Geek and Proud by adamlester1195

Your monthly fix of all things geeky, from comic books to films and everything in between. We are geeky. We are proud.

Spotlight on Superman! This month celebrates the Man of Steel’s 80th Birthday, and the significance of the character

Also featured: -First look at the new Mister Miracle series -Our countdown to Infinity War draws to a close…

©DC Comics

Contents Going to the movies

The 8 Best Movies Never Made Justice League Review

Top 5 Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies

Up Close and Personal

No One Knows This About Me But My Emotions Got the Better of Me

What I wish I’d Known Before Getting Netflix Moving on From Negative People

Spotlight on Superman

The Significance of Superman: An Outsider’s Perspective

Fresh from the Comic Book Store Top 5 Batman Comics You Should Read Mister Miracle (2017-2018) Review

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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-2018) Review

Quick Thoughts

Is ‘Age of Ultron’ Worth a Revaluation? Teen Titans Changing for the Better

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Which Infinity Stone Would Be The Best To Possess?

Going to the Movies Your latest fix of movie news, reviews and discussion The 8 Best Movies Never Made Research into the film industry indicates how projects such as I am Legend, The Hobbit and Schindler’s List could have been completely different. There are famous stories from across Hollywood about alternative films that never were. Projects that have achieved cult status for being incredibly close to being made, before paving the way for films we know today. The stories range from the interesting cases, like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg switching Cape Fear and Schindler’s List, to the borderline nightmares, like James Cameron’s planned Spider-Man film which contained a scene in which Spider-Man had sex on top of the Brooklyn Bridge. But since I am a mid-level geek with a hopeful disposition, I

Image source: https://imgur.com/gallery/Ruigb

decided to examine the best films never made. 1. Ant-Man (2015) — Director/Writer: Edgar Wright. One of the best filmmakers of our time and a geek of the highest caliber making a film that switches between the 1960s and modern day, with Simon Pegg in the lead role. Sounds perfect, right? Unfortunately the studio became too controlling and attempted to push Wright’s vision aside, motivating the director and lead actor to respectfully retreat. 2. The Wolverine (2013) — Director: Darren Aronofsky. With a clear passion for the source material by Frank Miller and Chris Claremont, this looked to be one of the best comic book films in recent years. However, just three

months into production, Aronofsky had to leave the project due to personal circumstances. There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with the film we received, it just would have been interesting to see Aronofsky’s take on Wolverine before passing the character to James Mangold. 3. The Hobbit (2012–2014) — Director: Guillermo Del Toro. I still have daydreams about this project. The king of fantasy cinema taking the audience through his vision of Middle Earth for two films. This is a filmmaker who knows how to tell a story and whose imagination has no boundaries so it would have been fantastic to see a fresh perspective, rather than sitting through nine hours of Peter Jackson cashing in on Lord of the Rings nostalgia. 4. The Lovely Bones (2009) — Director: Lynne Ramsay. Originally this film was set to be directed by Lynne Ramsay, who famously bought the rights to the film before the book was finished. After reading the entire novel and being disappointed, Ramsay swiftly left the project. We should however be thankful for this story, because without it Lynne Ramsay would not have gone on to direct her masterpiece We Need to Talk About Kevin. 5. Watchmen (2009) — Director: Terry Gilliam. Many have considered adapting Alan Moore’s masterpiece, but few have come as close as Terry Gilliam. After story boarding the film and realising there was no way to adequately reduce the source material, Gilliam’s version of the alternate .

eighties ran into issues concerning exceeding the budget. After toying with the idea of making Watchmen into a five part television series, Gilliam eventually left the project after asking Alan Moore how he would approach making the film, to which Moore responded “Easy. I wouldn’t.” 6. Watchmen (2009) — Director: Paul Greengrass. After Terry Gilliam left the project in the nineties there was a gap left for a new director. Stepping into the role was Paul Greengrass, director of Captain Phillips and the Bourne series. Greengrass came as close to making the film as he could, having actually been on set with various props. So it was a surprise that he left the set before the cameras started rolling. Ultimately the project fell to Zack Snyder. The less said about him the better.

Watchmen © Paramount Pictures

7. I am Legend (2007) — Director: Ridley Scott. Is the film particularly good? No. Would it have been better if it had been made in 1997, with an exaggerated horror movie plot and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role? Quite possibly. It can’t exactly get much worse. And besides, I’d rather have a cheesy 90s horror than an early 2000s misfire capitalising on oversentimentality that takes itself too seriously.

8. Alien 3 (1992) — Writer: Vincent Ward. While the final cut of Alien 3 was vastly different from the product David Fincher attempted to make, there was an original plan for a completely different film. If you look in the right place you can find original sketches and notes for Vincent Ward’s Alien 3, detailing a plot set on a wooden planet inhabited by monk like figures. It sounds incredible. A strange, sciencefiction horror rich in religious imagery. Alas, Alien 3 remains the troublesome third installment after two masterpieces. Of course there are countless examples that have grown infamous status in Hollywood as films that nearly happened. Cancelled sequels, reboots, spin offs, and even plans

for a third Batman film from Joel Schumacher, with Courtney Love as Harley Quinn and Nicholas Cage as The Scarecrow. Our innate curiosity can’t help but wonder how each of these may have turned out. And undoubtedly there’s a part of everyone that wants to see the Kevin Smith scripted, Tim Burton directed Superman Lives with Nicholas Cage in the title role. And as much fun as it would have been to actually watch these films, there’s still a large amount of enjoyment to be found in researching the stories of films that never were. Appreciate filmmaker’s visions, love the films we have, and respect the journey that brings them to the big screen.

