Earth X, Universe X, and Paradise X Revisited - Part 1

When I was a kid (a long long time ago) dinosaurs were easy to name and remember.  The reason?  There were only a couple they knew of; Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Pterodactyl, and a few others.  Now, there are dozens, if not hundreds that they can name, classify and put in Jurassic Park.

Comic books were no different.  You had Action Comics, Superman, Batman, Strange Tales, and a maybe a dozen or so more.  Now there are hundreds and hundreds.

The thing that never changed, though, was the backstory.  Superman was still from Krypton.  Spider-Man was still bitten by a radioactive spider.  Batman's parents were still shot and killed in an alleyway.  Frankly, it was rare that you ever revisited a backstory let alone change it.

Now things change almost weekly.

DC is having yet another rebirth hot on the heels of its Convergence event.

Marvel is talking changes again hot on the heels of their Secret Wars.

But what about a FUTURE story instead of one redefining the past?

This is the classic series that defined them all....Earth X.

If you don't remember, Earth X and it's sequels Universe X and Paradise X, sought to tell the story of a dystopian future of the Marvel Universe.  What made this so different from the rebirths and backstories of today?  It was done as a story told from one being to another and it was done in exquisite detail with no stone unturned or question unanswered.

As a matter of fact it may be the only time such a detailed story was told in such a manner.

For those of you still in the womb when these were released you should know that it was told in 3 parts; Earth X, Universe X, and Paradise X.

Earth X was done in 1997 and involved multiple storylines...none of which will be spoilers if you wish to continue reading.  In the story, Earth X is one of a number of planets that is implanted with something called a Celestial egg.  As with any story of this magnitude one expects the presence of a Watcher and, not to disappoint, Uatu is recruited.  This is where things go astray.  During certain Earth changing events Uatu is blinded and needs to recruit a new Watcher to take his place.  He calls on X-51 (Machine Man) and brings him to the moon to be his eyes.

What does X-51 witness?  Changes that redefined the Marvel Universe in a drastic manner.  (Spoiler alert!)

-Captain America kills the Red Skull and quits the Avengers
-Namor kills Johnny Storm
-The Absorbing Man absorbs Ultron
-Norman Osborn is elected President
-Thor is changed into a woman

And the list goes on and on.  It ends with Galactus consuming the Celestial egg after killing the Celestials and X-51 realizing Uatu's true purpose (to watch over the Celestial egg because one of the other Watchers killed an embryo).  In response he destroys Uatu's ears and decides to destroy all the Celestial eggs.

Here endeth Earth X and the scene is set for Universe X.  Look for my next blog!

The Court of Owls - The Good, The Bad, and The Reality

Beware the Court of Owls, that watches all the time,
Ruling Gotham from a shadowed perch, behind granite and lime.
They watch you at your hearth, they watch you in your bed.
Speak not a whispered word about them, or they'll send the Talon for your head.

The Good

Perhaps one of the most intriguing cabals in all of comics, the Court of Owls perches...well...inside Gotham City.  No, I mean it.  INSIDE Gotham City.  In the walls, between the floors in hotels...THAT inside.  But you already knew that.

The Court of Owls has existed since colonial times (back in the 1600's for those who are history challenged) in Gotham City.  Overall, their jobs seem pretty simple.  Go to the circus, kidnap some high flying performers, and then train them to kill people as Talons.  It's good work if you can get it.

Created by Scott Snyder and Greg Capello the Court of Owls is first mentioned in Batman #2 (2011) and make their first appearance in Batman #5 (as part of the New 52).

If you are following the members of the Batman family, you will find that the Court of Owls is back in action against the "Robins".  Yes, all of them, including the ones who died and came back to life and the ones who think they are Robin from "We Are Robin" fame.  I fully suspect that "We Are Robin" will be followed by other "We Are" campaigns including "We Are Tonto" and "We Are Bucky".  You can even try it yourself.  Just follow the "We Are (name your favorite sidekick)" format.

The Bad

Let's face it, as villains go this is about as scary as it gets.  These are the rich and wealthy hiding behind masks and carrying out theft and murder at their discretion.  This isn't some fictional scaly crocodile person, or a person with a muzzle and a backpack full of steroids that breaks bats, or even some purple suited, white faced, killer clown.  This is the person next to you on the train, your neighbor, your co-worker.  It's anyone.

This is the villain you don't see coming.  The ones you can't fight because you can't see, or even find, them.

It's like the difference between "Jaws" and "The Crazies".  I don't get scared of Jaws because I'm not a big beach goer and I don't have much to fear in my home of a rabid shark.  An unseeable bacteria that you get from drinking water that turns people into killers?  That bothers me a little bit.

