJ1jIdB-u82HwBQ0s6VBhFz_5gY6TaxBWohUDs8SOY11radOh-lDLR9LBStBgyprcS6QEPFp_2xjJN6e_nW2o2i6qpqQcbW9X47poP3I70TXgcVeA/s1600/Mr_Burns.png" width="189" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thomas intends to turn back the clock until he reaches the landmark decision: <i>Loving vs. Virginia. </i></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><i></i></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Loving vs. Virginia</i> legalized interracial marriage, but the Supreme Court only decided the case in 1967. Do the math. It’s only six years shy of <i>Roe vs. Wade.</i> Its age cannot save it from the chopping block.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It probably hasn’t passed Thomas’ notice that the case is in fact called <i>Loving vs. Virginia</i>. Virginia. You can imagine the smile on his face. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyycgAaRP8KkktTv9wltIN0-P0KQmAbxbQ1CY1u27VupmxxGwUH0JfXcwRVYk7djkLlZZQK1esHq1J9uNGCfOiyswDg0tOHvZYRjHC3Hcju3P7An4T-yGWQ9-NV2eWvsjCvVb778Bd5V5SSNB48FGFHyYU1oSVVnZ_JtMNyWvb2bsaJnGXAAd0l8CYA/s612/istockphoto-104503811-612x612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="612" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyycgAaRP8KkktTv9wltIN0-P0KQmAbxbQ1CY1u27VupmxxGwUH0JfXcwRVYk7djkLlZZQK1esHq1J9uNGCfOiyswDg0tOHvZYRjHC3Hcju3P7An4T-yGWQ9-NV2eWvsjCvVb778Bd5V5SSNB48FGFHyYU1oSVVnZ_JtMNyWvb2bsaJnGXAAd0l8CYA/s320/istockphoto-104503811-612x612.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">“How delicious the case actually references my wife’s name.”</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Richard Loving married Mildred Jeter in Washington D.C. However, Virginia still maintained a ban on interracial marriage. When the Lovings moved to Virginia, authorities arrested them. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nowadays that sounds nuts, but hey, the law’s the law, baby. The law does not rely on logic or science. It may have once. It now relies on the nuanced interpretation of Conservatism.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDNOIZEVnK8CGUwUYlbwrWuzGndj2JONq4LF0XowIZmR_o1ke_gE1Puq8IVcMHRisyp8Q5Y1yzS9Q6YLxa4XeHml4s7dCtGEYUwndZs56ldwxOrV58EPcqDt9MuRJ5RJTFv2nxFL5wVZX6VKKlWj0fFJlnS_ZYIEpCUIAPlvGhkPL0m0Q5UlymFDEuQ/s408/Sam_Eagle.JPG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDNOIZEVnK8CGUwUYlbwrWuzGndj2JONq4LF0XowIZmR_o1ke_gE1Puq8IVcMHRisyp8Q5Y1yzS9Q6YLxa4XeHml4s7dCtGEYUwndZs56ldwxOrV58EPcqDt9MuRJ5RJTFv2nxFL5wVZX6VKKlWj0fFJlnS_ZYIEpCUIAPlvGhkPL0m0Q5UlymFDEuQ/s320/Sam_Eagle.JPG.jpg" width="235" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, the State of Virginia as opposed to Ginni didn’t really want this mess. They were happy being racist. Why did this heathen couple have to come into town and upset everything?</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The state threatened to punish the Lovings with one year in prison if they didn’t leave. The Lovings not being stupid moved to Washington D.C. where they were previously married. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nevertheless, the Lovings sued Virginia, the State not Ginni. After all what gives anybody the right to order somebody where to live?</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, if the states start trying to control women’s movements, Thomas, the horse and buggy guy, the pipsqueak wannabe rapist, the Puritan and the sort-of-woman on the High Court will decide. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Likely the decision will imprison women in each state. Think of <i>Hogan’s Heroes</i>, only without the absurd successful sabotage.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuF2AbYf27-bmdtu6RDRGUXdsn8OLHaF_H-I6QC4AMKnvpMH6CBXx0AoYkhA-orf3d8BcrreX-X5NdsV80h23Lw_78VhK4K2CXjyTsuyCFGLO7P94weV5tewKk_Gg88ktzS9RuaXSslY5yEyAnZrNBz5OCwZ_XuWw7auMvApN0vZDr1F4DtPtHqDXFA/s618/Hogans-Heroes-copy-618x400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="618" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwuF2AbYf27-bmdtu6RDRGUXdsn8OLHaF_H-I6QC4AMKnvpMH6CBXx0AoYkhA-orf3d8BcrreX-X5NdsV80h23Lw_78VhK4K2CXjyTsuyCFGLO7P94weV5tewKk_Gg88ktzS9RuaXSslY5yEyAnZrNBz5OCwZ_XuWw7auMvApN0vZDr1F4DtPtHqDXFA/s320/Hogans-Heroes-copy-618x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Actually, think of the internment camps for Japanese Americans here in the U.S of A.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ultimately, the Lovings’ case made it all the way to to the Supreme Court. That’s right. Virginia’s lower courts were racist dick enough to rule against the Lovings.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, we get to the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court. Interracial marriage barriers violated the Fourteenth Amendment.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Boy, that unanimous ruling thing sounds enticingly bedrock doesn’t it? The then Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of <i>Roe vs. Wade</i>. 7-2. I don’t really believe a unanimous decision is going to impact on the current yahoos in the robes. Do you?</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, what happens if the Supreme Court strikes <i>Loving vs. Virginia </i>off the books? </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ790IxSqK-nJqbgp7UQr2MjdfKaSkO4HDB78SEDqb2gzkQpw3FjeHm8hX9-uEbBHWtKxp1GkMEiAdU6hg8ucpJn0pJIhjwtWp9iY4EwwBtYXzr7IVetrHx_QDL21i3xLjO8g9JuX06ZfH_9TaAJRL8GNTm5ZTFbYeNoaz1cRF1ztnfe3t4sFypexCQ/s363/Kool-Aid_Man_breaking_wall_1978.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="363" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZ790IxSqK-nJqbgp7UQr2MjdfKaSkO4HDB78SEDqb2gzkQpw3FjeHm8hX9-uEbBHWtKxp1GkMEiAdU6hg8ucpJn0pJIhjwtWp9iY4EwwBtYXzr7IVetrHx_QDL21i3xLjO8g9JuX06ZfH_9TaAJRL8GNTm5ZTFbYeNoaz1cRF1ztnfe3t4sFypexCQ/s320/Kool-Aid_Man_breaking_wall_1978.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ginni Thomas finds herself on the curb waiting for the Trump Kool-Aid Man to show up for the last rally. Oh, yeah!</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thomas maintained a pretense of Conservative impartiality throughout his tenure. <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/03/25/1088933780/text-messages-reveal-ginni-thomas-urged-mark-meadows-to-overturning-election-res" target="_blank">The press however exposed Ginni Thomas as a nutter who more than likely committed treason. </a>This coincidentally occurred around the time the Puritan’s draft opinion on <i>Roe vs. Wade</i> leaked out into the stratosphere. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thomas must have been thinking. You know, this fruitcake isn’t really going to be good for me in the long run, and I’ve hated women all my life anyway. It’s time to execute my contingency plan.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You see, Thomas <i>can</i> get a divorce. The trouble is that Catholicism doesn’t recognize divorce. As far as the Powers That Be are concerned, you’re still married even if the courts declare otherwise. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">You need to get a Catholic Annulment in order to be rid of the old ball and chain. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span>That’s what this roadmap provides Thomas. He cuts through the laws. </span></span>Wiping out precedent after precedent. Until he reaches his ultimate goal. <i>Loving vs. Virginia.