Matt's Top 20 Anime Crushes

Yes, it's that day once again. For the lucky ones, it's a time to spend with the person you love, to indulge in their company and to show them how much they mean to you. Then there are the lonely bums who sit back and watch. Still, I'm hardly one to sulk on Valentine's Day, so instead I think I'll try to turn it into something constructive and pay tribute to some of the lovely ladies of anime. In some ways, I suppose you could call it "wish fulfillment", but I don't think that's entirely a bad thing. Rather, to me this is an opportunity to reflect on the traits I love and admire both in anime and in real life. Ladies and gentlemen, this is Matt's Top 20 Anime Crushes.

The usual disclaimers: no more than one girl per series to keep the list from becoming too samey. My experience with manga is a bit too limited to justify including them just to add one or two ladies to the list, so I'm keeping it just to anime for now. Obviously I haven't seen everything, and even if I had my preference probably won't overlap with yours as much as you might like, so if there are any other dames you feel deserve their due, feel free to make your own list rather than complaining about mine.

But enough rambling, on to the ladies!

#20 - Urumi Kanzaki (Great Teacher Onizuka)

Urumi, along with a couple of other entries, is a bit younger than my usual preference, explaining her low placement. Still, there was no way I could overlook this brainy beauty; she's funny, witty and passionate but knows how to have a good time, and she grows into someone truly admirable over the course of the series. What more could I ask for? You know, aside from the next 19 entries.

#19 - Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran Highschool Host Club)

Haruhi is what every rom-com protagonist should be. She's sharp and witty, but adaptable and open-minded enough to take the craziness life throws at her in stride. She values hard work and fortitude, always good traits to have, and she manages to be attractive as both genders... the fact that I find that pretty neat leaves me rather inwardly confused, now that I think about it. Moving on.

#18 - Integra Hellsing (Hellsing)

Alucard may be the centerpiece of Hellsing, but Integra is where most of the show's depth comes from. She's hardened but still young and hasn't yet completely given herself to war and strife, which makes her an effective leader with room still for growth. This is true in both the original and especially in Ultimate. She's a badass, but also a thoughtful and charismatic woman with an iron will that puts the world's strongest vampire to shame.

#17 - Nico Robin (One Piece)

One Piece isn't particularly well-known for depth or subtlety, but it does try its hand at something different every now and again, and Robin is arguably the most interesting and complex of the Straw Hat Pirates. It's really endearing seeing her warm up to the rest of the crew, but she can still hold her own among the best of them and is definitely not one to be trifled with. She makes this list quite handily. Did I really just write that?

#16 - Maetel (Galaxy Express 999)

This is another borderline inclusion, because I actually haven't finished Galaxy Express. I'm only just getting into it and have no idea what Maetel might be hiding or what ulterior motives she might have. A part of her placement comes from that air of mystery, but at the same time I'm somehow very confident that once I know what's really driving her I'll like her character even more. She's clearly not all that she seems, but I do believe she's a good person at heart, whatever dark history she may carry.

#15 - Hitomi Kashiwa (Welcome to the NHK)

The first of a few inclusions that'll call my mental well-being into question, when we first meet Hitomi she's arguably the furthest gone out of any of the main characters. However, she's also the first one to take steps toward rediscovering her self-worth and putting her life back together. And then there's that awkward part of me that would've treasured those slow lunch hours of just quietly playing cards and talking about conspiracies together. I'm just weird like that.

#14 - Gina (Porco Rosso)

I had to have at least one of the Ghibli gals on this list, and Gina tends to be forgotten amidst the studio's more well-known works and characters. That's a shame, because Gina is a truly special kind of woman. It's clear that she loves Porco, but at the same time she's built a fulfilling life of her own. She always has a place waiting for him, but she lets him live his own life while she lives out hers, and they're both fine. That's a rare, wonderful strength that puts her in a league of her own.

#13 - Reki (Haibane Renmei)

While Rakka may have been the viewpoint protagonist of Haibane Renmei, Reki is the one whose journey we're truly meant to follow, and it's hard not to feel for her as she seeks to break her curse and find salvation. To me, there's something deeply moving about finding selflessness in selfish actions, in learning to live for others through pure, honest perseverance. That's something I admire, and kind of identify with. She's the heart of one of my very favorite anime, that's more than reason enough for her place on this list.

