SERAPH'S (FRANKIE'S) TOP 10 # 1s of 2011

Happy Holidays Clashers. We here at CBC decided we are gonna have some fun this week. And how so? Why with a bunch of countdowns and more talking about all the stuff that happened last year.

So what do we start with? #1s of course. There have been soooooooooo many #1s this year that it was incredible. And yes, this is in part due to the New 52s. Yet, even with that, we saw a vast majority of interesting concepts and ideas seen this year. And These concepts carried over to new ideas. And you are about to see many of those concepts. I am only counting #1s that came out during 2011.

WARNING: This list is subjective while still explain why their places and prepare for a few surprises.

BY FRANKIE RODRIGUEZ (aka SERAPH)


HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
Batman: Knight of Vengeance # 1
Batwing #1
Daredevil #1
Flashpoint #1
The Occultist # 1
The Infinite #1
Demon Knights #1
FF#1
Catwoman #1
Cobra #1




TOP 11 #1 ISSUES OF 2011


11. VOODOO # 1

     Written by Ron Marz
      Art by Sam Basiri
     DC COMICS

        And right out the gate I am getting people going WTF. But make no mistake. This book is GOOD. The first issue is one that was a bit different from the others in the New 52. It told a story of two government agents. The female agent ended up proving herself to be tough and serious about her job. The male agent, on the other hand, seemed more laid back. Voodoo herself was a mystery; which is part of the allure of the book.
      Marz gives us a very different Priscilla Kitlen then we have seen before. She is sexy. She is smart. And Boy, is she dangerous. Yet, the question becomes is she good or evil. And Marz lets the reader either make their own judgement or have them decide to keep reading to see her ultimate fate.
    Basiri continues to give a very sexy book where men are men and women are GORGEOUS. Voodoo is still a stripper and we even get a link to her name. You are not sure what side Voodoo is on but it is the beginning of what will be an interesting, sleek & sexy romp. Good tone and pacing make it worthwhile. Unfortunately, the ending was great and left a good cliffhanger but there was points were I wanted more screen time of Priscilla herself. Still, one of the best #1s of this past year that is sorely underrated.



10. UNCANNY X-MEN # 1
   Written by Kieron Gillen
    Art by  Carlos Pacheco
   MARVEL COMICS

       Okay. This issue offered a lot. A whole lot. And I wasn't the biggest fan of Cyclops at the end of Schism. Yet, Scott Summers had changed so much since he became the "ruler" of mutantkind that it scary what the man thinks now. And it seems very consistent with the evolution that Scott's been having since the days he was in Grant Morrison's hands.
        Scott forms the Extinction Team; a team of X-Men with a dual purpose:
 First, to act as the World's Greatest Super Heroes; and already stepping on the toes of Avengers, I see Scott.

And Second, to show the world that the X-Men will not be victims anymore as proving that they are, as Scott says "weapons of mass destruction."

  With the team that he picked, Scott really showed us that this could very well be the strongest team in X-Men history: himself as leader, Storm as his second command (who was begged to stay with Cyclops' faction of X-Men), Emma Frost, Magneto (yes, he has not turned back into a villain), Namor, Colossus (who gained the powers of the Juggernaut during Fear Itself and lost Kitty Pryde in the process), Magik (yep, resurrected cause of House of M and still powerful), Danger & Hope Summers (technically, Scott's granddaughter).

      Showing that they will be handling as many big threats as possible, Scott and his Extinction team faces off against the Dreaming Celestial and . . . well. The number one established the team, gave some interesting character interaction to show that this team is not entirely happy being together and establishing Cyclops new status quo for the mutants on Utopia. The fact that Cyclops left a letter to humanity as both a call saying they are there to help but don't mess with mutants or you'll get it just bright to light how this group of mutants are gonna operate.

A great start for a different kind of X-Men.


8.  GI JOE#1


    Written by Chuck Dixon
     Art by Javier Salteres
    IDW PUBLISHING

      Yo Joe! After Chuckles infiltrates Cobra to kill Cobra Commander, Cobra decides to hold a contest to bring forth a new Cobra Commander. And the contest has 8 candidates. How do these candidates win this contest? Simple . . . the person with the most Joe kills becomes the new Cobra Commander. And this premise opens the doors to soooooooo much. We see ample Joes in the first issue as well as meet up with a few of the candidates. Baroness shows up. And Joes begin to die like flies.
    This new premise gives a new danger to GI Joe we have not seen before. Dixon composes a script where there are scores of characters but no one really feels like dead weight. And Cobra strikes while setting up multiple conflicts with Cobra and GI Joe as well as within both organizations. This issue made me want more and reminded me that NO Joe was safe. The large cast though made it feel crowded. It was handled well but still a bit sufficating at times.  A great starting point to a great story.



8. STORMWATCH #1


  Written by Paul Cornell
   Art by Miguel Sepulveda
  DC COMICS

        Now. Yes. I know that some people find this surprising. And it is a surprising to me. Yet, I loved this issue. And before I get ringed out for not posting other #1s . . . keep reading but let me point somethings out. Out of ALL the new 52 #1s, Stormwatch #1 is the one I read the most. Yes! READ THE MOST. Within the first week of its release, I read Stormwatch #1 7 times. SEVEN TIMES!
       The Wildstorm elements in the new DCU was really welcome and this book delivered it the best. Cornell, like he did with Demon Knights, showed us all the characters; each with distinct personalities, quirks and more. Engineer's trying to fix situations and questioning her leader. A bit of Adam One's interesting mental issues. Jenny Quantum's wonder as a super powered child. Apollo's want to do right but not be part of the costumed community. Jack Hawksmoor's way with the cities on the planet. Martian Manhunter's resolve to be a warrior, not a super hero. Projectionist need for recognition. Harry Tanner's misdirection and wonder.
     Stormwatch even hinted at connections with Milestone's Shadow Cabinet. World threatening moon. Wonderous excitement. People not getting along. Heck, Midnighter's appearance showed his ability and his desire for Apollo in one smooth appearance. ALL IN THE FIRST ISSUE.
    Why did I not top it on this list, you ask?  Simple. For all it's good, the other 8 issues were just better.Yet, Stormwatch holds strong as #8.





