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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WILL BATMAN '89 EVER COME TO BE?

I was playing some DC All Access videos on Youtube for background noise while typing out a comic book review, when I heard someone (possibly Kevin Smith) say something about how almost each generation has their own Batman. For my father it was Adam West's version from the 1960's, being an 80's kid my Batman of course was Michael Keaton from Batman (1989) and Batman Returns, and my oldest daughters first Batman is Christian Bale in the Dark Knight Trilogy, while the youngest daughter will have Ben Affleck. Some of the poor 90's kids may have Val Kilmer or George Clooney as theirs.
Jokes aside, with Batman '66 did well after its first year, even spawning a Batman '66 And The Green Hornet spin-off title. Why not give the next generation their Batman in comic book form? That of course being Batman '89. A lot would of course be reset and done in an original manner, but it would be nice to see Tim Burton's version of the caped crusader come back to life. Something which would happen to a Jack Nicholson inspired Joker. Batman of course would be inspired by Michael Keaton, but to not scare away the Kilmer and Clooney peeps, keep the villains and additional heroes in the style of Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Mr. Freeze would be Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robin is Chris O'Donnell, you get the idea. A dark, Gothic styled Gotham City similar to what Tim Burton laid out in his initial films, keeping Schumacher's bright lights for when characters like The Riddler are up to no good.
It could make for some moments that we were deprived of as well. Imagine Jim Carrey's version of The Riddler in scenario's with Nicholson's Joker. Of course, there is also the Two-Face we were originally supposed to have. Goodbye to Tommy Lee's rendition, and hello to the original Harvey Dent, Billy Dee Williams. I believe it was a scheduling conflict that stopped this from happening, and a comic book version would be a perfect way to bring it to life. Perhaps even call upon Tim Burton and Billy Dee Williams themselves to help show what they had in mind all those years ago.
For new characters that didn't make it to the big screen during the Batman (1989) franchise, draw inspiration from either stars from that era. Preferably, the ones that were perhaps rumored to be playing someone in these movies. Everyone likely has their own opinion, but there has to be many of you who agree that this could make for a great comic book series. It is the Year Of The Batman, so why not? It is a part of Batman75 history. Maybe one day. Until then....

Stay Nerdy!

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!!

It's is approaching that time of year again! Next weekend on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 to be exact. That's right, Free Comic Book Day has returned! It is when comic book publishers (DC Comics, Marvel Comics, etc) get together with the comic book stores across North America  and give back to us fans. With a new batch of free comic books available, as well as a variety of events being held by different comic book shops. Be sure to check out your local comic book store to see what they have planned! You can use the Comic Shop Locator to find a store near you.
Whether you're a single nerd, the lone nerd in the house, or a family of nerds, it is a day to spend having a little bit of fun without the hassle that goes into attending a comic-con. But with some of the same perks. Free stuff is never a bad thing, and most (if not all) stores will have some sort of discount set-up to encourage adding to your collections.

Some of the free comic books that will be available are;

• DC The New 52 Futures End SE
• Guardians Of The Galaxy
• Transformers Vs G.I. Joe
• Epic #0
• Street Fighter #0
• Alll Rocket Raccoon
• Bleeding Cool Magazine
• Grimm Fairy Tales #0

As well as many more (for a complete list click HERE). Ranging from kids to teens and adults. There is even going to be something from WizKids who are making Arkham Origins Batman and Joker Heroclix available for free for fans on this fun filled day. But these, as like the comic books are a first come, first serve basis so be sure to get down to your local comic book shop earlier than later. Personally, I will aiming to hit up my usual shop of choice. And according to their flyer, it should make for a good day for myself and my junior nerds. Remember to use the Comic Shop Locator to find a store near you and see what they have planned for this yearly event!

For more News, Reviews, and more on Comic Books, Movies, TV Shows, Video Games, and Wrestling! Head on over to The Non-Geeky Nerd! Until next time...

Stay Nerdy!

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!

COMIC BOOK COUPLES

Finally! A Place For The Clown Princess

First, allow me to take a moment to give a big Thank You! to Harley Quinn's creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. It is nice having a character that I not only love, but for once, I am older than aha And just how much do I love this character? Well, last Halloween I was blessed with the birth of my second daughter, and although we went more feminine with the spelling, her name is none other than Harleigh Quinn.

After years of being a support character for The Joker, or currently in the pages of Suicide Squad and formerly Gotham City Sirens, Harley Quinn is finally getting her own monthly series. Slated to hit the shelves Wednesday, November 20th, 2013, writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti along with a collection of artists including Sam Keith, Tony S. Daniels, among others are in charge of bringing Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel and her crazy alter ego to life.

Although she is a Batman related character, I don't consider this to be just another "Bat-book". I am sure Batman will make appearances and the title may even be apart of future cross-overs/story arcs, but I think much like DC has done with others like Batwoman or Nightwing, Harley's path and story will be her own. I admit I am curious ho wand if The Joker will fit into all of this, despite the events from "Death Of The Family" (if you haven't read this story arc, may I strongly suggest you go grab each issue or the collected edition when available. Thank me later).

Finally, since it is scheduled to drop at the same time that the DC Universe is following the Batman into Year Zero ("Dark City" seems to be the title for this), and the first issue is #0, it may be a safe bet that they will be taking Harley's story back to origin. That's an assumption though, I am not totally sure how the creative team will be starting things off. All I do know, is that I am looking forward to whatever it is that awaits us come November.


Oh, and don't forget to check out Harley Quinn during Villains Month this September a la the pages of Detective Comics #23.2. Like most I am a Villains fan so although my bank account isn't excited, I am pumped for Villains Month!

Stay Nerdy!