Blogs Tagged “DC Comics”
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Random Reviews: Animal Man (vol. 1)This collection brings Animal Man into a much-needed spotlight, blending heartfelt humanity with superhuman shenanigans
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Distinguished Critique: Invasion! ReviewThis crossover fails to find its footing in determining the kind of story it wants to tell, with not enough "invasion" to justify its title
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: The Man of Steel (vol. 2) ReviewSomewhat divided in nature, this volume works best when defining John Byrne's vision for the post-Crisis Superman
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn II ReviewThis sequel to Emerald Dawn falls short of its predecessor, the series' villain and his downfall eclipsing Hal Jordan's personal narrative
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Distinguished Critique: Superman and Batman: Generations and Superman and Batman Generations 2 ReviewAn intriguing premise is clumsily executed at times, hampering these series' ability to work in tandem in telling an original narrative
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Second Chances ReviewSeveral mediocre stories by experienced storytellers are bolstered somewhat by understanding this volume's historical significance
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Distinguished Critique: The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) ReviewThough perhaps too heavily reliant on parent-centric conflict, New Teen Titans successfully reintroduces a DC superteam to the Bronze Age
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again ReviewThe sequel to Frank Miller's magnum opus is a disappointing blend of garish visuals, lifeless characters, and brash theming
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Distinguished Critique: The Question (vol. 1): Zen and Violence ReviewAn enticing recreation of an enigmatic character allows a master storyteller to bring the Question solidly into the post-Crisis DC Universe
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern/Green Arrow ReviewThese classic comics provide clear commentary on problems which plagued the 70s...and still impact our world today
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Random Reviews: John Constantine, Hellblazer (vol. 1): Original SinsThis first volume collects a small portion of a classic series, occasionally muddled but driven by its fractured protagonist
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Tales of the Demon ReviewThis volume, though somewhat oddly structured, offers a nice cross-section detailing the original conflict between Batman and Ra's al Ghul
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Birth of the Demon ReviewA taut trilogy of tales, these graphic novels centered on Ra's al Ghul work almost as well alone, if not better, than they do together
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Random Reviews: Saga of the Swamp Thing (Book 1) Review (Gods and Monsters, Part 1)Alan Moore recreates a classic DC hero in issues truly fulfilling their "mature" label, for philosophical pondering if not for content
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Distinguished Critique: The Untold Legend of the Batman ReviewDC's second-ever limited series isn't as adroit as Frank Miller in exploring Batman's origin, but it nobly distills the hero's history into a succinct examination of his mission
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Distinguished Critique: The Spirit (Book One) ReviewDarwyn Cooke's take on The Spirit trades in the depth of some other narratives for an entertaining reimagining of an early comic hero
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Ego and Other Tails ReviewThis volume presents several examples of a master craftsman's calculated contributions to Gotham City
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Distinguished Critique: Wonder Woman by George Perez (vol. 1) ReviewPerez's post-Crisis introduction to Wonder Woman is a resonant blend of myth and modernity which remains highly readable today
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Distinguished Critique: Aquaman: The Legend of Aquaman ReviewAquaman's post-Crisis origin isn't exactly a classic, even if it tries to modernize the King of Atlantis with a splash of darker ambiguity
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Distinguished Critique: Camelot 3000 ReviewThis highly imaginative series blends legend with science fiction, a unique combination somewhat hindered by sidelined characters
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: Year Two" ReviewThis sequel to "Year One" fails to sufficiently explore interesting ideas which deserve deeper reflection than they receive
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Distinguished Critique: Hawkworld ReviewThis series not only updates Hawkman but tells a stirring tale of resolve in the face of inequality and oppression
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Distinguished Critique: Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters ReviewOccasionally heavy-handed, Longbow Hunters successfully reintroduces Green Arrow to the post-Crisis DC landscape
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Distinguished Critique: Millennium ReviewMillennium is divided on which story it wants to tell, and as a result, the whole series wobbles on a weak foundation
