The Rest Of My DCnU Week Three Purchases

Three weeks in and things are starting to sort themselves out in the DCnU and my pull list. And, because of some impulse buys, I bought more of the 'New 52' this week than I anticipated. Here are some quick thoughts and where the land on the 'long term', 'short haul', 'better grab me', and 'done in one' scale.

Wonder Woman - I have always been a Diana fan and have sporadically collected her title depending on the strength of the stories or who the creative team was. I am always hoping that I will read an excellent Wonder Woman book.

When I heard that the creative team for the DCnU Wonder Woman was Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang I had very high hopes. And when Azzarello said that the tone of the book would be more horror based, I felt even better.

My instincts were right as the book really crackled. Diana is called upon to protect a mortal carrying Zeus' baby. And it is clear that the gods have deciding to once again intervene in the world of men. Apollo, Mercury, and (maybe) Argus are all seen here, toying and playing with lives here.

Chiang's art has evolved over time and is a bit scratchier than stuff from a couple of years ago. But it works well here. And Diana is just as she should be, confident, strong, a warrior and a defender of the helpless. This could be a big win.

Initial rank: 'Long term'
Verdict: 'Long term'

DC Universe Presents Deadman - Much like the 'Classified' titles, this Showcase-like book will be on my pull list depending on the characters and the creative teams. DC Universe Presents opens out of the gates with two of my favorite creators: writer Paul Jenkins and artist Bernard Chang. Those two were enough to let me overlook that the star of the book is Deadman, a character I have never been keen on.

There is a bit more of a redemption theme in this story. Turns out Boston Brand was a bit of a jerk when he was alive and needs to make amends for that. To become the man he should be, that good man, he needs to cross this gulf. The only way to get there is to help people in their lives.

Perhaps what I liked best here is that Deadman ends up hopping into the lives of 'normal' people. It isn't all team-ups with Batman. It is being a death row prisoner, a stripper, a wheelchair-bound war veteran. Can these ordinary stories be compelling in comics? We'll see. This was a solid opening chapter and Bernard Chang just brings it. Wonderful stuff whether it be the mundane or the fantastic.

Initial rank: 'Short term' (this arc)
Verdict: 'Short term' (this arc, but definitely in)

The comic I was most unsure about was Captain Atom. Written by JT Krul and drawn by Freddie Williams III (a favorite of mine), the book had some creative clout. But I really don't know too much of Krul and the Captain hasn't been a favorite of mine.

Williams has changed up his style for the book, giving it a softer, pencilled feel. Some things are also a bit more warped or stylized than his prior stuff. Williams was the main reason for me to get the book and I don't know if this new look has grabbed me.

Add to that, Atom goes from simple energy blaster to have some more Firestorm-like abilities such as unraveling atoms. He also seems a bit more disconnected, a nudge more like Dr. Manhatten.

I don't know if I like these changes to a character I already don't like that much. So this one is on a short leash.

Initial rank: "Better grab me"
Verdict: "Better grab me next issue or I am out"

Green Lantern Corps: As I said in prior posts, I have been wondering when the Green Lantern books were going to hit the wall. I had collected the GLC book before the relaunch when the focus was Kyle. I do like Guy. I decided that GLC would be my second GL book for the first month mostly because I was a bit exhausted with the Spectrum Corps.

This issue didn't do much to grab me. The opening parts show how Guy and John Stewart are trying to fit into normal Earth life, applying for jobs, etc. They don't have much success. As a result they leave Earth a bit perturbed. Meanwhile, on Oa, an unseen threat kills some new Lanterns and then massacres a whole planet.

It might just be that my GL battery is on empty. But nothing really grabbed me in this issue.

Initial rank: "Short term"
Short term: "One and done"

Supergirl Bits of Business

There have been a bunch of quick things around the net regarding Supergirl worthy of a mention.


Over on Comics Continuum, Jamal Igle gives a short interview about the upcoming Bizarro Supergirl storyline. Here is the link: http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/1006/08/igle.htm

It's brief enough that I can provide the transcript here:

Coming out of the War of the Supermen, with Supergirl #53, Kara's in a hard place in her life, having witnessed the destruction of New Krypton. But we're reintroducing a new version of Bizarro Supergirl. We're going to be doing a Bizarro Supergirl story line that's going to be going on in the books for a few issues. So it's going to be a little lighter than the stuff that we've been doing for the past year or so, but it's still having a lot of repercussions from War of the Supermen and New Krypton and everything.