7. MOON KNIGHT #1


  Written by Brian Michael Bendis
   Art by Alex Maleev
  MARVEL COMICS

          Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev have been wooing audiences with their stuff for Marvel and Icon for quiet sometime now. The team has such a solid record that the mere mention of these two working together means the book will sell on that fact alone. So, what do they do together after celebrated hits such as Alias and Daredevil? Why, they deal with Marvel's answer to Batman . . . Moon Knight? Yet, this time, Marc Spector is a bit different this time around.
       Bendis first puts Spector back in the West Coast, actually producing a television show based on his time as Moon Knight. Next, the hero is sent on a mission by Captain America, Wolverine and Spiderman to take down the new Kingpin of LA. Spector agrees, taking down some smugglers as he finds some VERY important stolen technology. Third, Spector decides to look into the stolen tech  . . . which come to find out, has connections to a classic Avengers villain and an Avenger. Finally, Bendis shows us that Spector is just not over his multiple personality disorder . ..  but it is quite a different animal this time around.
       The clues are in our faces at first but we don't really see it. These interesting twists on the character makes for a new, compelling beginning for the Fist of Khonshu and made readers want to know more like: Who is the new LA Kingpin? What does this have to do with that "technology" that was being smuggled? And how crazy is Marc Spector?
       These were just some of the questions that made readers want more . ..  such as myself.



6. WONDER WOMAN# 1


  Written by Brian Azzarello
   Art by Cliff Chang
   DC COMICS

    GEEZ! This book is AMAZING! Ok. Let me calm my fanboy. *breathes in and out* Seriously, this book made me scream yes, yes, YES!! Finally. A creative team that is putting Diana up to a level where her adventures and threats are on par with Batman's & Superman's. Azzarello gives us a new, terrifying new version of the Greek Gods and it is GLORIOUS.
    Diana is sucked into a battle with the Gods as a young woman is being hunted down by Sentaurs . .. created by the latest incarnation of Hera by chopping off the heads of 2 horses and MAGIC!
   WOW! Azzarello commented over and over again that this WW was a HORROR book and Cliff Chiang lived up to that with some terrifying yet amazing imagery and panel work. Diana, still looking like the Amazon she always ways but a bit darker, did not hold back in this issue either. Yet, the thing that is putting this down was that it was between a quick issue and a full story. It felt like a few pages were missing. Otherwise, this was just solid.
   Did I reread this #1? Yes I did. Did I share it with my friends? Yes I did! This first issue gave us a Wonder Woman that was quite different from any other and it was amazing!




5. UNDYING LOVE #1 
     Written by Tomm Coker & Daniel Freedman
     Art by Tomm Coker
    IMAGE COMICS 

      Okay. I love mythology. It is one of the reasons why I love comic books so much. Stories of gods, heroes, villains and everything in between to give you lessons and/or warnings. So, when I heard this book was dealing with vampires and Chinese mythology, I was onboard.
       Coker and Freeman tell the tale of lovers Mei and John. John is former military and he and Mei want to be together. So, what does John want to do for his immortal love? Why turn her back into a human being. And how does he accomplish that . ..why, go after the vampire that sired her. But that is DEFINITELY NOT going to be easy from the looks of it.
      Coker and Freeman mix love, action, horror and mythology that flows together seemlessly in this first issue. Yet, there just felt that there wasn't enough in this first issue with the two lovers. With just enough information to get you to care and enjoy the characters and story but still keep you wanting more, Undying Love #1 was a true triumph of a number 1.
 

4. BATMAN #1
  Written by Scott Synder
   Art by Greg Capullo
   DC COMICS

   This book was definitely refreshing in so many ways that it hurt without me realizing it. Snyder took Bruce Wayne's world, Gotham City, and made it into the living organism that not only spoke to the readers and characters but seemed to have actions of its own.
     We see Bruce starting a new stage in his life and for Gotham as he plans a massive revitalization project for the slums where his parents were murdered. As we see Bruce and 3 out of his four wayward "sons", the city starts to react in its own way.. Murders start to spring up and an old urban myth reemerges leaving Batman stumped. Especially considering evidence that one of his "sons" may be a murderer.
    The characterizations of Batman and his supporting cast were spot on with slight evolutions to Bruce, Dick and Alfred. The fact that there was an organization that is moving against Batman with his own city helping along seemed intriging.
     All of this was rendered beautifully by Capullo's art. We get the dark, grim tones of Gotham, with plenty of villains to match but also a great look at Bruce and Batman in different ways. Capullo is drawing for his life in this book and it really shows. This book felt like a truly packed issue and full story and not a breeze some of the other DC 52 #1s did. The only thing that was really bringing down this first issue; a subplot idea that was introduced and left clues towards the cliffhanger but something that could have definitely been a story onto itself. Otherwise, a great start for Batman.



3.  ACTION COMICS #1
    Written by Grant Morrison
     Art by Rags Morales
    DC COMICS 

     Grant Morrison. The name alone has made people decide to buy the book, with a select number deciding not to touch it. And the name was not the only draw to the book. Unlike Batman, Superman's entire history was being rebooted with this book telling how Clark Kent aka Kal El started out as Superman. And let me tell you, this is distinctively different.
     Morrison crafts a tale of a Superman who is more for the common man; partially an omage to the early Superman comics in the 30s & 40s while also standing as a tribute to the sign of the times in our world now. This Superman is a brash, goes up against corruption and does not mind hurting the bad guys too much. Rags Morales's pencils really give depth and charm that really illustrates this Clark in a different way. Ma and Pa Kent have died and Clark is just starting out. Lois is the go-getting firecracker that she always was with a modern spin. And Lex . ..  in the few pages we see him, is VERY much the slimball we known.
    Action gives a great dipection of a man who is learning to be a Superman in EVERY sense of the world. Not just in power levels, which are decreased at this point in his career but also in attitude and mind frame. Yet, what is bringing this down. Well, honestly . .. the way it ended was good but it felt like they could have added a little more suspense to it. That is what is bringing this issue down. It is the story of the construction on the "world's greatest super hero" (YES, I STOLE IT FROM DAN SLOTT & SPIDEY). And Morrison and Morales really hits this first issue home about this everyman learning to be a true Superman.



2. WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 
   Written by Jason Aaron
    Art by Chris Bachalo
    MARVEL COMICS

    THIS BOOK IS SOOOOO GOOD!!! When they first announced that the X-Men were splitting in two with their books following suit, I was happy. I meant the the Cyclops/Emma Frost/Wolverine/Magneto/Namor show .. . I mean their continued use as the forefront characters was coming to an end so that other X-Men were gonna be able to shine.
    Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo bring the most fun, most ridiculously cool, high concept X-Men book in years. Not since the now fabled Whedon and Cassidy run on Astonishing X-Men has the book been so fun. Not since Morrison's X-Men run has the group mixed high concept with classic ideas. The next Generations of mutants in this school are not just pretty little things. They are multifaceted and are all colors and shapes, making this feel truly international and flavored.
     We see familiar characters in new roles or different roles that they have either never been in or just not comfortable with. And it is GLORIOUS! Wolverine is the uncomfortable headmaster who really feels that he does not know what he's gotten himself into and has dragged Kitty along with him as his headmistress. The Beast has made the new school, which he renamed the Jean Grey School For Higher  Learning. Ah if Wolverine is not giving the finger to Scott with this move, I don't know what is. The students are just as interesting as the teachers.With compelling, yet multifaceted characters like Kid Omega and Idie to new characters like Broo and Kid  Gladiator, this school is showing us a whole new charm of its own. And Aaron knows his X-Men history as he digs from the past to give us an old threat in a brand new way.
      All in all, this book is funny with great dialogue, characters that are believable in unbelievable circumstances with some brand new concepts mixed with classic X-Men tropes to really stand out. Bachalo is drawing the work of his career and this books is just so good. Pick this up. Yet, with all this, it could not top the next book. This book made me laugh and feel true happiness but it did not do what the number one did. Still, if you want to see and read one of the best and fun books in years, this book is it.


1. ANIMAL MAN #1
   Written by Jeff Lemire
    Art by Travel Foreman
    DC COMICS

     I know I am getting some interesting looks . ..  a few WTFs. And there are a few fans going like YES! This book has caught critical acclaim. It is the second most reprinted book of DC's New 52, besides Justice League. THIS BOOK. Not Action. Not Batman. Not Wonder Woman. Not Teen Titans. THIS BOOK. This book has single handedly turned nearly all its readers into fans. And I can honestly say that I am one of those people.
    I LOVE this book. I am a big team book person but this year, it was revenge of the solo titles. And BY THE  MATRIX, is this book worth every single drop of admiration it has gotten and more.
    Lemire brings us a brand new first issue which introduces us to Buddy Baker, Animal Man, and his family. Lemire constructs to us a man who feels that super heroing is part of his life but not the main focus. He see his family life. We see him as a hero and we see how twisted and quickly this book can change. Human reactions to his daughter getting powers. Foreshadowing of the horrors to come. Touching character relations when a father loses his child and Buddy must confront them.
   Foreman's art brings home the touching human moments, glorifies the super heroic parts and frightens the terrifying beings that will become Animal Man's protagonists. The shading, inking and color differs from each part just a little to make them distinct but still flow amazingly well. This book is NOT a typical book. Much like Voodoo, this isn't necessarily about superheroes but a family.
    Overall, this book set a new standard in writing and art that just resonates with me in a whole new way. It is the #1 issue I continually tell people to read. Yo . .. you should read this. Hey! READ THIS BOOK! If you haven't read this book yet, get the reprints of #1. You owe it to yourself to read it.
    This book made me think. This book made me laugh. This book made me tear up just a little. And this book scared me. I instantly became attached to Buddy and his family and I am horrified by the two major plot developments in the last third of the issue. With all this, I just could not stop wanting this book more and more; thus making it  my #1 book of the year.


And thus my list of the Top #1s of 2011. Feel free to agree or disagree and leave some comments below. And prepare yourself as Comic Book Clash will have a very big year ahead of itself. From everyone here in Comic Book Clash & J1 Studios, Happy Holidays!

DCnU Special # 3- What we thought of DCnU WEEK 3?

Here are some thoughts on the book. from the third week of the DCnU.

BATMAN & ROBIN


Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY

Interesting book. Batman is a very imposing figure. He has always used fear to intimidate his adversaries and allies. He is a control freak as evidenced in Grant Morrison’s run on JLA and how he deals with his Bat family, so it is very strange to see him give Damian so many passes as Robin in what he says and how he acts. If Dick, Jason, or Tim had acted the way Damian acts in this book, he’d never have a cape on his back again. It’s as a friend said to me, in the past all of Batman’s allies and protégés had to gain his respect. In this book it is Batman who has to gain Damian’s respect.

CBC's Hector Ramirez of Philadelphia, PA

 Good action. Decent story but I cannot stand Damien Wayne and for that reason alone, I probably will not read Batman and Robin past this issue.

CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ
 
  This was a great new beginning. It established a lot in those few pages. Batman Inc is very much alive and well and someone . . . well NOBODY likes it. We get to see Bruce go through a major character change as he has decided to let the past go and celebrate the lives of his parents instead of his death. God, I hope they use the letter from Flashpoint #5. Anyway, Tomasi did an excellent job showing that this Batman & Robin will be very different from any other considering that this time . . . it is full fledge father and son. And Damian wants to play by his own rules but he and Bruce will have to learn to get along. Gleason & Gray give us some great art to look at. truly a feast for the eyes.

BATWOMAN


Eric McLeod of FL

Batwoman was easily my most anticipated title of the relaunch because the book had been delayed countless times before the relaunch. This book is a great continuation of her run in Detective Comics and does a great job of setting up a story and character relationships. The introduction of Bette Kane (Flamebird) as Batwoman's sidekick seems like a natural progression and the dialogue between the two is great. My only problem with the book is that to get the full enjoyment out of it, you need to be already invested in Kate's character. The book does a good job of establishing who she is and some of the things she's been through, but they do leave some details of her past vague enough that only people familiar with her character would get. I think some people can get into this book without doing some prior reading, but I do recommend you pick up the Batwoman: Elegy tradeback if you really want to know more about Batwoman.