ALIEN 3 © Twentieth Century Fox

Justice League (2017) Review DC and Warner Bros deliver a masterclass in the cinematic equivalent of talking without saying anything. I understand there was a nightmare in the production of this film. The original director, Zack Snyder, had to step down due to tragic personal circumstances, leading to reshoots

Justice League © Warner Bros. Pictures

conducted by Joss Whedon. So with conflicting styles and visions there was always going to be a strange result. However, audiences weren’t quite expecting an end product as ill-conceived and messy as Justice League. It’s a shame to say this, but I struggled to find anything positive to say about this film. Aside from Gal Gadot trying her hardest with an awful script and strategic Easter eggs this film is just awful. The plot is incoherent, with a villain whose superpower of being practically subliminal, and a screenplay completely lacking in personality. While Batman v Superman crammed too much content into one bloated film, Justice League appears to be malnourished. It’s a bag of ideas, tenuously linked together, like smashing mismatched jigsaw pieces together with a hammer.

The worst crime this film commits, is it is stupid. Blockbusters are meant a be a little stupid, with ludicrous set pieces and a questionable plot, but Justice League goes way beyond this. There is a vague villain with an incredibly vague plan, which for some reason forces characters together for two hours of extreme CG heavy fight

sequences. And this is a film in which they decided to CG Henry Cavill’s mouth to remove a moustache, and yet that is probably the greatest visual achievement of the film. But the awful visual style isn’t a problem, because the characters are so underdeveloped I didn’t care enough. I’m sorry to say this, but when you have two talented directors, a passionate cast, a mythology crafted by Jack Kirby himself, and some of the best characters in all of popular fiction in your arsenal, and the resulting product is “mixed”, there is a huge problem. The fundamental flaws in this film lie in the writing. The film simply does not have a story to tell because it has underdeveloped characters, in a cinematic universe that consists of four other films. Hence the film can afford to make stupid decisions, like placing Aquaman on land for 98% of the film, and no one bats an eyelid because we simply don’t care. Warner Bros were more concerned about pushing a product of any quality onto the screens, rather than taking the time to produce a film the fans want and deserve. Instead, they’d rather desecrate the work of Jack Kirby, and take one last piss on his grave before cashing in a pay cheque.

Iron Man © Marvel Studios

Top 5 Marvel Cinematic Universe movies The time is nearly upon us for the culmination of 10 years of Marvel movies. We will be able to bask in the glory of Avengers: Infinity War. It seems as though the whole world is taking the time to look back on their favourite Marvel movies, so I thought I would follow the crowd of geeky sheep and do the same. Enjoy! #5 Iron Man This is where it all started. A simple but brilliant blockbuster from director Jon Favreau, which launched the MCU as we know it today. It’s got visuals which still hold up, a narrative that’s both compelling and entertaining, and crucially a central performance from Robert Downey Jr. which glues the film together securely. I have a lot of appreciation for this film, and watching it always fills me with a sense of joy, just like when I saw it for the first time

#4 Captain America: The Winter Soldier The first Marvel instalment from Anthony and Joe Russo, and still one of the best in the MCU. Picking the character up after a disappointing first film was risky business, but it was a gamble that paid off. The Russo brothers delivered a stylish and action packed spy thriller, which feels more like a genre film than a superhero film, utilising a gripping storyline and expertly choreographed action sequences to make this a top five contender. The novelty value hasn’t worn off yet, and considering the fantastic films that have since been released in the Marvel cannon, it suggest to me that this is genuinely a good film and will be remembered as one of the best MCU instalments. And that’s coming from someone who is by no means a Captain America fan. Weird! #3 Thor Ragnarok A somewhat late entry to the list, but an easy decision to make, because how awesome was this film? Who would have

one of the best of its year? I certainly didn’t think that. I went into the screening thinking I was about to see another boring film about a character I didn’t think I cared about. Instead I received a fun and visually stunning film which celebrates the work of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko throughout. Taika Waititi absolutely smashed this out of the park and delivered one of the most awesome superhero films I have ever seen. Nothing short of game-changing. #2 Captain America: Civil War The Russo brothers return, and this time they have a whole lot more toys to play with. Adapting Mark Millar’s work for the better, this film brings together a wide range of Marvel characters and divides them through intriguing debate. It’s a milestone within the cinematic universe and sets about changes that change the course of the characters permanently. Also if you watch these films solely for the action sequences then look no further. The airport fight scene is one of the most beautiful pieces of superhero cinema, no debate necessary.

Guardians of the Galaxy © Marvel Studios

#1 Guardians of the Galaxy

I don’t care if people have moved on and I’m still looking back longingly, for my money this is easily the best Marvel movie to hit the screens across 10 years. A fun, colourful science fiction adventure, which widens the Marvel universe to a cosmic scale and introduces a new roster of characters. It has the guts to do something different and made one of the best movies of the year whilst still being weird, and it didn’t take itself too seriously. James Gunn clearly has a passion for the source material, and guides the audience from a dysfunctional team up to a heartfelt family film, set in the backdrop of a unique and visually stunning universe. It is by no means perfect, but it is still the most enjoyable Marvel film, and the soundtrack will continue to make me dance until I’m an old man queuing to watch Guardians of the Galaxy vol 27. Its Marvel meets Star Wars, with a kickass soundtrack, what’s not to like? Have any thoughts you’d like to share? As always, feel free to find me on Twitter @Adam_Lester17 and let me know what

Up Close and Personal

Providing fresh perspectives from the person behind the geek No One Knows This about Me But My Emotions Got the better of Me It’ll come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, but I’m a bit of a geek. I couldn’t really tell you about current affairs in the UK, but I could give you the full rundown of what’s happening in Gotham City and Metropolis. It’s also no secret that I’m a very emotional person. But the strange thing is, I haven’t always been. Once upon a time I was the king of composure. Upon watching an emotional film among tearfaced peers, I’d be sat in the corner with a stern facial expression, like a captain solemnly going down with their sinking ship. Alas no more. These days it doesn’t

