Inhumans Trailer, My Thoughts

The Inhuman Royal Family is coming to TV! Yup, they'll be getting their own eight-episode TV miniseries on September 29, and the first two episodes will be played in IMAX theaters on the 1st. Because they are the Inhumans, a lot of people have whined and complained about them. But let's give the trailer a looksee.

The trailer begins with a view of Earth from space. It then switches to the Moon, and a voice states that sooner or later, the humans will find them. The view then switches again to Anson Mount's  Black Bolt meditating in a room. I think there is a special room in the comics in which Black Bolt can speak to people without his voice, you know...wrecking a city block.

We get a glimpse of the Royal Family sitting at a table eating together. It's kinda neat to see them dining together like a family, and all that. I know the costumes have gotten flak, but has anyone ever considered that those outfits might be the Inhuman equivalent of casual wear? Why would Black Bolt wear his hood and mask to a family dinner?

Maximus really wants to go to Earth. He's got a big list of things he wants to do there: Go to Disneyland, meet his online pen pal, try those 'scone' things everyone talks about, get a Netflix account, ride roller coasters, see a live wrestling show, man's got a lot of stuff he wants to do. He also feels that Earth is their rightful home, and as such, they should be living there.

Black Bolt then ends up in Hawaii thanks to Lockjaw. He should go see a volcano when he's there. His presence causes...a bit of a disturbance. Since he can't talk, he should bring a pad and paper with him in case of stuff like this.

There's lots of action scenes, including some glimpses of Triton. From what little we see of him, he does resemble his comic counterpart, which is great to see.

The trailer doesn't reveal a whole lot, but the basic gist seems to be that Maximus wants to go to Earth, and he wants to lead the Inhumans be there, the rest of his family be damned.

I honestly don't see it. I don't see why everyone is so angry about this trailer. The costumes are simpler, yeah, but at least the characters are recognizable. It's not like they're all in generic black leather *cough*X-Men*cough*. And the trailer is a minute-and-a-half long. It's not going to reveal everything. But then again, if it did, people would grumble about spoilers. Honestly, I think they're just whining about the trailer because Inhumans.

I'll give this series a shot. It could be a ton of fun. Besides, I like Lockjaw.

Mario + Rabbids KIngdom Battle Trailer

Crossovers are nothing new to Super Mario. He's battled fellow Nintendo icons (as well as Namco, Platinum, Sega, Konami, and Capcom) in the Super Smash Bros. series, and he's also taken on Sonic at the Olympics. Mario's adventures have also taken on various forms, from platformers to sports, to even the RPG. But now, he's going to meet some new enemies and take on a new genre courtesy of Ubisoft. Mario, meet the Rabbids!

The trailer begins with a strange blue portal hovering over Princess Peach's castle. It might be the Star Trek fan in me, but the portal kind of reminds me of the Bajoran wormhole from Deep Space Nine. Mario leaps down and just watches in shock. You'd think after all this kind of stuff going down, Peach would invest in a proper security system for the castle.

What appears to be Peach falls from the ground next to Mario. However, it's not Peach. It's one of Ubisoft's own Raving Rabbids, cosplaying as Peach. And it appears Rabbid Peach may have a bit of a crush on Mario. And then, another Rabbid hits the scene. This one appears to be dressed in Luigi's cap and sweater. The three then encounter more Rabbids, causing some trouble. These ones looks like a glam rock/punk band.

Mario and his two new Rabbid friends face off against the evil Rabbids, and they mysteriously get their own Mega Man-esque Mega Blasters. I wonder if they have their own Copy Weapon chips in them. Then some AC/DC knockoff music hits.

This new game is new territory for Mario: The tactical RPG. That's right, it's a new form of RPG gameplay for one half of gaming's favorite plumber duo. I'm not really a big tactical RPG guy myself, but I'll still give this game a try for the Switch. It does look like fun.

Luigi Rabbid has a bazooka. I wonder if the game will allow characters to use a variety of weaponry, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. And that bit with the Peach Rabbid taking selfies while flying is pretty funny.

Through the footage, we get to see what may be possible levels in the game, and some playable characters: Yoshi, a Yoshi Rabbid, Luigi, and Peach herself. There is a bit where Mario and his Rabbid allies come to rescue Peach, who has her own blaster. Come on, Peach! You were in the Smash games and in RPGs! Luckily, she gets the hint and blasts the evil Rabbids.

I love the Avengers-style turnaround. It's cool Luigi's weapon is a vacuum cleaner. And Luigi Rabbid has a banana. Luigi Rabbid is silly.

HOLY COW THERE IS A DONKEY KONG RABBID. And I don't think he wants the banana, Luigi Rabbid. I think he wants your flesh.

This game sounds like it will be a lot of fun! I think this game will be another great entry in the Switch library.

Squadron Supreme #6 (February 1986)

Welcome back to Earth-712! Over the last five months, this blog has covered the Earth's Greatest Heroes' slow fall from its mightiest protectors...to its tyrannical rulers. We've seen our heroes undergo a lot of change and tragedy. Death, destruction, and mind-breaking was the name of the game. In the last issue, we saw that some of the old villains that faced the Squadron back in the day, expanding on their world. Now, the troubles continue, and the Squadron further fractures...

Previously on Squadron Supreme: Thanks to kidnapping the Golden Archer, the nefarious Institute of Evil was able to kidnap the families of the Squadron Supreme. Long story short, the heroes save the day.

The cover is rather plain, but it is effective. It depicts Hyperion standing in front of Shape, Quagmire, Ape-X, and Lamprey, introducing them as the new members of the Squadron Supreme. It does raise a question, why are they joining up? Didn't they fight the Squadron in the last issue? Well, let's find out!

"Inner Circle"
Writer: Mark Gruenwald
Penciller: Paul Ryan
Inkers: Sam De La Rosa, Keith Williams
Letterer: John Workman
Colorist: Christie Scheele
Editor: Ralph Macchio
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

The story begins with Hyperion, Tom Thumb, and the family of Arcanna Jones watching her weave some magic.

What is she doing? Well, she is making Squadron City invisible! Yes, Squadron City! The city of the future! Well, it's not really a city, it's more like a gigantic fancy new HQ for the Squadron Supreme.

Sorry about the quality, folks. My tablet scanner hated me for trying to scan this thing. I hate two-page spreads for this reason. I'm at least glad I didn't have to turn the trade on its side. Anyway, Squadron City is basically a new HQ, complete with hospital, meeting area, little houses for the members (that's funny to me), and the latest hi-fi stereo equipment for your listening pleasure. It was 1986.

Tom Thumb is impressed with Arcanna's magical abilities, as he felt it would have been very demanding technologically to hide the still in-progress HQ. The group go inside the field, and Arcanna heads to her family's home, which kind of has an old castle vibe to it. The group meet Whizzer's wife Madeline Stewart, and her daughter. As Arcanna's husband starts to make lunch and their kids play together, Madeline tells Arcanna that Whizzer still is struggling with the guilt he's having over running out on the Squadron when their families were attacked. Arcanna reassures her that he just needs time to recover.

