Posts Tagged ‘ Real Power ’

Collected Edition Blog browsing on Friday afternoon

February 13, 2009
By

Batwoman, aka Kathy Kane, seems to be the most talked about character in comicdom right now even though she has only appeared in a handful of book books in the past three years. If you don’t know why she is being talked about, it’s because she is a lesbian (I have no issue with that). Anyway, it’s all about to change when Detective Comics #854 comes out in April. That’s when she will take over as the main protagonist in the Batman flagship title. I blogged about her, and other heroines, last August as part of my series The Real Power of the DC Universe inspired by the Adam Hughes poster. In those posts you can find a listing of my recommendations of the best collected editions for each character.

In other news, there are still a few things that have come out of the New York Comic Con – some well known others not so well known. Let’s take a look at them now. Have a great weekend!

Real Power Part 12: Lois Lane

August 19, 2008
By

Continuing a series of blogs that was inspired by the Adam Hughes poster The Real Power of the DC Universe.

Today we move to Lois Lane. Yep. Lois Lane. She’s the one I think should have been included in the poster. Before you get all in a tizzy, I realize that all the women depicted are going to play some sort of role in the DCU in the upcoming months and that Lois has no superpower power. But when it comes to feminism and women’s lib, Lois has the moxy, and therefore, she has “real power”.

Ever since she debuted in Action Comics #1 (yeah, she’s as old as Superman), she has been portrayed as smart, headstrong and with gusto. Sure, she plays the fool from time to time, but nowadays, she can even match wits with Lex Luthor, and that’s why she deserves to be among the elite female heroes. Lois hasn’t had many books with her own title, but here are a few collected editions of where you can find her stand out moments.

  • Superman Archives Volume 1. There are several Superman themed DC Archives editions, but here you will find Lois’ first Golden Age appearances.
  • Showcase Presents Superman Family Volumes 1-2. Superman’s Girl Friend, Lois Lane started in March 1958 and ended its run October 1974 with 137 issues. These two books collect her early Silver Age issues.
  • Lois Lane #1-2 (1986). These are the final appearance of the Silver Age Lois Lane. The revised Post-Crisis Lois Lane makes her first appearance in Man of Steel #1. This two part story has not been collected.
  • Superman: Lois Lane 1. Part of the multiple one-shots Girlfrenzy!. Other titles include: Batgirl, The Secret, Tomorrow Woman, Donna Troy, The Ravens, and The Mist. None of these books have been collected.
  • The Daily Planet TPB. This collection, of many different stories throughout history, revolves around the Daily Planet newspaper and its staff. Featuring classics with reporters Clark Kent and Lois Lane, photographer Jimmy Olsen, Editor-in-chief Perry White, and many more – showing how far they will go to get a great story!
  • Superman: The Wedding and Beyond TPB. It’s all here.

Lois can be found in the Superman books and Final Crisis. You can also see her on Smallville thanks to Erica Durance.

Real Power Part 11: Harley Quinn

August 18, 2008
By

Continuing a series of blogs that was inspired by the Adam Hughes poster The Real Power of the DC Universe.

Today we move to Harley Quinn. Certifiable. Not much else describes her. Let’s face it, anyone who falls in love with The Joker can’t be described in any other way.

Interestingly, Dr. Harleen Quinzel didn’t originate from the comics, she was created for Batman: The Animated Series; “Joker’s Favor” (episode #22, airdate: September 11, 1992). She proved to be so popular that DC added her into the DCU comics in 1999. These days she’s not some much involved with Joker as she is with Poison Ivy and former Catwoman, Holly Robinson. Now let’s take a look at some of her collected editions:

  • Batman: Harley Quinn OGN by Paul Dini. The book that brought Harley into the pages of the DC Universe.
  • Batman Adventures: Mad Love Timed to coincide with Harley Quinn’s DC Universe debut, this award-winning special showcases the irrepressible Harley in the “adventures” animated style.
  • Harley Quinn: Preludes and Knock-Knock Jokes Collects the first seven issues (of 38) of her own ongoing series.
  • Batman: Harley and Ivy TPB Collects Batman: Harley and Ivy, Harley and Ivy: Love On The Lam OGN and a colored story from Batman Black and White Vol. 2

Harley Quinn was last seen in Countdown.

Real Power Part 10: Zatanna

August 15, 2008
By

Continuing a series of blogs that was inspired by the Adam Hughes poster The Real Power of the DC Universe.

Today we move to Zatanna. More and more these days it seems that Zatanna is getting more and more page time. I think it’s because editors at DC realize that she more than just a pretty face in fish nets and a top hat. As seen in the pages of Countdown, Zatanna is very formidable and can be adapted to many different situations.

Originating from the Silver Age, Zatanna, is the daughter of the DCU’s greatest magician Giovanni Zatara, who was a hero in the Golden Age. She first appeared in Hawkman #4 and has teamed up with many heroes including Batman, The Atom and others before joining the Justice League of America. Let’s take a look at where you can find more of her and some collected editions:

  • JLA: Zatanna’s Search The Silver Age saga that introduced Zatanna. Collects The Atom #19, Hawkman #4, Green Lantern #42, Detective Comics #335, #355 And Justice League of America #51. Also, a 10-page Zatanna origin by Gerry Conway and Romeo Tanghal.
  • Everyday Magic (One-shot) by Paul Dini. Zatanna and John Constantine?!?!
  • Identity Crisis HC Zatanna takes care of Dr, Light and even Batman.
  • Seven Soldiers of Victory Vol. 1 (of 4) Grant Morrison’s epic. Collects Seven Soldiers of Victory #0, Seven Soldiers: Shining Knight #1-2, Seven Soldiers: The Guardian #1-2, Seven Soldiers: Zatanna #1-2 and Seven Soldiers: Klarion #1.

Currently Zatanna can be seen in the pages of Justice League of America, where she is current member.

Real Power Part 9: Poison Ivy

August 14, 2008
By

Continuing a series of blogs that was inspired by the Adam Hughes poster The Real Power of the DC Universe.

Today we move to Poison Ivy. Every man’s fantasy but deadly to the touch, Poison Ivy is one of the most diabolical female villains in the DCU. Debuting in Batman #181 (1966), Dr. Pamela Isley established that no man, especially Batman, should take her lightly. She has no real regard for humanity; she has a strong will for ecological balance in a man made world and will usually stop at nothing to achieve her warped goals.

However, she has been seen as an ally at times, and has even made a best friend (and onetime lover) with Harley Quinn. Ivy is usually depicted as having green skin and has the charm and will to ensure that men do her bidding. Always a force to reckon with whether friend or foe, Ivy is a great female character and will be around for years to come. Now, let’s take a look at some Poison Ivy’s collected editions:

  • Showcase Presents: Batman Volume 2 The first appearance of Poison Ivy! Collects Detective Comics #343-358 and Batman #175-188.
  • Batman: Poison Ivy (1997) This OGN was created for the release of the Batman and Robin movie. Not surprisingly this book is far better then her depiction by Uma Thurman. See the film at your own risk.
  • Contagion Batman gathers a team of unlikely allies Azrael, Huntress, Catwoman and Poison Ivy.
  • Batman/Poison Ivy: Cast Shadows Written by Ann Nocenti. Ivy goes a step to far – murder!

Currently Poison Ivy can be seen in her, just released, one-shot as part of the limited series The Joker’s Asylum.

On a side note, there is another pic of The Real Power of the DCU that has Ivy in her green skin. That pic can be found on the DC Comics website. For this blog series, I grabbed the image from the offical Adam Hughes website which has his original.