Ratings and Rantings

Ladies, Gentlemen, children of all ages, it's that time once again for the rant-fest known as Ratings and Rantings! I'm your host, the always interesting Jason Todd, welcoming you, once again to my Red Hood. First things first, I'm actually not reviewing Dark Wolverine, it's crossing over with Franken-Castle and I didn't wanna read half the story so I didn't get this month's issue. Also, they forgot to put my Deadpool issue in my bad even though it's on my receipt so I paid for it... and I'm too lazy to go back to the shop today so I'll review it next week. We've got a lot of comics on deck today, so I'm gonna jump right into the swing of things. And since I'm running low on ideas, anyone who has an idea for the weekly poll next week, feel free to submit it. Now, let's get to it!

Time Masters: Vanishing Point #1

Now, long time readers may remember how hyped up I was when I found out one of my favorite DC characters, Booster Gold, would get a chance to team up with The Man of Steel and Green Lantern Hal Jordan, to search for Bruce Wayne back in mid-April. So to say I've been waiting for this is an understatement. So the issue starts off with some awesome insight on the usually secret background of Rip Hunter. We see some bonding time between him and his Father, who if you keep up, you should definitely know by now. Jumping into present time, or um.. at least the 15th century, we see the Time Masters crew (Booster, Rip, Superman and Hal Jordan), the latter two want to help some people who have smallpox. Hunter vetoes this saying they can't change anything, except in a much funnier way, to Superman that's almost guaranteed to be the line of the issue. From there we see how Rip put this team together, and also see appearances of Despero, Supernova and Goldstar, Booster's sister. This first issue of Time Masters has everything I wanted and more. I'm usually not a big fan of the whole jumping around, past, present story unless it's done well (ala Lost) and it was done well here. The only thing that bothered me is we were kinda just dropped into it with not a lot of background, but I'm sure we'll learn more as time goes on. As for this issue I enjoyed it a lot, I'd give it a 9/10.

Superman: We can't ignore this, Hunter.

Rip Hunter: This isn't a jaunt to the Smallville candy store, Superman! We are in the past and that means we don't change anything! It also means you'll do as I say!

Power Girl #14

Every once in a while an issue starts with a great scene. A hero flying high, a hero surrounded by the people he's saved who are praising them. A hero staring at another hero letting you know they respect one another. This one starting with PG getting punched by a fist that makes The Hulk's look small in comparison. We then flashback to earlier in the day when Power Girl's alter-ego, Karen Starr, found out that after an employee named Donna embezzled millions from the Karen's company that it was being seized by the government. She then gets a call from Booster Gold, who if you count this appearance is in four comics this month. After Power Girl fails at recognizing Max Lord, a defeated Booster takes off. PG heads off and see's three destroyed buildings along with a currently falling forth. She goes to investigate and runs into a robotic, android type thing that is caused from something else in the issue that I won't spoil for you. From there a little assimilation happens and we leave off with our plucky, precious Power Girl in a precarious predicament. Wooo, Alliteration!!! Anyway, another solid issue of Power Girl. It doesn't have that big time feel though, it just seems like it's to be read, but never to fully be immersed in like some other comics. I did enjoy it though, I'll give it an 8/10 rating.

Purple Dude: I don't even have any junk for pete's sake!

Power Girl: Junk?

Purple Dude: The Frank and Beans, kiddo. I'm like a Ken Doll down south. This is no way for a man to live.

