Ray's 53rd DCU/GrayHaven Megathread - Beware the Court of OOMPHwls!!!

[Matthew Brown]

GL solicits:

http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2012/01/17/green-lantern-group-solicits-5/

Very stable line, but it looks like a lot of stories are really heating up this month.

Line? As far as I'm concerned, there's only one book there!

[Dark Sasha]

Ray should podcast again.

[Dark Sasha]

Joke went on too LONG?!

[Ray G.]

Ray should podcast again.

I miss the Stew. :(

[Dark Sasha]

I miss the Stew. :(

You don't need them! Branch out! Off the cuff!

[Matthew Brown]

I miss the Stew. :(

We'll do one called The Truth About Matts and Dawgs.

[Ray G.]

You don't need them! Branch out! Off the cuff!

I don't think Andrew would approve of the return of the Red Alert. :)

[Dark Sasha]

Marc Maron it, Ray! Come on! I believe in you!

[Dark Sasha]

Ray: YA KNOW WHAT?! FUCK GALACTUS!

[Matthew Brown]

Ray: YA KNOW WHAT?! FUCK GALACTUS!

That dude eats planets. I don't care what Eternity says, he should fry!

[Arion]

That dude eats planets. I don't care what Eternity says, he should fry!

But Galactus has a noble heart, doesn't that count?

[Dark Sasha]

I can't wait for Profit tomorrow.

[chazbot]

I can't wait for Profit tomorrow.

Prophet?

[Arion]

Prophet?

I think he just means money ...

[Dark Sasha]

Prophet?

No. Profit. About Jim Profit and all his power garbing schemes and goofs!


Jeez. And you're a comic fan?

[Arion]

Have fun with Profit !

[Mylazycat]

I don't think Andrew would approve of the return of the Red Alert. :)

However, some kind of weekly, bi-weekly or monthly Grayhaven based podcast is something that should probably be added to the growing features of the Grayhaven web site. A host or two, with other rotating Grayhaven creators plus outside guests.

Make it happen, someone.

[Ray G.]

However, some kind of weekly, bi-weekly or monthly Grayhaven based podcast is something that should probably be added to the growing features of the Grayhaven web site. A host or two, with other rotating Grayhaven creators plus outside guests.

Make it happen, someone.

That's a pretty great idea.

Glenn and I were both pretty regular podcasters for a while there.

[Mylazycat]

That's a pretty great idea.

Glenn and I were both pretty regular podcasters for a while there.

Yep. This should be organized. It would be a great addition to the site. Another way to bring people to the site regularly and grow and hold the fanbase.

[Dark Sasha]

Oh no!!! Someone is gonna hear my voice!

[Mylazycat]

Oh no!!! Someone is gonna hear my voice!

I dream of this every night.

[Dark Sasha]

You guys tricked me! You knew the macbook had podcast stuff!

[The Doctor]

I miss the Stew. :(

Me too, quite a fair bit sometimes

We should do a one off reunion show

Make it happen Brandon!

[Ray G.]

Me too, quite a fair bit sometimes

We should do a one off reunion show

Make it happen Brandon!

It's actually been breached that we should do a GHC podcast.

We've still got to figure out the format, natch, but since we've both been regular podcasters, It makes sense that we'd be involved. :)

[Dark Sasha]

Guys, I got a Thomas Pynchon interview.

[The Doctor]

It's actually been breached that we should do a GHC podcast.

We've still got to figure out the format, natch, but since we've both been regular podcasters, It makes sense that we'd be involved. :)

Once a month or so would be cool

[Erica J Heflin]

Once a month or so would be cool

I think you all should definitely give it a go!

[The Doctor]

I think you all should definitely give it a go!

If we're going down we're taking you with us!

[Slewo.O]

I miss the Stew. :(

You wanna do a podcast? Our combined middle easterner-ness will add some much needed diversity to the nerd-casts. :)

[Slewo.O]

Ray and Sasha should do a Penn and Teller esque show. Thereby Sasha need not speak. :)

[Erica J Heflin]

If we're going down we're taking you with us!

Can't I just wear a sandwich board?

[Slewo.O]

Can't I just wear a sandwich board?

Only if you make lunch.

[Marc Lombardi]

You wanna do a podcast? Our combined middle easterner-ness will add some much needed diversity to the nerd-casts. :)
You, Ray, Glenn, Howly, Doc and Sasha. Call it "The Global Geek Podcast"

[MAK15]

I fucking LOVE lunch!

[MAK15]

You, Ray, Glenn, Howly, Doc and Sasha. Call it "The Global Geek Podcast"

Geek Podcast International!

[Howlett]

You, Ray, Glenn, Howly, Doc and Sasha. Call it "The Global Geek Podcast"

Sounds fun but I'd likely have to pass for now. My headaches make for awkward long term planning. I wouldn't be able to commit to it for anything longer than a quick appearance, if that.

[Marc Lombardi]

Sounds fun but I'd likely have to pass for now. My headaches make for awkward long term planning. I wouldn't be able to commit to it for anything longer than a quick appearance, if that.
That's OK....Doc can be the UK hero... That makes him, what, Godiva?

[Ray G.]

Sounds fun but I'd likely have to pass for now. My headaches make for awkward long term planning. I wouldn't be able to commit to it for anything longer than a quick appearance, if that.

If you want to make a guest appearance at any time, just let us know if you're feeling good one day, and I'm sure there'll be someone (probably me) around to do a segment with you on the spot. :)

[MAK15]

That's OK....Doc can be the UK hero... That makes him, what, Godiva?

I don't think Glenn should ride a horse naked.

[Dark Sasha]

What would I talk about with you people?

[chazbot]

What would I talk about with you people?

Just complain about stuff--like you've done here everyday for the past five years.

[Dark Sasha]

Just complain about stuff--like you've done here everyday for the past five years.

I'm a racehorse. I can't love no one.

[MAK15]

Yo, Sasha, dig this:

http://natazilla.tumblr.com/post/16013384285#disqus_thread

[Dark Sasha]

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luh8z5unTd1qzlgkno1_500.jpg

CANDY WIFE!

[MAK15]

yeah, Natasha Allegri's work is awe-sum.
I fuckin' love the comics that she'll do from time to time.

[Slewo.O]

You, Ray, Glenn, Howly, Doc and Sasha. Call it "The Global Geek Podcast"

:lol:

[Howlett]

If you want to make a guest appearance at any time, just let us know if you're feeling good one day, and I'm sure there'll be someone (probably me) around to do a segment with you on the spot. :)

We'll see :)

[Dark Sasha]

http://nedroid.com/comics/2012-01-15-beartato-spiritbeartato.png

[Ray G.]

Interesting little note about the new 52 - I looked at the schedule, and no writer has more than one book released on a single week. They spread the talent out as well as the franchises.

That will change, however, with Liefeld taking over those books, as Grifter and Deathstroke are released the same week.

[Dark Sasha]

Interesting little note about the new 52 - I looked at the schedule, and no writer has more than one book released on a single week. They spread the talent out as well as the franchises.

That will change, however, with Liefeld taking over those books, as Grifter and Deathstroke are released the same week.
I do believe Lemire has Sweet Tooth and Animal Man come out on the same week.

[I AM GROOT!]

:wave:

How's everyone been doing lately?

[MAK15]

I do believe Lemire has Sweet Tooth and Animal Man come out on the same week.

Sweet Tooth isn't DC, though. It's vertigo, right?
same company, different flag.

[MAK15]

:wave:

How's everyone been doing lately?

HAIL KING OF PLANET X!

I been good! Boxing everymorning, making art every day into the evening! I spent the day inking my finals pages from SCAD, and tomorrow I'm going to start tight roughing Funketeer's Gathering Story.

and what of you?

[Slewo.O]

Just complain about stuff--like you've done here everyday for the past five years.

Five years? When did we become the New 52?

[Ray G.]

Five years? When did we become the New 52?

We're actually just about 6 weeks away from being six years. :)

[Ray G.]

Sweet Tooth isn't DC, though. It's vertigo, right?
same company, different flag.

Yep. I'm only talking the new 52.

Next week will actually be the first time that two by the same writer come out the same day, due to JL's one-week delay.

[Ray G.]

:wave:

How's everyone been doing lately?

Pretty good. Getting over a nasty cold that I picked up from my visiting best friend, but I've been worse.

And tomorrow's comic day! :boogie:

[I AM GROOT!]

HAIL KING OF PLANET X!

I been good! Boxing everymorning, making art every day into the evening! I spent the day inking my finals pages from SCAD, and tomorrow I'm going to start tight roughing Funketeer's Gathering Story.

and what of you?

That sounds like a good day, man. Myself, I started nursing school today, so from here on out, my days will be busy, busy, busy. :lol:

[I AM GROOT!]

Pretty good. Getting over a nasty cold that I picked up from my visiting best friend, but I've been worse.

And tomorrow's comic day! :boogie:

Sorry you've been under the weather, but comic day ALWAYS makes everything better. :)

[Slewo.O]

We're actually just about 6 weeks away from being six years. :)

When's the crossover marking our new continuity?

[Slewo.O]

Hello there Jason. :heybaby:

[Ray G.]

Apparently both FF and Fantastic Four are being released on the same day next week.

That seems a bit odd, but okay. :lol:

[Dark Sasha]

Ray would like Gary.

[Ray G.]

Ray would like Gary.

Benbo Gary? Mylazycat?