#12 - Nice Holystone (Baccano!)

This gal is an absolute blast, pun intended. She compliments Jacuzzi nicely, encouraging him at all the right moments, but even without him she'd be a formidable presence. She knows how to have a good time, she's faithful to the people who are important to her, and she's always smokin'. A bit crazy, I'll admit, which keeps her from placing higher, but she's still a helluva fun woman to be around.

#11 - Junko Kaname (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

For a show as talked-about as Madoka, people don't talk about Junko all that much, which is a shame because she's far more important than she's often given credit for. She's too flawed to be a boring "strong independent woman" archetype, and yet she's also a driven and confident woman despite and because of her flaws, and she knows how to bring out the best in the people around her. I'd be her house husband any day.

#10 - Juri Arisugawa (Revolutionary Girl Utena)

Tough but not cold or unkind, refined but not stuck-up or snobbish, she's easily my favorite character from one of my favorite anime of all time. Getting back to the "strong female characters" trend, she can hold her own against the best duelists, and while she does have her own motives she still tries to do the right thing through it all. Okay, she's also a lesbian, so for my purposes I can't place her as high as I'd like, but still a worthy entry.

#9 - Fujiko Mine (Lupin III)

After going on about complex, subtly written, layered female characters we come to Fujiko, who pretty much is what she is. She just happens to be incredibly awesome. She's sexy but not easy and uses her womanly charms to great effect. It's no wonder she's become almost as iconic as Lupin himself. Hell, she even got her own show recently, and it was a damn good show. She's one of the classic anime hotties and it's easy to see why.

#8 - Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

I think I must be twisted. Ah well. Out of all the characters in Evangelion, I found Misato to be by far the most likable. Despite not being an Eva pilot, she goes above and beyond the call of duty to help out when it's needed, which I find admirable. She has some problems to deal with, but she truly does her best to take control of her fate in spite of all that, and to inspire others to do the same. Definitely a great lady to have on any list.

#7 - Shiki Ryougi (Garden of Sinners)

I really am twisted, aren't I? Honestly I'm okay with that. Shiki is a strong lady through and through, but with just enough of a sweet human side to make her endearing beneath it all. She has the resolve to constantly suppress her dark side. Kara No Kyoukai's strongest point, aside from its animation, is its subtle character writing, and Shiki is a great example of a character who's more than meets the eye.

#6 - Holo (Spice & Wolf)

We're hitting the home stretch, so at this point, the entries start to speak for themselves. Spice & Wolf is a show carried entirely by the strength of its leads, so it's no wonder Holo stands out. Witty, perceptive, and knows how to get what she wants, she's definitely a force to be reckoned with. Her chemistry with Lawrence is always fun to watch, and I look forward to seeing more of their journey together. To top all that off, she's just good company, plain and simple. That, more than anything, is what this list is all about.

#5 - Celty Sturluson (Durarara!!)

My feelings toward Durarara!! may be mixed, but I still remember many of the characters fondly, most especially Celty. She has an unmatched power and centuries behind her, but she may oddly be the most human of the cast, wanting nothing more than to regain the identity that she's lost and to find acceptance among friends and loved ones. I have a real soft spot for that kind of sincerity, so she definitely comes out ahead.

#4 - Julia (Cowboy Bebop)

Did I just forgo Faye Valentine, the absolute postergirl for fanservice done right? Call me an otaku heretic if you must, but to me Spike's old flame Julia has more of the mature appeal I love while still speaking to my romantic side. She sticks with Spike in the end not out of dependence, but on her own initiative to see an end to the conflict that in many ways she herself started. From the very little we see of her, it's immediately clear why Spike thought she was worth running away with.

