#United States vs. Murder Inc.

[dccomicsnews]

Review: United States vs. Murder, Inc. #5

[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Michael Avon Oeming

Colors: Taki Soma

Letters: Carlos M. Mangual

Design: Curtis King Jr.

  Summary

What happens when you go too deep undercover?  And what happens if you can’t find your way back out?  Do you abandon your original mission or do you cut ties, and plunge into the deep waters of “The Family”.…

[graphicpolicy]

United States vs. Murder Inc. #3

Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Michael Avon Oeming In Shops: Nov 07, 2018 SRP: $3.99

When the president of the United States puts her foot down against the five families, they task newly made Valentine Gallo and Jagger Rose to “take care of things.” That sounds like trouble to us!

In an alternative history set in a world where the five families of Murder, Inc. never gave up power, this sexy crime thriller takes you somewhere you’ve never seen in comics. From writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming, the Eisner Award-winning creators of POWERS, comes another brand-new chapter of THE UNITED STATES VS. MURDER, INC.

United States vs. Murder Inc. #3 preview. When the president of the United States puts her foot down against the five families, they task newly made Valentine Gallo and Jagger Rose to "take care of things. #comics United States vs. Murder Inc. #3 Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Michael Avon Oeming In Shops: Nov 07, 2018…

[biggoonie]

THE UNITED STATES VS. MURDER, INC. VOL. 1 TP

written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS art and cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING Years ago, the five families of organized crime had such a stranglehold over the American public that the U.S. government found itself forced to give up part of the country or lose all of it. Now the unrest between America and the families has come to a boil. A war is about to come—a war no one is ready for. Newly made man Valentine Gallo and mob hit woman Jagger Rose find themselves torn over which side of the war they want to be on. Collects the new six-issue miniseries! ON SALE 06.12.19 $16.99 US | 160 PAGES FC | MATURE READERS ISBN: 978-1-4012-9150-1

[heroicadventurists]

New Releases: DC Oct 3

[comicweek]

A Page of Analytical Chaos 

United States vs Murder Inc. #1 Written by Brian Michael Bendis ( @brianmichaelbendis ) Illustrated by Michael Avon Oeming ( @oeming ) Colored by Taki Soma Lettered by Carlos Mangual

I really love the page design here and how it informs the tone of the following pages. It establishes a sense of analytical chaos. In the sequence a young Jagger Rose is being taught the family business from Uncle Jake. Rose is already a killer, but this is something new to her. To match that novelty Oeming explodes everything out, while centralizing it around the skyscraper. This and Mangual’s lettering their conversation straight down the middle really keeps the page nice and readable, despite the visual chaos. Uncle Jake tells Jagger to watch and learn, all the motions are scattered to the four corners and out of order. There is a growing analytical beant to the page, due to  the three panel vertical sequence in the lower left corner of the page. Those three panels show Jagger is a quick learner. 

The next set of pages as Jagger pulls of the sniper hit are not as outwardly chaotic as this splash. There is, however, a panel density to them that other pages do not have as panels cut between a mixture of: Jagger’s view through the scope, Uncle Jake, and Jagger’s own micro expressions as the tension mounts. Those pages carry through the tone setup in this page until she finally pulls the trigger.

Taki Soma’s tri color pallet also helps give everything a feeling of tension. The way the yellow windows clash against the orange buildings and purple.

[itstimeofthepreacher]

[goldenavenger02]

Susz's Halloween Recommendations Part 1: Movies, specials and TV shows.

Movies/specials

Girl Vs. Monster (2012)

Skylar, a teenage girl who discovers on Halloween she's a fifth generation monster hunter. When Skylar accidentally releases some monsters from a containment chamber she must recapture them before they wreak vengeance on her parents.

Notes: I've been watching this since it came out and it's always been a favorite of mine! Has a great message about facing your fears and not letting them control you with the backdrop of monster hunting!

Halloweentown (1998)

When a young girl living with her good-witch grandmother learns she too is a witch, she must help her grandmother save Halloweentown from evil forces.

Notes: I watched this for the first time last year, and I was pleasantly surprised even as an 18 year old!