Brightest Day #6

Martian Manhunter's on the cover so I'm hoping it's his story, the Firestorm boys and Deadman. Maybe the Aqua-Team too, and no Hawkman/girl. Well we start with some stupid green alien thingy killing some people for no apparent reason. Awesome... that's just awesome. *Sarcasm* Meanwhile, Martian Manhuter realizes that all the plants he comes in contact with die. Anyway, jumping to Hawk, Dove and Deadman are trying to bring female Hawk back from the grave. Dove comes up with the brilliant idea that to use his ring he needs to embrace life, much like a Green Lantern much use Will for their rings. When trying to remember what he enjoyed while alive the ring or white voice or whatever randomly chimes in with "He loved cheese-burgers." and that causes Black Lantern Girl-Hawk to shoot up from the ground. What in the hell am I reading? Apparently that was a warning and not real, when asked why Hawk's brother and Dove's sister aren't back from the dead the ring says "eat a cheese-burger." .....Anyway, jumping to Jason Rusch, he's hit on by some girl who introduces herself as Kelly from Chemistry. She likes Jason obviously and he turns her down, I'd assume cause he misses Gehenna. After blowing her off she says "If you change your mind, I'm on Facebook." ....WHAT?! Does someone not know how facebook works? I don't think you can type "Kelly from Chemistry" in the search engine just to find her. That just annoyed me more than anything. From there the Firestorm storyline heats up, no pun intended. We also got an explanation of Mera's past that was pretty interesting. Then we jump back to Martian Manhunter who's enlisted Oracle to help him out with finding the culprit of some grisly murders. The end result left me confused on what exactly happened, so I guess I'll be awaiting the next issue. This review is weird because the comic was horrible at the beginning but got good with the Firestorm, Aquaman and last few pages of the Martian Manhunter stuff, but not enough to save this. I'd give it a 4.5/10.

White Ring: Eat a Cheeseburger. (Brought to you by Burger King.)

Superman/Batman #74

Lex Luthor starts off things in this comic, still trying to give his name the respect he feels it deserves on the planet that hates Superman. We see that Lex has been keeping both Superman and Batman busy so that they don't see his true actions, while trying to attain a God-like status on this new planet. Lex has been keeping Batman busy with crimes in Crime Alley or around churches and foster homes, and pretty soon Batman figures out that he's being distracted, but doesn't know what he's being distracted from. Meanwhile, Supes returns to the planet to make peace but is attacked with Kryptonite, obviously a gift from their "God", Lex Luthor. Supes eventually finds out that Lex is behind it, due to him using Luthor Corp products in his rockets. If you're rich, buy someone else's stuff!! That's like Batman using Wayne Corp grappling hooks. Batman eventually discovers it's Lex's men running crime in Gotham and pays him a visit. Superman, much like myself, calls Lex out on using his own products when he also pays Lex a visit. The issue was less team-up and more common enemy, and seemed to be a filler until issue #75. It wasn't bad but wasn't great either. I'd give it a 6.5/10.

Superman: You may push too far one day, Luthor, and all your lawyers and fall guys won't be enough to protect you... Or you might even get me mad.

Lex: I doubt it Superman... I know what buttons to push... and which to avoid.

Batman Beyond #2

Batman Beyond #2 kicks things off with a news report on the man whose been killing people lately that's being watched by someone whose name I can't make out and Amanda Waller. On the other side of Neo-Gotham, Batman drops in on Bruce Wayne to tell him who he almost went up against. Bruce has believed Hush to be dead for some years, due to the events he recounts in this comic, but was never certain. Bruce decides to study the bandage "Hush" left behind while Terry hits the street to find the killer. The killer spends this time killing a former villain by the name of Armory, and his wife and son, this time using sharpened umbrellas, the trademark of the Penguin. While heading home, Batman spots someone trying to steal proverbial billions in merchandise from Cloudware industries. Turns out this person is a futuristic Catwoman, much like our current (futuristic) Batman. Terry loves this, and claims he's always wanted a Catwoman because it's an unwritten law that they have a "thing" for each other. They banter, fight and the feline femme fatale (more alliteration!!!!) disappears like magic. Batman is then sent to look up former Batman villains by Bruce, to possibly cut off the killer at the pass. Terry walks in on the Calender Man, Julian Day, who had the big plan to send Commissioner Barbara Gordon an exploding birthday card. Batman takes it and is suddenly tackled by the killer who bursts through the window. After a quick fight, the killer stands up and says he's going to kill Batman, and the killer has the exact same wrapped face and gear as Hush. This was a very good issue and stayed strong. The introduction of the new Catwoman as well as the mystery of who is the Killer and if it's really Hush is keeping me interested, plus the artwork looked better this month. I'll give this issue a 9/10.

Batman: But Batman and Catwoman are supposed to have a thing! It's an unwritten law! A Tradition!

Catwoman: Well, I ain't into the law... and I ain't your grandma's Catwoman.

