The 10 WORST THINGS That Have Ever Happened to CAPTAIN AMERICA

Being a possible Hydra agent is far from Steve Rogers's darkest hour.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/29528-the-10-worst-things-that-have-ever-happened-to-captain-america.html

Arrow: Ollie's Law

Arrow: Ollie's Law

It’s been phrased differently over time, but Murphy’s Law basically breaks down to this: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

It’s safe to say that this pretty much sums up tonight’s episode.

Read more

Matt Ross
via DC Comics

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2017/05/03/arrow-ollies-law

March: Book One - John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell

March: Book One John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell Genre: Graphic Novels Price: $9.99 Publish Date: August 13, 2013 Publisher: Top Shelf Productions Seller: Top Shelf Productions, Inc.

Top Shelf Productions is proud to present March , a trilogy of graphic novels co-authored by Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) and Andrew Aydin , with art by Nate Powell ( Swallow Me Whole , Any Empire , The Silence of Our Friends , The Year of the Beasts ). March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights (including his key roles in the historic 1963 March on Washington and the 1965 Selma-Montgomery March), meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. In March , a true American icon joins with one of America’s most acclaimed graphic novelists. Together, they bring to life one of our nation’s most historic moments, a period both shameful and inspiring, and a movement whose echoes will be heard for generations.

get it now at https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/march-book-one/id603337223?mt=11&uo=2&partnerId=11&at=1010ldoE

AQUAMAN's Filming Start Made Official by Warner Bros., With New Logo To Boot

With some curious omissions.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34350-aquaman-s-filming-start-made-official-by-warner-bros.html

CEI-U! Did JOHNNY THUNDER Banish the JSA? Can He Bring Them Back for REBIRTH?

Justice, like lightning -- no wait, wrong company.

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http://www.newsarama.com/34347-cei-u-did-johnny-thunder-banish-the-jsa-can-he-bring-them-back-for-rebirth.html

Once Upon a Time: “The Black Fairy” Review

By: Marianne Paluso (@Marianne_P81)

“The Black Fairy” was the kind of thought-provoking, evocative, emotional Once Upon a Time episode that I always appreciate, with some character and plot twists I truly did not see coming. In addition to very deep and sad stories for Rumple and his mother, there were also some moments of levity and poignancy for Zelena and Regina, and incredibly sweet and touching moment for Henry, Killian, and Emma on the eve of the wedding of the Princess and the Pirate.

From beginning to end, “The Black Fairy” was filled with surprises and the unexpected, many of which were extremely emotional and tragic, especially when it dealt with the truth about Rumple and his family. It turns out Rumple’s mother Fiona, a.k.a. the Black Fairy, wasn’t always a malevolent and immortal being, nor was Malcolm, who would become Peter Pan, all viciousness and selfishness. No, they were a happy couple, deeply in love and overjoyed with the birth of their son, marveling at how beautiful and perfect he was. That was just the first surprise. The next was even more shocking. Upon Rumple’s birth, the Blue Fairy and his Fairy Godmother Tiger Lily arrive with prophetic news – he is the Savior, destined to be a great hero with light magic. But as we know, the fate of all saviors is that they are to die and he is meant to do so by saving everyone from a dreadful power – someone born in that winter with a scar shaped like a crescent moon. As plot twists go, I never once expected that Rumple would have been born a Savior, but seeing as he and Emma have always shared some similarities while also being like two sides of a coin, it’s certainly an intriguing development.

Of course, there were many more surprising moments. Fiona turned herself into a fairy in order to protect her son, determined that he wouldn’t die, descending so far in darkness that she began developing the dark curse, willing to sacrifice an innocent’s heart: Tiger Lily’s. Much like what happens with Dark Ones, that act is what transforms her into the Black Fairy. Blue intervenes to save Tiger and banishes Fiona, but not before she uses the shears of destiny on her son, severing his fate as a Savior. The child is then returned to his father, Malcolm, who was never the same again having lost the love of his life. It’s all so unexpected but heart wrenching to witness.