Meanwhile, Hyperion and Tom Thumb come to the still in-progress laboratory complex. There, Ape-X shows off something she's been working on. She's been building on Tom Thumb's force-field belts, modifying them to be better personal protection devices, and at a much lower cost. She suggests with the gun manufacturers shut down, their factories could be converted to force-field belt manufacturing. Hyperion compliments her efforts, much to Tom Thumb's chagrin. However, he perks up when she states that Tom Thumb really deserves the credit, as she's only building on what he created.

Hyperion then goes to visit Zarda, who is helping a crew with building a landing field for aircraft. The workers are former criminals they hired to help out. Unusually, Quagmire is working with them. And there's a bit of a funny moment with his powers.

Hyperion then goes and visits Doctor Spectrum and Lamprey. Hype is touching base with everyone, and he asks how Doctor Spectrum's therapy sessions are going. Spectrum states he's still not ready for combat duty.

You may have noticed that in the last issue, the Institute of Evil's members attacked the Squadron Supreme, but here...they're helping the Squadron build their new HQ. And they're being nice. Well, there's an explanation for that.

Hype then next visits Amphibian and Shape, who are making a nice lake. Amphibian reveals that the Squadron used the B-Mod machines on the Institute, forcibly turning them into good guys. Amphibian really dislikes this. Even worse, it's shown that Shape felt no pain from the B-Modding, and he likes what he's become thanks to it. Amphibian complains about the lake to Hyperion, because he needs to be near water for his health, like the Silver/Bronze Age Aquaman. The nearest ocean is two hours away by the fastest craft. Hyperion brushes it off, saying Kingsley was outvoted when it came to deciding the location of the new HQ. Tom Thumb is not the only one who feels unappreciated.

Hyperion then visits Foxfire, who got on a new costume. She is looking over supply deliveries. Lady Lark was supposed to be with her, but she went to check up on Golden Archer again. Hyperion grumbles that lately, she can't seem to stay away from his side.

At the hospital facility, Lark is cooing over Archer, much to his chagrin. Actions have consequences, Wyatt. He tells her he needs rest, and she agrees to leave him alone for a bit. Dr. Decibel comes to visit Archer, and Archer complains that Lark's over-affection is making him crazy. Blue Eagle flies down to visit Lark.

Eagle confronts Lark, saying she's been acting very strange these past couple of months, and he wants to know why she suddenly went so crazy over Archer after wanting to break up with him. Lark takes it well.

Meanwhile, one of the Squadron's greatest enemies has been watching the Squadron's takeover from a hidden citadel.

Meet Master Menace, criminal mastermind and evil genius extraordinaire. During the last six months, he was busy taking over the Middle East. You'd think that the Squadron would've heard about this at some point.

It was only now that he has learned what the Squadron are up to in America. Menace eyes a news report, an interview with Tom Thumb about the B-Mod device. In the interview, Thumb talks about how the B-Mod device is a humane way to reform criminals. Menace takes an interest in the device, as some of his occasional allies in the Institute of Evil have already been brainwashed by it. Menace also believes that he can devise a way to reverse the effects. He then goes to greet some guests.

Meet, from left to right: Mink, thrill-seeking cat burglar. Remnant, the cloth-wielding criminal. Pinball, the bouncing ball of malice. You may notice that unlike the strips of cloth he uses in the future, he's shown to be a card-thrower. There's a reason for this. According to the entry on him in the Marvel Appendix, Remnant may have originally intended to be a character called "Wild Card", a Joker-analogue themed around playing cards. The link will explain further.

The three came to Menace for help. They also know what the Squadron did to their fellow villains, and they want to escape them. Menace agrees to help them, and use one of his machines to send them to another world. Menace will stay behind, as he refuses to let the Squadron's actions scare him into fleeing.

Three weeks later, the Squadron's new meeting chamber is completed. Whizzer has to report something. He and Blue Eagle went to Huxley State Prison (Nod to Aldous Huxley, another clever nod by Gruenwald) to implement the B-Mod program there, but the warden was resistant. He doesn't want the Squadron messing with his prisoners' minds, even if the intentions and outcome are "good". The two then left, and Hyperion commends them for doing the right thing.

Amphibian puts up the possibility that he'll never "come around". What will the Squadron do then, B-Mod him to make the warden compliant? B-Mod the newsmen who discover that? Amphibian does have a point. How far can the Squadron go with this thing? Archer already abused the B-Mod to make Lady Lark love him again, who will be the next?

Tabling the issue, Power Princess suggests that the former Institute of Evil be brought into the Squadron as members. The Squadron have various thoughts on it.

It's really interesting seeing each of their thoughts on the former Instituters' membership. And their thoughts make sense with their characters. Power Princess's Utopian upbringing states that those who seek fellowship should be welcomed. Lady Lark is reluctant as Dr. Decibel ruined her singing career. Tom Thumb is all for it, faithful in his invention. Whizzer feels they are too different. Eagle is reluctant to trust them due to their criminal pasts, and the pragmatic Arcanna reveals she is pregnant with her fourth child, and with that, they need the extra manpower. Man, Mr. and Mrs. Jones loves making kids, don't they?

Hyperion breaks the tie, inducing them, but breaking them into field duty slowly. And the final business of the day? Blue Eagle has some business. He points out that Lady Lark has been acting very strange over the last few months, being crazy when she's not around the Golden Archer. He then comes right out and says it.

Eagle explains that Tom Thumb can prove this, as the B-Mod machine has internal memory that records its usage. Eagle explains that the B-Mod was programmed to recognize and disregard the Squadron's brain patterns. This saved them from being B-Modded by the Institute of Evil in the last issue. However, Eagle believes that little protective measure was put in after Archer brainwashed Lark.

Tom admits that he did discover that someone did use the B-Mod on Lady Lark, but can't prove it was Archer. Eagle says it would make sense. He's the only one who had the motive. Spectrum brings in Archer so he can defend himself in this trial. Archer hears the testimony, and he confesses.

Thumb explains that he can't undo the brainwashing of Lady Lark, as the process would probably cause permanent brain damage. Lady Lark is enraged by this and runs out of the room. The Squadron debate over what to do about this.

Hyperion takes it to a vote. Whizzer, Amphibian, and Spectrum vote not to discipline the Archer. Power Princess votes for B-Modding him. Tom Thumb, Blue Eagle, and Arcanna vote to expel him from the Squadron. Hyperion is again the tie-breaker. He votes to expel Archer from the Squadron. Spectrum is furious at Blue Eagle. Hyperion tells Archer the news. Lady Lark is angry about this, but Archer accepts this, and apologizes for what he has done.

That night, Amphibian heads to the lab and destroys the B-Mod machines. Ape-X hears the noise, and asks what's going on. Amphibian assures her that everything is alright. He orders her to call up the plans for the B-Mod machine, and delete them from the computer.

This is where we see the true subtle horror of the B-Mod device. The former villainess can object, but in the end, she has to obey a Squadron member's orders. Her free will was taken from her against her wishes, and it can easily be assumed her compatriots in the Institute of Evil suffered the same fate. It's scary stuff, and a great way of subtly showing how much the Squadron Supreme have lost their way.

