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Post by sabongero on Jun 28, 2016 12:35:38 GMT -5
West Coast Avengers v1 #10.75 USD @ September 1984 "Avengers Assemble!" Writer: Roger Stern Penciler: Bob Hall Inker: Brett Breeding Letterer: Joe Rosen Colorist: Julianna Ferriter Editor: Mark Gruenwald Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter Synopsis: Hawkeye and Mockingbird is in the premises of the new West Coast Avengers compound in California. With a suggestion from the current Avengers Chairman, Vision, Hawkeye will open up a West Coast branch of the Avengers and start recruiting. We see various superheroes in the comic books unknown to them, are being recruited for the West Coast branch. Simon Wiliiams was notified while in a shooting of an action movie in the desert. Jim Rhodes who was Iron Man at the time was notified while on patrol. Tigra was notified while in the office of Jessica Drew. As Tigra left, Jessica Drew was slightly worried, and made a phone call to have someone follow up on Tigra. Tigra and Iron Man arrived at the same time. They were welcomed by Hawkeye and Mockingbird who gave them a tour of the facility. As they were in the deeper levels of the central command of the new West Coast Avengers compound, an intruder alarm went off. The intruder managed to shroud the video surveillance and defense mechanism, and Hawkeye ordered for them to split up and get this intruder. Hawkeye giving orders didn't sit well with Jim Rhodes/Iron Man. The Shroud managed to take down Mockingbird, and escape Iron Man, but as he escaped through one of the windows a newly arrived Wonder Man tackled him from outside. As Wonder Man was about to commence pummeling him, Tigra recognized it was her friend the Shroud, and stepped in between Simon Williams and the Shroud. The Shroud explained he was told by Jessica Drew to follow up on Tigra as she was worried. This just cheered up Hawkeye even more as now they have six superheroes around and he extended an invitation to the Shroud who declined as being an Avenger would be contradictory to his mission plan on infiltrating crime groups. And as the Shroud departed, Hawkeye gathered the remaining superheroes to explain to them the West Coast Avengers. Comments: I read this story back in the mid 80's when I purchased it as a back issue. I have to say that I don't recall the story other than Hawkeye was opening up a new branch on the west coast and that the members recruited were his wife, Mockingbird, Tigra, and Simon Williams. I forgot all about Rhodey, and definitely forgot about the Shroud's appearance. This is a good premise and gathering for a new supergroup. Although at issue's end, I am not all that impressed with the membership. After all, it's not as powerful a team, with Simon Williams as their only powerhouse. Even though they had Iron Man, Rhodey was still very uncomfortable being with other superheroes, kind of having an inferiority complex, because he is not Tony Stark, and he feels they only relate to the Iron Man that they knew. He was the replacement. Another thing, Rhodey did not take Hawkeye's ordering in a good way, so this can be trouble in future issues. I am not sure if Rhodey has been encountering the "migraines" from the armor as it is patterned after Tony's brain waves and not his. Tigra was very unsure of herself, and was somewhat negative about the superheroing business. Simon arrived at the end so I haven't seen his reaction other than slight confusion. The best part, even though there was dated dialogue (and somehow the Marvel Bullpen still hasn't capture the voice of women actually talking as women when they are talking to their significant other), is Hawkeye and Mockingbird. They jest among each other but you can tell this husband and wife team is ready to go and start this new endeavor.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 28, 2016 12:34:52 GMT -5
What a classic cover to Power Man & Iron Fist # 50. I had a subscription to that title and it was always a good read. As far as your comments about the power range of the Defenders, you are exactly right on. If you haven't read it, I highly suggest at some point reading The Order. It's exactly what you posited, and quite a good little Defenders story as well, which we haven't seen in all too many years. Looking at it, I'd have to say that Namor is the weakest link, and he's more than a handful. Thanks. I'll go check it out. A "Mr. Fixit" Grey Hulk as part of a team, now that's going to be a handful. This persona of the Hulk was really menacing. And more entertaining.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 23:16:17 GMT -5
