Sunday, May 5, 2013
X-O Manowar #1 Review
X-O Manowar #1
Written by Robert Venditti
Pencilled by Cary Nord
Published by Valiant Comics
Review by Yusuf Alamo
I know what you're thinking: 'This isn't a DC title!' So what? I've never really collected a comic book series outside of the Marvel and DC publishing companies, except for the Conan and Red Sonja re-launches from Dark Horse and Dynamite Entertainment several years back. More on that later. I certainly never read a Valiant comic book before, even back when I was in high school in the 90's, although I admit that I was aware of the company's existence at the time. For some reason, there was nothing about the Valiant universe back then that caught my attention as a kid. I guess as a kid, their character's costumes weren't as aesthetically appealing to me as those worn by the members of the Justice League or the X-Men. Thankfully, I've grown since then. I'm now a married, 35-year-old man who still reads comic books. Yesterday, I saw the $1 sale of the first issues published during the Valiant relaunch which included the X-O Manowar title. I immediately went online and read several rave reviews for the title. It caught my attention even more when I read who was writing it as well as who was handling pencils: Robert Venditti (Demon Knights) and Cary Nord (Conan). I picked up the latest issue, as well as the previous eleven I missed, and read the first issue on the train ride home. I'm completely blown away and in shock because of how much I liked it. In a nutshell, the story is about a Visigoth warrior named Aric of Dacia from the year 402 C.E. who, along with his tribesmen, are fighting a hopeless battle against the Roman Empire for their freedom and independence. During the course of their struggle, they mistakenly attack a group whom they presume are Roman Legionnaires, but are in fact extra-terrestrial warriors known as the Vine. Aric and his men fail in their attack on the Vine and are captured, forced into slavery aboard the Vine space vessel, and taken millions of light years away from Earth. Now, they must fight the Vine in order to escape and return back to Earth. This is where the story really begins.
THE GOOD
The story. Robert Venditti is a really good writer. I mean it. His skills as a writer are right up there along with his DC colleagues Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Scott Snyder, and Jeff Lemire. The pencil work is amazing. Cary Nord is knocking it out of the park, panel after panel. I'm enjoying his work here more than I did during his Conan run, and I never thought that'd be possible.
THE BAD
Absolutely nothing. After so many disappointing and mediocre titles coming out of DC Comics since the launch of the new 52, this is a welcome surprise; the first pitch perfect premiere issue of a comic book that I've had the pleasure of reading.
THE UGLY
I waited so long to pick up this title in the first place that I had to pay a little over $50 to get all the issues which have come out so far. Still, it was well worth the hard earned money.
OVERALL SCORE
10/10
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Earth 2 #1
Written by James Robinson
Pencilled by Niccola Scott
Published by DC Comics
Review by Yusuf Alamo
I just started reading DC's current 'Earth 2' series. I have read every issue so far except for issue #1. I had to buy issue #1 online and I'm waiting for it to be delivered as I'm writing this. The basic synopsis of the opening story arc is that Earth had been invaded for conquest by the armies of an extra-terrestrial world known as 'Apokolips', with whom humans and their superhero counterparts have been at war with now for several years. The first issue begins with the 'Earth 2' re-imagined versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder-Woman, making their final stand against the armies of Apokolips in a desperate last ditch effort to save Earth. How does it turn out for these heroes? Trust me, go out and buy the book. I'm not going to spoil it for any of you. Do I like this series so far? Yes, but there are some story elements I like and some that I don't. My main motivation for picking up the book was that it contained re-imagined versions of classic characters from my favorite comic book of all-time; 'JSA' ('Justice Society of America'). Some of the things I've enjoyed about this series so far have been the renderings by Nicola Scott, and the story by James Robinson. The series is dialogue-heavy, so to speak, which I'm perfectly fine with as long as the plot is good, the story is enjoyable, and the characters are intriguing. So far, I must admit that I have found no character in this series more engaging than Jay Garrick, the 'Earth 2' version of 'The Flash'. Jay Garrick is portrayed as a gifted and optimistic young man who is brave, but unsure of himself. He receives the power to move at extraordinary speeds from an unlikely source despite his objections on the matter. Another character of notice is the re-imagined version of 'Hawk-Girl'; Kendra Munoz-Saunders, a treasure-hunter of Afro-Latino