He's awesome.

[chazbot]

That sounds like a good day, man. Myself, I started nursing school today, so from here on out, my days will be busy, busy, busy. :lol:

Eek. Hope it went well.

[Dark Sasha]

Benbo Gary? Mylazycat?

He's awesome.

No. This squirrel.

[JasonWGBB007]

Started watching Dexter last night since it is on Netflix. This show is so good!

[Dark Sasha]

Apparently both FF and Fantastic Four are being released on the same day next week.

That seems a bit odd, but okay. :lol:
They can do brain teasers in the back of one and have the answer appear in the other book! OH MY GOD! That's brilliant!

[Dark Sasha]

See comics don't have activities in them no more.

[MAK15]

See comics don't have activities in them no more.

Sergio Aragones Funnies has activities in his books

[Dark Sasha]

Sergio Aragones Funnies has activities in his books

But he's made out of fun! Of course he does that!

[MAK15]

So is anyone on this thread going to do anything about the SOPA/PIPA thing?

[The Doctor]

Sounds fun but I'd likely have to pass for now. My headaches make for awkward long term planning. I wouldn't be able to commit to it for anything longer than a quick appearance, if that.

You can be like the movie Nick Fury

'I'm here to talk to you about the Grayhaven initiative.....and pick up a big cheque'

[Slewo.O]

Ugh, I gotta swap for a math class since the current one I have is based out of a different campus. The class that has the ideal time and a cool professor is capped. Hopefully I can convince him to give me an override. :?

[The Doctor]

America doing their own version of modern day Sherlock

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/17/version-of-modern-day-sherlock-holmes-gets-green-light/

Hopefully it dies a horrible death before entering production

[Karate and Friendship]

America doing their own version of modern day Sherlock

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/17/version-of-modern-day-sherlock-holmes-gets-green-light/

Hopefully it dies a horrible death before entering production

Sigh. Hopefully, it will die like US Spaced.

[dougmac]

America doing their own version of modern day Sherlock

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/17/version-of-modern-day-sherlock-holmes-gets-green-light/

Hopefully it dies a horrible death before entering production

I heard about this awhile back, but doubt it will happen. Plus its sloppy reporting, it aired on PBS here not BBC America.

[Ray G.]

Off to get my comics! :boogie:

[Slewo.O]

Off to get my comics! :boogie:

So early!

[Slewo.O]

Batman #5 gets 5 stars on CBR. I've got the link right here for Sasha. :)

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=4362

[Marcdachamp]

Started watching Dexter last night since it is on Netflix. This show is so good!

Yes it is. Great show.

[chazbot]

Off to get my comics! :boogie:

lucky

[artimoff]

Yes it is. Great show.

The first & fourth seasons are great. With season 2 they start getting real sloppy.

[artimoff]

So early!

Doesn't Ray have like an hour train ride?

[Karate and Friendship]

Addicted to Chappelle's Show the day before my exam. Deary me.

[Marcdachamp]

Addicted to Chappelle's Show the day before my exam. Deary me.

First time watching it? I just got a buddy into it. So damn good.

[Karate and Friendship]

First time watching it? I just got a buddy into it. So damn good.

Yeah, first time. It's ridiculous how good that race draft sketch is.

[Marcdachamp]

Yeah, first time. It's ridiculous how good that race draft sketch is.

"I've always wanted to say this: 'For shizzle.'"

:lol:

[Marcdachamp]

Also, stop watching Chappelle after Season 2. It reaches perfection, and Dave knew they couldn't outdo it. They filmed some skits for a third season and hastily threw them together as a set of "Lost episodes" after Dave quit the show. If you do watch them, you'll see why Dave decided to bail. They're really... not good.

[artimoff]

Yeah, first time. It's ridiculous how good that race draft sketch is.

The blind man in the KKK is great.

[Karate and Friendship]

The blind man in the KKK is great.

I have a love for the sketch where they bring drums and an electric piano into a barbershop.


Also, stop watching Chappelle after Season 2. It reaches perfection, and Dave knew they couldn't outdo it. They filmed some skits for a third season and hastily threw them together as a set of "Lost episodes" after Dave quit the show. If you do watch them, you'll see why Dave decided to bail. They're really... not good.

Yeah, not bothering with the lost episodes.

[Slewo.O]

People really need to learn the phrase "The right of way" and how it applies to driving...

[The Doctor]

Off to get my comics! :boogie:
Sweet!

[Slewo.O]

I'm off to get my comics! :boogie:

[Jef UK]

For Blake Sims fans:

Taking the world by the short-hairs...GONAD THE BALLBARIAN (http://welcometotripcity.com/2012/01/gonad-the-ballbarian/)!!!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o301/buraj/Gonad%20the%20Ballbarian/GonadTitlePage.jpg

[Marc Lombardi]

Is it true that Gonad the Ballbarian lives around the corner from Poop Office?

[Blake Sims]

Is it true that Gonad the Ballbarian lives around the corner from Poop Office?

Taint false.

[Marc Lombardi]

Taint false.

:thumb:

[Jef UK]

Is it true that Gonad the Ballbarian lives around the corner from Poop Office?


Taint false.

Hahaha!

[Slewo.O]

Just read Nightwing... Holy carp...

[Karate and Friendship]

Just read Nightwing... Holy carp...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tfGC7tOlrdk/SzHYL0WJawI/AAAAAAAAJL4/pSM5A63n_wE/s400/holy-carp-magnet.jpg

[Karate and Friendship]

Rashida Jones has just appeared in a Chappelle sketch! :D

[dougmac]

I have a love for the sketch where they bring drums and an electric piano into a barbershop.

Yeah, not bothering with the lost episodes.

The lost episodes are really bad, but the first one has a great sketch about how everyone treats Dave differently now that they know how much money he has that is worth checking out.

[Marcdachamp]

Rashida Jones has just appeared in a Chappelle sketch! :D

So hot, and seems so cool.

[Ray G.]

Batman #5. Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. :shock:

[Ray G.]

Batman #5 gets 5 stars on CBR. I've got the link right here for Sasha. :)

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=user_review&id=4362

Too low. They should have added more stars for this book. :)

[Ray G.]

Doesn't Ray have like an hour train ride?

Yep. Although it's a little shorter, because I catch the last rush hour express. It gets me into the city by around 10.

[The Doctor]

Batman #5. Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. :shock:

Damn you and your lemonade!

[Ray G.]

Just read Nightwing... Holy carp...

Yeah, that was another good one. Red Hood and the Outlaws was great too - I'm really starting to like Jason Todd - and Wonder Woman was amazing.

[Slewo.O]

Batman #5. Wow. Wow wow wow wow wow. :shock:

I read it earlier. That was some insane storytelling (see what I did there? ;) ) and anyone who has problems with Capullo as artist should look at this issue. That was some awesome experimentation. They've really crafted a perfect Batman book here, and all it needed was owls.

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

Decompressionism Finale Week Day Four-

The penultimate chapter of Decom- http://www.grayhavencomics.com/2012/01/18/decompressionism-chapter-38/

[AndrewG]

It's only the 3rd week of January...or is that the 2nd week and that Batman issue is going to be cited as one of the best single issues of 2012. Just brilliant.

[AndrewG]

Jim Shooter reviews Wonder Woman #4

Now I like Wonder Woman but I love seeing his process at work here with an editorial eye. Fascinating.

http://www.jimshooter.com/2012/01/wonder-woman-4-review.html

[Erica J Heflin]

Jim Shooter reviews Wonder Woman #4

Now I like Wonder Woman but I love seeing his process at work here with an editorial eye. Fascinating.

http://www.jimshooter.com/2012/01/wonder-woman-4-review.html

Very cool. It's interesting to see what appeals to different people. I also rather like that cover.

[Slewo.O]

Erica, you and Amanda did an awesome
job on that short story? Why aren't you writing horror movies? :p

[Ray G.]

It's only the 3rd week of January...or is that the 2nd week and that Batman issue is going to be cited as one of the best single issues of 2012. Just brilliant.

Scott Snyder writes the scariest comics I have ever read. The tension in both this issue and in Severed is something I've never experienced in a comic from another writer.

[Erica J Heflin]

Erica, you and Amanda did an awesome
job on that short story? Why aren't you writing horror movies? :p

Thanks!

I am a screenwriter, but most of what I've done is either produced at B-grade or bought but never shot :)

[Slewo.O]

Scott Snyder writes the scariest comics I have ever read. The tension in both this issue and in Severed is something I've never experienced in a comic from another writer.

The Court of Owls and the Salesmen should team up! Or not... :?

[jason hissong]

It's only the 3rd week of January...or is that the 2nd week and that Batman issue is going to be cited as one of the best single issues of 2012. Just brilliant.

What happens?

[AndrewG]

What happens?

Comic book magic.

[AndrewG]

Scott Snyder writes the scariest comics I have ever read. The tension in both this issue and in Severed is something I've never experienced in a comic from another writer.

Terry Moore's Rachel Rising....

[Slewo.O]

What happens?

Don't ask for spoilers. It'll only dilute the magic, my friend.

[Dark Sasha]

I can't wait to see this Batman issue you speak of.

[jason hissong]

Don't ask for spoilers. It'll only dilute the magic, my friend.

I'm not going to read it anytime soon. Spoil away!

[NickT]

What happens?
I start to yell in my head "YOU ARE TAKING THE PISS WITH THIS!"


