#Special Imagine ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' Dc & Marvel Comics!

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Special Imagine ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'' Dc & Marvel Comics!

[fancoloredglasses]

[RERUN] SHAZAM! (the other Captain Marvel)

[All images are owned by DC Comics and Filmation. I promise I’m too poor to sue]

[NOTE: If you wish to see the original review, you may do so here]

(All video clips are thanks to Warner Bros. Classics)

In the 70s through the 90s, it was kind of confusing that both Marvel and DC (or National Publications, depending on the year) both had a character named Captain Marvel. Therefore, before we get into the subject of this review (on the DC side of things), I’ll give the convoluted story of how this happened…

(Thanks to wikipedia)

Captain Marvel was created in 1939 by Fawcett Comics as part of their WHIZ Comics title. In the comics, 10 year-old Billy Batson was granted awesome powers by the wizard Shazam…

(Thanks to iFanboy)

Shortly thereafter, National Publications (the company that would eventually be known as DC Comics) sued Fawcett because Captain Marvel was more popular than too similar to Superman.  National eventually won the suit (after a few appeals) and Fawcett was forced to stop publishing Captain Marvel.  National/DC eventually licensed the character from Fawcett beginning in the 70s before acquiring the character outright in 1991.

Now, Marvel saw the Captain Marvel name not being used and wasn’t about to let an opportunity go to waste!

(Thanks to Marvel Database)

So in 1967, they published Captain Marvel, the adventures of an alien named Mar-Vell who would be the first of three heroes to carry the name (and trademarked title, since Fawcett’s Captain was published in WHIZ Comics).

(Thanks to Marvel)

The second would be Monica Rambeau,

(Thanks again to Marvel)

and the third (and current) being Carol Danvers.

So DC and Marvel both had legal rights to a character named Captain Marvel (though Marvel had the rights to the title) once they licensed the character, DC started using the Captain under the title SHAZAM! (Since Marvel had the title Captain Marvel trademarked) Eventually, DC gave up any ties to the name Captain Marvel and just called the hero Shazam (which must make introductions hard, since uttering his name would transform him between the hero and Billy Batson)

In the 70s, Filmation licensed the use of National’s version in the SHAZAM! Saturday morning television series. True to Filmation form, the show had a moral that permeated the show with a mini-PSA at the end just to hammer the point home.

Captain Marvel was the first DC hero I knew about (but not the first super hero, thanks to Marvel teaming up with the Children’s Television Workshop to put Spider-Man on The Electric Company) so you can imagine my frustration that there were no comic books out featuring the good Captain, save the occasional appearance when the Captain visited Earth-1 from Earth-S (If this confuses you, check out my review of Crisis on Infinite Earths; this will be given RERUN treatment soon, so watch for it!)

Now, if you saw the opening credits I posted above (and if you didn’t, please do so.  I’ll wait right here. All set? Good), you will note that the Wizard Shazam is nowhere to be seen.  Instead, we have the Six Elders, who grant Billy their abilities. (and it should be noted that they are the inspiration of Billy’s powers in the comics, just not personified) They are…

The wisdom of Solomon

The strength of Hercules

The stamina of Atlas

The power of Zeus

The courage of Achilles

The speed of Mercury

Now one would think that, given this is a super hero show, we would see Captain Marvel fight super villains, or at least the occasional bank robber. However, we never see a trace of Black Adam, Dr. Sivana, or even Mr. Mind. (check out the DC Comics Database if you’re unfamiliar with these characters) Instead, we’re treated to an After School Special with super powers.

We start with Billy Batson (who has obviously been Captain Marvel for a few years, as he looks like he’s at least 16) and his mentor (whose name is apparently “Mentor”)

…driving through what looks like southern California in a Winnebago with the Captain’s lightning bolt emblem on the front (you would think that would make it easier for the likes of the Captain’s rogues gallery to find them…)

…when Billy is summoned by what looks like a cross between a disco ball and the gaudiest Christmas decoration ever.

We are then treated to a conversation between Billy and a badly-animated representation of the Elders, who inform Billy he’s about to encounter the subject of this week’s moral and advice on how to help them (you’d think if they knew all this they could directly intervene, but I guess Billy and Mentor are the only ones who believe in the Greek gods any more, so they can’t manifest on Earth)

Sure enough, not five minutes later Billy and Mentor encounter the subject of the week’s moral.  Billy tries to help, but then the stakes get raised that there is real danger involved (usually self-inflicted), so…

…Captain Marvel flies in to Save The Day.

Then Captain Marvel shows up in a typical Filmation mini-PSA to hammer the moral into the kids’ brains one final time.

