Todd Klein's Blog, page 342

And Then I Read: BATMAN INCORPORATED 4

Images © DC Comics, Inc.

I haven't been reading this or any of the BATMAN books recently, but this cover by J.H. Williams III depicting Batman and Batwoman intrigued me, so I gave it a try. As expected, trying to follow the story in mid arc was somewhat difficult, but I did enjoy Grant Morrison's handling of the new Batwoman, as well as his flashback story about the original one, Kathy Kane, who I remember well from the BATMAN comics of my tender youth. Some elements of the larger story eluded me, but I might still pick up the next issue to see if I can learn more.

The art by Chris Burnham is good, if somewhat quirky, and I think shows a lot of influence from Frank Quitely's approach, though perhaps without all of Frank's knack for design. Looking closer, I also see Michael Kaluta in there, too. Not a bad mixture, and actually a nice change from the DC house style of some other books I'm reading.

I can't offer any firm opinion on the story as I'm coming in late, but the issue is worth a look, and recommended.

Turtle Watching commences

Tigger and Leo begin this season's Turtle Watch, with a fine Box Turtle specimen just outside our screened porch. It's a slow sport. Very slow.

A handsomely-marked creature in bright orange and yellow on black. I suspect a male looking for a female, but I can't really tell. They show up in our yard this time of year, and occasionally it becomes obvious when the right two get together…!

And Then I Read: EMERALD WARRIORS 7

Images © DC Comics, Inc.

I found this issue difficult to follow. We have a number of characters with strong will power trying to overcome each other both mentally and physically, and the imagery wanders from literal to mental constructs without much explanation. Then there are lots of close shots of gore and violence where it's hard to tell who's doing what to whom. The result seems to be that the villain of the piece, whose name I don't recall, and I don't see it given anywhere here, is thwarted in his plans to gain power by draining it from Lantern rings, though I think he escapes with ex-Lantern Sodam Yat still under his control. All I can say is, no one here is having a good time, including me.

The art by Pasarin and Smith shows great skill, but as said above, not very clear storytelling. In general, the hopes I had for this title are fading, I'm not enjoying it much anymore. Not sure if I'll continue reading it.

Not recommended

At the Phillies Game 6/7/11

Ellen and I have been following the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team on TV for a few years now (me more than her), and last year we attended our first game. We had a great time, so this year, when Ellen's boss offered some tickets from a package she bought, we grabbed two games. Last night was the first of them, Phillies against the LA Dodgers. As you approach the park from the north side, this is what you see.

Inside it was time for dinner, and I'd researched vegetarian options for Ellen, who doesn't eat meat. "Planet Hoagie" was the best choice, and we each got one, though mine had chicken in it. Ashburn Alley is the food and retail area behind the outfield, and we took our dinner up on the roof patio where we had a pretty good view of batting practice on the field while we ate. The weather was great, hot but not stifling, and sunny, with a steady breeze.

Our seats were on the third tier on the third base side. Due to the height, quite a bit further from the field than last year, but you could see everything clearly, and the giant screen replayed the close plays. Just to the right of it you can see a little of the Philly skyline.

Here's our view of the field with the Dodgers up. I wish I could report we saw a great game, but in fact it was pretty awful for Phillies fans. The team played poorly, making a number of errors and still not hitting well.

Roy Oswalt pitched pretty well, but did allow some runs, and also made a huge error. Trying to pick off a runner at first, he made a quick pivot and fired the ball…but Howard, the first baseman was nowhere near the bag or the throw. In fact he almost hit the runner. Now we know why they're called "dodgers!"

The Philly Phanatic was entertaining, as always. I'm not a fan of team mascots, or people dressed in silly costumes generally, but this guy (or guys?) really are good. Here he's clowning with some kids doing a quick music number.

We had fun, enjoyed the park, the atmosphere and the food, but not the game so much. The schedule for baseball sure is relentless. As I type this, the teams are about to go at it again. No other sport has players competing almost every day for six months straight, at least in this country, and you can see how it wears out the players. But, no excuses, they need to do better or they'll soon be out of their current first place in the division. The Phillies lost this one 6 to 2. Our other game is in September, hope they're playing better then!