The Reality

Is the Court of Owls really fictional?  Sure, I can't prove that some of the rich and wealthy in the world wear owl masks behind the scenes, but who knows?  What I do know is that you read about political killings all the time, covert operations by the government seem commonplace, and my security clearance isn't even high enough to know what my wife's making for dinner.

The fact is, history is littered with people and families that could have been the precursors to the Court of Owls.  For all I know they could be more of a metaphor than a villain in a comic book.

Fiction or Reality?  A little of both?  No matter what they are, the Court of Owls is one of my favorite threats to the Batman family.  If you want more pics check out my Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/comicwhisperer/the-court-of-owls/

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The Darkseid War - Johns and Manapul are Brilliant

It's not too late.  If you haven't picked up all of the issues of Justice League: Darkseid War, drop everything and go get all the issues right now.  I'm serious...right now.

Go ahead...I'll wait.

You're back already?  Excellent!

Now that you have them, read them.  That's right, go ahead.  Nothing I have to say could top this type of storytelling.

Are you finished?  Awesome, right?

Now I have a question:  Does Geoff Johns EVER run out of good ideas?

Frankly, his writing, and the superb artistry of Francis Manapul, have given me hope that we are heading back to the old days of comic book writing.  You remember those days, right?  When the story telling was so powerful that the anticipation of upcoming issues was enough to give you a brain aneurysm?

For those who haven't read it, it can be summed up in a couple of DC Universe shattering sentences:

Darkseid dukes it out with the Anti-Monitor.  Darkseid loses.  Heroes become Gods.  Flash becomes death.  We find out Wonder Woman is a man.  (OK, so I lied on the last one, but how do you follow up a sentence like "Flash becomes death?").

For those of you without a scorecard here is the current state of things:

The Flash is now the "God of Death" (with an insanely cool costume)

Batman is now the "God of Knowledge" (he's also the new owner of the Mobius Chair much to Metron's dismay)
Superman is the "God of Strength"
Shazam is now the "God of Gods"
Green Lantern is now the "God of Light"
and Lex Luthor is the "God of Apokolips"

Wonder Woman remains a woman
Mr. Miracle is on more covers than when he had his own series
and Big Barda reminds us how she is a one woman wrecking squad.

And it all started with an Amazon no one seems to have heard of having Darkseid's child.

If all of this doesn't intrigue you, you should really be on an anti-depressant.

In the most recent issue Geoff and Francis leave us with Darkseid's child, Grail, who has taken possession of the Anti-Life equation and becomes, "Grail, Goddess of Anti-Life".

This is what comic books are all about...legendary storytelling that MAKES you want to talk about it.

I'm not talking about the Joker escaping Arkham for the 750th time or Thanos gaining complete control over every molecule in the universe at least once a quarter, I'm talking real storytelling.

This is the two most powerful villains in the DC Universe duking it out with one of them getting killed (even if the death may only be temporary)!

This is the Flash combining with the Black Racer to become Death!

This is Lex Luthor pretending to be Superman and becoming the God of Apokolips!

This is Batman in the Mobius Chair telling his unflinching version of the truth and almost coming to blows with Green Lantern who is the new God of Light!

This series also has spin-offs, as one would suspect, and each character is going to have a mini-series about what happens with them.  My guess would be that the unmatchable storytelling will continue throughout all of them.

It's fascinating, man/woman has been telling stories since time began and it hasn't changed much.  Stories on cave walls depict the great hunts and drawings on scrolls depict the efforts of people trying  to capture what the gods look like.  And here we are in 2015, still telling stories of hunts, kills, and trying to capture the look of the gods.  The only difference is that no one thought of spin-off caves or variant cover papyrus.

This series is well worth picking up and I highly recommend its purchase.  The reason, however, is not that it will skyrocket in worth or that it's a #1 or that it has great variant covers.  It's because this is storytelling at its finest.  You not only WANT to read the story, you CAN'T WAIT for the next issues to come out!

Now go to your local comic books shop, put these on your pull list, and tell them The Comic Whisperer sent you!


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3 Reasons the World Needs Superheroes!

Probably one of the biggest questions I get asked is, “Why comic books?  There are thousands of literary masterpieces for you to enjoy, there are more classic movies than you could enjoy in 10 years time and, let’s face it, comic books are for kids, aren’t they?”

It’s a fair question.  Frankly, if you look at my office it does look like the bedroom of a 10 year old child with the way it’s decorated with comic book memorabilia.

But as you and I know, it’s more than just about comic books.  It’s about the artwork, the storylines, and the role comic books have played in the history of our country.

But mostly it’s because now, more than ever, we need superheroes.