Actually, in this case it made sense, so I was fine with it. It being my occasional moan about a layout thing :)

[The Doctor]

Decompressionism Finale Week Day Four-

The penultimate chapter of Decom- http://www.grayhavencomics.com/2012/01/18/decompressionism-chapter-38/

Coolio, thanks

[Erica J Heflin]

Terry Moore's Rachel Rising....

So damned good!

[Howlett]

Terry Moore's Rachel Rising....

How many issues in is that? I may have to do some hunting.

[AndrewG]

How many issues in is that? I may have to do some hunting.

4

[Dark Sasha]

Look I like Scott Snyder. I like him just fine.

[Howlett]

4

Ah cool. Easy enough to track down then!

Thanks.

[Ray G.]

Terry Moore's Rachel Rising....

You keep on saying... :)

[Arion]

Scott Snyder writes the scariest comics I have ever read. The tension in both this issue and in Severed is something I've never experienced in a comic from another writer.

I'm a big fan of Severed, and so far I've reviewed each title individually on my blog.

[jason hissong]

How come, on the Grayhaven page, when I'm looking at, say, Decompressionism chapter 1, there's not a one click button to proceed to Chapter Two?

[Karate and Friendship]

I really like Jim Shooter's reviews. I don't always agree but he does make a lot of good points.

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

How come, on the Grayhaven page, when I'm looking at, say, Decompressionism chapter 1, there's not a one click button to proceed to Chapter Two?

The site does have a viewer that does that (if you click on webcomics at the top of the mainpage) but it shows them at a different res so they're a tad blurry and for some reason it chops off a bit of the right side. For me, the easiest way to view them is to click on the tag, and that will bring up all of them, then you only have to hit the back button once after each strip.

[Arion]

How come, on the Grayhaven page, when I'm looking at, say, Decompressionism chapter 1, there's not a one click button to proceed to Chapter Two?

I think we should find a way to fix that. And we should update the image on the top of vol. 5. Vol 6 has already been released and vol 7 is on its way.

[Dark Sasha]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JSXwWZ2SFw4


BOOO HUMANISM!!!

[Dark Sasha]

I don't even know humanism is because Wikipedia is down!!! RAHHHHH!!!!

[Slewo.O]

I don't even know humanism is because Wikipedia is down!!! RAHHHHH!!!!

Don't be such a Mitch, you Sasha.

[AndrewG]

I think we should find a way to fix that. And we should update the image on the top of vol. 5. Vol 6 has already been released and vol 7 is on its way.

I'm too lazy. :)

[Marcdachamp]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JSXwWZ2SFw4


BOOO HUMANISM!!!

:lol: Amazing.

[NickT]

This made me smile, from the newest Batman Oddyssey preview - http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/9a61190i11194/prv11194_pg1.jpg

How many times do they need to put his name in the credits? :)

[Ray G.]

This made me smile, from the newest Batman Oddyssey preview - http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/preview/9a61190i11194/prv11194_pg1.jpg

How many times do they need to put his name in the credits? :)

I never knew how fond the Bat-family was of "World's Smallest Violin" jokes.

[chazbot]

Just finished the second volume of American Vampire. Damn good comics. I had avoided it at first what with it being a "vampire" comic when vampires were being all the rage. But man, prove me wrong with such a high-quality, well-planned project.

[Slewo.O]

Just finished the second volume of American Vampire. Damn good comics. I had avoided it at first what with it being a "vampire" comic when vampires were being all the rage. But man, prove me wrong with such a high-quality, well-planned project.

:)

I'm proud of you Chaz. Which reminds me, that I should probably pick up the next couple volumes. :lol:

[Foolish Mortal]

http://i41.tinypic.com/fvefsh.jpg

[Mylazycat]

Awesome!

[The Doctor]

It is frakking cold, bloody winter

[Howlett]

Batman #5 was fucking stellar! Snyder's run just gets better and better with every issue.

[The Doctor]

Hoping my comics come tomorrow but probably have to wait until Friday

[jason hissong]

Will someone please spoil Batman #5 for me?

Gracias.

[Slewo.O]

Will someone please spoil Batman #5 for me?

Gracias.

Okay, but if you regret it later, I ain't giving no refunds. ;)

Batman has been trapped underground of Gotham in a labyrinth created by the Court of Owls for 8 days. He's already started losing his grip on sanity and keeps returning to the same rooms over and over again, and each time retreats into the dark. He ends up so thirsty he drinks from water in a pool, but ends up hallucinating horrific images, of his win over the Court, of the old corpses of his parents, of his own portrait on their kill-list over the years, and ends up being hunted by the Talon again.

Meanwhile Gordon has the bat-signal on so long it bursts into flame, whole the bat-family is searching for Gotham, and Damian ends up losing his cool asking for them to light the bat-signal again and gets taken under Gordon's shoulder.

It's great in particular since as Batman's sanity and senses start going down so does the comic. It flips perspective from 90 degrees to 180 and back again as his perspective twists.

[Mylazycat]

"The only girl I ever loved was Andrew in drag"

so says this song:

http://soundcloud.com/mergerecords/the-magnetic-fields-andrew-in

[Slewo.O]

"The only girl I ever loved was Andrew in drag"

so says this song:

http://soundcloud.com/mergerecords/the-magnetic-fields-andrew-in

Now I just imagined Andrew in drag... Screw you Gary. :mad:

[jason hissong]

Okay, but if you regret it later, I ain't giving no refunds. ;)

Batman has been trapped underground of Gotham in a labyrinth created by the Court of Owls for 8 days. He's already started losing his grip on sanity and keeps returning to the same rooms over and over again, and each time retreats into the dark. He ends up so thirsty he drinks from water in a pool, but ends up hallucinating horrific images, of his win over the Court, of the old corpses of his parents, of his own portrait on their kill-list over the years, and ends up being hunted by the Talon again.

Meanwhile Gordon has the bat-signal on so long it bursts into flame, whole the bat-family is searching for Gotham, and Damian ends up losing his cool asking for them to light the bat-signal again and gets taken under Gordon's shoulder.

It's great in particular since as Batman's sanity and senses start going down so does the comic. It flips perspective from 90 degrees to 180 and back again as his perspective twists.

Thank you.

[Ray G.]

DC Universe Reviews - The New 52:

Scott Snyder is quickly becoming the DCU's undisputed master of horror. Unlike Swamp Thing, this issue doesn't have any monsters, abominations, or cosmic horrors running around. There's also very little actual violence, unlike in the chilling Severed. What there is, however, is a creeping sense of hopelessness, that deep, disturbing horror that this time, you're not going to make it out alive, and there's nothing you can do about it. And what's remarkable in this issue is that, in one of the only times I can remember, you feel is along with the hero. Using a series of interesting artistic tools, including some surprising perspective shifts, Snyder and Capullo pull you into the depths of the labyrinth of the Court of Owls, as Batman faces an enemy that may have been plotting his end for decades. We open in Gotham, as Jim Gordon continuously shines the Bat-signal, hoping against hope that Batman - missing for eight days - will see it, as well as to give hope to his allies and to Gotham. We then cut to Batman in the labyrinth of the Owls, an endless maze full of light, darkness, and creepy rooms of artifacts that hint at the countless horrors the Owls have perpetrated on Gotham over the years. Starved, and with only drugged water to sustain him, Batman's mind is quickly going, and his increasingly confused inner narration adds to the tension. The illusions get more and more intense, until the halfway point, where the comic itself starts shifting. First side-to-side, then upside down. It could have been a cheap gimmick, but the way the comic is plotted, it fits in with the feel of a hopeless, endless labyrinth. In the end, Batman is confronted with the specters of his parents, first as elderly people saved by the Court, and then as horrific demons, trying to devour him. And as Batman finally thinks he's reached the end, found a hidden passageway...there's a bright flash, he's back where he started, and the mysterious Talon emerges to stab him through the chest. It's easily the most intense comic I've read in a while, and probably the best single issue of the new 52.

For a while, this was feeling like the weak link of the Lantern franchise. Fortunately, Peter Tomasi, who's written some great GL stories in the past, has really kicked it into high gear with this issue, which introduces some great new characters and finally lays bare the motivation of the evil Keepers - and sets up some potential new fodder for the upcoming war with the Guardians. Looking to mount a rescue mission of John Stewart and the other captive GLs, Guy recruits a band of grizzled old Lanterns known as the Mean Machine, who have their own secret bar under Warriors. These are a fun group - like a whole band of Guy Gardners, only more so. They also recruit a pair of Sinestro Corps prisoners, Fat Man and Little Boy, whose fear-based powers are key to the operation. Martian Manhunter links minds with the team and reveals the truth about the Keepers - the Guardians had a symbiotic relationship with their planet, growing Batteries there which also fueled the ecosystem of the Keepers' world. Then, recently, the Guardians simply decided to take all the batteries and leave the world to die. So the Keepers have a point - but they're also psychotic, sadistic terrorists who are currently torturing the captive Lanterns nearly to death. Guy and the Mean Machine attack a ship of arms smugglers, take their weapons, and prepare for a full-on assault on the Keepers. And this is definitely turning into one hell of a story. All four Lantern books are pretty damn good right now.

