This issue of Suicide Squad is action packed with a surprisingly fun team-up.
This recent story arc of Suicide Squad sees a team-up many would have never seen coming: Batman and Deadshot. Recently, the villain Kobra has kidnapped Zoe Lawton, Deadshot’s daughter, to use her as a sacrifice. Batman catches wind of this and breaks Deadshot out of Belle Reve to go after her. The two proceed to go on a hunt for information, all the while the Suicide Squad chases after them. After clearing a town, the pair finds themselves surrounded by Kobra’s half-snake, half-man minions. How will Batman and Deadshot get out of this?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
Batman and Deadshot work together to take down the small army of Kobra with one astonishing fight scene. Although constantly bickering, the two characters get a chance to show off their skills against dangerous opponents. After defeating the last minion, Deadshot shoots one of them in the head, angering Batman. The pair gets into an argument, which turns into an all-out brawl. While these two bicker, however, Kobra begins final preparations for his ritual to bring back the original Kobra. He plans to use Zoe as a vessel for the spirit of Jeffrey Franklin Burr, but another member of the cult plots against him.
I wasn’t expecting to have as much fun as I had in this issue. The past few arcs have been darker and focused more on character development for the Suicide Squad. It feels nice to have a comic that has the characters fighting an evil organization without character development eclipsing the fun. There are great character moments, especially with the comparing of morals between our lead characters. While it is apparent he’s doing it for the right reasons; Batman calls out Deadshot on his killing ways. Lawton retorts by calling out all the criminals Batman lets live, causing trouble for Gotham. These two being on the opposite ends of the moral spectrum makes this team-up so interesting, and I can’t wait to see more.
Art:
We have two illustrators penciling this issue, and they make a helluva team. Philippe Briones covers the first half of the book where the battle with Kobra occurs, while Hugo Petrus covers the second. The detail in the characters are top notch, down to the shine in Deadshot’s armor. The art transitions between the two artists so flawlessly, I forgot there were two different artists. The masterful colorwork of Hi-Fi caps off this issue with enough color to pop every shot off the page.
Conclusion:
Overall, this was a solid issue of Suicide Squad. It had great action with the epic team-up of Batman and Deadshot. It has great character as those same characters have a throwdown with their morals. All of this is presented with fantastic art from an art team that knocked it out of the park. It’s a great issue, and you won’t regret picking it up.
The first issue of Plastic Man brings humor and mystery to the forefront.
Plastic Man is a very bizarre, but funny character. His adventures that see him walk a line between being good and falling back into crime are a hilarious staple for the character. When the New 52 began, it appeared that Plas was written out of the universe in an attempt to be more serious. In Dark Days: The Forge, the introduction toDark Nights: Metal, it was revealed he had been here for a while, but trapped in an egg to keep him secure. In the aftermath of the event, he was released and joined the new team, The Terrifics, going on new adventures. Now it is time for an all-new adventure, written by comic veteran Gail Simone, with the Man of Elasticity! What kind of trouble will Eel O’Brien get himself into now that he’s back?
**Some Spoilers Below**
Story:
This first issue does a combination of things that cater to a variety of readers. We get the origin of the character, the humor, and a darker mystery, all tied into 23 pages. Eel O’Brien was a crook who, during a heist, got splashed with chemicals. While escaping, his gang tosses him from the car, leaving him alone to transform into the superhero he is now. He spends his days stopping evildoers and being a general oddball until an agent of Spyral approaches him with a mission. Villains are hiding amongst the heroes and Plastic Man is the only one who can go undercover.
This book is NOT for kids. It gets violent, dark, even has a few adult jokes thrown in for good measure. That said, it fits the character of Plastic Man so well. I had plenty of fun in this bizarre, anachronistic world reminiscent of 1940’s comics. The action pulled off by Plastic man brought a big smile to my face due to the ridiculousness of it all. It is an entertaining issue, but it feels familiar. Many people will pick up this issue and claim it is just a try for a Deadpool style of character. They won’t be entirely wrong, as there is a lot of humor that lines up with the Merc with the Mouth. However, there is enough of an interesting world and intriguing story to push past the similarities.
Art:
Adriana Melo is the illustrator for this issue, and she steals the entire show. Plastic Man himself is an artistic wonder to behold. Every page is a silly expression or form that will bring a smile to any reader’s face. The details in Cole City and references sprinkled throughout are a nice touch that makes the world feel alive Kelly Fitzpatrick takes it further by making the city colorful enough to pop. The art fits the world spectacularly, and I can’t wait to see more.