OK, given Filmation did this on a Saturday Morning budget with a bunch of kids who no doubt never acted before in their lives, they tried really hard, but given what Filmation animation released 10 years later, (such as He-Man and She-Ra) not to mention what it was doing at the time (such as Star Trek and Fat Albert and the [REDACTED] Kids), SHAZAM! did not age well.  However, it was popular enough to last three seasons…

…and get a second actor to play Captain Marvel after the first left due to a contract dispute.

(Thanks to SATURDAY MORNINGS FOREVER)

A few years later, Captain Marvel would get a second shot on TV, this time animated with the entire “Marvel Family��, although they had to share the spotlight with a live-action “comedy” show.

As always, if there are any episodes you would like to see (apparently there is an anti-drug episode that features cocaine (on a 70s kids’ show? What the hell did they think kids were doing?!)), let me know. If you would like to watch the series, it's available behind your favorite paywall.

[thegeekerynj]

Death Metal: Infinite Hour EXXXTREME! One Shot

An Occasional Attempt to Read, Discuss and Review the Wonders of Comics

By: John Rafferty, cranky old man, and Fan of All Things Comics

Death Metal: Infinite Hour EXXXTREME! One Shot 

Writers: Frank Tieri / Becky Cloonan/ Sam Humphries   Artists: Tyler Kirkham / Rags Morales / Denys Cowan & Bill Sienkiewicz

‘Zactly which one o’ ya BASTICHES is gonna change my diaper?!’

———————————————————————————————————

Ambush Bug and Cheeks, the Toy Wonder. 

Buddy Baker, Animal Man. 

John Byrne’s Jennifer Walters, She Hulk. 

Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxyzptlk. 

Superboy-Prime and Alexander Luthor, Junior. 

Tippy-Toe and Monkey Joe, Squirrel Girl’s companions.

And of course, Wade Wilson, the Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool.

All characters who joyously break the Fourth Wall, and interact with you, Gentle Reader, on a regular basis, should you in fact choose to read any of the publications they are featured in.

Add to this list my personal favorite, the Fraggin’ Ultimate Bastich from Czarnia, the Main Man hisself, and you have the subject of the current one shot of this speeding train to hell, LOBO.

WHYYYYYYY? You might scream, at the top of your lungs, in a near pandemonium induced frenzy… What possible reason could there be for this lunacy, outside of Keith Giffen’s mind? 

Well, be at peace, Gentle Readers, for there is a reason for this madness. Reason and, believe it or not, direction. For, you see, this is a story of three parts, each unique, and special, and glorious in their lunacy. 

Oh, and did I mention the last one is done by the artistic teal of Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz?

I didn’t? Wall…. Shut your fraggin’ pinhole and listen to the Main Reviewer!

The first Story is the preluder to Death Metal for Lobo, and how he becomes involved in the actual story. For those who have been following the Death Metal book, you already know Lobo has been working for Luthor, hired to find something of immense value.

Today, we get the lowdown.

We also find out that on one of the Dark Universe Earths, Bruce Wayne has combined Czarnian DNA with his own Human DNA, creating a hybrid, ‘the Mainest Man of All, the Batman Who Frags!’

The Bat’s training, with Czarnian abilities… Holy Mother of Cthulhu! But is he a match for the Ultimate Bastich?

This segment is a neat little story, the lead-in to Partytown, if Partytown is decorated in guts and every possible weapon down to living being. Needless to say, Lobo gets the advantage, takes it, and is able to get out of the Bar, right to Luthor, and his contract.

I must say before going forward that the Writing / Art Team on this Story is a complete unknown to me. This could be due to the fact I am a cranky old jackass, and only like what I like. More likely though, I am not nearly as well read as I should be, and am remiss in saying so. Either way, snob or ignorant, I will cop to both.

Frank Tieri lays the groundwork in this story like a well crafted stone floor. The imperfections, while barely noticeable add to the nuance, the ambiance of the story. You see, the Czarnian’s story is one of legend, and his autobiography (see LOBO #0, October, 1994), which could be legend, or outright bull, or whatever… Anything which appears to be out of character can be attributed to the ‘Legend of The Scourge o’ The Cosmos’.

However you happen to see it, this story works as THE kickoff point for Lobo’s introduction, and the Reader’s first real look at Stan Lee’s favorite DC Character.

Now, let’s talk the art. Tyler Kirkham is a well kept secret for me. His style complements this character very well, to the point that, should the Future State include a Lobo book, he might be a nice to see on art. There is a primal roughness that complements this character completely, and more so when the interaction between Lobo and the Bat is taking place.

Second Story, through the wormhole to the Death Metal…

Earth - Prime. Blackhawk Island. 

Enter Lobo, Stage Right, with Bat Monday right behind him!