Hocus Pocus (1993)

A curious youngster moves to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.

Notes: another movie I watched last year, and so surprisingly dark for Disney, especially in the 90s.

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

A realtor and his wife and children are summoned to a mansion, which they soon discover is haunted, and while they attempt to escape, he learns an important lesson about the family he has neglected.

Notes: Eddie Murphy trying to keep his family safe in this haunted house? It's one of my favorites!

Scooby Doo (2002)

The Mystery Inc. gang have gone their separate ways and have been apart for two years, until they each receive an invitation to Spooky Island. Not knowing that the others have also been invited, they show up and discover an amusement park that affects young visitors in very strange ways. Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby soon realize that they cannot solve this mystery without help from each other.

Notes: this is a childhood movie of mine, and the sequel is so good as well. Definitely a good mix of spooky and fun!

Scooby Doo: The Mystery Begins (2009)

A made for TV movie about the origins of the Mystery Incorporated gang.

Notes: a high school/Disney Channel style movie with horror elements starring Robbie Ammel and Hayley Kiyoko. This one is one I've been watching since it came out and it's one of my favorites.

Coraline (2009)

An adventurous 11-year-old girl finds another world that is a strangely idealized version of her frustrating home, but it has sinister secrets.

Notes: watched this one last year and I absolutely adore it! It's so terrifying and I highly recommend.

The Boy (2016)

An American nanny is shocked that her new English family's boy is actually a life-sized doll. After she violates a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.

Notes: the movie is suspenseful the whole time, and the last 15 minutes are absolutely horrifying.

Flashback (2020)

After a chance encounter with a man forgotten from his youth, Fred literally and metaphorically journeys into his past.

Notes: I watched this psychological thriller a few months ago and it has it's scary elements, but it's really interesting to see the main character descend into madness and obsession due to something in his personal life.

Edge of Winter (2016)

When two brothers are stranded by a brutal winter storm with an unpredictable father they barely know, the boys begin to suspect their supposed protector may be their biggest threat.

Notes: pretty sure this movie was filmed around the same time Captain America: Civil War, so it's very young Tom Holland, but this is a movie he is so good in. Definitely makes you wonder just how far parents are willing to go.

Hubie Halloween (2020)

Despite his devotion to his hometown of Salem (and its Halloween celebration), Hubie Dubois is a figure of mockery for kids and adults alike. But this year, something is going bump in the night, and it's up to Hubie to save Halloween.

Notes: Don't take this one seriously and you're more likely to enjoy it. Definitely more of a comedy than anything scary. Adam Sandler is very polarizing but I enjoyed this.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Dracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter.

Notes: a family Halloween movie that really is just a fun time.

Ninjago: Day of the Departed (2016)

On the Ninjago holiday: Day of the Departed, the ninja remeber those who have departed.

Notes: Takes place in between season 6 and 7 and really explores grief as well as the concept of being forgotten. Obviously you have to watch the seasons before to understand this, but it's really interesting to watch for sure.

My Friend Dahmer (2017)

Jeffrey Dahmer murdered 17 men and boys in the Midwest United States between 1978 and 1991 before being captured and incarcerated. He would become one of America's most infamous serial killers. This is the story before that story.

Notes: a fascinating look into an infamous serial killer, both parts fiction and non fiction and suspenseful the whole time.

TV shows

Teen Wolf (2011-2017)

Scott becomes the eponymous teenage werewolf of the series after he is bitten by an alpha werewolf the night before his second year of high school, drastically changing his once-ordinary life.

Notes: one of my absolute favorite TV shows, and perfect for the Halloween season! Especially since the movie is coming out next year!

Only Murders in the Building (2021-)

Only Murders in the Building follows three strangers, played by Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, who share an obsession with a true crime podcast. After a murder in their building, the three neighbors decide to start their own show that covers their investigation of the murder.

Notes: Already fantastic and season 1 is still coming out on Hulu! The blend of comedy and horror is always one of my favorites!

Cruel Summer (2021-)

The series follows two teenage girls in the 1990s and the repercussions on everyone's lives after one disappears and the other seemingly takes her place.

