Wonder Woman in theaters NOW!

I saw Wonder Woman last night and loved it. I really believe that if the WW film franchise carries on (and there's no reason to believe it won't) then Gal Gadot will be the Christopher Reeve of this generation. The whole movie was great, but a stand-out for me was seeing the Golden Age villain Dr. Poison, played by actress Elena Anaya. She didn't have a ton of movie time but every moment with her on screen was mesmerizing. I hope the action figure lines are successful enough to get a second wave so I can get me a Dr. Poison action figure!

All the Amazon stuff was great, (I'd watch a whole movie about kid Diana, played by little actress Lilly Aspell), all the WWI stuff was great, it was just a great movie. Go see it!

In the meantime, here's a handful of Wonder Woman toys that belong to me and my daughters. Viva la Wonder Woman!

Thomas the Tank...Raven?!?! Azarath Metreon Choo Choo!

I've known about the blind bagged Thomas the Tank Engine mini-trains for a while now, and the fact that certain DC Comics characters can be found therein. But only now am I finding them in my neck of the woods. I found four of them from the 2016 Wave 3 batch this past week!

Raven! A Raven train is just absurd and I love it. This is actually a train named Belle as Raven, according to packaging.

The blind bags are not only coded (Raven is number 61) but you can also see through them pretty well by moving the train inside up to the white part of the package. So the guesswork is pretty easy to work around on these things.

Flynn as Firestrom! Firestorm is number 60.

Victor as Hawkman. Hawkman is number 62.

Rosie as Supergirl. Supergirl is number 59.

These trains are ridiculous but irresistibly fun. They're off the rails! It's neat to see the broad range of heroes and villains (well, in this case just heroes) that have been released so far. You don't see much of Raven anywhere and Firestorm doesn't get much play either.

Some DC characters have been released in multi-packs, but I think the blind bagged versions can only be found in the blind bag series and aren't duplicated in the multi-packs (and vise versa). Blind bags are $1.50 each which is a fine deal for the size and for what you get here. Go get some!

"Mattel to Launch Company’s First Action Figures for Girls" :: Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn and MORE!

Press Release

WARNER BROS. AND DC ENTERTAINMENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MATTEL LAUNCH DC SUPER HERO GIRLS, A NEW SUPER HERO UNIVERSE DESIGNED JUST FOR GIRLS, SLATED FOR FALL 2015

Mattel to Launch Company’s First Action Figures for Girls

Unprecedented Initiative to Include Digital Content, TV Specials, Made-For-Videos, Publishing, Toys, Apparel and Other Products

Random House Children’s Books to be Master Publishing Partner
The LEGO Group to be Exclusive Construction Partner

Burbank, Calif. – April 22, 2015 – Beginning in Fall 2015, DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Mattel join forces to launch DC Super Hero Girls, an exciting new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential.  Featuring DC Comics’ most powerful and diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, DC Super Hero Girls will play out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world.

Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls centers on the female Super Heroes and Super-Villains of the DC Comics universe during their formative years—prior to discovering their full super power potential. Featuring a completely new artistic style and aesthetic, DC Comics’ icons such as Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction. Each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.

“DC Entertainment is home to the most iconic and well-known Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl,” said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment. “DC Super Hero Girls represents the embodiment of our long-term strategy to harness the power of our diverse female characters.  I am so pleased that we are able to offer relatable and strong role models in a unique way, just for girls.”

The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls in Fall 2015 will include an immersive digital experience, original digital content and digital publishing—providing opportunities for girls to interact with characters, learn about the storylines, and engage in customizable play.  TV specials, made-for-videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories will begin to rollout in 2016.

“Developing a Super Hero franchise exclusively for girls that includes all of the key components of a comprehensive entertainment experience—from content to consumer products—is something we are excited to be doing in conjunction with our great partners,” said Brad Globe, President of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.   “It’s really an honor to be part of this cultural moment and to be delivering a concept so rooted in a relatable and empowered theme that the characters of DC Comics are uniquely able to present.”

