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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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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THE JOKER'S NEW ORIGIN COULD END UP PUTTING A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

There have been some rumblings across the net (as per usual) about The Joker's new origin. Which has been happening within the pages of "Batman: End Game". It isn't too hard to see why people aren't accepting the clown prince of crimes background. Supernatural type stuff isn't typical of The Joker. Although it has taken place before, it isn't the norm in Gotham City.

However, although it is a new direction, it isn't the first time that we have seen Mr. J alive in come fashion through out history. Back in 2010, writer Grant Morrison and artists Chris Sprouse & Frazer Irving, showed us exactly that in "Batman: The Return Of Bruce Wayne". Although the story focused on Bruce Wayne making his way back through time to the present day, we were shown various incarnations during each time period of The Joker. Sure, it wasn't a spot on rendition but it was quite obvious he was "there". With DC Comics upcoming "Convergence" and "relaunch" (just removing "New 52" continuity is going to remain in tact), who's to say that Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's story is even set in stone? It could have been an intended ploy to tell a great story that may not be received well. Or not, and that means either we are left to accept this, or since the story isn't over yet, it is all a ploy. Who's to say that all this isn't Mr. J recreating himself as to be more like Batman. The story of Batman does somewhat begin with him being somewhat of a myth, an urban legend, almost supernatural.

If anything, The Joker's new origin at least explains why he keeps coming back. There have been times where he should have been dead, and gone. He is a Batman villain after all, meaning he is basically still just a human. If there is an issue here, it should be not showing us after The Joker took the plunge into the vat of chemicals (assuming of course that is was him under the hood). Guess we will all just have to relax and see how Snyder and Capullo "end" this "game". Pun clearly intended.


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DC's FUTURES END MONTH IN SEPTEMBER A CASE OF DEJA VU?

Perhaps a bit early to be talking too much on the subject, with there being an entire summer to get through first. However, there have been some rumblings about DC Comics plans for their upcoming 3rd Anniversary of The New 52. For the first year mark we were treated to #0 issues giving us a taste of characters new origins. Showing us just how much certain characters have both changed and stayed the same since the relaunch in 2011. Then there was last year, the second anniversary of the New 52. We were given a new style of 3-D covers, with the entire cover being a hologram instead of the traditional card or sticker. The covers were amazing and great additions to the collection. There is where the problem lied, getting your hands on these were quite a hassle for most. With stores and their customers suffering due to limited availability due to the lower number DC Comics had made. Usually only the customers are left with a bad taste in their mouth after failing to grab a certain item that likely fell into the hands of the people who only buy up and resell items at a higher price. This time even the store owners were feeling the heat from this mishap as they can't make money off of an item they ran out of.

This year we will be treated to another round of 3-D covers to celebrate the anniversary. Some may see this as a case of deja vu, and they wouldn't be completely wrong in saying so. However, this year is a chance at redemption. DC Comics will likely be on top of things this year and at the very least supply stores with their usual orders if not the expected excess that should occur. Also, it isn't the same as last year where only certain titles were given 3-D covers and running in a 23.1-4 numbering, while others "took the month off". This year all the titles will be involved. All of which will be taking a look at the future as part of the company wide "Futures End" story arc currently starting up.

If anything, the covers so far look phenomenal. Looks wise it seems to almost be a cross between the old-school card hologram and the new style DC Comics unveiled last year in the background. But of course, it all being one. You can see the first two scheduled weeks of covers at the following links...

FUTURES END-WEEK 1
FUTURES END-WEEK 2

Be interesting to see how these issues will look in person, amongst the natural wonderment of whether or not DC Comics learned their lesson last year. More so, whether the stories behind the great covers are just as good. The "Futures End" storyline does look appealing, and is nice that it may or may not have any effect of the present day amongst the titles. Well, those who's stories take place in the present or the past, and not the future beyond "5 years from now". Guess we'll see, now to get through the summer which includes "Batman Day" as well as more information and pics from the newly named, "Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice".

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