So far, this has been one of the stronger titles in the Bat-line (although, just about all of them are strong). Kyle Higgins' grasp on the character of Dick Grayson is excellent, and he's beefed the title up with a strong, interesting supporting cast tied to the lead character's background. This issue, the A-plot isn't as strong as it has been in the first few issues, but the ongoing B-plot is excellent and leads to one hell of a final page twist. The main story involves Dick's old friend, Jimmy the Clown, who somehow has gotten involved with a sexy evil voodoo priestess. She summons a giant demon that bursts into the circus and kidnaps Jimmy to take back to her, so their souls can be bound together forever. The plot is ridiculous, and neither of the villains really make too much of an impact. But Higgins has made Dick such a fun character to read about that it doesn't really bother me, and more of a look into Jimmy's backstory is good. Dick's also having trouble with Raya, who's distancing herself from Dick since Barbara's visit, but he manages to convince her to warm up to him again. That may not be a good idea, as the cliffhanger makes clear. Raya goes to meet Saiko, who's revealed as...Raymond, Dick's presumed-dead friend from the circus. So Dick's new love interest is anything but. While this may have been predictable in some ways, it's set up very well, and should set up a strong, emotional second act to this storyline. And Higgins may be off Deathstroke, but I hope he has a nice long run on this book.

There have been a lot of surprises in the new 52, but here might be the biggest one - Jason Todd is slowly but surely turning into one of the most likable characters in the DCU. Judd Winick did a lot of work in this direction as well, but it's Scott Lobdell who has really gotten into Jason's head, showed us how he went from unhinged psycho to decent vigilante, and never lets us lose sight of the scared, angry teenage boy at the core of the character. This issue mainly finds Jason in the middle of a fight with the evil shapeshifting sheriff tied to the murder of the cult leader who trained Jason, but the flashbacks to his time in training do a great job of humanizing him and giving us a lot to root for in the character. Meanwhile, the other plot finds Starfire powerless and defenseless against Crux, leading the completely outmatched Arsenal to take him on one-on-one. Crux is a pretty interesting villain, but it was satisfying to watch Arsenal smack him down in style. I was a bit disappointed to see Starfire get her powers back quickly (due to genetic experiments done on her while she was captive on Tamaran). I was hoping to see that story play out, but you know some people would have bitched about misogyny. The ending of the issue, which has the team fleeing the small town while an angry mob chases them, just captures the slightly unhinged, hilarious atmosphere of this comic, which is quickly getting up there with Teen Titans as my favorite team book in the DCU.

Coming off Supergirl's space station adventure, she flies off into deep space, in desperate hope of finding Krypton again. Green and Johnson are doing a great job with Kara's psychology, really delving more into the sudden shock and trauma that she would undergo upon her arrival on Earth. But the real meat of this issue starts when her Sunstone crystal opens a strange portal in space. She flies through, and finds herself at the floating Argo City, a shard of Krypton that was once her home. But it's not a floating city in space like it was in the Silver Age. Instead it's a deserted relic, long abandoned and devoid of any form of life. Almost. Kara finds her father's lab, and manages to trigger an old recording of his, explaining his hopes for her and why he sent her away. But the recording is interrupted when an unseen assailant appears and kills Zor-El, his death recorded for all eternity on film. It's implied that the culprit is the villain who shows up next - Reign, a mysterious female warrior (originally reported as Maxima) who claims to be a "Worldbreaker" - an ancient Kryptonian superweapon awakened to conquer. She and Supergirl get into knock-down fight, with Reign trouncing Kara (whose powers are weakening under the blue sun). Reign is heading to Earth to conquer it, and she taunts the beaten Kara that Argo City's orbit is weakening, and about to fall into the sun. Reign didn't make too much of an impression on me, but overall this is a good, solid issue.

This title has lost book of the week to Batman five months in a row, but it's almost always right there with it. Troy Akins joins Brian Azzarello, replacing Cliff Chiang for a few issues, but the series doesn't miss a beat. In fact, this may be the best issue yet. In the aftermath of last issue's shocking finale - the death of Hippolyta and the Amazons at the hands of a vengeful Hera - Diana, Hermes, and Zora have escaped to London and are attempting to stay one step ahead of the Gods. That's not proving easy, as the issue opens with some fishermen discovering the corpse of a giant sea monster in the river. Meanwhile, Diana and her allies meet up with another one of Zeus' Demigod children, the mysterious Lennox. This guy reminds me of John Constantine at first, but is an intriguing character in his own right. Surviving the blitz and discovering his immortality in WW2, he's a very jaded, sarcastic character, and adds a bit more humor to the title (although Zora and Hermes' deadpan humor is also pretty good). Lennox lets Diana in on a new threat - with Zeus gone, his brothers and sons are trying to carve up the world, and that starts at the end of the issue, with Poseidon showing up in style, in the form of a gigantic sea monster. Wonder Woman is a character who has often struggled to find her niche in the DCU, but I think Brian Azzarello has finally hit on something - Diana is the guardian that serves as the bridge between the humans and the Gods, preventing the Gods from taking their petty feuds out on us. It's a strong concept that is being executed in perfect fashion, and this is looking like it could be the definite Wonder Woman run.

This issue really kicks things up a few notches, as the plot goes into high gear and Jaime finds himself up against some very powerful adversaries. The tone of the whole series is still a bit too dark for my tastes, and Jaime is approaching anti-hero status at points (such as refusing to help a crippled supervillain), but overall, the core of friendship between the leads is still there. The issue opens with Paco dying from Khaji Da's stab wound, and Jaime essentially blackmailing the Scarab into helping him save his friend. After much effort, he manages to release some sort of repair bug which enters Paco's chest and starts fixing the damage. At the hospital, while trying to console Brenda, who blames herself, Jaime is approached by La Dama, who wants his help. The "help" she wants turns out to be the Scarab, as she lures him into a binding circle and attempts to rip it out of him. Jaime is only saved by the arrival of a guard, who the Scarab uses as a club to fend off La Dama. Meanwhile, the Reach is getting ready to declare war on Odym (in a crossover with New Guardians later this year), while in the hospital, Paco suddenly wakes up - and thanks to Jaime's "first aid" transforms into a powerful "Red Beetle" programmed to kill Khaji Da. So it's friend vs. friend next issue, and the title is hinting at "the worst decision of Blue Beetle's life". This comic still has some problems, but it's finding its groove as an entertaining teen sci-fi thriller.

This has been an interesting experiment. As the first arc on DC Universe presents wraps up, Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang tell what's probably the most psychology/philosophy-driven DC comics arc ever. The end of last issue had Deadman confront Rama, the goddess who cursed him to his current state. She's enraged over his meeting with the Son of Morning, and pretty much threatens to damn him and everyone he's touched. Deadman manages to lure her into a deal by taunting her with the "unknown question" that he got from the Son of Morning, and she's intrigued enough to free the people he's bonded with in the past from their curse. The question turns out to be "Why Me?", and while this segment is an interesting attempt, it comes off as a bit too psychology class for my tastes. Fortunately, the second half makes up for it, as Deadman decides to try to give the disabled veteran he last bonded with a "parting gift", possessing him one last time and making him the hero in busting up a terror cell. Overall, I think Jenkins has a really good handle on Deadman, and he does a very good job of expanding on his intriguing role in Brightest Day and really fleshing him out. I'm a bit sad that this arc is over and Deadman goes back to being a supporting cast member in Brightest Day, but next issue brings Challengers of the Unknown, by Didio and Ordway!

This is a pulp comic, pure and simple. Once you accept that, you'll enjoy it a lot more. There is very little going on here besides the desire to do a caper comic with a very appealing lead. And this issue probably pulls it off better than any of the previous four. Gone is most of the angst of the earlier issues, replaced with Catwoman trying to outfox and rob people who really deserve it, and enjoy the profits. We open with her launched into deep space, and a very intense action segment follows as she pulls off a risky move to get back on solid ground. She manages to outfox the superpowered villain, as well as pocketing the quarry, which turns out to be a massive quantity of stolen money, far larger than the standard drug bust she assumed. Naturally, she uses it to pamper herself after a rough fight, checking into a luxury hotel. But unfortunately for her, it's dirty cop money, and it's quickly flagged down. Her spa day is interrupted by an army of corrupt GCPD officers hunting her down, and an intense high-speed chase ensues through the streets of Gotham. Like I said, a bit light on plot, but a lot of fun, with a fast-paced, enjoyable story. And March's art finds a good balance of sexy without being exploitative.

This series is trying for a big, twisty mystery, but the execution is just a bit off. The villain, Choke, has so far five issues in only been seen as a disembodied voice and a series of mostly invisible henchmen. He's the biggest weak link here, as he's just not compelling enough to hold a big first arc. The rest of the issue is pretty solid. We open with the Birds finding themselves in a different place than they were at the end of the last issue, with some strange differences - Starling's hand isn't broken, for one thing - and Batgirl has apparently never joined the team. Most of the events of last issue seem to have been a dream. This issue also gives us a look at the private lives of the team members. We get a glimpse of Starling as a civilian for the first time - she's apparently a lesbian with a girlfriend - and we get a scene of Black Canary and Katana training together. Batgirl is used sparingly, but her interplay with Canary and especially Poison Ivy is funny. Swierczynski is really finding his footing with the main characters, and I think there's a lot of potential here. But the sooner we move on from Choke, the better for my tastes.

