DC Comics - Blackest Night

I have never really been a big fan of the Green Lantern series. Even as part of the JLA, I wasn't that concerned with which individual was bearing the ring at any particular time - this included the rampage, death, and the introduction of a new lantern. While I have always thought of the Green Lantern Corps as the premier space Corps team, I still maintained a disinterest in what was occurring over in GL or the GL Corps.

That was until I read the precursor for the Sinestro War and thought that I had to pickup that series. (A series which my then current comic store forgot to add to my list after reminding him several times. I go to another local shop now).

The war lead me to the Blackest Night, and to be honest, I almost dropped off after the Sinestro War, as the Blackest Night series sounded cliche. I was oh-so wrong.

This is the series that I wait for in anticipation. The first books that I read when found within my weekly pull. The series that has more cohesion and intertwining parts then the Dark Reign crossovers (Marvel is losing me again with all of the crossovers). And the series that reminds me that there is a reason that the traditional 'tried and true heroes' are always the best and lay the foundations for some of the best stories.

Now, to top things off, this image ties the Blackest Night with one of my all time favorite Teen Titan stories. My only dilemma is how soon do I get my hands on the next issue.

IGN has a great site dedicated to this series. You can find it here.

Sneak Peak: DC Direct Q1 2010 Statues

And what a start! Wasn't thrilled with the Wonder Woman. But the Aquaman looks great. More soon.

Superman: Public Enemies Statue

At least this is prompting me to pick and provide you with my two cents of the upcoming Superman/Batman: Public Enemies DVD.

Produced By DC Direct
Based on the on the DC Comic of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness
Sculpted by Derek Miller
Dimensions 9.75"
Type Cold-Cast Porcelain Statue
Edition Size 4000
Ship Date September 2009
Estimated Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
This piece seems to have translated a little better - but not by much.
Points in Favor.

• They made him .25" taller than Batman and he is standing up straight - as he should be.
• Classic Superman pose. Even the cape looks great flowing to the side.
• Great "S".
• Great Colors

Points against

• Again with the obvious etchings in the stomach. Identical to Batman's. Do they work out at the same gym.
• I actually was leaning toward liking the face, but the eyebrows through me off.
• Once again - the hands and boots look a little funny.
• Looks more like a toy then a statue.

Recommendation: Again, a Pass. Also, with a release size of 4000, this piece does not seem like a true collector's piece.

I might consider him as a 'clearance' pick-up piece at a later date, so that I have at least one semi-decent Superman statue in my collection.

Robert's Two Cents
It looks pretty bad. I agree with Zimm, these are both pretty bad.
Points in Favor.

• I think they captured the McGuinness physique.
  
• That's about it. The colors are good.
  

Points against

• Face.
  
• The overall sculpt.
• There's no way that they could have been faithful to the Ed McGuinness designs. I'd like to see the original sketches to see.
  

Recommendation: Pass.

Not a fan of this one or the Batman.

Batman: Public Enemies Statue

DC is promoting release of the upcoming Home Video DVD - Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, with a statue of both Batman and Superman.

Produced By DC Direct
Based on the on the DC Comic of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness
Sculpted by Derek Miller
Dimensions 9.5"
Type Cold-Cast Porcelain Statue
Edition Size 4000
Ship Date September 2009
Estimated Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
Ed McGuinness is one of the artists that I have enjoyed over the years, I like his style, and while some of his style was translated over into this piece - other aspects weren't.
Points in Favor.

• The utility belt and detail around the utility belt.
• The square chin - which makes you think of Ed's work.

Points against

• Looks artificial. The lines in his stomach and the over-sized legs.
• His gloves and books both look too much like thick rubber.
• His cape is very bland, which is rather disappointing, as DC has done some really, really cool things with their capes in the past.
• The base is too simple. Not even a bat-emblem on it.

Recommendation: Pass. I am almost hesitant to do the Superman matching piece tomorrow, as it has some of the same problems.

A System for All of You Gen-Xers

When I saw this, I immdeiately thought "How Cool is that!!!!" If I hadn't moved so much and (for one reason or another) lost the systems, I would still have my old Sega and NES systems. (Note: I loved the old Sega ads too).

