Star Wars Episode 1 3D

As the 3-D premiere of Episode 1 comes closer, here's a few things to watch for in the movie. Unless you haven't seen the movie before or just watching it again for nostalgic fun, there are some elements which deserve a second look.  No matter your feelings towards the Jar Jar Binks character, here's some movie aspects to key in:

Jedi Order: George Lucas showcases the Jedis whose glory were only hinted at, during the original trilogy. Before Order 66 and Emperor Palpatine branding them as traitors, Episode 1 features the Jedi Council and Jedi-Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Jedi Knight in training (Padawan) Obi-Wan Kenobi, striving to protect and maintain order within the Republic. There's no other time within the original trilogy that you'll see the Jedis in this stunning portrayal, before the dark times, before the Empire.

Galactic Senate: It's like art imitating life, as political quagmire unfolds and sets the stage for the rise of Senator Palpatine.  You'll witness, the early machinations of Palpatine/Darth Sidious when he uses a trade dispute with the Trade Federation, as an opportunity for the Sith to rule the Galaxy. Unfortunately, an emotional and maybe immature Queen Amidala falls for his plan.

Slavery: Despite democratic ideals within the Galactic Republic, slavery existed within the outer rim planets, notably Tatooine.  The Hutt clan had control of Tatooine.  Young Anakin Skywalker, a slave with a high midi-chloran count, was eventually discovered by Qui-Gon Jinn and Padme.

Rob Liefeld New 52

No matter what your feelings are towards Rob Liefeld and if you didn't get enough of his work during the New 52 Hawk & Dove series, well he's back again. DC Comics has announced that Liefeld will be on the creative team for three series, starting with their respective ninth issue. Liefeld will be writing and illustrating Deathstroke, plotting Hawkman and also Grifter. The issues will all premiere in May and given Liefeld's past reputation as being tardy, we can't say if future issues will be on time! Pictured above are the Liefeld premiere issue covers.

Images courtesy DC Comics

Before Watchmen

The Before Watchmen initiative by DC Comics certainly drew a lot controversy and criticism but it's time we moved past that. Regardless of how much we decry the decision to expand upon the Watchmen saga, we mustn't forget that it's still property owned by DC Comics/Warner Bros. and they can basically do whatever they want. I respect Alan Moore's work and it's unfortunate that the situation resulted in this manner. You can ultimately decide to boycott this entire release and send DC Comics the message that you still care about the integrity of the Watchmen miniseries.

What's notable about one of the titles forthcoming, is the Minutemen miniseries. It's interesting to see that writer Darwyn Cooke was tapped to tackle this super group. I would've preferred to see someone like James Robinson helm the early adventures of the Minutemen during that time period. While Cooke's work on DC: The New Frontier was outstanding, Robinson has the experience and pedigree if you will, with that era of heroes. Cooke's work might differ from the grim and gritty portrayal of the Minutemen, by Moore and focus more on characterization. Not to knock Cooke's work but it appears that we're getting a totally different look at the Minutemen artistically and story wise.

While we're looking forward to Before Watchmen, we won't be picking up all the planned releases.  Nevertheless, it's exciting to see DC Comics revisit this classic and enjoy a different look at the saga.

Images copyright DC Comics 

Avengers v. X-Men Variant Covers

Ahead of the upcoming battle of the year, Marvel Comics has unveiled the variant covers Avengers v. X-Men issues 1 and 2. Ryan Stegman pencils an awesome variant cover for issue 1 showcasing Captain America taking on Cyclops. Nick Bradshaw provides the art chores for the issue 2 variant cover.  Which side are you on?

Images via Marvel Comics

Earth 2 Earth

Justice Society of America Annual 1

DC Comics has previously announced the premiere of a new comic-book titled Earth 2 in the coming months. Earth 2 is of course the parallel Earth inhabited by the Golden Age heroes known as the Justice Society and judging from the solicitation previews provided by DC Comics, they'll be the focus of the new title. Writer James Robinson will pen the series as well with art provided by the amazing Nicola Scott. What's still left unclear and not yet fully revealed is if the title will also showcase a modern version of the Earth as well.

Naming a comic-book Earth 2 certainly leaves plenty of possibilities for stories and characters to populate the series. We could see the return of Infinity, Inc. (during modern times obviously) as well or perhaps the Justice Society Infinity as pictured above.  Which brings up the possibilities of a Justice League crossover once again. Furthermore, stories could flashback and forth from present to the past showcasing the Golden Age heroes and the modern day ones of Earth 2 and well the ideas are just endless.

Another new series that will be tied to Earth 2 is World's Finest, which will be written by Paul Levitz with George Perez and Kevin Maguire sharing the art duties.  The series will focus on Power Girl and The Huntress as they struggle to return to Earth 2. We don't want to speculate too much on both series but suffice to say, we're excited for them!

Cover courtesy DC Wikia

The New 52: Animal Man Issue 6 Review

With horrific creatures chasing after them, will Animal Man and his family escape from the terrors known as The Rot? Will the talking cat annoy them enough to take it to a shelter?