Posted in Comics, Review on 02/17/2009 01:40 pm by fanboi
The Gay Comic Geek was so livid about Final Crisis he felt the need to change his nom de plume to the Angry Comic Book Nerd and share a Valentine rant encouraging viewers to take a dump on copies of it they see on shelves. I wouldn’t recommend doing so as I think your local comic book store may frown on that.
His rant is preceded by a very concise explanation of the previous Crises and their merits. Like myself and many others, he found Final Crisis disjointed and confusing at best and at worst a stinking pile of crap, but he really does his best to sum it all up while amassing a list of unanswered questions.
Noone can deny a number of extremely dynamic moments – but the plot threads were woven too loosely and the ending completely failed to pull them together into any sort of clear picture. I can handle experimental storytelling, but you at least need to pull it together at the end so someone can get a true idea of what happened.
A few interesting quotes from Grant Morrison’s Newsarama Final Crisis Exit Interview, parts 1 and 2
The A was Anthro and the Z was Kamandi. First Boy to Last Boy, with the whole DC Multiverse in between. In the end, as I got really into the story, it changed shape a little and now concludes, as it began, with the First Boy, now an Old Man.
And the Grant Morrison explanation for why I kept thinking I’d missed a chapter as I was reading…
I choose to leave out boring, as I saw it, connective tissue we didn’t really need for this story to work. I choose to leave out long-winded caption-heavy explanations that bring readers ‘up to speed’, even as they send them to sleep. And we left out the line-wide crossover tie-ins that have every detail of backstory spelled out laboriously by writers desperate to get back to their own plotlines. Otherwise, the whole thing is there on the page in word or picture form…and when interestingly-shaped story spaces can be opened out to make room for enthusiastic speculation and debate that adds to the fun. Looking up characters you thought were simply generic cavemen or monsters and finding they have histories you can explore and adventures you can read adds another interactive layer that takes you deeper into the mysteries and complexities of the DC virtual reality.
ummmmm – BIGTIME cop out. Story cheat. Sure he knows the whole story – but the reader is left guessing. When I want to guess, I read a whodunit.
As for why it was a FINAL crisis, it was the Final Crisis of the Monitors as well as the Final Crisis of the Fourth World, but even Morrison seemed doubtful it is really all that final.
the Grant Morrison definitive “reading order”…
FINAL CRISIS # 1- 3
SUPERMAN BEYOND # 1- 2
SUBMIT
FINAL CRISIS # 4 – 5
BATMAN #682 – 683
FINAL CRISIS # 6 – 7
Not to mention FINAL CRISIS: Legion of 3 Worlds which still has 2 more issues but happens (in the future) before Final Crisis #7. My brain hurts. No wonder people are confused.
This week sees the much anticipated last issue of both Final Crisis and Final Crisis: Revelations – wrapping up the DCU’s latest epic miniseries.
The dramatic finale to the epic, seven-part saga of the DC multiverse concludes with an apocalyptic battle for the soul of humanity that must be seen to be believed! Can the heroes of 52 Earths save the multiverse? And is the only way to save it, to change it forever?
OK, isn’t that ALWAYS the only way to save it? If previous Crises are any judge then it is. And forever is only until the next creative team pitches something that gets the management excited. But until then who knows what the outcome of Final Crisis will be… DC’s never been QUITE as world altering in their events.
Looking back, it seems, their Crisis change the past more than the present. Unlike Marvel’s Civil War, Secret Invasion and now Dark Reign, the events of the DCU seem to be more about altering past continuity and have offered very little in lasting change to the day to day operations of the DCU (aside from a token significant death).
So we’ve have our heroic significant death and it’s time to rally and save reality by making some completely random alterations to the history of the DCU. Rah. Rah. I can’t wait. I just don’t see them leaving the DCU dark for any real length of time and future solicits don’t seem like a world imbued with evil, so I think the white hats are going to win.
I’ve enjoyed Final Crisis, but don’t really know if I see it as a worthy successor to the original Crisis on Infinite Earths or even the subsequent Infinite Crisis. The thought I seem to have as I read each issue is – did I miss some pages? I keep hoping that there will be a special edition hardcover with all the missing pages magically reinserted.
I’m not sure if I just have a problem with Grant Morrison’s writing – (Batman R.I.