Notes: this has huge triggers for domestic violence, grooming and sexual assault. If you're not triggered by that, I HIGHLY recommend this, and I'm so excited for season 2! It also has some great LGBT+ rep!

Nancy Drew (2019-)

Nancy Drew (Kennedy McMann) is a brilliant teenaged detective whose sense of self had come from solving mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine – until her mother’s untimely death derails Nancy’s college plans.

Notes: I've been watching this since it came out and season 3 is about to start airing! The first season is so wonderful and full of twists and turns (season 2 isn't as good, but it's the CW) and I highly recommend!

Ninjago Season 5, Possession (2015)

The spirit of the evil Morro is released from the cursed realm and the Ninjas have to unite in the battle against an evil foe.

Notes: one of my favorite seasons of the show, and definitely one of the darkest ones! Deals with grief, depression and high expectations and it's so good!

Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated (2010-2013)

Scooby-Doo and the gang attempt to solve creepy mysteries in the town of Crystal Cove, a place with a history of eerie supernatural events.

Notes: this starts off similar to the original Scooby Doo show from the early 70's, but as the overarching plot gets deeper and deeper, you really spend your time just wondering "what the heck is going on".

I'm not going to put specific episodes of TV shows on here, because that'll get daunting, but part 2 is books and fics!

[feelinggood]

New Comics Day

My February comics arrived in the mail on Tuesday.  Here’s the rundown:

1. Amazing Spider-man #15 and #16, Miles Morales: Spider-man #3, Superior Spider-man #3, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man #3, Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider #5 2. Avengers #14 and #15 3. Captain America #8 4. Tony Stark: Iron Man #8 5. Daredevil #1 and #2 6. Fantastic Four #7 7. Champions #2 8. Riri Williams: Ironheart #3 9. Black Panther #9 10. Kick-Ass #12 11. United States Vs. Murder Inc #6

[dorkforty]

Criminals, Aliens, Barns, and Pygs

Criminals, Aliens, Barns, and Pygs

Got some reviews to catch up on this week, so…

Funnybooks.

In Review.

Are Go.

Batman 62 by Tom King and Mitch Gerads 

I bought this comic because it was pink.

Pink! Inside and out! That’s a bold color choice for a Batman comic, and I thought I should support that.

But I also bought it because of Professor Pyg. He’s one of my favorite Batman villains. One of the last truly great Batman villains,…

[oeming]

From the third issue of the next United States Vs Murder inc with @brianmbendis @takisoma https://www.instagram.com/p/B9cezVfJ86b/?igshid=ketuhqoctjkl

[dccomicsnews]

Review: United States Vs. Murder, Inc. #6

Review: United States Vs. Murder, Inc. #6 @BrianMBendis @Oeming @takisoma @social_myth @curtiskingjr @dccomics #USvsMurderInc #Jinxworld #dccomicsnews

Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Michael Avon Oeming

Colors: Taki Soma

Letters: Carlos M. Mangual

Design: Curtis King Jr.

  Summary

“Tell me about the time….the moment you decided to make ME an undercover agent for the FBI.”  – Valentine to his recovering Mother

Valentine’s on the run after witnessing Jagger assassinating the president on…

[graphicpolicy]

Preview: United States vs. Murder Inc. #6 (of 6)

United States vs. Murder Inc. #6 preview. Murder, Inc. has gone to war with the United States-and the United States has lost! #comics

United States vs. Murder Inc. #6 (of 6)

Brian Michael Bendis (A/CA) Michael Avon Oeming MATURE READERS In Shops: Feb 06, 2019 SRP: $3.99

From the Eisner Award-winning creators of POWERS! Murder, Inc. has gone to war with the United States-and the United States has lost! The president is dead, the vice president has quit, there’s chaos in the streets, fighting in Congress, farms are…

[biggoonie]

UNITED STATES VS. MURDER, INC. #6

written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS art and cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING From the Eisner Award-winning creators of POWERS! Murder, Inc. has gone to war with the United States—and the United States has lost! The president is dead, the vice president has quit, there’s chaos in the streets, fighting in Congress, farms are burning...but thank God our boy Valentine has a plan. It’s an alternative look at our world that shows us what the world would be like if it were run by gangsters, where the five families of organized crime have taken over! ON SALE 02.06.19 $3.99 US | 6 of 6 | 32 PAGES FC | MATURE READERS

[themightyblogfr]

Titres de DC Comics sortis le 9 janvier 2019

Critique de quelques titres édités par DC Comics que nous avons lu la semaine dernière.