Satisfied with that he has done, Amphibian takes a craft and heads back to the ocean, basically saying "Screw the Squadron, and screw the surface world". He swims off, vowing never to leave the ocean again. So long, Amphibian. The story ends with Nighthawk finally appearing again after several months, checking out a strange tower. He was watching the Squadron's activities, and he finally has a plan to stop them.

This issue was really good. The change with the Institute of Evil's personalities was a bit jarring, but made perfect sense considering the themes of this series. It's a fantastic way of showing just how much the Squadron is slowly slipping into becoming tyrants and their not even realizing it. The B-Mod has opened up the doors to some serious abuses of power, and we're starting to see the Squadron do exactly that. It was also neat to see Amphibian finally get some focus, despite the fact this would be his last appearance in the series.

The late Paul Ryan, who would in a few years become known for his five-year run on Fantastic Four from 1991 to 1996, takes over the artwork here. I have to be honest, it's an improvement. Bob Hall upped his game in his last issue, but Ryan takes it to another level. It does make me wish Ryan had done the whole mini. How much nicer would those last five issues have looked under Ryan's pencils? Ah, well. Next time, we'll take a look at an adventure of Supergirl...

Jungle Action #6 (September 1973)

The Black Panther. The King of Wakanda. One of the Marvel Universe's most brilliant minds and richest men, he emerged from the minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). Since then, T'Challa has been an Avenger, had a mini-series, and a couple ongoings.

One of the greatest Black Panther stories was the long-running storyline called Panther's Rage. Running from Jungle Action #6-18, for nearly two years, writer Don McGregor and the late artists Rich Buckler and Billy Graham crafted a storyline that, at the time, provided an unprecedented exploration of the country of Wakanda, portraying it as a land where modern technology and ancient ways managed to coexist side-by-side, and showing that Wakanda is a land that had a variety of locations...and dinosaurs. Yeah, Wakanda had actual dinosaurs.

Anyway, every epic story has to begin somewhere, no matter what the medium is used to tell it. As such, let's take a look at Jungle Action #6, in which we first saw the Panther rage.

 The cover is pretty darn cool. You got Erik Killmonger catching T'Challa' arm with a spiked belt (And based on his "costume", he's both got a thing for spikes and is very proud of his abs), proclaiming that he will be the new King of Wakanda. And T'Challa is facing off against a leopard. It was at that point that Panther should really have considered investing a utility belt. Works for Batman, and considering this is Wakanda, they probably developed a special catnip to calm down angry leopards.

"Panther's Rage"
Writer: Don McGregor
Penciller: Rich Buckler
Inker: Klaus Janson
Letterer: Tom Orzechowski
Colorist: Glynis Wein
Editor: Roy Thomas

The story begins with the Black Panther getting ready to whup some dudes who are torturing an old man in a cage.

T'Challa, to make a long story short, beats the dudes down, and frees the caged man. The man weakly expresses gratitude as Panther frees him, but reveals that he is dying from his wounds. The man reveals that there has been trouble brewing in Wakanda. While T'Challa was having adventures as an Avenger, there were some in Wakanda who felt that T'Challa may have abandoned the kingdom, and it's caused some problems in the country. With his last breath, the man says he never believed the Black Panther abandoned his kingdom.

T'Challa returns the man to his village, processing the man's words. He then meets up with some people in his...Panther-cave? I dunno. After casually lying the dead guy's corpse near a panther statue (Yeah, let's leave the body right there in an open place so it can decompose and stink up everything), he learns from a man named W'Kabi there are whispers of a man named Erik Killmonger causing trouble. W'Kabi remarks T'Challa may have known this had he bothered to spend any real time in Wakanda lately.

We then meet up with T'Challa's then-girlfriend Monica Lynne, who was a lounge singer and social worker. She gives him some comfort over the dying man's words.

The next day, T'Challa alongside W'Kabi and Taku (a communications director) go and see a village that had been destroyed, its inhabitants massacred. W'Kabi is still angry at T'Challa, saying that he has neglected his people, and this would not be happening if he was in Wakanda. The group do manage to find survivors, and Taku had medical teams summoned to help them. T'Challa learns who was responsible for the death and destruction.

Taku alerts T'Challa that a man was spotted in a place called Warrior Falls, a large man with a white leopard. Thinking that may be the mysterious Mr. Killmonger, T'Challa heads there alone to check it out. He finds the same two mooks who got beat up by Panther yesterday. In a funny moment, one claims they will beat him when they face him again.

They do not. The Black Panther demands they tell him where their leader is, and Erik Killmonger is very happy to introduce himself.

Good Lord, Erik Killmonger is a man who has eaten a lot of beef. Killmonger explains he attacked the village to get the Panther's attention and to get some payback on T'Challa. This is his first appearance, but a later comic explains he was exiled by T'Challa because his father helped Ulysses Klaw attack Wakanda. Yeah, Panther was a jerk, and it's coming back to bite him. T'Challa fights back with a kick to the face, but Killmonger no-sells it. He then sics his leopard, Preyy, on him.

Yes, the leopard is named Preyy. Erik Killmonger is not very creative when it comes to naming pets. I'm surprised he didn't just call it Leoparrd or something like that. We can't use the 90s as an excuse for this, unfortunately, as this comic was from 1973. Preyy leaps at T'Challa, trying to slice him up. Killmonger gleefully runs his mouth while T'Challa tries to fight off the angry big cat. T'Challa is able to get a grip on the leopard, and tries to snap Preyy's neck. This infuriates Killmonger, who orders the big cat to back off. Well, one thing to his credit, Killmonger loves his cat.

The exiled Wakandan grabs the injured T'Challa, and tosses him off the edge of the waterfall.

This comic was rather enjoyable. Erik Killmonger is an awesome villain, we got an exciting cliffhanger, and it is neat seeing T'Challa dealing with the consequences of his palling around with the Avengers in the US. Rich Buckler's art is really nice to look at. Next time, we go back to Earth-712, and check on the latest exploits of the Squadron Supreme...

Sonic Forces Trailer, My Thoughts

From the makers of Sonic Generations and Sonic Colors comes a new Sonic game coming to the Nintendo Switch. That's right, it's time to unleash the Sonic Forces!

The trailer begins with a giant robot wrecking a city. Oh no, Dr. Eggman got his hands on MechaGodzilla, and has modified it to take over the world. There's flames everywhere, and carnage litters the streets. But Sonic is going to save the day...well, Sonics are going to save the day.

Yup, much like in Generations, there seems to be an option to play as either the modern Sonic or the classic Sonic from the Genesis-era. The trailer seems to hint that also like in Generations, modern Sonic's levels will be 3D, and Classic Sonic's levels will be in 2.5D-style. It also reveals a third option one could take.

Your own custom character. Yup, this game allows one to play as a custom character of your own creation. And considering the Sonic fanbase love creating their own custom characters, I think they would love this feature. We see Custom using a grapping hook in a cutscene. Perhaps that's a weapon option a custom character can use.