descent who somehow attains both a pair of wings that enable her to fly, and an erray of ancient and modern weapons at her disposal. Then there is 'The Atom'; Al Pratt, a soldier for the world army who has the ability to grow to giant proportions. Also, there is 'Mr. Terrific'; Michael Holt, an African-American scientist and inventor, and 'Mr. 8'; Terry Sloan, a corporate CEO. Allegedly these two are the world's smartest men. Finally, there is 'Dr. Fate'; Khalid Ben-Hassin, who discovers the helmet of Nabu (an ancient Egyptian artifact) during an archeological expedition, and is subsequently driven insane after putting it on. As far as what I have disliked about this series so far, well...I really dislike the re-imagining of 'Green Lantern' Alan Scott as a gay character. It seems as if the character was rewritten as a gay man simply for the sake of sensationalism. Samuel Zhao, the man whom Alan Scott is involved with, is murdered when someone blows up a train they're both passengers on. This explosion occurs right at what would be considered by some to be a critical moment between the two characters. Alan Scott's life is saved by a flaming green energy which bestows upon him the power and title of 'Green Lantern'. Due to this turn of events, Alan Scott decides to use this power to not only find the one who murdered Samuel Zhao, but to defend the planet Earth in honor of his memory. If Alan Scott's love interest had been a woman named Samantha, his motivation for taking on the mantle of 'Green Lantern' would have been exactly the same. So, why write him as a gay man then? Why did DC specifically choose to re-imagine Alan Scott in this way and not Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, or Kyle Rayner? This is not to say that I approve of intimate relations between two people of the same gender. I don't. However, I understand that people who practice this kind of lifestyle actually do exist in the real world, and that comic books are an art form which (loosely) attempts to imitate real life. Or, for lack of a better term; the real world (No pun intended, Mr. Winick). DC knows that they have an audience of fans which include gay people. This same demographic of comic book fans seek mainstream representation in comic books which doesn't include what they would consider to be "negative" pop-culture stereotypes. From a business standpoint, DC knows that if they cater to as many demographics as they can among their readers, they'll increase the sales of their comic books and generate a greater profit. That is why (in my opinion) it would have been different had DC decided for Hal Jordan to have been rewritten as a gay person, as opposed to Alan Scott. Still, I find the current Alan Scott incarnation to be far better written than the newest protagonist of DC's current 'Green Lantern' series; "Muslim" Arab-American, Simon Baz. This is surprising for me. For one, I'm a Muslim. Most people would think that I'd be quite enthusiastic and supportive of a comic book series featuring a mainstream "Muslim" superhero. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as Simon Baz seems to be anything but Muslim. He steals, has a tattoo on his right arm which he openly displays, and he illegally carries a firearm. Most significantly, he doesn't pray. Also, he commits an act of polytheism every time he recites the oath of the 'Green Lantern' upon charging his power ring. True Muslims recite the first chapter of the Qur'an at least seventeen times a day, and pledge their allegiance to Allah and His Final Messenger; Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He commits another act of polytheism when he calls upon the Green Lantern power ring to help him when he's in trouble. True Muslims call upon Allah for help. They do not call upon amulets, trinkets, rings, bracelets, or any other kind of inanimate object, to help them when they require aid.
"It is You (Allah alone) Whom we worship, and it is from You (Allah alone) Whom we seek aid."
[Qur'an 1:4]
To supplicate for aid from anything other than Allah is considered an act of idol worship, or polytheism. In the Qur'an, all of these actions are described using the term, 'shirk'. In Islam, polytheism (or 'shirk') is completely forbidden. In fact, Islam considers polytheism to be the worst sin a human being could ever commit as it is the only sin Allah does not forgive should one die committing it. So, despite being called a "Muslim", there is nothing at all, especially from his actions (outwardly, aesthetically, or otherwise), that seems the least bit "Muslim" about Simon Baz other than the fact that DC calls him a "Muslim". Whereas the re-imagined 'Earth 2' version of Alan Scott is not only called 'gay', but he is also an adherent of gay lifestyle who conducts himself accordingly. With all of that being said, I think that James Robinson is writing an incredibly intriguing series that will probably be talked and debated about among DC fans for the next year. Objectively, I can give what I've read of the 'Earth 2' series so far an 8.5 out of 10.