</i> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQaHIM-be3hHEMkJ2iChP8Q_I1S6WQecpIH_QK8yhs4SlVhxM6GirCu9xt4y0mB2A-AG0fe4GkVvV2jotCz_sC-Nhdo1wyA8bgch272vtAEzqhC-iNlmqWzJKFNrTbpLgBj2Kjc6hIldrRXEtJowu71CITC3eXYLrsLhD8bECdNFlltJCWWE1Dbgb-g/s800/texas-chainsaw-massacre-1974-gunnar-hansen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQaHIM-be3hHEMkJ2iChP8Q_I1S6WQecpIH_QK8yhs4SlVhxM6GirCu9xt4y0mB2A-AG0fe4GkVvV2jotCz_sC-Nhdo1wyA8bgch272vtAEzqhC-iNlmqWzJKFNrTbpLgBj2Kjc6hIldrRXEtJowu71CITC3eXYLrsLhD8bECdNFlltJCWWE1Dbgb-g/s320/texas-chainsaw-massacre-1974-gunnar-hansen.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The precedent becomes eliminating precedent.</span></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Expunging <i>Loving vs. Virginia</i> would erase Thomas’ marriage to Ginni. He can say he married her when the law allowed such hedonistic tomfoolery. So, legally he will no longer be bound to Ginni. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">All that’s necessary now is Catholic Annulment to totally divest himself of the Trump cultist. </span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">Thomas is a Trump cultist. He just cannot be perceived in such a way. He's also got a different colored robe than the other MAGAs. </span></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3BSjl72tAxx_pbBU2YAcoohfZAI5GsHuCSjccvToSubwx8-bxbzRNxJWSaH-VCO4BJQN4Uxv_6oCQyppQUpzbJ6UnpzVuyT2IXSOg-34paIOehd2aV7hr-vqPaz5kFy70kpyNVk1-6eQTRCe9KTj8n36GNpp1P5aXNRM446IeJHlw0yuLlLzPPoWYA/s800/MANOS%20HANDS%20OF%20FATE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3BSjl72tAxx_pbBU2YAcoohfZAI5GsHuCSjccvToSubwx8-bxbzRNxJWSaH-VCO4BJQN4Uxv_6oCQyppQUpzbJ6UnpzVuyT2IXSOg-34paIOehd2aV7hr-vqPaz5kFy70kpyNVk1-6eQTRCe9KTj8n36GNpp1P5aXNRM446IeJHlw0yuLlLzPPoWYA/s320/MANOS%20HANDS%20OF%20FATE.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue;">He's an upper echelon lunatic. The one who can decide which virgin sacrifice will attract the least amount of police attention.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The annulment would be readily granted since the climate of the law and the United States would have changed. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Church would have to rethink things after the demise of <i>Loving vs. Virginia</i>. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">They would be much more lax with annulment than in the past. You can imagine them granting annulments left and right.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">This plan also allows Clarence Thomas to keep his entire fortune. Approximately one million dollars. That we know about. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">After all if he never married Ginni Thomas, he should not be obligated to pay her half of his earnings, nor alimony. It would be as if he never even met her.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">For this reason Democrats should work together with surprised, no doubt suspicious Republicans, to codify <i>Loving vs. Virginia </i>into law. I’m sure they would get more votes for this over <i>Roe vs. Wade</i> and <i>Obergefell vs. Hodges</i>. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure the crazy wing of the Republican Party wouldn’t vote in favor of <i>Loving vs. Virginia</i>, but even Rand Paul and Ted Cruz may not care so much. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">The consequences of codifying <i>Loving vs. Virginia </i>into law would preserve the marriages of millions of people, strike a blow against racism but also, and this is the important part, fuck up Clarence Thomas something fierce.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, I’m here all night.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-8700415803520235492022-06-09T11:55:00.003-04:002022-06-09T11:55:51.106-04:00POBB June 8, 2022<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Pick of the Brown Bag</span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">June 8, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">by</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ray Tate </div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to another brand spanking new <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. I'm Ray Tate, and I review comic books, prose novels and movies. You however know the gist of the blog. If not, stick around, and you'll find out. This week, I'm looking at a doublet: <i>Batgirls</i> and <i>X-Men</i>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">One of the things I look for in a good comic book is whether or not you can just dive right into the story with little to no exposition. Both of these books meet that criteria. Somewhat.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgrEtZq2vcYe972ZJEE1YNipPvUN5J1zUqnboJk5hxMTBojISXMaQZV4KqjK5cY--ccfQhJxBQT_bhkFjhiaiLOJNQ1srGroX_9fhCCYsr4DLeRu66KJaGPkGj9Uo0Bd0eJWJemg6w39-mZ0VgH0f9PxDoJUKKU32An0ZGU-hE2Ut4bEdDVJGuMKDQg/s800/Batgirls%20%238.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCgrEtZq2vcYe972ZJEE1YNipPvUN5J1zUqnboJk5hxMTBojISXMaQZV4KqjK5cY--ccfQhJxBQT_bhkFjhiaiLOJNQ1srGroX_9fhCCYsr4DLeRu66KJaGPkGj9Uo0Bd0eJWJemg6w39-mZ0VgH0f9PxDoJUKKU32An0ZGU-hE2Ut4bEdDVJGuMKDQg/s320/Batgirls%20%238.jpeg" width="208" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Given my history with Batgirl, <i>Batgirls</i> is a book you may think I would be reading regularly. Truth is. I got a sample of it in <i>Batman</i> or <i>Detective Comics </i>and really didn't care for the style of art, which also emphasized Barbara Gordon's newfound green eyes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmu9i74MaG53FWwzHBgKPZ-rbDHSwyaO3VNc4igJiWZVGhYQ7MTqKpv9a6a462hnZdYyFkGkzPpTdEz7W6sI83p0nqz6psago79yLoomeLPW4oV09zNFUd1RXs7HNdHgBJcn8FjjeI0Noew_3uCnFEYj79Vm_nLwRBUDk8EAhRU2PXZt8ME7ywGO0Cw/s800/Green%20Marbles.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="800" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmu9i74MaG53FWwzHBgKPZ-rbDHSwyaO3VNc4igJiWZVGhYQ7MTqKpv9a6a462hnZdYyFkGkzPpTdEz7W6sI83p0nqz6psago79yLoomeLPW4oV09zNFUd1RXs7HNdHgBJcn8FjjeI0Noew_3uCnFEYj79Vm_nLwRBUDk8EAhRU2PXZt8ME7ywGO0Cw/s320/Green%20Marbles.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They look like green marbles. For somebody who knows better, <i>they're blue, baby, blue</i>, that's a lot of exposure to erroneous visuals.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNdAy7yr29vY0GRhw2HFrsOS4gyIwoODb42A4MvdasNareYkHc0kW57t4As9JbclI6_AEiU3VQGmWHAAuAH1SwVZox6kawH1y9B8kLEzZGPuEbTKdP7tuKZ_0hlaxQ2PsI0gSrF0589CHvmrsGsAT87ph3-w-l_nI6byB_p6niiuBqmvX6d2dQkanqQ/s800/Batgirl%20Blue%20One.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="706" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNdAy7yr29vY0GRhw2HFrsOS4gyIwoODb42A4MvdasNareYkHc0kW57t4As9JbclI6_AEiU3VQGmWHAAuAH1SwVZox6kawH1y9B8kLEzZGPuEbTKdP7tuKZ_0hlaxQ2PsI0gSrF0589CHvmrsGsAT87ph3-w-l_nI6byB_p6niiuBqmvX6d2dQkanqQ/s320/Batgirl%20Blue%20One.jpeg" width="282" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They're Blue, Baby, Blue</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Though, in general, I like the Spoiler, I never cared about Cassandra Cain. The exception being when Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner took her out of that awful black formless costume and put her into something awesome.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm1DXpfmM_Ti2ccEOdDONhzswJqNAo2nAi40Ev3F04VfHIebEdAqkdMo4GkCwyC-w9yWNjifYSqo79xDtPODuB_yjyL1f_Y4NEy80dDJG3Kdrpw-NfwICeVy4Fs68H9OFfEd2pVevzD0URtpZ0J2k912Q01RPcA_EZqWJ105Gl5lRw2yA0rtHB-Nsvg/s800/Batgirl%20Blue%20Ten.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm1DXpfmM_Ti2ccEOdDONhzswJqNAo2nAi40Ev3F04VfHIebEdAqkdMo4GkCwyC-w9yWNjifYSqo79xDtPODuB_yjyL1f_Y4NEy80dDJG3Kdrpw-NfwICeVy4Fs68H9OFfEd2pVevzD0URtpZ0J2k912Q01RPcA_EZqWJ105Gl5lRw2yA0rtHB-Nsvg/s320/Batgirl%20Blue%20Ten.