FLASHBACK FRIDAY: BREAKING OF THE BAT

It is "Flashback Friday" and figured while Thursdays are a throwback to comic book issues, Friday's would be more of a focus on events that have occurred within the annals of comic book history.

For the first installment, we'll take a look back at when DC Comics "broke" the goddamn Batman. It was when DC Comics decided it was time to shake things up with the 2 top dogs of their catalog of characters. With Superman, they killed him off, brought him back as four characters (who weren't him), and then gave him his phoenix rising moment. With Batman however, they opted to go a different route, which made for a great series of stories that of course lead into a tremendous return. Not taking away anything from Superman's moment (which will likely be covered on a future Flashback Friday), as it was a massive moment in comic books that has been tirelessly repeated on a higher scale since. But, with Batman, they gave him a fate that would be worse than death to some, they crippled him and replaced him before ultimately bringing him back.

Bane was new to the scene, having come to Gotham City upon learning of the legend that is Batman. At first it was mostly a watch and study approach, learning all that he could from his future opponent, even injecting Edward Nigma aka The Riddler with some Venom to see how Batman handles himself against the added muscle and strength. Bane showed us he was a legit threat when he came out on the winning end of a battle with Killer Croc, in which he showed how dominant he could be. Bane though opted not to face Batman at 100% and caused a mass breakout at Arkham Asylum unleashing Batman's rogues gallery upon Gotham City. From "small-time" villains like Film Freak (who falls at the hands of Bane) to the "big guns" like The Scarecrow and The Joker (who actually team-up to wreck havoc on the city). The Bat-family wasn't what it is now, mainly consisting of Robin (Tim Drake), Azrael (Paul St. Valley) and occasionally Nightwing and Catwoman, and Batman staying true to hero form attempted and mainly succeeded in running Bane's "gauntlet" taking down the bad guys. 
Exhausted and ready to be broken, Bane made his move and moved in for the "kill". Hoisting Batman above his head and smashing him down back first across his knee, breaking his back, breaking the Batman. With Gotham needing someone to step up and fill the void before Bane took over the city, Azrael aka Paul St. Valley would be the one to do just that. With a new Batman came a new suit and a new style, a very aggressive, not-Batman type of style. Although it succeeded in taking down Bane, it was tarnishing the name of Batman  to where even The Joker and others were noticing that it wasn't the same person beneth the cowl (read Batman: Knightquest: The Crusade for more). While this is going on, Bruce Wayne rehabilitates and is overseas trying to save his therapist and Tim's father, which he somewhat able to do (see Batman: Knightquest: The Search for how that ends). With his spine now healed, Bruce heads home to learn of how the new Batman kicked Robin out of the cave, took down Bane, and how lethal his path of destruction has been. Bruce himself is banned from the cave, and realized he needs to retrain himself before he can attempt to retake the mantle of the Bat, to which he asks Lady Shiva to assist him to returning to his top form. Bruce returns to the mantle of Batman, and amongst others, hunts Azrael down, who is almost killed at the hands of Nightwing, finally faces Bruce Wayne one-on-one at the Batcave. Outmatched "suit vs suit", Bruce uses his mental advantage to even the playing field, in the end Azrael admits defeat and acknowledges Bruce as the one true Batman (read Batman: KnightsEnd for how all this comes to an end). Leaving Bruce to restore Batman's name and relationship with Gotham City.

Although the "Death Of Superman" is more iconic in status, and they would eventually give Bruce Wayne his own "death" and "return", this was just as good if not better. Can't do much after your gone, death is more about the image we leave behind. Where in this instant we see someone who falls and claws his way back, and goes that extra mile to fully reclaim what is his. Batman didn't give up and throw in the towel like an average person would when literally broken both physically and mentally broken. Although comic books tend to be "dark" (more so DC than Marvel), sometimes we need to see our heroes in a dark place and continuing to fight and move forward, not giving up on finding that "light". Possibly went "deeper" than what was likely just a very well done money making story arc, but simply gave another way to look at things if anything. Or you're laughing and that is just as good.

Be sure to come back next week for "Flashback Friday" and we'll take another look back at another moment in comic book history. Which one? Tune in and find out!


Stay Nerdy!