This was sort of a down issue, after two very strong issues in a row. At the end of last issue, Captain Atom nearly burned his love interest's hand off inadvertently. Fleeing in horror and leaving her to the scientists, he's now trying to come to terms with what he is, including a creepy dream sequence where he's the giant monster in a classic monster movie scenario. His romantic rival at the lab, naturally, thinks he's a monster and wants him to stay away from the wounded Ranita. Leaving, Captain Atom comes across a town that's been cordoned off by the military. Exploring it, he finds a giant monster that has apparently enveloped the diner in organic mass and is growing across the town. Journeying into the belly of the beast, he discovers the bodies of the townspeople, and vows to bring the creature down. As it sounds, there isn't all that much story here, but Freddie Williams' art is getting better and better, and the monster is genuinely creepy. It's a fun read, even if not one of the most memorable this week.

I enjoyed this issue a lot, although I think hardcore Legion fans might enjoy it even more. This is a pretty fascinating issue, essentially taking place in 20 one-page stories, each covering a different Legionnaire or two for a moment in their day. It would take far too much time to cover everything that happened in this issue, and most of it is pretty mundane as these things go, but it's these humanizing moments that are necessary for a huge cast like this. Some of my favorites included anything involving Glorith and her connection to Blok and the Black Witch, who are some of the most intriguing characters on the team right now. I also really liked the glimpse of Violet and Ayla's relationship, and Polar Boy is always a laugh riot. There's also some interesting beats including the search for missing Legionnaires (including Quislet, one of my favorites). It needs much less Comet Queen and Legion Academy kids, but you can't have it all. Overall, I think this is probably the best Legion issue since the relaunch, and having legend Walt Simonson draw it only makes it more so.

Bonus Reviews:

This issue explains the origin of Clayface in the Young Justice universe, and it's one of the more odd choices for a tie-in comic I've seen in a while. Greg Weisman's scripting is solid as always, but the teens actually play a pretty minor role in this issue, even Robin. The bulk of the issue is devoted to the romance between Talia al Ghul and Matt Hagen. Hagen is a normal human first here, and he's carrying on a forbidden romance with the daughter of Ra's (who doesn't approve because he still wants Talia to marry Bruce), but he's dying of cancer, and convinces Talia to let him use the Lazarus pit. As you might expect, it doesn't go well, and Ra's uses Hagan as a trap to attack Batman and Robin. I've always been a fan of Clayface, but this version's a bit too mindless for me. Meanwhile, I think Weisman's Ra's Al Ghul is very strong, and I'm hoping to see more of him in the comic as well. But I was disappointed by no follow-up on the Artemis plotline.

As this title wraps up its run, Baltazar and Franco have apparently decided to go completely insane, and I'm loving it. This issue starts with a fairly routine story about makeovers and how no one can recognize you when you're wearing glasses. But did I mention that Wonder Girl is talking to an orange that tells her what to do? This orange turns out to be much more important than expected, all culminating in an apparent war between the Cow League and the Orange Lantern Orange, in which it brings in fruit powered by the other Corps. And then Batcow Beyond shows up to the fight. Yeah. It all sounds pretty bizarre, and it is. It's also the funniest comic I've read this month. I spent the entire issue with a huge grin on my face, especially during the last segment.

What...what is this, even? I have absolutely no clue what this comic is about anymore. Batman makes another "World's smallest violin" joke, while Robin nearly kills a giant bat from sheer rage when he finds out the truth about Deadman. Meanwhile, Batman finds a bunch of scientists living in the hollow Earth and yells at them a lot, for fleeing corruption charges - then offers to set their families up on the outside world. This Batman literally seems to be schizophrenic at times. Batman also hangs out in the Library of Alexandria with hippie Merlin. Yep, the Library of Alexandria's in Hollow Earth. And they have something called "The Intranet". Meanwhile, Deadman does his best ASB&R impression when he beats up a troll who didn't seem to do much wrong. Then Batman fights a bunch of giant mutated animals who think they're Gods. And when the Sensei captures Robin, Bruce apparently detonates a bomb, killing Robin and the guards. So yeah, I repeat - what the hell is this? I have never been so utterly confused or baffled by a comic in my life.

This is a fast-paced issue, as the THUNDER Agents invade Subterranea to rescue Lightning and the likely-dead Dynamo. No-Man narrates the issue, as the longest serving Thunder Agent and the only one who's seen the horrors of war up close before. His narration is pretty compelling, and Walt Simonson's art is strong in his segments. But I felt like the battle was a bit glossed over. The main villain only has a line-free cameo, and Subterranea is just represented in random mooks. It's not a bad issue by any stretch, but it didn't really grab me. What I did like, however, was the reveal at the end of the issue - Emil Jennings, the founder of the group, is apparently still alive. That's the kind of cliffhanger than will definitely bring me back for the next issue.

[Erica J Heflin]

I just have to say that my new Anguirus figure is awesome.

That is all.

[TIP]

Okay, but if you regret it later, I ain't giving no refunds. ;)

Batman has been trapped underground of Gotham in a labyrinth created by the Court of Owls for 8 days. He's already started losing his grip on sanity and keeps returning to the same rooms over and over again, and each time retreats into the dark. He ends up so thirsty he drinks from water in a pool, but ends up hallucinating horrific images, of his win over the Court, of the old corpses of his parents, of his own portrait on their kill-list over the years, and ends up being hunted by the Talon again.

Meanwhile Gordon has the bat-signal on so long it bursts into flame, whole the bat-family is searching for Gotham, and Damian ends up losing his cool asking for them to light the bat-signal again and gets taken under Gordon's shoulder.

It's great in particular since as Batman's sanity and senses start going down so does the comic. It flips perspective from 90 degrees to 180 and back again as his perspective twists.

:thumb:

I haven't seen that page-turning trick emulating reality going wonky since Cerebus.

[Mylazycat]

Ray, where's the new thread foe you know what, which is starting RIGHT NOW!!!! :Panic:

[The Doctor]

DC Universe Reviews - The New 52:

Scott Snyder is quickly becoming the DCU's undisputed master of horror. Unlike Swamp Thing, this issue doesn't have any monsters, abominations, or cosmic horrors running around. There's also very little actual violence, unlike in the chilling Severed. What there is, however, is a creeping sense of hopelessness, that deep, disturbing horror that this time, you're not going to make it out alive, and there's nothing you can do about it. And what's remarkable in this issue is that, in one of the only times I can remember, you feel is along with the hero. Using a series of interesting artistic tools, including some surprising perspective shifts, Snyder and Capullo pull you into the depths of the labyrinth of the Court of Owls, as Batman faces an enemy that may have been plotting his end for decades. We open in Gotham, as Jim Gordon continuously shines the Bat-signal, hoping against hope that Batman - missing for eight days - will see it, as well as to give hope to his allies and to Gotham. We then cut to Batman in the labyrinth of the Owls, an endless maze full of light, darkness, and creepy rooms of artifacts that hint at the countless horrors the Owls have perpetrated on Gotham over the years. Starved, and with only drugged water to sustain him, Batman's mind is quickly going, and his increasingly confused inner narration adds to the tension. The illusions get more and more intense, until the halfway point, where the comic itself starts shifting. First side-to-side, then upside down. It could have been a cheap gimmick, but the way the comic is plotted, it fits in with the feel of a hopeless, endless labyrinth. In the end, Batman is confronted with the specters of his parents, first as elderly people saved by the Court, and then as horrific demons, trying to devour him. And as Batman finally thinks he's reached the end, found a hidden passageway...there's a bright flash, he's back where he started, and the mysterious Talon emerges to stab him through the chest. It's easily the most intense comic I've read in a while, and probably the best single issue of the new 52.

For a while, this was feeling like the weak link of the Lantern franchise. Fortunately, Peter Tomasi, who's written some great GL stories in the past, has really kicked it into high gear with this issue, which introduces some great new characters and finally lays bare the motivation of the evil Keepers - and sets up some potential new fodder for the upcoming war with the Guardians. Looking to mount a rescue mission of John Stewart and the other captive GLs, Guy recruits a band of grizzled old Lanterns known as the Mean Machine, who have their own secret bar under Warriors. These are a fun group - like a whole band of Guy Gardners, only more so. They also recruit a pair of Sinestro Corps prisoners, Fat Man and Little Boy, whose fear-based powers are key to the operation. Martian Manhunter links minds with the team and reveals the truth about the Keepers - the Guardians had a symbiotic relationship with their planet, growing Batteries there which also fueled the ecosystem of the Keepers' world. Then, recently, the Guardians simply decided to take all the batteries and leave the world to die. So the Keepers have a point - but they're also psychotic, sadistic terrorists who are currently torturing the captive Lanterns nearly to death. Guy and the Mean Machine attack a ship of arms smugglers, take their weapons, and prepare for a full-on assault on the Keepers. And this is definitely turning into one hell of a story. All four Lantern books are pretty damn good right now.

So far, this has been one of the stronger titles in the Bat-line (although, just about all of them are strong). Kyle Higgins' grasp on the character of Dick Grayson is excellent, and he's beefed the title up with a strong, interesting supporting cast tied to the lead character's background. This issue, the A-plot isn't as strong as it has been in the first few issues, but the ongoing B-plot is excellent and leads to one hell of a final page twist. The main story involves Dick's old friend, Jimmy the Clown, who somehow has gotten involved with a sexy evil voodoo priestess. She summons a giant demon that bursts into the circus and kidnaps Jimmy to take back to her, so their souls can be bound together forever. The plot is ridiculous, and neither of the villains really make too much of an impact. But Higgins has made Dick such a fun character to read about that it doesn't really bother me, and more of a look into Jimmy's backstory is good. Dick's also having trouble with Raya, who's distancing herself from Dick since Barbara's visit, but he manages to convince her to warm up to him again. That may not be a good idea, as the cliffhanger makes clear. Raya goes to meet Saiko, who's revealed as...Raymond, Dick's presumed-dead friend from the circus. So Dick's new love interest is anything but. While this may have been predictable in some ways, it's set up very well, and should set up a strong, emotional second act to this storyline. And Higgins may be off Deathstroke, but I hope he has a nice long run on this book.