So here it is! A system that will play both the old NES and Sega Systems from the past.

And here is a brief list of the features:

• Game Console Plays Old Sega Genesis and NES Games
• Two slots allow you to plug in a Genesis or NES cartridge
• Switch chooses from NES (8 Bit) or Genesis (16 Bit) mode
• Connects to your TV via standard composite video out
• Stereo sound (depending on game)
• Comes with two Genesis style controllers
• Plays most Japanese import games

DC Universe: Hippolyta Bust

The next bust in the Women of the DC Universe is Hippolyta.

Produced by DC Direct
Designed by Amanda Conner
Sculpted by Barsom
Dimensions 6"
Type Cold-Cast Porcelain bust
Edition Size Limited Edition
Ship Date February 2010
Estimated Price $60.00

Zimm's Two Cents
Okay - another piece that I feel DC fell a little bit short on.
Points in Favor

• Nice complimentary base - which has been a consistent point with this series.
• Great pose - especially with the sword.

Points Against

• The face. Two flat, and the sneer looks off..
• Colors seem off. The blue in her hair makes me think of a bad dye-job, and the skin looks pasty or even flat.
• Her bracelets don't 'shine' as if they were true metal.
• Sculpting doesn't seem as 'refined' as some of the other pieces I have picked up in the past. I think that the skin and body look a little to "flat" and are missing definition.
  

Recommendation Pass. I have only ordered a few of these busts, but I keep hoping for them to improve ever so slightly, as I love the fact that they are doing so many different characters.

Robert's Two Cents
Is she having a seizure? I can't believe this was designed by Amanda Conner. She's a phenomenal artist.
Points in Favor

• Paint. While not perfect, are appropriate. The flat hues and overuse of blue make it a real tribute to the simple color pallet that was available in the 40s.
  

Points Against

• The face. She looks like she is constipated.
• Sculpt job seems a bit flat.
  
• They clearly forgot this whole concept was originally a John Byrne storyline in the 90s and not a storyline from the 40s.
  

Recommendation Pass. For the most part, this series has been disappointing once they moved on from Adam Hughes' designs. I liked the earlier ones much, much more than the later ones.

DC Cover Girl: Power Girl

And DC Direct announced their most recent addition the Cover Girls of the DC Universe line of statues - Power Girl.

Produced By DC Direct
Based on the art of Adam Hughes
Sculpted by Jack Mathews
Dimensions 9"
Type Cold-Cast Porcelain Statue
Edition Size Limited Edition
Ship Date February 2010
Estimated Price $99.99

Zimm's Two Cents
WOW! And I don't really care for the Power Girl character, but WOW.
Points in Favor

• Excellent job on the face. From the color of her hair, to the simplicity of the lines, to the lips, nose and eyes. It looks good.
  
• Love the cape on this one. I like that it is flowing behind her.
  
• Simple colors - but they pop.
• The sculpting on this one looks really good. Look at the close up to the face.

Points Against

• Usually, I would say the base; however, this is what you have come to expect from the series. So not much wrong with this one.

Recommendation Buy to Hot Buy (depending on if you are into big breasts or Power Girl). She would look good next to the Black Canary that I have on order.

Robert's Two Cents
Very, very nice piece. The overinflated bazoongas would put me off if this were any other character, but this is Power Girl. Half of the whole point of her existence is to have oversized breasts.

Points in Favor

• This whole run so far is to die for. Great sculpt.
  
• The costume. It looks very realistic from the seams in the costume, to the belt, to the cape, to the boots.
  
• I especially like the way the cape flows. Appropriately Superman homage without being a slave to the homage.
  
• Paints are gorgeous.
• Price. These are all very reasonably priced for the quality.
  

Points Against

• None that I can see.
  

Recommendation Hot Buy I'd rather have the Black Canary, but you could do much worse than picking this up.

Sneak Peak

Robert showed this to me, and I traced it back to a 06/16 DC Universe blog post, and while we typically shy away from posts on Sundays (to give us one day off), I had to post this one, as I am really enjoying the Blackest Night story line.I had already figured on Batman and Martian Manhunter; however, there were still a few surprises in the list that I had not counted on.