#3 - Cher Degré (Wolf's Rain)

Sexy scientist headed for Paradise? Yes, please. Let's face it, anyone who'd travel to the end of a dying world when everyone else is just waiting to die easily deserves a spot on this list. Her role in Wolf's Rain is a minor one, but still definitely a necessary one. She's not without a caring side, though, and if ever any humans deserved to make it to Paradise in that story, she and Hubb certainly did. Now excuse me while I go shed a few manly tears.

#2 - Casca (Berserk)

A fantastic lady of war. Strong female characters are difficult to get just right but Casca hits all the marks perfectly. She lives in a man's world and is constantly made aware of that fact, but she doesn't let it weigh her down and proves she can hold her own among the best of them time and time again. With her fierce spirit and unyielding determination, she commands nothing but the utmost respect from her subordinates and leaves one of the strongest impressions of any anime character I've ever seen, without exaggeration.

#1 - Haruka Shitow (RahXephon)

My top anime crush, bar none. She starts off as a friendly but mysterious figure, and as we unravel her layers it's clear that there is something driving her forward, something she values above all else. What made RahXephon great, for me at least, was the wonderful humanity of its cast and how genuine and honest their interactions were throughout. At its very core, RahXephon is a love story, and what ultimately sets Haruka apart from the competition is her unwavering capacity to love through all the trials and tragedies she's endured. She's charming, genuine, admirable, and well-deserving of the top spot on this list.

Comic News: Death Princess Gets Special Valentine's Day Cover

Aspen Offers Special Valentine’s Day Death Princess Exclusive Cover

Press Release         

02-04-13

Starting on Valentine’s Day, February 14^th, Aspen Comics will be offering a special Charismagic: The Death Princess #2 Valentine’s Day exclusive cover by internationally-acclaimed artist Vincenzo Cucca and superstar colorist Peter Steigerwald, limited to only 214 copies.

Charismagic: The Death Princess is Aspen’s newest fantasy adventure series, following on the heels of the sold-out first volume’s release last year. Written by creator Vince Hernandez with art by Emilio Lopez, issue two will be released in stores on February 14^th.

The Charismagic: The Death Princess #2 Valentine’s Day cover will be available starting on the day, and will be offered for a Valentine’s Day special price of $4.99 (sale price available on February 14^th only) exclusively on the AspenStore.com. Also, all customers who purchase this exclusive cover on February 14th will receive a free Charismagic: The Death Princess #1 along with their order. Based on recent holiday exclusive covers including the sold out Black Friday and Boxing Day exclusives, Aspen strongly encourages fans to order the Valentine’s Day special cover early, while supplies last. The publisher will also be offering a special Valentine’s Day limited edition print and other holiday specials on the AspenStore.com starting February 14^th.

For more information please see www.aspenstore.com or www.aspencomics.com

Also check:

#Aspen10

Facebook.com/charismagic

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

Aspen MLT, Inc. is an entertainment publishing company founded in January 2003 by superstar comic artist Michael Turner. Priding itself on producing entertainment properties of the highest quality visual and storytelling elements Along with their own successful properties such as Fathom, Soulfire, Executive Assistant: Iris, Charismagic, Broken Pieces, Legend of the Shadow Clan and more. Aspen also collaborates with the comic industry's most successful companies and endeavors including Marvel Comics and DC Entertainment. Aspen has collaborated with Marvel for various hit projects, including cover work for the best-selling events Civil War, World War Hulk, and Ultimatum. Aspen collaborated with DC Comics to provide covers for such best-selling titles as Superman/Batman: The Return of Supergirl, The Justice League of America, and Eisner-nominated covers for the critically acclaimed, best-selling Identity Crisis series. In 2006, Aspen joined forces with television giant NBC to create the online comic adaptations for the hit television series Heroes. Currently in 2012, Aspen is teaming up with Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment to produce the horror-adventure series Dead Man’s Run, as well as collaborating with director McG’s Wonderland Sound and Vision to produce the horror comic Haunted City. Aspen also produces the one-of-a-kind Anarchy digital graphic novel for the popular body spray company, Axe.