Batman: Streets of Gotham #14

From one Hush story to another eh? I'm not complaining at all. Anyway, things here start off with a former gangster getting out of Blackgate Prison after 27 years. He's picked up by Anthony Marchetti  and ZZZ, the big brute that always falls asleep. The gangster makes small talk asking about the town and such and how it's changed. He says he's gonna take a hot shower, go grab a grinder and some beers, take a walk on the bridge and look at his town, and then put a bullet in Bruce Wayne's skill. and yes, he said it VERY casually like that. Then we see Hush, who's just had a dream he's killed Batman, Zatanna, Robin, Katana, Catwoman and the rest of his guardians since he's stepped out into the city as Bruce Wayne. He awakes, shaves, showers and is met by Katana, whose on babysitting duty today. Hush starts to think back on things he's been doing since moving back to the Elliot Manor, like coming across his Mother's diary. We then see a VERY interesting flashback (what is it with flashbacks today?!) with the Elliots, Bruce's parents, Thomas Wayne and Martha Kane, and Zatanna's father, John Zatara. Back in present day, Katana tells Hush that he's dreaming if he thinks Arkham Asylum will release the people he's listed, and he mentions Harley Quinn is free thanks to a recommendation by Bruce Wayne. It seems one of the women he wants released, is Jane Doe. The co-feature is a Two-Face story, and it's phenomenal. It was better than the main story, and the main story was good. I'll give this issue of Streets of Gotham a 9/10. 8 for the main and 10 for the co-feature.

Hush: It's not fair, really. I had to endure months of agony to surgically change my appearance. You wardens cheat with illusions created by Zatanna's magic rings.

And that's it for a big week here on Ratings and Rantings. I'll be back with the new weekly poll this weekend and the results of this weeks VERY lopsided poll. I don't have any plans for posting things but if you guys wanna see something feel free to suggest it. If I'm not too lazy, I'll gladly do it! Well until then, I'm your friendly neighborhood Blogger man, Jason Todd!

Next Time on Ratings and Rantings

Action Comics #891, Batman: Widening Gyre #6 (I reviewed #5 on March 10th btw...), Detective Comics #867, The Flash #4, Gotham City Sirens #14, Green Arrow #2, Green Lantern #56, Green Lantern Corps #50, JL Generation Lost #6, Deadpool #25 and Wolverine Origins #50.

The Search for Bruce Wayne

Hey everyone, just dropping by with a few updates. Firstly I'll have my newest review this Saturday, that way I can put up a new poll as well, and this one is gonna be pretty interesting. As of this posting Deadman leads the way in our Brightest Day Poll but with two more days to vote anything can happen.

Also, I wanna say to anyone and everyone, that 2011 looks to be interesting with the solicits in the back of Flash #01 pointing to an upcoming storyline called Flashpoint. I may not be the biggest Barry Allen fan, (Bart > Wally > Barry > Jay in my book, no offense to Jay.) but  I'm hyped about this, even though it's a year from now. With Batman, Supes and WW getting long arc's and recently Green Lantern, it's about time Flash got one and it looks to include the Trinity in a big way. You can't tell alot about one page but I'll be on the look out for Flashpoint.

Lastly the big announcement over at the DCU Blogs today was there will be a comic called Time Masters: Vanishing Point. This will feature Rip Hunter gathering a team consisting of three of my favorites, Superman, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and Booster Gold to travel through time and look for Bruce Wayne. The idea of this is genius. Why wouldn't they go looking for Bruce now that they know he's lost in time? Plus Booster standing side by side with the man who ended the Blackest Night and The Man of Steel does nothing but help him look better which is great. I'm extremely happy to hear about Rip's Trio searching for Bruce Wayne, and this apparently will go hand in hand with The Return of Bruce Wayne. Time Masters will also be a six issue mini-series. Also it will apparently have clues to the next big DCU event in it. So look for that in July, as I certainly will. And of course I gotta show you guys the awesome cover.

Tell me that's not awesome. Birds of Prey, Time Masters, Jason Todd's mini series, The Return of Bruce Wayne, End of Blackest Night, Brightest Day. Man the DC Universe is heating up in 2010. What else is coming? I'll be waiting on more announcements and I'll definitely update you guys, especially If I'm as giddy like I am now, haha.

- Jason Todd

Review a Few!!!