Conclusion:
For a first issue of a C-List hero miniseries, this was a pretty good time. I laughed, I became invested, and am already excited for the next issue. Plastic Man, the City, the mystery, all of it comes together to form one fantastic looking issue. Go pick this one up today.
Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will and the whole gang will soon be in paper format. The publishing deal aims to expand the show’s ever-growing mythos with the release of two titles this fall with Stranger Things: World Turned Upside Down: The Official Behind-the-Scenes Companion, which will spotlight the current first two seasons, as well as a still-untitled novel, which will offer advice, wisdom and warnings from the Stranger Things universe.
The series of books will continue in the spring with a prequel book that will zero-in on Eleven’s mother and her involvement with the MKUltra Program. Look for more books to be released over the course of 2019, as well as the premier of the much-anticipated third season on Netflix.
Not much is known about the upcoming third season, except that Cary Elwes, Francesca Reale and Jake Busey, will all be joining the show. Reale will serve in a bigtime role as a lifeguard at the Hawkins Community Pool, as she becomes the centerpiece of a dark mystery, while Elwes will serve as Mayor Kline and, Busey, a journalist for The Hawkins Post.
Audio editions of all books will be released by the publisher as well.
The Affair made its much-anticipated return Sunday night showcasing strong performances, and an intriguing storyline focused on how individuals heal.
What’s made this series a staple of programming for Showtime is how keenly the writers are aware of perspective. Since the beginning, each episode has been divided into two parts, each from the male and female perspective.
Rather than delve into some trope ridden territory (I mean it’s not exactly unique for a TV show to have tension resulting from some infidelity), The Affair keeps the focus on how we as individuals interpret specific events. What one person might think is flirting, another might see as being kind to someone. The same can be said about the aftermath of going through a life-changing event such as a divorce. Each person can easily interpret themselves as being the victim, especially when children are involved. It appears that in the new season we are focusing on whether people can change or are they doomed to repeat previous transgressions.
In the first episode, our focus is squarely on Noah (Dominic West), his ex-wife Helen (Maura Tierney), and her boyfriend Vic (Omar Metwally). Helen moved to Los Angeles with Vic and the kids for a fresh start. Vic has received a promotion and is one of the most respected surgeons at the LA-based hospital where he works. Helen is trying to adjust to this new lifestyle and is trying to put the past behind him. However, sometimes the past refuses to go away. Noah has moved out to Los Angeles and is working at a private school so he can be closer to his children. Can these three peacefully co-exist?
Hagai Levi and Sarah Treem’s ability to construct a narrative that’s equal parts realistic and compelling is one of the big reasons for The Affair’s longevity. Instead of steering this show towards moments which were irrational, Sunday’s show was rooted in the emotions associated with the significant changes in these characters lives. Noah’s interaction with Helen (seen from both perspectives) in the parking lot after their son’s open house was a wonderfully crafted moment dripping with elements of authenticity.
The same could be said about what took place at the Mexican restaurant. Yes, any show called The Affair has to have a fair share of “steamy” moments, but Treem and Levi have not forgotten that these moments have emotional origins (whether it’s lust, pain, or even suffering).
The performance which stood out to me was the one given by Tierney. She made ample use of her facial expressions and even an occasional gaze to enhance a sense of instability that plagues her. At times, she also envisions earthquakes (which aren’t occurring). Helen, in many ways, has PTSD due to what has happened in recent years. It indeed emphasizes the stress these moments can have and the lingering impact they have.
Overall, The Affair got off to a great start and left us with a bit of cliffhanger. Not only am I excited to see where the show is headed in season 4, but fans should also start to get a glimpse into where Cole (Joshua Jackson) and Alison’s (Ruth Wilson) stand after what took place last season.
Suicide Squad #43 features a very raw, physical and emotional confrontation between ‘Squad regular Deadshot and the Dark Knight himself, Batman. Series writer Rob Williams was awesome enough to answer a few questions (and provide us with some exclusive images) for tomorrow’s issue. Check out the interview and preview gallery below, and be sure to check out our review of the book too.
Monkeys Fighting Robots: Obviously, Deadshot and Batman have always been two fan-favorite characters but what is it about their relationship and dynamic that appeals to you as a writer? Rob Williams:They have history. It was Batman who inspired Floyd Lawton to start living the life. So there’s a connection there. They’re both fathers. That’s a key aspect of this tale. But clearly, they’re very different. Deadshot’s a killer-for-hire. But Batman, I think, sees more in him. The chance for redemption. Whether Deadshot’s beyond that? We’ll see.
