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Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Top 5 Ares/Mars God of War Covers
The Amazing Amazon has been in conflict with the God of War from the start, but the "official," consistent threat of the modern Ares launched with the second Wonder Woman series in 1987. Ares was one of the three favorite villains used throughout that volume's near twenty year span, but has been largely absent in recent time, although his son got up to a good deal of wickedness over in Teen Titans. Surprisingly, his long term presence in the comics has never been reflected in covers, so I've combined Ares with the Pre-Crisis Mars, and will still barely squeeze out a top 5 list...
5) Wonder Woman #310 (December, 1983)
4) Wonder Woman #206 (July, 1973)
3) Wonder Woman #215 (January, 1975)
2) Wonder Woman #82 (January, 1994)
1) Wonder Woman #6 (July, 1987)
Check out more spotlight countdowns of great art from the past 75 years of DC Comics Covers at DC75: Top Character Covers of the Dodranscentennial
5) Wonder Woman #310 (December, 1983)
4) Wonder Woman #206 (July, 1973)
3) Wonder Woman #215 (January, 1975)
2) Wonder Woman #82 (January, 1994)
1) Wonder Woman #6 (July, 1987)
Check out more spotlight countdowns of great art from the past 75 years of DC Comics Covers at DC75: Top Character Covers of the Dodranscentennial
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Top 5 Circe Covers
Wonder Woman and Superman are similar in that they are both powerful, optimistic, and world renowned heroes with crap villains. Now, the Man of Steel's creators so revere the property, they keep bringing back Superman's garbage foes, no matter how stupid and useless, "revamping" them with layer after layer of additional dreck. Alternately, the Amazing Amazon's enlisted creators typically haven't cared enough to actually do any research or even read her comics, and instead try to "fix her" by reinventing the wheel. Essentially, Wonder Woman creative teams think they're going to set the world on fire by playing out the exact same tropes over and over again (destroy Paradise Island, replace Wonder Woman, introduce world-shakingly powerful new arch-villain, tie a new adversary to some dark secret of the Amazons, evil version of Diana, etc.) By extension, the Amazon Princess keeps fighting variations on the same villains, but each goes by a different name, and few reappear.
Circe was a minor Golden Age villain who appeared (sans continuity) in more Lois Lane comics than Wonder Woman ones. She was reintroduced in the waning years of Amazing Amazon's first series, and revised early into George Pérez Post-Crisis reboot of the character. Pérez's swan song from Wonder Woman and DC Comics as a whole for the better part of a decade was the bungled event book War of the Gods, which featured Circe as its villain. Although poorly received, the event seemed to embed Circe in the fan consciousness as a primary foe of Princess Diana, so that she's managed to thrive while each new creative teams' "arch-foe" is forgotten in turn.
Honorable Mention: Wonder Woman #313 (March, 1984)
Despite spending five years as cover artist on the book, Adam Hughes never drew more of Circe than her face. In fact, Circe has a history of slight to none in the cover appearance department. Here, the whole of Circe and her primary ability are clearly visible, all before her big splash in the Post-Crisis reboot.
5) Wonder Woman #4 (February, 2007)
Bondage, another new costume design, allusions to Circe's main tactic and a Wonder Woman foe empowered by stripping Diana of her signature weapon. This could have been a top contender, if not for the terrible coloring that mutes the impact of every other element.
4) War of the Gods #4 (December, 1991)
A busy cover during a massive crossover, but the figures your eyes register are the Amazon warrior and her taunting foe, the latter famed for turning her feminine whiles into her primary weapon.
3) Wonder Woman #7 (June, 2007)
Take a fairly stock Wonder Woman image and pervert it with Circe's presence. The result is a kinky and memorable cover.
2) Wonder Woman #89 (August, 1994)
Snapshot of the mid-90s: A two issue fill-in story with some of the worst art to ever appear in a Wonder Woman comic involves the return of Circe after the dismal War of the Gods. Previously a negligible presence, the "bad girl" speculator fad turned a poor redesign of Circe's costume into cause for a junk bond price hike of this suddenly desirable collector's item edition. Certainly contributed to, if not being directly responsible for Circe's elevation to the role of "the" Wonder Woman villain.
1) Wonder Woman #19 (August, 1988)
This was the story that introduced the Post-Crisis Circe, who would become Wonder Woman's primary foil for the next twenty-odd years. Also, we've got upfront bondage and sexual politics, so its a return to the Golden Age roots!
Circe was a minor Golden Age villain who appeared (sans continuity) in more Lois Lane comics than Wonder Woman ones. She was reintroduced in the waning years of Amazing Amazon's first series, and revised early into George Pérez Post-Crisis reboot of the character. Pérez's swan song from Wonder Woman and DC Comics as a whole for the better part of a decade was the bungled event book War of the Gods, which featured Circe as its villain. Although poorly received, the event seemed to embed Circe in the fan consciousness as a primary foe of Princess Diana, so that she's managed to thrive while each new creative teams' "arch-foe" is forgotten in turn.