Batman #21 © DC Comics

take much to make me cry. And while I have countless stories about how I cried joyful tears at the Wonder Womanscreening, or how I sobbed while drunk at 4 am watching Wallace and Gromit, I neglect to mention the impact comic books have on my emotions. If I say I’ve cried as a result of comics, many will assume I mean in the conventional sense of art eliciting an emotional response. And there’s certainly some truth to that. I’m haunted by the memory of sitting in Costa reading an issue of Justice League Dark while subtly trying to hide my tears. In my defense, I was alone at university and missing my family, so it was easy for a story

However, there is one story I have been afraid of sharing; the story of how I cried after people touched my comics. Allow me to explain. It’s June 2017, my housemate is celebrating their birthday by hosting a literary themes house party. I’m dressed as Jay Gatsby. As the evening unfolds many a drink is consumed, solid song choices are played at volumes that undoubtedly annoyed our neighbors, and the early hours of the morning creep around unnoticed. This is the part of most house parties where the guests start to explore the house, in a strange drunken combination of Come Dine with Me and Cluedo, navigating each room in search of clues or amusing objects. By this point, I’m in my room with friends, and eventually the group of drunken explorers staggers in and settles upon any free surface. The subject of my geekiness arises, with particular reference to the pile of comic books stacked neatly upon my comic storage boxes. This included a then-recent copy of The Flash #22, with a special holographic cover. It was part of a huge comic event so was not only expensive, but was limited to one copy per customer. In short, it was a big deal. So when one guest picked up said comic, I was feeling a little tense. When they asked to remove it from its protective plastic sleeve, I was stressed. By the time the guests were throwing it across the room to each other like Frisbee, my body was consumed by a perfect cocktail of misery and anxiety. It was like watching a David Attenborough

documentary. Except, instead of feeling fascinated by a knowledgeable voice, I wanted to vomit and phone my mother. Obviously if I had responded how I wished, it would have flouted every social protocol and resulted in the loss of several friends. So instead, I responded in a state of equanimity. Adopting the same smile utilised when working in customer service, and feeling like a respectable adult, I said nothing. What a fool I was. After the herd vacated and order had been restored in my fortress of solitude, I placed the comic back to safety and stood silently for a moment. As I stood there, letting my hate levels sink back to base level (which is still quite high), I felt three single tears roll down my cheeks. Was it sadness? Very likely. Was it a sign of relief? Probably. Was it because I’m a geek who is incredibly protective over their possessions? Definitely. Was it because I’d consumed an unhealthy amount of rum? There’s certainly an argument for that. I suppose the point of this story is to say that it’s okay to cry over comics, or to have an emotional response to any art form. I was embarrassed by this story, but it is one that I have come to appreciate. One of the best parts of being human is that we can connect with art forms. An artist that we have never met can produce work that speaks to us in more ways than we care to mention, and we shouldn’t hide from that. So whether you’re smiling while dancing around your kitchen in your pants, or drunkenly crying over Wallace and Gromit, embrace it. Have great experiences, love art that speaks to you, and never be ashamed of being human.

Image credit: http://www.starkinsider.com/2018/01/new-report-cable-tv-continues-lose-ground-netflix-cord-cutters.html

What I Wish I’d Known Before Getting Netflix Science fiction films were correct. Computers enslaved the human race in a postapocalyptic world characterised by a desperate struggle for power, with humans glaring at screens that keep the hive mind fed. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Youtube. These are part of everyday life we couldn’t live without. This includes Netflix. Which seems like a wonderful idea, right? Near infinite content on any mobile device for a small cost and it means not breaking the law. But there are some things I wish I known before signing up. 1. “Just one more episode” — Don’t lie to yourself. Grab some snacks, put your trackies on and prepare to join the Dark Side. If you haven’t been gone so long your family are texting you because they’re worried you’re dead, you’ve got more time.

2. Finishing an entire series — You did it. You stuck with all eight seasons and you finally have closure. How do you feel? Like a broken item on a discount shelf, hoping that something will come along and distract you from the misery of your own life. 3. Drunken sabotage — Never get drunk and use Netflix. Sober you will hate the suggestions you receive “because you watched Step Brothers.” Again. Fourth time this month. 4. Staying up for midnight releases — Congratulations you’re the first person to watch Iron Fist. But bad luck. You were bitterly disappointed and now you’re exhausted. 5. Not watching/ falling behind on a new show — Ever had that moment where you’re the only sober person at a house party? Get used to it.

6. Two tribes go to war — A new show started that everyone you know is watching. Choose which side you’re on carefully because it’s all anybody will talk about for the foreseeable future, and you’ll have to decide which friends to demote. 7.The lone ranger — You’re the only person who doesn’t like a new show. And that’s fine. Stranger Things wasn’t for everybody. But just be ready to face the fans. It’s like a jousting competition between a train and a child on a tricycle. 8. ‘My list’ — Despite your ambitions, it’s inevitably like body weight; you’re guaranteed to add to it quicker than you can take from it. 9. Déjà Vu — With countless new shows and films at your fingertips, you’ll still spend 90% of your time watching things you’ve already seen. That’s right, stay in your comfort zone. 10. Questioning lecture attendance — Why leave your warm bed when you could let the next episode play automatically? 11. Binge-watching part A: the vicious cycle — You’ll wait all year for the next season of a show to be released. Then you

watch it all in two days and place yourself right back at square one. Way to have two left feet and shoot both of them, genius. 12. Binge-watching part B: the awkward conversation — You started a new show and you can’t get enough of it. But when your friends ask, how are you going to explain that it’s only been two days and you’re already on season seven? 13. Scrolling — You will spend more time finding something to watch than you will actually watching content. You have everything at your fingertips, but none of it looks appealing. Ever. 14. THAT crushing moment — You’ve been busy all day, but at least you’ve decided what to watch in the evening. You get home, settle down, search for the title you’ve fixated on all day, only to find it isn’t on Netflix. It’s the digital equivalent of stubbing your little toe. Basically, anyone who has Netflix will know it’s a tricky relationship. You’ll become addicted. You’ll hate yourself for it. You’ll try to live without it. You’ll relapse and hit it harder than ever. Your friends and family will be worried, and you’ll lie and say you’re fine, when in reality you’re in too deep and loving every minute of it. You’re neck deep in shit, so try to keep your chin