8 RED RINGS

If you haven't read "Red Lanterns #27" or "Green Lantern/RedLanterns #28", turn back now. Spoiler alert for those issues. You can read a reviews of both issues by following these links; RED LANTERNS #27 and GREEN LANTERN/RED LANTERNS #28. The reviews have a brief rundown of events within each issue, with Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28 being a 2-in-1. And of course they are followed by the opinion of the issues.

So again, either go read "Red Lanterns #27" and "Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28" or the reviews via the links above. The upcoming articles and list will have spoilers for those issues. You have been warned!

Now then, we were given a reminder of Atrocitus sending out 9 Red Rings to find new recruits for the Red Lantern Corps just before Guy Gardner shows up to take over control. The death of Ratchet had the count at ten, but we see who the ring found in issues #27 and #28. Then, we were introduced to who was the first selection is in Supergirl (the reason for the spoiler warnings above). That's right, a Kryptonian is now rocking a Red Ring of Rage. The female equivalant of the all powerful Superman, now has even more power in her hand, literally.

Of course, Supergirl is fresh out of the red lake in the end of "Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28" and there is a whole story to go with her. Will Saint Walker overcome his grief and use the power of the Blue Lanterns to "cure" her? Will she become a mainstay within the title? There is also the reaction of Superman to all of this, if he finds out. But, I couldn't help but wonder "who's next?" Supergirl may be the only "big name" to dawn a red ring, but there is a chance that she won't be. With so many names yet to appear within the new universe provided via the DC Comics relaunch back in 2011, for some this may serve as good entry point. There's a good chance that we'll see an enemy of the Lanterns (any color) be chosen by one of the eight remaining rings.

Here is a list of far fetched but also possible contenders...

1.Superman

We don't know how he is going to react to all of this, let alone what would happen if something horrible happens to Supergirl while wearing or trying to remove her ring. She is his last living relative, I can see some "super" rage stemming from a traumatic incident. To be honest, I can see Superman either dawning a Blue Ring, or being the one who convinces Saint Walker to return as a Blue Lantern (their situations are similar).

2. Saint Walker

Speaking of. With Saint Walker being the sole surviving member of the Blue Lanterns, what would happen if his waning hope turns into rage? Would we see a new Blue Lantern? Would he end up saving himself with his hope returning and then curing himself? More likely to have a simple "comeback" and cure the Reds who need it, but would be interesting to see.

3. Nightwing/Richard Grayson

Not sure how the events of "Forever Evil" will play out, but the original Robin has lost his monthly title. He may need a break from earths surface. May seem far fetched, just trying to "save" the character from a "death", and we haven't seen an angry Nightwing. Not Red Lantern Corps angry. Red Hood aka Jason Todd is the more likely candidate, but he is one of the more obvious ones if selecting someone from Gotham.

4. Larfleeze

He's the lone Orange Lantern for a reason. He see's a new shiny object fly by, he is going to want it. And if anyone tries to stop him, he's capable of reaching the required rage level to receive a ring. Which I guess would turn into ever lasting rage for possibly not being able to be an Orange Lantern any longer. 

5. A Guardian

Not likely, but it is a matter of time before at least one of them begins to become a problem for everyone...again. Perhaps one of the "new" ones will just snap, or something causes them to. Again, not likely although not 100% impossible.

6. Big Name Villain

Which one? No idea. With the addition of Supergirl, it means it may not have to be a "Lantern" villain, so it is really hard to pinpoint which one is the "angriest" of them all. Will it be someone who hasn't even debuted yet, and has some added rage to their new back-story? Keeping with the "Super" theme, how would they stop a ring-bearing Doomsday? Even if they got him into the lake, then what? Apologies for not listing a name, but there are just so many possibilities. I give this a high probability though if it isn't just Supergirl being the "big" name to have gotten one, feel free to comment on which villain you think will get a red ring. As long as the story adds up, there is no wrong answer in this one, even a campish type of character could have a moment of rage.

7. Another Human

It appears as though Rankorr fell at the hands of Atrocitus, but isn't confirmed. Will he be "replaced"? Even with leader of the Reds, Guy Gardner, being human it wouldn't come as a surprise to see more Earth dwellers fill the roster. Green Lanterns have three at the moment, there have been 6 or so over all, and they Red Lanterns always seem to want to compete with the Greens. More likely, a quick fatality though, but another human Red, none the less.