Ame-Comi Flashbacks

In light of this apparently being Ame-Comi week here at Comics and Geeks, I thought I'd look back at some of the other Ame-Comi PVCs available currently that we've either reviewed already or at least hightlighted.

Batgirl v2:

Originally, I'd given this piece a Pass. In light of the new Batman offering, I'd say I'm going to upgrade this one to a Buy. It's a terrifically moody piece that would probably make a better companion piece to the Ame-Comi Batman than the Ame-Comi Robin will. I still think it looks like Batman sewed her legs together for being a naughty girl, but the overall attitude of the piece really matches the spirit of the Batman.

I'm upgrading to a Buy!

Black Canary:
I still hate this one. I'm also sticking to my comment about her looking Yu Gi Oh. But the biggest sin of this piece is the missing fishnet stockings. Much like Zatanna, I think the fishnets are essential to any Black Canary piece and while Zatanna can get away with conventional thigh high stockings Black Canary cannot. Give me fishnets or don't give me Black Canary.

Pass!

Huntress:

I love the Huntress. This one's a Hot Buy! This is pretty close to the original design, but still takes the necessary liberties to make it an Anime version of the character. There's just enough of a nod to the Pre Crisis Huntress being the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, but just enough of the current version to stay true to the character.

Hot Buy!

Ame-Comi Hero Series: Batman

Now the Heros of the DC Universe are turning Ami-Comi! And it started with BATMAN!!!! How cool is that.

Produced By DC Direct
Sculpted By Jonathan Matthews
Dimensions 8.75"
Type Vinyl Statue
Edition Size Limited Edition
Ship Date February 2010
Estimated Price $59.99

Zimm's Two Cents
As Robin was yesterday, Batman is today. And how cool is he!
Points in Favor

• The colors, as always, are bright and vibrant.
• Portrayed as a true "nightmarish" creature of the night.
• Great details to the gloves, belt, and (of course) the boots.
• Nice counter piece to the Ame-Comi Robin piece coming out at the same time.
• Maintained the seriousness of the face, while still creating the variation.

Points Against

• The bases on these are a little 'flat'. (Other than that, not much).

Recommendation: Hot Buy. This has to go with the Robin!

Robert's Two Cents
Again, I'm enjoying the Ame-Comi pieces. Like Zimm says the bases are bland. I believe this is intentional in the case of this series. They're keeping the focus on the piece instead of the "background". Some pieces scream for a really nice detailed base (Maestro?), but others, don't (Black Canary).
Points in Favor

• I believe this is the first male Ame-Comi piece.
  
• They managed to keep the dark brooding side of Batman and yet they managed to make him appear youthful. They did a good job.
  
• Very dark and intimidating.
• Might have to buy this one.
• Still need to pickup the Huntress.
  

Points Against

• Not so much a point against as a comment. Haven't we all had enough alternate reality versions of Batman? Also don't we all have enough Batman statues, figures, or whatever collectible?
• The other side of what I just said is, I respect that DC waited this long before releasing Batman, even if they have already done two Batgirls and two Catwomans.
  

Recommendation: Hot Buy. This If you buy this one you need the Robin from yesterday's post. I wonder what Zimm's niece will say about Batman's shoes.

Ame-Comi Heroine Series: Robin

Another few from Ami-Comi! This series keeps getting better and better.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Elsevilla
Sculpted By Jonathan Matthews
Dimensions 7.5"
Type Vinyl Statue
Edition Size Limited Edition
Ship Date February 2010
Estimated Price $59.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I really like this series. You have to accept the idea that they are Ame-Comi characters and different.
Points in Favor

• Bright strong colors. From the yellow cap, to the red hair, to the green pole.
• The details in the gloves, belt, and bat-garter.
• The character looks like a little girl - which is what a female version of Robin should look like.
• Good Price point.

Points Against

• Not quite certain about the collectibility of this series, but if you are collecting the series - what an awesome addition.

Recommendation: Hot Buy. When you see the Ame-Comi Batman that goes with this one, you will definitely understand how the two go together.