Posted in Comics, Review on 01/15/2009 02:31 am by fanboi
Well someone should tell Grant Morrison that being killed by Darkseid’s Omega beams just as you blow him away with a specially engineered god-killer bullet is cooler than dying on an exploding helicopter. Final Crisis beats Batman R.I.P.
But that fact that I’m discussing whose story about killing Batman is better should make you think. If one of these stories happened before the other, then therefore logically wouldn’t Batman have to rise from the dead at some point? And don’t start in about Bane breaking his back – that is beside the point. In fall 2008 Grant Morrison wrote Batman R.I.P. a story that culminated in the “death” of Batman. I just don’t understand what is going on with DC these days. Is it really that hard top keep comics current with each other and release stories in a chronological and timely order?
And while I am kvetching… Superman comes speeding down from on high with fire in his eyes and takes out most of the anti-life possessed in the immediate area the suddenly he’s holding up Batman’s corpse. Where did he pick up Bats? He wasn’t carrying anything as he flew down. That whole scene was outdoors and Batman confronted Darkseid indoors, yet there is not mention of Superman going looking for Bats. That is my major problem with Final Crisis – I keep getting the feeling that someone left some pages out.
The side of the Angels REALLY isn’t doing so hot as of yet. Have you been wondering what was happening to Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps? Among other things, it’s time to see what’s happening on Oa…
DC Comics has provided Newsarama with an exclusive preview of this week’s Final Crisis #5 by Grant Morrison, JG Jones and Carlos Pacheco. The solicitation for the issue reads: Humanity enslaved! Time shattered and bleeding! Anti-Life triumphant! Can Earth’s demoralized, beaten heroes rally their scattered forces for the ultimate super-battle against the nightmare armies of Apokolips when the forces of good meet the forces of evil on the bridge to Blüdhaven?
As Darkseid’s presence causes reality itself to sicken and the lights to go out across the universe, as even the Guardians fall, the true power of the evil gods finally reveals itself, and a major character returns for a shocking conclusion. Does the secret of humankind’s salvation lie in a mysterious cave painting and a bolt of lightning? Or has the Last Day come for us all?
While surfing for interesting comic book tidbits I came across a Faces of Evil gallery at Comic Books Beta full of high quality cover images of some of the DCU’s most wanted. They were a pretty good looking collection, so I decided to make a set of desktops out of them for those of you who can’t get enough of the bad boys (and girls for any lurking lesbians). I used actual logos whenever possible (please send logos if you have a good one I missed – just scan it and send it for a shout out).
Also, I love being quoted so PLEASE download the images and repost on your own blog with a linkback if you really like them!
Visit the Comic Books Beta gallery to learn which titles feature whom.
Faces of Evil is a January 2009 event that stems from the events of Final Crisis and ask the answers the question we keep hearing “What happens when evil wins?”
Posted in Comics, Preview on 10/06/2008 12:31 pm by fanboi
Batwoman has been turned and will soon be seen riding with the rest of the Female Furies. But first a catfight with her ex. Its The Question vs. Batwoman with Kate’s soul on the line.
The Anti-Life Equation has infected Gotham City, turning friend, foe and family into mindless slaves of Darkseid, and the might of the Spear of Destiny has left The Spectre powerless. Can The Question find the answer to restoring hope inside the one being capable of saving the world?
Newsarama spoke with Grant Morrison about Final Crisis #3, (the issue where the shit finally hits the fan)…
Read the article for complete details… They cover a myriad of topics, including: What he has in mind for Frankenstein, S.H.A.D.E., the Question (and the connection between her and the faceless policemen of Jack Kirby’s Global Peace Agency from OMAC) and her role after Final Crisis, that body that Montoya finds, who is Uberfraulein and where is she from, what is happening to the Multiverse, the speedsters route through time, why is Barry Allen smiling, the Hall of Doom, what is a “Justifier helmet”, something planned with Aquaman (when asked which one he replied… “He’s Aquaman. He’s always been Aquaman. All will be revealed.”), the post-traumatic superhero, Article X, the Wonder Wagon, Mary Marvel’s costume, Morticoccus, the new Female Furies seen on the last page and the red skies behind them. Morrison also plugs Final Crisis tie-ins Submit and Superman Beyond
Final Crisis: Submit is due in stores on October 8th. Final Crisis #4 is now due in stores on October 15th
Comic Book Resources has an interesting article detailing the origin, criminal career and multiple deaths (his recent execution makes at least 3 dirt naps) of child-murdering, serial rapist Dr. Light.