8. Mogo

We finally see where Mogo wear his ring, which was just on a branch of a tree in which the "treemunks" play with it. Not completely sure how Mogo "works", but would he become a member of the Red Lantern Corps if a Red Ring were to land on a branch while the 'munks are playing with the green ring? Another "not very likely" character, but would be interesting to see none the less. Definitely make for great visuals, as his land scape changes into something I think would resemble Ysmault. Speaking of which, Mogo would make a great new home for the Reds (who recently set up shop on Ysmault again, which is in Sector 2814).


There is a good chance that Supergirl was the lone superstar to receive a raging red ring. Some could have been lost or destroyed while searching for a bearer, while some go to the more likely candidate, brand new characters. People to either add to the roster short-term or long-term, or even give the Lanterns of any color a new enemy who is on a more level playing field. Atrocitus is back at full power, who's to say he won't start his own corps now that Guy Gardner runs the group Atrocitus started. Just happy to see some focus on the Red Lanterns for a change, instead of them being a smaller part of a bigger Green Lantern story.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK FAMILIES

In Canada it is "Family Day"! Us Canucks don't get how this is a holiday either, but it's a day off, so the people will take it, and most do spend the time with family or close friends. Comic books of course are loaded with families and characters that are related, whether it be by blood or by bond. This includes the talent that bring these characters to life in every panel and page.
With a mixture of both comic book characters, and the people who bring them to life (artists, writers) here is a list of some of the family dynasties within the comic book universes...

The Summers Family

One of Marvel's comic book families. Members include Scott Summers/Cyclops, his brother Alex Summers/Havok, their father Major Christopher Summers/Corsair, Scott's children (from the future but not) Nathan Summers/Cable and Rachel Summers/Phoenix. Then there is Cable's son, Tyler. And don't forget about Jean Grey aka Marvel Girl aka Phoenix who is Scott's wife and mother of his children (Cable's mother was a clone of Jean, so same thing really).

The Wayne Family

Not to forget the great bloodline that Bruce Wayne comes from, but it is the family he's built since dawning the cape and cowl that we are referring too. Family is more than blood. Batman (Bruce Wayne) and all of his sons both adopted, foster or birth, Nightwing (Richard Grayson), Red Hood (Jason Todd), Red Robin (Tim Drake) and Robin (Damian Wayne) have proven just that over the years. The relaunch has since added some family issues as of late (Joker's last appearance, Damian's current "death" status), but they pull through, or we're hoping they do. Oh, and Bruce possibly has a relative out there? Read "Batman: City Of Owls" if you have not.

The Eisenhardt Family

The size of and the members of this family vary from "earth" to "earth". Magneto is the patriarch of this dynasty, with his children Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, his grandchildren Speed, Wiccan, Pavel Rasputin, etc. Former and possible "in-laws" include Vision, Doctor Doom, Crystal, etc. Magnetism, speed and magic. I do like how Magneto would have an advantage against the men his daughter brings home. Android and a man in a metal suit. They probably had her home by 11pm...a day early lol And I believe Polaris may also be an offspring of Magneto, which at times links the Eisenhardt and Summers families.

The Grimes Family

They are kind of the First Family Of The Zombie Apocalypse in The Walking Dead. Both in print and on screen. Of Rick, Lori, Carl and Judith Grimes, in both the comic book and television series, only two members remain. (and for the record, regardless of genetics, Rick is Judith's father).

The Kubert Family

A family of comic book artists, writers, and creators. The late great Joe Kubert, who's work and contributions to comic books is legendary gave us, greats in their own right, Adam and Andy Kubert. And they help pass on their knowledge within their family owned school, The Kubert School, which was founded by Joe who also taught there before passing, and carrying that on is both Adam and Andy.

The Richards Family

Best known members of this clan are Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards, Invisible Woman/Sue Storm-Richards and their son, Franklin Richards, and of course Sue's brother, Human Torch/Johnny Storm. There is also Reed's father, like-wise super smart, former Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., and also a time traveler, Nathaniel Richards.

The House Of El

Of course, there is Kal El/Clark Kent/Superman son of Jor El and Lara El. Kal's uncle from his fathers side, Zor El and his wife Alura In-Ze, whom are parents of Kara Zor El/Kara Kent/Supergirl. And regardless of which incarnation (there are many), whether clone or not there is Superboy, sometimes Kon El. Hopefully, there is a lawyer somewhere in this bloodline, with all the legal drama over the years. Although not Kryptonian, Martha & Jonathan Kent get honorary mentions for having raised Kal El. They did an okay job, I'd say.