Robert's Two Cents
I've been collecting these as I find ones I like for a while now. It actually started with Power Girl, who isn't a character I'm a huge fan of, but her Ame-Comi piece was awesome. Since then, I've gotten the original Batgirl, Wonder Woman, and the Donna T
Points in Favor

• Price is good. They're approaching pricy, but not too bad yet. You can still find them in the $40s.
  
• The production values on these are terrific. I wasn't into the PVC anime statues until I acquired my first piece in this collection.
  

Points Against

• Not really Robin or the essence of Robin.
• For a female Robin I've always pictured Carrie from The Dark Knight Returns or someone resembling Jubilee from the X-Men.
• I guess it's more reminiscent of a young Dick Grayson Robin, who, let's face it hasn't been Robin the whole time I've been seriously collecting comics.
  

Recommendation: Buy.

How Many Variant's Do I Need?

I have been talking to a few people about this, and then I even saw an article about it in Wizard.

I don't need all of these variants, and the few variants that I do get - I would like to mean something. In all honest, it has to stop somewhere, and I guess that stopping is up to me. Here is a small list of the variants for the last few weeks.

• ALL NEW SAVAGE SHE-HULK #3 (OF 4) 90S DECADE VAR
• DARK TOWER THE FALL OF GILEAD#2 (OF 6) EDWARDS VAR
• INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #14 SILVESTRI VAR
• MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 #3 (OF 4) 80S DECADE VAR
• CABLE #14 2ND PTG OLIVETTI VAR XMW
  
• MISS AMERICA COMICS #1 70TH ANNIV SPECIAL MARTIN VAR
• WAR MACHINE #7 90S DECADE VAR
• X-MEN LEGACY #225 90S DECADE VAR
• YOUNG ALLIES COMICS #1 70TH ANNIV SPECIAL VAR
• BATMAN #687 VAR ED
• FLASH REBIRTH #3 (OF 6) VAR ED
• GREEN LANTERN CORPS #37 VAR ED
• RED ROBIN #1 VAR ED
• BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #1 VAR ED
• OUTSIDERS #19 VAR ED

Crazy - huh?

What the......MURALS!!!!

I had not seen any of these, until I stumbled across the Start Trek version. (Shown below). And the best part about this, is that I could see a number of my friends putting this in their rooms. At first, I was aghast!
But then I stumbled across some others and found one that I liked.

So now - I have no comment.

Planetary #27

http://wildstormblog.dccomics.com/2009/06/10/unleashing-wildstorm-the-bleed/

Nothing terribly exciting, just the official word that the final issue of Planetary will be released in October 2009.

Yay!

Too Geeky: Smurf Hollywood

When I saw this, I thought of my aunt. Her kids still buy them for her, and she still collects them. So, I am glad to see that they are still making them. Now I just need to hunt them down and add them to her collection.

I just need to find one of each.

Hot off of the Trucks - Hellboy

Produced By Mindzeye Studios
Size 13" Tall
Type Painted Resin Statue
Edition Size 200
Release Date June 11, 2009
Price $249.99

I must have missed this one when it first came out, and I have been watching and looking for and at the Hellboy statues for quite a bit.

This one was based upon the story ‘The Third Wish’, which I have not read.

Zimm’s Two Cents
Points in Favor

• The base – its always the little things; however, I’m not quite certain about the small head at his foot.
• The amount of detail – from the skulls, to the belt, to the gun.
• I like the colors. It looks like a good paint job.
• Sculpture seems to hold true to the Hellboy style. Not necessarily the original - but what I would expect from Hellboy.
  

Points Against

• I can get a clear enough view of his face to see the detail – that and his trench coat have me a tadbit concerned.
• Once again, the head at his foot, on the base.

Recommendation: Overall, Buy. I like the piece and could definitely see it incorporated into my collection.

Robert’s Two Cents
Points in Favor

• The devil's in the details. Like Zimm said, lots and lots of details.
  
• Good paint and colors. Makes me wonder why they bothered with a faux bronze version.
  