Can I say again how much I love the concept of a Batman / Solomon Grundy cross? A Batman who cannot be killed, does not feel pain, is built like a mystical brick house, and has retained SOME of his intellect and fighting skill? How do you defeat that?

Well, being a little bit smarter than Grundy, and dropping the outer wall of Blackhawk Citadel on him is a good start. 

Once past the Bat Monday, on to the Death Metal… and its guardian, Katar Hol, Hawkman. It seems Katar has been studying the properties of this ultimate metal, and journaling all his findings as compiling all the information he could find about it.

Unfortunately, Hol’s notes have been stolen. Luckily, he was able to protect the Death Metal, itself.

Luckily for Lobo. Contract, part 1 complete.

I miss Rags Morales. I didn’t realize how much until I started reading this section of the story. My introduction to his artwork was Identity Crisis, one of the most polarizing stories of the last 40 years ( I highly recommend it, as an example of how grief and the ‘HUMAN’ portion of SUPERHUMAN can be portrayed in literature - Kudos to Brad Meltzer, once again), and if you, Gentle Reader, couldn’t tell, seeing it here brought the feelings back again.

The layouts, breakdowns, detail work… it all works so well in this section of the story. There isn’t a real need for the grittiness evident in the first chapter. This is a more nuanced chapter, with less breakage, and damage.

Writing by Becky Cloonan. Who the F#@% is Becky Cloonan, and why haven’t I read anything by her before? Maybe because she’s primarily known as an artist? Yeah, that’s probably it… But, Sweet Old Ones, why isn’t she writing more??

This was a phenomenal segue from the First Chapter. Well written, great action, characters were really on target, Hell, the interactions between Lobo and Monday were fantastic, and gave me the second great laugh of the issue:

‘…A Lady Never Tells!’

The drop into GemWorld is a nice touch, especially with Lobo now in possession of a material which will allow him to rewrite history, or remake the universe… now with magic!

Part the Third, and my hear starts skipping beats… Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz, Fanboy Viagra!

We start off with a Lobo-ized retcon of the Trinity’s Origin Stories, complete with LOBO in every part! 

Exit to a reclining Lobo, watching this all play out in a pocket universe he created using the Death Metal, fantasizing about his next story, something involving Starfire, … Fraggin’ imaginative Bastich, that Lobo is!

So, rather than delivering the Death Metal, and completing his contract, Lobo has decided to have some Main Man Time, until Brainiac shows up to ruin it. Not by attacking, or fighting, but by pushing Lobo to complete the contract fo Luthor could get the Final Steps of the plan in gear.

Never one to be pushed, Lobo takes the opportunity to remake the Coluan in the image of Miss Tribb, his Fourth Grade teacher (who he detests), until… you guessed it, the Bat who Frags shows up. And comedy ensues!

Sam Humphries finishes this story off perfectly. Total irreverence, complete disregard, and ultimately, Lobo’s need, no his code of honor, which revolves around his completion of a contract which he has undertaken. Sure, Lobo is the ultimate cosmic jerk, under any and every  word which reverences mayhem, destruction and disrespect, one would find the Czarnian’s grinning face, clenching a cigar in his teeth. But, the same photo would be found under HONOR. 

This is the redeeming characteristic of Lobo, his sense of honor.

Sam Humphries redeeming characteristic? Lobo World.

As for the ART TEAM? Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz by themselves are separate perfect storms, capable of rendering incredible work. These two together, well, to quote Wayne Campbell:

‘We’re not worthy!’

These 11 pages are a glorious sensory experience. The detail work, the homage pieces (the Bat-Lobo Retcon has a very Year One look and feel), are marvelous. Nothing left to be misinterpreted, right to the shoulder push through the portal into Lobo World, these Masters of the Craft play off each other to bring about the most amazing visuals, while telling Humphries unadulterated story. 

Like I said, Fanboy Viagra.

This is One for the Ages… well, Three for the Ages, and not to be missed!

Out of 5🌶        🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

[ramajmedia]

Arrowverse: Crisis On Infinite Earths Air Date, Story & Cast Details

Here's everything to know about 2019's Arrowverse crossover, Crisis On Infinite Earths. Based upon the seminal 1985-1986 Crisis On Infinite Earths DC Comics maxi-series created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez, this year's Arrowerse crossover will be the superhero universe's biggest event yet and will span every Arrowverse series on The CW: The Flash, Supergirl, Arrow, Batwoman, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow.