Honorable Mention: Wonder Woman #313 (March, 1984)
Despite spending five years as cover artist on the book, Adam Hughes never drew more of Circe than her face. In fact, Circe has a history of slight to none in the cover appearance department. Here, the whole of Circe and her primary ability are clearly visible, all before her big splash in the Post-Crisis reboot.
5) Wonder Woman #4 (February, 2007)
Bondage, another new costume design, allusions to Circe's main tactic and a Wonder Woman foe empowered by stripping Diana of her signature weapon. This could have been a top contender, if not for the terrible coloring that mutes the impact of every other element.
4) War of the Gods #4 (December, 1991)
A busy cover during a massive crossover, but the figures your eyes register are the Amazon warrior and her taunting foe, the latter famed for turning her feminine whiles into her primary weapon.
3) Wonder Woman #7 (June, 2007)
Take a fairly stock Wonder Woman image and pervert it with Circe's presence. The result is a kinky and memorable cover.
2) Wonder Woman #89 (August, 1994)
Snapshot of the mid-90s: A two issue fill-in story with some of the worst art to ever appear in a Wonder Woman comic involves the return of Circe after the dismal War of the Gods. Previously a negligible presence, the "bad girl" speculator fad turned a poor redesign of Circe's costume into cause for a junk bond price hike of this suddenly desirable collector's item edition. Certainly contributed to, if not being directly responsible for Circe's elevation to the role of "the" Wonder Woman villain.
1) Wonder Woman #19 (August, 1988)
This was the story that introduced the Post-Crisis Circe, who would become Wonder Woman's primary foil for the next twenty-odd years. Also, we've got upfront bondage and sexual politics, so its a return to the Golden Age roots!
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Top 5 Artemis Covers
When I started this Wonder Woman blog, the most common reaction from folks who visit my other blogs was along the lines of "Really? Why? I don't like Wonder Woman." Artemis was sort of the mouthpiece for this perspective, as new readers were ushered into the Amazing Amazon's comic in the mid-90s during DC's event fever. Artemis existed to point out Princess Diana's weak areas, briefly take her place with a take-no-prisoners attitude, piss off all her super-hero friends, and die in order to prove how great Diana really is. Very typical DC m.o., except that while John Byrne boosted sales with his once reliable 50,000 old fans, he drove off all the hip kids that had come on specifically for Artemis and the revamped Circe. Not only did Byrne's faithful stray over the course of his run, but the bottom really dropped out after he left. In the meantime, Artemis was swiftly resurrected, then promptly neutered, becoming a stalwart background player.
I never had much love for Artemis, but whether as a spoiler or a supporting player, I appreciate her role in the Wonder Woman cannon. I also really enjoy the fact that she served as the most recent Wonder Girl's teacher. Wonder Woman is among the worst mentors to her kid "sidekicks" this side of Brat Pack, and given Cassie Sandsmark is the most volatile of the Wonder Girls, I like to think Artemis is still getting her digs in from the sidelines. If she can't openly mock a DC icon (perish the thought,) maybe she can at least corrupt her standard bearers...
5) Wonder Woman #124 (August, 1997)
Visually, the last hurrah of Artemis as an antagonist before it wouldn't play anymore.
4) Wonder Woman: The Contest (1995)
A quick trade paperback to bridge the gap between the single issues' low print runs and the new demand for Mike Deodato Jr. bad girl art. This was also from the days when they still bothered with original covers and the occasional foreword. I thought for sure at least one Brian Bolland cover would make this list, but Artemis just wasn't really his speed.
3) Wonder Woman #142 (March, 1999)
If you needed an image to signify the shift of Artemis from catty adversary to hard ass supporting cast member, this would be the one to go to.
2) Wonder Woman #93 (January, 1995)
The debut of Fly Girl Princess Diana and Extreme Wonder Woman Artemis! Taste the '90s, and note the burning sensation in your throat! That's mono, bitches!
1) Artemis: Requiem #1 (June, 1996)
The first issue of the only Artemis solo project to date. I suspect that after co-creator William Messner-Loebs was dumped from Wonder Woman to make way for John Byrne, this was his consolation prize. Artemis was too tough for hell, and fought her way out.She was also too tough to switch to the more easily trademarked "Requiem" as a terrible Chromium Age handle.