Chaque semaine, nous vous proposons des critiques rapides des séries publiées par DC Comics que nous suivons régulièrement. Cette semaine, on parle de Batman, The Dreaming et United States vs. Murder Inc.. (more…)

[binkywinky]

hi! Comics rec anon here! to answer your question, I'm not entirely new to comics, have read a few but not enough to say I have a specific type. The first series I read was all the jessica jones comics which I really liked, also the miles morales series which i enjoyed and the spidergwen series which was cute but the art was kinda annoying lol. i also like a couple of dc ones like mister miracle. so i think i prefer a general rec from you since the comics world is so big. thanks in advance!

Got it. Hmm… let’s see. It’s probably easiest to break it down by publisher then. I’ll try to give a mix of ongoing, finished, and “classic” stories. 

Fair warning, I read a lot of comics (probably about 60 per month, and that’s not including manga), so even though this may feel like a long list, it’s short for me.

Marvel

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man - Relatively new series, and it’s been fantastic so far. Great art, and a bit more grounded than the Amazing Spider-Man run (which is also great). Stellar art, too.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man - A little YA-ish at times, but overall enjoyable. You get to see a lot more of Miles’ personality in this one, which is always fun.

Superior Spider-Man - Because nothing is more fun than seeing a semi-reformed Otto Octavius try to be a hero.

Captain Marvel - Kelly Thompson does a phenomenal job with this series. She has a great hold of Carol’s voice. Would highly recommend Kelly Sue Deconnick and Margaret Stohl’s previous runs to give context (Captain Marvel 2012-2017, Mighty Captain Marvel, and The Life of Captain Marvel).

Jessica Jones - Not sure if you’ve read Kelly Thompson’s recent run or just Bendis’, but hers is definitely worth a read.

Avengers (2019) - actually a solid run. I would check this out if you’re more into crossover, large-scale storytelling. They’re in the middle of War of the Realms, though… so maybe wait until like August or September?

Immortal Hulk, Daredevil, and X-23 - also good. I read them off and on (not really my fave characters to read on their own, I enjoy them in ensembles), but the stories are solid.

Rogue & Gambit - mini series that I absolutely love by Kelly Thompson (she does great character work) that came out last year. Mr. & Mrs. X is a follow-up to it and also tons of fun (nearing its end as well). 

Runaways - I fell off of this when Brian K. Vaughn left, but I can say up through his run ended is well worth the read.

As far as classic stories, Infinity Gauntlet, The Dark Phoenix Saga, X-Men: Age of Apocalypse, Secret Invasion, and Secret Wars would be my first recommendations.

I would’ve recommended Spider-Gwen: Ghost Spider, but maybe wait on that. It’s about to end soon and transition to just Ghost Spider (where she leaves Earth-65 and comes to Earth-616 where Peter and Miles are). Same for X-Men. I’m currently reading Uncanny, but X-Men is about to be overhauled soon. So probably hold on that front.

DC/Vertigo

Honestly, not the biggest DC fan (I lean more towards Vertigo actually), but there are a few that I enjoy.

Action Comics (starting at #1000) - I am not a Superman fan, but I enjoy this series, which says a lot. I enjoy what Bendis is doing with him in this run.

Naomi - a new series, also by Bendis, following the story of a young Black girl who is investigating the circumstances around her adoption. Don’t want to give too much away, but probably my fave DC run at the moment. And Jamal Campbell’s art is fucking gorgeous.

Dial H for Hero - it’s fun. It’s weird. Not for everyone, but maybe give it a shot.

The Flash and Batman, New 52 runs - New 52 gets shit from fans a lot, but I thought these runs were awesome. Very good story-telling.