Since the original Arrowverse crossover, Flash Vs. Arrow, in 2014, the annual crossover events have escalated in size and scope as The CW's superhero shared universe has grown. In 2016, The Flash and Arrow were joined by Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow in Invasion! as the heroes teamed up to repel an attack by the alien Dominators. 2017's Crisis On Earth-X saw the wedding of Barry Allen (Grant Gustin) and Iris West (Candice Patton) interrupted by the heroes' Nazi doppelgangers from Earth-X. In 2018's Elseworlds, the Arrowverse grew even more by introducing Batwoman (Ruby Rose) and Gotham City, setting the stage for her new solo series. Elseworlds not only featured Green Arrow (Stephen Amell) and the Flash switching bodies, but the debut of the Monitor (LaMonica Garrett) also laid the groundwork for 2019's Crisis On Infinite Earths crossover event.

Related: Why A Smallville Crossover In Crisis On Infinite Earths Is So Difficult

It could be said that the Arrowverse has been building to Crisis On Infinite Earths for many years, in the same way that the Marvel Cinematic Universe culminated with Avengers: Endgame. Indeed, it's hard to imagine an Arrowverse event bigger than Crisis On Infinite Earths, which could potentially alter The CW's shared universe in fundamental ways - just as the comic book series redefined the DC Universe in the 1980s. Further, Crisis On Infinite Earths will honor previous superhero movies and TV series that influenced the Arrowverse by bringing in special guest stars, which should create major fan service moments. Here is everything to expect from Crisis On Infinite Earths.

Crisis On Infinite Earths Air Dates

Keeping with the monumental scope of the comic book story, Crisis On Infinite Earths will be the biggest Arrowverse crossover yet. The mega-event will span all five Arrowverse series and will be broken up into segments, with the first three hours airing on three consecutive nights in December 2019 and then the final two hours wrapping up the Crisis on the same night in January 2020 after the annual holiday hiatus. Here's how Crisis On Infinite Earth's schedule breaks down:

Supergirl: Sunday, December 8 @ 8pm - Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 1

Batwoman: Monday, December 9 @ 8pm - Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 2

The Flash: Tuesday, December 10 @ 8pm - Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 3

Arrow: Tuesday, January 14 @ 8pm - Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 4

Legends of Tomorrow: Tuesday, January 14 @ 9pm - Crisis On Infinite Earths, Part 5

Note that this Crisis schedule moves Supergirl up to 8pm on December 8; it otherwise airs at 9pm during the 2019/2020 Arrowverse season. Batwoman, which will normally air Sundays at 8pm, moves to Monday night for the Crisis. Also, the final two hours of Crisis on Tuesday, January 14 bumps The Flash from its normal night and moves Arrow up an hour from its normal 9pm slot this season. Additionally, Legends of Tomorrow's Crisis conclusion is considered a "special episode", with the time-traveling series getting a proper season 5 premiere later in January.

Related: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Why Kevin Conroy Is NOT Playing Batman

Crisis On Infinite Earths Story Details

The Crisis On Infinite Earths comics series eliminated the DC Comics Multiverse and merged all of its disparate continuities into one Prime universe. It involved the superheroes banding together to defend their various worlds as they're caught in the middle of a war between two cosmic beings who are siblings and opposites: the Monitor and the Anti-Monitor (both will be played by LaMonica Garrett). Given that the Crisis is about entire worlds being destroyed and merged into one reality, many fans speculate that Crisis On Infinite Earth's endgame is to do the same to the Arrowverse, specifically that it will bring Supergirl, which is set in Earth-38, into Arrow's Earth-1.

The Arrowverse's Crisis will pick up story threads that began with 2018's crossover, Elseworlds, where the Monitor made a secret bargain with Oliver Queen after the Green Arrow sacrificed himself to save Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) and the Flash. Arrow season 7 ended with Oliver leaving with the Monitor to prepare for the Crisis, the ramifications of which will be seen in Arrow season 8. Crisis On Infinite Earths will also pay off The Flash's story since season 1 in which a Central City newspaper's headline dated 2024 read "Flash Missing - Vanishes in Crisis". The events of The Flash season 5's finale moved the timeline of the Crisis up to 2019. Meanwhile, the Monitor made appearances in Supergirl and Legends of Tomorrow's season finales as well, setting up their roles in the Crisis.

Crisis On Infinite Earths also ominously teases major deaths: Oliver Queen could meet his demise since Arrow is ending with season 8. However, in the comics, both the Flash and Supergirl died saving the universe during the Crisis - could their tragic fates be echoed in the Arrowverse crossover as well?

Which Arrowverse Shows Are Crossing Over?

Not only are all five Arrowverse series - Supergirl, Batwoman, Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow - taking part in Crisis On Infinite Earths but characters from Black Lightning will also join the crossover. Black Lightning, which was originally developed for another network like Supergirl, isn't part of the Arrowverse but Crisis On Infinite Earths could end up changing the reality of the superheroes of Freeland as well.