There have been a lot of surprises in the new 52, but here might be the biggest one - Jason Todd is slowly but surely turning into one of the most likable characters in the DCU. Judd Winick did a lot of work in this direction as well, but it's Scott Lobdell who has really gotten into Jason's head, showed us how he went from unhinged psycho to decent vigilante, and never lets us lose sight of the scared, angry teenage boy at the core of the character. This issue mainly finds Jason in the middle of a fight with the evil shapeshifting sheriff tied to the murder of the cult leader who trained Jason, but the flashbacks to his time in training do a great job of humanizing him and giving us a lot to root for in the character. Meanwhile, the other plot finds Starfire powerless and defenseless against Crux, leading the completely outmatched Arsenal to take him on one-on-one. Crux is a pretty interesting villain, but it was satisfying to watch Arsenal smack him down in style. I was a bit disappointed to see Starfire get her powers back quickly (due to genetic experiments done on her while she was captive on Tamaran). I was hoping to see that story play out, but you know some people would have bitched about misogyny. The ending of the issue, which has the team fleeing the small town while an angry mob chases them, just captures the slightly unhinged, hilarious atmosphere of this comic, which is quickly getting up there with Teen Titans as my favorite team book in the DCU.

Coming off Supergirl's space station adventure, she flies off into deep space, in desperate hope of finding Krypton again. Green and Johnson are doing a great job with Kara's psychology, really delving more into the sudden shock and trauma that she would undergo upon her arrival on Earth. But the real meat of this issue starts when her Sunstone crystal opens a strange portal in space. She flies through, and finds herself at the floating Argo City, a shard of Krypton that was once her home. But it's not a floating city in space like it was in the Silver Age. Instead it's a deserted relic, long abandoned and devoid of any form of life. Almost. Kara finds her father's lab, and manages to trigger an old recording of his, explaining his hopes for her and why he sent her away. But the recording is interrupted when an unseen assailant appears and kills Zor-El, his death recorded for all eternity on film. It's implied that the culprit is the villain who shows up next - Reign, a mysterious female warrior (originally reported as Maxima) who claims to be a "Worldbreaker" - an ancient Kryptonian superweapon awakened to conquer. She and Supergirl get into knock-down fight, with Reign trouncing Kara (whose powers are weakening under the blue sun). Reign is heading to Earth to conquer it, and she taunts the beaten Kara that Argo City's orbit is weakening, and about to fall into the sun. Reign didn't make too much of an impression on me, but overall this is a good, solid issue.

This title has lost book of the week to Batman five months in a row, but it's almost always right there with it. Troy Akins joins Brian Azzarello, replacing Cliff Chiang for a few issues, but the series doesn't miss a beat. In fact, this may be the best issue yet. In the aftermath of last issue's shocking finale - the death of Hippolyta and the Amazons at the hands of a vengeful Hera - Diana, Hermes, and Zora have escaped to London and are attempting to stay one step ahead of the Gods. That's not proving easy, as the issue opens with some fishermen discovering the corpse of a giant sea monster in the river. Meanwhile, Diana and her allies meet up with another one of Zeus' Demigod children, the mysterious Lennox. This guy reminds me of John Constantine at first, but is an intriguing character in his own right. Surviving the blitz and discovering his immortality in WW2, he's a very jaded, sarcastic character, and adds a bit more humor to the title (although Zora and Hermes' deadpan humor is also pretty good). Lennox lets Diana in on a new threat - with Zeus gone, his brothers and sons are trying to carve up the world, and that starts at the end of the issue, with Poseidon showing up in style, in the form of a gigantic sea monster. Wonder Woman is a character who has often struggled to find her niche in the DCU, but I think Brian Azzarello has finally hit on something - Diana is the guardian that serves as the bridge between the humans and the Gods, preventing the Gods from taking their petty feuds out on us. It's a strong concept that is being executed in perfect fashion, and this is looking like it could be the definite Wonder Woman run.

This issue really kicks things up a few notches, as the plot goes into high gear and Jaime finds himself up against some very powerful adversaries. The tone of the whole series is still a bit too dark for my tastes, and Jaime is approaching anti-hero status at points (such as refusing to help a crippled supervillain), but overall, the core of friendship between the leads is still there. The issue opens with Paco dying from Khaji Da's stab wound, and Jaime essentially blackmailing the Scarab into helping him save his friend. After much effort, he manages to release some sort of repair bug which enters Paco's chest and starts fixing the damage. At the hospital, while trying to console Brenda, who blames herself, Jaime is approached by La Dama, who wants his help. The "help" she wants turns out to be the Scarab, as she lures him into a binding circle and attempts to rip it out of him. Jaime is only saved by the arrival of a guard, who the Scarab uses as a club to fend off La Dama. Meanwhile, the Reach is getting ready to declare war on Odym (in a crossover with New Guardians later this year), while in the hospital, Paco suddenly wakes up - and thanks to Jaime's "first aid" transforms into a powerful "Red Beetle" programmed to kill Khaji Da. So it's friend vs. friend next issue, and the title is hinting at "the worst decision of Blue Beetle's life". This comic still has some problems, but it's finding its groove as an entertaining teen sci-fi thriller.

This has been an interesting experiment. As the first arc on DC Universe presents wraps up, Paul Jenkins and Bernard Chang tell what's probably the most psychology/philosophy-driven DC comics arc ever. The end of last issue had Deadman confront Rama, the goddess who cursed him to his current state. She's enraged over his meeting with the Son of Morning, and pretty much threatens to damn him and everyone he's touched. Deadman manages to lure her into a deal by taunting her with the "unknown question" that he got from the Son of Morning, and she's intrigued enough to free the people he's bonded with in the past from their curse. The question turns out to be "Why Me?", and while this segment is an interesting attempt, it comes off as a bit too psychology class for my tastes. Fortunately, the second half makes up for it, as Deadman decides to try to give the disabled veteran he last bonded with a "parting gift", possessing him one last time and making him the hero in busting up a terror cell. Overall, I think Jenkins has a really good handle on Deadman, and he does a very good job of expanding on his intriguing role in Brightest Day and really fleshing him out. I'm a bit sad that this arc is over and Deadman goes back to being a supporting cast member in Brightest Day, but next issue brings Challengers of the Unknown, by Didio and Ordway!

This is a pulp comic, pure and simple. Once you accept that, you'll enjoy it a lot more. There is very little going on here besides the desire to do a caper comic with a very appealing lead. And this issue probably pulls it off better than any of the previous four. Gone is most of the angst of the earlier issues, replaced with Catwoman trying to outfox and rob people who really deserve it, and enjoy the profits. We open with her launched into deep space, and a very intense action segment follows as she pulls off a risky move to get back on solid ground. She manages to outfox the superpowered villain, as well as pocketing the quarry, which turns out to be a massive quantity of stolen money, far larger than the standard drug bust she assumed. Naturally, she uses it to pamper herself after a rough fight, checking into a luxury hotel. But unfortunately for her, it's dirty cop money, and it's quickly flagged down. Her spa day is interrupted by an army of corrupt GCPD officers hunting her down, and an intense high-speed chase ensues through the streets of Gotham. Like I said, a bit light on plot, but a lot of fun, with a fast-paced, enjoyable story. And March's art finds a good balance of sexy without being exploitative.

This series is trying for a big, twisty mystery, but the execution is just a bit off. The villain, Choke, has so far five issues in only been seen as a disembodied voice and a series of mostly invisible henchmen. He's the biggest weak link here, as he's just not compelling enough to hold a big first arc. The rest of the issue is pretty solid. We open with the Birds finding themselves in a different place than they were at the end of the last issue, with some strange differences - Starling's hand isn't broken, for one thing - and Batgirl has apparently never joined the team. Most of the events of last issue seem to have been a dream. This issue also gives us a look at the private lives of the team members. We get a glimpse of Starling as a civilian for the first time - she's apparently a lesbian with a girlfriend - and we get a scene of Black Canary and Katana training together. Batgirl is used sparingly, but her interplay with Canary and especially Poison Ivy is funny. Swierczynski is really finding his footing with the main characters, and I think there's a lot of potential here. But the sooner we move on from Choke, the better for my tastes.

This was sort of a down issue, after two very strong issues in a row. At the end of last issue, Captain Atom nearly burned his love interest's hand off inadvertently. Fleeing in horror and leaving her to the scientists, he's now trying to come to terms with what he is, including a creepy dream sequence where he's the giant monster in a classic monster movie scenario. His romantic rival at the lab, naturally, thinks he's a monster and wants him to stay away from the wounded Ranita. Leaving, Captain Atom comes across a town that's been cordoned off by the military. Exploring it, he finds a giant monster that has apparently enveloped the diner in organic mass and is growing across the town. Journeying into the belly of the beast, he discovers the bodies of the townspeople, and vows to bring the creature down. As it sounds, there isn't all that much story here, but Freddie Williams' art is getting better and better, and the monster is genuinely creepy. It's a fun read, even if not one of the most memorable this week.