Dark Nights: Metal event - Probably one of the best things DC did in a long time. It’s a massive event that pretty much reworked the DC universe and all the characters. Enjoyed it immensely.

Heroes in Crisis - this miniseries ended very recently. It’s a story focused on a major event that happens at Sanctuary, a rehab for superheroes suffering from mental health issues (e.g. PTSD after doing something that nearly killed them). Not your usual superhero story, which I liked.

American Carnage - very gritty story focused on a white-passing Black man who infiltrates a white supremacist organization. It’s really fucking good.

High Level - I picked this book up randomly because the cover looked cool. I’ve been reading it ever since. I would say it’s weird sci-fi/fantasy/cyberpunk adventure. A little strong on the language, but very interesting story and great artwork.

Birds of Prey - awesome series with the DC women. A little shaky sometimes, but Gail Simone does really good character work. Her run is probably the only one I’d bother reading.

Deathbed - miniseries by Vertigo that ended maybe a year ago. It’s so bizarre and hilarious and out there. I loved it.

Batwoman (J.H. Williams run) and Batwoman: Rebirth - Kate Kane, my favorite lesbian superhero. Williams did a great job in his run (and the art is to die for). Don’t read the back half, they change writers and it’s a goddamn mess. But then Marguerite Bennett (a queer woman) picked it up in Rebirth, and it got awesome again. Also, shout-out to Greg Rucka for officially making her queerness canon in 52.

Wonder Woman - Wonder Woman’s my fave of DC main characters (along with Martian Manhunter and Wally West I & II), and my favorite run for her is Greg Rucka’s. He does a surprisingly good job of writing women. The run is over at the moment, but I’d check it out. Good stuff there.

For classic stories, Kingdom Come, Watchmen, Flashpoint (precursor to New 52), and Neil Gaiman’s Sandman are some of my faves.

Image

Image is probably what I read the most. Definitely has the most diverse pool of comics to choose from.

Saga - My favorite comic series of all-time. I’ve gotten so many people to read this and they love it. It’s weird - really weird, actually - but the storytelling is phenomenal. And it’s on hiatus right now, so plenty of time to get caught up.

Ice Cream Man - This series is so fucking weird, but I love it. It’s sorta like… Tales from the Crypt? Different stories (mostly horror) that all feature this demon ice cream man.

The Weatherman - This series is such a goddamn delight. I don’t want to ruin the plot but just… yeah. Read the first issue and it just goes crazy from there.

Man-Eaters - Sort of a niche story. Basically, this takes place in a society where when women get their cycle, they turn into giant cats and maul men, so they’ve given them pills to keep them from menstruating. Sounds weird? Wait until you read it. Probably a highlight series of the year for me. 

Black Science - You might not like the art in this one, but maybe give it a shot? These scientists are trying to solve the problem of limited resources on Earth by hopping across dimensions for new ones (infinite dimensions, infinite resources). Only problem is, their machine got damaged so now they hop uncontrollably to whatever dimension it chooses for however long it decides. It’s a wild ride.

Middlewest - An interesting take on parent/child relationships and how the consequences of abuse, anger, and depression can manifest in dangerous ways. Sounds more bleak than it is - the story actually has quite a bit of humor.

Excellence - Very new series, but with a PoC lead, about PoCs, with mostly PoC creators. A story about a secret society of Black magicians and a son whose next in line to take on the mantle, and it’s pretty fucking cool. Issue 2 comes out this week - check it out!

The Walking Dead - I don’t think I have to explain this one, do I? Zombies.

Lazarus and Lazarus: Risen - Sci-fi story set in a dystopian society where the world is ruled by like 15 or so families, and they each have a Lazarus to fight for them. This is told from the perspective of the Carlyle family’s Lazarus, Forever. 

Die - If Dungeons & Dragons and Jumanji had a baby, it would be this book. Sounds weird, but once you read it, you’ll find the description to be accurate.

Anything from Brian K. Vaughn - I have yet to read something from Brian K. Vaughn that I don’t like. Saga, Paper Girls, Y: The Last Man, Runaways, Barrier… his shit’s always good.