Related: Crisis on Infinite Earths: Predicting Burt Ward's Arrowverse Character

Elseworlds also introduced Batwoman into the Arrowverse, setting the stage not just for her solo series on The CW but for the red-haired vigilante's role in Crisis On Infinite Earths. This will include a team-up with Batwoman and Supergirl since the two World's Finest heroines really hit it off when they met in Elseworlds.

Superhero Actors Returning For Crisis On Infinite Earths

The Arrowverse is already bursting at the seams with superheroes across the five series, but Crisis On Infinite Earths will bring in even more heroes and villains to honor past DC Comics TV series and movies.

First, Crisis On Infinite Earths will feature more than one Superman: Tyler Hoechlin's Man of Steel from Supergirl will be joined by the Kingdom Come Superman, with Brandon Routh reprising the role he played in 2006's Superman Returns (Routh will likely also play Ray Palmer/The Atom from Legends of Tomorrow in Crisis). In addition, Supergirl's Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch) and Lex Luthor (Jon Cryer) will have major roles in Crisis On Infinite Earths and the crossover is also expected to debut Lois and Clark's baby, paying off how the Super couple has been off the planet since Supergirl season 4.

Batman, whose whereabouts remain a mystery in Batwoman's Earth-1, will also be represented in Crisis On Infinite Earths: Kevin Conroy, who voiced the Dark Knight in Batman: The Animated Series and numerous other projects, will portray an older Bruce Wayne from the future. In addition, Burt Ward, who played Robin the Boy Wonder in the classic 1960s Batman TV series, will also appear in an unspecified role in Crisis On Infinite Earths.

Related: Kingdom Come Superman Explained: How Brandon Routh's New Version Is Different

Lastly, Tom Cavanagh, who plays multiple versions of Harrison Wells in The Flash, will play another new character: Pariah. In the comics, Pariah is a tragic being who is forced by the Anti-Monitor to watch every world be destroyed. Crisis On Infinite Earth's version of Pariah will play an integral role in unleashing the Anti-Monitor onto the Arrowverse.

Next: Predicting What 2020's New Arrowverse Show Will Be

source https://screenrant.com/crisis-infinite-earths-crossover-airdate-story-characters-updates/

[aion-rsa]

Aquaman Comics Reading Order

https://ift.tt/2S1cHdH

Ready to learn all about the true king of Atlantis? We've got a guide to Aquaman comics for you.

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Movies

Marc Buxton

Aquaman

Dec 14, 2018

DC Entertainment

After so many years of being laughed at, marginalized, and misunderstood, Aquaman is finally getting his due. With the Aquaman movie finally here, it’s hard to imagine a time when the King of Atlantis wasn’t an A-list member of DC’s heroic pantheon. But between the disrespect our poor soggy king has suffered on TV shows like Entourage and in parodies like Robot Chicken, it can be truly said that Aquaman is the Rodney Dangerfield of the superhero set: he gets no respect.

Until now that is! With Jason Momoa starring in Aquaman’s first live action solo outing, Arthur Curry is ready to take his rightful place as a kick-ass fan-favorite. But comic book fans have known for decades that Aquaman is indeed a great superhero. Since the 1940s, Aquaman has been a constant star of DC Comics. In fact, along with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Green Arrow, Aquaman is one of the few DC superheroes who has remained in continuous publication since the 1940s. And yes, there have been some bad Aquaman comics over the years, but there have also been plenty of great ones. To the rest of the world, Aquaman might have been a joke, but to comic fans, he was always worthy of kingly respect.

The Search for Mera

by Steve Skeates and Jim Aparo (1968-1969)

“The Search for Mera” is nestled right in between the era of the Filmation Aquaman cartoon that inspired the sugary cereal-addled brains of so many young DC fans of the '60s and the Super Friends era of the 1970s. You see, Aquaman was an almost constant Saturday morning presence in the 60s-80s. But alas, many of those ‘toons were not kind to Arthur Curry, often highlighting the Sea King’s limited power set and some of the sillier elements of the hero’s history (we’re looking at you Tusky the Walrus).

read more: Aquaman Movie Review

But embedded between these animated portrayals of Aquaman was this comic book highlight. “The Search for Mera” saw Aquaman embark on his greatest quest after his wife disappears. The desperate search takes him across the oceans, into the clutches of Black Manta, to the surface world, and beyond. Writer Steve Skeates defines Aquaman and his extended family as Jim Aparo delivers some of the greatest interior artwork the character has ever had. This tale proved Aquaman could be a great protagonist in an intense, modern action tale in an era of cartoon camp.

buy Aquaman: The Search for Mera on Amazon

Death of a Prince

by David Michelinie and Jim Aparo (1977-1978)