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They're Blue, Baby, Blue</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">There's only one tag for Cassie Cain, just to emphasize my loathing, but I'll make it easy for you. Click <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Cassie%20Cain" target="_blank">here</a> to see my review of Conner and Palmiotti's superb <i>Birds of Prey</i> and also glimpse the gorgeous costume they designed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJI3YtZzlvIVwPZK5Kij30zxLee34420bfNRuI2ea9Cmqk9pq2d8ZM5tstDNV-Qrt-ZuKBIFhoM_Z4y9EIi0Z_6L0tVCQd1mcUKQo3O2qxITCeAYL8VKa_aHjTq2ck-hVUHowgxcdyUgzF0xCzim7-Xpo9qhmjyCVAinX2FEIGgqlHpEYLsy-osjfXw/s800/Batgirl%20Blue%20Eleven.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="800" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJI3YtZzlvIVwPZK5Kij30zxLee34420bfNRuI2ea9Cmqk9pq2d8ZM5tstDNV-Qrt-ZuKBIFhoM_Z4y9EIi0Z_6L0tVCQd1mcUKQo3O2qxITCeAYL8VKa_aHjTq2ck-hVUHowgxcdyUgzF0xCzim7-Xpo9qhmjyCVAinX2FEIGgqlHpEYLsy-osjfXw/s320/Batgirl%20Blue%20Eleven.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They're Blue, Baby, Blue</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">What's interesting is that artists Jorge Corona and Sarah Stern are really beneficial to Cassie Cain's traditional ink upchuck gear.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFWeK5mcBLBhUtihgD3_87R1Ul6qzhQzLOkp268WRWRCDEqfM8h1hjqEU08xWhxd_XZDO-hoaxtPrFuBEZSOBDcLYkTSEBAqBI2dTOU6sKZ8s86nSjjvJ5MVNiUDbgkKJdFMJy6q1sti1gtDSxK34UWeTd68XTM1hlNKO2fzwVuNNYX9zKkd742V-SQ/s800/Cassandra%20Cain%20Visual.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFWeK5mcBLBhUtihgD3_87R1Ul6qzhQzLOkp268WRWRCDEqfM8h1hjqEU08xWhxd_XZDO-hoaxtPrFuBEZSOBDcLYkTSEBAqBI2dTOU6sKZ8s86nSjjvJ5MVNiUDbgkKJdFMJy6q1sti1gtDSxK34UWeTd68XTM1hlNKO2fzwVuNNYX9zKkd742V-SQ/s320/Cassandra%20Cain%20Visual.jpg" width="278" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As you can see they create a number of striking contrasts that highlight the black and the shape of the figure. Very few artists ever did that with Cassie Cain. She always just looked like a thumbprint smudge somebody shaped into a sort of bat as an afterthought.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Primarily I bought this issue of <i>Batgirls </i>for the emphasis on the one and only Batgirl. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop4DBxO_qRn0zRCUpHLsMM1E75zWqL_nTOnrGKPLRJ9Pj_uYxEe8776JzGsB9zgs0y3Ul06ufVveKaytmWwvG9D-ic9ruIdB0K5MmU8EKOA8Jd2_XNpCt5GvgN18FQw6B-ua0Fs302DcJIqHCmD5YGbYiMhaSup9VBR0rdjXox3dP5zuYmya3GL-dOg/s800/Modern%20Batgirl%20in%20Action.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="749" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop4DBxO_qRn0zRCUpHLsMM1E75zWqL_nTOnrGKPLRJ9Pj_uYxEe8776JzGsB9zgs0y3Ul06ufVveKaytmWwvG9D-ic9ruIdB0K5MmU8EKOA8Jd2_XNpCt5GvgN18FQw6B-ua0Fs302DcJIqHCmD5YGbYiMhaSup9VBR0rdjXox3dP5zuYmya3GL-dOg/s320/Modern%20Batgirl%20in%20Action.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Barbara Gordon in modern costume with a bat cowl and <i>not</i> the Linda Turner Black Cat styled mask. Furthermore, since the modern costume opts for slits covering her eyes, I don't have to worry about the green ones.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's through Corona's and Stern's depiction of the genuine Batgirl I started to see just how good they are. And baby, she's all over this. She's in action as Batgirl for seven pages. As Barbara Gordon only two.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj7UWEKyYnMs1A4t6q41n6L4dVgPbwnX-cPpvU-qpMw5SGsINbSeXKy6IsNZhUqRb_J2FVgv-rhjXwMieMIFoBdL_ZAaaM71ETlt1L35YHeHXOJt4CCOjd1u_3NHZtKBCqgQbHK4edj1V4S8duxdCxOgIeIbRbkvPaYw1DIkFA8LYvI8kJmlrulxqPQ/s800/Hate%20Babs%20Green%20Eyes.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj7UWEKyYnMs1A4t6q41n6L4dVgPbwnX-cPpvU-qpMw5SGsINbSeXKy6IsNZhUqRb_J2FVgv-rhjXwMieMIFoBdL_ZAaaM71ETlt1L35YHeHXOJt4CCOjd1u_3NHZtKBCqgQbHK4edj1V4S8duxdCxOgIeIbRbkvPaYw1DIkFA8LYvI8kJmlrulxqPQ/s320/Hate%20Babs%20Green%20Eyes.jpeg" width="273" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's those green eyes. Really. I hate them. I'm ecstatic that the New 52 granted Babs mobility, but the green eyes, which appeared <i>after</i> the modern Batgirl of Burnside run, repel me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE4Yg8sBGAJsGwlhhPiZkWMqrg_uEJiOqSTHVTEGve246hIc1XVfDMSljbt9j2SjRHZo6L4WQgGLBKfT7ldnxf-OkViUp0AktDdwU318fR3LiXorIxrv1NP_34D7S1BxgR07cmdF_eHzwT4ugJmKo8g871iAZuRUQKmQZ0UQbjVvrdj1jw2pOdqvXIg/s800/Batgirl%20Blue%20Thirteen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="568" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjE4Yg8sBGAJsGwlhhPiZkWMqrg_uEJiOqSTHVTEGve246hIc1XVfDMSljbt9j2SjRHZo6L4WQgGLBKfT7ldnxf-OkViUp0AktDdwU318fR3LiXorIxrv1NP_34D7S1BxgR07cmdF_eHzwT4ugJmKo8g871iAZuRUQKmQZ0UQbjVvrdj1jw2pOdqvXIg/s320/Batgirl%20Blue%20Thirteen.jpeg" width="227" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">They're Blue, Baby, Blue</span></i></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Not real green eyes. Let me emphasize. I have no issue with a person that has green eyes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5nuwOup6NavFP_P5lP8Lkar4-lV8lU0nBmiPI6tkSPxZWqNlZHTiu6cBGVoKOnLVOOuVf1rSSyg14QOoy4v7BhNL-f5uPCLeGT6deORtyocE2OTT_6QMKM0f1HAUd_ROm2YbDwTdLvkacuQOuH_N84ERFBfWiT9wdocbYF5kHwcpd1ErE44HTfUD_Q/s681/Variety-Power-of-Women-Amanda-Seyfried-16x9-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="681" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5nuwOup6NavFP_P5lP8Lkar4-lV8lU0nBmiPI6tkSPxZWqNlZHTiu6cBGVoKOnLVOOuVf1rSSyg14QOoy4v7BhNL-f5uPCLeGT6deORtyocE2OTT_6QMKM0f1HAUd_ROm2YbDwTdLvkacuQOuH_N84ERFBfWiT9wdocbYF5kHwcpd1ErE44HTfUD_Q/s320/Variety-Power-of-Women-Amanda-Seyfried-16x9-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">However, the biologist in me says you can't just magically change somebody's eye color on a whim. That said I'm willing to put up with the offense, if she's Batgirl, not Oracle. There's a difference. A huge difference. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Having good experiences with Becky Cloonan's writing in the <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2015/09/pobb-september-16-2015.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Southern Cross</a>, I suspected this would be well-written and Batgirl positive. I was not disappointed.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GmbNYwTnxSLAboXtI_xXOcxiEDbcKbG95ZizVWLN83V8_ZtBESNFhvmSx_MqCB9kkvtwpWTiDkTCz5dn63ABCiOssYVWDwA4rHOAl585Hpbt5WVJnErbU-HkXIReT8GfIUUsWb6HX4XFubN53I1DTJdfksvXBhHVFjbzlBdSPMbLb9_2JAIuN6QcLQ/s800/Batgirl%20Loves%20Her%20Job.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="800" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4GmbNYwTnxSLAboXtI_xXOcxiEDbcKbG95ZizVWLN83V8_ZtBESNFhvmSx_MqCB9kkvtwpWTiDkTCz5dn63ABCiOssYVWDwA4rHOAl585Hpbt5WVJnErbU-HkXIReT8GfIUUsWb6HX4XFubN53I1DTJdfksvXBhHVFjbzlBdSPMbLb9_2JAIuN6QcLQ/s320/Batgirl%20Loves%20Her%20Job.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Cloonan teams up with Michael Conrad to relate an action-based story that turns Gotham City into a 90s post-apocalyptic hellhole complete with robo-hitmen hired by Simon Saint.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR2KfmzcO693KwdJWmCt61Huzn8laBG-Y39hY4-XYkL6m2CldV70vUH5kZlWBNgGURQDdnPjWA47ZoEcTJmAhIBBxOJvRmvizatIyuM59-oRYnXOok_yqBA-zsVoJA7PJoMxG26LsX3c4x5ejMVbbK6vNlbmss3vlJZ4Pg1Q_U3q_EWHkV8IlKmpNqA/s800/Robo%20Hitmen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="800" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR2KfmzcO693KwdJWmCt61Huzn8laBG-Y39hY4-XYkL6m2CldV70vUH5kZlWBNgGURQDdnPjWA47ZoEcTJmAhIBBxOJvRmvizatIyuM59-oRYnXOok_yqBA-zsVoJA7PJoMxG26LsX3c4x5ejMVbbK6vNlbmss3vlJZ4Pg1Q_U3q_EWHkV8IlKmpNqA/s320/Robo%20Hitmen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You may be asking. Who's Simon Saint? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30-YgRPi-PGhQ5q_hgSlB5iODLa74RLRk-e-uMJVtNapKmkZuKK0nvni9UeoXCMYwzSotHoloIrROw3RWHZO9mscV8Wwpqc66NGPnLWWWkTfyI3f-EHcTSqpTmQL13ICyM3KC3qYHKQcKjHXitMD4ovKtoFOqUWxvOhZui5lmSB5YmCUa4U3ZDcL4XQ/s499/Roger-Moore-The-Saint-e1424881262507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="499" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30-YgRPi-PGhQ5q_hgSlB5iODLa74RLRk-e-uMJVtNapKmkZuKK0nvni9UeoXCMYwzSotHoloIrROw3RWHZO9mscV8Wwpqc66NGPnLWWWkTfyI3f-EHcTSqpTmQL13ICyM3KC3qYHKQcKjHXitMD4ovKtoFOqUWxvOhZui5lmSB5YmCUa4U3ZDcL4XQ/s320/Roger-Moore-The-Saint-e1424881262507.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Nope. Not him. Not even close. Although I'm sure somebody thought <i>Simon Saint</i> was a good alliterative villain's name because of the infamous Simon Templar. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UWr_1uLjqic" width="320" youtube-src-id="UWr_1uLjqic"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">You can just see the thought process. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Simon. Simon Samuels. Simon Sophie. No! Simon Saint!" </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"That sounds amazing!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"I know. It just hit me!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Sink me, you're a poet!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Simon Saint is the Big Bad that nobody cared about in the Batman titles. Some creator, with a poor memory, introduced him somewhere at sometime during the <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2021/03/pobb-march-3-2021.html" target="_blank">Infinite Frontier</a> era of DC Comics. Not exactly a reboot of Rebirth or the New 52, but not exactly a harmless redefinition either. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That's all right though. Even if you're not quite sure what's going on, and you're really not likely to during the second half, Babs is tearing through garbage on her motorcycle and demonstrating just how smart she is.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QfjwiWTFPUo6iND-2jQXjXtqtVlwV_byGPCtUKggUtg3iRWVfYfegCybgkYUXeNdED_mR0-dupFWlU222zhCH9J4jlzZfeVQheOEVobi95fnP9Z45QuzTOpX-qsX5hxQ4wh8oBtnaxO4zcg6VGcKwVbkNYhIHmE0W6Ke74jXrOO20ySqvDkNmVo6ow/s800/Batgirl%20Tearing%20Up%20Garbage.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="800" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1QfjwiWTFPUo6iND-2jQXjXtqtVlwV_byGPCtUKggUtg3iRWVfYfegCybgkYUXeNdED_mR0-dupFWlU222zhCH9J4jlzZfeVQheOEVobi95fnP9Z45QuzTOpX-qsX5hxQ4wh8oBtnaxO4zcg6VGcKwVbkNYhIHmE0W6Ke74jXrOO20ySqvDkNmVo6ow/w398-h188/Batgirl%20Tearing%20Up%20Garbage.jpeg" width="398" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">That's really all I look for in a Batgirl book. That and blue eyes. Alas. Two out of three.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZi_HrVg-L7YyitiGs6mKF8yHygtsYspHtnU9_dcuJQcmDBhNKbm8a0h8jCStYmQisXJfEYoXrlaYiuIgOLuk1CB1KyjEjK4wn9TChR3uEgJpk4XVdsin1Dpqc6boXallc3SUSxFHqwOsic8hLnwrPM5DFULniJr_mhP9_ejI7czQHG1JApuN7DTp7w/s800/X-Men%2010.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="522" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZi_HrVg-L7YyitiGs6mKF8yHygtsYspHtnU9_dcuJQcmDBhNKbm8a0h8jCStYmQisXJfEYoXrlaYiuIgOLuk1CB1KyjEjK4wn9TChR3uEgJpk4XVdsin1Dpqc6boXallc3SUSxFHqwOsic8hLnwrPM5DFULniJr_mhP9_ejI7czQHG1JApuN7DTp7w/s320/X-Men%2010.jpeg" width="209" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The other book I want to draw your attention to is X-Men number 10. If you'e an All-New Wolverine Laura Kinney fan, this book is for you. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXxN_ih8AW6e8I3SMv-WzPau377qiXzHjqnu2G0TFT0oRV0_nL5FzNU855avyFcmTAbHl5Xb89Di0iyCt6r2uXpRMzX6Duh33vjkz2UipDUEd-kXTc0iu-QaAGMbyn9sUEhQ0Yy5B3jANFs5gwEGZGkxKonng20EUezssrRB5JshlAcwBD9egBlYZA/s800/WTF%20Wolverine.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOXxN_ih8AW6e8I3SMv-WzPau377qiXzHjqnu2G0TFT0oRV0_nL5FzNU855avyFcmTAbHl5Xb89Di0iyCt6r2uXpRMzX6Duh33vjkz2UipDUEd-kXTc0iu-QaAGMbyn9sUEhQ0Yy5B3jANFs5gwEGZGkxKonng20EUezssrRB5JshlAcwBD9egBlYZA/w256-h394/WTF%20Wolverine.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seriously. WTF?</div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now, if you haven't been keeping up with the many, many X-Men titles, that's all right. You know as well as I do, no X-Men book will ever make any sense to somebody that hasn't been along for that ride since the very beginning. And I don't mean either the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby originals, the Thomas/Neal Adams run, nor the Byrne/Claremont era. If anything, the X-Men have gotten <a href="http://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2020/02/pobb-february-6-2020.html" target="_blank">weirder</a>, and not in a good way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIG8pyOug6A-krnTbsz1NijRH8VxzFjk1ziqhzKijkmGFXf-SnLcMBgKNs75cGMMCy3LsCHmQrW0InyIa-kLrh5IWuMW8i2sa2LC3FGr99IwunDpwN6FE_MLrMUDhBH-p2lmT2N7La0O1e6JyGi-hl7Qo1OlZmrmOs13AgxHczogdaZ94aLHqeO5EaQ/s200/207_gonzo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="200" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIG8pyOug6A-krnTbsz1NijRH8VxzFjk1ziqhzKijkmGFXf-SnLcMBgKNs75cGMMCy3LsCHmQrW0InyIa-kLrh5IWuMW8i2sa2LC3FGr99IwunDpwN6FE_MLrMUDhBH-p2lmT2N7La0O1e6JyGi-hl7Qo1OlZmrmOs13AgxHczogdaZ94aLHqeO5EaQ/s1600/207_gonzo_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The X-Men books started to go off the rails when Storm shaved her head and started wearing tight leather. Coincidental redhead, Madeline Pryor showed up. Scott Summers who grieved to all hell for the doomed Jean Grey fell for her, and he wasn't a dick for doing that. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However, you still could read <i>The Uncanny X-Men</i> with little threat of brain damage. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, I advise you to skip the first page. That's just X-Men type nonsense. Simply accept that something mutant-like brought Laura Kinney back from the dead and everything's good now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Wait? Laura died? When did she die?" </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Not even important. At some point, she died.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Okay, but even if she's a clone of a clone, she shouldn't have the memories of--"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Shhh...It's just a comic book. Relax.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Rogue on the second page may convince you to read it, I don't advise that. Skip the confusing dialogue and narration. Just enjoy the beautiful rendition of Rogue by Javier Pina and Marte Garcia. She's not here for just eye candy. She becomes a crucial player later in the story with a nostalgic move that paints her as a hero.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSDkNGVRfDDYUCYqBE7ajsDPKze5ilt3L2ZCmTpgzAtCuBED-mcdu2iXLxsoaf_TRpChBGU_MGLZZFQuJ7x-tj8EBdtl1z8BDyKBgmu8ddNQgrWqckl-4zne3dDwx2pg2Rj2jWLO14D6kpk-yDwAYOM_7S8ePmPeCHXz3WXr_VHoD8rBpSOKQb3lOwA/s800/Nice%20Rogue.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSDkNGVRfDDYUCYqBE7ajsDPKze5ilt3L2ZCmTpgzAtCuBED-mcdu2iXLxsoaf_TRpChBGU_MGLZZFQuJ7x-tj8EBdtl1z8BDyKBgmu8ddNQgrWqckl-4zne3dDwx2pg2Rj2jWLO14D6kpk-yDwAYOM_7S8ePmPeCHXz3WXr_VHoD8rBpSOKQb3lOwA/s320/Nice%20Rogue.jpeg" width="304" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The main plot begins on page five. That's when you see Laura suiting up to go investigate adamantium on the Big Bad's base.