Right now, I'm reading West Coast Avengers #1 from the four issue limited series. It's an enjoyable get together, even though the dialogue is dated, especially how the women are written when they are talking to their significant others. I think the male writers of Marvel still hasn't gotten the women's voice down pat at this time. I do like Rhodey in the golden armor taking over for Tony and how unsure he was on how to act with some of the Avengers.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 18:00:36 GMT -5
Power-Man & Iron Fist #500.35 USD @ April 1978 "Freedom!" Writer: Chris Claremont Artists: John Byrne & Dan Green Lettering: Denise Wohl Colorist: F. Mouly Editor: A. Goodwin Synopsis: Luke is thrown a penthouse party by his lawyer to celebrate his clearance of all charges. In the party are NYC's elite along with his friends, Danny Rand, Misty Knight, and Colleen Wing. Danny Rand asked Luke Cage that he finally legally changed his name to Luke Cage. Luke narrated his origin of how Power-Man came to be, going to prison for something he didn't do, scientific experiment giving him invulnerable skin, his escape from the prison, etc. As he and Danny are talking, a woman name Claire, apparently Luke Cage's girlfriend here, just broke up with him unable to accept Luke's dangerous job as a superhero for hire. This prompted Misty to ask if he needed a shoulder to cry on. And suddenly two antagonists, Stilleto and Discus broke through the wall crashing the party. They were there to bring in Luke Cage to "justice." A battle ensued with the two villains and Power-Man and Iron Fist. In the ensuing melee, Iron Fist saved Misty Knight and pleaded with her to stay away from the battle. Misty defended herself citing she's not a helpless woman, but is a cop. She did stay out of the battle but not happy about it. Colleen jumped into action and landed a front kick to the face on one of the two villains. Cage meanwhile prevented and innocent woman from getting crushed, but did not recognize Cage's effort as she was more concerned that she broke one of her expensive fingernails done in the salon. Before going back into the melee, Cage stole a French kiss on this elite woman. The battle ended outside the penthouse, and in the snow Iron Fist flipped and fell into one of the roofs below. He crashed into an indoor swimming pool. Meanwhile the two goons tried to make their escape as they did not envision encountering this much trouble to bring in Luke Cage. As Misty Knight and her partner, Detective Rafael tried to arrest the two villains, Stilleto fired and hit Detective Rafael in the chest. Enraged, Misty pulled her Magnum and shot Stilleto in the shoulder and fell to the ground. Misty walked to Stilleto at point blank and drew the gun to blast the villain in the face point blank. Luke Cage jumped between the face and bullet and saved the villain's life. An angered Misty was dismayed she fired immediately with her emotions getting the best of her. Iron Fist notice Detective Rafael getting up as Stilleto hit his badge and was not mortally wounded as initially thought. The issue ended with the Heroes For Hire team chatting away and having a small talk. Comments: I loved the art of John Byrne. It's clean and clear throughout with the visual story matching the narrative story. You can just "read" the story based on the illustrations without reading the dialogue and you can go back and read the dialogue and you'll come up with the same story. It's the 70's and I love Misty Knight's and Colleen Wing's portrayal here that they are no ladies in distress. They can take care of themselves in action. Luke's dialogue still oozes 70's Blaxploitation somewhat. But then again that's how he was written in the 70's. The dialogue can be a bit dated, but it works for the story. And Clarement and Byrne were ahead of their times. The party involved NYC's elite, but also feathured men and women of color. In the 70's that's almost unheard of, as it doesn't progress to this until about the mid to late 90's. Sweet Christmas, I have a feeling I'm going to read more issues of this new series.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 17:59:45 GMT -5
Okay here's a second team review posted for today.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 17:18:36 GMT -5