Image credit: https://www.makeuseof.com/ tag/watch-everything-netflix-matter-live/

Green Lantern #29 © DC Comics

Moving on From

Negative People It may be foolishly optimistic to say, but life is too short to live in the company of people who make you unhappy. What is important to understand before reading this, is I am by no means a source of wisdom. What will follow are the words of a near-graduate with an optimistic disposition, an honourary membership to the Blue Lantern Corps of hope, and a mild addiction to comic books. Please bear this in mind. As undergraduate studies reach their conclusion, I would like to believe I have learned a lot over the last three years. I have developed as a person, experienced many things outside of my comfort zone,

and faced difficulties which I have approached to the best of my ability. Above all I am grateful to have met so many new people. Thankfully, my university experience has allowed me to meet a vast array of wonderful people. I’ve made fantastic friends, worked with great people, and largely managed to encounter individuals who were a positive influence on my life. However there have been some along the way who are the direct antithesis. And when moaning or bringing people down is a person’s default speech setting, I swiftly lose interest. I’m genuinely saddened to say that I’ve witnessed some horrible displays of behaviour at university. And a lot of it is rather textbook negativity, but some has been expert standard, new wave messed up bullshit. I’ve seen people masquerade cold and nasty behaviour as being confident and independent. I’ve met people

who performed disrespectful and disgusting acts to women just to get a tie for a fucking sports team. I’ve witnessed people actively acknowledge someone’s fragile mental health and then proceed to manipulate them and make them feel worse. And after all of the shocking behaviour I’ve witnessed which showcases a total lack of empathy, it didn’t take much to realise this is not the life for me. As I have written in a previous article, I believe one of the crucial stages in seeking a happier life starts with social media. Just recently I conducted a Facebook purge, deleting over 300 people, for no other reason than I wanted my social media feed to be more positive. Because whether you’re making someone’s day harder through petty comments, or using Facebook to join a handful of others in their stupid EDL witch hunts, it’s negativity that should be kept out of the public eye. And it’s important to say this because people often feel bad for purging their social media, but we are under no obligation to keep negative people in our lives. It’s often said we miss 100% of the shots we don’t take, so why not take a shot at happiness? It’s a shot that’s always worth taking.

and lord knows what else. But when life shits on us from a great height there is some comfort to be found in the friends we keep. I’ve found that no matter how upset I’m feeling or how bad my day is, my friends and family are always there to make thing easier. Positivity truly is the way forward. Basically, live a happy life and surround yourself with people who help you do that. It costs absolutely nothing to be nice, and as I’ve said before, nice should be our default setting. We shouldn’t wait for a formal invitation or an emergency, we should just make the effort to be more understanding of others. Life is too short to abide negativity, and if there is a way to move beyond it and surround yourself with people who enable you to live a happy life, take that option every time and do not look back. “Live for today. Because yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is never a guarantee.”

So what’s the best thing to do when negative people are impacting your life? Move on. Distance yourself and focus on the people who make you happy. As we all know, life is no picnic. We have to deal with personal loss, disappointments, plans going astray, bad days, worse weather Green Lantern Corps #26 © DC Comics

Spotlight on Superman The Significance of Superman: An Outsider’s Perspective As Action Comics #1000 hits shelves and the man of steel turns 80 years old, it’s a time for celebration and reflection. Celebrations are in full swing as DC comics and their fans worldwide celebrate 80 years of Superman. Action Comics issue 1000 is now available, with contributions from a wide variety of artists and writers, all seeking to construct their own love letter to one of the most popular characters in fiction. As a comic fan this is an exciting time, looking back at a character and their rich history and looking forward to seeing what the future has in store. However, it would a criminal act for me to jump on the hype train and pose as a diehard fan. My appreciation for the character has not always been at the level it is now, and in fact just two years ago I was someone who actively avoided Superman upon browsing a comic store. And just recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about what Superman means to me personally.

I was always something of a Superman outsider, peering in through frosted glass in an attempt to pass judgement on a character I didn’t understand. And I think that is a mistake quite often made within comics discourse, it is easy to dismiss an unknown character. To the uninitiated Superman appears a bit boring. He’s an overpowered alien who dresses in tight red pants, flies around and is a general dogooder. But that’s not even nearly scratching the surface. It’s all too easy for outsiders to pear in and not like what they see at first glance, which is why it’s so important to look beyond face value. Otherwise, to those who haven’t read The Long Halloween or The Court of Owls Batman would appear to be nothing more than a caped pessimist member of the elite, and if you haven’t read Flashpoint you’d see The Flash as someone who just runs really fast. If we reduce characters to face value traits it restricts our gaze, which has the potential to limit the content we’re exposed to. Certain characters might feature in some of the best pieces of literature, and yet if you don’t tolerate the character you may

never get around to reading it, which I’m embarrassed to say was largely my experience of Superman. I spent so long in ignorance and little did I know I was hindering myself, because I would later go on to explore unknown territory and enjoy myself in the process. My experiences of Superman growing up were somewhat limited, mainly coming from cinematic adaptations. And I wish I could say I was properly educated on that front too, but the truth is I didn’t see Superman (1978) or Superman II (1980) until I was 21 years old, I instead had to make do with the Superman films of my generation. Superman Returns left me bored and massively underwhelmed, then Man of Steel had some promising scenes but as a whole was messy, before Batman v Superman came along and made me seriously question if it was the character or me who wasn’t good enough, because the two of us just didn’t seem to be clicking. It was only later that I came to realise, if you try to understand a character based solely on their films it will result in an extremely restricted view of them. It’s similar to university studies. Sure you can learn a certain amount from lectures, but if you want to gain a proper understanding you need to pick up a book and engage with the content for yourself. Was I ever going to learn anything about Batman from watching Batman Forever? Hell no! I had to work my arse off and read as much Batman as my tiny mind could manage, which is exactly the same thing I did for The Flash, Dare-