I find it interesting that Igle says that the storyline will be 'a little lighter' than what has preceded it given that it is the first issue since the tragedy of War of the Supermen. My guess is that Supergirl will be a bit brooding and lost and not lighter in any way. Of course, any Bizarro has comic potential. So the lighter stuff is probably going to be the Bizarro scenes, maybe as she interacts with Supergirl's supporting cast.

I cannot say how much I am looking forward to this arc, the first 'stand-alone' arc in a while.


Over on CBR, James Robinson talks about his run on Justice League. Here is that link:
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=26524

As always, the whole interview is worth reading as it covers the current storyline and the other characters. Here are some snippets.

CBR: Last week, one of those directions was the introduction of Supergirl to the title. Is Kara along for the ride now?
JR: Yes, very much. I mean, I had hopes to hang onto Mon-El for a little longer, but unfortunately it wasn't to be and I had to send him back to the 30th century. Or send him on to the 30th century, I guess technically would be the correct thing to say.
But getting Supergirl instead is a fantastic boon. She had this big, rich history as a comic book character, but again has been out of the spotlight. I can focus on the areas of that past that I want to. The idea is to set up my own World's Finest team between her and Dick Grayson, where they're very much brother and sister - this super-sibling relationship, almost. It's something that no one has really had the opportunity to do before, so I'm really enjoying that, as well.

We have talked here in the past about the Robinson's World's Finest idea but I have to say that I am warming up to it a bit. It is nifty that, despite their long histories in comics, they haven't worked together or interacted together a lot. So this is sort of new ground here. So call me intrigued.

But the other thing I sense here is that Robinson really likes Supergirl. She is a 'fantastic boon'. And she has a 'big, rich history'. I don't know if every comic creator would say those things. Recognizing her past and potential, I have some guarded optimism that he will treat her right.

CBR: How will Donna react to this new dynamic?
JR: I think Donna's a big girl, and it isn't like her relationship to Dick is going to be any less. The thing I like about this team is that everybody on it has lost someone in some way. Dick obviously lost his parents. And for now, anyway, he's lost Bruce Wayne. Supergirl has lost everybody except for Superman after the events of the 100 Minute War. Jesse Quick lost her father. He's "dead" dead now, not "lost in the Speedforce dead," and then to make matters worse she had to see him yet die again, so to speak, in Blackest Night: JSA. In the course of the arc of the JLA/JSA crossover, we'll see that even though Jade has had to move on from Kyle Rayner, she's sort of not over him yet. But there's nothing she can do about it. She's had to move on, but she's still sort of lost that love. Bill and Mikaal have both lost people, or in Bill's case gorillas, that they loved in "Justice League: Cry for Justice." Donna was reminded she lost her husband and her baby during "Blackest Night." So they've all lost something.

Unlike many superhero teams are born from victory, this Justice League was really formed out of tragedy. The 'big 7' are gone for a number of reasons. And the new members have all been effected by war or Blackest Night in some very prominent way. I think that is fertile soil for Robinson. These are selfless heroes who are probably reeling internally. How they respond to each other and react should be good reading.
Lastly, hat tip to blog-friend Saranga who had me check out Cliff Chiang's blog. Chiang posted his recent commissions from Heroes Con. Here is the link:
http://www.cliffchiang.com/2010/06/08/heroescon-2010/

I love Chiang's work and have a Supergirl commission of my own from him. But I absolutely loved this one of the 'hot pants' uniform as Supergirl flies around Metropolis. I really prefer the boots look over the ballerina slippers but both were part of this uniform. This work is tremendous. I am jealous. It makes me wonder if I should start getting this costume in my commissions from now on.

Review: Supergirl #50 Part 2

The second story in Supergirl #50 was also very good and I therefore felt it deserved it's own post.

Titled 'The Hero's Journey' and a short but stuffed 6 pages long, it reminded me exactly why I am a Supergirl fan.