Dante Franklin of Baltimore, MD

Coupled with Wonder Woman, Batwoman had to be one of my more anticipated books. I was a big fan of Greg Rucka's great work with the character in Detective. And his collaborator there, J.H. Williams, continues what was started with a pretty good debut issue. We see Kate with her father as well as the relationship with her cousin, Bette, the former Teen Titan known as Flamebird. Plus, Batwoman continues encountering some of the more creepy and supernatural aspects of Gotham City, which I find appealing and a departure from the usual vigilante fare. I thought it was a good first issue that sets things up nicely, including establishing relationships and new threats. Definite recommendation.

Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY

DC has finally released this book. This was the story that I’ve been expecting since Batwoman’s run in Detective Comics and it picks up where that left off. JH Williams does a great job of picking up where Greg Rucka left off, the only issue is not how Batwoman fits in the new 52 but how her cousin Bette Kane (Flamebird) does. Interesting is how Batwoman treats Bette the way Batman treats his protégés/sidekicks.


DEATHSTROKE

Louis Laughton of Chicago, IL

    Okay. Slade Wilson is awesome. Most readers who know the character know that. For new readers, they would have to learn that. But do you have to remind us of that every 5 minutes Kyle Higgins. SERIOUSLY. Every 5 minutes or less, we are getting told how awesome Deathstroke is in caption boxes or other people say it. You know, action speak louder than works at times but you know . . . there were some awesome moments in it. It was just kinda of . . . annoying to get constantly bombarded with the fact that we are being TOLD that Slade Wilson is bad***. If he really is, then show us. Yesh.










DEMON KNIGHTS


Eric McLeod of FL

Finally, there's Demon Knights. Okay, I wasn't too familiar with Paul Cornell's work before the relaunch, but his work on Stormwatch and this book make me want to check out more. Demon Knights is a fantastic swords and sorcery book featuring some of DC's most famous mystical characters such as Etrigan the Demon and Madame Xanadu, but fortunately you don't need to know anything about the characters prior to the story to understand everything. The artwork is great, the character interaction and dialogue are great, and the book is full of awesome Arthurian lore and Conan the Barbarian-esque scenery. If you're one of the people who avoid DC comics because you don't like superhero books or just love swords and sorcery fantasy, you need to pick it up. I really hope this finds an audience and continues for a long time because honestly it's one of my favorite books of the relaunch so far.

CBC's Hector Ramirez of Philadelphia, PA



 Another story that started at the core beginning and it spins an interesting tale. It’s refreshing to see Etrigan with a crew but one thing that got me was Etrigan wasn’t speaking in rhyme. Still not sure if it’s a good thing or bad thing.



Derrick Jones of Brooklyn, NY

Let me start off with I am a huge fan of Dungeons and Dragons, Middle Earth type

genre. All that sword and sorcery jazz really speaks to me, so I was very excited

when I heard that part of the NU52 was going to include Demon Knights, The first

issue did not disappoint.

I am not familiar with Paul Cornell’s previous work but I will be looking for

his name from now on. He has a very good grasp on the lore of that time period

and he manages to introduce the characters of the book quite well. It takes a lot

to write Jason Blood/Etrigan as a combo and make both characters likeable, or

most importantly not make Etrigan a standard demon who is only let out to fight.

If I have one complaint, and it is a small one, it is that this version of the demon

Etrigan does not rhyme, which is as much a staple of the character as Zatanna

speaking backwards.

Diogenes Neves provides pencils for our first issue, someone else I am not

immediately familiar with but he seems quite talented and the rest of the art team

very much compliments his work. He is not a lazy artist, his attention to detail is

quite good and I for one like that he did not take the easy way out and make all the

women waif model types wearing next to nothing.

All in all I found that the introductory issue more than serves its purpose (unlike

some other NU52 #1’s) you get some nice character intro and the pacing is good

so that when the end of the book comes it is not jarring. I will definitely be coming

back next month for more.

FRANKENSTEIN, AGENT OF S.H.A.D.E.

CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ


   This series interested me because of the Flashpoint miniseries & the recent appearance of the Creature Commandos in JL: Generation Lost. It felt like a great new beginning for Frankenstein as he meets his new team, becomes a leader and we see the base for SHADE all in one foul swoop. Jeff Lemire is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers and this book is just adding to the awesome that he writes. The cast were distinct, the art was kind of gloomy at first glance but grows on you and find it sets the tone of the book perfectly. The characters were all fun to watch . . . including a certain person who has the ability to shrink and is a scientist. Between this and Animal Man, I am now with Lemire for the long haul.
   








GREEN LANTERN


Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY


As expected, not a reboot and all I can say is well done. Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke have remained the creative team, picking up from the Aftermath of the War of the Green Lanterns. This book continues the upheaval that the Green Lantern Corps has been experiencing since the Sinestro Corps War and based on what I read in issue #1, there is more on the way.


CBC's Hector Ramirez of Philadelphia, PA



Well seeing as I didn't read Flashpoint (or War of the Green Lanterns) there were some things that I didn’t understand and there was very little action. But the cliffhanger ending guaranteed my purchase of at least issue 2.

Derrick Jones of Brooklyn, NY

I have to admit I was not overly excited about this one. Don’t get me wrong, I have been

enjoying the Lantern saga pretty much since Hal came back to life. And I knew that the Lantern end of the universe was going to pretty much remained untouched after all the work done to it over the last three years with the “Wars of light”. So I figured I would keep right on reading but the coming of the NU52 would bring nothing new. Sometimes I love to be proven wrong!

Geoff Johns brings it in the first issue and does it with very little action. Yes the story of Sinestro is interesting and I think it is supposed to be the main focus of the story but for me this book is all about Hal (and trust me as my least favorite of the Earth bound lanterns I never thought I would say that). What does a man do when he can no longer do what he is clearly born to do?