I enjoyed this issue a lot, although I think hardcore Legion fans might enjoy it even more. This is a pretty fascinating issue, essentially taking place in 20 one-page stories, each covering a different Legionnaire or two for a moment in their day. It would take far too much time to cover everything that happened in this issue, and most of it is pretty mundane as these things go, but it's these humanizing moments that are necessary for a huge cast like this. Some of my favorites included anything involving Glorith and her connection to Blok and the Black Witch, who are some of the most intriguing characters on the team right now. I also really liked the glimpse of Violet and Ayla's relationship, and Polar Boy is always a laugh riot. There's also some interesting beats including the search for missing Legionnaires (including Quislet, one of my favorites). It needs much less Comet Queen and Legion Academy kids, but you can't have it all. Overall, I think this is probably the best Legion issue since the relaunch, and having legend Walt Simonson draw it only makes it more so.

Bonus Reviews:

This issue explains the origin of Clayface in the Young Justice universe, and it's one of the more odd choices for a tie-in comic I've seen in a while. Greg Weisman's scripting is solid as always, but the teens actually play a pretty minor role in this issue, even Robin. The bulk of the issue is devoted to the romance between Talia al Ghul and Matt Hagen. Hagen is a normal human first here, and he's carrying on a forbidden romance with the daughter of Ra's (who doesn't approve because he still wants Talia to marry Bruce), but he's dying of cancer, and convinces Talia to let him use the Lazarus pit. As you might expect, it doesn't go well, and Ra's uses Hagan as a trap to attack Batman and Robin. I've always been a fan of Clayface, but this version's a bit too mindless for me. Meanwhile, I think Weisman's Ra's Al Ghul is very strong, and I'm hoping to see more of him in the comic as well. But I was disappointed by no follow-up on the Artemis plotline.

As this title wraps up its run, Baltazar and Franco have apparently decided to go completely insane, and I'm loving it. This issue starts with a fairly routine story about makeovers and how no one can recognize you when you're wearing glasses. But did I mention that Wonder Girl is talking to an orange that tells her what to do? This orange turns out to be much more important than expected, all culminating in an apparent war between the Cow League and the Orange Lantern Orange, in which it brings in fruit powered by the other Corps. And then Batcow Beyond shows up to the fight. Yeah. It all sounds pretty bizarre, and it is. It's also the funniest comic I've read this month. I spent the entire issue with a huge grin on my face, especially during the last segment.

What...what is this, even? I have absolutely no clue what this comic is about anymore. Batman makes another "World's smallest violin" joke, while Robin nearly kills a giant bat from sheer rage when he finds out the truth about Deadman. Meanwhile, Batman finds a bunch of scientists living in the hollow Earth and yells at them a lot, for fleeing corruption charges - then offers to set their families up on the outside world. This Batman literally seems to be schizophrenic at times. Batman also hangs out in the Library of Alexandria with hippie Merlin. Yep, the Library of Alexandria's in Hollow Earth. And they have something called "The Intranet". Meanwhile, Deadman does his best ASB&R impression when he beats up a troll who didn't seem to do much wrong. Then Batman fights a bunch of giant mutated animals who think they're Gods. And when the Sensei captures Robin, Bruce apparently detonates a bomb, killing Robin and the guards. So yeah, I repeat - what the hell is this? I have never been so utterly confused or baffled by a comic in my life.

This is a fast-paced issue, as the THUNDER Agents invade Subterranea to rescue Lightning and the likely-dead Dynamo. No-Man narrates the issue, as the longest serving Thunder Agent and the only one who's seen the horrors of war up close before. His narration is pretty compelling, and Walt Simonson's art is strong in his segments. But I felt like the battle was a bit glossed over. The main villain only has a line-free cameo, and Subterranea is just represented in random mooks. It's not a bad issue by any stretch, but it didn't really grab me. What I did like, however, was the reveal at the end of the issue - Emil Jennings, the founder of the group, is apparently still alive. That's the kind of cliffhanger than will definitely bring me back for the next issue.

Seemed like a good week

[jason hissong]

I am, right now, interviewing Johnny about Decom. Anything you want to ask him?

[Karate and Friendship]

Finally read Morning Glories. Was intriguing, I'm into it now.

[Arion]

I am, right now, interviewing Johnny about Decom. Anything you want to ask him?

How does he come up with his dialogues ?

[Mylazycat]

I am, right now, interviewing Johnny about Decom. Anything you want to ask him?

Does he shower with Irish Spring products?

[Arion]

Finally read Morning Glories. Was intriguing, I'm into it now.

Did you buy the tpbs or HC?

[TIP]

And I fully agree with Ray's review of Batman; holy shit was that a damn fine issue. The Snyder/Capullo team are :rock:

[Karate and Friendship]

Did you buy the tpbs or HC?

tpb

[Arion]

I just have to say that my new Anguirus figure is awesome.

That is all.

You must post a pic.

[Mylazycat]

From Twitter:

Jeff Lemire: "@DamonLindelof and I have a top secret project in the works. Can't wait to get started!"

:shock:

[Marc Lombardi]

Finally read Morning Glories. Was intriguing, I'm into it now.


tpb

:thumb:

[Slewo.O]

Finally read Morning Glories. Was intriguing, I'm into it now.

Shhh, you're not supposed to say that out loud. ;)

[Karate and Friendship]

Shhh, you're not supposed to say that out loud. ;)

Erm...erm...Iron Man 2.0 sucks balls.

[The Doctor]

I think Morning Glories is one of those ones I'll wait and see how long it goes for/how it ends before I read it

[JasonWGBB007]

So. Did the internet win?

[Karate and Friendship]

Holy shit @ Batman #5

[I AM GROOT!]

Just popping in before class. So, :wave:

;)

[Marc Lombardi]

Batman #5 was good. Birds of Prey #5 was a little bit better. Wonder Woman #5 was even better than that! And that's all I've read so far this week. Been going through my Strange Girl omnibus and loving the hell out of that. I like this more than Sea Of Red which was my first taste of Remender's work back in the day. Not sure why I didn't read this back then because it's great.

[AndrewG]

More on the Decampi/Broxton Ashes debacle.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/19/alex-de-campi-responds-jimmy-broxton-over-ashes-kickstarter/

[Erica J Heflin]

Batman #5 was good. Birds of Prey #5 was a little bit better. Wonder Woman #5 was even better than that! And that's all I've read so far this week. Been going through my Strange Girl omnibus and loving the hell out of that. I like this more than Sea Of Red which was my first taste of Remender's work back in the day. Not sure why I didn't read this back then because it's great.

Glad to hear BoP is holding up well. It's a long-standing favorite of mine through many different writers, and I'm really getting a kid out of the story Duane is crafting. I'm really glad he's given the book his voice rather than try to recreate the old tone.

I pick up my books tomorrow, so I have to wait. Impatiently.

[Erica J Heflin]

More on the Decampi/Broxton Ashes debacle.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/19/alex-de-campi-responds-jimmy-broxton-over-ashes-kickstarter/

Yeah, I read that when she posted it. Unfortunately I think they're both going to come out of it hurting. Too bad, really. The project looked fantastic.

[AndrewG]

Yeah, I read that when she posted it. Unfortunately I think they're both going to come out of it hurting. Too bad, really. The project looked fantastic.

That's the real shame of it all

[Karate and Friendship]

Read Catwoman. Obviously, just a T'n'A book now.

[AndrewG]

Read Catwoman. Obviously, just a T'n'A book now.

Ohh, I think it's so much more. I never bought into the meltdown folks had over the first issue. I think it's been damn good, actually. One of my favorite monthly comics

[Karate and Friendship]

Ohh, I think it's so much more. I never bought into the meltdown folks had over the first issue. I think it's been damn good, actually. One of my favorite monthly comics

It's fun enough. I'm not dropping it, but there's a lot of TnA. Like this issue she goes to a spa after having a catfight.

[Erica J Heflin]

Ohh, I think it's so much more. I never bought into the meltdown folks had over the first issue. I think it's been damn good, actually. One of my favorite monthly comics

Really not my kind of book, but the bra issue isn't the reason. It seems to be doing well enough :)

[Marcdachamp]

So. Did the internet win?

I... I think it did.

[Slewo.O]

Holy shit @ Batman #5

:)

[Karate and Friendship]

:)

At the end of last issue, when they revealed that there would be a maze, I feared the worst. Something like Superman N64's maze level. Turned out to be alright.

[Slewo.O]

At the end of last issue, when they revealed that there would be a maze, I feared the worst. Something like Superman N64's maze level. Turned out to be alright.

How do you trap Supes in a maze?

[Karate and Friendship]

How do you trap Supes in a maze?

Fucking exactly.

[Marcdachamp]

At the end of last issue, when they revealed that there would be a maze, I feared the worst. Something like Superman N64's maze level. Turned out to be alright.

I think a buddy of mine still claims that game was okay, despite every other fucking person on the planet disagreeing.

[Slewo.O]

I think a buddy of mine still claims that game was okay, despite every other fucking person on the planet disagreeing.

You stopped talking to this guy right? :p

[Karate and Friendship]

I think a buddy of mine still claims that game was okay, despite every other fucking person on the planet disagreeing.