What’s most interesting about all these truths is that, at their core, they are not surprising in the sense that they demonstrated things Once Upon a Time has always depicted. Here we see the ways in which fear and grief change people and can take them down a very dark path. It was actually heartbreaking to see that Rumple’s father had been so loving, considering what he became. Losing his wife was too much for him, and he looked at his son as the one who stole her from him, deeply resenting him. It’s so sad but also something that could happen to people who lose their spouse, for example, in childbirth. It also makes his desire to return to a place of childhood, where he was in complete control, make even more sense. For both Fiona and Rumple, we see that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and that “evil isn’t born, it’s made.” Their family is a tragic example of a vicious cycle of bad decisions, born out of a desire to protect their children, unwilling to forgo their power and descending into evil. Their choices are inexcusable but also sympathetic. They don’t begin as malicious, but soon they become a tidal wave of dark actions they can never take back. It’s like the struggles of people who lie. One lie becomes another, and another to cover that one up until it becomes a massive mountain of deception. Only for Rumple and his mother, it’s a mountain of hurting and sacrificing others in the name of love and protection. No one can fault a parent doing anything to protect their child but at the same time, hurting or killing innocent people and becoming a dark shell of your former self is not the way to do it. In the end, everything Fiona did was for Rumple and when she asked him for forgiveness, he seemed to give it to her, deceiving Emma and her family as well as Belle and Gideon (whose heart was safely returned), ready to join her in the final battle. Which leads me to wonder – what exactly are their motivations? If all she wanted was Rumple’s forgiveness, then why does she still have to kill Emma? And is Rumple truly on her side, or is he playing both his mother and the heroes? I do believe him when he says to Belle and Gideon that everything he is doing is for them. But the vagueness and the ominous tone gives me pause. The fatal flaw of their family is their unwillingness to give up power and control. It’s only when the power is sacrificed that true happiness can be found and forgiveness can be achieved.

One of Once Upon a Time‘s greatest aspects has always been it’s amazing characters brought to life by an incredibly talented cast, and the complex Rumpelstiltskin, portrayed brilliantly by Robert Carlyle, most certainly applies. “The Black Fairy” showcased this in spades in Carlyle’s exceptional talent as well as Rumples complexities, deep-seated issues, and shades of gray. His character is one where you often hate what he does and you are not rooting for him, but on the flipside, you can often sympathize with him, not but not excuse his actions. Above all, he’s always intriguing and fascinating to watch and you never know if you can trust him. Usually you cannot, but we have reached a point in the series where I never know what to expect. In this episode, he and Emma enter Rumple’s dream and it was such an interesting reflection of the many facets of his character. It was evocative, ominous, sometimes a bit creepy, but in the end, deeply sad. One of my favorite moments was seeing Emma relate to him on a level few can. While the two obviously deal with their tragic pasts in different ways, what mattered in this moment was that Emma was not judging but empathizing, knowing full well that sometimes the truth and being truly vulnerable is scarier than any monster. And the truth about why your parent would abandon you can be terrifying. Morrison and Carlyle have always shared such a great rapport in moments of reflection, fear, and commonality and this was one of their most poignant.

Moving on to the lighter and sweeter moments of the episode, I absolutely loved Zelena and Regina’s scenes, providing some of the best moments. After sacrificing her magic, Zelena is having trouble adjusting to normal life, currently IKEA currently being her foe. So Regina decides to help and teach her to drive, which resulted in some really golden comedy, from her knocking over trash cans to yelling about the pedals being too close together. And even though the lesson doesn’t really go well at first, when she’s trying to hit something, Zelena is more than capable and seeing her barreling down Main Street and taking out the Black Fairy was pretty hilariously satisfying. Additionally, although I’m not sure if Regina discussed it with Emma and should have, it was sweet that she trusts Zelena enough to want her to take Henry to New York and raise him should things go wrong in the Final Battle. That is one of the greatest forms of trust, and more than shows how far they’ve come as family.

Perhaps the sweetest and my favorite moment of the episode was when Killian enlists Henry in one of his most important missions ever: “Operation Best Man.” I had suspected that Killian may ask his future stepson to have this great honor, but it was no less touching to see, and Jared Gilmore and Colin O’Donoghue were just wonderful in this scene. The two have certainly gone through a lot and have grown closer, and it was heartwarming to see how genuinely touched Henry was. By framing it as a mission for Henry, it’s also a special way of making his role more than a simple figurehead or guardian of the rings. In doing so, it makes it more personal for Henry, including him on this special day in a way he’ll be included in their lives together, making it as much about him as it is about them. In marrying Emma, Killian is gaining a family, which in this case includes a stepson, and that is just as important and meaningful.

Equally sweet and lovely was the brief and blissfully happy goodbye for Emma and Killian as their wedding is the next day. Killian is superstitious about seeing the bride before the wedding and so decides to sleep on the Jolly Roger. Emma just smiles at his quip that after tomorrow, there will be no getting rid of him, to which she adds, “Promise?” Unaware the threat is still out there, they are all about seizing their happiness and not waiting any longer to get married, and their bright smiles were just so beautiful.

Some things of note that I found interesting: the Blue Fairy has always been called “shady” amongst fans, and while I do think she’s good, there are definitely some shady aspects to her, and this episode was a perfect example of such. The fact that Rumple had been born a Savior and had his fate severed might have been useful information, so why did she never share it? It’s also sweet that the heart of Storybrooke is considered Granny’s, with under the jukebox being where the other half of the wand was. Is this foreshadowing next week’s musical episode? I also couldn’t help but chuckle that they went from not wanting to have the wedding till it was right to Snow saying, “Good, then we can still have it tomorrow.” But Emma and Killian are getting married so when they decided doesn’t matter. Even with the threat out there, now is the time for celebration and joy, as this couple embarks on a new exciting adventure in life. And it is sure to be a magically musical wonder to behold.