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y8d-EGAJCGfX0wmcmkdalLTs19eUPFTNCS5gvFIlGmZiWgguNvpPLRCyQINY9xMFYEj9EgsCerRyCbxK0S_DXYzjPtahMx9PErnLFxsUwqqx3FQjnmUlSBjRWQrg6R1pGFq-m4e7qPD3UnxjCI1iTU2yNJ5X_VH4IhcFQhDa9MHWtVOCldah_EzYSQ/s800/Wolverine%20Suiting%20Up.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="800" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y8d-EGAJCGfX0wmcmkdalLTs19eUPFTNCS5gvFIlGmZiWgguNvpPLRCyQINY9xMFYEj9EgsCerRyCbxK0S_DXYzjPtahMx9PErnLFxsUwqqx3FQjnmUlSBjRWQrg6R1pGFq-m4e7qPD3UnxjCI1iTU2yNJ5X_VH4IhcFQhDa9MHWtVOCldah_EzYSQ/s320/Wolverine%20Suiting%20Up.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Wait. Who is the Big Bad?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLugH4xd2BUteO-FWnL6wZ5QtVaSld5-D1UOzoxpVdsFMw0gYkysa07KehIvFmkctV_apnCiUpeZOj7OADGuAd13HF7xw78KYNi8SN7GUBizH0bvw6cVh9NoLchXXiOOLSRRC9zR73ZI_rS0lPMyrWpeJ7EC51koePJ4s_VrVLVido4QJnCbJgVOuE0A/s1664/Red%20Guy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1664" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLugH4xd2BUteO-FWnL6wZ5QtVaSld5-D1UOzoxpVdsFMw0gYkysa07KehIvFmkctV_apnCiUpeZOj7OADGuAd13HF7xw78KYNi8SN7GUBizH0bvw6cVh9NoLchXXiOOLSRRC9zR73ZI_rS0lPMyrWpeJ7EC51koePJ4s_VrVLVido4QJnCbJgVOuE0A/s320/Red%20Guy.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">No idea. Some red guy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This guy's identity is immaterial to Laura attempting to discover the mystery of the adamantium/mutant signal.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The rest of the story spotlights Laura as Wolverine doing what she does best.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F8zsJqhzQIe_jRQB6kVSV5T2GsGqdDkXHBsvQe5LWyYqayl_oialNyEUXJP-hzHc2YVe8Cs8uFU7a7vNNnBE_LGR7ND6GxQmkUyCGqT6JtADgeYTMtW3__e-7d21PtQEBzx_l34gWMKte_8ii1DyoEohCeoiDwfFOgVIewsulfmuHfJ-QlaGirt6mg/s800/Wolverine%20Tracking.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="800" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3F8zsJqhzQIe_jRQB6kVSV5T2GsGqdDkXHBsvQe5LWyYqayl_oialNyEUXJP-hzHc2YVe8Cs8uFU7a7vNNnBE_LGR7ND6GxQmkUyCGqT6JtADgeYTMtW3__e-7d21PtQEBzx_l34gWMKte_8ii1DyoEohCeoiDwfFOgVIewsulfmuHfJ-QlaGirt6mg/s320/Wolverine%20Tracking.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We see her tracking.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8bNBqiUrK6byvX_zIXRxQf1St6iVvv5PjTyvWLaGwcx2le9vGl4e1p8m3jENUaK7hcxI7BJqXDFLNmWvZJCGFnXe1sHFd9ilFoFUHmGI3UuBNyauUpptAfRaGOdfVZV8D2taxnyBqwUsXBL82WpyQE8u4xi3AaXsRm-McsivOVxZpDKScVAxqH9KNw/s800/Wolverine%20Stealth.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="800" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8bNBqiUrK6byvX_zIXRxQf1St6iVvv5PjTyvWLaGwcx2le9vGl4e1p8m3jENUaK7hcxI7BJqXDFLNmWvZJCGFnXe1sHFd9ilFoFUHmGI3UuBNyauUpptAfRaGOdfVZV8D2taxnyBqwUsXBL82WpyQE8u4xi3AaXsRm-McsivOVxZpDKScVAxqH9KNw/s320/Wolverine%20Stealth.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We see her stealthy. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We see her clawing to where she hopes her cloned sister Gabrielle Kinney alias Honey Badger lies imprisoned.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yCmjhqVzlgK7oHHvXClmOCX3T_HKDcjIPgv8SpG5UxId-1vVXmL6myKyCOgdcT3Aau4xpWxYm6M4rvw051c7tGu1S5-0_LkvHLIqpln2dVp0nU96JEnUKIKhXkDK8Ywgmva58HkM3f8WaPGXqTGA41y0ikfx6-0MsVH_wQmrYbINCB2xBOxFGvdYEQ/s800/Oh%20Hell.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="800" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yCmjhqVzlgK7oHHvXClmOCX3T_HKDcjIPgv8SpG5UxId-1vVXmL6myKyCOgdcT3Aau4xpWxYm6M4rvw051c7tGu1S5-0_LkvHLIqpln2dVp0nU96JEnUKIKhXkDK8Ywgmva58HkM3f8WaPGXqTGA41y0ikfx6-0MsVH_wQmrYbINCB2xBOxFGvdYEQ/s320/Oh%20Hell.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's not Honey Badger. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I'll not spoil the surprise because the infused adamantium identity of the occupant in the box is a classic X-Men character that you could have encountered multiple ways, even outside the higgledy-piggledy of X-Men continuity. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">No, it's not Logan.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In addition to all of this Laura Kinney goodness ably choreographed by Pina as if <i>X-Men</i> were a <i>Mission Impossible </i>episode, we have a philosophical conflict.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35JhgItaFDeClWEUd-o6VaN7ylcbSBHNA8okw13aH3EOpWcmH80vcbuwRj2R8uRbBh5QkNGmW_s5jMpnay9e-wXi07fTE2irVTl3-SnQLSUOWo3hE1JZ8wS2RYA_xiYAnPOIOmH1HdqxNm8cT4wX72v1KWl7R8Mi-2wfkQ1oiYMqlJE9xEQ1qAvCZIA/s800/Help%20People.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="800" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35JhgItaFDeClWEUd-o6VaN7ylcbSBHNA8okw13aH3EOpWcmH80vcbuwRj2R8uRbBh5QkNGmW_s5jMpnay9e-wXi07fTE2irVTl3-SnQLSUOWo3hE1JZ8wS2RYA_xiYAnPOIOmH1HdqxNm8cT4wX72v1KWl7R8Mi-2wfkQ1oiYMqlJE9xEQ1qAvCZIA/w438-h175/Help%20People.jpeg" width="438" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Laura is a clone of Logan the original Wolverine. Logan as many can point out was a Canadian intelligence officer who was turned into an adamantium-clawed killing machine code-named Weapon X. I know. Canada seems so nice. In the Marvel Universe, they are real bastards. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The fact is that even though Wolverine is really good at killing with those claws of his, he grew extremely dissatisfied. He left Canadian Intelligence, became a hero in the X-Men and eventually stopped murdering everything in his longer reach. Mostly. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Laura was Weapon X-23. Another Canadian import. I know. They seem so nice. She realized her ethical dilemma much earlier than Wolverine. And has since sworn off killing with a much more reliable track record than her genetic stock. That doesn't stop </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pina beautifully beating out a fight sequence where Laura also makes use of her super cool foot claws. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">So, if you're a fan of Laura Kinney. This one is the exception that proves the rule.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IlIx0pdjp-Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="IlIx0pdjp-Q"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-51367786943466333462022-05-20T18:40:00.003-04:002022-05-20T18:44:29.856-04:00POBB May 15, 2022<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>May 15, 2022</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>by</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Ray Tate</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to a focused issue of <i>The Pick of the Brown Bag.</i> This week I look at the new Conan related<i> </i>title<i> Belit and Valeria </i>from Ablaze Comics. Courtesy of Max Bemis, Rodney Buchemi and Dinei Ribeiro.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, I'll level with you. I'm not really a huge fan of Conan the Barbarian. I've liked the selective doses I've <a href="https://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/search/label/Savage%20Avengers" target="_blank">experienced</a>, and I've liked what I perused from creator Robert E. Howard. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I just never harbored the desire to be a completist.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50sHjfwXDu1n2ujxyr1Df_uTyjSdwBawZ-I15W6269_mgcgYj_X4mSMeyzn2Y03lw-t8aNoP2g4goqLpKtHjQQrbwf1YR_VRqZR91lW6xSHHmXWIKZHYWkNgoxEjU8uViDs0vH50Y-nuFC3S5hXCdD3xaAM1qwAgB8Q2uA8lF9RouoXCWD1oRK0-0Eg/s599/403px-Weird_Tales_1934-05_-_Queen_of_the_Black_Coast.