WAITING FOR CONVERGENCE TO END

It does appear to be an interesting "event" based on the information that has floated around since DC Comics "Convergence" began. Azrael is still Batman, a mantle he claimed after the events of "Batman: Knightfall". Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane are not only still a married couple, but they are expecting their first child.  The list goes on. All interesting, but all apparently "irrelevant" to continuity. A continuity that is to remain intact as DC Comics ends their "New 52" imprint. And the apparent reason for "Convergence" was to almost "fill the void" as DC Comics moved their offices from the East coast to the West coast.

There are likely plenty of fans buying up their favorite titles and their stories, including the "Convergence" title itself. What about the rest of us? Those who have no real interest in something almost irrelevant? Two months is a long time for those who are strictly DC Comics fans, to not be in the comic book shops. Personally, back issues from both New 52 and titles from before the relaunch would be one thing, but what about those who have no other reason? That must put a small dent in the comic book shops profits.
Even those who will continually go to their local shops, they would now have money to spend else where. Possibly a competitors product. However, Marvel might be dropped due to a similar event taking place. But, there are other publishers, and whether it affects shops, it does simply mean less money in DC Comics pockets. Two months is also long enough for people's interests to change also.
DC Comics receives props for maintaining their continuity through their "soft relaunch". Who knows how many more fans, both new and old, they would have lost if they had. But, how will things look after "Convergence" ends? It is said that the general tone of things will be lighter than before. A decision that may please some, but may turn away others.

As with their movieverse, it is of course "wait and see". Hopefully things won't be too different than they were before "Convergence". The darker tones of the characters and their stories, made the world outside look a tad bit brighter for some. Perhaps expanding the '66 and '77 type worlds for those who seek the light. Those are the era's in which the majority refer to, when wanting a lighter DC Comics.


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CONVERGENCE: CONFUSING FOR SOME OF US

Convergence (noun)

-The process or state of converging.

Converge (verb-converging)

-Several people or things coming together from different directions so as eventually to meet.

For some fans, mostly those who chose the launching of the New 52 to jump on board with DC Comics, that is really all that is known. Now four years later, the new readers (mainly) are left in the dark so to speak. Titles have come and gone since DC Comics relaunch, so the dropping of the titles wasn't really a shocker. Although the number of titles, as well as some of the choices were another story. And of course, there is the fact that they are dropping the New 52 banner. That was easier to swallow after DC Comics stated that the continuity would go forward unchanged. The choices of course are a matter of opinion, but Batwoman? The title was able to set itself apart from the other Batman books. Green Lantern Corps, Green Lantern: New Guardians, and Red Lanterns? Sure, the number of Lantern books needed to be rolled back, however, now the choices are only Green and Yellow. And yes the Bat-titles needed to be trimmed, but Arkham Manor just started really (although that makes sense given the premise). And lets be honest, how long until DC Comics relaunches Swamp Thing, again?

The point of all of this isn't so much the new, relaunch but not relaunch (what is this called? Other than Marvel-esque?). The point is, what are the new fans to do for the next three months? Sure the continuity from the New 52 will be carrying on after Convergence, but it is put on hold for 3 months. Yes, there are many titles that may intrigue fans. The Convergence title itself, "cross-over/tie-in" titles like Superman. Where Superman and Lois Lane are not only still married, but expecting their first child). Or a world where Azrael still dawns the mantle of Batman in Shadow Of The Bat. Should fans (those with no interest beyond the New 52's continuity) even pay attention to any of this? Will any of this massive, three month story "mean anything" in the end? Is this simply a "one off" while DC Comics transitions offices from the east coast to the west? Or possibly a sort of test to see if any of these characters or storylines are what the fans want within the continuity (Shazam?)?
Although the continuity will remain intact, how will the stories and overall tone of the titles be? Word has it that DC Comics is looking to give into the group that felt the books were too "dark", and lightening things up. Will this be a gradual change, or will everything revert back to the 50's to 70's immediately after Convergence? And what of the fans who were okay, and possibly enjoying the tones and directions before? To swipe from Marvel, What if...those fans outweigh the other? Will DC Comics once again switch things up again?

With Convergence having just started, a lot will "remain to be seen" or answered. Personally, the main question is how this effects "pull lists". Is this similar to the previous anniversaries where the titles were "swapped" for a period of time, or were fans to "update" them before hand? And would that mean they would have to also redo their lists afterwords as they possibly add some titles after some are removed? So many questions for the newer fans who haven't been through DC Comics previous revamps and relaunches in previous decades. When did The Riddler take over DC Comics?