I mean, who kills a baby? What in the honest hell? Aquaman was a silly character they said. Aquaman is campy, what with the walrus and riding seahorses and the drumming octopus, they said. Aquababy is stupid, they said. Well, in this classic tale, Black Manta freakin’ kills freakin’ Aquababy. So put that in your conch shell and smoke it.

read more - Aquaman: How the King of Atlantis Got His Throne

Over at Marvel, people were still shocked over the death of Gwen Stacy in Amazing Spider-Man. David Michelinie was all like, “Hold my beer!” and to top it off, "Death of a Prince" is a damn good story as well. Black Manta kidnaps the infant Prince of Atlantis and forces Aquaman to fight Aqualad. If Aquaman doesn’t kill his sidekick, Manta will kill Aquababy. Aquaman indeed fights Aqualad to create a ruse in order to stage a rescue. But it’s too late, the cute lil’ fish prince drowns. In an air bubble. A wedge is driven between Aqualad and Aquaman and Mera and Arthur are left mourning their infant son. This story arc changed the world of Aquaman forever and instantly transformed Black Manta into one of the most repellant villains in the DCU.

buy Aquaman: Death of a Prince on Amazon

Aquaman Vol. 2 #1-4

by Neil Pozner and Craig Hamilton (1986)

This was Aquaman’s first time in the spotlight after Crisis on Infinite Earths. With absolutely lush art from the great Craig Hamilton, this 1986 mini-series put Aquaman on the trajectory of a high fantasy type character. Foregoing the usual superhero tropes, Pozner and Hamilton present a tale of adventure, betrayal, and magic, fleshing  out Aquaman’s origin while connecting DC’s Atlantis to the ancient Atlantis presented in the pages of DC’s Arion, Lord of Atlantis, giving the whole thing a pulpy, old school fantasy feel that would drive the character for decades to come.

read more: Complete DCEU Movies Schedule

The series also presents a new look at Aquaman’s evil brother Ocean Master, but most fans will recognize this series for the intro of a new costume, an ocean camo bit of hyper designed awesomeness that was sadly short lived. I mean, don’t disrespect the orange and green, but there’s something to be said for the sleek beauty of this regal suit.

The Legend of Aquaman

by Keith Giffen, Robert Loren Fleming, and Curt Swan (1989)

After the epic blue camo Aquaman had run his course, writers Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming along with the single greatest Superman artist of all time (and I’ll fight you if you disagree) Curt Swan brought back the classic look Aquaman in this fun reimagining of the character’s origin.

read more - Aquaman Villains Explained: Who is Ocean Master?

This special revealed that Aquaman’s iconic orange and green outfit was actually a prison uniform and also ironically reveals where the name Aquaman came from. This is a fun read, but really, the draw here is the Swan artwork as the artist returns to the classics and shows why Aquaman and his world are always so compelling.

buy The Legend of Aquaman on Amazon

The Atlantis Chronicles

by Peter David and Esteban Maroto (1990)

And now we get to the Peter David era. We’ll talk about what the legendary writer Peter David did for Aquaman in a moment, but before David got busy crafting one of the greatest eras of Aquaman ever, the scribe delved deep into the past of Atlantis.

read more - Aquaman Villains Explained: Who is Black Manta?

Before Atlantis Chronicles, the legend of DC’s Atlantis was disjointed at best. There was an Atlantis made up of merpeople as presented in the Superman family of books, there was Aquaman’s Atlantis, and there was a myriad number of Atlantises (Atlanti?) chronicled in books like Sea Devils and Arion. Somehow, in Atlantis Chronicles, David was able to unify all these distinct sunken kingdoms into a cohesive history so fascinating that it would make Tolkien giddy, all the while laying a foundation for the mythos that would drive his Aquaman forward for years to come. 

buy The Atlantis Chronicles on Amazon

The Peter David Years

with Martin Egelund and Jim Calafiore

Many fans consider Peter David’s Aquaman the high point of the Sea King’s publishing history. In Aquaman: Time and Tide we get yet another take on Aquaman’s origin, infusing the oft told tale with the trademark Peter David humor and pathos. After Time and Tide, David really got rolling and did the unthinkable. Just a few issues into his classic run, Aquaman had his hand devoured by piranha. Soon after, Aquaman forged a harpoon for a hand, grew his hair and beard out, and basically became undersea Conan which is all sorts of awesome.

read more - Aquaman: The 1984 Fan Film

These stories are peppered with the mythology created for Atlantis Chronicles while finding unique directions for Mera and Aqualad. David added to Aquaman’s supporting cast with Aquaman’s long lost son Koryak and the forgotten DC heroine Dolphin. In this run, Aquaman fights Lobo, visits Hell, invades Japan, and presents a tour of the undersea realms of the DCU. This is not only the best run in the character’s long history, it was also one of DC’s best books of the tail end of the twentieth century.