As master toy licensee, Mattel is collaborating with DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Bros. Consumer Products on DC Super Hero Girls’narrative creation, interactive digital activations and ultimately a toy line launching in 2016.  Mattel category-leading firsts include a line of characters for the action figure category, an area of the industry that has been primarily developed with boys in mind, and fashion dolls featuring strong, athletic bodies that stand on their own in heroic poses.

“Partnering with the best and being the best partner is of paramount importance,” said Richard Dickson, President, Chief Operating Officer, Mattel.  “Together with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will further expand our already powerful girls portfolio. We know Super Hero is a culturally relevant theme and the DC Super Hero Girls franchise will engage and inspire girls, providing cues to explore heroic acts through play and into real life.”

The Random House Books for Young Readers imprint of Random House Children’s Books has been appointed the master publishing partner for the franchise and will be creating a portfolio of books that will bring the DC Super Hero Girls world to life, beginning in Spring 2016.  Random House’s publishing program will be complemented by a series of original graphic novels from DC Entertainment.

The LEGO Group will also be key to building the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, leveraging their experience and success engaging girls in creative construction play to bolster this universe through an array of LEGO® building sets designed to inspire girls' imaginations.

Additionally, consumer products partners around the world will be engaged in creating a merchandise line dedicated to DC Super Hero Girls across all key categories.

File this one under "I can't wait!" or perhaps "It's about time!" - and while it would be far preferable to be 'all inclusive' rather than 'separate but equal' this news shows an incredible step forward in toy corporation thinking, and it is very heartening in a time when Disney/Marvel is intentionally excluding characters like Black Widow and Gamora from their marketing endeavors.

Not to mention an all new take on Harley Quinn!!!

You can bet with two young daughters in my house, as well as my own personal fandom for DC heroines and villainesses, there will be a LOT of this stuff making it's way into our collections. So stay tuned for more info as we move ever too slowly towards this beautiful future!

Harley Qwednesday :: February is Harley Quinn Variant Month at DC!

Next February DC Comics will be shipping 22 of their titles with Harley Quinn themed variant covers. I don't know if the stories within will involve Harley Quinn too (I doubt it) but some of these are suitable for framing and I might very well try to get one or two of them.

Check out the roster below:

Action Comics #39
by Nicola Scott &
Danny Miki
and Jeremy Cox

The cowboy hat/boots really sell this one.

Aquaman #39
by Amanda Conner
and Paul Mounts

Oh Harley, Aquaman is not pleased with your Dolphin Lasers!

Batgirl #39
by Cliff Chiang

This one is pretty cute, and proves that Harley isn't the only one in Gotham with a sense of humor!

Batman & Robin #39
by Emanuela Lupacchino
and Tomeu Morey

I really like this one. sexy, cute and a little retro too! Since I pick Batman & Robin up monthly, I hope my LCS gives me this variant by default!

Batman #39
by Jill Thompson
and CV Painting

This one is pretty funny, and has a bit of a Tim Sale feel to the artwork. I like it!

Batman/Superman #19
by J.G. Jones
and Alex Sinclair

This one seems like an 'inside joke' for the artists/writers, with the audience members being caricatures of them or other inside folks. And they really nailed that Batmobile.

Catwoman #39
by Jim Balent

At first I thought this was a parody of oversexualized Catwoman covers. Then I saw that it is actually by Jim Balent, which makes it sort of 'Meta' and makes me want it in spite of myself.

Detective Comics #39
by Dave Johnson

Harley looks sufficiently crazy on this cover!

The Flash #39
by Amanda Conner
and Paul Mounts

Cute concept.

Grayson #7
by Dan Panosian

A lot of action in this one. Very James Bond. I like it!

Green Lantern Corps #39
by Jason Pearson

This one also feels like it was inspired by Tim Sale.

Green Lantern #39
by Mike McKone
and Dave McCaig

Nice helmet, GL!

Harley Quinn #15
by Marco D'Alfonso

Two lunatic Harley Quinns. Good times.

Justice League Dark #39
by Joe Quinones

This cover is pure unadulterated genius! Joe Quinones hits one out of the park! I have to get this one!

Justice League #39
by Dustin Nguyen
and CV Painting

Dustin Nguyen's range is apparent in this cover, which is simply a thing of pure beauty!