Hola Senor's and Senorita's, Jason Todd here with another edition of Review A Few. We got a packed week as I actually pulled in 7 comics that I'm currently keeping up with, so you guys know the deal. Quick overview of my thoughts and whatnot, and of course the world famous "Line of The Issue" will be in light blue. So, let's do it!

Batman #696

Continuing Tony Daniel's current Batman run is this month's issue of Batman, picking up where it left off in #695. Before I say anything let me just say, whoever told Tony Daniel that people talked this way should be smacked. "That be it, baby." Really? Come on now. Plus Damian saying "Epic Fail!" was one of the moments that reminded me why I hate him so much. So, basically B-Man falls victim to a little plot cooked up by Jervis "The Mad Hatter" Tetch and The Penguin. What we do learn in this isse is that Dick Knows who Black Mask is, and we'll find out next week. Sadly I already KNOW who it is because they made it obvious as hell. I mean..come on now. Reading that page they TELL YOU who it is. Anyway, I didn't care for the layout of the story, there was too much jumping around Chris Yost style. I'll give this a 4/10 just for establishing that the next issue will show who Black Mask is.

Dick Grayson: My head feels like it's dancing inside a bag of rocks...but I can think again. Clear enough at least... to know who the Black Mask is.

Green Lantern Corps #45

GLC Corps last left us with a raging roid like Red Lantern Guy Gardner vs. pretty much the entire Green Lantern Corps. I just wanna say that words can not express the awesomeness of seeing the good and bad moments of Guy's life. That page alone definitely bumped the score, and even more so seeing him get punched by The Dark Knight. But besides all that, this was a great issue. I was surprised at how the ending came about but I kinda saw it coming. I will say that Green Lantern Corps has really renewed my interest in guys like John, Kyle and Guy. That being said, this issue was very well done, I loved the artwork and Peter Tomasi can write a damn good story, so I give GLC a 9/10. It was a good story but I can't justify giving it higher than that.

Kyle Rayner: How many people that I care about do I need to lose before enough is enough?!? HOW MANY?!?

Blackest Night Flash #3

Damn this issue starts out gruesome. I was having doubts then like seconds later I was hooked. Once again I gotta say I love Wally's new suit and I think it looks better than Barry's to be honest. Anywho, um...really hate the fact that this came out before Flash Rebirth #6 because they ruined the ending. Also, Blackest Night apparently takes place one week after, which I couldn't tell because Blackest Night has been going on damn near as long as Flash Rebirth. Also the fact that Black Lantern Bart thinks Wally wants to be Kid Flash again is just incredibly stupid. He's a grown damn man! Also, man...the return of one person and the death of another, this comic has it all. 9/10 a definite must read for Flash fans.

Trickster: Think you can melt them?

Heatwave: Trust me kid. EVERYTHING has a melting point.

Justice League of America #43

In the last JLA issue we saw Donna Troy and a few other former Teen Titans teaming up with Hal Jordan and trying to convince Oliver Queen to join their incarnation of the Justice League. This picks up with our J. Leaguer's Hal Jordan, Donna Troy, Dick "Batman" Grayson and Starfire taking on Atlas. I loved the opening bit here with everyone's inner monologues somewhat gelling together. Other than that and the character interactions there isn't alot to this comic. The storyline kinda confused me and I didn't care for it much, but it's only the second issue with the new JLA so I'll endure, I'll give this a 6.5/10.

Batman: Now You, Green Lantern!

Batman inner monologue: Weird giving an order to Hal.

Hal's inner monologue: Weird taking an order from Dick.

Streets of Gotham #9

Well, this was a nice little story but honestly I'm looking for the Zsasz story to pick back up. That had alot of action, this has Damien on the cover yet he isn't even in it, and stuff like that just annoys me. Anyway like I said I did like this story, a nice mystery whodunnit type story but that's all it was. Nothing stood out and I'll probably forget it by tomorrow so that's why I can't really rate it higher than a 5/10. Wish I could but it was a very forgettable story. Now lets get Zsasz back into the book and follow up that storyline. 

Gordon: I think I'll get a drink of water and leave you two alone.

Batman: Take your time. Grab yourself a danish.

Scared Thug: NO! No. Stay....