Devil, Doctor Strange, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and all of the other characters I have come to love. So why should it be any different for Superman? The answer is simple, it isn’t. It just took me a little longer to realise that. Given the current celebrations I thought I would take this opportunity to address the significance Superman has had on my experience of comic books, and the best way to do this is to discuss the comics which made me change my mind. Because I remember clearly when I was first swayed to the last son of Krypton. I had just started my second year of university, with a part time job I despised and a general sense of seclusion due to the somewhat antisocial working hours I had been assigned. And it was at this time I decided to branch out and try something different, to explore characters I had previously found boring. It was at this point I read the following comics, which changed my mind for the better, and resulted in becoming personal favourites. Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow? Writer: Alan Moore This is a classic comic I had heard much about. A two part comic event which offers a tale that explains the final story of Superman before his disappearance. His final stand against his most dangerous enemies in order to save his closest friends. It is a simple concept, and yet carries a huge amount of weight on its shoulders. Simultaneously containing enough action and excitement to pay homage to older comic

All Star Superman Writer: Grant Morrison book convention, whilst threading a personal and emotional arch through the centre. Entertaining, touching and haunting, this is a story which made me see Superman in a completely different way. It made me look beyond the cape and the superpowers, and instead made me consider him a person who will do anything to protect those he cares about most… For the man who has everything Writer :Alan Moore Of the two major Alan Moore stories this is less favoured by critics, however it takes place as my personal favourite of the two. With the simple premise of Superman being faced with his true desires or his life as we know it, this story is extremely personal and allowed me to experience a more emotional connection to the character that I previously had not. I’m generally quite interested in the idea of alternate realities, so to see Superman faced with the dilemma of his desires over reality was an exciting entry level of someone who was not particularly a fan of the character. Above all this comic emphasises that Superman is not perfect. He is complex, conflicted, and he would be nothing without the fantastic friends that he keeps. Far from being the indestructible alien I saw as an outsider, this story depicted a tormented man desperately seeking happiness, who learns to find it in the life that he has. It’s not action packed or thrilling, but it is deeply touching, and it remains one of my favourite comic books of all time.

This is the definitive Superman story. A beautiful homage to the silver age of comics, and a story told throughout the last year of Superman’s life as he attempts to utilise his time, this is one of the most impressive works I have read. I read this at the very beginning of last summer. I had finished my second year exams at university and treated myself to the collected paperback edition, and took it with me on a journey to visit my hometown. The bus journey was five hours each way, and my only company was this book. It was all the company I needed, because this book is comic perfection. Grant Morrison crafts the most interesting and complex depiction of Superman, through a script that has a beating heart and an intelligent brain. American Alien Writer: Max Landis As the comic itself reminds the reader, this is not a Superman story. And I that is precisely why I had such a fun time reading it. The narrative doesn’t focus on an overpowered alien who dresses up and saves the day, but instead focuses on an alien trying to find their place in the world. This comic tells the story of Superman but not as we’ve seen it before. Starting with his childhood and ending when Clark Kent moves to Metropolis and first experiments with the Superman persona, this tells the story of Clark Kent from seven key moments in his life. Jumping from his usual cinematic territory, Max Landis constructs a script with so much character and depth, it was compelling to read even from the first few pages. I remember clearly sitting in a coffee shop one afternoon, with my

the ages. hardback copy on the table in front of me, ready to read the first chapter and test the water. I’ll be damned if I didn’t finish all seven chapters there and then, I could not put that book down! It is heart-warming, entertaining and celebrates the character in such a unique way, it is definitely worth everyone reading. So I made it clear that Superman was never a favourite character before I delve into his rich history. And now that I have read some of his significant works and spent time investing in the character outside of his most famous stories, the question still remains as to whether Superman has become one of my favourite characters. And the answer is still the same. For the time being at least, Superman remains off of my favourites list. However, upon taking the time to research and learn about Superman, I have grown to appreciate the character a lot more. The cultural significance of the character speaks for itself, and regardless of what the cynics say, Superman has forever changed the nature popular culture. His influence spreads far and wide, and his stories have brought joy to countless people worldwide, extending beyond the comic book medium. He is the most instantly recognisable superhero character, and he represents values that cross cultures. And wherever you may see him, in a comic, in a film, in an animated show, on a shirt or lunchbox or Frisbee, it is evidence that the character has transcended all expectations, growing from a simple idea scratched on paper, to a cultural icon for

I unfortunately was late to the party, and spent too long judging from a distance. But I don’t necessarily see this as a bad thing, I see it more as an opportunity. Because now that I have opened myself up to a whole new world of comic books. And since reading the four storylines listed above I have explored more Superman territory and very much enjoyed myself. My experiences of reading those four comics were hopefully the start of a lifelong appreciation of the character. I actually look forward to the future with optimism, and I fully intend to read the upcoming Man of Steel series written by Brian Michael Bendis, and I have my own copy of Action Comics #1000 waiting for me as a treat at the end of University studies later this month. It may have taken some time, but I have come to appreciate Superman.

Happy Birthday Kal-El, and thank you.

All Star Superman © DC Comics

Fresh from the Comic Book Store For the old school, who favour the combination of literature and sequential art Batman: Year One © DC Comics

Top 5 Batman comics everyone should read Upon scouring the internet in search of Batman comics worth reading it soon became apparent that many lists featured the same titles, the usual suspects if you will. The Dark Knight Returns. The Killing Joke. And I am by no means suggesting these are without their merits, I just think there are more stories worth talking about. And while I greatly appreciate Frank Miller’s TDKR, if someone asked me for my favourite Batman stories (as they so often don’t) there are a number of titles I would place before the usual suspects. With this in mind I’ve decided to compile my own list of Batman comics, the ones I would recommend to anyone if they were looking for a good Batman story. It was difficult to place in a particular order, so it’s probably best to consider numbers 2 through 5 as on the same level, with number 1 as my favourite. So if there aren’t already enough lists of Batman comics out there on the internet, here’s another!