It is apparent that writers Jake Black and Helen Slater (!) just 'get' Supergirl. They understand the draw and the core of the character. I shouldn't be surprised. Of course, Slater played Supergirl and has a personal grasp of the character. And Jake Black wrote the Supergirl magazine for the Eaglemoss lead figurine and the Smallville DVD documentary on the character.

If I haven't said it plainly before, I am absolutely tickled that Helen Slater is embracing her place in Supergirl history and taking part in the current character's incarnation.



The concept of the story is deceptively simple. Ron Troupe is hosting a 'Meet the Press' style opinion show and the topic of the day is Supergirl. Is she a hero or a menace?

Acting as host, Troupe at first seems pretty unbiased. He takes more of a moderator's role. Much more opinionated is guest Cat Grant who continues to try to besmirch Supergirl's character.

This format affords Black and Slater the opportunity to explore Supergirl's career and the different ways her actions have been regarded by those around her, by the public.

And much of Kara's history is explored. So we see her fight with Power Girl from way back in Supergirl #1. Remember those early issues where it seemed Supergirl only fought other heroes? No wonder she could be construed as a menace.

And we revisit her brief time with the Titans, a stint that ended when an argument with Wonder Girl drove Supergirl away. (I think the issue where Supergirl quits the Titans is the first time Jamal Igle drew the character.)



And Cat even brings up Supergirl's failure in saving Thomas Price from cancer. Surprisingly, this failure is the one that seems to be brought up the most. I wonder if Kelley Puckett knew his story would have such an impact on the character.

When the preview pages of this story were released, I hoped we would hear from Mrs. Price herself. It would be interesting to hear what that character would have to say about Supergirl now that some time has passed. That said, I am glad she was at least mentioned. The 'Saving Thomas' storyline was a decent arc and showcased that lengths that Supergirl will go in order to achieve her goals.


Cat describes Supergirl as irresponsible, like a starlet famous more for being in rehab than for her acting roles.

At that point, Troupe allows a counterpoint to Cat's diatribe. A local expert on anthropology tells Ron that Supergirl is on the hero's journey and is at a point where she needs a mentor to help her. With that we are treated to a nice panel by Cliff Chiang reimagining the 'deep conversation with Superman' scene from Supergirl #34.



But the expert isn't sure if Superman is the right person to guide Supergirl.

I would say that he is obliquely referencing Lana but given the prior story in this issue, maybe not.



As I said before, Slater and Black really delve into this Supergirl's history in this brief story. So we hear from Brooke and Sara from earlier stories ... characters that Supergirl has helped immensely. These characters weren't being attacked by super-villains. They were people with personal problems that Supergirl helped with. They show that Supergirl is more than just a super-strong left hook.

And as a fan, I appreciate this look back. The early years of this title were difficult ... uneven. I am glad that the current Supergirl creators, whether it's Slater/Black or Gates/Igle, aren't just sweeping those stories under the rug.



My favorite part of the story comes right at the end as Ron Troupe signs off and sheds his impartiality. He succinctly states why I am a Supergirl fan.

He starts out by saying she has value. It is a simple statement. But one I sometimes feel I need to defend to other comic fans.

I had to include this panel in the review. It is too good not to share.



Troupe continues. He says Supergirl is trying to find her way, making mistakes but growing. In essence, she is on the hero's journey (hence the title).

On this blog, I have talked about how I think Supergirl is 'becoming'. She is becoming a great hero, but there will be bumps in the road. She learns and matures. That's why I love the character.

And I like that Linda Lang saw the show and appreciates Ron's sentiment. Supergirl needs to know there are people out there who support her.

So this is a great story for many reasons. One, it shows that other writers outside of Gates know the road this character is on. As a Supergirl fan, what could be better than knowing that Helen Slater is 'one of us'.

Second, for any new readers that bought this as their first Supergirl issue, the story gives a quick review of her current place in the DCU ... underappreciated a bit, heroic. But while this story is accessible to new readers it has nods for the more dedicated fan.

And lastly, it boasts Cliff Chiang art. I have gushed about Chiang's art before. I think he is so economical with his line work, his art conveying so much information so easily.

To see things like a couple of extra face lines on Cat Grant which scream 'trying to look young', to see a crooked eyebrow and a half-frown showing how distraught Supergirl is in the #34 homage panel, or the joy exuding from her as she is flying above Metropolis ... it's all there and not overdone.