The response then is, “We need superheroes?  What do you mean?  Why?”

Here are the Top 3 Reasons that the World Needs Superheroes:

1.)  There’s Someone For Everyone:

At last count there were somewhere around...well...I don’t really know how many superheroes there ever were or are today.  Let’s just say there’s been alot of them and there still are.  The point of this imprecise measurement is that, if one looks carefully, there is a superhero to which each of us can relate to.  For instance, I have a friend of mine who simply loves Batman.  He likes the mystery, the goth look and the attitude of “The Bat”, along with the fact that he has no superhuman abilities but is one of the most respected of the DC Universe.  The fact is Batman and my friend are nowhere near the same in look, attitude, tenacity, “gothness”, physique, etc.  But that’s the beauty of it.  You don’t have to be the hero to want to model them or to have your own “inner Batman”.  The bottom line is that there is someone for everyone to enjoy, want to model themselves after, and admire.  Even if you’re a dog.

2.)  You Can Be That Hero:

I know what this sounds like and, no, I don’t mean that you should put on a cape and jump off a 20 story building thinking you can fly.  What I mean is that the role-playing games, the ability to have a costume shipped to your door for a costume party or ComicCon, and video games allow you to enter the world of your favorite heroes.  Games like HeroClix where you can actually collect your favorite heroes and villains to fight against one another, or like FutureFight where you do the same thing but on your iPhone or iPad in a virtual world, or, perhaps the most fun, is dressing up and going to a ComicCon for people too look at you like you’re the actual character.

Here are Nick Fury and the Winter Soldier at Rhode Island ComicCon in 2015.

Some may laugh at this part, but even the “jocks” of the world go in search of their favorite players playing card, set up simulated teams in Fantasy Football and wear their sports hero's jersey.  The only difference is that their heroes are in sports where ours are in comic books.

It’s been studied, and been found to be a fact, that there is a psychological benefit to being able to step away from reality, even for just a short period of time, and to try to forget our stresses for awhile.  What better way to do that than to dress as your favorite character who you’ve watched in comic books for years.  Add to that the number of people who ask to have their pictures taken with you while in costume.  It makes you just feel good.

3.)  We Just Don’t Have That Many People To Look Up To Anymore:

I am going to upset alot of people with this section, so read at your discretion.  This is the only warning you will get.

As a kid it seemed like we had so many more people to look up to.  President’s of the US seemed a little more honest.  Football players weren’t caught with drugs or assault and battery as much.  You weren’t always hearing about scandals in corporations, or at least not as many, as you do today.  There were a couple of movie stars that seemed to have some redeeming qualities.  The list goes on and on.  I remember having a bunch of people I looked up to, admired, and wanted to model myself after.  Today I couldn’t name one.

There are two basic reasons that we don’t have as many role models as we did before.  The first is what programmers call “feature creep".  What this means in technical terms is that a project starts with a certain number of features that need to be built in but, as time goes on, people want more features added on for no additional price.  How does that fit into role models?  It’s simple.  We find someone we like and would be a potentially good role model.  Then you find out "he smoked pot in college".  Is that really so bad?  I mean, they don’t do it anymore and they have many more redeeming qualities than bad ones, so smoking pot isn’t so bad...or is it (here is that feature creep.  he was OK at first, but now another quality has ‘crept in’)?  Didn’t you just compromise on your principles?  It’s easier to compromise than to look for a new role model, right?  Now, let’s say that same person also cheated on his wife.  But since then he has reformed his ways and donated 100 libraries across the country.  Now is he still role model material?  Sure, he cheated on his wife, but he’s reformed and, thanks to him, millions can read!  Are there extra tidbits of knowledge changing your view on your “role model”?  So, reason one that we don’t have many role models is that it’s too easy to justify why a person can have a fault we wouldn’t normally accept.

The second reason is the most simple.  There just aren’t many people who deserve the status of role model.  Here’s a conversation I had with a 6 years old once after a State of the Union Address by the President.  The little boy started with, what I thought, was a simple question.  I was dead wrong...

“What is he looking at all the time.  Shouldn’t he be looking at the camera?”

“He’s looking at a teleprompter.  It tells him what to say.”

“Doesn’t he already know what to say?  He knew he was going to be on TV.”

“Well, yes, but he wants to make sure he says the right words.”

“So, they aren’t his words, they are the right words.”

“Well, it’s not that simple, but yes.”

“So, the speech isn’t his?”

“Not usually, he has a speechwriter.”

“Why doesn’t the speechwriter say it?”

“Because it’s the President’s job.”

“With the speechwriter’s words?”

“Um, don’t I hear your mom calling you?”