And you just know there’s going to be a harpoon hand in Jason Momoa's cinematic future as Aquaman.

read Aquaman by Peter David on Amazon

Sub Diego

by Will Pfeifer and Patrick Gleason (2004)

The first real high point of Aquaman in the new century begins with the sinking of San Diego. In American Tidal, Aquaman becomes to the redubbed Sub Diego what Batman is to Gotham City. You see, not only did San Diego sink, the residents were transformed into water breathers and Aquaman must become the city’s protector while solving the mystery of who was behind the sinking of the home of the Padres and Comic Con. This storyline also introduces a new Aquagirl and is basically a six issue treatise on what makes Aquaman and his world so special.

read Aquaman: Sub Diego on Amazon

The New 52

with Ivan Reis, Pere Pérez, Pete Woods, and Paul Pelletier (2011-2014)

“The Trench,” “The Others,” “Throne of Atlantis,” Death of a King.” These four stories have become the stuff of Aqua-legend thanks to Geoff Johns, and you'll see elements of all four of them in the Aquaman movie. Even through all the awesome Aqua-tales listed above, in 2011, Aquaman was still considered something of a joke. Through a deep examination of what makes Aquaman so great, Johns put that nonsense to rest forever with a thoughtful group of tales with one foot in the pond of reality and one in the pond of adventure fantasy to present an Aquaman for a new age.

read more - Justice League: Complete DC Comics Easter Eggs Guide

While many of the New 52 titles quickly went belly up, Aquaman endured. During his time on Aquaman, Johns added many elements to the Atlantis mythos and presented a tale that put the tired old Aqua-jokes a much needed burial at sea. 

buy Aquaman Vol. 1: The Trench on Amazon

Rebirth

by Dan Abnett, Brad Walker, Phillipe Briones, and more (2016 - 2018)

Taking what Geoff Johns built and turning that sucker up to the next level, Dan Abnett has continued the golden age of Aquaman. Intrigue, betrayal, mayhem, and more action than you can shake a tuna at; Abnett has Song of Ice and Fire-d the world of Aquaman and brought palace intrigue to Atlantis.

Abnett recently wrapped his top notch run on Aquaman, a run that saw Arthur give up the throne to find his place as a hero on both the surface and in the sea, having handed the reins to the brilliant Kelly Sue DeConnick, who will take Aquaman to greater heights...or depths.

buy Aquaman Rebirth Vol. 1: The Drowning on Amazon

The Aquaman movie opens on Dec. 21.

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The 5 Books We Need from DC Rebirth

Rebirth is exactly what it needed to be for DC. DC had lost its footing since its hard reboot in 2011. Relationships had been broken off, characters were missing and the quality of storytelling was down on what it was before. Now it’s not to say that everything from DC’s New 52 and You eras were bad, far from it. Some of my most beloved runs come from the New 52 like Snyder’s Batman (before DC You) and Azzarello and Chiang’s Wonder Woman. It also contained some great moments like Forever Evil and The Darkseid War. And let’s not forget about Rob Williams excellent 12 issue Martian Manhunter series.

Now we are in full swing with Rebirth, and the goal of Rebirth was to bring back the heart of DC, what truly means to be a DC comic. The Pre-Flashpoint Superman returned, so did Wally West, Green Arrow and Black Canary finally got to meet and instantly fans were rejoicing that they were back together, the Justice Society Of America were teased to return, and Ted Kord got back behind the wheel of the bug. While some are working better than others, i’m looking at you Blue Beetle, the initial novelty of a nostalgia filled DC line-up is starting to drop. So what can they do to grab the attention back, i have 5 book suggestions that DC could use to really elevate this new status quo of the DC universe.

Blue and Gold

Where is Booster Gold? Well the Pre-52 version was last seen during convergence, where along with his New 52 doppelganger, his sister Goldstar and son from the future Rip hunter were key to the fall of Telos and Braniac. During this time the Pre-52 Gold fell into the earth-4 dome where he met the Charlton comics version of Ted Kord Blue Beetle a nice tease of what once was. 

Ted Kord was reintroduced into the DC Universe at the end of Forever Evil where he refuses to sell Kord industries to Luthor, since then he has developed the beloved vehicle known as ‘The Bug’ and has become the mentor of the current Blue Beetle Jaimie Reyes. This however is the New 52 version of Kord, so he has never actually been the Blue Beetle and does not have the history with Booster Gold.