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 2: X-MEN # 30 (THE WEDDING OF SCOTT SUMMERS & JEAN GREY)

VALENTINE’S DAY REVIEW # 2

 X-Men (Volume 2 aka X-Men Legacy) # 30

“The Ties That Bind”

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art by Andy Kubert & Matt Ryan

Marvel Comics

Review by Frankie Rodriguez

TALE OF THE TAPE

   Ah. Welcome to another Valentine’s themed review. This time, we are gonna go in the way back machine to the 90s. Yes. The 90s. Where big guns and artist reigned surpreme and the X-Men was the biggest comic book franchise! Between the 90s cartoon and the comics, the X-Men were household names. And it was at this point and time that the X-Men comics were really milking as many mutant as possible . .. well, until the recent Regenesis that is. 

  Before Emma Frost became the premiere love of Scott Summers’ life, there was one other. The love that Scott Summers was meant to be with . .. at least according to many fans at that time. Jean Grey. Yes. Marvel Girl or Phoenix, Jean Grey was a character who really brought you in with her warm and made you awe in her badassery ( yes I just made that word up.)

  Scott and Jean had gone through so much to be together before they got married: particularly the revelation that Cable was Scott’s long lost son, Nathan who he gave away to Mother Askani (aka a future version of Rachel Grey Summers) back in X-Factor #68. The recent crossover with the other X-teams during X-cutioner Song and Bloodties (which featured the Avengers). Wolverine had left the team to heal from having his Adamantium ripped out of his body by Magneto. So the time was ripe for the couple. Which brings us to  “The Ties That Bind”

CLASH FACTS

   Our book opens with a lovely little letter from Logan and there are 2 things I notice right away: 1 – feminine hands holding it & 2 – while the paper of the letter looks pretty beaten up . . . Logan’s got some pretty handwriting. Seriously, that is the best cursive I had ever seen from a guy. The letter is addressed to the wedded couple to be as it was a bit awkard sounding “I’ve never been too good at what I feel inside . . .” to oddly poetic “You go together like fire and ice …like a hurricane and its eye . .. “ all leading that they should look with new eyes as they take the next step in their lives.

  Not bad Logan. Then we get some narration that we are not quite sure who it’s from at first but admits that he’s effected by the day. And honestly, so was I. When this first came out, I screamed at the pages “It’s about time.”  Give me a break. I’m a lover AND a fighter. Back to the comic.

  Jean is complaining about breathing in her dress as Storm and Jean Grey’s mother hit at Jean’s nervousness. Jean admits she wished Logan was there (and with most X-Men fans now, they wished he was there too . .. to take you away from Scott) Storm reminds her best friend (and yes X-fans, Storm and Jean are best friends. People seem to forget that.) that Logan needs time to heal his wounds and while he’s not there physically, he’s there in spirit. Or so you think Storm … or so you think.

 Jean has a heartwarming moment with Ororo as Jean’s mother says to stop hugging or they will never get done. Jean goes on about how her mom is one in a million, Elaine Grey retorts that so is Jean with the genetics to back it up. If only Jean could have seen her mother about a decade later … (That will be a review for another time)  Jean talks with Rachel, who recently fixed their very broken relationship. Jean hugs her future daughter warmly, proud that this day could very well lead to Rachel being born one day.

*grabs a tissue for my eye* I’m not crying. I swear. There was something thrown into my eye.

The narrator continues and while it does not flat out say it, the moment when the narrator says Robert instead of Bobby for Iceman, I figure it was the Professor. Bobby comments how Storm came through for Scott and Jean today with a sunny, 70 degree day . . . in January. (in Upstate New York mind you). And then Bobby points out how embarrassing it would be for the bride to be ready before the group. And we see Scott sitting on a chair with his brother Alex (Havok) across from him, huddled by the other 3 original X-Men, Beast (Hank), Archangel (Warren) and Iceman (Bobby). Beast goes on to say they have “encountered an opponent far more dangerous than Magneto, more devious than Mr. Sinister, more dastardly . . .”

 FOR THE LOVE OF FRELL HANK! IT’S A BOW TIE!