It's sweet and can be appreciated by both new and established readers. It was a nice capstone for this over-sized anniversary issue.

Overall grade: A-

Review: Supergirl #50 Part 1

There was a time when I doubted this Supergirl title would make it. There was a time when I thought the powers that be simply had no handle on the character, that they were making her unlikeable and therefore economically insolvent. I thought for sure Supergirl would be cancelled.

So it was with some joy that I bought Supergirl #50 this week, 2 copies no less. It has been 17 issues since the Gates/Igle reboot and Supergirl matters now. So all this pomp ... the extra-sized issue, the Turner cover, the variant cover, the Helen Slater/Jake Black back-up ... it was all icing on the cake. I am just happy this title is surviving and thriving.

I will review the main story here and the Slater/Black/Chiang back-up feature tomorrow.

One quick word about the cover. While I prefer Josh Middleton's and Jamal Igle's takes on Supergirl, there is no denying the splendor of this Michael Turner cover. Turner helped recreate Supergirl and I have always appreciated what he did for the character. Moreover, on a recent interview on iFanboy, Sterling Gates revealed that this cover art was originally a personal piece Turner did for Dan Didio. Didio took the framed piece off the wall to be made into this cover.

The Josh Middleton variant cover is also spectacular ... not that I'm surprised. I am running out of superlatives for his work.

Here, I loved the frightened expression on Supergirl's face. That conveys so much emotion.

But I also like the more technical aspects of the art here. How the the three dimensional nature of the piece really pops. You can see some of Kara sticking out of amber, that hand almost lunging out of the cover. I also like the slight blurriness of the areas that are encased, giving the viewer a feel that she really is embedded. Slick!

This was a 1:10 variant and my local comic book store had 6 copies on the shelf. That's a good sign of a little sales bump.

As seen in the preview on Newsarama, the issue starts with the resurrection of As seen in the preview on Newsarama, the issue starts with the resurrection of Superwoman and her retrieval by the military. This story started in Supergirl Annual #1.

We don't yet know exactly how Lucy has come back. Mirabai (who we haven't seen recently) wonders if it is Lucy's desire to live.

One thing for sure, I don't think she has come back unscathed. Her body is wracked with pain. She seems invulnerable. She kills a soldier with heat vision. And she's doing it all without the suit from which she initially derived her powers. She's enraged ... scared ... it isn't pretty.

I find it fascinating that General Lane can completely shift the blame for Lucy's condition away from himself. He was the one who put Lucy in the suit, sent her on her missions, had her fight Supergirl. And yet, it's not his fault that Lucy has returned this way. It is the Kryptonians' fault. Talk about rationalization and prejudice.

Even more intriguing, Lane says Lucy is now Kryptonian. It looks like she has their powers, but what does that mean?


Back in Metropolis, Supergirl is shown to be encased in amber in a great hive like building. She is rescued by Gangbuster and when she gets out she isn't happy.

It seems that between the surprise of finding Lana cocooned last issue and the power of the Insect Queen, that Supergirl was captured. I'm not surprised. Remember, this Insect Queen kept Superman under her power for 3 issues back in the Busiek run. She's that powerful.

Now, for all of us who have been waiting to see Supergirl pound on someone, this is the issue. This isn't the usual super-villain fight after all. With Lana involved, this is personal. And the anger on her face here is evident. Supergirl is irate. It's a powerful image by Jamal Igle.


Angry or not, the hive has numbers. Despite taking out some bugs, Supergirl realizes that the best plan is to escape.

Look at the size of that hive! Back at STAR labs, Supergirl learns how 2 days earlier, the hospital was engulfed in this hive. Some SciPo officers and others went in but did not come back out. The hive seems to be biding its time. In fact, STAR only found out that Supergirl was in the hive because they had sent in a reconnaisance robot bug. Two days of a giant hive appearing in the middle of Metropolis and no other super-hero came to look other than Gangbuster and Dr. Light?

What I liked about this scene is that despite the necessary exposition, Supergirl's thoughts are on Lana and her condition. She talks with Dr. Light about Lana's condition in hopes of saving her.