Defenders #10.20 USD @ Aug 1972 "I Slay by the Stars!" Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Sal Buscema Inker: Frank Giacoia Letterer: Artie Simek Editor: Stan Lee Synopsis: The story opened with the Hulk walking in a forested area outside New York City, when a falling Namor landed from the sky, disturbed his peaceful walk. Hulk recognized the unconscious Namor as a friend from previous encounters, but failed to wake him up due to a barrier preventing him from touching Namor. Hulk remembered Dr. Strange in a previous encounter, and perhaps a "doctor" can help revive his friend, even though he was a bit trepidatious because Dr. Strange had the general public hate Hulk in their last encounter. Nonetheless Hulk leapt his way to NYC to go to Dr. Strange's household. The Hulk's presence in the street caused a public commotion full of fear. Dr. Strange who was in the middle of meditation was bothered by the commotion outside his home and went to investigate. He found the Hulk whose presence spread public fear amongst the populace. Upon seeing Dr. Strange, the Hulk was going to attack and smash him, but remembered he needed the mystic's help regarding the comatose Sub-Mariner. And at that point, Dr. Strange whisked the Hulk and himself via an invisibility and levitation spell to get Hulk and himself to the Sub-Mariner. In the nighttime forested area of New Jersey, Dr. Strange deciphered Namor is enclosed in an unknown mystical barrier. Then the villain, Necrodamus made his presence known, and he narrated how Namor came to be enclosed in a mystical barrier, and that he wanted all three superheroes to be in his presence. In one hour, when the stars aligned, Necrodamus planned to sacrifice the Sub-mariner to his masters, the Undying Ones. This prompted Dr. Strange to act and utilize his magic powers, and the Hulk to smash against the barrier Both to no avail. Dr. Strange casted a time stopping spell to give them precious time to act. As Dr. Strange tried to magically help the Sub-Mariner, Namor's "entombed" body sings underground absorbed by the soil acting as a sponge of some sort. Dr. Strange and the Hulk go to a cavern nearby to go beneath and find Namor, and they encountered the grotesque Demon of the Dark. Hulk was happy to see the demon as he was itching to punch something, and Hulk smashed the demon into unconsciousness. The two pressed on deeper into the cavern. And they finally arrived in a sacrificial altar where Necrodamus was holding a dagger prepared to sacrifice Namor to his master, the Nameless Ones. Necrodamus transformed and is reborn as a huge muscle bound humanoid behemoth. He and the Hulk battle with him stabbing Hulk in the chest with the mystical dagger he was going to use on Namor. Meanwhile, Dr. Strange is trying to mystically free an unconscious namor. He changed the air into vapor inside Namor's mystical barrier, and Namor's eyes opened, and he powers out of the barrier and Namor is free. It's just in time as he sees Necrodamus plunged the mystical dagger in Hulk's back thus sending the green goliath to his knees and eventually to fall face down on the ground. Namor goes on the attack against Necrodamus. And Necrodamus overpowers Namor and with added strength due to the stars aligned is about to stab Namor in the neck. Dr. Strange tried to grab the stabbing hand of Necrodamus as the Hulk changed into Bruce Banner. Suddenly waking, Banner throws himself at Necrodamis neck trying to prevent Necrodamus from stabbing Namor in the neck. Necrodamus must complete the sacrifice while the stars are aligned. And a moment later, they disalign and his transformed existence loses power and he dissipated. The trio of superheroes were lucky here. Dr. Strange tried to find out how Namor came to be entombed and unconscious and how did he fell from the sky, dropped by the mage, Necrodamus. Namor answered him stating it wasn't Necrodamus's doing, but that of the Silver Surfer. Dr. Strange ended this issue stating that the Defenders must search for the Solver Surfer to get to the bottom of this. Comments: It is nice to read a comic book way prior to the age of political correctness. Dr. Strange comes across as a bit elitist, and borderline arrogant and bossy in attitude here. He's ordering the Hulk around like an underling and it doesn't sit well with the Hulk. I find myself hoping that the Hulk gets to punch Dr. Strange some time in the comic book, but it will not happen as this is a newly formed team book. Too bad. He also somehow elected himself as the group leader at the issue's end ordering they must find the Silver Surfer. Namor was catatonic in the entire issue except for the last few pages. This was just a major extended action scene from a quarter of the issue in, up to the end of the issue. But there are some good character building moments in the Hulk's and Dr. Strange's characters. Hulk come across as a rebellious young tweener who doesn't like to be told what to do, while, the elitist Dr. Strange comes across as a know it all. He still kept calling the Hulk, monster throughtout the issue, citing the Hulk not as a team mate, but as a mindless being to be led around. By the Eye of Agamotto, I'd like to see the Hulk really bitch