Written by Dan Didio
& J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Brent Anderson, Phillip Tan & Rob Hunter
DC Comics
FLIPPING THROUGH:
The Phantom Stranger is one of
the books from DC’s Third Wave of New 52 that replaced other books that were
cancelled (like Voodoo –ggrrrr). Now,
why a book like this? Well, it seems the book is being used to set up the
upcoming Trinity War, that is due to come later this year, while showing us the
mystical side of the DCU in a brand new way.
The Spectre, Raven, Dr. 13
& more have all crossed paths with the Phantom Stranger. What makes The
Phantom Stranger unique? After betraying his best friend, which seems to give
all indications that he’s Judas from the Bible, he currently walks the world,
performing disgusting actions under the guide of a “higher power” for the
greater good.
Don’t believe me? Well, it
seems that The Phantom Stranger is responsible for making Jim Corrigan into The
Spectre and stopping Trigon the Terrible from invading Earth … by handing him
over Raven against her will. Add the
fact that he has changed his prison enough in the present to have a family and
you got an interesting premise for a book.
Which gets us to today’s
little pearl of wisdom …
ART:
Artistically,
issue 4 was a nice common group of both normal life and the mystical reality
that The Phantom Stranger walks in. And there seems to be a nice mix of classic
comic book art style with Brent Anderson … mixed with kinetic yet rich
inks/finishes by both Philip Tan and Rob Hunter.
When you
get to the mundane parts of the Phantom
Strangers life, you get nice, bright pencils with lighter inks to keep you
focused on the real world. When you get to the more mystical stuff … this issue
dealing with the Justice League Dark, the inks are darker. The colors and
shading bring you are darker feel. It fits the atmosphere and characters with
in the Justice League Dark.
The Phantom Stranger looks
regal in this issue. Giving him an imposing presence next to the slimy,
manipulative bastard that is John Constantine. Constantine decided that he wants Phantom
Stranger on Justice League Dark and the exchanges between those characters and
our lead are gloriously and darkly depicted. When it was the real world, it was
more vibrant but the shading and color matched the scene/panel art. A great job
by Anderson, Tan and Hunter on a strong issue of Phantom Stranger
WRITING:
Honestly,
this book is a sleeper and I am wondering why more people are not reading it.
Didio and DeMatteis script a wonderfully tormented yet human character in the inhuman
Phantom Stranger. Phantom Stranger has sculpted his prison into something more
of his liking with his family but we get shown how much of an Achellis heel
they are this issue.
Phantom Stranger’s imposing
presence and action both highlighted his heavenly calling while also displayed
his humanity in his human form. Constantine
feels very much like how he is written in Justice League Dark and it was great.
His usual manipulative ways … making sure he had something over Phantom
Stranger to ensure cooperation while Phantom Stranger still had his own ideas.
And the cliffhanger at the end just screamed for more. Especially considering
that Pandora made an appearance and something does happen with our main
characters family. Deadman also had an
interesting key focus on this issue, giving us more on what the Phantom
Stranger really is. The rest of Justice League Dark were utilized somewhat well
for exception of Black Orchid but …that is a minor misstep in an otherwise
entrancing, tension filled issue.
OVERALL IMPRESSION:
Constantine is a slimy bastard. The Phantom
Stranger is definitely a very complex character. It is great to see a “good”
that is just as complex as Constantine
but in an entirely different way. This issue was a great showcase of the
character and set up for more to come. The pacing was excellent. The art was
good. The story was gripping. And the emotions felt authentic while the visuals
were both fitting of tone and good to look at.
The Phantom Stranger is indeed
the sleeper book of the DC Universe right now. More people should pick it up if
they want to know more about the mystical side of the universe. And with such
big characters like the Justice League Dark, Pandora and a certain character at
the end of the book showing up … there is much that this book offers. A great
examination of learning how to make a prison for you while sometimes it reminds
you that it is still a prison.
I give The Phantom Stranger #
4 a 8.5 … out of 10.
Welcome to News Edition for the Week of April 11th, 2012. Clashers, give a warm welcome to new staff writer, Jeremias de Leon, better know as Xaos of the Ikaricast and new reviewer, Devin Walker.
HE-MAN RETURNS TO DC
by Frankie Rodriguez
Back in the 80s, DC was printing Masters of the Universe. After a while, that franchise died out but re-emerged at the beginning of the new millennium with a brand new Masters of the Universe cartoon and comic. This time, the comic was produced by Image Comics. After that, a short lived run in Crossgen, the comic died once again. Now, time has past yet again to the point were present day. The Masters of the Universe are coming back to DC Comics in a whole new way.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe will hit shelves this summer from DC Comics in a brand new, 6 issue miniseries. The new miniseries will be brought together by fan favorite author, James Robinson with art by Philp Tan and Ruy Jose. The new comic features Skeletor getting the power to alter reality to the point where he finally achieves his goals, dominance over Eternia and complete control over Castle Greyskull.