And here is my favorite moment in the book.

Supergirl and Gangbuster decide the best course of action is a stealth mission to rescue Lana. Unfortunately the insects hear them. Gangbuster asks Supergirl if she's ready to get the crap kicked out of her in order to save the world. Supergirl simply replies 'always.'

She has such a cooly confident look on her face ... it's perfect. Perfect. This is a Supergirl who will do what's right regardless of the risks. And it shows how much she has matured over the last year.

However, despite getting a few good shots in against some insect infantry, Supergirl is overrun by a swarm and brought before the Insect Queen.


It's Lana ... but it's also not Lana.

The Queen explains how she left a piece of herself inside Lana during her recent run-in with Superman. Over the last year that piece has been slowly rebuilding Lana cell by cell. She remained in Lana to stay close to the Superman family so she could make super-drones to protect her, something she tried back in the Busiek arc.

The Queen also decides to add a layer of emotional anguish to her conversation with Supergirl saying it was the Queen's will that made Lana befriend Kara. Thankfully, Supergirl realizes this is a lie and shrugs it off. This is another recent example (along with the Black Lantern Zor-El) of an enemy trying to take advantage of Supergirl's emotional vulnerability and failing. Hurray!


With the Queen within striking distance, Supergirl frees herself from the amber and calls in a STAR labs bombing run. She then unloads on 'Lana'.

Calling herself a Lang, calling Lana family, Supergirl rips off one of the Queen's wings and gives her a right hook that sends her sprawling.

She ripped off one of her wings!! Fantastic!

It is perhaps the strongest ... the most physical ... the angriest we have seen Supergirl in a while. It rivals her fight with Superwoman.

But more than that, it is her confidence that shines here. She stands over the Queen saying she doesn't scare easily.

How wonderful to see Supergirl so self-assured as she doles out a thumping!


And best yet ... she's victorious!

Somehow Supergirl was able to help design a de-bugging device to strip Lana of her insect DNA.

When the Queen says she will make Supergirl's life hell, Kara quips that Alura does that enough. I loved that as well.

The device is turned on and cures Lana. And without their Queen, the other insects are defeated.

Okay, it was a bit too easy of an answer, a bit too deus ex machina to have this machine designed and built in so short a time ... with Kara having designed it too! But it is about time that Supergirl got to win one. This was a hard-fought and brutal win complete with bloody fists and quick thinking ... but that's what made it beautiful.

And then we take a bit of a left turn.

After all the 'Lana' family' and 'I'm a Lang' and 'Lana's my mentor' talk, Supergirl turns around and tells Lana she is leaving her life because she can't trust her. Kara is still stung by Lana keeping her illness secret.

It's a complete 'about face' emotionally. I suppose once the stress of rescuing Lana was over, once she knows that Lana is safe, Supergirl can reassess things ... that the pain of this secret can surge. With everything that has happened in her life, Kara needs to trust those closest to her. And she doesn't feel that with Lana right now.

It still read a little funny given all the prior dialogue in the book.


Lana tries to explain her secrecy in a way Supergirl can understand. All of New Krypton and all of Earth needed Supergirl. Supergirl was too important to get wrapped up in the problems of one person. Lana feels she did the heroic thing by keeping her illness to herself, to not distract Kara.

But Supergirl still thinks it was wrong and flies off saying she no longer wants to be a Lang or even human.

This response feels like a regression for Supergirl in her recent character growth. But all of this is happening right before The Last Stand of New Krypton and War of the Supermen. Is this Lana/Kara split just a way of setting up Supergirl's sympathies and fidelity in those books? An easy way to set up some conflict to be resolved between the super-cousins?

And speaking of not wanting to be human, back at Project 7734, we hear that Lucy is an amalgam of "all" the alien races whose powers were in the Superwoman suit ... all their powers and weaknesses.

Hmm .. all the aliens? Not just Kryptonian?

With that announcement, Lucy decides to fry the physician with an apparent electrical blast and declare herself ready for active duty. (I know lightning powers aren't inherent in the race, but maybe Lucy has some Winathian genes in her now?) Lucy seemed like a bit of a loose cannon before but I don't think she would have indiscriminantly killed a doctor like this. She seems insane to me right now.

