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.

Follow The Comic Whisperer on Social Media:

Facebook:  The Comic Whisperer
Instagram:  The Comic Whisperer
Twitter:       @Comic_Whisperer
Website:     www.comicwhisperer.com

The 10 Villains I Want To See Done PROPERLY In The Movies

I’m sure there are a couple of you like me out there.  You know, the type of person who wants to see the villain win once in awhile.  The kind of person who appreciates the super heroes, and wants the good guys to win in real life, but in the movies would like to see them get slapped around a little.  The kind of person who would like to see Thanos or Dr. Doom or Lex Luthor as the last one standing.

But, I want to see them done properly.

I don’t want something sloppily done like villains in the Ghost Rider movie (or even Ghost Rider for that matter).  That was a mockery.  I’m talking super special effects, holy cow that guy looks real, I’m not going to sleep very well tonight, type of villain.  A villain that is a strong representation of the comic book character.

Let me say, however, that there will be some characters that have been done in movies who I do not mention.  Characters like the Joker (who has been changed and rehashed ad-nauseum) who I feel was incredibly done by Heath Ledger.  So, I may not mention some obvious, and devious, villains.

I make no attempt to even out DC and Marvel villains (and the one other choice mentioned) nor are they mentioned in order of preference or importance.  It is just a list of villains and I love them all.

Without further delay, here’s the list:

1.)  Dr. Doom:  I know, I know, you’re going to say that he was in the most recent Fantastic Four movie.  But, again, I said that I want a “strong” representation of the comic book character.  It kills me that with all the special effects we have, and the multitude of years he’s been represented in comic books, that he is STILL not done well in movies.  Is this really him?  Ummmm, no.  He wears a metal outfit, people, not some Freddy Krueger type of get-up. 

2.)  Galactus:  Come on, tell me that you wouldn’t want to see a full size Galactus in the movies devouring a planet.  Oh yes you would.  How awesome would that be to see that on a huge screen with surround sound.  I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

3.)  Darkseid:  I don’t think anyone would argue that Darkseid is just a different version of Thanos (which I’ll discuss shortly).  Properly done those omega rays would be incredible as they exploded on Superman’s chest (or went through it, depending on the writers).  I have seen some incredible cosplay of Darkseid over the years and in the movies he could be just plain fantastic.

4.)  Thanos:  Let’s get it out of the way now, you can easily argue that he has been seen briefly in movies and that he looks good.  I would then give you a hearty slap.  The Thanos we have seen, every so briefly, in the movies looks like a muppet.  Granted, this may not be the Thanos that we see in upcoming films, I’ll give you that.  I would add that THAT BETTER NOT BE THE THANOS WE SEE IN UPCOMING FILMS!  With all the CGI potential out there there is no reason to make him look like a muppet.  Anyway, he has destroyed the universe, commanded the infinity gems, asked Death to be his girlfriend, and defeated anyone who came near him.  What hasn’t he done?

5.)  Deathstroke the Terminator:  If you watch the show “Arrow” that has been running for a couple of years now, you have seen their version of Deathstroke.  It’s terrible.  Why doesn’t the comic book industry have a lobbying group that protests misrepresentations like this?  Deathstroke is and incredible villain, that could be played by someone in a costume, that has yet to be in a movie.  I haven’t checked upcoming films to see if he’s in any of them, but I doubt he is.  His obvious counterpart, Deadpool, is in a movie (played by the former Green Lantern, Ryan Reynolds, which I hold a particular loathing for).  You’ve had to put it together, right?  Slade Wilson and Wade Wilson?    The same person with a different look and, well, facial scarring.  Anyway, put Deathstoke in a movie and we’ll call it even.  And DON’T let them pull the crap they did in “Arrow”.

6.)  Brainiac:  How is it that they made so many Superman movies and never had Brainiac in any of them?  But let me clarify, I’m talking the huge skull-like spaceship Brainiac, not the human with a couple of electrodes on his head and green skin Brainiac.  Again, this would be a CGI thing, not some model strung up with fishing line, and it has potential.  Let’s bring him on!

7.)  Venom:  Please, tell me you haven’t thought of this one yourself during all of those Spider-Man makes and remakes.  You could even start where Spider-Man got the symbiotic outfit and then, as the movie builds, have it evolve into Venom.  Get rid of this “Electro” nonsense and the Green Goblin.  Let’s face it, Norman Osborn has become a bigger villain than the Green Goblin at this point and it’s gotten old and tired.  So, let’s make a change for the better and go with MY choice...Venom!

8.)  The Anti-Monitor:  Oh, yeah, the big guy.  The one who killed Supergirl and gave the entire DC Universe a run for it’s money.  Any comic fan worth his salt has read Crisis on Infinite Earths and can tell the story.  Bring on the Anti-Monitor!  ‘Nuff Said.

9.)  Grendel:  Books could be written about the arguments you could make with this character.  First, Grendel is not DC or Marvel.  In fact, you may not even know Grendel.  If you don’t, get some of the books you won’t regret it.  Second, for those of you who do know Grendel, which version should be used?  The male?  The female?  The young?  The old?  The Villain who fought Batman and The Shadow?  The “hero” who tried to escort a child safely across dangerous lands?  Who cares....just put Grendel in a movie and make him/her/it look awesome!  Grendel is, perhaps, my favorite comic character of all time.  I have the books, statues, etc.  A big thanks to Matt Wagner who made Grendel possible.

10.)  Reverse Flash/Professor Zoom:  No matter what you call him the Reverse Flash has caused a multitude of problems for the Flash over the years.  Killing people, screwing up the time stream, etc., etc.  He is a character that has been, unsurprisingly, absent from any DC movies.  This, of course, is for the obvious reason that the Flash has been absent as well.  Frankly, if the movie would be anything like the TV show, don’t bother.  I would prefer to see it done right.  Professor Zoom, or whatever you call yourself, you have my vote!

I’m sure you have your own list and I would welcome you to share it.  You may even disagree with my votes and I would welcome you to share it.  You may even think I’m dead wrong about some characters who have been represented in movies and I would welcome you to share it.  No matter what your vote I think you’ll agree that there needs to be more villains and less rehashing of the same old thing.