That is what this story is for me. Let’s face it Hal Jordan is good at two things, Slinging the green and flying planes and now you are living a life where you can’t do either. And because you have lived your life doing just those two things how do you cope when there gone.

Doug Mahnke brings his usual movie like panels and if you have read any of my other reviews you know I am a stickler for backgrounds. Well there are backgrounds without intricate backgrounds but it is not noticed because you’re either on a close up of a character or you’re in space and space should be the background. I will be back if for no other reason than to see if how low Hal will fall before he gets desperate. This one is going on the pull list.

GRIFTER


CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ


 Now this book was interestingly good. It wasn't great but it was good. It gave us our man character who more than lived up to his name. It gave us an interesting premise . . .being able to see Aliens that no one else can see. And it gave us a realistic reaction . . . going commando cause you see aliens and then being labeled a terrorist/ serial killer by the media. Edmonson & CAFU set up the story well enough to be interesting but not OMG .. . this is great. Not yet anyway. The potential is there and I am looking forward to more as another Wildstorm Alumni, Max Cash (aka Condition Red) has been sent after his brother. This is gonna be good.






LEGION LOST


CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ


 I love Fabian Nicieza. I like the LSH. So I grabbed this book and it was good. It was nearly great. My problem . . . I felt like I stepped in about halfway through the story when it first started. The story got wheels quickly and great characterization. The stakes were high. The cast was good. Just felt lost. Like these Legionnaries. I guess that is what Nicieza is going for but not sure. We'll have to see. I did enjoy the book.




MISTER TERRIFIC


Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY


In this one issue, DC has given Mister Terrific a better developed history of how he became a hero than his entire time in the JSA. I hope that the writing in this series stays at the level that of the first issue so that it can be around for a while.


CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ


I loved this issue. This was definitely one of the best first issues, not only of the new 52, but  that I have read in a long time. It gave us a small but solid history/origin of the character, introduced us to Michael Holt in the present with all of his intelligence and charm, intro us to his supporting cast, show us where one other JSA member ended up at and dealt with status, race and politics added with a mystery that was easy and fun to read. Kudos to the entire creative team. This is a book I will be following for a while to come. 


RED LANTERNS


Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY


Ed Benes is one of my favorite artists ever since his days on Birds of Prey so I would have pick this book up just for him. Peter Milligan is telling a good story but I’m not sure that there characters can support a book. Miniseries, yes but not an ongoing title.






RESURRECTION MAN


Louis Laughton of Chicago, IL


 You know, this was actually pretty good. Mitch Shelly seemed very interesting as a character . . . not only for dying a lot but coming back with new powers to learn each time and a slight variation of the character. This kept the book interesting and the art made the book very wonderful to look at . DnA, as the writers are known at times as, have a solid new beginning for the character they created back in the 1990s. Mitch Shelly is back and it seems to be pretty good.








SUICIDE SQUAD


Gerald Williams of Hemstead, NY


Same concept as the last run of Suicide Squad, just different characters. The only thing that has changed is how they are selected.


Louis Laughton of  Chicago, IL


   I want to say good stuff about it but . . . it's torture porn. Seriously . . .it's TORTURE PORN. Sure, Deadshot, El Diablo & Harley got great amount of character development and the ending was kinda cool and horrifying at the same time. This just makes me miss Secret Six even more which made you care about the characters but over all . . . it's Torture Porn . . . and it's not bad. It's gonna have to do something a bit better to impress me. And did Amanda Waller go on Weight Watchers?!




SUPERBOY


CBC's Hector Ramirez of Philadelphia, PA



 They show Conner from his very roots which I loved but it played out a lot like the Dr. Manhattan sequences from Watchmen still it’s safe to say I’ll be following this series.




CBC's Frankie Rodriguez of Vineland, NJ


  Superboy ended up being very intriguing, very well written and wonderfully drawn. The team of Lobdell and Silva give us a new Superboy who is just learning to deal with his powers and finding out who and/or what he is. There is a solid cast with some twisted motives and development here. It also ties in directly into Lobdell's Teen Titans, which comes out in 2 weeks. Definitely a lot going for it. A great job and I definitely want more.








And those are the opinions for this week. Seems like fans really love Demon Knights and Batwoman. Hmm . . . wonder what will next week will bring. Well, till then, this is CBC. Keep Clashing.

NEWS EDITION # 7 FANBOYS VS. ZOMBIES, TOP COWS PILOT SEASON 2011& X-MEN MEMBERS REVEALED?!

And we've got news, news and more news.


BUFFY . . . OUTLAW IN SAN FRANCISCO?!



      Buffy has some trouble as she escapes from the SFPD in Buffy Season 9, issue 3. As her friends and family turn their backs on her, Buffy turns to the streets to deal with some vampires. Yet, as she does, she finds a new kind of vampire slayer which will only lead to trouble. Meanwhile, Spike gets visions.

    What will happen as Buffy as she has no one to turn to?

  Find out in Buffy Season 9, #3 written by Andrew Chamberliss with art by George Jeanty and comes out this November. 








FANBOY VS. ZOMBIES . . . SERIOUSLY

 Yes.  Fanboys (and girls) like . . . you . . .and you, and you where you will find that zombies have come to take them all . . . and when I say them . . I mean you. Cause many of you or them . . . will end up surviving a zombie apocalypse.  BOOM! Studios will make some fanboys wet dreams come true. A group of fanboys and girls journey to Comic Con in San Diego only to find themselves at Ground Zero for a Zombie Invasion, as quoted from Chip Moser, Sales Director for BOOM! Studios.

  Trust me when I say you’ll never look at Comic-Con or zombie stories the same way again once you feast your eyes on this gory and hilarious masterpiece. “BOOM!’s first book, back in the day, was ZOMBIE TALES – the company has been built on horror and humor comics. No one does zombies like BOOM! Studios!


And Head of Creative Development for Electus, Jimmy Fox:

BOOM! Studios is the ideal partner for this initiative as no one understands what serves this audience better than they do. We wanted to create this for the real fans. The comic book junkies, the sci-fi nuts, the horror enthusiasts, the hardcore gamers – every one of them will be represented in our cast of characters. This is for any fan who has ever wondered what would happen if they had to play the role of the hero.