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="403" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50sHjfwXDu1n2ujxyr1Df_uTyjSdwBawZ-I15W6269_mgcgYj_X4mSMeyzn2Y03lw-t8aNoP2g4goqLpKtHjQQrbwf1YR_VRqZR91lW6xSHHmXWIKZHYWkNgoxEjU8uViDs0vH50Y-nuFC3S5hXCdD3xaAM1qwAgB8Q2uA8lF9RouoXCWD1oRK0-0Eg/w194-h288/403px-Weird_Tales_1934-05_-_Queen_of_the_Black_Coast.jpg" width="194" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That said. I've read "Queen of the Black Coast," Belit's first and only appearance and its counter <i>Red Nails</i></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">; the novella introducing Valeria. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusRS6qlnreJfoXQtVrue8d-3FiF_YrhTy5Ihzsp-Qpkw4RVRV08mIWBbmoMACSuawTKP0hNXA4TEcT6uNLHgyV9c0gJTsDlh91AdtEeOle99_MUREa1shUGPHpVjhGbhfppw0WVGYZfCf1aNoDOrmiNz3n8nIREgcM7q9TRl-DGmacu2TOrO9uICE2w/s327/Weird_Tales_1936-07_-_Red_Nails.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusRS6qlnreJfoXQtVrue8d-3FiF_YrhTy5Ihzsp-Qpkw4RVRV08mIWBbmoMACSuawTKP0hNXA4TEcT6uNLHgyV9c0gJTsDlh91AdtEeOle99_MUREa1shUGPHpVjhGbhfppw0WVGYZfCf1aNoDOrmiNz3n8nIREgcM7q9TRl-DGmacu2TOrO9uICE2w/s320/Weird_Tales_1936-07_-_Red_Nails.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">These stories by the way are available at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org" target="_blank">Project Gutenberg</a>, a superb source for free electronic public domain works.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVCkrR0BMbQw-_MbSCNUFaEWOHVchNcBtTvSHtvIEQQ60Tk3V2qWFlNLy5P8awxnleqxEJIjP45_cR4vd4nycG4q0su_OSNFWckIViuym8WYrXXBEPTnYE_YAg3GZemFM0gVLWrpkHE8Arje0LLyGsE64ko8SdormDCebRG1pj71RwqWn8YjyFX1Zlw/s800/Belit%20and%20Valeria.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="521" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVCkrR0BMbQw-_MbSCNUFaEWOHVchNcBtTvSHtvIEQQ60Tk3V2qWFlNLy5P8awxnleqxEJIjP45_cR4vd4nycG4q0su_OSNFWckIViuym8WYrXXBEPTnYE_YAg3GZemFM0gVLWrpkHE8Arje0LLyGsE64ko8SdormDCebRG1pj71RwqWn8YjyFX1Zlw/s320/Belit%20and%20Valeria.jpeg" width="208" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The new story's relatively simple. Belit comes back from the dead, satisfies her urges, somehow overwhelms Valeria and intends to trade her for a sorcerer who may be able to explain the necromancy that brought her back to life. Double-crosses result in Belit battling a giant serpent and those she intended to barter with.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpLwk1xvc2BMYjOdsRnVFd8lE2yB10cjFCtU7USkHLMrNxC1qZwjXmuD3a95xzlasqpn0B34MwN6zawUaOYP_9ihuiYX3E7BQ_LzruFwxC7B7kR7XOcG48yfD4G6bTS57uthK9a0O2Ffl7P55K9rssYDxGHrTA7BFIu2AADuFjN-_WwdWyZOXQaK_Bg/s800/Mermaids.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpLwk1xvc2BMYjOdsRnVFd8lE2yB10cjFCtU7USkHLMrNxC1qZwjXmuD3a95xzlasqpn0B34MwN6zawUaOYP_9ihuiYX3E7BQ_LzruFwxC7B7kR7XOcG48yfD4G6bTS57uthK9a0O2Ffl7P55K9rssYDxGHrTA7BFIu2AADuFjN-_WwdWyZOXQaK_Bg/s320/Mermaids.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The tale begins with Belit arising from her watery grave and encountering mermaids. By far this is my favorite scene. It's a good dovetail of continuity from "Queen of the Black Coast." The mermaids behave very naturally. They're not luring men to their deaths, nor falling in love with surface dwellers. They're just hanging out and eating fish by the shore.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Belit in this scene is as naked as a PG book will allow--a head scratcher given this book should, by MPAA standards, be rated R. I'll address that factor later.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Robert E. Howard describes Belit as being somewhat of a nudist. She only typically wears a <a href="https://www.artic.edu/artworks/241995/girdle-belt">girdle</a>...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01v4QvU-B2KM0CZc32fRs6is5X3bkH0mV8ClIj4QQubVwL2TGjfjL-oVgMbUtpR8ee1soD3EjDT9tI_h5pgIMZmNSdkBi09qvG9H9OBwfrQRBnxCdTNqNSYEmDvNdy8gyt5l9CXuj6JCPr5zONnzFuTtgKi3it4t-rSgncu1sSvh4oUcDPZdacLvVw/s843/default.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="843" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ01v4QvU-B2KM0CZc32fRs6is5X3bkH0mV8ClIj4QQubVwL2TGjfjL-oVgMbUtpR8ee1soD3EjDT9tI_h5pgIMZmNSdkBi09qvG9H9OBwfrQRBnxCdTNqNSYEmDvNdy8gyt5l9CXuj6JCPr5zONnzFuTtgKi3it4t-rSgncu1sSvh4oUcDPZdacLvVw/s320/default.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">...and the jewels she plundered. While he describes her breasts as bare, he doesn't say anything about the nipples. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As Miley Cyrus sagely pointed out: </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://pobrownbag.blogspot.com/2019/08/" target="_blank">"America's actually fine with tits, it's nipples they don't like."</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHROJKrHDuvEAXfOouCX9mMfz9IY-a2yDL4KWFQRL97lEn9gFgXRaCnOR2LBObUbhkvfm81I3fieGxx7KnM40sfOutIWFt6CrmPqRzB6hLbReB4Ij5dxjhAG-afK371eGu1rxcy2cetnC6aad4zECnGsMGPnM0pafe1DndaOxxzqYvLA8QZWICs_buMQ/s800/maxresdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHROJKrHDuvEAXfOouCX9mMfz9IY-a2yDL4KWFQRL97lEn9gFgXRaCnOR2LBObUbhkvfm81I3fieGxx7KnM40sfOutIWFt6CrmPqRzB6hLbReB4Ij5dxjhAG-afK371eGu1rxcy2cetnC6aad4zECnGsMGPnM0pafe1DndaOxxzqYvLA8QZWICs_buMQ/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The link will take you to one of my older postings but more importantly it also features a playable Youtube video of Miley singing a very clean version of "Jolene." Not her usual fare and quite melodic. Women should never be dismissed as mere sex objects, nor should their sexual nature as human beings be repressed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Those hoping to eventually see Belit's nipples will be disappointed. Though, she shows as much skin as possible, again, as much as a PG book will allow, Valeria is the one who flashes her tits. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSGiKMtbRNt4iWx3VPoJcCUbvSLu00XAd97t5d7ucBe8MDVaHFe9Fdxn04_1xb0ENMzpw7mkgONbKf5EBgBhtNZLrrqTXboQmeiEVzWvVfrvJ_AOqoyiqqHR-N-p_F7dqaEH9SG9ttedux8VgDd7KguJVJDpkjVRxlIhTlsn1BKWaczsCRoO8GrH02w/s800/Valeria%20Shows%20Her%20Tits.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSGiKMtbRNt4iWx3VPoJcCUbvSLu00XAd97t5d7ucBe8MDVaHFe9Fdxn04_1xb0ENMzpw7mkgONbKf5EBgBhtNZLrrqTXboQmeiEVzWvVfrvJ_AOqoyiqqHR-N-p_F7dqaEH9SG9ttedux8VgDd7KguJVJDpkjVRxlIhTlsn1BKWaczsCRoO8GrH02w/s320/Valeria%20Shows%20Her%20Tits.jpeg" width="182" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ah, spoiler alert, I suppose. Surely, this scene if not Valeria's second bare-breasted moment should earn the book a big fat R. That begs the question. Why so, dainty when depicting Belit?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn42Ht_KiKzYNtwKkfu7p1KkP4nxWbUPE1QZqCehKLNARmSDS1sMPMgG-w9jwUYeKchoA8puBF1TWJw097bq0AC7bruTfq5Eya65Dmf0iUA18oLLlv2xc94aP1r_WBbN1IWTQSVr4BJM6oLgthuXfYZFW3lNlyBpblKb5_DDOK7QmlvMKc3HhC-ZzC-g/s800/Belit%20Almost%20Naked.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn42Ht_KiKzYNtwKkfu7p1KkP4nxWbUPE1QZqCehKLNARmSDS1sMPMgG-w9jwUYeKchoA8puBF1TWJw097bq0AC7bruTfq5Eya65Dmf0iUA18oLLlv2xc94aP1r_WBbN1IWTQSVr4BJM6oLgthuXfYZFW3lNlyBpblKb5_DDOK7QmlvMKc3HhC-ZzC-g/s320/Belit%20Almost%20Naked.jpeg" width="188" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Valeria in fact is clad head to toe in <i>Red Nails</i> until she's selected to be concubine and then sacrifice. None of her nudity is by choice, and she doesn't seem to be the type to flash her knockers, even as a tactical distraction. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">According to <i>Red Nails, </i>Valeria is a seasoned pirate. Her background is only hinted at but her characterization crystalized:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>"You walk more like a hillman than a sailor," he said. "You must be an Aquilonian. The suns of Darfar never burnt your white skin brown. Many a princess would envy you."