#5 Batman Arkham Asylum Grant Morrison is one of the most interesting writers to have ever penned a Batman script. From the inclusion of meth addict Batman in a suit made from garbage, to Professor Pyg giving Robin a lap dance, it’s safe to say Morrison subverts reader expectations and shapes unique pieces of literature. The best of Morrison’s work on Batman can be found in his graphic novel Arkham Asylum, which explores the relationship between Batman and The Joker, whilst delving into the history of Arkham itself. It’s not plot heavy and there is notable absence of cohesion at times, but it is one of the most interesting adaptations of the character you will find. For a first time reader it will seem bizarre and nonsensical, but for long term fans this book takes characters you know and love from Batman’s world and reimagines them in some truly interesting ways. And with the exquisite

art by Dave McKean this is as much a visual treat as it is literary, showcasing just how impactful the comic medium is. #4 Year One It would be difficult to call myself an avid fan of Frank Miller, due to the questionable material created in the latter years of his career, but I must admit his work on Batman stands as some of the best. But if I had to give just one spot to Frank Miller on my list of five I would have to pass on TDKR and instead turn to Year One, Miller’s reimagining of Batman’s origins. It’s simple, personal, and really gets to the heart of what defines Batman. It also functions are a rather neat entry point for anyone who seeks to know Batman without tackling the rogues gallery head on. This is a vigilante tackling street level crime and institutional corruption, and it is simple genius.

#4 Batman: Year One It would be difficult to call myself an avid

fan of Frank Miller, due to the questionable material created in the latter years of his career, but I must admit his work on Batman stands as some of the best. But if I had to give just one spot to Frank Miller on my list of five I would have to pass on TDKR and instead turn to Year One, Miller’s reimagining of Batman’s origins. It’s simple, personal, and really gets to the heart of what defines Batman. It also functions are a rather neat entry point for anyone who seeks to know Batman without tackling the rogues gallery head on. This is a vigilante tackling street level crime and institutional corruption, and it is simple genius. #3 The Court of Owls This may be low hanging fruit in terms of modern Batman, but this storyline honestly showcased the best the character can be. It is so impressive to see a writer take a character as old as Batman and actually take them to a new undiscovered territory, to give the readers something completely new. Moving beyond the rogues gallery

and exploring a new enemy with insidious implications, whilst testing the character to every limit honestly made for one of the most thrilling reading experiences since I first became a fan of comics. Also, this series introduced me to the wonders of Greg Capullo’s artwork, and thus I am eternally grateful. His Batman still remains a personal favourite. #2 The Black Mirror The second appearance by writer Scott Snyder on this list, and with good reason. This isn’t an example of a writer doing something different with Batman or taking the character to new heights, but rather an example of doing what the character does best. It reminds me of a discussion I once had with one of my secondary school economics teachers who despised guitar solos. He explained that he favoured bands like The Kinks and The Rolling Stones because they did quite basic guitar work, but did it perfectly. Rather than trying to over

stretch themselves and be self-indulgent they preferred simple solos masterfully executed. That is The Black Mirror in a nutshell. It is the Keith Richards guitar solo in ‘Sympathy for the devil.’ Set during the Dick Grayson era of Batman in Detective Comics, this story sees Batman tackling a complex case, whilst taking Jim and Barbara Gordon on a personal side trip. It’s a comic I didn’t hear much about when I first started reading comics, but it is one I have developed my own personal appreciation for. A true diamond in the rough. #1 The Long Halloween For my money, this is the greatest Batman story ever written. It is so much more than a comic, it is a Greek tragedy tied up in a gritty noir detective story. Taking place across public holidays, each featuring a gruesome murder, this story places Batman and Jim Gordon between warring crime families as an unknown killer plays everyone against each other. It’s dark, it’s intriguing, and there’s three dimensional

characters embedded in the roots of the narrative, thus it would be a disservice to describe this book as anything less than captivating. Beyond the writing this is visually one of the most memorable comics I’ve read. The artwork by Tim Sale is hauntingly beautiful and speaks beyond the words on the page, delivering a unique and simplistic vision of Gotham city. Once again this is as much a visual treat as it is a literary masterpiece. I first read this when I was working in a bookstore, and I recall spending every moment of the bus journey to and from work as well as my lunch breaks for a couple of days until I had finished reading, and afterwards I was speechless. I have since read The Long Halloween countless times and it never grows old. For me, it still feels fresh, and when I read it I find something new every time.

I’m not trying to say this list is definitive or holds any validity above other lists, I was merely drawing attention to wider options. I would recommend these comics to anyone, be it a fan of Batman or someone who new to the character, these are stories that will knock you off your feet.

I was very tempted to include the recent story entitled The War of Jokes and Riddles, which was absolutely superb, but I have however only read this once. I couldn’t possibly include a story I haven’t read multiple times, because I feel my appreciation is diluted in comparison to older stories. I hope this list has provided some food for thought and introduces more readers to some truly impressive literature. However if there is one thing you should do after reading this list, it’s ignore me. Ignore everything I have said and go out and read anything you want to read. Don’t rely on silly internet lists that repeat the same titles and tell you they’re brilliant, conduct proper research and find stories that are of interest to you. I will once again compare reading comics to studying at university, because the best thing to do as a comic fan is pick up a book and teach yourself. Experiment, test your limits and see what works to your specific taste pallet. And above all, read comics you otherwise wouldn’t read. If there’s a comic that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, read it anyway, because you could very well experience a piece of literature that later becomes a favourite.

I feel I should give an honourable mention to the current Batman run, written by Tom King, which has been spectacular thus far. The story arch has been consistently brilliant, and I am intrigued to see how it stands the test of time.