Green Lantern #51

This comic starts off with Lex arguing with Larfleeze over the Orange rings. Just pure awesome. Also I have to mention the art is just fantastic, some of the best damn comic work I've seen to be honest. Okay now this isn't a spoiler in the sense of ruining anything storyline wise but, Dude....Parallax...RIPPED SPECTRE'S FACE OFF. That alone bumped this up to at least an 8 before I could finish reading it. Awesome comic though, I mean I've never seen so many characters utilized so well until Blackest Night came along, everyone gets their time to shine and this definitely kept me hyped for Blackest Night #7. Most people have grown tired on Blackest Night but so far I'm still loving it. I give Green Lantern #51 a solid 10/10, two issues in a row.

Lex Luthor: The Lives an Orange Lantern takes becomes his soldiers. MY Lanterns, and Superman will be one of them. HE WILL BE MINE!

Great Review a Few, I was pleasantly pleased with a few of these comics and can't wait until next week for my newer batch of comics. Blackest Night once again reigns supreme and delivers great stories. As always I appreciate comments and opinions, and expect a review later this week on an animated movie. Until next time, keep it real, because You've just been Gobsmacked!

- Jason Todd


Edit: Update for all my fellow DC Fans as reported from DCU.Blog.DCComics.com
 

Jim Lee and Dan DiDio Named Co-Publishers DC Comics

Geoff Johns to Serve as Chief Creative Officer

John Rood Named EVP, Sales, Marketing and Business Development
Patrick Caldon Named EVP, Finance and Administration

Huge news. Gotta say, I'm very glad to see Geoff and Jim getting bumped up in the DC World, as one of my favorite artists and wone of my favorite writers I'm loving this news. Couldn't have happened to two more talented guys, and here's hoping they thrive in their new jobs.

Review a Few

Hey everyone, back for a Review a Few and a new update to JTCS. Basically the reason I wasn't around last week is due to me having an awful awful headache on Saturday that carried on to Sunday. Man I hate those. Anyway this review a few will be the biggest yet, and due to that I'm not gonna go as in-depth as I did last time. Literally just 2-3 lines and then the new inclusion that I've dubbed Line of The Issue aka LOTI. Basically for those who don't understand it, I'm going to pick what I think is the best line of the issue, it may be funny, may be awesome. Either way, I'll also name the best line of the issue and it'll be in light blue. So Line of the issue in light blue, rating in red. Anyway lets jump right into it.

The Atom and Hawkman #46

Atom and Hawkman was unique because one of the main characters is a Black Lantern already whereas The Atom is the recently recruited Indigo Tribe member. Now as someone who hasn't cared much about The Atom since Identity Crisis I will say this issue changed that. Being shown how he's always gravitated around Jean Loring and also his willingness to try to save his friends. Along with Catwoman and Powers of Shazam some of these one month returns have been really good. This one was very interesting from cover to cover. That's why I give this issue a 8/10.

Indigo: Atom. You just saved the universe.

Atom: Just don't tell anyone, I like to keep a low profile.

Gotham City Sirens #8

Gotham City Sirens #8's focus was Poison Ivy. Now I may sound like a broken record but I've been indifferent to Ivy since Sirens started. I've always liked Harley and Selina but Pamela (hm...all their names have six letters) has never really captured my attention until this issue. This issue was amazing. I loved damn near everything about it except the ending bothered me SO much. I hate comics where someone gives up information just because...It you held onto it this long why would you just say, I know where blah blah blah is. That just pisses me off, and it ended everything on a good note just in time to end the issue, but it seemed too peachy keen for me. That dropped the rating, but Sirens 8 gets a 8.5/10.

Gordon: How can I reach you?

Poison Ivy: Tell the Ficus in your office and I'll know.

Justice League of America #41

JLA 41 aka The Birth of the new Justice League. This issue marks the start of a new Trinity as well with Mon-El, Dick "Batman" Grayson and Donna Troy. Basically this issue was just about the JLA gathering new members. That's it. Nothing else was established. I was pretty bored with it, there were some cool moments but for the most part me knowing who was already joining ruined it. Anyway I'd give this about a 6/10.

Batman: Anyway, you're here for a reason, Donna, and I think I know. Judging from your appearance and the tone of your voice, I deduce...you want me in the Justice League.

Donna Troy: That is amazing! You got that just from my appearance?