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BAT-MITE?

Of all the titles that will be new, and those that will be lost, this one stood out the most. DC Comics is concluding their New 52 imprint, and starting anew, kind of. The continuity and stories will remain unchanged. For now the monthly releases will be rolled back to 48 titles. Half of which will be new titles, meaning 28 titles will be canceled.

To make way for new titles like, Bat-Mite? That's where the problem lies. Sure, titles can come and go. But, clearing out ones that were doing fine, to make room for something that doesn't look like it will last, makes no sense. Yes, there are some titles to look forward to, like Cyborg or Black Canary. But, Red Lanterns and Batwoman (and many others) gone, to make room for Bizarro, We Are Robin, or again, Bat-Mite?

It is hard to accept what is coming when in appearance, it looks weak. Where are the much sought after titles like, Shazam!? Or some of the Milestone characters that they own the rights to? Even as a Bat-fan, it seems to be getting to be a little much with so many. Sure, not all the titles are directly related to the Batman or Gotham, but they will most likely always be thought of as such. Robin, Son Of Batman sure, but why Harley Quinn/Power Girl? Love the Harley Quinn solo title, but the brief story involving the two was good, not great. Milking the character makes sense, given her popularity, but perhaps stick with the extra issue every so often like they have been doing for holidays, and special occasions.

Credit does deserve to be given though. DC Comics decided to at least keep their continuity intact with this small relaunch. Alienating the new fans they have picked up since the launch of the New 52 would be a bad business move, and could make any new readers they pick up with this new venture weary out of the gate. Despite the above rant, things don't look too bad. For now.

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COMIC BOOK COUPLES

There used to be a 3-part edition of this from last year, unfortunetly, it disappeared. So, here is a more of a NGN Top 10 Comic Book Couples. Sure some are now defunct due to relaunches, and some may be not your typical "couple", but in today's world it all applies. All of this of course, is in the spirit of today's commercial holiday, Valentine's Day...

Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane

Wolverine and Mariko

Batman and Catwoman

Spider-Man and Mary Jane

Batwoman and Maggie

Cyclops and Jean Grey

Green Arrow and Black Canary

Gambit and Rogue

Rick and Lori Grimes

Black Panther and Storm

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NEW 52 ANNIVERSARY LACKED PUNCH

After last years debacle, I should be happy with just how smooth this years New 52 anniversary went. Haven't seen nor heard of anyone being short changed in regards to getting the 3-D cover version of their favorite titles. Have also enjoyed that every title was included, unlike last year where we had 4 weeks of  say "Batman" or "Green Lantern" but nothing for say "Batgirl" or "Red Lanterns". But, after last year it was expected of DC Comics to not repeat the errors that were made.

Now I haven't read any of the issues in the weekly title, "Futures End", so perhaps I am missing something in regards to the tie-ins. But, it feels as though these one-shot tie-ins are lacking punch. Don't get me wrong, the stories have been good, and in some cases, great. They just feel "pointless" in a sense. DC Comics has said that all of this is part of what they have planned in 5 years time, and that the plan is to not have these one-shots be "What If's" (yes, a Marvel title, but you get it), and have them mean something. Problem with that is, what if we didn't like this direction? Stories were nice reads, but in most cases not a direction I would want to see the company go. Batman will be constantly cloning himself? And in just 5 years time, he'll be beaten and broken leading to him doing this? Sure it made for a nice read, but other than a possible (not definite) future I don't want it. Or even with Red Lanterns, or should I say the end of them? At times I prefer the Reds over the Greens, and don't want them to come to an end. Not until the writing turns to crap at least. Now, perhaps DC Comics was just trying to add hype to the event, especially after last year. It would be hard to imagine them sticking to all of this if fans aren't buying it. I am sure others out there agree that the stories themselves were good to great, but would prefer to not go in that direction for the next 5 years. At least not all of what was shown, as some things will have to be explained (ie. Mr J and his pretty face in Harley Quinn). I am also most of us who think this would be okay with DC Comics saying that these were all just possible futures.

Can't state enough how good the one-shots were. Stories were solid. Art was a matter of opinion as always, even the ones I didn't care for did a great job of telling their stories though. The covers were great again, and although a repeat of last year, it was nice to see all the titles getting one. I am looking forward to what they do for the 4th anniversary of the New 52. They've done the past, villains, and now the future. What could possibly be the focus next year? Until then, Stay Nerdy!



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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 COUPLES