Check out more spotlight countdowns of great art from the past 75 years of DC Comics Covers at DC75: Top Character Covers of the Dodranscentennial
I never had much love for Artemis, but whether as a spoiler or a supporting player, I appreciate her role in the Wonder Woman cannon. I also really enjoy the fact that she served as the most recent Wonder Girl's teacher. Wonder Woman is among the worst mentors to her kid "sidekicks" this side of Brat Pack, and given Cassie Sandsmark is the most volatile of the Wonder Girls, I like to think Artemis is still getting her digs in from the sidelines. If she can't openly mock a DC icon (perish the thought,) maybe she can at least corrupt her standard bearers...
5) Wonder Woman #124 (August, 1997)
Visually, the last hurrah of Artemis as an antagonist before it wouldn't play anymore.
4) Wonder Woman: The Contest (1995)
A quick trade paperback to bridge the gap between the single issues' low print runs and the new demand for Mike Deodato Jr. bad girl art. This was also from the days when they still bothered with original covers and the occasional foreword. I thought for sure at least one Brian Bolland cover would make this list, but Artemis just wasn't really his speed.
3) Wonder Woman #142 (March, 1999)
If you needed an image to signify the shift of Artemis from catty adversary to hard ass supporting cast member, this would be the one to go to.
2) Wonder Woman #93 (January, 1995)
The debut of Fly Girl Princess Diana and Extreme Wonder Woman Artemis! Taste the '90s, and note the burning sensation in your throat! That's mono, bitches!
1) Artemis: Requiem #1 (June, 1996)
The first issue of the only Artemis solo project to date. I suspect that after co-creator William Messner-Loebs was dumped from Wonder Woman to make way for John Byrne, this was his consolation prize. Artemis was too tough for hell, and fought her way out.She was also too tough to switch to the more easily trademarked "Requiem" as a terrible Chromium Age handle.
Check out more spotlight countdowns of great art from the past 75 years of DC Comics Covers at DC75: Top Character Covers of the Dodranscentennial
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Huntress' Top 10 Covers
Last year, Brian Cronin at CBR's Comics Should Be Good came up with his list of The Most Iconic Covers for thirty different characters. Some I felt were stronger than others, and took enough exception to his list for the Martian Manhunter that I compiled an extension. Meanwhile, DC is revving up for a year's worth of 75th Anniversary variant covers, which I commented on at length at my new Wonder Woman blog. However, it wasn't until Anj at Supergirl Comic Box Commentary offered his choices for a potential Supergirl 75th Anniversary Variant Cover that it occurred to me I'd like to throw my hat into the ring in a fairly big way. Since performing this feat with Wonder Woman herself will take an eternity, I decided to start out with another featured heroine with a far smaller catalog and an even more narrow selection of decent covers.
10) Birds of Prey #59 (October, 2003)
When you think of the Huntress-infused incarnation of the BoP, this image will likely come to mind. A shame Huntress looks more like a prostitute than a vigilante in that get-up.
9) Nightwing and Huntress #4 (August, 1998)
Remember the days when Robin was like a young uncle to Helena Wayne? Those days were forever lost when the decidedly more predatory Helena Bertinelli seduced Dick Grayson, and the chill that followed is on display here.
8) Wonder Woman #271 (September, 1980)
The debut of Huntress as Wonder Woman's ongoing back-up feature, and two swell covers for the price of one!
7) Superman/Batman #27 (July, 2006)
A much-needed shout-out to another Earth-2 dynamic duo gone astray. Huntress just isn't this person anymore, but its worth remembering when...
6) Detective Comics #652 (October, 1992)
After a couple of years in limbo, Huntress was reintroduced through this eye-seizing cover by a young Travis Charest.
5) The Huntress #1 (April, 1989)
Our heroine's first and only ongoing solo book starts here, with an alright cover that will be played over in variations throughout the short-lived series.
4) Batman: Streets of Gotham #6 (January, 2010)
Simply badass.
3) Birds of Prey #69 (September, 2004)
Raw sexuality and bad, anti-authoritarian attitude. This one image perfectly sums up Gail Simone's excellent take on the heroine.
2) Detective Comics #653 (November, 1992)
The anatomy is dubious and the crosshatching so very nineties, but Huntress is pushing Batman aside and grinning her "I got this" grin." Yes, ma'am!
1) DC Super Stars #17 (December, 1977)
Let's see-- first major cover appearance... origin story... cool image tossing Green Arrow and the Legion on the backburner... Yeah, this is a winner.
10) Birds of Prey #59 (October, 2003)
When you think of the Huntress-infused incarnation of the BoP, this image will likely come to mind. A shame Huntress looks more like a prostitute than a vigilante in that get-up.
9) Nightwing and Huntress #4 (August, 1998)
Remember the days when Robin was like a young uncle to Helena Wayne? Those days were forever lost when the decidedly more predatory Helena Bertinelli seduced Dick Grayson, and the chill that followed is on display here.