 Fanboys vs Zombies will be out this October.


TOP COW'S PILOT SEASON 2011 LINE UP

    For the fifth year in the row, Top Cow will release its next batch of possible titles in Pilot Season. This October and November this year, there will be eight new titles that Top Cow will show for fans. The one title that gets the most sales, ends up getting its own series next year. With a record number of competing titles, the voting this year will be done in a triple elimination system in December. After the final release in November, fans will be able to log onto TopCow.com and vote for their favorite for two weeks with no restriction on the number of votes per day. Then the top four will compete for a week with one vote per fan per day allowed. Finally the top two square off for one week with one vote per fan per day. So take a gander at the books to be unleashed and look at what you were looking for:






PILOT SEASON: TEST #1
story JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
art RAHSAN EKEDAL
cover BAGUS HUTOMO of IFS

OCTOBER 5
The Harvey nominated creative team of ECHOES, JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV (I…Vampire) and RAHSAN EKEDA (Solomon Kane) reunite to kick off 2011’s PILOT SEASON competition with TEST. A group of ten strangers wake up in a mysterious town with no memory of who they are and how they got there. They are the lone survivors of an apocalyptic event, chosen to repopulate the Earth. But what is the true nature of their fate?

TEST offers a fresh take on survivalist horror and psychological thriller in the way only FIALKOV and EKEDAL can!


PILOT SEASON: CITY OF REFUGE #1
story MORGAN DAVIS FOEHL
art & cover DENNIS CALERO
 
OCTOBER 12
Over a decade after Terminal, the residents of San Francisco live a peaceful and prosperous existence thanks to the Program. Every resident of the city is hand-selected and implanted with the chip Secura, which removes the human capacity for violence to maintain the greater good. Only the city's security forces are allowed a brief reprieve from Secura through use of the drug Freestone in order to do their jobs. Now, rumors of Freestone getting out into the open market threaten to upset the delicate balance keeping humanity from extinction.

Screenwriter MORGAN DAVIS FOEHL and artist DENNIS CALERO (X-Men: Noir) deliver a twist on the classic dystopian future in CITY OF REFUGE!


PILOT SEASON: THE BEAUTY #1
story JEREMY HAUN & JASON HURLEY 
art & cover JEREMY HAUN

OCTOBER 19
Modern society is obsessed with outward beauty. What if there was a way to guarantee you could be come more and more beautiful every day? What if it was contagious? In the world of The Beauty, physical perfection is attainable and while the mass majority of the population has taken advantage of it, Detectives Foster and Vaughn will soon discover it comes with a terrible price.

Writer/artist JEREMY HAUN (Detective Comics, ARTIFACTS) and co-writer JASON HURLEY offer up a startling reflection on the cost of looking good in this procedural science fiction tale.


PILOT SEASON: FLESHDIGGER #1
story SHANNON ERIC DENTON & BRAD KEENE 
art ALEX SANCHEZ
cover BERNIE WRIGHTSON

OCTOBER 26
A random act of kindness can be damning. When a man witnessed the ruthless beating of an innocent woman, he rushed to help her and was brutally murdered for his trouble. Now driven by revenge, sorrow, and guilt, the woman enacts arcane forces to resurrect him. From out of the earth he'll rise, a twisted, worm-riddled monstrosity forced to carry out vengeance to maintain whatever life he has left, all  while confronting the unimaginable truth of his new, hideous existence.  Is he forever damned to be a rotting monster driven by an insatiable bloodlust...or is it possible to shed the curse and return to normal?  The torment belongs to the living nightmare they'll call Fleshdigger.  God help anyone who gets in his way!

From Harvey Award nominee SHANNON ERIC DENTON (GRAVESLINGER, Common Foe) and screenwriter BRAD KEENE (The Grudge 3) and artist ALEX SANCHEZ (Fathom: Blue Descent) comes a tale of supernatural horror!


PILOT SEASON: MISDIRECTION #1
story FILIP SABLIK
art CHRIS DiBARI
cover MICHAEL GAYDOS

NOVEMBER 2
Vince Martinez raced cars for a living, now he can’t even drive. A tragic mistake took Vince from the height of success to losing his career, his family & his freedom. When he is unwittingly made the getaway driver for a bank robbery gone wrong, will Vince head back to jail or show the world why he was NASCAR’s hottest driver in one of the heaviest trafficked cities in the US.

Writer FILIP SABLIK (LAST MORTAL, PILOT SEASON: ASSET) teams with artist CHRIS DIBARI (Pale Horse, The Warriors) hit the gas on a high-speed fugitive tale with a twist!


PILOT SEASON: THEORY OF EVERYTHING #1
story DAN CASEY 
art THOMAS NACHLIK
cover ERIK JONES

NOVEMBER 9
Charles Witten is a brilliant scientist capable of inventing devices that will change our world. Unfortunately, most of the scientific community thinks he’s a crackpot. As does the government, until… a precision team of heist men rob a bank in Switzerland using what appears to be Witten’s dimension hopping technology. Technology that Witten designed, but never completed… 

Writer/director DAN CASEY and artist THOMAS NACHLIK (LAST MORTAL) deliver fast-paced, action-packed science fiction that will keep you guessing. 


PILOT SEASON: ANONYMOUS #1
story ALAN McELROY 
art MICHAEL MONTENAT
cover ERIK JONES

NOVEMBER 16
Marcus Walsh was an elite Special Forces soldier involved in black ops all over the world. Wet work like this takes its toll and Marcus wanted out, but this wasn’t a job you quit. There was only one way out. Now believed dead and completely anonymous, Walsh struggles to use his black ops skills to atone for his past sins.

Screenwriter ALAN McELROY (SPAWN, Tekken) newcomer MICHAEL MONTENAT delivers a hard-hitting adventure of redemption and conspiracy!