The former Masters of the Universe will have no memories of their previous life; save for Prince Adam, who is a woodsman dealing with hallucinations and flashes of a man battling with a sword. What will Adam choose to do? Ignore these visions or will he follow them.
James Robinson told MTV Geek:
Adam is in a place where he really has to reconnect with what it means to be a Master of the Universe. It’s his odyssey, much like the Greek myth in fact, that is the backbone of this series.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe # 1 by James Robinson with art by Philp Tan & Ruy Jose from DC Comics will hit stores this July.
SUPURBIA EARNS ONGOING
by Frankie Rodriguez
After one issue released and strong sales, Grace Randolph's Supurbia from BOOM! Studios has gone from a 4-issue miniseries to a full fledged ongoing. After the inital miniseries is finished, there will be a brand new # 1 this summer to open the ongoing series. The book focuses on the exploits of the spouses of a super hero team known as the Meta Legion. Taking prompts from books like Gotham Central and from shows like Army Wives, the new book shows the lives of the spouses and lovers of big time heroes and how they cope with life as the significant other of a major hero or heroine.
Randolph commented to CBR about how she is twisting super hero archtypes and tropes to help play with her main characters and more.
"Supurbia" is all about twisting those tropes and archetypes. I see a lot mainstream characters stuck in a corner these days, like a wind-up toy with nowhere to go yet they can't change direction. And I understand that because these are big companies that have to maintain brands that bring in huge amounts of money. But in "Supurbia," I can tear down walls and take risks.
So of course, you're supposed to recognize these archetypes at first glance but then the fun comes in watching them change before your eyes. As the series continues, you'll see the superheroes of "Supurbia" deviate more and more from what inspired them and - hopefully readers will agree - reach new levels of potential.
Supurbia # 2 by Grace Randolph with art by Russell Dauterman & Gabriel Cassata from BOOM ! Studios is in stores now.
EDITORIAL - CAROL DANVERS AS CAPTAIN MARVEL
by Jeremias de Leon
My name is Jeremias and as a new author here the first thing you will learn about me is that I am a fan of Carol Danvers, most famously known as Ms. Marvel.
Carol Danvers, the air force pilot who became super powered with Kree DNA, will become known as Captain Marvel? Does this matter? Should we care?
Carol, after fighting a clone created by the skrulls of Captain Marvel during the Secret Invasion event will now call herself Captain Marvel and donning a new rainbow inspired outfit. Formerly known as Ms. Marvel, Carol's reason for the change was to honor the legacy of Captain Marvel by using the name.
As asked before does this matter? Should we care? It matters to fans of Ms. Marvel and people who like to see the spotlight in Marvel Comics to be on characters besides favorites like Spiderman and Iron Man. Carol has been featured in events like the aforementioned Secret Invasion and in Civil War, but hasn't really had much in terms of solo comics. She did have a solo series, which ended in 2010, but it was canceled. This is the first female solo title since the announcement of cancelations of other female titles that started in January of this year.
This series can show that Marvel does care about the other characters in their pantheon, including their female characters. Which, earlier in the year, it wouldn't be tough to argue against because of all the cancelations. With Carol in her own title, if it's done right can lead Marvel to make more series for other characters that haven't had a solo series in a while, especially more female characters. Remember to vote with your money because these companies do listen to the fans.
But, of course, the success of this series isn't just on sales; the series does have to be liked by the people reading it. Kelly Sue Deconick, the writer for this series should do a good job. If you didn't know, she is also doing the Ghost re-boot for Dark Horse comics. So, this series shouldn't fail in that regard. Though, of course, whether or not is good is ultimately for you to make.
So, in short, even if you're not a fan of Carol as Ms. Marvel or as she'll now be called Captain Marvel. Wish her well, if not for her sake, then for the other heroes that don't have a spotlight on them that deserve it, especially the female ones.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
He-Man & his sister She-Ra in the Battle For Eternia Fan Trailer!!!
Eternal Descent and Calabash Animation Launch Animated Series on IndieGoGo
FROM IDW Page
Star studded heavy metal series from IDW Publishing puts music and comics in motion.
The Eternal Descent comic series from IDW Publishing has bridged the worlds of music and comics like no other, with an army of chart topping heavy metal stars including Joe Satriani, Wayne Static, Gus G, Arch Enemy, Periphery, Shadows Fall, and many more appearing throughout the saga.
In Eternal Descent's continued effort to explore the unholy alliance between heavy metal and high fantasy, they have teamed up with Calabash Animation, the acclaimed animation studio led by Sean Henry and Wayne Brejcha, to bring an animated reimagining of Eternal Descent!