So where would this book come from? Well Jaimie doesn’t really want to be the Blue Beetle anymore, we could see Ted reunite with the Scarab. This is where we innovate, this time Ted finally bonds with the scarab giving him all the powers that Jaimie has. As for Gold, similar to how Wally has managaed to bring back the stolen memories of Barry and his fellow Titans, Booster when reunited would trigger Ted to remember his true best friend.

I argue for this book because while the whole line up ha become a bit more optimistic, DC are currently lacking comedy titles. Blue and Golds relationship has always been a fun but yet endearing and genuine aspects of the DC universe going way back to the days of the Justice League International. DC is really missing a big best friend duo and this book could be the answer.

Justice Society Of America

Team books have been great in Rebirth and the JSA is what started team books. Way back in the 1940s these heroes were keeping the world safe and while for many years they were made redundant, they made an epic return in the modern age and became a beloved aspect of the DC universe once again. In the new 52 the gang were re-imagined in Earth 2 as the Wonders Of The World, however many DC fans really didn’t like this.

Now DC have set the stage for the return of the JSA, Johnny Thunder was seen in DC rebirth as an old man in a retirement home where he is told to find the Justice Society, Kent Nelson Doctor Fate has been turning up in Blue Beetle and when Barry Allen entered the Speed Force he saw Jay Garrick’s hat.

So the premise, once they have all returned it would be nice to see them back in full force in a similar position to that of the JSA run by Geoff Johns where the older veterans were training newer heroes as part of the team. It would be nice to see Jay, Carter, Ted and Kent dealing with this new universe and training some new members, while reminiscing about their times in the war. Possibly using the same technique of the Wonder Woman comic telling two separate stories.

Wally West

When we talk about Legacy there is no character more important than the Flash. For 20 years, Jay Garrick was the flash, then for another Barry was the flash, but after the universe altering Crisis On Infinite Earths Wally West took the mantle. He stayed as The Flash for years to come and for a younger generation Wally is often seen as the definitive Flash.

In the New 52 Wally was replaced with a younger more brooding version of himself. This change did not please fans and for 5 years people were waiting for the return of the original Wally West. DC gave us that with the rebirth one-shot. Barry and his nephew were reunited and everything felt right again, Wally went on to reunite with the Titans and down the line hopefully rekindle his love with his wife Linda Park

While Titans first 6 issues has mainly dealt with Wally, it looks like it is about to head into some important Rebirth developments. For this reason it would be nice to see Wally break out into his own solo series where he can fight classic rogues, outsmarting their every move because he knows them all so well, while also trying to restart his relationship with Linda. Also we still await for the moment that Wally and Iris are reunited.

Black Adam

DC needs a Doom equivalent, a villain that is more complex than your average criminal but also has the capacity to do good. With Luthor tied up trying to be Superman and being the ruler of Apokilips, this role should go to Black Adam.

With DC now planning on splitting the Shazam movie into two with one focusing on The Rock’s Black Adam, now is the perfect time to launch this book. Following Black Adam being the ruler of Khandaq, where people worship him like a god, and having run ins with the some of the biggest names in DC. As Shazam himself hasn’t had the best of growths since the New 52 I feel it he would struggle to hold his own title. However that doesn’t mean he can’t face of with Black Adam, this book could reintroduce the Marvel family and even possibly Black Adams love Isis (they may want to change that name though).

Legends

Now i’m not usually a fan of cashing in off the movies or TV but sometimes it works. Legends could be a very special book. While a books called Legends Of Tomorrow gave us 4 ongoings in one including Metamorpho, Firestorm, Sugar and Spike and The Metal Men, this book would be a team book. It wouldn’t necessarily have to have the same roster but it should be a similar premise

Where this book could shine is ability to showcase unused characters, just imagine Rip Hunter could lead a team of Martian Manhunter, Firestorm, Red Tornado, Zatanna, Fire, Ice and Mister Miracle on an adventure through time. The roster could be ever changing and could act as more of anthology series showing short stories of the team stopping time aberrations. 

The Show has taken a bunch of lesser characters and turned them into something really special, hopefully this book could do a similar thing. 

So there you have it 5 books that could elevate the DC Rebirth line-up, and while some are more likely to happen then others (i’m looking at you again Blue Beetle) i truly believe that they would grab back those few DC fans that still haven’t found new hope within DC. While you wait for the slight possibility that these books come out, we are getting some new rebirth books in February. Marguerite Bennett and James Tynion take on Batwoman, Steve Orlando takes gives us a new Justice League Of America and Jorge Jiminez hits us with a new generation of World’s Finest with Super Sons. We also have Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman centric JLA event and Geoff Johns Watchmen story to look forward to.

DC are back on the rise with Rebirth and we can only hope for more greatness as DC continue to unravel the mysteries of this new status quo.