Oh wait, Warren echoes my sentiment while Alex teased his big brother that this is the first day of the rest of his life. (Rest of her life maybe …) Bobby replies that marriage is a death trap while Warren and Hank STILL can tie the bow tie. The narration from Professor X tells of how big the day is starting to sit with Scott when the Professor reveals himself to his students; immediately chiding Bobby for his cynicism. And Charles easily slides in, grabbing to bow tie from his Warren and Hank , admits that this day has him nervous as it clearly shows that they are adults, while he finishes a bow tie and ask if they need the “old Prof” anymore. Scott asks if that was a set up but Charles admits he stumbled upon everything. Scott admits his nervousness with the normal grace you come to expect from ole Cyke:

  “Truth to tell Professor, without you by my side, I’d feel safer walking into the Danger Room alone and naked right now rather than face what’s coming next.”

And Havok immediately chants what the majority of fans were thinking: “Gee. There’s an image that’s stuck in my head now fro the rest of the day . .. “ THANKS CYCLOPS! *facepalm*

 Professor Xavier gives a speech about moving forward and taking the next step and the Heart of the Cards, blah blah blah.  Oh hey. I did that right.

 The Groom, best man and groomsmen all begin to walk out the door as Professor’s narration reveals that while his speech seemed to calm and help out his students a great deal, it did little to give him solace. He goes on about how he’s afraid of losing Scott and Jean forever and wishing he had a better social life so he had some kind of frame of reference. As Charles was transferring himself from his hoverchair to his wheelchair (can’t show all the civilians the fun and wacky Shi’ar tech) he drops his own note from Logan which Rachel picks up. Charles comments that he’s yet to read it and Rachel points out “Goodbyes are always tough . . .especially if you think there’s still a lot left to be said before parting.”

 Charles says he’ll read it later when he catches a glimpse of Jean. You know, this is made creepier when we find out that Charles was in love with Jean himself. EEEEWWWWWWWWW.

  We go outside to see Scott and Alex stand on the altar with the priest with Scott being nervous with all eyes on him. Alex points out the obvious to Scott : “Of course they are. We’re Standing in front of them” and tells his brother to look at them all. Xavier narrates how much satisfaction and pride he has at seeing the X-Men and most of the groups of the X-Men extended family are there for this joyous occasion. He also reveals Scott’s pride in the X-Men and what they stand for when . ..

 Ororo comes out as the Maid of Honor, motion for the wedding march from . . . DEATHKLOK?!  . ..

 SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKKKKKEEEE!!!!

  The wedding band is lead by musical artist and mutant Lila Cheney. Geez! You couldn’t bring back Alison (Dazzler) for this occasion? Ah well. Charles, being the upper class guy that he is reveals that he was never a fan of Lila’s music … until now. Storm walks by when Gambit says how good she looks and finds Scott there: telling her he’s ready to explode.

 Storm taunts that they couldn’t have that and that he’s about to sent to another world where whatever she’ll or anyone will say won’t matter. When he’s about to ask . . .

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNN!!!

 After Jean’s father hands over his daughter to Cyclops, the minister starts a great ceremony that the Professor was kind enough to let us hear. They used a sash as a way to symbolize wedding ties and exchanged rings till the minister proclaimed them husband and wife and tells them “Let’s see a kiss now.”

  Then the couple and the rest of the X-Men gets down to boogie with Professor Xavier still narrating the whole peace. As Xavier oohs and ahs over the happy bride and groom, Lila reveals that the song the couple have chosen was “One” by U2.  Scott and Jean got good taste.

  While the X-Men are having fun, a metal gloved and mouth covered Sabertooth just goes on about how dumb the X-Men are and thinks about making trouble . .. till he is send face furst into the snow with a small little note saying: Don’t Even Think About It!

  Back with the X-Men, Jean throws the bouquet at a stunning collection of X-Men: Storm, Polaris, Domino, Boomer,Wolfsbane, Jubliee, Psylocke and nd more when . .. Rogue flies up to catch the bouquet.  Then Scott takes out Jean’s garter belt when she asked why they agreed to it. Scott answers that Hank told him that Guido (X-Factor’s Strong Guy) would sulk for a week; Jean promises a lecture to Guido latter and Scott throws. Quicksilver, Archangel, Beast, Forge, Guido and more dive for the garter belt .. . if for nothing else but to slip it on Rogue. And with an explosion . .. Gambit ends up holding the belt.