Well what a great main story in this anniversary issue. Not perfect ... but memorable and worthy of an important issue like this.

First off, I absolutely love Supergirl's personality during the fight portion of the book ... determined, strong, unflappable. Kudos to Sterling Gates. In his time on the title, he has really solidified Kara's persona while having her mature into a competent young hero. It really is hard to believe that this is the 17th issue in his and Jamal Igle's run. It feels like just yesterday I was waiting for Supergirl #34 to hit the stands.

But more than that, it was good to see Supergirl unleash her powers on someone and outright win. This isn't a half-win ... like when Superwoman explodes in defeat or Reactron escapes ... this was victory.

On top of that, I also enjoyed the re-introduction of Superwoman as a viable and permanent member of Supergirl's rogues' gallery. An insane and powerful Superwoman is a terrifying opponent.

And, as usual, Jamal Igle's art wonderfully complements the story. Supergirl's expressions and body language bolster her dialogue perfectly. So whether it is that cocked eyebrow in the 'always' panel or the angry pose when she breaks free of the amber or her slumped shoulders when she is talking to Lana, the art just adds such volume to the scenes.

The one smudge in the issue is just that rapid decision to abandon Lana and Earth. It just felt off a bit.

But honestly, the rest of the book is so great I am willing to see where the story goes.

I mean Supergirl ripped off the Insect Queen's wing! It doesn't get much better than that.

Overall grade: A/B+

More Peeks At Supergirl #50

Supergirl #50 is solicited for next month and marks something of an anniversary issue for the title. DC seems to be doing it's part to start to market the book. We know about the Michael Turner cover and the Josh Middleton variant. We know the main story will reunite Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle as we see the finale of the Insect Queen story. And we heard about the Jake Black/Helen Slater back up story. Here on this blog, Black said the story would be 'paying tribute to "50 years and 50 issues."'

Well we learn more about the Black/Slater story over on the DC Source blog. Here is the link:

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/01/29/an-added-plus-to-supergirl-50-helen-slater-jake-black-and-cliff-chiang/

And here is the accompanying blurb:

In addition to the special, 50th issue wonderful-ness coming your way next month from the stellar creative team of writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle, SUPERGIRL #50 features a story by none other than Helen Slater,who as some of you can recall, played Supergirl in the major motion picture by the same name. In tandem with co-writer Jake Black and the very talented Cliff Chiang, Slater will tell a story about a “Meet the Press”-type show where a panel discusses Supergirl’s merits (or, according to Cat Grant, her lack thereof).

So I as excited as I was about the writers on the story, I am really thrilled to see that Cliff Chiang is the artist on the story! That Titans splash panel is fantastic!

And more from The Source:

We checked in with SUPERGIRL assistant editor Wil Moss for the lowdown on the story, and not only did he share some info, but he passed along two lovely pages by Mr. Chiang. Take it away, Wil:

“We’re thrilled to have Helen Slater - Supergirl herself! - contribute a story to this special anniversary issue of SUPERGIRL. She and her co-writer, the wickedly talented Jake Black, have crafted a short story that really encapsulates everything that’s good and true about the Girl of Steel. The fact that we were able to get the A-list art team of Cliff Chiang and Dave McCaig to provide the art and colors just seals the deal - this is one story you do not want to let fly by!”

So looking at this page, my guess is the bottom rows of panels are a reporter asking people what they think of Supergirl.

One thing I have liked about the Gates/Igle run has been there willingness to recognize and acknowledge what the Supergirl character did in the early issues. They haven't simply brushed it under the carpet. They have dealt with it.

If I had to guess, it looks like Black and Slater are doing the same thing. Look closely at the people in those panels.


The girl with the headband has to be Brooke who was the little girl whose Christmas letter to Superman was answered by Supergirl in 2007's DCU Infinite Holiday issue. That story, written by Joe Kelly, had Supergirl drop Brooke's father Henry (I assume the man in the panels) from the upper atmosphere to spur him into spending more time with his estranged young daughter. I am over-simplifying it ... but it wasn't a typical hero move, something all to common in a Joe Kelly Supergirl story.

The dark haired girl has to be Sarah from Supergirl #10, the girl she first humiliated and eventually befriended at the end of Kelly's run.