It wasn’t too long ago that people were who they were.  They meant what they said, they said what they meant, and it was easy to point out true blue heroes in your own eyes.

Then there’s the reason that makes me want to hurl.  They are worth too much revenue to someone for them to be taken from the limelight.  So, no matter what crap they pull, it’s overlooked.  ‘Nuff Said.

So, to get back to the question proposed in the beginning...why do we need superheroes?  We need them because...well....we need heroes.  Now more than ever.  In an age where trusting someone gets harder and harder, where integrity has a dollar sign, and you can no longer answer a small child’s relatively simple questions about why things are the way they are, we need heroes.

Tell me that the world doesn’t need a Superman or a Captain America right now.  People whose only reasons for doing anything is just because it’s the right thing to do.  Not for money or prestige or to be the highest paid superhero on the block.  They simply do things because they want to do the right thing.

We could use a few people like that, don’t you think?

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Sell it all! Two weeks ago, if possible.

It hurts me to say this, but:

If you own a comic book store or you are looking to get any type of return on your comic book “investments”,  sell now.

The industry as we know it will be unrecognizable 5 years from now and not in a good way.

The readers of this blog aren’t dumb, you know that sales of any consumer goods have their peaks and valleys.

Look at Apple.  20 years ago you couldn’t give their stock away.  The computers were priced very high and they were known as computers graphic designers used, not corporations.  If you held on to your Apple stock, however, you are probably doing well on the investment.

Comic books are also hitting their peak right now.  The movies are coming out, the cartoons are all over the place, DC has all but cornered the market on animated motion pictures, and product licensing is running rampant.

But don’t let it fool you, it’s already hit it’s peak....you’re now looking at the downside of the comic industry as we know it.

Why?  It’s simple, really.  The bean counters are running the show at the Big 2 and all they are interested in is the almighty dollar.  The problem is no one appears to understand that it’s an industry that survives on originality and collectibility.  Neither of which the Big 2 have sustained.  Let’s look at some examples:

-The Fantastic Four franchise, the literal first family of comic books has been made a joke of in both comic books and the movies.  Has anyone ever looked forward to a Fantastic Four movie once the first one proved to be just this side of mediocre?  Does anyone even care if there is ever another Fantastic Four movie?  How many more times will Marvel license out to a company that could care less what they do to the brand in production?

-The #1 of virtually any series anymore is rarely a #1.  With DC and Marvel “resetting” their respective universes they are releasing a whole new series of #1 comics....again.  How many more #1 X-People and Justice League of Whatever can there be?  How many different uniforms, haircuts and power-sets can Superman have?  How many times are we going to clone Peter Parker and reinvent the story behind Spider-Man?  How many more of Batman’s family members can the Joker kill?  It’s getting to be a joke (pun intended).

-It’s a matter of supply and demand.  Many collectors will know exactly what Silver and Bronze Age comics to buy.  The first appearance of Wolverine, Hulk, Thor...any of the classic characters really, is valuable for one reason:  there just aren’t that many out there and even fewer that are in great condition!  If there were still 5 million copies of the #1 Spider-Man, and they were all in Near Mint condition, it just wouldn’t have the same value.  Today, the market is flooded with #1s and places like eBay make them easy to come by if you miss them in a store.  Why do you think variants were introduced?  Fewer of the variants makes them more valuable.  But, trust me, the well is running dry.  The desire to sell as many as possible makes current and future value remarkably bad.

-The lack of creativity is maddening.  I know people who have stopped reading Marvel comics because of the blatant money grabbing involved with Secret Wars.  Seriously, how many different comic storylines can one series have?  I also know people who have stopped reading DC because of the lackluster ending to Convergence.  I know I’ve mentioned this in other blogs, but changing a character’s sex or race or religion does not count as creativity.  So, what do you have to look forward to as a Marvel fan?  Will Iron Man design his 1,916th armor?  Maybe one that has a Coke machine built-in for mid-fight refreshment?  If you’re a DC fan are you anticipating yet another Justice League, maybe Justice League Geriatric for the older heroes?  I will give credit where credit is due, Telos, Secret Six and New Suicide Squad by DC are fantastic, so kudos to DC for at least trying to make something different (yes, I know that Suicide Squad and Secret Six have been out many times before, but there are differences with the new ones and they are outstanding).  And, seriously, if I read another interview with “creators” who say they are doing something “new”, I ’m going to scream.