Posted in Beefcake, Comics on 08/23/2008 10:30 pm by fanboi
I thought George Perez’s rendition of oh-so sexy Superboy-Prime in deliciously battle-ravaged daisy dukes was worthy of immortalizing in a desktop pattern. Its on my desktop, click below for a ridiculously LARGE version for yours!
Posted in Beefcake, Comics on 08/21/2008 03:55 pm by fanboi
This is for those of you who think SuperMAN is too much the big blue boy scout and would prefer a bad boy. Check out Superman-Prime. He has been demoted to his twinkified Superboy-Prime form again and is seriously working a very small pair of battle ravaged daisy dukes…
George Perez (pencils) and Scott Koblish (inks) artwork from Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #1 of 5.
Posted in Comics, Preview on 08/12/2008 11:15 am by fanboi
Dr. Light will finally get his comeuppance. The new Spectre unleashes the wrath of God against known rapist, Dr. Arthur Light. Its about time. I expected this much sooner after the details of his crimes were revealed in Identity Crisis.
Posted in Comics, Preview on 08/05/2008 12:00 pm by fanboi
I was a bit confused, but very entertained by Issue #1, #2 sucked me into the story and with #3 things should actually start happening… just in time for the 1 month break from the main miniseries as the tie-ins come out.
FINAL CRISIS #3 (of 7) Written by Grant Morrison; Art and covers by J.G. Jones Batman missing in action! Superman immobilized! Green Lantern on trial for his life! A shadow is falling across Earth’s super heroes — and now it’s Wonder Woman’s turn to face the Evil Gods! What bizarre warning from beyond awaits Frankenstein, The Question and the agents of S.H.A.D.E. in the shadows of the Dark Side Club? What grim fate lies in store for The Human Flame? What happens when the Anti-Life Equation hits the internet? Can the Fastest Men Alive outrun The Black Racer — Death himself? And who are the Justifiers? The answers are all here as the unstoppable rise of evil continues in FINAL CRISIS #3 by Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones. DC Universe | 40pg. | Color | $3.99 US On Sale August 6, 2008
Posted in Comics, Creators on 07/23/2008 08:59 pm by fanboi
Newsarama recently talked with Grant Morrison about the 2nd issue of DC’s Summer blockbuster series Final Crisis. A similar interview about Issue #1 really explained a lot of the more subtle elements of a VERY complicated story so i though I’d share highlights from this similar commentary of Issue #2.
Big Science Action, the Super Young Team, Superman Beyond, New Earth morale, New Gods reborn, Requiem, super villain’s cars, and the End of the World as we know it, Wonder Woman vs Mary Marvel, Metron the god of science’s unforeseen nature, where Barry Allen’s been, .and Carlos Pacheco stepping in to assist artist J.G Jones as of issue #4…
Posted in Preview on 06/24/2008 09:59 pm by fanboi
I’m hoping things will pick up in issue #2. With the death of Martian Manhunter in #2 we should have some serious fallout this week.
Also in #2 are the Japanese Superheroes we saw unveiled in the Final Crisis Sketchbook – the Super Young Team and their languid leader, Most Excellent Superbat! PLUS – What are the next dastardly deeds perpetrated by the mysterious Libra and his new crew? What’s under the poisoned city of Blüdhaven? Who could murder a God? Can Batman face the fallen of Apokolips? All this and a spectacular return from the dead…
Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones’ multiverse-spanning epic continues with bombshell after bombshell in FINAL CRISIS #2 — “Ticket to Blüdhaven”!
I hope I don’t require the authors notes to make sense of this issue.
The preview interests me tho. I love the Alpha Lantern’s less than flattering characterization of the Justice League as a “local crimefighting club” – she makes it sound like the Scooby Gang. I also wonder about any substance that is not only unidentifiable by a Power Ring, but also seems to interfere with its operation. Hmmm.