Written by James Robinson
Pencilled by Niccola Scott
Published by DC Comics
Review by Yusuf Alamo
I just started reading DC's current 'Earth 2' series. I have read every issue so far except for issue #1. I had to buy issue #1 online and I'm waiting for it to be delivered as I'm writing this. The basic synopsis of the opening story arc is that Earth had been invaded for conquest by the armies of an extra-terrestrial world known as 'Apokolips', with whom humans and their superhero counterparts have been at war with now for several years. The first issue begins with the 'Earth 2' re-imagined versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder-Woman, making their final stand against the armies of Apokolips in a desperate last ditch effort to save Earth. How does it turn out for these heroes? Trust me, go out and buy the book. I'm not going to spoil it for any of you. Do I like this series so far? Yes, but there are some story elements I like and some that I don't. My main motivation for picking up the book was that it contained re-imagined versions of classic characters from my favorite comic book of all-time; 'JSA' ('Justice Society of America'). Some of the things I've enjoyed about this series so far have been the renderings by Nicola Scott, and the story by James Robinson. The series is dialogue-heavy, so to speak, which I'm perfectly fine with as long as the plot is good, the story is enjoyable, and the characters are intriguing. So far, I must admit that I have found no character in this series more engaging than Jay Garrick, the 'Earth 2' version of 'The Flash'. Jay Garrick is portrayed as a gifted and optimistic young man who is brave, but unsure of himself. He receives the power to move at extraordinary speeds from an unlikely source despite his objections on the matter. Another character of notice is the re-imagined version of 'Hawk-Girl'; Kendra Munoz-Saunders, a treasure-hunter of Afro-Latino descent who somehow attains both a pair of wings that enable her to fly, and an erray of ancient and modern weapons at her disposal. Then there is 'The Atom'; Al Pratt, a soldier for the world army who has the ability to grow to giant proportions. Also, there is 'Mr. Terrific'; Michael Holt, an African-American scientist and inventor, and 'Mr. 8'; Terry Sloan, a corporate CEO. Allegedly these two are the world's smartest men. Finally, there is 'Dr. Fate'; Khalid Ben-Hassin, who discovers the helmet of Nabu (an ancient Egyptian artifact) during an archeological expedition, and is subsequently driven insane after putting it on. As far as what I have disliked about this series so far, well...I really dislike the re-imagining of 'Green Lantern' Alan Scott as a gay character. It seems as if the character was rewritten as a gay man simply for the sake of sensationalism. Samuel Zhao, the man whom Alan Scott is involved with, is murdered when someone blows up a train they're both passengers on. This explosion occurs right at what would be considered by some to be a critical moment between the two characters. Alan Scott's life is saved by a flaming green energy which bestows upon him the power and title of 'Green Lantern'. Due to this turn of events, Alan Scott decides to use this power to not only find the one who murdered Samuel Zhao, but to defend the planet Earth in honor of his memory. If Alan Scott's love interest had been a woman named Samantha, his motivation for taking on the mantle of 'Green Lantern' would have been exactly the same. So, why write him as a gay man then? Why did DC specifically choose to re-imagine Alan Scott in this way and not Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, or Kyle Rayner? This is not to say that I approve of intimate relations between two people of the same gender. I don't. However, I understand that people who practice this kind of lifestyle actually do exist in the real world, and that comic books are an art form which (loosely) attempts to imitate real life. Or, for lack of a better term; the real world (No pun intended, Mr. Winick). DC knows that they have an audience of fans which include gay people. This same demographic of comic book fans seek mainstream representation in comic books which doesn't include what they would consider to be "negative" pop-culture stereotypes. From a business standpoint, DC knows that if they cater to as many demographics as they can among their readers, they'll increase the sales of their comic books and generate a greater profit. That is why (in my opinion) it would have been different had DC decided for Hal Jordan to have been rewritten as a gay person, as opposed to Alan Scott. Still, I find the current Alan Scott incarnation to be far better written than the newest protagonist of DC's current 'Green Lantern' series; "Muslim" Arab-American, Simon Baz. This is surprising for me. For one, I'm a Muslim. Most people would think that I'd be quite enthusiastic and supportive of a comic book series featuring a mainstream "Muslim" superhero. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as Simon Baz seems to be anything but Muslim. He steals, has a tattoo on his right arm which he openly displays, and he illegally carries a firearm. Most significantly, he doesn't pray. Also, he commits an act of polytheism every time he recites the oath of the 'Green Lantern' upon charging his power ring. True Muslims recite the first chapter of the Qur'an at least seventeen times a day, and pledge their allegiance to Allah and His Final Messenger; Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. He commits another act of polytheism when he calls upon the Green Lantern power ring to help him when he's in trouble. True Muslims call upon Allah for help. They do not call upon amulets, trinkets, rings, bracelets, or any other kind of inanimate object, to help them when they require aid.
"It is You (Allah alone) Whom we worship, and it is from You (Allah alone) Whom we seek aid."
[Qur'an 1:4]
To supplicate for aid from anything other than Allah is considered an act of idol worship, or polytheism. In the Qur'an, all of these actions are described using the term, 'shirk'. In Islam, polytheism (or 'shirk') is completely forbidden. In fact, Islam considers polytheism to be the worst sin a human being could ever commit as it is the only sin Allah does not forgive should one die committing it. So, despite being called a "Muslim", there is nothing at all, especially from his actions (outwardly, aesthetically, or otherwise), that seems the least bit "Muslim" about Simon Baz other than the fact that DC calls him a "Muslim". Whereas the re-imagined 'Earth 2' version of Alan Scott is not only called 'gay', but he is also an adherent of gay lifestyle who conducts himself accordingly. With all of that being said, I think that James Robinson is writing an incredibly intriguing series that will probably be talked and debated about among DC fans for the next year. Objectively, I can give what I've read of the 'Earth 2' series so far an 8.5 out of 10.
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