-Last is product licensing.  What product can you buy today that doesn’t have some sort of comic book hero twist?  Build-a-Bear has a superhero line of teddy bears.  You can get toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, bubble bath, and any other type of hygiene products with some superhero or another.  Listen, I’m not complaining.  I love superheroes all over my house, but talk about diluting your brand!  My son even has Avengers Cereal in our pantry.  Do you know there are a number of sports stars that limit the number of autographs they give out or jerseys sold?  It keeps them valuable.  It keeps people looking for them and paying good money for them.  

Please don’t get me wrong, I have been a collector for 45 years and still look for Superman stuff to put around the house, but if you are looking to make money on your comic book stuff....sell it...like right now.

But I digress...

So, who will win in the end?  Company’s like Image.  Company’s that come out with new creations often and allow their creators to keep the rights to their creations.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see Image become the top comic company in the next 5 - 10 years.  Although The Walking Dead has been commercialized, it hasn’t been overdone.

Would I like to see an Autumnlands:  Tooth and Claw movie?  Absolutely!  Do I want the characters on a band-aid, not so much.

Place your bets on the future of the “heir apparent” Image Comics.  It’s where my money is.

Disclaimer:  I do not work for, nor do I own any part of Image Comics.  This is my opinion only and does not, but should, represent the opinion of a majority of the planet.

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Supermovie Release Schedule Through 2020 and Beyond

Here are the movies that are coming out through 2020 and Beyond.  Keep in mind that all of these are subject to change:

February 12, 2016               Deadpool                                                        (FOX)

March 25, 2016                   Batman vs. Superman:  Dawn of Justice     (WARNER BROS.)

May 6, 2016                        Captain America:  Civil War                         (MARVEL)

June 3, 2016                        Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:  Half Shell  (PARAMOUNT)

May 27, 2016                      X-Men:  Apocalypse                                      (FOX)

August 5, 2016                    Suicide Squad                                               (WARNER BROS.)

October 7, 2016                   Gambit                                                          (FOX)

November 4, 2016               Dr. Strange                                                   (MARVEL)

January 13, 2017                  Untitled Power Rangers Movie                   (LIONSGATE)

February 10, 2017               Lego Batman                                                (WARNER BROS.)

March 3, 2017                     Wolverine 3                                                   (FOX)

May 5, 2017                        Guardians of the Galaxy 2                           (MARVEL)

June 9, 2017                        Fantastic Four 2                                           (FOX)

June 23, 2017                      Wonder Woman                                             (WARNER BROS.)

July 28, 2017                       Untitled Spider-Man Movie                          (SONY)

November 3, 2017               Thor:  Ragnarok                                           (MARVEL)

November 17, 2017             Justice League                                              (WARNER BROS.)

Unknown Date, 2017          Bloodshot                                                       (SONY)

February 16, 2018               Black Panther                                               (MARVEL)

March 23, 2018                   The Flash                                                     (WARNER BROS.)

May 4, 2018                        Avengers:  Infinity War 1                              (MARVEL)

July 6, 2018                        Ant-Man & The Wasp                                    (MARVEL)

July 13, 2018                      Unknown X-Men Movie                                 (FOX)

July 20, 2018                      Untitled Spider-Man Animated Movie          (SONY)

July 27, 2018                      Aquaman                                                       (WARNER BROS.)

March 8, 2019                    Captain Marvel                                              (MARVEL)

April 5, 2019                      Shazam                                                           (WARNER BROS.)

May 3, 2019                       Avengers:  Infinity Wars 2                              (MARVEL)

June 14, 2019                     Justice League 2                                             (WARNER BROS.)

July 12, 2019                      Incredibles 2                                                   (DISNEY)

July 12, 2019                      Inhumans                                                        (MARVEL)

April 3, 2020                      Cyborg                                                             (WARNER BROS.)

May 1, 2020                       Untitled Marvel Movie                                    (MARVEL)

June 19, 2020                     Green Lantern                                                 (WARNER BROS.)

July 10, 2020                      Untitled Marvel Movie                                    (MARVEL)

Year Unknown                   X-Force                                                            (FOX)

Year Unknown                   The New Mutants                                             (FOX)

Year Unknown                   Sinister Six                                                       (SONY)

Year Unknown                   Sandman                                                          (WARNER BROS.)

Year Unknown                   Untitled Superman Movie                               (WARNER BROS.)

Year Unknown                   Justice League Dark                                        (WARNER BROS.)

Year Unknown                   Untitled Batman Movie                                    (WARNER BROS.)

Year Unknown                   Harbinger                                                          (SONY)


For those of you who like numbers, here are the totals:

43                  The total number of movies scheduled for release

             15                  Being done by WARNER BROS.
             12                  Being done by MARVEL
             8                    Being done by FOX
             5                    Being done by SONY
             1                    Being done by DISNEY
             1                    Being done by PARAMOUNT
             1                    Being done by LIONSGATE

4                    The number of movies being released in July of 2018
2                    The number of movies being released on July 12, 2019
8                    The number of movies with no official release date

I hope this helps you schedule your movie-going in advance!  Maybe I’ll see you there!