Justice League United #9
by Mikel Janin
and CVDL

This cover isn't terribly inspired. Missed opportunity!

Sinestro #10
by Ian Bertram and
Matt Hollingsworth

I love the style here, and the visual joke is pretty clever too.

Supergirl #39
by Joe Benitez and
Peter Steigerwald

Such a great expression on Harley's face on this cover!

Superman #39
by Amanda Conner
and Paul Mounts

More clever cuteness from the great Amanda Conner!

Superman/
Wonder Woman #16
by Francis Manapul
and CVDL

This one looks like a piece of museum quality fine art. If only Wonder Woman's role were being played by Lois Lane. Sigh.

Teen Titans #7
by Sean Galloway

Super cute!

Wonder Woman #39
by Phil Jiminez
and Hi–Fi

This one is pretty 'classic comic cover' and I just love that Kenner inspired mallet! I'll definitely pick this one up if I can get my hands on it!

Well that's all 22 of the Harley Quinn variant covers available February 2015. Do you plan on picking any up?

Happy 75th Birthday, Batman!

75 years ago today, Detective Comics issue #27 first hit newsstands and ushered into pop culture an American icon: The Bat-Man!

Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, no one at the time could have guessed (although some shrewd business moves made many people very very rich while leaving some almost completely forgotten to history) that The Bat-Man, mysterious vigilante of the night, who was in fact bored millionaire Bruce Wayne, would not only endure for 75 years and counting, but would grow to one of the most recognizable fictional characters in our modern times and grow beyond the comic book page to be represented in nearly every form of media.

Here's to another 75 years and then some! Batman is indeed the hero we deserve.

Harley Qwednesday :: Harley Quinn signed by Neal Adams!

Comic book legend Neal Adams made an appearance at Santa Cruz comic book store Atlantis Fantasyworld, and my intern and I not only got to meet him but got this awesome Harley Quinn print signed by the icon himself!

Here we are shaking hands with a legend!

I had originally gone with the intention of having this comic signed: Batman Annual #14 from 1990. I bought it off the shelf a couple years into my Batman comic book collecting run and it has a lot of nostalgia for me personally. Plus, I love Neal Adams' cover art and Two-Face as a character, so  it was a no-brainer. But when I saw Neal's Harley Quinn print on site, I just couldn't resist it! It isn't every day that you meet a comic book legend or get a chance to have them sign a piece of their work illustrating one of your favorite characters after all!

Catwoman Purrrsday :: Frank Miller's Detective Comics #27 Cover

Next year, to celebrate Batman's 75th anniversary, the 'New 52' version of Detective Comics #27 (reflecting 1939's Detective Comics #27 debut of Batman) will be released. The issue includes contributions from many notable Batman artists, including Frank Miller, whose illustration of Catwoman graces the cover.

I suppose an illustration of Batman himself would have made a heck of a lot more sense for this upcoming issue, but who are we to argue with the wisdom of DC Editorial *end sarcasm.

Via Comics Alliance.

Harley Qwednesday :: Harley Quinn #0

I intentionally avoided discussing the controversy surrounding the production of Harley Quinn #0 when it was heating up the internet a few weeks back, but I think I'll speak to it now that the issue is out and the controversial scene has been nixed. I promise to be brief.

To recap: DC Comics asked aspiring artists to draw Harley attempting suicide with small appliances and a bathtub. The 'winning' page was set to appear as part of the story in Issue #0. Little story info or context was given to the public about the narrative in full, and understandably some people took issue with the concept, focusing primarily on the fact that Harley would be nude (in the bath) and committing suicide (even though she was a member of the Suicide Squad!).

Disclosure and presentation on the part of DC may have lacked sensitivity or foresight, but mostly (and this is just my opinion) I think people over-reacted. As a fan of classic Looney Tunes, Tex Avery, the Three Stooges, and slapstick comedy in general, and as one who felt it was easy to understand what the writers were trying to do even given the limited information they presented, I actually thought the scene would have been funny within the full context of the story. But people got angry and it didn't happen. End of story.