   Gambit’s reply: Now, Mes Amis. Y’ Didn’t think I’d give anyone ELSE a chance t’slip this on the little lady, did you? I t’ink not.

Smooth Gambit. Really smooth.

   And just when you and the professor thought the festivities were over . . . Jean saves the last dance for Charles. Charles protests at first, worried about people who don’t know about their gifts …  HEY CHARLES! Why not start with protesting when Rogue flew the catch the bouquet. Or when Gambit used his powers to make sure he got the garter belt. Or when you have Beast, Nightcrawler and Warren there .. . all with blue skin.  A LITTLE LATE TO WORRY, AIN’T IT CHARLES?!

  Jean says she wants to dance with the Professor and makes it happen with her telekinesis. And after Charles’s start to protest comes one of the best lines I have ever read in an X-Men comic from Jean Grey:

  “ .. . And what if they did know about us, Charles? That I’m a mutant? Or that I’m a woman who wants to celebrate the best day of her life? If dancing with you is what makes me happy and if being a mutant gives me the opportunity to do that then there’s nothing in this world I would rather be than a mutant. And I’m proud to dance with the man who taught me that being one should in no way limit the happiness I can enjoy or the love I might share with those I’m blessed to call my family.”

 . . . I seem to have . .. something in my eye again . ..

 Charles and Scott have a quick exchange, partially on how Havok is coping with the loss of Madrox (look at X-Factor # 100) and then Charles going on about how a great guy Cyclops has grown to become. Cyclops gives the credit to being the man that he is because of Charles, telling the professor than he loves him then leaves the room. And our comic ends with Xavier looking over some papers, opening Logan’s note that simply says:

  “Dear Chuck,

    Lighten up.

   Yer Ol’ Pal,

   Logan “

And again, Charles reflects the same reaction I did to that note .. . laughter.

CLASH TACTICS

   I admit. I am a sucker for a good wedding. And, even with my knowledge of what will happen to this couple, this is a GREAT wedding. The combination of Xavier’s evolution to mentor to friend with the great character bits throughout the issue were fun, insightful and enjoyable.

   It was so good that so many things were touched up on while at the same time making sure it did not affect that pace of the book. And while sure, this was a Cyclops, Jean heavy issue, it was great to see everyone from Rachel, Cable to Wolfsbane and Quicksilver having lines in the book. Nicieza made this issue a stunning wedding cake in comic book format. Layers and layers of sweet, wonderous goodness with a topping of some great Jean/Scott on top. This wedding seemed to really signal a lot of things for the X-Men and these characters.

  Andy Kubert’s art is near breath taking during must of the book and he and Matt Ryan’s inks when Jean came in was a showstopper. There were not inconsistencies artistically as the team renders a beautiful wedding issue. The only real issue I have with X-Men # 30 is Charles’s whole . .. what if the people who don’t know we’re mutants see us. That really seemed to be very misplaced cause he should have said it a lot sooner. I doubt they all had image inducers. And while I love Jean’s speech that spawned from Charles’s line, it was out of place in my mind.

 So overall, a great solid wedding issue. And while it is not the best wedding issue I have read, it is certainly one of my favorites. Even though we know Scott is a man slut.

  X-Men Vol. 2, # 30 gets a Intercontinental Title Spot ( 4 out of 5). It was a strong issue but just that misstep opened a hole bigger than what could be ignored.

And that is all for this particular Valentine’s Day Review. Check out our other Valentine’s Day stuff here on Comic Book Clash and on J1 Studios. Till next time, Keep Clashing.

    

VALENTINE'S DAY REVIEW SPECIAL # 1 - BATGIRL # 18

Batgirl #18

Written by Bryan Q. Miller

Art by Dustin Nguyen

DC Comics

Review by Darryll Carter (aka Yusuke T. Centre) 

You have to give credit where credit is due and I assure you, Bryan Q. Miller’s credit is due. Miller wrote all twenty four issues of the previous Batgirl ongoing series. He turned a spoiled brat into a wisecracking, mature (sort of), confident and respected heroine, affectively transforming Stephanie Brown into my favorite Batgirl. That’s why Batgirl #18 (Apr ‘11) is my Valentine. Here’s the review.

