Review of The Flash (S01:E01 - E03)

Jason Book (houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I discuss the strong start to The Flash series on CW television.

The acting is strong, starting with Grant Gustin as Barry Allen but also the supporting cast. We like the connections to the comic books, but handled in a way that is open to new fans. It is great to have a lighter-toned, fun superhero show to complement Arrow, Gotham, and Constantine. We think it's off to a great start!

Review of Superman 35

Jason Book (houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I review Superman #35 (DC Comics), by Geoff Johns and John Romita Jr. This is part 4 in The Men of Tomorrow arc.

Overall, we are enjoying the story and feel this issue does a nice job of setting up what should be a great finish with Ulysses' character arc and the mysteries surrounding the Machinist and other shadowy figures. The art was uneven, however, and I was downright distracted by some of the off-putting panels. It was a step back in my opinion about Romita Jr.

Review of TMNT (Vol 9)

Here's my review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Monsters, Misfits, and Madmen (Vol. 9), from IDW Publishing. The story is by Eastman and Waltz, with script by Tom Waltz and art by Mateus Santolouco.

Overall, it was a weak entry in an otherwise amazing run. And even though this one was a bit scattered without moving events or characters forward, it does set up what looks to be a promising Volume 10.

Review of Justice League 35

I review the latest issue of Justice League (DC Comics, New 52), by Geoff Johns, Doug Mahnke, and Ivan Reis. It's the prologue issue to the new arc, the Amazo virus.

I think the issue gets the story off to a strong start, and it was fascinating to go down into the secret depths of LexCorp. The high-society event at the beginning of the issue also bears a strong resemblance to the scene they are filming for Batman v Superman this week at the Broad art museum in East Lansing, MI. (Note: Michigan State is the alma mater of myself and, more importantly, Geoff Johns.) SPOILERS: an extra reported to local news that Bruce Wayne is in attendance at Luthor's big gathering and Wayne and Luthor get into an altercation. The military is called in.

For reviews of things building up to this issue, here is Forever Evil and also Justice League 34. The big reveal at the end of JL 34 does not really carry forward into 35, but I think it will definitely play a major part in the story arc overall.

History of Wonder Woman

I've been making a series of posts focused on preparing for Batman v Superman, but one thing I have not covered is Wonder Woman. She will be portrayed by Gal Gadot in the 2016 movie, but here's a post from Batman-News that will help bring you up to speed on her origin and power set.

A question remaining about Batman v Superman is the size of her role. Will she be a co-lead with Superman and Batman, as implied by her appearance at the San Diego Comic Con, or will she be more of a supporting role or an extended cameo setting up her role in Justice League down the road?

Preparing for Batman v Superman (Part 6): On Set

Jason Book (http://houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I discuss the most recent leaked images from the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie set. SPOILERS

Topics include a protest scene, the batmobile, Lois in overalls, a mansion, and museum, and Luthor's hair (or lack thereof).

Review of Justice League 34

Jason Book (houseofjb.blogspot.ca) and I review the new Justice League issue, which is the epilogue to the Injustice League arc, following Forever Evil. The issue was written by Geoff Johns with art by Scott Kolins.

We had some issues with the art, but we're looking forward to Jason Fabok taking over. And I liked how this issue increased the intrigue with regard to Captain Cold's and Lex Luthor's infiltration into unusual situations. Can they be trusted?

Affleck interview on NPR

Ben Affleck was interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered to promote Gone Girl, but as usual, he was also asked to comment on the forthcoming Batman v Superman.

Here is a link to the interview. He talks about the pleasure of working from a script by Chris Terrio, who is a great writer but not a comic aficionado, and under the direction of Zack Snyder, who is a visual master and who is steeped in comic knowledge. He also reflects on the quality of Daredevil.

Here are some videos on YouTube that can help you prepare for Batman v Superman.

Review of Gotham (S01:E01, S01:E02)

Jason Book (Wrapped in Plastic) and I discuss the first two episodes of Fox's Gotham TV series.

Overall, we are enjoying the show but we point out a few aspects that could be improved in future episodes.