Mister Miracle #1 ÂŠ DC Comics

Mister Miracle (2017-2018) Review Tom King and Mitch Gerads enter the modern comic book scene like a wrecking ball, delivering a fresh take on Jack Kirbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant mythology. On paper this is one of the most intriguing comic titles in recent years. A modern take on Mister Miracle, who is dealing with personal issues and political problems on New Genesis, whilst maintaining his various public personas and finding himself. It is bold, but it is absolutely brilliant. Tom King is establishing himself as one of the most exciting writers in modern comics with every project. His current run on Batman is proving to be a success, along with previous work on various titles, but Mister Miracle could just be his masterpiece. The scripts are utterly superb, handling the severity and weight of important issues, whilst blending in a poignant sense of humour. Most importantly the scripts always feel as though they have a lot of heart. Tom King proves just how much he cares about the characters, using this series as a platform to discuss topics such as mental health, proving that comic books have a loud voice to be heard.

Mitch Gerads is from an exciting breed of contemporary artists who manage to transcend reader expectations quicker than they can be raised. Ranging from domestic scenarios with everyday characters, to gruesome battles on a distant planet, Gerads applies his unique visual style to literally any situation. In particular, there is a strange blend of absurdist comedy applied to panels depicting Mister Miracle performing as an escapologist, in increasingly ridiculous situations. Amongst the battle and the personal struggles itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting to see these strange and bizarre acts performed at regular intervals, showcasing a real creative cohesion between writer and artist.

What strikes me most about this comic is that it is very personal. The narrative centres on Mister Miracle, his psychological state, and his relationship with Big Barda, adding layers on top of the narrative unfolding on New Genesis. Even from the first pages of issue 1 it is clear this is a series dedicated to its main character, centred on dealing with their own personal struggles with enormous grace and utmost sincerity. And while it can on occasions feel somewhat sad to read of Scott Free’s troubles, it shows just how powerful the writing and art is because they managed to grasp my attention right from page one and retain it for almost a year. It’s also rather beautiful to see amongst the violence and the struggle this relationship between Mister Miracle and Big Barda growing. It makes this not only a tale of love, but also a tale of maturity. To see two God-like figures stepping into the responsibility of adult life is somehow the most interesting aspect of this series, which proves just how brilliant King’s scripts have been. There is often a risk of criticism when modern writers contribute to a mythology as complex and rich as Jack Kirby’s fourth world. We have many examples in contemporary comics exemplifying a writer who is undoubtedly a fan, yet isn’t the right person for the job. And in the case of Mister Miracle I am overwhelmingly happy to say that Tom King is absolutely the right person. There is a clear acknowledgement of the past, with much of the work coming from a place of admiration, and yet there is a personal spin designed for a modern audience. It exemplifies the very best of contemporary comic book writes who look into the past longingly, whilst guiding the reader into the future.

Honestly, I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s been my number one reading priority for almost a year and I do not know what I’m going to do when it ends. It’s been an absolute pleasure to follow Mister Miracle on this new adventure, and I am curious to see where the last few issues take the reader. If recent series like Dark Nights: Metal and Batgirl and the Birds of Prey have been a 9.5 out of 10, Mister Miracle is unequivocally a perfect 10. There is not a single page, panel or word wasted, nothing to be changed or removed, it is a brilliant experience that I have willingly allowed myself to be consumed by, and I advise everyone to do the same.

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey (2016-2018) Review As one of the best modern comic titles comes to an end, it’s time to look back on Julie and Shawna Benson’s masterclass in feminist superhero narratives. In a genre historically characterised by male characters created by male writers/ artists, it has been refreshing for two years to follow a series which puts female empowerment at the forefront of priorities. Julie and Shawna Benson, previously screenwriters for CW’s The 100, lead an all-star line up of Batgirl, The Huntress and Black Canary through an exciting and emotional adventure, which I’m saddened to say is coming to an end. Upon reading this series what strikes instantly is the quality of the writing. The scripts have been absolutely immaculate, constructing a perfect blend of comedy and pathos, weaved through a narrative which sees the characters tackling a variety of enemies and circumstances. From the first story arc to the last issues, Julie and Shawna Benson have taken the reader on a rollercoaster of a journey, which improves with every issue. Tackling crime families, cyberterrorism and environmental issues, this series delivers fresh and pertinent social commentary to accompany the sense of adventure. What I often find reading comics is ensemble pieces are difficult to master. Characters are left underdeveloped and narratives can severely lack cohesion. In the case of Batgirl and the Birds of Prey everything works perfectly. Every character is fully developed and has a unique story arc, so it doesn’t just feel like following a team, but the reader tracks each

individual character on their own individual story. This was important to me as a fan of Batgirl and Black Canary, but more impressively this series made me sympathise with the Huntress, a character I knew little about prior to reading. One component I love most about this series is the emphasis on friendship. While initially the dynamic between characters feels like a dysfunctional team up brought about through reluctance, the characters form a bond which reflects in their work and social lives. It was heart-warming because these are character who all have difficult pasts. They’ve been broken by the world in devastating ways and persevered through every form of adversity, so it was wonderful to see them stand together as friends. Crucially this friendship felt completely organic. It wasn’t forced or rushed, it was planted like a seed and left to grow. It’s a welcomed breath of fresh air, combating the recent trend in comics for characters to fight each other, instead displaying how differences between characters can be used to their advantage. It’s a series which celebrates diversity so naturally, which makes it an absolute pleasure to read. The epitome of what makes this ongoing series so great can be found in the ‘Manslaughter’ arc, running from issue 15 to 17. The Birds of Prey are met with a strange virus which is only affecting the men in Gotham, leading to an epic team up with Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, Gotham Girl, Orphan, Spoiler, Batwoman and Harley Quinn. It’s a fun and intriguing story which has an important message to deliver. It speaks so truthfully about gender equality and how it can be achieved through working together, proving unequivocally that comics have a voice that should be heard. The main appeal of this series is the passion. I recall watching a livestream of a ‘DC in DC’ panel earlier this year, where Julie and Shawna Benson spoke of their inspiration. The sisters were both keen on comics from a young age and spent time reading from their father’s collection. But what they found is there weren’t many characters who spoke to them, who made them feel like young women could be heroes. And the passion to fill this gap is present throughout the series, there is a clear intention to provide a comic book written by and for female comic book fans. While I am sad to see this series reach its conclusion there is a silver lining. DC Comics are strategically shuffling their writers around, and recently Benjamin Percy moved from his popular Green Arrow series across to Nightwing. While Green Arrow has passed to temporary writers, as of July the title will be helmed by Julie and Shawna Benson, so I am hugely excited to see their take on the character. This series has been a personal favourite for the last two years, and I am grateful for every page, panel and word which made me smile. Powerful and enduring, an unabashedly feminist comic book, and one I shall not forget.