The Romita Family

Legendary artist John Romita Sr, his wife Virginia Romita (apparently once long time Marvel Traffic Manager), and their also legendary son, John Romita Jr. Spider-Man. X-Men. Kick-Ass. And others to which we all say a collective "Thank you". Although primarily a "Marvel" family, John Jr. is coming over to DC Comics. Cannot wait for that.



Well, that's all for now. There are many, many more families both large and small within the comic book universes. Wouldn't be surprised to see a new baby pop up in The Walking Dead, with the last name Grimes. Or new babies in any of the titles across the publisher board. With the way they seem to "get around". Just saying. It may be "Family Day" in Canada, but in some cases a lot of families begin about 9months from now thanks to the very recently celebrated Valentine's Day.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK COUPLES III

Happy Valentine's Day! Back with the final list of couples from the worlds of comic books. For now that is, there will be in the future. With the ones that I forgot to add, and likely, with the way comic book characters "get around" within their universes, I am sure that there will be more to add to the massive list. You can find the first list (HERE) and the second list (HERE)

Hope you enjoy them. Did your favorites make the list yet? Find out below...

Black Panther & Storm

Although the relationship is apparently on the outs, or they seemed to be on that road, they reached "Married Couple" status before, like most famous marriages, it all came to an end. Luckily, one key difference between them, is in comic books, relationships ending are like deaths, a temporary thing. What about their destined to be great children they were foretold about?

Hawkman & Hawkgirl

Destined to be together forever. Each life spent together, but with each, comes having to watch the other die. Beautiful yet tragic. Great for comics, and likely the reason for their longevity.

Wolverine & Jean Grey

I don't think it has ever been more than a super steamy, high tensioned, mutual crush. Wolverine falling for the girl next door who's dating the head jock, and for Jean it was the stereotypical "bad boy" crush. For the record, as a child I was "Team Logan" as kids say these days...wait do they still do that?

Steve Trevor & Wonder Woman

Who knows, maybe when Superman and Wonder Woman's current fling ends badly as it has been said to be (Geoff Johns apparently said so), maybe this classic couple can reunite. Until then however, after the media focused embarrassment of the split, we shall say, "Poor Steve".

Mr. Fantastic & Invisible Woman

To some they are the "First Couple" of the Marvel Universe. With longevity, marriage, and of course some kiddies, they've endured through a lot. Even the initial "Fantastic 4" movie franchise. And despite Namor's attempts also.

Batman & Talia al Ghul

Regardless of current status or the reasons behind the relationship. They gave us Damian Wayne, your argument is invalid. Okay, you are entitled to your opinion. However, this relationship gets props for Talia's father, Ra's, being completely okay with this union. Bats "awkward" moments with Ra's al Ghul, are completely different from what many have had to endure in the future "father-in-law" department.

Ant-Man & Wasp

This one has had its ups and downs, and bottom of the barrel (spousal abuse is just that). They have been married, divorced, reconciled, turned down a proposal of renewing their marriage (by Wasp), to living in retirement together, only for Wasp to return to action. Solo. However, with Marvel's ever revamping and relaunching world, who's to say we won't see these two size-changers reunite, or renew. Abuse is bad, however it made for some realism within the comic books, it provided awareness and that is good.

Red Lantern Guy Gardner & Ice

A relationship of hot tempers and cold receptions. Pardon the puns. If you've read "Red Lanterns #27" and "Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28" you know this icy hots current relationship status. If not, check out these reviews to find out...Red Lanterns #27 and Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28. Spoiler alerts within those links. Been warned.

Daredevil & Elektra

Reminds me of Marvel's Batman & Catwoman or perhaps more so, Batman & Talia al Ghul or a mix of both relationships maybe....Daredevil....Batman....yes people are still  going there. Personally, I can't wait.

Thanos & Death

Go read "Infinity Gauntlet" if you haven't. Re-read if you have. You're welcome.

And Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate the holiday that holds its own against Christmas as the top "over-commercialized" holiday of the year. To some of you, best of luck 9months from now lol And sorry to all the people who's favorite couples didn't make the lists as there were a lot that were left out, not intentional at all.

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK COUPLES II

COMIC BOOK COUPLES