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15 Facts You May Not Know About Comics

There’s nothing like learning things you don’t know about comics in general.  It seems like the odd facts are endless.

Here’s 15 facts you may not know:

-Joe Dimaggio, the famous baseball player, loved comic books but was too embarrassed to buy them. He thought it would ruin his image.  So, he would send teammates down to the local newsstand or drug store to pick up comics for him.


-Elvis Presley also loved reading comic books.  It’s rumored that the black hair and curl he let hang down on his forehead were inspired by his favorite character, Captain Marvel, Jr.

-Michael Jackson wanted to play Spider-Man in a movie so badly that he tried to buy Marvel Comics in the 1990’s.


-In Archie Comics, Jughead has a real name, Forsythe Pendleton Jones II.  His sister is named Forsythia “Jellybean” Jones.


-The Joker once served as the Iranian Ambassador for the United Nations.


-Superman once had his mind controlled by a villain named Sleez, who tricked him into recording a sex tape.

-In the 1970’s Captain America witnessed Richard Nixon committing suicide after the Watergate scandal.


-As part of his secret identity, Clark Kent compresses his spine while in disguise so he’ll appear shorter than Superman.


-When the original comic code was created it prohibited judges and law enforcement agents from being portrayed negatively.

-Batman actually had 8 different Batcaves.  One was located directly under Arkham Asylum.


-There are over 20 different types of Kryptonite, including pink.


-In the 1940’s there was a hero who fought the Nazi’s called Red Bee.  He used trained bees.  His favorite bee was named Michael and lived in Red Bee’s belt buckle.

-Iron Man used to use roller skates that were built into his armor.

-In an alternate reality Peter Parker was bitten by a radioactive sheep and became the hero Sheep-Boy.

-The actor Nicolas Cage (real name Nicolas Coppola) took the last name “Cage” from the Marvel character Luke Cage.


Look for more odd facts in upcoming blogs from The Comic Whisperer!

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Wearing a Superhero Costume Can Ruin Your Life

The whole concept of banning certain costumes at school has been gaining momentum for many years.  I have seen it go from just banning certain specific costumes to banning costumes completely. I even know one school that refuses to acknowledge Halloween (to the point of not having a single Halloween decoration).  I admit, I have a tough time understanding some of the rationale.

Fair Disclosure:  I have two grown kids who went through grade school at the beginning of these “bans”, so please dismiss the “you don’t have kids so you wouldn’t understand” thoughts you may be having.

Supporters of the ban on certain costumes say that costumes must not be interpreted by other students as offensive, promoting a religion, scary to a small child, sexualized, discriminating, or associated with gangs.  Costumes with a weapon are also not allowed.  In fact, according to an article in Mental Floss magazine, (http://mentalfloss.com/article/69774/8-halloween-costumes-have-been-banned-schools) there are 8 costumes/costume types that are banned in many schools this Halloween.

1.)  Jesus Christ
2.)  Superheroes
3.)  Geishas, Squaws and Cowboys
4.)  Sombreros
5.)  Trench Coats
6.)  Cross-Dressing
7.)  Sexy Nurse
8.)  Anything with a weapon

As this is a mostly comic book blog let’s just focus on #2, Superheroes.

According to the article an unidentified school sent out a letter, ahead of the holiday, to all parents.  It stated that superhero costumes that included, but were not limited to - Wolverine, Batman, Superman, the Power Rangers, and any of the Fantastic Four - were not allowed.  It went on to say that witches, ghosts, or any costume that would be too scary to a small child, were also not allowed.  The letters apparently used a comic style font for further effect.  Frankly, some of the reasons for these bans should be scary to a small child.

I couldn’t find that particular letter, but I did find this one online.  I could not authenticate it, however.

So why ban superheroes?

Some take it back to 1954 when Frederic Wertham published his book “Seduction of the Innocent” which said comic books were the cause of juvenile delinquency in America.

Some say it’s because the act of playing “superheroes” can lead to acts of violence, such as biting, punching, kicking, etc.

This poster, found online, was authenticated by the author of the article in which it was found.  Note the spelling and grammar errors in this poster authored by two school “Directors”.

Some say it’s because not all kids can afford superhero costumes and it’s not fair to those who can’t.

Some say it’s because certain heroes promote violence.