Quick Thoughts

Need something to ponder on? We’ll pour you one for the road

Is Age of Ultron worth a revaluation? Just recently I’ve been thinking about Avengers: Age of Ultron and the “mixed” response it received upon release. It feels as though fan expectations were so high for the film it was always going to be considered a let-down. And while the internet is largely based upon polar opposites and extreme uses of language, with fans claiming they “hate” many things, I will happily fly the flag for Team Mixed. Which is why I believe Age of Ultron could be a lot better than people give it credit for. What’s worth considering is that the film was met with enormous hype. Joss Whedon was writing and directing, the character roster was expanding, and everyone was expecting the film to double down on every aspect we loved about the first film. So when the film didn’t quite deliver on all promises it was met with quite a lot of hate. Joss Whedon went on to explain the difficult time he had making the film and how he knows the product put to cinemas was not as good as it should have been. The film was caught in such a shroud of negativity and it never managed to shift. Avengers: Age of Ultron © Marvel Studios

The important question to ask is whether Age of Ultron is worth a second chance, and ultimately I have to conclude that it is. And incidentally I did end up re-watching the film just recently in fact, in my personal countdown to Infinity War, and I have to say it was slightly better than I remember it being. Ultimately the elements that annoyed me still managed to do so. Ultron’s plan is underdeveloped and doesn’t make sense, the Thor tangent is too forced, and of course we’re all still going to be unhappy with how Vision was shoehorned into the mix, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the film after letting the dust settle. I’m not necessarily changing my mind about the film because it is still messy, and it is by no means on the higher end of the MCU in terms of quality, but it is certainly less awful than many people claim it to be. It’s not exactly Citizen Kane, but it could have been a whole lot worse, so it may be worth stepping off the hate train for a while.

Teen Titans:

Changing for the Better? Ever since DC launched their Rebirth series two years ago, the Teen Titans family has stayed firmly in the same hands. Benjamin Percy has scripted the Teen Titans title with a somewhat new roster, while Dan Abnett has led the Titans title, which focuses on previous members who are slightly older now. Both series have their plus points, and it’s impressive to see both writers juggle Green Arrow and Aquaman respectively, but a change is coming, and it feels rather needed. When DC shakes things up this summer at the tail end of Dark Nights: Metal and Justice League: No Justice there will not only be three new Justice League titles, but Teen Titans and Titans will be changing in a relatively dramatic nature. Titans is still safely in Dan Abnett’s hands, with many exciting plans in the works, however the creative team behind Teen Titans is changing. As much as I love Benjamin Percy’s work, I feel the change will benefit the comic series. In the last two years the team has been run by Robin AKA Damian Wayne, who has focused on making the Teen Titans more mature and well trained in order to match the Justice League, and while this has been interesting in moderation, at times it has largely felt like it veered too far away from what the Teen Titans stand for. What I want to see from the new Teen Titans title is a return to their juvenile antics and more time spent seeing them behave like actual teenagers. They’ve spent so much time training over the last two years and trying to make themselves into almost soldiers, I’ve missed seeing them make silly mistakes and behaving like actual teenagers. Robin has run a tight ship, as was to be expected by the grandson of Ra’s al Ghul himself, but this meant there was less time to see them behave like teenagers. It made me miss the Geoff Johns era of Teen Titans, when the team would work together on cool missions, but you’d also see a lot of their time spent together socially. It was less about perfection and more about the journey into maturity. It’s a simple tone, yet one that I miss at present. I’ve enjoyed reading Benjamin Percy’s take on Teen Titans, and I’m excited to see where he takes Nightwing next month, but the change isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Which infinity stone would be the best to possess? This is a completely random thought, and I’m hastily typing this after about four hours sleep so please forgive any incoherence that follows. Considering that Infinity War is nearly upon us, I’ve been thinking about which of the infinity stones I would like to possess, because let’s face it, Thanos is being a greedy boy and probably doesn’t need all of them. With this is mind I’ve selected my top three choices, in a particular order, leading to my top choice. Quick disclaimer for the uninitiated, the gauntlet consists of the Mind, Soul, Time, Power, Space and Reality stones. Onto the list! #3 Reality – I don’t know why I would actually need this stone, other than to mildly annoy people who or provide my own entertainment. I’m an optimistic person as it is so I don’t really need the stone to distort reality and make it look better.

#2 Time – this will no doubt be a popular choice for anyone, having the ability to reverse and shape time at will, as seen in Doctor Strange (2016). It would no doubt be useful in everyday life and would certainly help to ease the stress of uni deadlines, but I feel as though it would be far more hassle than its worth. #1 Space – you can tell I’m getting old, because when I was compiling this list I didn’t have any plans for world domination, I was simply thinking of what would be the most practical in my life. Thus the Space stone would allow me to travel to places instantly and save myself a lot of time. I’m actually ashamed to say this but a genuine thought which passed through my mind when thinking about the space stone is that I would save so much money on travel and public transport. I would never have to take the bus again, and as an introverted geek with a general disdain for people, that idea appeals to me very much. So there you have it, my top 3 choices for the best Infinity Stones to possess. If you have any thoughts and want to provide your list, or just generally throw insults at me then feel three to find me on Twitter @Adam_Lester17