From the footage we see, Custom's gameplay can fit either Classic's 2.5D-style, or Modern's 3-D-style levels. I wonder if one can choose which type of levels your custom character can use. Or maybe they play both. Who knows?

We then see Custom and the Sonic facing off against a group of villains: Shadow the Hedgehog, Metal Sonic, one of the Deadly Six from Sonic: Lost World, and Chaos. Quite an assembly of villains there. But wait, there's more! We get a new one! Yup, a new villain. This one looks like someone stuck Sonic and Alucard from Hellsing in a blender. From what I understand, this new villain is called Infinite, and he uses red and black cubes to attack. Hey, if it worked for the Borg...

Also, from what I heard, this game is going to be showing Sonic as a resistance fighter. Hey, the games are finally catching up to the comics on that. It's also different from what we usually see in the games. In the games, Robotnik is usually the threat the gets beaten before he achieves his goal of conquering the world. I imagine for comic readers, Sonic the resistance fighter is a regular deal, so the game will be nothing new for them on that. But I bet for people who don't regularly read Sonic's comics, just play the games, this will be a neat new thing.

Sonic Forces looks like it will be fun. If I get a Switch, I'll give it a try.

 

Super Mario Odyssey E3 Trailer, My Thoughts

E3 has come and gone, revealing many a game trailer! One new trailer is for one of the games coming to the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey! And here it is!

The trailer begins with a view of a green grassy field with waterfalls in the background. It's quite a pretty view. A thumping is heard, the camera view shakes, and the sources thunders by.

It's a dinosaur. But it's not a Yoshi, it's an escapee from Jurassic Park! A realistic dinosaur in a Mario game! This is a surprise. But wait? What is that on his head? It's Mario's hat! With eyes on it! And Mario seemingly leaps out of the dinosaur! What's going on here?

We next see Mario running through various areas, with a really nice song going in the background. One is New Donk City (Heh heh, Donk), and Mario rides a Vespa. Another is an area that looks like it came right from an old black-and-white cartoon, a third is kind of a desert temple-like place with big crystals. Mario is wearing an Mexican-style sombrero and poncho. And finally, there's Jurassic Park.

We see Bowser kidnapping Peach again. You'd think at some point, they'd really up the security in her castle. Or at least teach her some self-defense moves. DID SHE LEARN NOTHING IN THE SMASH GAMES?! We then see Mario interacting with a Top Hat-shaped ghost that merges with his trademark red hat.

We see some gameplay, and we can also see that Mario can now throw his hat and use it as a weapon. Just like Oddjob, only Italian, heroic, and more talkative. He also wears various outfits throughout the trailer. One I recognized was the outfit from the box of NES Open Tournament Golf.

I think all the outfits we see Mario in are nods to his various cameos in games back in the day. Another big mechanic in the game is revealed here. Mario can use his cap to possess things. I think he can mainly use this mechanic to infiltrate levels...well, except for the cap and mustache. But I can't imagine Boswer's troops being the brightest folks. I like that we see him possess a rocket that reminds me of the ones that occasionally appeared in the American Super Mario Bros. 2. It seems that the cap allows him to possess just about anything. Can make for some hilarious gameplay...and creepy stuff upon further thought.

Holy cow, was that PAULINE?! Pauline from Donkey Kong?! How long has it been since she's appeared in a Mario game?!

This was an awesome trailer! This game looks like it will be a lot of fun to play! Now, I just gotta get a Switch...

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, everyone!

Today is the day we celebrate Dads and those we consider dads everywhere! Take the time today to tell your father or father figure that you love them, and that you appreciate what they do for you.

Wonder Woman #58 (September 1991)

The War of the Gods is kicking up! In a previous entry, I looked at Diana picking up the pieces of the War, so I thought this: Since Wonder Woman's movie came out to great critical and financial success, and I wanted to review a Wonder Woman comic in celebration, why not review the first Wonder Woman comic that tied in to War of the Gods? So, here it is, Wonder Woman #58!

The cover is awesome, but then again, it's George Perez, it's going to be awesome. It's got Atlas standing on some columns, holding up the world. Amazons are falling from it like water from an over-filled cup, and Hercules is hanging onto a column. I can't help but wonder one thing. What are the columns standing on?

And then there's a shadowy Diana's head looking at all this. What is that expression on her face?

"Atlas Shrugged"
Writer: George Perez
Penciller: Jill Thompson
Inker: Romeo Tanghal
Letterer: John Constanza
Colorist: Nansi Hoolahan
Associate Editor: Tom Peyer
Editor: Karen Berger

The story begins with Wonder Woman praying at a temple.

Diana's life is going through...a bit of upheaval, let's just say. A fellow Amazon named Hellene died at the hands of one of Diana's enemies, others including her mother Hippolyte are missing, and something happened with Julia Kapatelis, one of Diana's first mortal friends in the Post-COiE continuity. She tried to call upon the Greek pantheon's resident messenger, Hermes, as he was one of the only ones in it who actually bothered to talk to her, but he's silent.

A couple of other Amazons approach, expressing worry Diana has been praying for two days, and hasn't had anything to eat or drink. Probably hasn't slept much either. The three Amazons discuss Wonder Woman's recent issues, and Diana feels like someone has opened her personal Pandora's Box. One of the Amazons, Pythia, also has some further bad news: another Amazon named Iphthime is calling for war, wanting blood for Hellene's death.

Elsewhere in Themyscira, a ritual is going down. Unlike in Defenders #94 , this one is rather innocent. It's a healing ritual. An Amazon named Menalippe is getting treatment for her injuries, but she's not woken up from her coma. She's the Amazons' oracle, and something happened that broke her spirit. Her girlfriend Penelope is beside herself. Suddenly, Menalippe wakes up, and has to talk to Diana. The Gods are making a comeback.

We then next switch scenes to Patriarch's, or Man's World. Particularly, Hanscom AFB in Massachusetts. Hey, I lived near there once! A thunderstorm darkens the sky, broken only by brief flashes of light by the crash of lightning. Lt. Etta Candy and General Hillary, two of Wonder Woman's allies, have been summoned to another man's office. A man named General Yedziniak. Yedziniak is heading an investigation, and he considers the two officers people of interest in it. As such, he has another person of interest:

One Steve Trevor, brought forward in chains. Hillary is outraged by this, but Yedziniak reminds Trevor that Trevor has a bit of a history of escaping military custody, especially where Wonder Woman is involved. He explains the world is on the verge of war, and he blames the Amazons for it.

In New Jersey, an Army convoy is carting a group of captured Amazons...somewhere. I don't know. The soldiers don't consider them much of a threat, until they remember the injuries the people who cuffed them took. The soldiers act like jackwagons to the Amazon captives, until the trucks explode, and the surviving soldiers are...removed.

The Amazons' liberators are...Amazons themselves, who appear to have an African/Arabian theme to them.