• It's Hellboy. I like Hellboy.
• The essence of Hellboy is there.
  

Points Against

• From what I've seen the head is a little small. The Hellboy from Electric Tiki had a similar problem.
  
• The sculpt is too thin to be Hellboy. He should be blockier and bulkier.
  

Recommendation: Buy. It has a few problems and if I didn't already own a Hellboy statue (and busts and action figures and prints, etc.) there's nothing here to keep me from purchasing this one. I'd rather have the Bowen one, but it goes for over $500 if and when you can find it.

Marvel Heroes Superhero Squad Wave 14

Marvel Super Hero Squad Wave 14

I have a few of these, but I definitely don't have to have them all. They're cute. They're cuddly. And they're coming to a TV near me soon.

One of the things I like best about these is the mix of common characters (ie: Spider-Man, Hulk, Iron Man) with the lest common (ie: Iron Man 2o2o, Deathlok, Iron Fist). Plus, who in their right mind would market Deathlok and the Punisher to little kids? So, of course I like them.

My biggest complaint with this series is usually the characters i want come with Spider-Man, and I can only get away with giving my kids so many Spider-Man figures I don't want.

Go check em out and buy the ones you like.

Kree Mar-Vell Action Figure

I am not the action figure collector, so I can't give you all of the details, background, and interest associated with the toys. However, when I see a figure that jumps out at me, I have to say something. The primary thing that I like about this piece are the colors.

Release Date November 2009
Sale Price $18.99

Teal'c Animated Maquette

Teal'c Animated Maquette

Produced By Quantum Mechanix
Size Over 9" Tall
Type Statue/Maquette
Edition Size 1,000
Release Date June 2009
Price $89.99

Can Be Purchased Here

Robert's Two Cents
I love Stargate SG1 and Atlantis. After Colonel O'Neill, Teal'c is my favorite character.

Points in Favor

• It's Teal'c from before he joined SG1.
  
• Price. Pretty reasonable for a piece of this size.
  
• The folks over at Quantum Mechanix have really done a great job with other properties like Serenity/Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek.
• Face/detail/general sculpt. This is what Teal'c would look like if he were an animated character.
  
• Great paint job.
• There should be more in the series to follow.
• The base, while not overly ornate is a very well made representation of what the Stargate looks like.
  

Points Against

• I don't think I have any.

Recommendation: Buy. I like Stargate in general and SG1 specifically. This looks like a great piece to display that love. The detailing and design are phenomenal.

Runaway Brain Mickey Mouse

Just doing some of my geek snooping around, and I stumbled across this Mickey Mouse. While I haven't seen the video (you can shoot me now), the statue makes me want to.

Produced By Medicom Toy
Size 12" Tall
Type Vinyl Collectible
Edition Size Unknown
Release Date July 2009
Price $159.99

Zimm's Two Cents
This is one of the reasons that I wish that I did have a little more home office space. This is a great piece and a great addition to anyone who happens to collect Disney paraphernalia. If you are one of those people, then consider this one.

It's a lot better then adding another princess or traditional piece to the collection.

Robert's Two Cents
This whole series of statues/figurines are great. Disney puts out some awesome pieces. They're even really good at putting out merchandising that doesn't take their brand too serious.

Not that there's anything wrong with the traditional pieces, but I acknowledge the fact I'm a little bent. So I love it.

What the? I Think Zimm Needs New Shoes.

What: Nike Big High QK Wolverine quick strike
Price: $150.00
Run Size: 1,000

What the? What were they thinking? These are fun and neat and a sure sign that 80s fashions are right around the corner, but I don't think I'd be caught dead in them.

On the other hand, they are limited to 1,000 pairs, so as a collector's item, they're probably a good choice.

They can be found here.

Batman Black and White by Lee Bermejo

I have only bought one of these Batman Black and White statues, and it was as a gift. In general, the monochromatic contrast is not much of an appeal; however, with that said, I do appreciate the variety of artists and representations that have been presented in this series.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Lee Bermejo
Sculpted By Jean St. Jean
Size 6.75" Tall
Type Statue
Edition Size Unknown
Release Date January 2010
Price $79.99

Zimm's Two Cents
I typically find it very hard to post my points in favor and against on these statues, but I tried.