Posted in Creators on 06/09/2008 01:16 pm by fanboi
Newsarama has a GREAT interview with Final Crisis writer Grant Morrison. He discusses the New Gods interference in human history and evolution in the DCU, why Turpin, Countdown continuity, Dr. Lights comeuppance, what he meant by “Twilight of the Gods,” where AND when Darkseid went when he “fell,” the concept of Gods in general, what Anthro’s drawing and who the guy with the mohawk is – Nix Uotan the exiled Monitor – doh – should have figured that one. But it still doesn’t add up – OK if the Monitors have the ability to exile one of their own to a mortal existence, but who got Nix and apartment, furniture and a TV? He woke up as if he’s late for work. If they have THAT control over reality they should be able to take care of reality -hoppers with a file transfer. Also its looking definite that the DCU is definitely down one Martian.
Posted in Comics, Review on 06/02/2008 08:30 pm by fanboi
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
I’ve said numerous times, I REALLY wanted to love Final Crisis #1. But I just did not. I’m sick of companies killing off major characters JUST to make a manufactured event seem important. OK, it was new and shocking when the silver age Flash, Barry Allen and the original Supergirl both died valiantly in the Crisis on Infinite Earths. It was even ALMOST reminiscent and still heart-breaking when Superboy (Conner Kent) bravely gave his life while restoring the Multiverse during the Infinite Crisis.
But this? This was just a mob-style hit against one of the most powerful (albeit often ignored and forgotten) forces in the DCU. It was a slap in the face. I don’t WANT to read about the day evil won. Evil wins every day all around me. Comics are the one place it doesn’t. I’ll keep reading, but the good guys best begin to get their act together by #4.
To simply drag out a “pyro-tranqilized” Martian Manhunter and then whack him does not do justice to a character as powerful as J’onn J’onzz.
This is a character as powerful (arguably more than) as Superman. His only weakness has been fire. But not only have multiple authors and story arcs have established this as a psychological weakness instead of a physical one, it is also a psychological weakness he has overcome multiple times – most notably with the semi sadistic help of a flame-wielding villainess named Scorch.
Martian Manhunter told Superman that his aversion to fire had changed and he was now invulnerable to flames unless they are “flames of passion” or of some other “psychic significance.” I hate when writers don’t do their homework. Is it too much trouble for hem to read a wiki page before killing off a major character?
OK enough on the less than stellar snuff scene, here are some more questions/problems the story gave me.
1. For what does Libra NEED the Human Flame? Why would he go to the trouble of capturing and killing Martian Manhunter (bringing the SURE ire of the JLA) just to recruit an overweight guy who controls fire. Did he do it JUST to convince Luthor that he can kill Superman?
2. What in the holy hell was Turpin thinking going in to an club run by an unknown criminal figure without backup or even calling in? I’m guessing Question is hot on his heals and perhaps she and Batwoman will kick the crap out of the apokolyptian stepford children. Or he may be waif-food.
3. Considering the JLA already found out that Libra is running around in last issue of the Justice League of America, they should already be on alert. having Superman declare Justice League Condition Amber had no weight. I want to know what Batman’s is contingency plan for evil gods running amok on Earth. The man plans for everything, and he’s met Darkseid and his cronies before, so he should at least have a plan involving the theology powered heroes calling upon their pantheons for assistance.
4. Corruption among the Monitors… I read 52 and Countdown and I still have a hard time telling the monitors apart. Who is this Wanderer? And where did the Monitor talking to him get a cell phone? Roaming charges must be a bitch in the Multiversal Orrey
5. Who is the guy with the mohawk/ponytail combo and why is he looking at his hands with such surprise? He is looking at them as if they were covered in blood or if he was surprised to have hands. He can’t be Human Flame (no mustache) and I don’t see an interstellar being like Libra having such a dated hairstyle.
Posted in Preview on 05/25/2008 12:24 am by fanboi
FINAL CRISIS #1
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and covers by J.G. Jones
Witness the historic start of the final chapter in the Crisis trilogy that could only spring from the mind of Grant Morrison — Final Crisis, featuring stunning art by J.G. Jones (52 Covers)! Worlds will live and heroes will die in this epic tale spanning the beginning and end of the DC Universe!
The entire Multiverse is threatened as the mysterious Libra assembles an army of the DCU’s most terrifying super villains. But what is the ultimate plan, and who will live to find out?
Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers by J.G. Jones that will ship in approximately 50/50 ratio. Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.
On sale May 28 • 1 of 7 • 40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