They are seemingly more bloodthirsty than the Themysciran Amazons, and based on the grenades on one of their belts, they clearly are familiar with modern explosives. One uses a gas grenade to knock out the Amazon prisoners. They leave with them, leaving a survivor, so he can tell others what happened here, as Circe ordered. Back in Themyscira, the Amazons get a surprise visitor: Hercules, the son of Zeus.

Funny enough, this take on Herc kind of resembles the Marvel version of the character a little bit. The head band, the hair, the green. Kind of funny.

Menalippe asks why Herc didn't go with Diana and Hermes. I don't know, I think it was something that happened in the main War of the Gods mini. The Roman gods thought he'd be of better use down in Themyscira. Basically with Diana unavailable, they figured he'd be a good substitute to protect them. An angry Iphthime wants to know why the gods took so long to help them out. Pythia shushes her, hoping that Herc could give some info on where Queen Hippolyte is. Herc is puzzled by this, and say he has no idea.

Ipthime is enraged by this, as the gods should be all-knowing. Menalippe remarks that it's impossible. Pythia is desperate, wanting to save her soul-child, Julia Kapatelis. Yeah, see here for the story between them. Themsycira rumbles, a cackling filling the air. Hercules knows who it is, and wants the fastest horse Themyscira has.

Pythia puts on some armor and grabs a pair of winged sandals, the...Winged Sandals of Hermes. An Amazon named Myrrha reminds her that only Diana can use them, and Pythia can't fly. Pythia explains that she has to get to Julia, and the sandals may be the only way she can get to Patriarch's World. She takes to the air...and the sandals take her for a ride.

Hercules arrives at an area on Themyscira called Doom's Doorway, the archway reduced to rubble. Herc casually tosses the rubble aside, and races in. Yeah, this is the Marvel Herc alright. The Amazons arrive to help, but Herc tells them he's got this. He falls, and lands on a column. The cause for the shaking stands revealed.

Atlas, the man who holds up the world! And evidently has daughters, based on the flowers in his hair. Atlas takes a shot at Herc's intelligence, then explains he has no idea why he is there. Herc commands him to release Themyscira, but Atlas is like, "LOL, nope", and shrugs. His shrugging causes more devastation to the island.

Meanwhile, we find out where Pythia went off to. She tumbles though some clouds, where she sees Hermes battling Mercury, his Roman counterpart. She gets overcome by a light, and she finds herself in a stone temple. She hears chanting in modern Greek, and realizes she's been led to Circe.

Atlas flicks a boulder at Hercules. It doesn't hurt him, but it does knock him off the column he's standing on. Before that, Herc laughs off the boulder, saying it wouldn't stop a "son of Zeus", which makes Atlas stop. Zeus? Hercules explains he's actually Heracles, the Roman counterpart of Herc. Atlas realizes they're strangers. Wait, didn't Atlas ever encounter the Greek Herc?

Atlas starts to vanish, blaming Heracles. Heracles insists he's not behind it. Atlas realizes it was "the boy". Heracles wants to now what he meant by that but Atlas vanishes. Heracles, swearing to save Themyscira, leaps to catch the island. He screams "FATHER!" as the island comes down on him.

We next go to Boston, where one Ed Indelicato, a Boston PD officer and friend of Diana's, is drinking some beers and looking over some police files. Eddie is being noir at the moment. He's just buried his partner, Mike Shands (His police partner), and he's got a head full of regrets. Mainly, he regrets not listening to him about being blindly devoted to Diana. As a form of penance, he's taken Mike's files, wanting to finish what he started.

The murder of the Amazon Hellene by Cheetah, the disappearance of Julia Kapatelis and Hippolyta, Dr. Psycho, and all the craziness rocking the world. Ed knows it's all connected. But he just can't figure it out. He sees the picture, but doesn't have the pieces to complete the puzzle, as it were.  He then hears someone call for him.

Ed is shocked to see Diana in his apartment. He asks her where she's been, and she explains there's a War of the Gods going on. TITLE DROP! She got tossed around, and then ended up in his apartment, because gods are crazy like that. She didn't know where else to go, but Ed tells her it's alright, and that she's safe there. Diana reconsiders, saying she doesn't want to put Ed in danger, but Ed refuses. The comic ends with him telling her the only way she's getting away from him is over his dead body.

This issue was an enjoyable one. I didn't feel I really had to need the first issue of the War of the Gods miniseries to read this one. It is a bit of a dense story, but it's a good kind of dense. You get a feeling that a lot is going down, which is appropriate, as War of the Gods is depicting the DC Universe literally dealing with a war involving various pantheons. Jill Thompson's pencils are clean, and nice to look at.

Next time, in honor of a certain Wakandan monarch's upcoming movie, we'll take a look at the beginnings of the Panther's Rage...

Metroid: Samus Returns Trailer, My Thoughts

E3 2017 has been hitting us with a LOT of game trailers for future releases. Nintendo has not disappointed, revealing various games for their current platforms: the handheld 3DS, and the Console/handheld hybrid Switch. However, one trailer for a future release has got fans into a tizzy.

Yes, that's right, the Metroid series is roaring back with a bang! Not only are we getting this, we're also getting a new Metroid Prime game, number four! Alright! I have played the original Metroid Prime, and really enjoyed it, one of the best games on the GameCube.

Now, from what I understand, this game is essentially a remake/reimagining of the 1991 Game Boy game Metroid II: Return of Samus, like Metroid: Zero Mission for the Game Boy Advance was a remake of the original Metroid for the NES. That's pretty neat. I never played the original Game Boy version, so it's great that it's been given a shiny remake, so those like me who missed out can give this shiny new version a try.

The game really looks amazing. It's so bright and colorful. It shows a variety of palettes, and we get to see Samus use what might be a variety of weapons. And she's also packing a melee attack! That's awesome! I've never seen her use one of those in any of the Metroid games I've played. Although to be fair, I've only played Zero Mission, Super Metroid, and Metroid Prime. And I do keep meaning to pick up Federation Force...

According to this, Samus can fire in any angle, unlike the original. That's nice. Take advantage of the 3DS having a Control Stick. Also, the music is being composed by two of the same people who composed music for Super Metroid. That's a nice callback to Metroid's past.

This game looks like it will be awesome! I can't wait to grab it when September comes!

Defenders #94 (April 1981)

First of all, I want to say, I apologize for the delay. I meant to put this up last night, but I plumb forgot. And with that, let's begin the review!

In the Marvel Universe, there are many groups of superpowered beings. The Avengers, the heroes who stand against the greatest threats to Earth. The Fantastic Four, who explore the universe and dimensions beyond. The Guardians of the Galaxy, the protectors of the cosmos. The X-Men, who stand to protect a world that fears and hates them. The Marvel Universe also has many superteams in other countries: Japan's Big Hero 6. Russia's Winter Guard. Canada's Alpha Flight. Great Britain's Excalibur and MI:13. And then...there are the Defenders.

Who are the Defenders? Well, the Defenders could be considered a less formal team than many other superhero teams in comics. The big thing about the Defenders is that they are often considered a "non-team". The roster is often composed of characters that could be considered "outsiders". In fact, the original four Defenders were Doctor Strange, the Incredible Hulk, Namor, and the Silver Surfer.