Points in Favor

• Very detailed in everything from the face, to the cape, to the belt.
• Price ensures an easy pick-up for those collecting the B&W series.

Points Against

• Not a big fan of this version of the batman. Face, costume, and cape all are a turn off.
• Bases tend to be a tad bit bland on these.

Recommendation: Pass. However, if you have been a steady collector of the series, here is another one for you.

Robert's Two Cents
I have two of these so far: the one Zimm mentions buying above and the Mike Mignola one. I agree they're an individual taste item, but I generally like them.

Points in Favor

• Lee Bermejo.
  
• Price. They've kept these affordable throughout the series.
• Highly detailed costume. Bermejo's Batman is a quasi real world Batman.

Points Against

• Face. He looks more than a little constipated.
  
• I own a couple of these and I don't really need another one. This one is not quite pushing me far enough to buy this one as an addition.

Recommendation: Neutral. I'm not buying it, but I do like it. If I walked up on one at a really good deal, I would buy it. For now, it's a neutral for me.

Zimm, you should check out Dustin Nguyen's blog. I think you'd like his kiddie character sketches.

Doctor Who USB Hub

This is probably the coolest way to have a USB Hub on your desk, and while I have seen Optimus Prime, R2-D2, and (even) Darth Vader, I have to say that the Dr. Who TARDIS tops them all. Maybe it is because I am a huge fan of the recent run, or maybe it is because I think it would look better then Optimus or Vader staring at me. Either way, this makes my 'too cool' list and a great replacement for my standard "blah" USB Hub.

Price $29.99
Available: August 2009

DC Dynamics Wonder Woman Statue

First in the series of six statues to be released in 2010. These statues base are supposed to captures the character's interaction with the environment. I may have to see his other pieces before I understand this series.

Produced By DC Direct
Designed By Tim Bruckner
Sculpted By Tim Bruckner
Size 11.25" Tall
Type Cold-Cast Porcelain Statue
Edition Size Unknown
Release Date January 2010
Price $195.00
Already on Sale on Some Sites!
Zimm's Two Cents Points in Favor

• Great Colors
• Good clean sculpture with nice detail.

Points Against

• I'm not a big fan of the base. It looks pretty and all, but I don't like how she is missing half of her body in it. (Just me).
• Face looks to be a little more 'wanting' then warrior.

Recommendation: Pass. Nothing really POPS in this statue to make me want to purchase it. If want a Wonder Woman piece, the Wonder Woman vs. Ares piece looks to still be available.

Robert's Two Cents Points in Favor

• Great Colors
• I like but don't love the base.
• I like the face. It has the innocense of the TV show Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was one of the first loves of my life. Of course I was two when the show started.
  

Points Against

• The base does make this look like a bust more than a statue.
• Price is a bit high for a oversized bust.
  

Recommendation: Pass. I like the face and body, but it really does remind me of the recent series of busts by DC Direct. For $200 I can get a statue I like much, much more.

Land of the Lost

While I have never been a big fan of Will Farrel, there have been several movies of his that I have truly enjoyed. This looks to be one of them. You can find a series of Trailers here!

Plan this weekend ahead of time.

I mean, seriously, the toys alone speak volumes!

Robert: I was a huge fan of the original show and the remake show from the mid 80s. This movie isn't the show. Like Zimm, I'm not a Will Farrell fan. I don't think he's a fit for this property. It also looks like they removed the family bits. The original was funny, but more like unintentional funny. I have a feeling this is going to be another of those movies that are more of a parody of the original show than a movie based on the show (ie: Dukes of Hazzard, Brady Bunch) and that's a genre I haven't enjoyed so far.

If it turns out to be a good movie, it won't be because it's the Land Of the Lost.

What the....?

What exactly is a Blammaoid? Who thought of this thing? I'm not exactly sure what they are, what they are for, or why I need to know that they only have 3 points of articulation. I am just curious as to what are they.

Price $104.99
Expected Ship January 2010

I may be biased, but I think that there are some other things I can get before the Blammoids!