Favorite moments: Killian asking Henry to be his best man was endearing, sweet, and special. Killian and Emma’s final kiss and smile before saying “I do” was so lovely. And Regina asking Zelena to care for Henry was quite touching. Speaking of Zelena, her barreling down the Black Fairy in her car was absolutely classic. Lastly, Rumple’s dream world (and Carlyle’s performance) was evocative and intriguing but the best moment were seeing him and Emma relate to each other and him being brave enough to face his fears.

Favorite Lines:
Killian: You and I have had quite a few missions together…and you and I have been through quite a lot together, haven’t we? Which is why I’m asking for your assistance now. And this might be the most important mission yet: Operation Best Man.
Henry: Really? Wow, I’m honored.

Killian: After tomorrow, there’ll be no getting rid of me.
Emma: Promise?
Killian: Aye.

Regina: You know I went 28 years without magic during the curse. And it seemed impossible at first. I mean, turning lights on by hand…
Zelena: It’s barbaric, and exhausting.

Emma: The dream realm, huh? I thought there’d be like, flying pigs or talking doughnuts or something.

Zelena: You really trust me to raise Henry?
Regina: No, I trust him to raise you.

Emma: No curse, no monster is ever going to be as terrifying as finding our why you were abandoned.

Killian: Hang on just a second, how do I know that you’re actually you?
Regina: Because it’s me.
Snow: Wait no, Hook’s right. We should have a safe word or something.

admin
via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/once-upon-a-time-the-black-fairy-review/

Hulu's First RUNAWAYS Image Homages Classic Cover

But where's Old Lace???

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34349-first-runaways-image-homages-classic-cover.html

Best Shots Reviews: SECRET EMPIRE #1, BATMAN #22

Dark days at Marvel and two Dark Knights at DC.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34348-best-shots-reviews-secret-empire-1-batman-22.html

WOLVERINE Artist Sinks His Claws Into Creator-Owned Work with BLACKHAND IRONHEAD

David López on living in the shadow of a superhero dad.

via The Nerd Machine

http://www.newsarama.com/34314-wolverine-artist-sinks-his-claws-into-creator-owned-work-with-blackhand-ironheart.html

Indie Comics Spotlight – Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea, Ravage #1, and No World #1

By: Jonathan Pilley (@omnicomic)

Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea

“Oh, pilot, ’tis a fearful night –”

Having a giant demon-hand comes with benefits. It also comes with a lot of responsibility, in that there is a lot of fear on the part of those around you as to whether or not you mean them harm. Hellboy has lived with that reaction his entire life, but it doesn’t make him any less qualified to handle an array of situations. Those situations include being captured by a pirate ship in Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea from Dark Horse Comics. The issue is written by Mike Mignola and Gary Gianni, illustrated by Gianni, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Clem Robins.

Hellboy sets sail from the wreckage of a deserted island only to cross paths with a ghost ship. Taken captive by the phantom crew that plans to sell him to the circus, Hellboy is dragged along by a captain who will stop at nothing in pursuit of a powerful sea creature.

There’s always been something poetic about the Hellboy series, but Mignola and Gianni take it a step further in Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea by infusing the issue with the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This approach gives the book more of a weight in its story, in that Mignola and Gianni make it feel bigger. Much of the story features Hellboy characterized as calm from a position of weakness, which is honestly how he operates best. The story also progresses along quite cleanly as Hellboy witnesses firsthand all the chaos and madness surrounding him on the vessel. Mignola and Gianni do a fantastic job of pacing the issue in a way that gives it a sing-song rhythm – similar to an ode. And the reveal at the end is perfectly in-line with other works from the Hellboy universe, capturing the tone of the series very well.

Gianni’s artwork in the book is astounding and the linework boasts a scratchiness to its presentation. There’s a macabre quality to his approach that really allows the reader to understand the atmosphere of the book as Gianni uses a style that evokes older works of art. Hellboy isn’t drawn with overblown proportions and seemingly fits in right alongside the pirates of the ship he’s been taken captive on. And toward the end, Gianni gets to flex some “true” Hellboy looks in that the creatures he renders are a good mix of sea life and fantasy. Stewart’s colors look beautiful as always, with the sharp red of Hellboy popping against the dour grays of the ship at sea.

Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea is an extremely satisfying Hellboy tale. Hellboy isn’t faced with any situation that he hasn’t necessarily faced before, but his knowledge and approach make for a fascinating read. Mignola and Gianni offer a script that moves along with an attention to literature in its approach. Richard Corben has always excelled at illustrating the grotesque and there are shades of that in Gianni’s work in the issue. Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea is a great entry in the Hellboy universe that offers another adventure for him to work his way out of.

Hellboy: Into the Silent Sea is available now.

Ravage #1

“Sorry, I don’t deal anymore.”

Criminals have a tendency to do things that are largely selfish. There is some regard for others around them, but it’s generally extended as far as those around them can offer them something they need. That theory is put to the test in Ravage #1. The issue is written by Damian S. Simankowicz, illustrated by Greg Woronchak, colored by Mike Stefan, and lettered by Primal Arhcetype.

Ravage #1 is an urban horror, about a young drug dealer who has 24 hours to infiltrate his own gang and find the identity of a masked serial killer before federal police arrest him for a crime he may have unwittingly supplied weapons for.

Simankowicz’s premise behind the issue is actually pretty interesting, but getting to it feels a little rushed at times. There’s essentially a group of young adults who operate as a gang and Simankowicz sort of crashes through the group dynamic by offering a few different situations for them to interact with one another. Once a lot of that introducing is taken care of, the main story starts to take shape and the narrative follows Alex, a former drug-dealer. Simankowicz relies on him to be the focal point for the reader as he’s pulling on threads to get to the bottom of a newly-arrived serial killer. The dialogue is pretty standard yet effective in giving the reader enough information to know what’s going on and keep up.

Woronchak’s artwork is pretty minimal. Each of the characters are illustrated in a way that ensures there’s no confusion as to who’s who in the story, although they exhibit some strange poses that feel a little unnatural at times. The settings are somewhat sparsely illustrated in a way that makes everything feel distant, but Woronchak offers enough detail as to where the reader can pretty easily discern where things are happening. The panels are laid out in a standard grid format and allows for the reader to relatively easily follow along. Stefan’s colors are pretty basic and largely primary, but they do offer another layer of depth to the artwork.

Ravage #1 is a interesting concept in that it sort of subverts the notion of good and bad. There’s no honor amongst thieves and that theory is put to the test in the issue. Simankowicz’s script has a broader plan in mind and works itself well to get to the larger goal. Woronchak’s artwork is a good fit for the story and is pretty simple in its presentation. Ravage #1 is a somewhat new take on a familiar concept and will offer a tale of things that likely get crazier than they get better.

Ravage #1 is available now.

No World #1

“The entire incident lasted exactly 60 seconds.”

What do you get when you cross a hit woman, a fairy, and a mercenary? Certainly not a fun buddy comedy. Aspen Comics has something different in mind for No World #1. The issue is written by Scott Lobdell, penciled by Jordan Gunderson, inked by Mark Roslan and Charlie Mok, colored by JUANCHOo, and lettered by Zen.

A mysterious conglomerate has emerged on the scene with a sinister purpose — the incorporation of pure evil on a scale never seen before! But, will this collection of unstable personalities come together as friends to defeat this new adversary — or will they instead battle as foes?!

Lobdell takes a very slow and methodical approach in No World #1. Iris, Miya, and Dellec are brought together under less than ideal circumstances and Lobdell essentially throws the reader into the mix with them. There’s a lot of backstory for all the characters involved and it’s apparent Lobdell prefers to hit the ground running here as opposed to holding the reader’s hand. It’s an interesting approach considering how steeped in mythos the Aspen Universe is, but Lobdell handles it very well. There’s a minimal amount of dialogue throughout the issue and it doesn’t get bogged down by expository with Lobdell leaning more on the action to tell the story.

Gunderson’s artwork fits the narrative quite perfectly. His lines are extremely clean and sharp throughout, infusing the characters with physical heft as they share panels with one another. The panels are staggered in a way that lends to the frenetic energy of the issue as a whole and – despite the book largely taking place at a diner in the middle of nowhere – there’s plenty of action as the issue picks up.

Gunderson’s style is very much a superhero one in that the characters all sport moves and looks that feel heroic, but it works for the issue. The inks by Roslan and Mok and colors by JUANCHOo help give the book a superhero sheen as well, blending together colors in a way that gives the art a sense of realism.

No World #1 is light on detail, but heavy on action. Iris is pulling together what appears to be a team to fight a nameless baddie at this point, but it’s likely those details will get fleshed out as the series progresses. Lobdell’s script is sound and fast-paced, serving as an excellent example of showing, not telling. Gunderson’s illustrations are very refined and great at conveying a sense of chaos for the main characters involved. No World #1 is a lot of fun and very much an introduction issue, but the payoff looks like it could be worth it.

No World #1 is available now.

admin
via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/indie-comics-spotlight-hellboy-into-the-silent-sea-ravage-1-and-no-world-1/