slap Dr. Strange, but this will not happen in a 1970's canon book in the Marvel Universe. All in all a pretty straight forward introduction to have three members together in one issue. I just have to say that there three and if you add the Silver Surfer would be the most powerful team on Earth. Forget about the X-Men and Avengers. It's going to be demons and magic that would be the only antagonists to take four unearthly level heroes together. We can't have Batroc the Leaper or some other less powerful villain take on these four. Heck the Hulk is even too much for the entire Avengers. I hope Steve Englehart can come up with other storylines that doesn't involve demons in the future as opponents as that can eventually become tiresome.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 17:14:30 GMT -5
I'd actively avoided any and all WS titles even though some of them had very nice art. Their reputation was, bad story, pretty pictures. When they came under DC's wing, I bit, and this was the first issue I read and loved it. The Authority has had their ups and downs but I've loved them since. Went back and read the previous Stormwatch series that directly inspired The Authority and was very impressed with them too. They were collected in paperback. Ellis, and IIRC, Moore wrote them. Thanks for mentioning that title Hondobrode. I'll check out Stormwatch down the line. I've already gotten my hands on some WildCATS and Gen13 and hope to post some reviews of them here. Meanwhile, I just finished reading Defenders #1.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 15:41:34 GMT -5
May I ask if anyone knows if Norrin Radd (Silver Surfer) has ever been reunited with Shala-Bal?
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Post by sabongero on Jun 27, 2016 14:33:47 GMT -5
The trio of Oracle, Black Canary, and Huntress (Helena Bertenelli) was a well done buddy comics style series in the early to late 2000's by Gail Simone.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 26, 2016 21:49:07 GMT -5
Power Girl and Huntress.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 21, 2016 20:57:44 GMT -5
What If…? #19: Spider-Man had Stopped the Burglar who Killed His Uncle Ben 75 Cents @ Feb 1980 Writer: Peter Gillis Artist: Pat Broderick Inker: Mike Esposito Letterer: Orz Colorist: Slifer Editors” O’Neil & Gruenwald Editor-in-Chief: Shooter Watcher Quote: “I am the Watcher. And here is a common tragedy with uncommon participants.” “There are turning points in all men’s lives, critical instants when a single decision can determine the course of one’s future. But at every turning point, more than one decision is possible. Lately I have learned there exist worlds where these other decisions are realized, countless alternate realities which branch off from the world you know at major critical instants. Watch once again this most critical instant in the life of young Peter Parker, and witness how another decision altered reality.” Synopsis: The Watcher narrates Spider-Man’s origin. Then the Watcher goes on a different reality where Spider-Man stopped the thief instead of letting him escape to the elevator. He is front page news in the Daily Globe, which made J. J. Jameson angry because their competition got the exclusive and the Daily Bugle did not even get one picture. With the newfound fame, Spider-Man talks business with a movie producer and discussed how they can make lots of money and reveals he has superpowers. The producer immediately signs him to a huge contract. Peter starts to change his attitude for the worse at school and later that night lies to his uncle Ben that he has to leave to help out a friend. And a new famous celebrity in Spider-Man has his own talk show and endorsements are coming in as well. In a newsflash, astronaut John Jameson perished in an accident, and J. J. Jameson being interview revealed that his son is a hero unlike those clown in spider suits. Back home, Peter Parker revealed to his aunt and uncle that he has superpowers, which scared Aunt May. He told them that he’s going to make lots of money and be a movie star. His Uncle Ben told him no way, that he should study and finish school. An angry Peter stormed out of the house and said that he’ll pursue fame and money without their approval. Fast forward and Spider-Man is exiting a limousine escorted by two starlets to watch his premiere. The media was quick to ask him questions. One of them was a reporter from the Daily Bugle named Foswell, and Spider-Man laughed at him that he must be from the Daily Bugle and this elicited laughter from the general audience. Foswell reported this to Jameson, and J. J. Jameson lost his cool. Angered, he told Betty Brant to get her boyfriend as he