PILOT SEASON: SERAPH #1
story LANCE BRIGGS & PHIL HESTER 
art & cover JOSE LUIS

NOVEMBER 23
The angelic warrior now known only as Seraph was once a sinner. After living a life of selfishness and sin, personal tragedy drove him to kill himself. Plucked on his way to Hell by Heaven, the man was made Heaven’s soldier in an endless battle. Charged with fighting an ancient war, but bound by God’s law, can Seraph triumph over opponents not restricted in the same way and regain his faith in the process?

Creator LANCE BRIGGS (Chicago Bears) and writer PHIL HESTER (THE DARKNESS, Wonder Woman) are joined by artist JOSE LUIS (Justice League of America) deliver a story of personal loss and redemption wrapped in a rich supernatural mythos. 

So take a look and see what Top Cow has to offer.



STORMWATCH MAKES ITS MARK IN THE DCnU

  With the beginning of the DCnU merely a week away, DC has been flooding the internet, television and more with advertisements on their new books. And with the recent integration of some of Wildstorm's most known titles and characters into this new DC universe, Stormwatch is gonna provide a great back bone into in this brave new world.
    Writer Paul Cornell has stated that Stormwatch is most definitely NOT a super hero team. That this book will be brutal and have long history into the DC Universe, stating that they have ALWAYS existed. Cornell and DC have mentioned several times that they are even doing a lot of world building by having events from Action Comics, Superman and other DCnU books having connections into Stormwatch; creating a greater sense of community and continuity in this new universe.
   Paul Cornell stated in an interview about Stormwatch:

Stormwatch aren't 'coming into' the DCU, they've always been part of it. The book's got a very serious, deadly tone to it, leavened with the wit of the characters. Apollo and the Midnighter meet for the first time in issue one. Most asked question: yes, they're still gay.


We're getting more and more into the mythology of Stormwatch, how it connects with the entire history of the DCU. This all comes to a head at the end of issue four, when the first four issues have been getting to know our characters during this huge battle against, you know, the moon. Stormwatch connects across to current DCU books, and back into the universe's history. But I don't mean in a crossover, event-led, way, I mean that you'll get extra joy if you read it alongside the rest of the DCU, not less if you don't. New readers can just walk in, at any point, actually, because we're doing 'previously' at the start of each issue.


 Thus Cornell is setting up nice storylines as well as reasons why Martian Manhunter is on the team and, for the first time, see the actual development of the relationship between Midnighter and Apollo; notoriously known as one of the most high profile gay super hero couples in comics.  Joining Cornell on this ride through with Stormwatch is rising superstar artist Miguel Sepulveda, who does art and cover for the issues. And confirmed as the new Stormwatch line up are: Martian Manhunter, Apollo, Midnighter, Jenny Q (a new incarnation of Jenny Sparks/Quantum), The Engineer, Jack Hawksmoor, The Projectionist, Harry Tanner (also know as the Eminence of Blades)  and leader, Adam One.
   Get ready as this new Stormwatch are going to show that they are definitely NOT heroes. Stormwatch #1 written by Paul Cornell with art by Miguel Sepulveda will hit stands September 7th. 


X-MEN REGENESIS TEASES MEMBERS AND THE RETURN OF . . . WHAT THE?!

    Marvel's been steadily cranking out news for all their books, post Fear Itself, Schism, Spider Island . . . which are all going to end at the same time. Seriously . . . they are. As mentioned a couple of weeks ago, X-Men Regenesis is what Marvel is calling the relaunch of the X-Men titles after the end of Uncanny X-Men and X-Men Schism this October.
    On one side, Cyclops (possibly) will lead the Uncanny X-Men with what is rumored to be the strongest X-Men line up in history. On the other side, Wolverine will lead his own group of X-Men in what most rumors have said that the X-Men will return to the Mansion.
    With the brand new split coming between both teams, Marvel has been slowly releasing solicitations that shed some light on who will be on which team. And this is not the old Blue/Gold split for the sake of too many  X-Men. No . . . this is far different; with some major spoilers already being revealed by covers.  Brace yourselves cause things are a changing . . .

Cyclops's side:

Sebastian Shaw will be joining the X-Men and part of Generation Hope:

WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! . . . The former Black King that Emma recently mindwiped during the Uncanny X-Men's Quarrentine storyline is coming back and joining the next generation of mutants?! How? WHY? I admit I am intrigued . . . and a bit horrified.

Next up, Jubilee is staying with Cyclops and NOT leaving with Wolverine.

 Well, isn't this just a punch to the gut. Jubilee is one of Logan's many young mutants mentored by him over the years. And now she is gonna stay on Utopia with Cyclops. Well, points for Marvel for remembering that Jubliee is also connected to Emma, who trained her alongside the late Sean Cassidy in Generation X.  Yet, Jubilee is gonna be on the X-Men.

 Funny thing is that the next two pictures are ads and possible covers for Uncanny X-Men when it relaunches in November, not October like originally reported. (Sorry guys. My fault-Frankie)

The first image is interesting cause it was released about 2 to 3 weeks ago, implying that Cyclops would not be there. Shortly after rumors of him dying or disappearing at the end of Schism had begun to surface with even  writer Kieron Gillen implying that Cyclops may or may not survive.

This past week, Marvel released its latest solicitations for November with the second image, drawn by new Uncanny X-Men artist Carlos Pacheco, who is on his second tour with the X-Men as he drew "X-Men" back in the late 90s, early 2000, with Cyclops clearing pointing and leading his team . . . whoever they may be.

Although with the shadows behind Emma and  some of the shadows behind Cyclops, fans might have a couple of guess. Yet, before we can get into those guesses . . . here's a BIG draft pick for Cyclops's side.  

                         

HOLY FRELL . . . It's Storm. Yes. As confirmed by the recent solicitations for the books in November, Storm is not just on the cover you see here, which is of X-Men #20 but also on another cover that will reveal several more members that I will post directly after this one.

Gillen and Marvel have hinted that Storm will be taking major roles in not just one X-Men book but two of them after the split in Schism, which is great cause Storm has blended into the background since her return to the X-Men.

By the way, she is indeed fighting War Machine there on the cover. Be careful Rhodey . . .you may have military training but Storm can control the weather and has taking down other mutants . . . without powers. Not to mention, I don't think her husband, T'Challa, would be happy to hear that you were man handling his wife. I'm just saying.