Batman: Yes... Oh, and Vic called ahead and told me.

World's Finest #4

World's Finest is the four issue comic series that has team ups between people of the Superman mythos and Batman Mythos. The first three issues featured Nightwing & Red Robin, Robin & The Guardian, Supergirl and Batgirl, and this issue features the granddaddy of em all, the first ever Superman/Batman team up with Dick Grayson as Batman. This issue was pretty cool, I hated seeing Supes dressed in his Krytonian clothes because the Superman suit is what makes him Superman, hell he's even wearing it on the cover of the issue. Anyway this was a cool team up but I'd like better villains next time besides Toyman and Mr. Freeze. Maybe Bizarro and Joker or Bizarro and Solomon Grundy or Joker and Lex or something. Either way, this issue gets a 6/10.

Damian: How do you swing around Gotham weighing this much? Criminals probably call you Fat-girl.

Teen Titans #79

Teen Titans #79 is the first issue to really make Static the main hero of the comic so far. As a fan of Static from his TV show plus the fact that there's no really alot of notable African American superheroes in DC, I mean John Stewart, Black Lightning, Cyborg and Vixen are the only ones that I can think of off the top of my head. Anyway this issue is the first time we see Static head home to Dakota since he was kidnapped as a member of the Dark Side Club. Static's parents and family don't seem to know that he's Static, then again they might, everything seemed so vague. I like Static but this issue was more of a round about and featured too many time jumps, it was very Yost-like which means I hated the style of it. I do like what their doing with Cassie though. That said, I give this issue a 4/10.

Virgil (Talking to his Sister) :You look better. I mean, you're still ugly, but you look better.

Superman: Secret Origins #4

Is it just me or does Rudy look exactly like Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force minus the Mustache? Anyway, the origin they gave Parasite was genius. It makes such perfect sense so I commend Mr. Johns on another fine part of this Superman Origin. Now can anyone tell me if Lois Lane has ALWAYS had typos in her work because I saw it on Smallville and now it's in this and I never really noticed if she usually has typo's while working at the planet. Anyway, the character development with Jimmy Olsen was very interesting as well. All in all, another good issue of a great Origin story so far. I give this issue a 9/10.

Clark: We've actually met before Mr. Luthor. Clark Kent. From Smallville.

Lex: Yes. It was some time ago, but I'd remember those glasses anywhere.

Batman and Robin #7

First off...The fact that this arc is called Blackest Knight is just pure awesomeness. And that's the only thing. AWFUL COMIC. Oh My God, I hated everything about this comic, Why the hell are Batman, Robin, Alfred AND Batwoman all in the UK? Who the hell's watching Gotham, Stephanie?! This comic was so bad, everything sucked. And on page 29... some idiot screwed up the bubbles so Batwoman is saying Batman's lines and Batman is saying her lines. Oh man I hated this comic, every single thing about this reminds me why I'm so hesitant to read anything by Morrison. To think I had to wait TWO MONTHS to read this steaming piece of crap just infuriates me. God that was horrible. Also why the hell would Grayson even THINK about putting a dead Bruce in the Lazarus pit after all the shit he gave Tim about wanting to put Connor, Steph and his dad in one in The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul?! 0/10....think I'm joking? Seriously 0/10 and don't look for a line of the issue because there isn't one.

Green Lantern #50

Man oh man. After reading Batman and Robin 7 I thought that nothing could raise my spirits but boy was I wrong. This is the epitome of a great comic. This is why Geoff Johns continues to reign over the comic world. Man everything in this comic was wonderful. Things from Blackest Night Flash 2 were shown to show continuity. Everything with Scarecrow, Luther and Mera was great. I mean I don't have words for how good this comic was. Also, Hal has joined damn near every color corp by now hasn't he? This definitely warrants a re-read. Perfect 10/10 for the epic 50th issue of Green Lantern.

Green Lantern: I don't care who the rings chose. I want them off those psychos now!

Larfleeze: What do you think I'm trying to DO, Green Lantern? SHARE?!?! Gimme that back you thief!

Lex Luthor: No. S'Mine!