How do they appeal to you as a fan then? Are you kidding? It’s BATMAN. Writing him’s a joy. And Deadshot’s such a cool character. I’ve loved writing him in the 40-plus issues I’ve had on Suicide Squad. Pairing them together to go on the run in a mismatched super-buddy ‘movie’? It’s a blast.
What made you chose to tell this story from Floyd/Deadshot’s point of view? Suicide Squad‘s a team book, so it’s a nice change of pace to concentrate on one character. Deadshot, traditionally, always wanted to die on his missions. But his relationship with his daughter has changed that for him. It’s not the usual Deadshottale as he’s not got a target to hit for money. He’s trying to save his daughter, who’s been kidnapped by Kobra. So, he’s in the hero position here – trying to save someone.
Did you always have this fight in your mind for these two? Yeah, there’a desert punch up that I was very keen shouldn’t be a traditional super-fight. It’s a brutal, Raging Bull–esque, final round of Rocky bare-knuckle bruise-up.
Why do you think Batman has faith in Deadshot? Batman saves people. That’s what a hero does. But I think he sees something more in Deadshot. He may be wrong.
So can there be true redemption for him? You’ll have to read the story to find out. But Deadshot’s killed a LOT of people in his life. There’s a good reason he’s behind bars.
Any big plans for Zoe Lawton going forward?
That’s not for me to say. She may not make it out of this alive.
Do you have a favorite ‘Squad member to write for? Boomerang. All day long. The biggest scumbag of the lot. But with a heart of gold… No, wait. He’s not got a heart of gold at all. He’s a wrong ‘un. But he’s so cowardly and not that bright – he brings the joy.
Did your time on Judge Dredd influence anything in your DC work? I’m not sure there’s direct influence. Suicide Squad does have a rather subversive, acerbic 2000-esque tone, I guess.
Suicide Squad #43 is out tomorrow (June 13th, 2018) in comics shop everywhere.
Game of Thrones fans, the ravens have brought us great news! The wait is finally over, HBO has officially ordered a prequel TV series pilot for the hit show that first aired in 2011.
The talk of five possible prequel shows in the works started in 2016. A slew of writers have been developing the scripts, but it was Jane Goldman’s pilot script that was chosen to be the first to be green-lit. Goldman and George RR Martin co-created the story, while Goldman herself wrote the teleplay for the upcoming prequel show and will also serve as the showrunner. Last year, Goldman hinted that her series would include humor and gore. “Those are things I love, and things I like to do,” she told Digital Spy. “It would be remiss of me not to put them in.” Some of Goldman’s other notable work includes Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, and Kingsman: The Secret Service.
According to HBO, the pilot will take place “thousands of years before” the events of the current Game of Thrones series. “The series chronicles the world’s descent from the Golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour,” the statement continued. “And only one thing is for sure: From the horrifying secrets of Westeros’s history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend…it’s not the story we think we know.”
George RR Martin has shared an update on the new prequel on his blog on Monday.
None of the characters or actors from ‘Game of Thrones’ will appear in the new show. All of the successor shows we’ve been developing have been prequels, as I have mentioned before. This one really puts the PRE in prequel, since it is set not ninety years before GAME OF THRONES (like Dunk & Egg), or a few hundred years, but rather ten thousand years (well, assuming the oral histories of the First Men are accurate, but there are masters at the Citadel who insist it has only been half that long). We’re very early in the process, of course, with the pilot order just in, so we don’t have a director yet, or a cast, or a location, or even a title. (My vote would be THE LONG NIGHT, which says it all, but I’d be surprised if that’s where we end up. More likely HBO will want to work the phrase “game of thrones” in there somewhere. We’ll know sooner or later).
The name Mr. Martin suggested excites me, the Long Night is a Westeros historical event 8,000 years before the Targaryen Conquest, during which the winter lasted an entire generation.
HBO’s programming president, Casey Bloys, revealed that the first prequel show will not air until at least a year after the main show ends. The final season of the original show will air in 2019 with Bloys referring to it as “six one-hour movies.”
Are you looking forward to the Game Of Thrones prequel show? Let us know in the comments.
The Magic Order #1 from Mark Millar, Oliver Coipel, and Dave Stewart launches the Millarworld/Netflix collaboration with excellent world-building, GORGEOUS art, and breakneck pacing.
The Magic Order #1 Written by: Mark Millar Art by: Oliver Coipel Colors by: Dave Stewart Letters by: Peter Doherty
We live in a world where we’ve never seen a monster, and The Magic Order is the reason we sleep safely in our beds. Magic meets the mob in THE MAGIC ORDER, as five families of magicians—sworn to protect our world for generations—must battle an enemy who’s picking them off one by one. By day, they live among us as our neighbors, friends, and co-workers, but by night, they are the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect us from the forces of darkness…unless the darkness gets them first.
