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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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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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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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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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!

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF CANADA!

The Justice League of America is apparently heading north of the border to my home and native land that is Canada come Spring 2014,  with writer Jeff Lemire at the helm. Promising a dream-team of characters to fill out the roster, a mix of top names and a new Canadian character as bonus.

With such little details as to the who's, why's and how's we will focus on the people who already exist or have existed in the past within the DC Universe who could possibly make up the team. As for the new character, all that  shall be said is, "Good Luck!" Having never even crossed the border, I can tell you that it will not be an easy task. Very "Marvel-Heavy" up here in Canada product wise, and I am sure there are already people out there waiting to compare this with Marvel's Alpha Flight. However, we are very loyal to roots and tradition, and the fact that co-creator of Superman Joe Shuster was born here may help the situation as here in Canada we're all about our Quarters and Stamps, and sure enough Supes himself has and will again soon be appearing on both of those. I usually poke fun at my country for these things, but will admit am looking into getting my hands on all the Superman Quarters and Stamps ahaha

Okay, back to the point, Who Should Be On The Justice League Of Canada Roster?

Green Lantern Simon Baz
With the happenings in the real world, everyone always looks to Superman to be that shining light in a currently dark world of comic books, perhaps this Lanterns light is the one to be that beacon. Yes, pun heavily intended!

Nightwing
If anyone has read "Forever Evil #1" then they would understand why Richard Grayson might want to lay low in the great white north for a bit. Plus, Batman seems to be everywhere among the 52 titles, Nightwing would fill that role in this book nicely.

Swamp Thing
Yes, referred to as the great white north, but trust me despite the rumors it isn't winter all year around up here, we have spring, summer and fall as well and it is green as it gets up here, and that would fit into Swamp Things comfort zone nicely.

Frankenstein
Going with this guy as a recruiter of sorts for Bigfoot a flip side to Marvel's Sasquatch as a new character. It's far fetched, but is anything really in comic books?

Booster Gold
Apparently Booster is a Canuck. However, that isn't confirmed yet in the New 52 either apparently. But, if he is, then most definitely make him a member. Comedy between him and Nighwing could be similar to that of The Flash and Green Lantern Hal Jordan.

Animal Man
Much like Swamp Thing, Animal Man would fit in nicely in Canada's wilderness. With, although slightly common, more of a variety of animals can be included. Wolverine, anybody?

Batgirl
Far fetched, as she is in a compelling story of her own as of late. Yet, the current situation could see Babs needing a break from Gotham. Added bonus is reuniting on a more regular basis with Grayson.

Ice
Strong feeling that perhaps the new character being created to join the DC Universe is going to be a female Canadian as I can't think of any at all really. However, if that isn't the case and Batgirl is held up in Gotham City, then the character Ice to complete the roster. She also fills the "Canada equals Snow & Ice" stereotype ahaha


We'll find out who really made the cut come Spring 2014! All of you Americans that will be joining the ride, pack light as you may want to be a villain and smuggle our beer back with you!

Stay Nerdy!

COMIC BOOK DREAM MATCHES

Now, usually I reserve thoughts like this for things like Pro-Wrestling and other sports because they are based a little more on stats than it is with comic books where this is totally a matter of opinion no matter how much real life information we have. Only thing that can truly beat a comic book character is lack of interest and sales, where in athletics its based on performance but little to do with how fans receive an athlete (as long as the seats are filled mind you). Another key difference, is that in comic books even the writers don't usually give a clear cut winner so not to take anything away from the "loser".

In Pro-Wrestling it is matches like Stone Cold Steve Austin versus Goldberg, John Cena versus Hulk Hogan, in Basketball it is Michael Jordan versus Dr. J Julius Erving or MJ annihilating Lebron James (Sorry, give me Kobe or Durant imo), Baseball it is well, Baseball is a hard one with all the PE (performance enhancing) going on the last few years (and who knows how long before), but I digress.

In comic books, the bigger picture is more of a dream match between the DC Comics and Marvel Comics Universes, as we have been treated to seeing favorites of a publisher face other favorites, and I do believe there was somewhat of a cross-promotion thing way back in the day. Like I mentioned before rarely is there a clear cut winner in the dream matches that have occured  as not to take away anything from the losing character, and usually in the rematch (if there is one) the other person gets their shot at victory so to speak. Look at the Superman Vs Batman situations, obviously Superman would have the advantage, he's freakin' Superman, but numerous times Batman has not only "won" but knocked the last son of Krypton out cold (Yes, he used Kryptonite, but still).

So, the following is a list of dream matches that I would like to see one day, I won't go into detail, as most are pretty self explanatory, and others are a matter of my opinion and mostly just a curiousity of how it would look and how it would go down.

 The Flash (DC) -Vs- Quicksilver (Marvel)
Any of the Flash characters really, but go with Barry Allen's. The obvious question here is, Who's Faster?

Superman (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
Now, this is one that has me curious about a lot. From the visuals, the entire story behind it, to the ending with who won and how...and then the fanboy reaction that stems from it.

Doomsday (DC) -Vs- Hulk (Marvel)
This would possibly make the destruction from The Avengers and Man Of Steel movies look like a small dust storm. And quite possibly would never end.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Iron Man (Marvel)
Simply to show step by step how Batman will crush Iron Man ahaha I am joking. What makes this even more interesting is the Bruce Wayne versus Tony Stark side of things also.

Green Arrow (DC) -Vs- Hawkeye (Marvel)
Obvious reasons, no?

Black Canary (DC) -Vs- Siren (Marvel)
I tad harder to match up the ladies for me, I would have Black Canary against Banshee either before or after this. Likely as the catalyst to give a reason for the battle perhaps.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Wolverine (Marvel)
My 2 favorite characters of all-time (call me whatever you want). I would start this off as a team-up with them hunting someone, and have the end result be what triggers the conflict. What's the end result? Wolvie kills, Batman does not. And there would be a "rubber-match" so that the other guy gets the dub'.

Batman (DC) -Vs- Captain America (Marvel)
To be honest, this is more of a build up for the ones that follow.

Robin (DC) -Vs- Bucky (Marvel)
When you think of side-kicks, you must think of at least one of these two.

Nightwing (DC) -Vs- Winter Soldier (Marvel)
This one for me really is that when I had seen a picture of Winter Soldier (I apologize if that's not even his name) I immediately thought about Nightwing. After learning that this was once Bucky, it kinda was hard not to compare.

Cyborg (DC) -Vs- Cable (Marvel)
Appearance wise, it would have been Cyborg against Deathlok, but Deathlok is a brain in a robot from what I've looked up, so the man/robot ratio is more even with my choices. Plus, I wanted Cable on here somehow, as he is another all-time favorite.

Aquaman (DC) -Vs- Namor, Sub-Mariner (Marvel)
Who's king of the sea?

Some "honorable mentions" if you will I guess would be...
Plastic Man (DC) -Vs- Mr. Fantastic (Marvel)
Black Mask (DC) -Vs- Red Skull (Marvel)
Darkseid (DC) -Vs- Thanos

Stay Nerdy!