Well, I hope your buddy can sleep at night despite all that denial.

And cheers for the Twittah follow as well.

[Marcdachamp]

Well, I hope your buddy can sleep at night despite all that denial.

And cheers for the Twittah follow as well.

I better be impressed. You're pretty funny on here. :thumb:


You stopped talking to this guy right? :p

Eh, It's kind of hard when I've known him since I was a month old. Somehow, we made it past that.

[Karate and Friendship]

I better be impressed. You're pretty funny on here. :thumb:


Nah, it's all teenage angst on there.

[Marcdachamp]

Nah, it's all teenage angst on there.

...fuck.

*unfollows*

:)

[Slewo.O]

I better be impressed. You're pretty funny on here. :thumb:

Eh, It's kind of hard when I've known him since I was a month old. Somehow, we made it past that.
I have no idea what could compel you to continue on a road as bumpy as that. ;)



Nah, it's all teenage angst on there.

We're gonna be friends, you and I. :)

[Slewo.O]

...fuck.

*unfollows*

:)

Give him a chance. I don't give you teen angst on Twitter! Or do I? :shifty:

[Marcdachamp]

Give him a chance. I don't give you teen angst on Twitter! Or do I? :shifty:

No, just on Facebook. :)

[Karate and Friendship]

...fuck.

*unfollows*

:)

I would :)

But in all seriousness, don't you dare!


We're gonna be friends, you and I. :)

I thought we were already friends...

I need to tweet this heartbreak.

[Slewo.O]

I love Arkham City, but that final boss needed some music. And one of the best out there is that X4 Sigma track. :$

[Karate and Friendship]

My favourite game track is still Compass in Red Dead Redemption.

[Slewo.O]

No, just on Facebook. :)
We don't even talk that often ya jerk. :mad:



I would :)

But in all seriousness, don't you dare!

I thought we were already friends...

I need to tweet this heartbreak.

:lol:

[Slewo.O]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcaHO9qjKRo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[AndrewG]

Really not my kind of book, but the bra issue isn't the reason. It seems to be doing well enough :)

I tended to like her as a supporting character in the Batbooks more than any solo run...but this run has won me over. Love it

[AndrewG]

Okay the new DC logos are spectacular. Love it. Especially the Watchmen one. Clever

[jason hissong]

Anyone get Prophet #1 yesterday?

[Ray G.]

I tended to like her as a supporting character in the Batbooks more than any solo run...but this run has won me over. Love it

Brubaker's run is tops for me, but this is pretty good too. :)


Okay the new DC logos are spectacular. Love it. Especially the Watchmen one. Clever

Link?

[AndrewG]

Link?

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/19/dc-comics-launches-logo-official-colour-including-watchmen-variant/

[Slewo.O]

Anyone get Prophet #1 yesterday?

*waves*

[AndrewG]

Anyone get Prophet #1 yesterday?

All copies at my shops were damaged so they wouldn't sell one

Fun Fact: in the past 3 weeks Diamond sent damaged copies (all of em) of Whispers, Green Wake, Xenoholics, and Prophet to my shop

[Ray G.]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/19/dc-comics-launches-logo-official-colour-including-watchmen-variant/

Okay, that's pretty fucking awesome. :)

[Karate and Friendship]

Logos are a bit...corporate, aren't they?

[artimoff]

Logos are a bit...corporate, aren't they?

It's like they're ashamed that they're a comic book company.

[AndrewG]

It's like they're ashamed that they're a comic book company.

I get the exact opposite. Unique logos for different comics, each one sort of pops off the page in vibrant colors and styles. Seems to me they're embracing and having fun with the format more than anything

[Karate and Friendship]

It's like they're ashamed that they're a comic book company.

I mean logos in general.

[NickT]

Don't know if anyone pointed this out, but I noticed on Twitter someone say Mark Waid was at the Marvel retreat. Wouldn't think Daredevil was significant enough to put him there, so...

[AndrewG]

Don't know if anyone pointed this out, but I noticed on Twitter someone say Mark Waid was at the Marvel retreat. Wouldn't think Daredevil was significant enough to put him there, so...

Avengers!!!!!

[Foolish Mortal]

Don't know if anyone pointed this out, but I noticed on Twitter someone say Mark Waid was at the Marvel retreat. Wouldn't think Daredevil was significant enough to put him there, so...

Daredevil is in the Avengers now. He's a big time player. Plus Waid might be part of some other upcoming project too.

[Karate and Friendship]

Waid Avengers? Erm.

[Matthew Brown]

Don't know if anyone pointed this out, but I noticed on Twitter someone say Mark Waid was at the Marvel retreat. Wouldn't think Daredevil was significant enough to put him there, so...

You're right, he must be up to something more important like Stilt-Man.

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

Decom Finale Week Day 4: Decompressionism The Interview

http://www.grayhavencomics.com/2012/01/19/decompressionism-the-interview/

Jason Hissong and I shoot the shit about Decom for a couple hours. It was a blast. My favorite thing to go up this week.

[Foolish Mortal]

It's like they're ashamed that they're a comic book company.
They're not a comic book company. They make most of their money from merchandising and franchising properties. That's what they see themselves as.

[Slewo.O]

You're right, he must be up to something more important like Stilt-Man.

Matt, this is a character so important, the Punisher launched an RPG up his butt. Respect dude!

[NickT]

Daredevil is in the Avengers now. He's a big time player. Plus Waid might be part of some other upcoming project too.
He's not to the extent that they would bring him in to map out the MU plans though. Compared to Bendis, Aaron, Gillen, Hickman and Slott (Could have been others but they were the ones I saw mentioned or said themselves they were there), he's on a relatively small importance title.

[jason hissong]

Decom Finale Week Day 4: Decompressionism The Interview

http://www.grayhavencomics.com/2012/01/19/decompressionism-the-interview/

Jason Hissong and I shoot the shit about Decom for a couple hours. It was a blast. My favorite thing to go up this week.

It was great fun. And the interviewer delved into some hard hitting questions.

[Slewo.O]

It was great fun. And the interviewer delved into some hard hitting questions.

There are two Jason Hissongs? :crazy:

[John M. Coker (Johnny C.)]

There are two Jason Hissongs? :crazy:

If there were... I wouldn't be single.

[Matthew Brown]

Matt, this is a character so important, the Punisher launched an RPG up his butt. Respect dude!

Didn't they bring him back yet? I only respect OG Stilt-Man.

[jason hissong]

There are two Jason Hissongs? :crazy:

No. I was just making a statement about the interviewer.


If there were... I wouldn't be single.

You're single?

:)

[Slewo.O]

Didn't they bring him back yet? I only respect OG Stilt-Man.

Not yet. But he's got a legacy. Lady Stilt-Man and the Sons of Stilt-Man.

[Foolish Mortal]

He's not to the extent that they would bring him in to map out the MU plans though. Compared to Bendis, Aaron, Gillen, Hickman and Slott (Could have been others but they were the ones I saw mentioned or said themselves they were there), he's on a relatively small importance title.

As far as you know. ;)

[Matthew Brown]

Not yet. But he's got a legacy. Lady Stilt-Man and the Sons of Stilt-Man.

Wilbur Day or no dice!

[Slewo.O]

No. I was just making a statement about the interviewer.

You're single?

:)
What would Sarah say?



Wilbur Day or no dice!

Would you rather have Foggy be the new Stilt-Man? This is the best we got!

[NickT]

As far as you know. ;)
lol :)


But seriously, I wonder if this is a buildup for him getting on another title. Wolverine and The Avengers spring to mind (Although maybe too early for Avengers?).

[Karate and Friendship]

I can't wait for Red Lady Stilt-Man.

[Mylazycat]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2012/01/exclusive-see-the-poster-for-kevin-smiths-amc-series/1

[jason hissong]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2012/01/exclusive-see-the-poster-for-kevin-smiths-amc-series/1


Oh God.

[Marcdachamp]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/popcandy/post/2012/01/exclusive-see-the-poster-for-kevin-smiths-amc-series/1

That could be a fun show.

[The Doctor]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/19/dc-comics-launches-logo-official-colour-including-watchmen-variant/
Those are cool

Avengers!!!!!
That's my thinking

Decom Finale Week Day 4: Decompressionism The Interview

http://www.grayhavencomics.com/2012/01/19/decompressionism-the-interview/

Jason Hissong and I shoot the shit about Decom for a couple hours. It was a blast. My favorite thing to go up this week.

Will read in a bit

[Marcdachamp]

Avengers!!!!!

I bet Mark Waid would be a great fit on Avengers.

[Karate and Friendship]

No. It'll probably a big Daredevil event. Instead of him being possessed by a devil, he'll possessed by a dare.

Discuss.

[Mylazycat]

That could be a fun show.

Indeed. Can't wait to check it out.

[artimoff]

I bet Mark Waid would be a great fit on Avengers.

Even better on New Avengers.

[artimoff]

they're not a comic book company.

dc comics

[Karate and Friendship]

Waid = Avengers
Aaron = New Avengers

Who for Secret Avengers? ...Nathan Edmondson.

[jason hissong]

Waid = Avengers
Aaron = New Avengers

Who for Secret Avengers? ...Nathan Edmondson.

I thought Remender was on SA.

[Karate and Friendship]

I thought Remender was on SA.

But will he be when Bendis leaves? Dunno how long the run is.

[Foolish Mortal]

dc comics


I stand by my statement. 8)