Through the 1970s into the mid-1980s, the group has battled various threats (mainly of the mystical/supernatural bent), and had quite an interesting roster over the years, including Daimon "the Son of Satan" Hellstrom, Valkyrie, and even Luke Cage. The group has appeared in various forms over the years, including the Fearless Defenders, which focused on Marvel's female superheroes. And with the Defenders miniseries coming to Netflix, a new series is on its way, focused on Iron Fist, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Daredevil.

So, with that, let's take a look at some old-school Defenders action!

The cover is really awesome. You got Valkyrie and Doctor Strange recoiling from and preparing to face off against a demonic Hellcat, who is doing a "Booga-booga" pose. Daimon Hellstrom's back is killing him, and they're all standing on a hand with demon heads on the fingertips. It's a great cover and really well drawn.

"Beware--The Six-Fingered Hand!"
Writer: J.M. DeMatteis
Artists: Don Perlin (layouts), Joe Sinnott (Finishes)
Letterer: Diana Albers
Colorist: George Roussos
Editor: Al Milgrom
Editor-In-Chief: Jim Shooter

Our story begins with what looks like a ball of fire heading towards a house in Montclair, New Jersey, to the shock of some on-lookers.

What was the fiery comet? Why, the Defenders of course! Doctor Strange, the Master of Mystic Arts, the Sorcerer Supreme. Daimon Hellstrom, the demonic exorcist, the Son of Satan. Valkyrie, the chooser of the slain, the Warrior-Woman of Asgard! Now, I know what you're thinking. Wait, THESE guys? Where is Luke Cage? Where is Daredevil? Aren't the Defenders street-level heroes? Well, not back in these days. Cage and Fist were working as Heroes for Hire at the time. Daredevil was doing his own thing, and Jessica Jones hadn't been created yet.

They've come to the aid of a fellow Defender, one Patricia "Patsy" Walker, aka Hellcat. If you saw the Netflix series Jessica Jones, this is Trish Walker. Strange, Daimon, and Valkyrie are the only Defenders available, as Nighthawk is dealing with an illness, and the Hulk has gone off on his own. Daimon notices that the psycho-sensitive metal in his trident is reacting to the house, which indicates that there's an illusion over the house. Strange undoes it, and reveals the house is actually a smoking ruin. Daimon notices something else.

Evidently, the people who burned down the house were inspired by Dungeons and Dragons to create this trap. The heroes hear some moaning from the rubble, and they find a injured woman under some rubble. It's Dolly Donahue, Patsy's housekeeper. Dolly explains that she was watching a small TV in the kitchen while Patsy was dealing with the death of her mother in Defenders #89. Dolly heard screaming, and she saw a monster carrying Patsy away.

Everyone, say hello to Isaac Christians, the Gargoyle. This issue is also his debut. But his origins will be revealed later. The Gargoyle uses his powers to destroy Patsy's house. With that story told, Dolly embraces sweet, sweet, sweet unconsciousness. The scene shifts to Christiansboro, Virginia. A young boy dreams of death and damnation. An old man trembles under his kitchen table. And in City Hall, a rather...unusual town hall is taking place.

That's right, folks! It's a good ol' fashioned demonic sacrifice ritual! In the old town hall tonight! Be there or be...whatever. They're planning to sacrifice Patsy to a demon called Avarrish. Avarrish is one of the many demons running around in the Marvel Universe, and is one part of the Six-Fingered Hand.

Back at Patsy's former home, the Defenders got Dolly to a hospital, and Strange put a spell over the town, so they'd think that there was only a fire, nothing more. Daimon fumes with rage, blaming himself over what happened here. Strange reminds him that if Daimon gives in to his rage, his Satanic heritage will take over. Daimon calms down and tells a story of his own.

During his days working in the para-psychology department at District University, a girl that was seemingly possessed was brought to him. He examined her with his trident and found that she was actually driven insane, muttering the words "Six-Fingered Hand" over and over and over again. Probing with his psycho-sensitive trident, he gets this image from it.

Yes, it's the Six-Fingered Hand, alright. Hellstrom explained he had to warn the other Defenders, but with all the craziness the group has been dealing with lately, he's never really had a chance to say anything about it. Valkyrie wonders what can be done. Hellstrom uses his trident to find where Patsy is at, because it can do that. The trident reveals the town hall of Christiansboro, and the three heroes are on their way. Doctor Strange uses his astral form to contact Clea. She asks if the group needs help, but he tells her to tend to Nighthawk, as he needs her at the moment.

You see, at the time, Nighthawk suffered a mystical attack that left his body paralyzed. Clea goes to check on him, and finds he's vanished. About a half-hour later, our trio of heroes arrive in Christiansboro. Valkyrie notices that the town looks...rather nice and quaint. Gargoyle senses their presence, as Daimon, in his ever-understanding way, snaps that evil thrives in duplicity, that evil would use a quaint, friendly appearance to make people put their guard down. The group are ambushed by Gargoyle, leading a legion of demons.

This would be an awesome shot in a movie. Imagine it, the demons coming at them in slow motion. Incredible. The three heroes fight back, Daimon's darker heritage causing him to hunger for demon blood. Gargoyle attacks the Son of Satan, screaming that Avarrish is going to save Christiansboro from despair and poverty. He tries to get the Defenders to leave, but they end up fighting. The town hall starts to glow, and Daimon gets blasted. The blaster is revealed to be Patsy "Hellcat" Walker, transformed into a demonic cat-woman. She's an actual Hellcat now!

Her appearance here doesn't quite match her transformed appearance on the cover, though. The cover take on her has a fuzzy tail, different-cut swimsuit, and some fur on her shins and forearms. There clearly was some miscommunication between the comic's creatives and the cover artist. Differences in appearance aside, Hellcat attacks our heroes. Daimon realizes that Patsy has been possessed by Avarrish, and tries to exorcise her. It doesn't go very well.

Daimon's efforts aren't for naught, as Doctor Strange is able to recover and take his shot at freeing Hellcat. Sadly, Avarrish proves to be too powerful, and is able to take him down too. Valkyrie throw down her sword, knowing her fighting would be fruitless. Patsy tries to choke Val out, but the Asgardian pleads with Patsy to fight her, telling her she's stronger than the demon.

Look at the little detail between these two panels. It's a great subtle way of showing the real Patsy trying to fight off her possession. Patsy manages to successfully fight off Avarrish, and the townspeople emerge from the town hall in a haze. When the Defenders get them caught up, they are enraged. They blame it on an old man named Isaac Christians.

His family built up the town from nothing over a century and a half ago, and the elderly Isaac was the last of the family line. He was also the mayor of the town, but age forced him into retirement. He started babbling about demons and monsters, but everyone thought he was just being a crazy old man. They take our heroes to his home, and find a dark room, Christians begging to be left alone. Strange pulls back the curtains and...