For those that don’t/didn’t know, Stephanie Brown, formerly known as Spoiler and one time Robin inherited the title of Batgirl from her predecessor, Cassandra Cain. She is then trained by Barbra Gordon, Oracle, also formerly Batgirl, but also currently… (Blame DCfolks.)

This issue was an interlude timed correctly with Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately thrown in the middle of an ongoing story arc. Placement aside, Batgirl #18 functions much like a one shot or an episode of Batman the Animated Series.

The readers are thrown right into the story where, a were-cat is going around ripping out persons’ hearts on Valentine’s Day evening. As it turns out this were-cat was not always a were-cat, but the familiar of one Klarion the Witch-Boy. In a mild bit of irony, pointed out by Stephanie, the cat is rampaging around ripping out hearts because Klarion denied him (the cat) a chance at love. Stephanie for most part takes the side of the audience and the phrase “are you fricking serious” comes to mind. After being trapped in a miniature globe and a few witty exchanges later; Stephanie and Klarion decide to form an “alliance” and track down the cat.

Once the duo reaches the cat, Teekl, they trap him in a globe and take him to Limbo Town, home of the Witches and find him a mate. The story closes with Klarion touring Gotham U campus with Stephanie and a short but, humorous run in with the campus “witch (euphemized)”, Jordana, being turned into a frog.

The story was great for what it was, a seasonal piece. It captured the spirit of the holiday and at the same time didn’t get too deep into it to turn someone off. The best part of the story was waiting to see what Klarion and Stephanie had to say next. The two characters really played well off of each other.

The artist for this issue is Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham).  Nguyen produced 9 covers for the series and performed as penciller for a number of the issues. His art style is unique and there really isn’t anything quite like it. It stands out. When you see his art you can stop and say, “hey that’s Dustin Nguyen”. He does a great job at capturing facial expressions and just adds a sort of ‘fine art’ feel to the medium.  Just look at the painted sequences he did for yourself. Two words; gorgeous and elegant.

In all Batgirl #18, while an untimely detour from the ongoing arc, was still a delightful treat and beautiful Valentine’s day gift from Dc and the creative team. If you want a light read with a fair share of laughs instead of the usual gooeyness of Valentine’s day, this comic is for you.

The Hype factor this time around consists mostly of artwork and whimsical banter. Enjoy and…

WEB OF LOVE: THE MANY APPLE'S IN PETER PARKER'S EYE

    Hey there Clashers! Love is in the air as we hit Valentine’s day and one guy who knows quite a bit on the subject is our friendly neighborhood Spiderman. Peter has built up quite the little black book over the past 50 years how about we check it out. Sorry guys but phone numbers are not available for these lovely ladies.


By Hector Ramirez

LIZ ALLEN

Let’s start off with the first girl he ever liked, Liz Allen. Although Peter never had  a relationship with Liz it wasn’t for lack of trying.  Peter was always into Liz but it wasn’t until he started to exhibit a newfound confidence after becoming Spidey that she took interest in the shy bookworm. Liz eventually agreed  to go on a date with Peter but he had to miss it because of his crime fighting duties. It upset them both and although they never tried again Liz remained interested in Peter until she eventually married his best friend, Harry Osborn.

BETTY BRANT
Wanting to pitch in to help with bills at home Peter starts taking pictures of himself as Spiderman to sell to the Daily Bugle. It’s there where Peter meets the lovely Betty Brant. Filling in for her sick mother as Jameson’s personal secretary. Betty was a quiet girl, impressed by the bravery of Peter in taking pictures of  Spiderman. But after her brother died in the crossfire of a fight between Spiderman and Dr. Octopus, Betty started to hate the web slinger and distances herself from Peter . She is currently in a relationship with Flash Thompson .