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i><span style="text-align: justify;"><i>"I am from Aquilonia," she replied. His compliments no longer irritated her. His evident admiration pleased her. For another man to have kept her watch while she slept would have angered her; she had always fiercely resented any man's attempting to shield or protect her because of her sex. But she found a secret pleasure in the fact that this man had done so. And he had not taken advantage of her fright and the weakness resulting from it. After all, she reflected, her companion was no common man.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Valeria's philosophy is suffrage based, and that's where I feel the tit-flashing conflicts with her persona. She doesn't mind if somebody sees her naked after a fight that tears off her clothing. She's not going to try to cover up her naughty bits to emulate a comical figure in some sort of bad, broad burlesque. It would be more like. Yeah, I'm naked. I'm beautiful. So what? Stop staring, and hand me that shirt.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Valeria's willingness to display her goods is only one problem with her characterization. In <i>Red Nails, </i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Robert E. Howard depicts Valeria, in contrast to Belit, as thoughtful and pragmatic. Like Conan she doesn't waste words. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bemis on the other hand gives Valeria quite a chattery disposition, which disagrees with Howard's buccaneer. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNtSDnIf94mXir2ye4nodWd78rwfmhSHRIIjhWZPm7WAq8XpFkyPqNQSFuEHAv_YQ6BP8-I3QHu82SLgppWqTLCvh60Asl4WDLppGStN-gTpyTOjwH9Z8z2WfiINy9eq4MI_yrvgjJd6OksTewpFcwqYe3uog4NzUSI2Zgznz_GWClTVWvVg-ISH9FQ/s800/Valeria%20the%20Chatter%20Box.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="800" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNtSDnIf94mXir2ye4nodWd78rwfmhSHRIIjhWZPm7WAq8XpFkyPqNQSFuEHAv_YQ6BP8-I3QHu82SLgppWqTLCvh60Asl4WDLppGStN-gTpyTOjwH9Z8z2WfiINy9eq4MI_yrvgjJd6OksTewpFcwqYe3uog4NzUSI2Zgznz_GWClTVWvVg-ISH9FQ/w433-h157/Valeria%20the%20Chatter%20Box.jpeg" width="433" /></a></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Valeria is a mistress of the sword and has a mean right cross. In <i>Red Nails </i>only </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the sheerest brute force overcomes her. That and sorcery. In other scenes, Howard demonstrates her prowess. She fights side by side with Conan, slaying three warriors in one clash.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bemis offers no explanation as to how Belit captured Valeria, in the first place. Valeria is just introduced in a cage. I don't understand. I can buy the idea that the newly resurrected Belit crosses paths with Valeria. I just cannot comprehend how she bested her without so much as a scratch on either.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Artist Rodney Buchemi's Valeria also differs too much from Howard's imagery. She looks and behaves more like a bad imitation of Gabrielle from <i>Xena Warrior Princess.</i> She doesn't once exhibit the corsair's bearing that Robert E. Howard paints so vividly.</span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i><div>She was tall, full-bosomed and large-limbed, with compact shoulders. Her whole figure reflected an unusual strength, without detracting from the femininity of her appearance. She was all woman, in spite of her bearing and her garments. The latter were incongruous, in view of her present environs. Instead of a skirt she wore short, wide-legged silk breeches, which ceased a hand's breadth short of her knees, and were upheld by a wide silken sash worn as a girdle. Flaring-topped boots of soft leather came almost to her knees, and a low-necked, wide-collared, wide-sleeved silk shirt completed her costume. On one shapely hip she wore a straight double-edged sword, and on the other a long dirk. Her unruly golden hair, cut square at her shoulders, was confined by a band of crimson satin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Against the background of somber, primitive forest she posed with an unconscious picturesqueness, bizarre and out of place. She should have been posed against a background of sea-clouds, painted masts and wheeling gulls. There was the color of the sea in her wide eyes. And that was as it should have been, because this was Valeria of the Red Brotherhood, whose deeds are celebrated in song and ballad wherever seafarers gather.</div><div><br /></div></i></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pertaining to Belit, Rodney Buchemi's artwork is utterly magnificent. He definitely channels the late great George Perez when rendering the female form.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfCP09RW7mwC_Qqxis_4Nbxg1RG-5kqCf-bGoF-97HC_mVP31pPaehPWDIbkICiYsVK9k03808p-iDgWqYDA8lHN4g-G59pC5J8KbHuHN43C0zILYKe9RfC59M7Th4WPfdLqFCHjE6l2yTKEX_HjW4eLM2Wf1-Y7RNTYoLdr2hyaaaZZVlw9XKXGxbQ/s800/Belit%20the%20Panther.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfCP09RW7mwC_Qqxis_4Nbxg1RG-5kqCf-bGoF-97HC_mVP31pPaehPWDIbkICiYsVK9k03808p-iDgWqYDA8lHN4g-G59pC5J8KbHuHN43C0zILYKe9RfC59M7Th4WPfdLqFCHjE6l2yTKEX_HjW4eLM2Wf1-Y7RNTYoLdr2hyaaaZZVlw9XKXGxbQ/s320/Belit%20the%20Panther.jpeg" width="166" /></a></div><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Belit moves like a panther, and that's congruent with Howard's descriptive. He doesn't indicate she's the giantess that Buchemi makes her to be, but I'm perfectly willing to accept that as artistic license. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">According to Bemis' story, Belit returns to the world sexually frustrated. </span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkuLUgmAWs5B7rp8RkBKUzufBTLUXKf0DxeRfZfQh7yIZSnsmUAWqpAD4EQeDDeZg_EDWBTXCTSq0kgogDqQwK7mWRtplD7sz40s67kgv9Dmeu4PdM76NmPYZeJekY52SasFf-_XJPv9Xnj3JsulLWIL5aZH_Hlz-pNybId5kaPaAqbpnCAn3wMRYgw/s800/Searching%20for%20Cock.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkuLUgmAWs5B7rp8RkBKUzufBTLUXKf0DxeRfZfQh7yIZSnsmUAWqpAD4EQeDDeZg_EDWBTXCTSq0kgogDqQwK7mWRtplD7sz40s67kgv9Dmeu4PdM76NmPYZeJekY52SasFf-_XJPv9Xnj3JsulLWIL5aZH_Hlz-pNybId5kaPaAqbpnCAn3wMRYgw/s320/Searching%20for%20Cock.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I'm okay with that, makes perfect sense, really, but I object to the coarseness when she phrases her desire. Bemis continues this crude dialogue throughout the book, and it becomes quite tiring especially when compared with the bad poetry Robert E. Howard wrote:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i>"Look at me, Conan!' She threw wide her arms. 'I am Bêlit, queen of the black coast. Oh, tiger of the North, you are cold as the snowy mountains which bred you. Take me and crush me with your fierce love! Go with me to the ends of the earth and the ends of the sea! I am a queen by fire and steel and slaughter—be thou my king!"</i></span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now, look, compared to actual poets, that's not good by any measure, but it's better than this:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VEq1loFR-caQxBTBuF4Cn_ohLa-emuHpnVCvUibghwGa7bs5YZ0RcC10y-lMYT6cgKcmHY-k4mWKBHLDv0COjjoDFjYxS3x7Jq1wr7KDNockKqae-kOcOhofJ-Y_qAAXc6eCNT7sFa4BBnQwn0wrYjRkmrdops9qITu8VNVLYoMxdAKCJ-ark4hmNA/s800/Hung%20Like%20an%20Elephant.