Superman: Earth One

Published in 2010, Superman: Earth One is the first of DC's Earth One original graphic novels. Much like Marvel's extremely successful Ultimate Marvel line of books, Earth One will feature new takes on DC's existing characters, and gives writers the freedom to introduce classic heroes to new audiences without being limited to ongoing continuity.

Unfortunately, the comic book world has far been spoiled with almost too many different Superman origin stories. Unlike Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, or even Batman, Superman's origin has been retold and rebooted more than enough. His origin just can't seem to be left alone! Several stories have been published in just the last 10 years, including Mark Waid's Birthright, Geoff Johns' Secret Origin, and J. Michael Straczynski's Earth One. It's currently being retold again in the New 52 in Grant Morrison's run on Action Comics. Superman's origin isn't safe from Hollywood reboots either - don't forget Zack Snyder's upcoming Man of Steel film set for 2013.

So how does Superman: Earth One fare? In a nutshell, it's a smooth read but isn't quite the quintessential origin. Too many distinct changes to the Superman mythology make it difficult to accept. With as many Superman origins out there, they are all hard to read with an open mind because his traits and ideals are so important to what makes him who he is. And in this particular case, the new twists that Straczynski decides to explore hurt Superman's origin more than add to it. Shane Davis' art, though not horrible, is also flawed. (Spoilers ahead.)

Review: Doom Patrol: Magic Bus

The strangeness continues as the Doom Patrol faces an all new incarnation of the Brotherhood of Evil in the Magic Bus paperback.  However, this lineup of villains doesn't offer much resistance with the regards to power and pathos of the earlier formation and the collected issues detailing the new group doesn't quite live up with the build-up.  Morrison still pens another masterpiece of unique delight with this collection though as the individual issues within the collection provide more fun and appeal overall goodness.

When Grant Morrison retooled the Doom Patrol lineup, the team faced an equally strange collection of super villains to match their strangeness.  The first supergroup that the Doom Patrol tackled was a new incarnation of their old villains, the Brotherhood of Evil.  With Grant Morrison's version, the villains,  became transformed with an all new lineup, now known as the Brotherhood of Dada. Teaming up with the members of the Justice League, the Doom Patrol defeat the Brotherhood, at the cost of some damage to Cliff Steele, who later receives a new body. The newest lineup despite the appeal of the fresh members, fails to match the original Brotherhood's power.

Earth 2 Batman and Robin Concept Designs

The upcoming Earth 2 comic book isn't exactly what we had originally envisioned it would be as more designs are revealed for some of the characters playing major roles in that new series.  DC Comics has unveiled the Batman and now, Robin concept artwork.  Jim Lee designed the parallel Earth costume for Batman and Kevin Maguire's artwork captures the new look for Robin, who is actually Helena Wayne. Suffice to say, we're still excited for this new series!

Via DC Comics

Arkham City Lockdown 1.2 Update for iPhone

The latest update for Arkham City Lockdown for iPhone and iPad (1.2) now features the new playable Harley Quinn level.  Additionally, you'll get two new skins which includes Batman, Inc. and a free Bruce Wayne skin.

Download the game from the App Store:

AvX Program Guide

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