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Distinguished Critique: Suicide Squad: Trial by Fire ReviewThis volume capably introduces a different team of "heroes," applying strong characterization and unique stakes for a mainstream comic series
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Rules of Engagement ReviewThis narrative uniquely sets the Dark Knight Detective against Lex Luthor, a battle of wits hampered slightly by a Batman too clever for his own good
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: Kryptonite ReviewThis arc provides an entertaining look at a younger Superman's encounter with his famed weakness, even if all the included elements feel jumbled
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Distinguished Critique: Cosmic Odyssey ReviewA master storyteller can't quite apply his trademark characterization to a series too short for its ensemble cast
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Distinguished Critique: Legends ReviewDC's first post-Crisis event fumbles its primary conceit, a cool concept and great art sacrificed on the altar of heavy-handed dialogue
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Distinguished Critique: Shazam!: Origins ReviewThis origin story neatly establishes a young hero's personality and motivations, even if some characters and concepts feel limited
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Distinguished Critique: Superman For All Seasons ReviewA remarkable examination of Clark Kent's transformation from boy to Superman
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: Red Son ReviewThis wonderfully imaginative take on the Superman mythos reconstructs the Man of Steel's world in an engaging, conflict-driven series
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Distinguished Critique: Doomsday Clock ReviewThough certainly clever in its own right, this Watchmen "sequel" often finds itself in the shadow of its revered predecessor
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: Secret Origin ReviewThough possessing some clever ideas, Secret Origin largely feels derivative of better Superman stories
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Distinguished Critique: JLA: Year One ReviewThis 1998 series serves as a very entertaining post-Crisis update of the Justice League's origin, finding strength in examining the core characteristics of its heroes
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: Birthright ReviewMark Waid's series proves to be an effective, if not the greatest, retelling of the iconic hero's oft-repeated origin
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Distinguished Critique: Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn ReviewHal Jordan's reintroduction to the post-Crisis DC Universe is notable for reshaping the pilot by offering him strong inner turmoil and conflict
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Distinguished Critique: "Superman: For the Man Who Has Everything" ReviewThis classic annual pits Superman against his soul's desire, showcasing the struggle of a hero versus the heart
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Distinguished Critique: "Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?" ReviewAlan Moore constructs an emotionally driven and fond farewell to the pre-Crisis Superman
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth ReviewThis grim graphic novel is a fascinating character study of Batman and his rogues, discerning how close to the edge our Caped Crusader can crawl
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Distinguished Critique: "The Death of Superman" ReviewThis climactic showdown between man and monster can perhaps feel a tad bloated but emphasizes the heroic sacrifice of the Man of Steel
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Distinguished Critique: Watchmen ReviewAlan Moore and Dave Gibbons construct a richly detailed magnum opus which remains highly readable and culturally influential today
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying" ReviewThe third Robin debuts in a tale that delivers catharsis in the face of overwhelming tragedy
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: A Death in the Family" ReviewThis classic tragedy is constructed upon some coincidence yet serves as a much-needed arc for a spurned Robin who develops before he dies
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Distinguished Critique: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns ReviewFrank Miller's famed, dystopian series redefines and revitalizes the Batman, shaping a new world around an old hero
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Distinguished Critique: Superman: The Man of Steel ReviewDespite an awkward final issue, John Byrne's limited series successfully reintroduces Superman into the post-Crisis world
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Distinguished Critique: "Batman: Year One" ReviewThis Post-Crisis reframing of Batman's origin is definitive and impactful, offering clever insight into the new life of Bruce Wayne and his supporting cast
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Distinguished Critique: Crisis on Infinite Earths ReviewThis classic, catastrophic condensing of the DC Universe excites and amazes, but its bombast and agenda cultivate more set-pieces than engaging character moments
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Distinguished Critique: Reviewing the Competition
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A Tribute to Tim Sale
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Joseph Campbell, the Monomyth, and SupermanApplying the 12 Stages of the “Hero’s Journey” to Superman: Birthright