Things are gonna get crazy cause this is the cover of Generation Hope #13. And guess what . . . look who is on the cover? Most of Generation Hope confirmed to be staying alongside Hope Summers, the granddaughter of Scott Summers and daughter (adoptive daughter anyway) of Nathan Christopher Summers aka Cable.

And look who they are fighting . . .

Storm, who I just confirmed to be siding with Cyclops.

Magneto is staying with Cyclops, who I honestly can say is NOT a surprise. It looks like his shadow up there in the Uncanny X-Men posters from earlier.

But then TWO big surprise. First, that shadow in the first Uncanny X-Men posters/covers is not the Juggernaut but Colossus. Yes. Piotr Rasputin recently transformed into the new Juggernaut in Uncanny X-Men #542. And X-Men Editor Nick Lowe confirmed that this change was NOT going away anytime soon. So Piotr is STAYING with Cyclops. Which makes the last surprise of Cyclops side that much bigger . . .

Psylocke. The same Psylocke who is on Wolverine's secret X-Force team is switching over to Cyclops's side. The telepathic ninja has had a lot to deal with with her disdain for X-Force killing a child (who was the next host of Apocalypse) and then watching her lover, Archangel, revert into a killer and possible new host for Apocalypse . ..  Psylocke hasn't had it easy following Wolverine. Her recent kiss with Fantomex may be a deciding factor. Who knows? I guess we will find out, all the same.

And that is just on the Cyclops side.



Now, on the Wolverine Side of Things.



 Rogue is going over to Wolverine's side. And honestly, after the recent treatment of the Southern Belle since you went back to the X-Men during X-Men Legacy, we should not be surprise. Cyclops has not been always the best towards Rogue and even questioning her decisions. He even took Rogue off mentoring duties for Generation Hope.

Rogue has endured a lot but has grown exceptionally since Mike Carey has gotten his hands on her. It has also been rumored that she would be helping Wolverine lead his faction of X-Men come October.

Which leads into the next member of the X-Men going over to Wolverine's side.

The cover of  X-Men Legacy #259 reveals that Gambit is alongside the Southern Belle. And that is no real surprise considering their long time on again, off again romance. Gambit has been covering Rogue's back since his return to the X-Men.

Will their love finally get them together for good?

Yet, WHAT THE . . . Magneto is here too? What does that tell us? Is Magneto here as joining Wolverine's team too or is it a red herring considering he's on at least 3 different posters and covers for Cyclops's team. Or is this a set for him and Gambit's last showdown for Rogue's affection?

It certainly offers a lot of questions; especially so soon after their return from space to get Rachel Grey, Lorna Dane and Alex Summers aka Havok.


Which comes to what is the FINAL piece of teasers that confirm a character on Wolverine's team. Are you ready . . .



NIGHTCRAWLER!!!

Wait . . .What?

But he's dead, you say. Shot to death.

You are not surprised you say. You knew they were gonna resurrect him you say?

WRONG.

Sort of. That is indeed Nightcrawler. But not the Nightcrawler from our universe. No . . . It seems that this Nightcrawler is a different one from the Age of Apocalypse universe. This Nightcrawler is far more dangerous and deadly then his 616 counterpart. Yet, kudos for Marvel for bringing back a character without cheapening the stories before.

So Nightcrawler, Rogue and Gambit are the only one's confirmed on Wolverine's side.


Just a few things to point out. Most of the shadows on Cyclops's side of Uncanny X-Men have already been revealed.

Yet, there have been few on Wolverine's side that have been revealed.

 I do want to point out a few things before we end this:

 First, notice the guy to the left of Wolverine and his energy signature. That is DEFNITELY Havok's energy signature. An long time X-Men fan knows what that looks like.  Secondly . . . we know that 9 times out of 10, where Havok goes, Polaris will be there with him.

Finally, that one shadow next to whoever is flying on Wolverines's back could very well be Iceman, who Marvel stated will indeed have a bigger role in the X-Men after Schism. But those three are speculation . . . although that is Havok's energy signature so Havok is joining up with Wolverine.


This still does not account for other X-Men like Kitty Pryde, Cannonball, Marvel Girl (Rachel Grey), Namor and more. We aren't even gonna start on teams like the New Mutants and X-Factor and how are they going to be affected. Makes you wonder what is going on . I guess we will find out come October and November as Regenesis will start and the X-Men may never be the same.



COMIC BOOK CLASH DC'S RELAUNCH BLOG PROJECT


 Yes. You are reading right. CBC is doing a special project in honor of the massive relaunch of books from DC Comics this September. This is historic. And we want to know how you feel about the books. Yeah you! Not the person to the left. No, no the midget who stole your girlfriend. Not your parents. YOU!  DC is releasing 52 new number 1s as you know . . . and we want to hear for you what you think.

    We will go by a Week by Week Breakdown of the new titles. And we need your input. It can be a few sentences. It can be a video of your opinion that we can upload and/or link. But we are looking for as much input from fans about the books after you have read them.

    Comments and/or videos from books on a certain week will come out the week after they have been released . .. For example, Justice League opinions will be hit our page September 7th. Then every week after till the final week of new number #1s, which will be seen in the first week of October.

  We want your input. And we will take your input on more than just 1 book but at least 1. We want to have something for all 52 books so do hesitate to pick up a new #1 and tell us what you think. And don't worry, CBC and many of the J1 staff themselves will be weighing in their own opinions come September.

So if you are interested in take 1 book or more, reading it and giving us an honest opinion other than just "It's sucks!" or "It's awesome!", please feel free to email us at francisco.k.rodriguez@gmail.com and state which book or books you will give opinions on. Deadline for opinion of the book is the Monday before the next CBC so for Week 1, you have until 11:59pm Monday September 5th to tell us what you think of Justice League #1 and next Monday till 11:59pm for all the books of Week Two.  J1 Studios and CBC will reserve the right NOT to post certain comments if they are too . . .offensive.  So don't be shy. Tell us what you think. See and talk with you all soon.

Frankie Rodriguez (aka Seraph)
CBC Head


See ya next week