Alright guys, that's my Review a Few. Normally I'd end it here but considering this upcoming week there's a two hour event known as Smallville: Absolute Justice I figured I'd mention it. Why do you ask? Because instead of our usual message from Dido at the end of this weeks DC Comics, we have a promo pic for the upcoming episode where a Pre-Superman Clark Kent meets the Justice Society of America. Featuring appearances from Lois Lane, Green Arrow, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Hawkman and Amanda Waller this looks to be a huge TV event. Also it's written by Geoff Johns and it if it's anything like the two comics by him I reviewed today it should be great. So before I take off I leave you with the promo poster for Smallville: Absolute Justice.

- Jason Todd

2009 The Year of Hal Jordan

Happy New Years everyone, I know I'm late with this but eh, I'm sure you guys understand. Between the Holidays, Video games and Comics my blog took a big hit but I'm back with a vengeance. So the first post about 2010 here at JTCS is going to be about Hal Jordan, who was without a doubt the MVP of 2009. In a year that saw the returns of Barry Allen, Connor Kent and Bart Allen, and The dawn of a new Batman nothing compares to the year that Hal Jordan, winner of X-Man's Comic Blog 2009 Hero of The Year award. And just when I thought Hal couldn't get any more awesome, It's been announced that in the upcoming Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, he'll be voiced by Nolan North, better known for voicing Nathan Drake in the Uncharted games.

So thanks to Geoff Johns (winner of the Spike TV Scream Award winner and the more prestigious X-Man's Comic Blog for Best Writer) taking over writing duties for Green Lantern it's been one of the best ongoing series in recent memory. I recently read The Sinestro Corps Wars. which had Sinestro start his Lantern Corp to attack the Green Lantern Corps and some of his Corp. Members are a who's who off Villainy including The Anti-Monitor, Cyborg-Superman, and even the always entertaining Superboy-turned-Man Prime, The Sinestro Corps, known for instilling fear into people even tried to recruit The Dark Knight and The Scarecrow.While I'd love to see Scarecrow wielding a Sinestro ring, It seems like it won't be anytime soon. I loved this storyline so much, especially the fact that Sinestro did all of this just to get the Green Lanterns to have the Guardians to allow the Green Lanterns to use Lethal Force, whereas the Green Lanterns couldn't kill first now they can. This may not seem like much but now people may fear the Green Lanterns...could that be Sinestro's plan?

After reading the awesome HIGHLY recommended Sinestro Corps Wars. I moved on to the much shorter but still as awesome Rage of The Red Lanterns. Man this was an awesome arc, The Red Lanterns that are powered by Rage decide to kidnap and subsequently kill Sinestro and The Green Lantern Corps have also sentence Sinestro to death, but it's been prophesied that he will be a big player and without him the Blackest Night will be unstoppable so a conflicted Hal Jordan goes to save him, without giving away too much we eventually see Hal become a Red Lantern AND a Blue Lantern.

Then finally in 2009 we saw the dawn of The Blackest Night which saw Hal team with his Lantern allies, John Stweart, Guy Gardner, and Kyle Rayner as well as team with enemies like Sinestro and Atrocitus. Hal even has to fight friends like Martian Manhunter and Superman. Hal and the Green Lanterns have been at the forefront of the DC Universe and is leading the way into 2010 as well. Blackest Night is currently one of the biggest Crossovers of all time drawing in so many characters and it's inevitable that Hal Jordan stands tall at it's conclusion. Hal has quickly gone from just another hero to one of my favorites and the sky's the limit for this Green Lantern as long as Geoff Johns is kicking out great story's for the Emerald Champion that is Hal "Highball" Jordan.

This is normally where I'd end the article but with 2010 here I figure I'll do things a little differently, Firstly I wanna say thanks to everyone's that read my blog for the short month it's been up, I love your comments and constructive criticism. If anyone has any article Idea's or anything please comment and let me know because I'm running on empty at the moment, Lol, and I'm curious as to what you guys will say. Secondly I wanna let everyone know that my girlfriend Falisha recently restarted her blog, she's a Graphic Designer and a hell of an artist and if you check her out I'm sure you won't be disappointed, her blog is http://creativefiasco.blogspot.com , she actually painted the Joker picture you see up there on the left. And Lastly I just wanna say thanks again for taking the time to read what I typed because I truly appreciate it. Happy New Year to all, hope 2010 is a great one for everyone!