has a special assignment for Ned Leeds to find out Spider-Man’s secret identity. And the Daily Bugle finds out and publishes Peter’s secret identity in the front page. Angered as he was going to use the unveiling of his secret identity in Spider-Man II, he sent his people to J. J. Jameson dressed up as Spider-Man bandits with guns, and him as a crime boss like figure dressed in his Spider-Man outfit. J. J. Jameson was scared stiff. Spider-Man then breaks into the Baxter Building. After avoiding all the booby traps and avoiding conflict with the Fantastic Four he spoke with them and showing them a contract that he wanted to be their licensing and promotion agent so that he can make the Fantastic Four some money and keeping others out of they’re business. He approached the Avengers and the X-Men offering them so that they’ll get respect and treated like heroes with Spider-Man associated with them. Then he buys a comic book company and ordered the editors that he wanted a monthly comic book of the Amazing Spider-Man and Spectacular Spider-Man published. Then he met Daredevil, and offered the same, and they became close friends. This infuriated J. J. Jameson as he still hated Spider-Man. He publishes that Daredevil is not a crime-fighter, he is a vigilante and filed a suit in court. This thoroughly angered Peter Parker. By coincidence Betty Brant was dealing with a criminal group called The Enforcers who was lead by the crime boss called The Big Man. Spidey tracked them and found out The Big Man is Daily Bugle reporter Fred Foswell. He then called in a tip to the Daily Globe which printed the front page news the following day that the Daily Bugle was a front for the criminal gang. J. J. Jameson was ruined and his Newspaper company eventually folded. Disgruntled Jameson visited Foswell in prison, who in turn offered Jameson a job as he needed someone outside of prison to run some of his rackets. Meanwhile, Spidey is busy shooting another film and something goes wrong, and Daredevil was around to save him. Daredevil feels something is wrong and decided to keep an eye on Parker. Peter has his workout against several men. Unknown to him one of them was Kraven the Hunter and slashed him with metallic claws tipped with poison. Daredevil stopped the workout and Peter collapses. The men were arrested. On another day with a meeting with his writers Peter and Daredevil fell on a trapdoor, and his writers revealed themselves to be the Sinister Six with a hooded leader. Peter was still in a state of shock, and Daredevil does battle against the Sinister Six. Soon they overpowered him and were just mercilessly pummeling him. Peter snapped out of it, and then joined the battle. Eventually the enraged and angered Spider-Man defeated the Sinister Six. Upset that his fallen friend is barely breathing, Spider-Man grabbed the hooded leader and was going to beat him but unmasked him and it revealed himself to be J. J. Jameson. A teary eyed Jameson was going on and on that he couldn’t believe Spider-Man won as Spider-Man destroyed everything that was dear to him. Spider-Man couldn’t believe it and started to feel bad that he used his powers for greed and to destroy another man’s life. Comments: I can sympathize with this version of how Peter Parker acted in this story. He wanted to live the American Dream. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Hey, superheroing would have just brought him heartache and the so called “Peter Parker luck.” So why not take advantage of his powers for commercial success and monetary gain. Who in his stead would not have pursued that in real life. The majority that’s who. Unfortuantely, it takes a tragedy of a good friend to be barely breathing and a disgruntled man who lost everything for Peter Parker to wake up and realize how much he changed. I liked how the illustrations changed Peter’s face as the story went along. You can see Peter’s facial features turn more villain-like with more scowls and anger, and looking more menacing, than the way he is portrayed as a superhero in the regular universe with a fan friendly face. All in all a good Spidey-story.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 21, 2016 16:00:33 GMT -5