Although I do agree that children should not be committing acts of violence on one another, I think we need to reexamine how we handle the situation.  Here’s why:

Let’s say, for example, that I tell my son that he cannot dress as Superman for Halloween at his school’s party.  If he asks why I tell him that I don’t want him hitting or punching other kids when they play superhero (I have no clue what the real reason is).  He tells me that he wouldn’t do that but I ask him not to just the same.  Later that night he asks if he’s allowed to wear his Superman costume trick-or-treating.  I tell him it’s OK.  He asks why I’m no longer afraid he will hit other kids while playing superhero.  He wonders why I let him read the comic books, why I let him get the costume, and why we watch the cartoon together.  He asks me why he can play make-believe at home but not in school.  He asks if I ever dressed up as a kid.

Do I tell him the truth?

Do I tell him that I dressed up as Superman at his age and no one at school was emotionally or physically scarred?  Do I show him pictures of me dressed as Quasimodo at his age, with a horribly disfigured mask, and tell him I only ever heard “Cool!” or “Can I try it on?” from classmates?  Should I share my childhood stories where we spent countless hours playing “Green Lantern” or “Spider-Man” at recess with no long lasting effects?

Of course I feel that certain behaviors shouldn’t be allowed in schools.  The problem, however, is a behavioral problem (kicking, bullying, etc.) not a costume problem.  I hope it won’t be much longer before we realize that behavior and grades aren’t improving because kids are no longer allowed to dress up as Reed Richards.  There is a whole generation of people who dressed as superheroes and are full functioning contributors to society.  There are also gatherings of adults who dress as superheroes who are also fully functioning contributors to society...we call them ComicCons.

For those of you who were pinched by a classmate dressed as Flash or Captain America and, due to specifically to that, grew up to be a bitter, angry and hateful adult....please disregard this blog.

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Why Telos by DC is Such a Breath of Fresh Air

TELOS defined by the dictionary:  An ultimate object or aim.

There is no doubt that there has been a drought in the number of new characters by the big two.  I’ve written about it before and will continue to hammer it home, changing a character from a man to a woman is not, by definition, a new character.

I’m personally frustrated by this as even the most historic of characters can get old in their storylines. For instance, although I may be the world’s biggest Superman fan, not all of his storylines can be thrilling and different.  It’s just reality.

I accept this but then have to ask the question:  where has all the creativity gone?  In an imaginary universe that is only limited by our imagination I find it hard to believe that new characters cannot be developed.  Sure, I know the whole corporate approval process and blah, blah but let’s be real.   Do the corporate bigwigs even read comics and enjoy them or are the comics just another bean to count?

These questions lead me to why Telos is such a breath of fresh air.

I read the whole Convergence storyline and have every comic, its variation, arc and whatnot.  Frankly, it had a great premise and Brainiac was the perfect choice for the heel.  But the best thing to come of it was Telos.

In Telos #1 the typical Brainiac scenario plays itself out:

-I was going to hurt you

-It didn’t work the way I had planned

-Don’t hurt me

-Let’s make a deal but it will only work if you help me first

-Thanks for cooperating

-Now that it all worked out my way I’m going to shaft you

And, thus, a storyline is created.

This one, however, has a different twist.  It wasn’t Superman getting played or any other character we are familiar with...instead it was a NEW character born of Convergence.

There are several things that make Telos a character worth following:

First, Telos really had little choice but to go along with Brainiac because family was involved.  I am married for 27 years and have two grown kids and I can tell you; I would throw myself in front of a train if it meant they could live.  So, the reason for Telos doing this crappy errand is believable.

Second, Telos has a name that describes what he is...the ultimate objective or aim.  His power-set has not fully played out yet, but it appears that he is more than a little formidable.  Whether Telos is named this because Brainiac meant it to be that way or the creators did it as somewhat of an “Easter Egg” (or both) is not real clear.  No matter the reason, Telos is aptly named.

Third, the artists drawing Telos have done an incredible job.  He doesn’t look so similar to another character that you are reminded of them (not mentioning any names....Deadpool).  The blade on the arm, the details in the body and face, and the effects created when he uses his powers are all very well done.  Artistically, Telos is a character that draws attention.

Fourth, the writing is well thought out.  Surprisingly Telos doesn’t burst out and save millions on a dying planet.  Instead the writing is vague enough to the point where the audience isn’t really sure if he’s a good guy or bad guy.  Sure, he’s going to save his family and he’s been played by Brainiac, but that doesn’t define his nature (i.e. Luthor and Brainiac turning on each other in a previous storyline).  The comic left me wondering which side of the fence Telos will fall on.  The part that makes Telos special is that you like him so much you don’t really care.