So let's move out of the past and into Harley Quinn Issue #0, with art by seventeen famous (and soon to be famous) artists, available at comic shops everywhere right now!

Harley Quinn #0 is a meta tale that breaks the fourth wall throughout: Harley talks to herself, teddy bears, her artists and even us readers while dreaming of being the star of her own comic book, and imagines said comic drawn by a multitude (17) of current popular artists.

No such dream would have been complete without art (above) by the man who made Harley (along with Paul Dini) from day one: Bruce Timm.

I submit that a page should have also been given to Terry and Rachel Dodson to draw and ink, since they were the artists on Harley Quinn's original comic book run. Why there wasn't any art done by the Dodsons is beyond me - maybe the reason was legal, scheduling related, or maybe financial, but if it was merely because no one considered the idea I take greater issue with that fact than with the suicide page that wasn't.

Missed opportunities aside, the story was pretty cute and sets us up to where the main series will begin. It does not yet explain her Roller Derby costume, but hey...Harley Quinn in a Roller Derby costume. I'm still not overly fond of a full-body-permawhite Harley Quinn, and I am definitively a purist when it comes to her costume. But I have to admit, a Roller Derby Harley Quinn is a sexy beast indeed.

Written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, Conner's art graces the cover and the bumper pages within. It's a shame Conner won't be handling art duties full time, because her gals are always cute.

The story presents some fun surprise artists too, like Art Baltazar who provides art to the page that ups the ante on Kevin Smith. Bat-bladder spasm? Psshhh, you fanboys ain't seen nothing yet.

How will fanboys react to Robin's bowel-spasm? Only time will tell!

Other highlights include art by Stephane Roux, Dan Panosian, Walter Simonson, Darwyn Cooke, and Becky Cloonan to name just a few.

Harley Quinn #0 has me hopeful for the series. I'm interested to find out what Harley gets herself up to on a monthly basis. If you've read it, let us know what you thought. If you haven't I recommend it!

Funko Mystery Minis Batgirl and Riddler

'What's blue and grey and right behind me?'

I hate blind boxed toys, because there is no way to know what you are getting, and they are usually (relatively) expensive, prohibiting a desire to grab a random handful in the hopes of getting your goal figure. I like blind bagged toys because I can at least squeeze them and have a chance at getting what I want!

So as cool as these Blind Boxed Funko DC Comics Mystery Minis characters looked, I wouldn't bite because knowing my luck, I'd have ended up with ten Penguins! Waaah wah wah waah!

But what I lack in luck at Blind Box picking, I make up for in blog contest winning. When I won the Pop Pop It's Trash Culture contest recently, included in the prize were two of the best Funko Blind Box DC characters I could have gotten: Batgirl and Riddler!

Batgirl is simply the best. I love her little cape flapping sneaky-ninja pose! Unfortunately her face got a little scraped in transit, but it's actually not very noticeable in person.

And what a cute little Riddler! I love his little suit and derby. He even has a removable cane!

These two are super cute! I'd love to get a Catwoman from this line someday, and a Batman too of course, but I'll probably take my chances chasing after opened ones. I don't need to end up with ten Penguins trying to find them!*

*I admit it, I'd love ONE Penguin. I don't want ten of the same exact version of anyone really. Except maybe Harley Quinn, if they made her. I'd take twenty of her!

Harley Qwednesday :: Harley & Ivy Black and White

A new 6 issue Batman: Black and White miniseries begins today, and issue one contains the feel good story of the year 'Justice is Served' written by Maris Wicks with art by Joe Quinones and starring Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy! Take a peek:

For all of us who have been jonesing for some original Harley (not to mention bazookas and Bud and Lou!) this looks to be just the ticket! Batman: Black and White Issue One is on stands today September 4th. Go get yours. You know I'll be getting mine!

Comic Book Zen :: That Time Batman Borrowed the Space Shuttle

I read comics like this and have to laugh when people take issue with the plots (or plot holes) of superhero movies.

NASA loans the Space Shuttle to Batman and Talia. no questions asked...and no space suits either!

Although this comic is from 1982; the Space Shuttle was brand new, so this was probably pretty neat to see back then.

From Batman Annual #8 - 1982.