Having tested their mettle with a 2 minute animated preview, they are now in pre-production for a 22 minute pilot episode, which would realize Eternal Descent as a fully animated TV show. Eternal Descent is pleased to announce that Mike Sizemore is handling the script, and if you love animation, fantasy, and heavy guitars, then this could be the show you’ve been waiting for! See the preview and find out how you can get involved at: www.indiegogo.com/eternaldescent
While Eternal Descent aims to have a complete series commissioned by a network, the pilot will be released online, to be enjoyed for free. The pilot will be launched as an episodic web series with 5 action packed installments!Eternal Descent remains entirely creator owned and they want to include the fans as much as possible. Sharing this message will be a huge help to their cause, but if you would like to contribute directly, the have created an awesome array of rewards, perks and experiences to show their appreciation. From signed comics to custom ESP Guitars, Eternal Descent has got you covered!Bringing this project to life will be a creative challenge, and they want you to be a part of the production every step of the way. Eternal Descent will be shooting exclusive behind-the-scenes footage to release alongside the animated series, so you’ll get to see how the animators work their magic and follow studio sessions with the incredible guest guitarists who have always been a part of this world. The pieces are in place, the descent begins!
To learn more about Eternal Descent visit www.EternalDescent.com and for further information, images, review copies and interview opportunities with the creators and musicians who appear in Eternal Descent, contact press@eternaldescent.com .
G-MAN creator gives classic Image characters a make-over
On April first at Emerald City Comicon, Robert Kirkman and Chris Giarrusso revealed a new project: THE WALKING DEAD for Kids. A panel-by-panel recreation of the original issues using Kirkman's scripts, THE WALKING DEAD for Kids would be drawn in an art style with kid appeal by G-MAN creator Giarrusso.
The project, of course, was yet another April Fool's Day prank on a day that saw a few "announcements" come out of the convention. But the image is part of a series of special limited edition variant covers that Image Comics will be releasing in the upcoming year.
In commemoration of Image's 20th anniversary, Giarrusso will re-create twelve classic first issue covers. First to get the too-cute treatment is YOUNGBLOOD, the very first Image title. The cover will ship in limited quantity as a variant for YOUNGBLOOD #71 (FEB128256), the relaunch of the Rob Liefeld Extreme Studios title written by screenwriter John McLaughlin (The Black Swan, Parker) and drawn by John Malin (AVENGELYNE) and Liefeld. YOUNGBLOOD #71 will be in stores on May 23.
The covers are Giarrusso's tribute to his youthful love of Image Comics. "Twenty years ago, I was eagerly anticipating the launch of Image Comics," said the artist. "Maybe it was partially due to my upcoming high school graduation, but it felt like the whole world was changing. I vividly recall the excitement of seeing the Image books on the shelf for the first time. It was a new era, and these cover images were instantly iconic. The opportunity to pay tribute to these classic Image covers is an honor and a privilege, and I couldn't be more excited about my role and participation in Image's 20th anniversary celebration."
Look for more Giarrusso tribute covers in the coming months!
One of the few Tokusatsu Reviews I know. Great guy with a good set of reviews, a few countdowns and some specials. Tokusatsu is special effects in japanese but it is what the genre of live action stuff like Power Rangers and Kamen Rider Dragon Knight are based off of. Toku Time or Reviewtopia: Toku Time is where you can find him.
It's the new, BRAND NEW, Super Mario Dubstep Album. Listen as your favorite music from Super Mario has been transformed into remixes. The album is so addicting, you will feel like you're an addict!
GREEN MUSHROOMS & SUPERSTARS
From J1's own Shinigami (Ray Riley) & Forafire (Forrest Shamlian). FREE TO DOWNLOAD! NOW!
And don't for get the recently released Sonic Remix Album, SPIN DASH AUDIO is also available now. Al
RAJIO NIHON . . . the internet Toku Station where they play songs from tokusatsu, anime and give you in depth looks into the world of Tokusatsu. RAJIO NIHONTake a listen as CBC's Frankie Rodriguez guests stars on a special 2 & a half hour podcast where he, Toku Time's EZ Rider, Oga of Rajio Nihon & Alex "Aznable" Smith talk about Sentai Music vs. Kamen Rider music and more.
And don't forget to catch the Ikaricast from Reviewtopia!! Please look forward to it as CBC's Frankie Rodriguez comes in as a guest stars in Season 4, Episode 11. Hosted by Jeremias de Leon aka Xaos.
ART: 
The Eternal Descent comic series from IDW Publishing has bridged the worlds of music and comics like no other, with an army of chart topping heavy metal stars including Joe Satriani, Wayne Static, Gus G, Arch Enemy, Periphery, Shadows Fall, and many more appearing throughout the saga.
Having tested their mettle with a 2 minute animated preview, they are now in pre-production for a 22 minute pilot episode, which would realize Eternal Descent as a fully animated TV show. Eternal Descent is pleased to announce that Mike Sizemore is handling the script, and if you love animation, fantasy, and heavy guitars, then this could be the show you’ve been waiting for! See the preview and find out how you can get involved at: www.indiegogo.com/eternaldescent