The Authority #1“The Circle” One of Four 2.50 USD/3.95 CAN @ May 1999 Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: Bryan Hitch Inker: Paul Neary Colorist: Laura Depuy of Wildstorm FX Letter: Bill O’Nei Editor: Rachelle Brissenden Quotes: “Who’s going to stop them, Jenny?” – Jackson; “A higher authority.” – Jenny Sparks “And where’s the dynamic duo?” – Jenny Sparks; “They went for a walk. And if they heard you call them that –“ – The Engineer; “In this job, I have to steal my laughs where I can, no matter how sad, pathetic or snide.” – Jenny Sparks Synopsis: The wrap around cover blurb says, “Pay allegiance to the authority!” And furthermore it says, “Explore the universe with Swift, The Doctor, The Midnighter, Jenn Sparks, The Engineer, Jack Hawksmoor & Apollo.” In the wake of the disbanding of the previous superteam, Stormwatch, Moscow was attacked by metahumans and destroyed over half the city. Over at NYC, former Stormwatch members Jackson King and Christine Trelane found out about the tragedy but were helpless to do anything against metahuman attacks as the United Nations disbanded and stopped sanctioning and providing a budget for Stormwatch. Just then, Jenny Spark (Stormwatch Black Ops) dropped by via a teleporter “door” to ask them if they had any intel on the tragedy. Over at Gamorra Island, the leader of the metahumans that attacked Moscow, Kaizen, narrated a little origin story about himself. And then proceeded to megalomaniacally gloat that no superteam is available to stop him, and that he will carve his corporate symbol on the planet Earth, a circle with three knots. The first knot was Moscow, and the second knot is London which the attack is about to commence. Above in the Carrier, the base of operations of The Authority, Jenny Sparks teleports back up via the “Door.” She was met by Jack Hawksmoor, Swift, and the rest of the new team. She sends Jack Hawksmoor to Moscow to see what he can find out about the attack. Meanwhile, the team leader, Jenny Sparks was just advised by the new Engineer, Angie, that the new Doctor who is an ancient Shaman/Magician, is out talking to the previous deceased Doctor. And the Engineer talks to Jenny about the technical aspects of their base, the Carrier. On another side, the super couple of Midnighter and Apollo are talking about why they joined, and if it’s a good thing. As Jack Hawksmoor returned from his recon in Moscow and shared what he found out like for instance, the symbol of the circle with three knots, London is suddenly attacked by metahumans from Gamorra Island. And as the attackers were busy destroying London, they noticed some incoming force that attacked them… The Authority. Narrative descriptions: 1] Apollo: “The Sun King.” 2] The Midnighter: “Night’s Bringer of War.” 3] The Engineer: “The Maker.” 4] The Doctor: “The Shaman.” 5] Jack Hawksmoor: The God of the Cities.” 6] Swift: “The Winged Huntress.” 7] Jenny Sparks: “The Spirit of the Twentieth Century.” Comments: This is my first Wildstorm team book that I have read, and I have to admit I really loved it. I am only familiar with The Midnighter character because of his solo series. But I am surprised to remember all the members at the same time after reading this issue. The Midnighter has that classic menacing look from the way Sean Connery oozed menace in the old James Bond movie, like someone’s going to get hurt real bad. Apollo comes across as an aggressive Superman when in battle. Swift for some reason reminds me of Hawkgirl and not just because of the wings, but because of her upper attire which is similar to the Hawkgirl of the JLU Animated series. Jenny Sparks comes across as a competent leader, and has that dry humor that gets interjected a lot. I feel that the Doctor may well be the most powerful member of the team, something like a Dr. Fate type of power level magician. As for Jack Hawksmoor, well, let’s see what he does in the next issue aside from recon duties and punching. I’m looking forward to the next issue, and I’m glad I started reading this series.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 18, 2016 1:40:03 GMT -5
Am I right to infer that this is Image's rendition of "Superman" vs "Thor" if it ever happened in a comic book? Probably. Alan Moore's run on Supreme was some of the best Superman comics ever. Is Supreme and Mr. Majestic (Wildstorm) similar or very different "Superman" characters?
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Post by sabongero on Jun 17, 2016 9:31:25 GMT -5
The Gotham Central Omnibus came out last month. All 40 issues for a suggested retail price of $99.99. As Tommy Lee Jones might have said in The Fugitive, "Go get it!" Thanks for the heads up. Those Omnibus's are always a pleasure to read with all those stories bunched up into one.
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Post by sabongero on Jun 16, 2016 16:09:00 GMT -5
This is one of those comic books I picked up in the 50 cent or dollar bins a while ago. I haven't read it yet, but I found it in one of my miscellaneous boxes. The premise looks interesting. Am I right to infer that this is Image's rendition of "Superman" vs "Thor" if it ever happened in a comic book?
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