GWEN STACY
After graduating high school Peter went on to Empire University where he met Gwen Stacy. Although she at first was not interested in Peter she soon found herself wooed  by his charm and they fell in love. Due to his life as Spiderman their relationship was rocky to say the least and Gwen’s father  dying while during a fight between Spidey and Doc Ock did not help the situation . But through it all  they stuck it through until tragedy strikes…After recovering from slight amnesia and remembering that Peter is Spidey Norman Osborn kidnaps Gwen and  takes her to the Brooklyn Bridge. She’s pushed off and when Spidey shoots a webline to save her the sudden jerk snaps her neck.

DEBORAH WHITMAN
After  losing  Gwen, Peter was distraught but he eventually started to date again. The shy Deborah Whitman  was very interested in Peter but Pete wasn’t really into her. Deborah, a schizophrenic soon became obsessed with  the possibility that Peter was Spiderman. To save her sanity Peter confessed to her but she refused to believe his confession. She then ran off with an old flame Biff Rifkin.

FELICIA HARDY

After discovering her fathers true origin as a famous cat burglar, Felicia  Hardy decided to follow in his footsteps. Becoming the Black Cat she perfected the art of cat burglary.after Spiderman failed repeatedly at catching the beautiful thief  she started to fall for the webslinger. In order to win his heart she turned over a new leaf becoming his partner in crime fighting and love. Feeling she could help her lover better with powers she acquired bad luck powers. Only problem was those close to her including Peter fell victim to her powers. Pete enlisted the help of Dr. Strange to remove the powers behind her back; getting her seriously hurt. Feeling betrayed, Felicia ended it with Peter.

MARY JANE WATSON
Although  May Parker and her friend  Anna Watson have tried to set Peter with Anna’s niece  Mary Jane since they were 14, it took until they were in college before they actually dated. But their romance ended when Peter fell for Gwen so MJ dated Harry Osborn until  Harry became addicted to drugs. After Gwen’s death MJ comforted Peter  and they ended up together. Although she knew about Peter’s double life, she highly disapproved  of it interfering in their relationship but through all the ups and  downs the two truly loved each other and were eventually married and things remained just as hectic if not worse. After Peter reveals his identity to the world things get real bad and to fix things they gave up their marriage to Mephisto. They remained good friends and, to me, it seems they could get back together.

SARAH RUSHMAN
At one point Mary Jane goes missing, believing her dead, Peter starts dating Sarah Rushman, who turned out to be Marrow of the X-men. Upon Mary Jane’s return their romance ended.

MS. MARVEL/CAROL DAVERS
Spiderman has worked with Ms Marvel on many an occasion,  at one point Spidey requested a date in return for his help and she agreed. The date went horribly but after being possessed by the Venom symbiote for a bit it was revealed that Ms. Marvel was also attracted to Peter as well. Although they never pursued a relationship the two remained close friends.

MICHELE GONZALES
Michele Gonzales is the sister of Vin Gonzalez a cop who roomed with Peter for sometime. When Vin went to prison for trying to frame Spidey as a serial killer, Michele moved in with Peter. They never really got along. She grudgingly agreed to accompany Peter to Aunt May’s wedding. Peter gets nervous due to Mary Jane’s presence and gets extremely drunk and ends up in bed with Michele. The next morning he remembered nothing so in her rage she tried to kick him out. But the Peter she attempted to kick out was in fact  the Chameleon who seduced her into letting Peter stay. Upon Vin’s release, Michele returned to Chicago.

CARLIE COOPER
Harry Osborne was dating the lovely Lily Hollister until she was revealed as Menace and to be sleeping with his father. Her best friend, NYPD CSU officer Carlie Cooper, alienated her but continued her friendship with Harry and Peter. At a going away party for Harry, Peter proposed a relationship with Carlie who accepted. Soon, she too was upset about  Peter’s constant disappearances, as were his girlfriends before her. So upset, in fact, that she almost got a goblin tattoo to piss him off. Instead, she got a Spidey tattoo which Peter was thrilled with. When Peter was way too in tune with his spider powers during Spider-Island, Carlie deduced he was the real Spiderman and left him for his dishonesty.

Well that concludes our show for this evening folks please tune in for our regularly scheduled program. Until then friends keep clashing.