And Then I Read: KNIGHT & SQUIRE 5

Images © DC Comics, Inc.

Apparently the mission of writer Paul Cornell and artist Jimmy Broxton for this title was to create an entire pantheon of British superheroes with backstories and entertaining names, powers and personalities. They've succeeded in that brilliantly, and not content, they've taken some of those characters further. This issue, Jarvis Poker, the British Joker is the focus. He's just been informed he has a fatal disease and only weeks to live. Despite being very depressed about this, he can't resist the opportunity to try to pull off one more big puzzle-filled operation. And our heroes, Knight and Squire, who have found out about JP's health situation, are willing to play along. What a great idea for both plot and character development! Reminds me of the days when Batman and his villains worked on a similar friendly-rivalry basis. Still works for me.

The art by Broxton is charming, as always, well-drawn and inviting, yet simple and direct. Reminds me somewhat of Dave Gibbons, yet with a unique flavor. And there are some fun flashback pages in the style of old British comics, too.

Someone, however, is not pleased with all this attention the BRITISH Joker is suddenly getting. Perhaps you can guess who…?

Recommended.

And Then I Read: LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES 10

Images © DC Comics, Inc.

It's just a guess, but I think writer Paul Levitz enjoys writing Brainiac 5. This issue he steps from the sidelines into the power seat and takes charge when no one else seems willing or able to do so. Temporarily, perhaps, I guess we'll see. It's a masterfully-written moment for the book and the character. The other main plotline concerns the continuing investigation into Durlan assassins, and the trail leads to the home of former LSH founder R.J. Brande, also a Durlan. This brings some surprises for Chameleon Boy and his team. Frankly, when characters who can assume any possible shape are involved, it's hard to keep track of who is who sometimes, but Levitz and artists Cinar and Faucher do pretty well.

Here's Brainy taking charge and laying down the law. In this case, all those character tags are a bit much, with one right over a character's face — not a good placement job by the letterer, but they do help sort out the characters. With all the color hold and glow effects, comics coloring has come a long way, but at times all those effects tend to overwhelm the art. I think that's the case on this page, in my opinion. In general, the art is quite good, though.

Recommended.

Hope Print sales update

Image © Steve Rude and Todd Klein, all rights reserved.

62 Hope prints sold as of this morning. Just donated $124 to the American Red Cross. Wish it was more, hope it will be in the future. You can help by ordering, of course! Order info HERE.

New Toys

I've wanted an iPhone since they first came out, and now I finally have one, and so does Ellen. I held off for a long time for several reasons. First, I'm not one to try new tech when it's brand new. I'd rather wait for at least the second generation, when the bugs are worked out and the prices begin to drop. Second, we had a contract with Verizon, and AT&T did not have good coverage in our neighborhood. So, when our contract ran out last year, I didn't take their many offers to reup and get new phones. I'd heard the rumors that Verizon would be getting the iPhone this year, and sure enough, they did. Then it was just a matter of gradually convincing Ellen that we should both trade in our aging LG phones for new iPhones, and finding time to go to the Verizon store to get them. That day came yesterday, and we now have our new toys.

So, yesterday, when I perhaps should have been working, I was setting up things on the phone: email, contacts, music, Facebook (also quite new), and trying everything out. By last evening I had a "tech headache," but that's gone today, and I'm beginning the process of making the iPhone a small but welcome part of my time. Pretty soon I might actually make a phone call with it…! (Other than to Ellen, to make sure it works, which we did.) Can you guess which one is mine, which Ellen's?

Ahhh…

Our cat, Leo, sun-worshipping.

Philadelphia Comic Con in two weeks

I'll be a guest at the Philadelphia Comic Con on Friday and Saturday June 17-18th. I'll have my prints for sale, and of course will be happy to sign anything I've worked on. You can find more info on the con HERE. This is my first Philly comics convention in about 15 years I think, and I'm looking forward to it. If you're going, do stop by to say hi!