My Comic Reading Journey - August 2024

Finally caught up on Tom Taylor's run on Titans by reading the Beast World event. I loved the event and the book overall, but I'm starting to notice a trend in the big two when it comes to event comics. All the stories now-a-days are built up in these event crossover comics, relegating the main books to just either be fallout from an event or buildup to an event, never having the time to tell there own isolated stories.

My ★★★★★ review of #Barbie on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/6NfLeX

Just watched this week's #XMen97, and it was a phenomenal episode exploring Rogue's greif after the disaster in Genosha. Lenore Zann's performance in this episode is beyond amazing. Had me tearing up a couple of times throughout the episode. The action in this episode is especially top notch, very well animated (especially Rogue's first action scene) and using everyone's abilities to the fullest. The only thing I can't make sense of is the final scene.

This show never fails to amaze me. I have read Lifedeath now in-between these two parts released, and while it's not one to one accurate to the comic, it is still as emotionally satisfying as it. Storm's rebirth scene is probably one of the most epic and well written scenes in this show (one of many), and signifying her rebirth by switching back to her iconic 70's costume is just brilliant. This episode also marks the return of Charles Xavier, who was with Lilandra so she can cure him. #XMen97

I can't tell you how much I love #WonderWoman (2017). Every time I rewatch it I'm reminded why I fell in love with it when I first saw it in theaters. It reminds me to be a better person when the world makes me lose hope.

Just watched episode 3 of #WhatIf Season 2, and it was such a delightful little Christmas episode. Just so many fun holiday moments with the Avengers in this one. Happy turning into a Hulk was so unexpected, but I love all the jokes that came out of it (especially Justin Hammer calling him "Hulk Hogan," which to be honest, he's a better Hulk Hogan than the real life one). So many fun references to Die Hard, too, while also twisting it just enough to not feel stale.

Just watched episode 2 of #WhatIfSeason2, and it was a much better and evenly paced episode. I love this team of characters that they used for this episode, like an 80's version of the Avengers. The character beats from everyone just worked for me in this episode, from Winter Soldier to Peter Quill. 1/2

Just watched the first episode of #WhatIfSeason2, and while episode does have a nice cyberpunk aesthetic, and some fun returning characters, the plot of this episode felt rushed at times. I at no point bought Nova Prime motivations for her betrayal, as it felt a little convoluted. But, the team up at the end was pretty fun, and is probably the only time Howard the Duck looked badass. So, this episode, while not the greatest, isn't the worst episode I've ever seen.

7/10

My ★★★★ review of #ScoobyDoo! and Krypto, Too! on #Letterboxd https://boxd.it/580gOt

Happy #BatmanDay! Here's my review of Batman Vs Two-Face on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/4RfRzH

DC isn't just dark and brooding, just like Marvel isn't just bright and colorful. The difference between the two companies is that DC has characters that you look up to as a moral compass, while Marvel has more characters that you can relate to. Even then, there are characters in both companies that are exceptions to the rule. I implore everyone to read more DC comics than just Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen. Because, while good, they are not the end-all be-all of what DC is supposed to be.

My ★★★★½ review of #BlueBeetle on #Letterboxd #BlueBeetleBattalion https://boxd.it/4JDsPL

Going to be watching #BlueBeetle tomorrow! #BlueBeetleBattalion

Just watched episode 8 of #MyAdventuresWithSuperman, and this episode does a great job showing Superman struggle with his newly discovered powers. It also does a great job showing Superman struggle with how Metropolis views him, with him saving The Mist while he was invisible by stopping a truck, the citizen's now view him as a threat (as well as the US government). The inclusion of Vicki Vale, while different, is really relevant to today's news cycle.

A first look at Monarch: Legacy of Monsters was just released, and it looks incredible! This seems to be taking place between Godzilla 2014 and Godzilla: King of the Monsters, as evidenced by the first screencap looking like it's from the bridge scene in 2014. The CGI on Godzilla looks on movie level, so the budget for this series must be massive!

My ★★★★½ review of #HeartofStone on #Letterboxd https://boxd.it/4H6pOh

Just watched the 7th episode of #MyAdventuresWithSuperman, and while Mr. Mxysptlk is vastly different from any version seen previously (serious, I don't even think he has his weakness from the comics in this), the character writing in this is what carries this episode. Some people might be tired of Multiverse stories, and in some cases rightfully so, but this episode pulled it off flawlessly.

Just watched the sixth episode of #MyAdventuresWithSuperman, and this is the best episode yet. I kind of forgive them revealing his identity early, because it leads to a great character moment in this for Clark, Lois, and Jimmy. Monsieur Mallah and the Brain, while being completely different from the comics, was a great inclusion which also tied into Jimmy's drama with Lois and Clark.

My ★★★ review of #HarleyQuinn Season 4 Episode 4 on #Serializd: https://srlzd.com/r/71d2b6

Just watched the fifth episode of #MyAdventuresWithSuperman, and while I do feel it went a little to fast with the reveal, I think Lois was perfectly in character being frustrated with Clark with not telling her. Same with Clark, too, being afraid Lois will reveal his entire life. The Cadmus arc is also getting really interesting. They showed they are not one dimensional villains, and actually worry about civilian casualties. I'm intrigued to see how this story will play out.