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="800" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VEq1loFR-caQxBTBuF4Cn_ohLa-emuHpnVCvUibghwGa7bs5YZ0RcC10y-lMYT6cgKcmHY-k4mWKBHLDv0COjjoDFjYxS3x7Jq1wr7KDNockKqae-kOcOhofJ-Y_qAAXc6eCNT7sFa4BBnQwn0wrYjRkmrdops9qITu8VNVLYoMxdAKCJ-ark4hmNA/s320/Hung%20Like%20an%20Elephant.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And certainly better than this:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioILW4vnvLrB385v-phMVUxFRZrnWEuNTjHobO0b55jYdXfL8IdB86cjzevkkGlR17gZESBeQVw3gqWyLCstFilsHa2erah1AjykrkqUK7dat8dGJ3d-ZH_mlE4y0-GVFFCprM8mirqFSGX5h6bMJLrYhabRn8KeO47xNWkR7Si0-mAeU6aCWWRZXnnw/s800/Belit%20Vs%20Cimmerian.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="800" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioILW4vnvLrB385v-phMVUxFRZrnWEuNTjHobO0b55jYdXfL8IdB86cjzevkkGlR17gZESBeQVw3gqWyLCstFilsHa2erah1AjykrkqUK7dat8dGJ3d-ZH_mlE4y0-GVFFCprM8mirqFSGX5h6bMJLrYhabRn8KeO47xNWkR7Si0-mAeU6aCWWRZXnnw/s320/Belit%20Vs%20Cimmerian.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">So, should you buy <i>Belit and Valeria?</i> I'd have to say not at full price. I can only recommend Bucehmi's marvelous artwork. Bemis' story glosses over a matter of plot importance, laces the dialogue with crudity not pleasing for the Robert E. Howard fan and fails in a number key elements of characterization. I also question the restraint when depicting the nudity of one character but not the other. If Bemis had stretched a little and provided some his own bad poetry instead of gutter tongue and Ablaze Publishing decided exactly who the audience was going to be, this might have been an at least mediocre pairing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9117444802988560123.post-89133539704783965342022-04-27T10:51:00.000-04:002022-04-27T10:51:34.589-04:00POBB April 27, 2022<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">April 27, 2022</span></i></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by </i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ray Tate </i></div></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Welcome to the <i>Pick of the Brown Bag</i>. In this special edition I review the film <i>The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. </i> Also known as the one where Nicolas Cage plays himself.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6I4GbANgpAok5fN7flkrmtH4zEi8dNHAIXwQKr3hLO40zI2uhFFOyOCPMux6pDrnDIs58flNQiQ72I082poe-pTPtcqJrZgh-3_pzznAu8SJeAZUClmKtSQNJO50vHO0K2pDbEcrCzJgx1F4K8pPkqVh8Quxt7TIdvX9lOPg_cJrwb6lTdMibDR60A/s327/The_Unbearable_Weight_of_Massive_Talent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6I4GbANgpAok5fN7flkrmtH4zEi8dNHAIXwQKr3hLO40zI2uhFFOyOCPMux6pDrnDIs58flNQiQ72I082poe-pTPtcqJrZgh-3_pzznAu8SJeAZUClmKtSQNJO50vHO0K2pDbEcrCzJgx1F4K8pPkqVh8Quxt7TIdvX9lOPg_cJrwb6lTdMibDR60A/s320/The_Unbearable_Weight_of_Massive_Talent.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This is a surprising, hilarious film that also benefits from one helluva cast. The story begins with a well choreographed action sequence that one may find in any good suspense film. You may wonder what it's doing in a comedy, but this is the initial motivating force of the main plot twist.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The movie cuts next to our star Nicolas Cage in full Nicolas Cage mode. This obviously is not Cage portraying his biographical self but rather a slice of his true personality mixed with reflective bits and pieces gleaned from other people. What's interesting is that blended together, the end product resembles a comedic and tragic figure that works extremely well in character-based comedy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXh8rxBVSgoTyOn0K0BA9UbyWitGqrTbrga2vt1sOfGHwnNYJShJByVzVEycpANsRbHvrdieRENlUo1Wf0i9qBIeD2vzvYQk4Kde1t97B7DudAfIPrNqXG4GfA02B1vy2nJ0Yg3H2AQlMIHuqmSzZfQNUmkB_Gf-7pDCkAv5aqf-Q6v3QdDo1LZFnOQ/s800/3504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXh8rxBVSgoTyOn0K0BA9UbyWitGqrTbrga2vt1sOfGHwnNYJShJByVzVEycpANsRbHvrdieRENlUo1Wf0i9qBIeD2vzvYQk4Kde1t97B7DudAfIPrNqXG4GfA02B1vy2nJ0Yg3H2AQlMIHuqmSzZfQNUmkB_Gf-7pDCkAv5aqf-Q6v3QdDo1LZFnOQ/s320/3504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Self-deprecation catalyzes Nicholas' journey and simultaneously introduces Cage's fictional inner circle. Sharon Horgan, Lilly Sheen and Neil Patrick Harris essay these roles. With only Harris demonstrating overt comedy chops. The problems associated with Cage's ex-wife and his daughter are all part of the more nuanced gag, a send-up of biopics creating weight to tabloid gossip.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4gpsnl-9UaXpngQR7hkrkSfIriUzzwgcrIu8-VEzUTCBQFVXB7FLxzY8VLUiYaYb_ksDxtgXCZWXIx4bCJ46xZIexMBfsfiN9sEr8ocmbn0jVkrq4m6SVRY4aQ_pb6rcYddRxCT4Qhc2Ni67PuHpqJmWaL_-b-YnXj_DDD0F5KzRU_5G0PEmF6sM-g/s740/thumb_3C4028B8-960D-487E-A898-7C44E6A829A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="740" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4gpsnl-9UaXpngQR7hkrkSfIriUzzwgcrIu8-VEzUTCBQFVXB7FLxzY8VLUiYaYb_ksDxtgXCZWXIx4bCJ46xZIexMBfsfiN9sEr8ocmbn0jVkrq4m6SVRY4aQ_pb6rcYddRxCT4Qhc2Ni67PuHpqJmWaL_-b-YnXj_DDD0F5KzRU_5G0PEmF6sM-g/s320/thumb_3C4028B8-960D-487E-A898-7C44E6A829A3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Unbearable</i> goes off the rails in a good way when Nicholas Cage meets his number one fan, olive millionaire Javi Gutierrez, played by chameleon actor Pedro Pascal. Yes, the Mandalorian. Funny, that word isn't in the dictionary yet and requires spell check learning. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Now, we enter absurd comedy nevertheless drawing strongly on several Abbot and Costello films. In some of Bud's and Lou's movies such as <i>Meets Frankenstein</i> and <i>The Time of Their Lives</i>, Abbot and Costello played different characters, always comedic, in plots with dramatic consequences.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYDXAzuq--1JfkBG5s2TiteiwOKEFzgOPnvq4qfGIgGaCMcpBlfale8lFKqwNbdC4ZBf6VJx3ELAZKC7-pLQPMoqWa_uhVCl6WpNhsfSGcXeVVo7eD9_aMZq8HkAiemLnB3okOw9EM_hK-FVX62yPKqFAzblCG8OIcUJ8q3x3STqClgq55SK3G7RUPQ/s800/the_unbearable_weight_of_massive_talent_UWMT_D43_20142_R_rgb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYDXAzuq--1JfkBG5s2TiteiwOKEFzgOPnvq4qfGIgGaCMcpBlfale8lFKqwNbdC4ZBf6VJx3ELAZKC7-pLQPMoqWa_uhVCl6WpNhsfSGcXeVVo7eD9_aMZq8HkAiemLnB3okOw9EM_hK-FVX62yPKqFAzblCG8OIcUJ8q3x3STqClgq55SK3G7RUPQ/w290-h290/the_unbearable_weight_of_massive_talent_UWMT_D43_20142_R_rgb.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Backed by an able support team including a shockingly skull shaven Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barrinholtz, playing it straight, Nicholas Cage becomes Nicholas Cage reluctant action hero. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In these scenes, the filmmakers parody the idea that if an actor or actress can do their own stunts they are better equipped to survive life and death situations. They are in essence their characters. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">This farce serves Cage in curious set-pieces that evolve naturally out of a strong script. They're at once typical of action films but also benefitting from atypical deviations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i>Unbearable</i> is a very strange, funny film and highly meta, but in ways you really don't expect. The comedy is so well-acted, so well-directed that sometimes the dramatic moments suck you in, particularly the bromance between Cage and Javi, and you fall for the joke.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Raymond Tatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00834292307741650917noreply@blogger.com0