As a fan and a continuity nerd, these small homages recognizing this Supergirl's history are welcome. I can only hope that one of the people they talk to is Thomas' mother from 'Saving Thomas'.

I am really looking forward to this collaboration between Jake Black and Supergirl herself, Helen Slater!

As for Cliff Chiang ...


Well, this announcement is an excuse to repost my Chiang commission. I think his stuff is great. I love this piece!

I am very excited about this issue and hope it brings new readers to the book.

Boston Comicon And A Stephane Roux Commission

This weekend is the next Boston Comic Con ( http://www.bostoncomiccon.com/ )!

This convention just keeps growing in terms of size and the creators that it is bringing in. You might recall that at the last convention I got to meet Jim Cheung and Mike Allred (http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2009/04/boston-comiccon-roundup-and-jimmy.html ). At prior cons I have met Carmine Infantino, Jim Steranko, and others.
This convention seems huge with a lot of big names in comics in attendance.

The list of creators this time is incredible and includes Walt and Louise Simonson, Tim Sale, Herb Trimpe, Khoi Pham, Cliff Chiang, Geof Darrow, Dave Mack, Mike McKone, Stephane Roux, Jim Calafiore, and Scott Wegener.

That means I have a lot of issues to bring for signatures and a veritable smorgasbord of talented artists from whom to try to grab a commission. I realize that I have been doing this a while when I already have commissions from some of the guests attending. I already have posted myCliff Chiang and Scott Wegener commissions.

Here is a Stephane Roux commission I got at the Baltimore Comic Con in 2007.



I loved Roux's run as the cover artist on Birds Of Prey so sought him out at the beginning of the convention. I was at the bottom of his list so his agent wasn't sure if Roux would be able to get to it. But then the agent told Roux that he had not brought any bristol board paper for the artist to use. Armed with a full pad, I exchanged a stack of paper to be moved higher on the list.

The result is this very heroic shot of Supergirl rushing into action. I love the pleated skirt.

I am sure that he will have a full list again.

As for me, I have two main targets.

One is Tim Sale. I loved his story in his issue of Solo so much it was one of the first back issues I reviewed on this blog ( http://comicboxcommentary.blogspot.com/2008/06/it-came-from-back-issue-box-solo-1-tim.html). Sale has such a classic look. I plan to run to his table in hopes of getting on his short list.

I also really like Jim Calafiore's style so I have contacted him and reserved a spot on his commission list. Calafiore's stuff was great on Gotham Underground. And, yes I am admitting I collected Countdown, but I thought his stuff there was very good too. I think he does a very good Donna Troy.

Anyways, I am sure I will provide an update and post any commissions I get early next week.

Cliff Chiang's Atomic Bombshells and my Commission

Over on Cliff Chiang's blog (link over there in the right column) , he is unveiling pics of comics/animated characters imagined as WWII bomber plane nose art. Yesterday's post was this absolutely lovely take on Supergirl. (Other characters so far have been Teela, Poison Ivy, Scarlett, and Princess from Battle of the Planets.)

There is so much to love in this Supergirl picture!

It just invokes so much Silver Age goodness! Kara is in the original costume with the blue skirt and short cape. She is in a rather demure position for a woman riding a rocket. And she oozes the beauty of a 50's pin-up girl.

On top of that, the rocket she is riding is a version of the original rocket she landed in way back in Action Comics 252. On his blog, Chiang says he used the half-tone background to also give it a Silver Age feel. And when was the last time she was called 'The Maid of Might' ??

I would buy this if it was a print. I would wear this if it was on a t-shirt!

I love Chiang's art. It is so clean and smooth but just grabs you. It reminds me a little of Alex Toth in that his art says so much, tells such a great story, with an economy of lines. I enjoyed his work on Beware the Creeper and The Human Target. I even bought Green Arrow/Black Canary for the first few issues solely for the art, and not the (shudder) Winick story.



I was lucky enough to meet Cliff Chiang at a Boston Comic Book Spectacular and here is the commission I got from him. It is a great shot of Supergirl soaring in the clouds and is proudly displayed on the 'Wall of Fame'.

If any readers are at the SDCC, I would highly recommend finding him, drooling over his art, and trying to grab a commission.