Last, as I mentioned before, he’s new.  Bright, shiny, fresh out of the package, new.  Say what you want about him REALLY being new in the first pages of Convergence, but this is his coming out party!  I will forever be a Superman fan but nothing beats the smell of a new comic character.

My hat is off to Telos and I can’t wait to follow this storyline.  Way to go, DC!

The Comic Whisperer’s Ratings:

Overall Rating:         45 out of 52 parallel universes
Recommendation:    BUY.  Collect only if he tickles your fancy.

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A Note of Thanks To The Artists at the Hartford ComicCon

I have always found it remarkable how people don’t understand how truly talented they are.  Everyone reading this has a talent which is admired by someone.  The problem is we are never told how much we are admired and when we are we tend to shrug it off.

Why is it that we would love to be complimented then when we are we say, “Oh, it’s really nothing.” or “Anybody can do what I do”.  It’s an odd trait that we all have.  That trait was never more obvious than at the Hartford ComicCon this past weekend.

It’s no secret to anyone that knows me that I have my own group of favorite artists, writers, etc.  We all do.  But it’s rare to find many of them in one spot on one day and you can meet them all.  This is what happened to me.

With the risk of leaving anyone out my personal favorites are:

Paul Ryan:  Iron Man, Squadron Supreme, Thor and the Thing to name a few
Mark McKenna:  Listed on more than 500 comics and inking over 8,000 pages
Mark Texeira:  Jonah Hex, Ghost Rider, the original Guardians of the Galaxy to name a few
Steve Orlando: Midnighter and Eisner Award Nominated Outlaw Territory to name a few
Kurt Busiek:  Astro City, AutumnLand, Trinity and Avengers to name a few
Chad Hardin:  Harley Quinn, Traveler, The Warlord to name a few
Ray Fawkes:  Batman Eternal, Constantine, Gotham by Midnight to name a few

They are all incredibly talented and I got to meet all of them except Kurt Busiek and Steve Orlando.

The thing that I noticed about all of them, though, was their incredible modesty.  The art that they have created is amazing and all of them were almost surprised at how much of a fan I was.  None of them asked me to pay for the autograph, although two did ask for a small donation to a special cause they were supporting which I gladly donated to.  On top of that several of them did something special for me as a fan.

Mark McKenna was extremely kind and more than willing to sit and talk.  Although he was drawing a custom picture for someone he told me how he much preferred speaking to the fans over drawing custom pics.  Since I did want a custom pic he offered to draw something special and personal if he could draw it at home and I pay a nominal fee (which is well worth it).

Paul Ryan took the time to talk about the cause to which he was taking donations.  He spoke with my son and I like he knew us forever and gladly signed autographs.  Not once did he ever make us feel rushed or that we were just another fan.

Mark Texeira was someone who enjoyed his work and it showed.  He was even surprised at how much we loved his work.  The thing about Mark was that he gave more than you asked for.  He not only signed my comic but he also drew a picture on the comic.  He didn’t stop there, though, he asked for the plastic that we kept our comics in and drew a picture on them!  I now need a plastic sleeve for my plastic sleeves.  He also asked for a modest donation to a cause and I gave him more than he asked for.

Chad Hardin was the first person I got to interact with and he was also incredibly friendly.  Although I did have a Harley Quinn comic for him to sign he was also selling a special Harley Quinn comic of which there were only 1,000 made.  For a nominal fee I bought the comic and he drew a picture of a zombie Joker on the front cover.  For those of you who follow me you know that I asked Neal Adams, at a previous ComicCon, to draw me the world’s only zombie Joker.  It was nothing short of awesome.  But Chad Hardin’s zombie Joker easily matched it.  The Joker he drew looks like it is actually part of the cover.

Ray Fawkes had a funny reaction to us coming to his table.  I was looking all over for him and simply could not find him.  It turns out I must have walked by him and his table 10 times and not seen him.  The reason?  Ray had no backdrop of his work, no fancy signs introducing him like the others had and was very modest.  When I told him we were looking all over for him he said, “For me?” as if he has never done anything worth talking about.  Ray was kind enough to take a picture with me and talk a little about his work.  He told me he was working on a really cool project that was being launched soon but said he couldn’t give any details.  Ray took my award for best dressed artist.

The bottom line is this;  ComicCons all over the world bring together some of the top comic artists together under one roof.  One would think that there would be a lot of big egos all fighting for the right to be the best, but there was no sign of that.  What I found instead were a group of absolute professionals, with a modesty like I’ve never seen.  All acted humble when I complimented them, most were surprised that I like them and their work (who doesn’t?), and all of them went the extra mile to make me feel like I was the only fan they had.  It could not have been a better day.

A note to Steve Orlando and Kurt Busiek, I hope to meet you face to face soon.

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