There sits Isaac Christians, the very same gargoyle that attacked the Defenders. The townspeople are shocked by his transformation, and wonder why did he let that happen to him. Christians explains he did it because he wanted to save the dying town, the same town his family built from nothing. He was desperate, so he made a deal with Avarrish: Let him turn Isaac into a gargoyle, and Isaac must help him take over the body of Patsy Walker, and Avarrish would make the town thrive once more. I'm guessing Avarrish wanted to troll Isaac a little.

When the Defenders came to Christiansboro, Avarrish told Isaac to kill them. However, Isaac didn't want nayone else hurt, so he instead tried to warn the Defenders to get away from the town. As punishment, Avarrish trapped him in the Gargoyle form. What made me scratch my head was, if the Gargoyle body was a punishment, why didn't he keep Christians human for the possession ritual? My guess is he turned him into a Gargoyle so he would be able to protect the ritual from intruders.

Doctor Strange asks Gargoyle if he knows anything about the plans of the Six-Fingered Hand, including the reason why they want the Defenders dead. Gargoyle explains that he has no idea, Avarrish didn't tell him anything, but the world would find out soon. Christians offers to help the Defenders as a way of making up for what he has done. Strange considers it and agrees. Hellstrom is more reluctant to the idea, fearing that Christians will betray the group. The Gargoyle reassures him he'll be loyal, pointing out he fought for his country in both World Wars. Keep in mind, this comic was released in 1981. Christians was already an elderly man, so it was plausible at the time he could have served in World War I and II.

A teary-eyed Patsy Walker remarks that she feels like she went to Hell. Daimon reassures her it's over, and she will be fine. Patsy says she won't be. While she and Avarrish were joined together, she learned that her mother, Dorothy Walker, promised Patsy's soul to the Six-Fingered Hand. See, at the time, Dorothy Walker had recently passed away from cancer. Before she died, she made a deal with Avarrish, giving her Patsy's soul in exchange for healing her. It explains why the Gargoyle kidnapped her instead of some random person. The Defenders unknowingly foiled the exchange. Yeah, Dorothy Walker was not exactly the best of mothers.

This issue...was actually quite enjoyable. It's a fun read if you're looking for a little something on Halloween. I have no real complaints about it. The Gargoyle is a tragic character, proof of the phrase "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions". The twist with Patsy was shocking, and it's neat seeing superheroes brawl with demons. The art is also very well-done. It made the comic very nice to look at. Next time, in honor of her big-screen solo debut, we'll take a look at a classic adventure of Wonder Woman...

Black Panther Trailer, My Thoughts

The MCU is on the move! We've traveled to space with the Guardians of the Galaxy, saved the world from aliens and robots with the Avengers, we're going to travel to the African nation of Wakanda. That's right! We got a teaser trailer for Black Panther's solo MCU film! Let's take a look!

The trailer begins with Everett K. Ross talking to Ulysses Klaue. I noticed that Klaue's arm is missing. I think he had both his arms when he appeared in Age of Ultron, so it's possible that Panther may have taken his arm. Anyway, Klaue asks Ross what he knows about Wakanda. According to Ross, Wakanda is a Third World nation, which specializes in textiles, shepherds, and lots of cool outfits. Klaue basically says, "Nope. Wakanda has a secret."

He claims that Wakanda's impression of being a poor nation is a front, comparing it to El Dorado, the city of gold. It makes sense. In the comics, Wakanda is one of the most technologically-advanced, yet isolationist countries on Earth. We see a sneak peek thanks to the flying craft, man that thing looks cool. I kind of expected it to have a cat motif. Klaue claims he's seen what a technological wonderland Wakanda truly is...and he's the only man to see it and live.

Black Panther kicks some dudes' butts, and shows that his costume is still bulletproof. Klaue starts laughing, and we see that this interrogation is being observed by T'Challa and his...bodyguard? Assistant? *looks up* Oh, it's the head of the Dora Milaje. Okay.  Anyway, the look he has his great. It's almost like he's saying, "Can someone please smack this guy"?

Good Lord, Wakanda looks amazing! That cityscape is incredible!

Some dudes blowing open a wall, one in a mask. Either they want to rescue Klaue or kill him.

Back Panther doing the whole "Come at me, bro" thing.

We do see a bit with Klaue trying to shoot someone, and he does have both his arms. Yeah, Panther's going to take an arm.

There's Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger. He kinda looks like a mix of a punk-rocker and a Power Ranger. Based on the suit, he's also the dude in the mask. I'm guessing he'll be up to some shenanigans.

How does that dude talk with that big plate in his lip?

With the voiceover, I think we're going to see T'Challa struggle with the tough things he'll have to do as the new king of Wakanda, and the conflict it will have with his honorable nature.

Danai Gurira kicking butt. Awesome.

We see Angela Bassett as Ramonda, BP's mom. Killmonger vs. the Dora Milaje looks to be one heck of a brawl.

According to what I have heard, T'Challa will be dealing with a plot to take down the kingdom. I think this film just may take some nods to Ta'Nehisi Coates's recent run on the Panther's solo book.

This was one cool trailer! I really enjoyed watching it, and I can't wait to see this movie!

Wonder Woman: The Movie Review

It is here! Wonder Woman's big screen debut has finally come to theaters! This film has had a lot going against it. It was following up three other films that got mixed to terrible reviews from fans and critics, and it was one of the very few major motion pictures focused on a female superhero. Could Wonder Woman rise to the challenge, or would she crash and burn?

The year is 1918. The First World War is coming to an end, thanks to the upcoming armistice. When American spy Steve Trevor crashes into an island populated by the mythical women warriors known as Amazons, he explains that a German general has a devastating new weapon, one that will ensure victory for the Central Powers. Diana, Princess of the Amazons, fearing Ares is behind it, joins Steve in an effort to save the day.

First, I have to say, it's great to see that Wonder Woman finally gets to join the superheroes that get to have an adventure on the big screen. And...it was really fun. It was a great movie to watch. Gal Gadot really brings it as the Amazing Amazon. She brought a great mix of intensity and naiveté to the role. Her interactions with Chris Pine's Steve Trevor were very enjoyable to watch.

There was a really good cast associated with this movie. However, I do have some issues. One is Lucy Davis. I would have liked to have seen her Etta Candy be a bit more boisterous, act more like the Etta of the Golden Age. Elena Anaya's Doctor Maru/Doctor Poison could have kind of emoted more a little bit. Maybe that facial prosthetic prevented that a bit? Still, it's minor stuff. I did like that this film gave the obscure Dr. Poison some love. I love it when superhero films delve deep into their subjects' mythos.

Also, I would have liked to have known where Wondy was during the events of Man of Steel. You'd think a bunch of Kryptonians coming to Earth and raising hell would have gotten her attention. Was she out on another adventure and couldn't help out? I would've liked an answer to that. Maybe some supplemental material could explain it.

The final battle was incredible. It was action packed, incredibly epic, and reaffirmed what Wonder Woman was all about: That humanity is flawed, but they can rise above their flaws and be better.

Wonder Woman was an amazing film. It was a blast to watch from beginning to end. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch it.