Writing
The Magic Order, like most of Mark Millar’s books, explodes with conceptual energy right from the beginning. That storytelling drive, combined with excellent pacing and pitch-perfect dialog makes for one of the best #1 issues Millarword (Millar’s label) has produced. This comic is not only able to create a fully realized world in one issue, it also introduces multiple characters with enough detail to make the reader care about all of them. And all of this is done with little to no exposition. By the time you finish reading it, you really do want to know about the Moonstone family, it’s past and it’s future.
Art
Undoubtedly Oliver Coipel and Dave Stewart are modern masters of sequential art. But their work here together might just be a career high. This is one crisp and excellently visually paced comic. It looks beautiful, elegant even. With a sharp, good-looking and well-produced images and layouts. But don’t let that fool you, as this is one fucked up story being told and the visuals can be as shocking and gory as they are beautiful. It’s really something to be taken in and poured over.
Conclusion
Debut issues don’t get much better than The Magic Order #1. It’s a fantastic concept; excellently written and beautifully illustrated. If this is the kind of stuff Millarworld/Netflix is producing, then we have some great comics and properties to look forward to.
Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale’s most recent episode entitled “Women’s Work” gave further evidence to the old adage that all good things must come to an end. No, the immensely popular Hulu original series has not been canceled, but Serena and June’s convivial working relationship probably has. With Fred back behind the big desk, Serena and June shuffle back to their previous roles as wife and mother, respectively.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – He’s baaaaack
His injuries sustained during the bombing at the Rachel and Leah Center on the mend, Fred returns home. To call Fred’s reception at the front door warm would probably be pushing the linguistic norms of that word, but at least Eden presented him with a gift.
At the market June tells the other handmaids of her commander’s return, and the other women commiserate. Janine is handling her new assignment as a handmaid pretty well, “It’s just the Ceremony, no blowjobs,” she says cheerfully. Emily, on the other hand, is having a more difficult time hiding in plain sight. She reminds Janine that there’s nothing good about getting raped.
A siren indicating that a baby is critically ill breaks up the chatter, and the handmaids all kneel and pray. Someone mentions that they think the sick baby belongs to the Putnam’s, Janine’s previous family, and June tries to keep Janine calm.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – June’s Changing Tune
On their way home, June admits that she knows that the sick baby is indeed the one that Janine had for the Putnams. June tries to keep her friend calm, but doesn’t succeed. Janine rants that she wants to see her daughter, and June tells her that’s impossible. Janine tells her friend that she sounds just like one of them and a frustrated June is left to walk home alone.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – “He is a she…”
Serena tells June that the Putnams’ baby, Angela, is not responding to treatment. But, she says, she doesn’t believe that the clinical team is exploring every available option. June asks if Janine could be allowed to see the Putnams’ baby one more time. Serena tells June that she’ll see what she can do, and also that she’ll attempt to enlist the commander’s help in saving the baby, after all Fred has definitely bent the rules in the past.
When Serena mentions the fact that the best neo-natologist in the world lives in Gilead, Fred asks his name. Serena tells Fred that the person she’s referring to is a woman, a “Martha” no less. Fred forbids the woman’s involvement and tells his wife that they must do God’s will.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – God’s Will Open for Interpretation
A somewhat empowered Serena interprets God’s will in her own way and calls the specialist in. After examining the baby, the former doctor says there’s little she can do. She recommends unhooking the Putnams’ baby from all of the machines she’s attached to and helping her feel safe and loved. Unfortunately, love seems a bit difficult for Mrs. Putnam. Thankfully, with a little convincing from her husband, Mrs. Putnam allows Janine to visit the baby.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – “Yellow?! I hate yellow!!”
Eden is working hard to please whomever she can. Nick, understandably, continues to keep her at arm’s length, but gets very upset when his new bride rearranges the contents of his trunk. He finds the stack of handmaids’ letters, which he managed to save from being burnt by June, sitting on a nightstand and demands to know if Eden read them. She says no, and Nick tells her quite harshly not to touch his things.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – Commander Spanky
Unfortunately, Fred finds out about his wife’s less than loyal actions concerning the former neo-natologist. He also finds out that Serena has been drafting orders under his name and that June has been editing them. He calls Serena and June into his office and questions them both. Serena and June both admit their actions, and, without missing a beat, Fred picks up his trusty bible and reads a selection conveniently stating that men have the right to punish women for their misdeeds. He removes his belt, Serena assumes the position, and Fred lets loose with some serious corporal punishment.