8) Wonder Woman #271 (September, 1980)
The debut of Huntress as Wonder Woman's ongoing back-up feature, and two swell covers for the price of one!
7) Superman/Batman #27 (July, 2006)
A much-needed shout-out to another Earth-2 dynamic duo gone astray. Huntress just isn't this person anymore, but its worth remembering when...
6) Detective Comics #652 (October, 1992)
After a couple of years in limbo, Huntress was reintroduced through this eye-seizing cover by a young Travis Charest.
5) The Huntress #1 (April, 1989)
Our heroine's first and only ongoing solo book starts here, with an alright cover that will be played over in variations throughout the short-lived series.
4) Batman: Streets of Gotham #6 (January, 2010)
Simply badass.
3) Birds of Prey #69 (September, 2004)
Raw sexuality and bad, anti-authoritarian attitude. This one image perfectly sums up Gail Simone's excellent take on the heroine.
2) Detective Comics #653 (November, 1992)
The anatomy is dubious and the crosshatching so very nineties, but Huntress is pushing Batman aside and grinning her "I got this" grin." Yes, ma'am!
1) DC Super Stars #17 (December, 1977)
Let's see-- first major cover appearance... origin story... cool image tossing Green Arrow and the Legion on the backburner... Yeah, this is a winner.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
2010 Justice Society of America #41 variant cover by George Pérez
Click To Enlarge
This is a fledgling blog, so we're only on our first of what will be a great many George Pérez-related posts, not counting the cover images by Pérez I've already used.
Frank Harry's 1943 cover to All-Star Comics #16 has been referenced many times, most memorably by Neal Adams in the '70s, and most recently by Pérez as part of DC's 75th Anniversary variant cover series. I figure Marvel Comics did their level best to preemptively steal DC's thunder with their bogus 70th anniversary painted variants. Instead, they gave DC all the ammunition they needed. Marvel's single figures by middle rung painters against a white background can't help but look cheap and rushed against DC's fully realized recreations by the best artists in the industry. I'd only consider Walt Simonson's Detective Comics #69 homage and Eduardo Risso Superman #233 lift to be interesting failures, but the above and Mike Mignola's take on Detective Comics #168 are outstanding, while Lee Bermejo's stunning interpretation of Legion of Super-Heroes #294 makes my naughty bits tingle. I complain a lot about modern DC editorial, but when they get something this right, how can you not applaud?
This is a fledgling blog, so we're only on our first of what will be a great many George Pérez-related posts, not counting the cover images by Pérez I've already used.
Frank Harry's 1943 cover to All-Star Comics #16 has been referenced many times, most memorably by Neal Adams in the '70s, and most recently by Pérez as part of DC's 75th Anniversary variant cover series. I figure Marvel Comics did their level best to preemptively steal DC's thunder with their bogus 70th anniversary painted variants. Instead, they gave DC all the ammunition they needed. Marvel's single figures by middle rung painters against a white background can't help but look cheap and rushed against DC's fully realized recreations by the best artists in the industry. I'd only consider Walt Simonson's Detective Comics #69 homage and Eduardo Risso Superman #233 lift to be interesting failures, but the above and Mike Mignola's take on Detective Comics #168 are outstanding, while Lee Bermejo's stunning interpretation of Legion of Super-Heroes #294 makes my naughty bits tingle. I complain a lot about modern DC editorial, but when they get something this right, how can you not applaud?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
2007 Huntress/The Question: Conquest '52 Fan Video
I discovered Patti Page's 1952 hit "Conquest" in my father's CD collection in 2006, and wanted to share it online, but I couldn't find an actual video. The line about "the huntress" ate at the comic geek in me, so I finally caved and decided to make my first fan video(s.) I've spoken at length about digging the Huntress, and I've liked the Question since the Denny O'Neil series. I thought it was great when the Justice League Unlimited cartoon made them a couple, and that's the focus of the initial video. This was my second edit, and the original was much different (far better timed overall, but lacking pizazz.) This was a real learning experience for me in working with old programs in new ways, so if these go over, I'd like to someday try making more (and better, and please God faster!)
In collecting video for my first edit, I had so many great scenes left over, I decided to make a more action-packed cut employing the White Stripes' new cover of "Conquest." This one featured Black Canary extensively, as well as Wonder Woman, Vixen and Hawkgirl. Unfortunately, Warner Brothers Music took exception to my promoting Warner Brothers owned comic book characters, and YouTube removed the video. Maybe I'll dig up my old file someday and post the pure video.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: This is a non-profit fan production that is in no way intended to infringe on the various copyright holders for video, characters, and music. Please don't hurt me Warner Brothers/DC Comics!
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