Black Lightning #1 (April 1977)

Black Lightning. One of DC's very first African-American superheroes, he watched over the streets of Metropolis's roughest neighborhood while Superman defended the world from massive threats. He is also one of the few superheroes to have a family of his own, with two daughters that became superheroes in their own right: Thunder and Lightning. Although, considering DC's New 52 reboot and Rebirth half-boot, I don't think they exist in the DCU anymore.

Black Lightning has been around for quite a long time. He actually is celebrating his 40th Anniversary this year. Neat, huh? Star Wars isn't the only thing turning the big 4-0 this year. So, in honor of that, and his TV series coming up, I thought it'd be nice to take a look at the very first issue of his first comic series.

The cover is drawn by the late Rich Buckler, which considering his recent passing, is another appropriate reason to look at this comic. It's a basic cover, depicting the titular character beating up some street criminals. It is a well-drawn cover, and it is rather accurate as he does do this in the story.

"Black Lightning"
Writer: Tony Isabella
Artist: Trevor Von Eeden
Inker: Frank Springer
Colorist: Liz Berube
Letterer: P.S. Lisa
Editor: Jack C. Harris

The issue begins with our hero beating up some punks.

 

Look at that suit. It's so gloriously 1970s, with the high collar, low cut, and the afro. He's after a man named Toledo, who sends more thugs to get beaten up by the metahuman superhero. One tries to hithim with a wrench, but he gets a fist for his troubles.

Toledo and some of his men try to shoot at him, but Lightning uses his Olympics-honed athletic abilities to dodge the bullets and take out the thugs. Lightning gets his hands on Toledo and introduces himself.

Lightning tells him he wants information about "The 100", a criminal organization that Toledo works for. Toledo exclaims that that they'll kill him if he talks. Lightning threatens to do the same unless he does talk. He demands Toledo come to the Garfield High School gym at midnight with the info, or he'll basically show hi what happens when lightning strikes twice. Toledo agrees, but makes a plan for it.

Lightning heads towards a tailor shop near the school, and greets Peter Gambi, the man inside.

It's revealed that Peter is the tailor that made Black Lightning's suit. Lightning compliments Peter for the good work he did on the suit, saying no one recognizes him in it. He takes off his mask and afro to reveal Jefferson Pierce, Garfield High School teacher and former Olympian decathlete. I do like that the afro is a wig, as alongside the mask, it provides additional protection of Pierce's identity.

The story then flashes back to two weeks earlier, in which Jefferson Pierce has taken a job as a teacher at Garfield High. He's being shown around by Principal MacNair "Mac" Chapin. Mac shows a trophy case that has Pierce's trophies and collegiate and Olympic medals. Wouldn't Pierce have donated those to the school to fill that case? A proud Mac expressed great happiness at Pierce teaching at the school as he could set a great example for the kids there.

Pierce then sees a student trying to buy some drugs, and he deals with it.

That afternoon, Pierce goes to the brand-new gym, and meets Earl Clifford, star basketball player, track runner, and basically the young man seen as the next Jefferson Pierce. Pierce playfully challenges him to make six basketball shots in a row. Clifford agrees, but the ball gets shot, and the perpetrators reveal themselves.

It's Toledo with two mooks. Ah, 1977. Where gangsters could walk into a high school with their guns out. They are basically not very happy with Pierce telling one of their "salesmen" to take a hike, as it were. As such, they plan to give Pierce a painful lesson in minding his own business. Earl Clifford knocks Toledo in the head with a basketball, allowing Pierce to knock out one of the thugs. Toledo goes after Clifford, but Pierce comes to the rescue, sending the three criminals running. Toledo and his boys report back to their boss.

The boss responds with talking about the ocean, how it can be calm, but its anger can be incredibly destructive. He comments that he misses the ocean, but he will always carry a part of it with him. He then shows he is rather angry about Pierce's actions.

Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to Tobias Whale. Whale is furious that a teacher was able to send members of the 100 scurrying like rats. Toledo asks for another chance, saying that he'll present Whale Pierce's head on a platter. Whale nixes it, saying that would only make Pierce a martyr, and give people motivation to fight the 100. Instead, they should make Pierce cower before them. He orders them to attack him through his students, as they are Pierce's weakness...

That night, Toledo and his men spot Earl Clifford walking down a street. One of the men asks to talk to Clifford, but Clifford greets him with a punch. They give chase, and end up accidentally running over and killing Clifford. The mooks are shocked by this, as they just wanted to beat him up. Toledo reminds them that Whale ordered them to remind Pierce that the 100 are not to be messed with. As such, he figures a dead student would be a perfect message.

The next day, a girl runs up to Pierce and tells him there's something in the gym. The teacher heads towards there, and is horrified by what he sees.

Earl Clifford trussed up on a basketball backboard like Jesus on the cross. Pierce runs out of the school and heads towards Peter's tailor shop. Peter comforts him by telling him about how Pierce's mother raised him right above the shop, and she'd be proud of all he's accomplished. He also gives Pierce a dose of reality by saying that roughing up one pusher wasn't going to send the 100 packing, especially since the neighborhood was essentially run by them or some other crime boss.

Pierce counters that someone has to fight them. Peter tells him Pierce has his back. But there is a problem. If Pierce takes on the 100, he'll have more Earl Cliffords on his hands. Peter suggests that he instead become a symbol, handing him a costume he made. You know, since this story was set in Metropolis, maybe Peter was inspired by Superman a little bit to make that costume, even on a subconscious level? Pierce tries on the suit.

As I said before, his original costume is just so gloriously 1970s, the high white collar, the low cut of the suit, and of course, the afro. There definitely is a Blaxploitation influence in the costume. The newly-costumed Black Lightning then hunts down Toledo, and this is where the flashback ends. Peter reminds him it's almost midnight. Meanwhile, at the Garfield High gym, Toledo is making preparations for Black Lightning's arrival.

In case you're wondering, the man with the bow? That's Merlyn. Yup, one of Green Arrow's arch-nemeses.

Peter gives Black Lightning a special belt, saying it'll help him get an edge on the 100. I like to imagine that Peter and Jefferson figured Toledo would try something like an ambush, so they made some preparations of their own in the form of the special belt. Lightning leaves, thinking about Gary Cooper in the film High Noon, which makes me think that in canon, Jefferson Pierce should be considered a fan of classic films, like the Scott Lang Ant-Man in the comics. He's ready to take on Toledo and the 100.

Black Lightning #1 is a pretty good story. Much like Marvel Premiere #15, the debut of Iron Fist, most of it is told in flashback. This first issue does everything I feel a first issue should. It gives us an idea of who Jefferson Pierce is, a bit on his backstory that can be expanded on later, a villain for him to fight, and an idea of what he can do. He doesn't quite have his lightning powers yet, but it is shown that he can brawl if he needs to. Trevor Von Eeden's art is very well-done and nice to look at. It's a good origin, with a bit of Blaxploitation in vibe.

Next time, in honor of the big Defenders series coming up, I'm going to take a look at the Defenders as they battle the Six-Fingered Hand...