Later June goes to Serena’s room to try to console her but only gets a faltering yet stern “Go to your room,” in return.
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – It’s Crazy But It’s True…
At the hospital, June and Aunt Lydia wait with Janine for any news on Angela’s recovery. The outlook is negative, and June suggests that Janine go and kiss her baby goodbye. Luckily, the Putnams are feeling unusually generous — or desperate — and allow Janine access to her daughter.
The next day, Aunt Lydia wakes to the sound of Janine’s softly singing voice. Viewers prepare for a grisly scene showing Janine singing to the corpse of an infant but get a pleasant surprise when we see Janine’s baby very much alive, thriving in fact. Aunt Lydia wakes the Putnams and declares the outcome a miracle. Credits roll over Janine’s sweet motherly voice singing Dusty Springfield’s big hit, “I Only Want to Be With You.”
The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2, Episode 8: “Women’s Work” – Final Thoughts
As season two of The Handmaid’s Tale approaches its end, the stakes are getting pretty high. June and Serena’s relationship enters a new phase, but it’s not clear how Serena will react to the changing power balance in her home. One thing seems sure, though, none of what has happened seems to be getting June any closer to seeing her captive daughter Hannah.
Where June had a kind of control over Fred earlier on in the season, that seems to be eroding. June seemed defiant as she walked to Fred’s office but that determined look passed quite quickly. Rather than getting an invitation to play Scrabble, Fred tells June to rest.
I thought Madeline Brewer’s performance as Janine was excellent in this episode. Although she routinely delivers great performances, others’ performances often overshadow Brewer’s simply because she has less screen time. With “Women’s Work’s” focus on Janine’s story, though, viewers got a full sense of Brewer’s deft work at walking the fine line between maternal vigilance and insanity. I know that this particular story arc will likely have a stark conclusion, but I’m happy that Janine at least got to hold her baby one more time.
Are we about to lose the Guardians of the Galaxy? Maybe. Are we going to be able to handle that? Probably not.
So, with that, Marvel recently indicated that the GoTG will be ‘no more’ and that out of the ashes of Infinity Wars, a new team will carry the mantle of interplanetary defenders in the, Asgardians of the Galaxy.
“I didn’t approach this as a group that would replace the Guardians,” Said Series Writer Cullen Bunn. “The team, by its very nature, is quite different than Star-Lord and company. They have a completely different vibe and style and approach to the challenges they face.”
Bunn and artist Matteo Lolli will spearhead the project that will tab Thor’s sister, Angela, Valkyrie, Thunderstrike, Skurge, Throg and Destroyer (armor), as the AoTG, with one more ‘secret’ character to be revealed later.
“These characters have not worked together often, and never in this way,” Bunn proclaimed. “The team is just starting to find its footing. Some of the characters get along better than others. Some of the Asgardians are less trustworthy than others, and that will lead to some interesting interactions. Some of the team members are unsure of the motivation for bringing the group together in the first place. Others don’t seem to belong at all. Watching this team come together and seeing how very different members of the group interact will be a big part of this book’s fun.”
Asgardians of the Galaxy #1 releases in September.
What do you think of this new team? How do you feel about the end of GoTG? Tell us in the comments section below.
Click HERE for the official release from Marvel, including a Q&A with Bunn.
[Johns’] publishing projects will include a new pop-up slate of comic books under the banner of “The Killing Zone” focusing on new and lesser known DC characters and titles. Johns will also be writing a Shazam! comic book series scheduled to be out in the fall. In addition, he will continue to write the commercial and critical hit “Doomsday Clock,” a comic book series illustrated by Gary Frank that collides the DC universe with the Watchmen universe, as well as the upcoming “Three Jokers,” illustrated by Jason Fabok.
Johns last wrote the character in the pages of his New 52 Justice League run. His story has been collected in a standalone graphic novel.
“I took on a role at DCE because I love the characters and this universe more than anything. But, I want to spend my days writing and on set. I’m thrilled to get back to a more hands-on creative role. It’s a dream job on dream projects, reaching even deeper into DC’s vast pantheon of characters,” said Johns. “I’m also excited to continue to work with the amazing team at DCE and my colleagues at Warner Bros.”
A new series coming in fall 2018! Billy Batson and his surrogate family; Mary Bromfield, Freddy Freeman, Darla Dudley, Eugen Choi and Pedro Pena unlock the mysteries of the Rock of Eternity and delve into the secret worlds of magic to discover their ultimate destiny!
Mad Ghost is Geoff Johns’ new production company within Warner Bros./DC Entertainment.
No artist has been announced for the series. Keep it tuned to Monkeys Fighting Robots as more information becomes available.