Independents / Not Marvel, DC, or Image

Some of these are nostalgia-based, so fair warning.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BOOM Studios) - very new series that’s out. Great art. If you were a fan of the show, I think you’ll like it. It’s a re-imagining of sorts. There’s also an Angel series that just started.

Nancy Drew (Dynamite) - Listen… I could not stand Nancy Drew as a kid. Never got into it and thought it was boring as hell. But I really loved this miniseries (another Kelly Thompson run). It’s maybe 5 issues?

Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and Go Go Power Rangers (BOOM Studios) - Honest to God, if you had told me 3 years ago one of my fave comics would be a Power Rangers one, I would have laughed in your face. Both of these series are really good and provide the continuity, nuance, and characterization the show lacked. Fan of the show or not, I’d say it’s worth checking out if you enjoy the teenage superhero genre. Also, just some really amazing art and world-building.

Anything from Jinxworld - This is Bendis’ own publishing company. He’s put out Cover, Pearl, Scarlet, and United States vs. Murder, Inc. All of them are really good.

Umbrella Academy (Dark Horse) - This is the series the Netflix show is based off of. Right now, they’re doing Hotel Oblivion in the comics, but start with Apocalypse Suite and Dallas.

So, there you go anon. There are FAR more I would recommend, but I tried to give a good range of books for you to choose from without (hopefully) overwhelming you. And if you have any questions, I’m more than happy to talk about any of them.

[sebeth]

Young Justice: “Down The Rabbit Hole” and “Schooled”

Warning, Spoilers Ahead…

 The seventh issue of Young Justice “Rabbit Holes” takes place in Gotham City on July 31st.

“My name is Artemis. And this is my life. My life. Waiting. Waiting for something to happen. For something to change. My life is a bus stop.”

Artemis is waiting at a bus stop.  Artemis’s mother, the original Huntress, has been released from prison.  The wheelchair bound woman exits the bus: “Artemis? Is that you?’

“Your father?”

“I reminded him it was today but…”

“I understand.”

I feel we should pause for an info drop on the mainstream DC universe Crock family.

In the main DC universe, Artemis Crock is the daughter of the Huntress and Sportsmaster.

Sportsmaster’s name is Lawrence Crock.  He was a Golden Age character and fought the original Green Lantern (Alan Scott), Wildcat (Ted Grant) and he was a member of the Injustice Society.

I don’t remember if the circumstances of Lawrence’s death are revealed but afterwards the Council, a mysterious criminal organization, took his remains and cloned his body numerous times to use as their enforcers.  The Council did the same thing to Paul Kirk, the second Manhunter.  I wonder if Gregg Weisman was inspired by the Council storyline – specifically its use of cloning heroes/villains – and applied it to the Light storyline? He clearly has an extensive knowledge of the DC universe. Paul Kirk’s battle with the Council was fairly well-known by Bronze Age DC fans so I could see Weisman being aware of the event.  Superboy and Guardian are the exceptions as their creation (or cloning in the Guardian’s case) was straight out of Cadmus/Return of the Superman storyline. But Roy and the attempted cloning of the YJ heroes – yeah, that’s straight out of the Council storyline.

Small spoilers for Sportsmaster-related moments in “The Golden Age” in the next two paragrapghs.

Lawrence has a small part in “The Golden Age” an elseworlds that is mandatory reading for anyone who loves the Golden Age heroes of the DC universe.  Lawrence is on a robbing spree – he is attempting to earn enough money to be able to see his daughter again.  The girl’s name isn’t mentioned but this storyline was written several years after Artemis’s creation so it could be her.

Sadly, Lawrence will never see his daughter again as he sacrifices his life to save a little girl from being murdered by the main bad guy. I’m intentionally not mentioning said villain’s name because it’s the main bombshell of the series.  If you haven’t read it – 1) read it and 2) Don’t go looking for spoilers before you do.

Paula Brooks was the original Huntress of the DC Universe. She was a frequent foe of Wildcat and the Justice Society.  Paula’s romance with Sportsmaster might have been one of the earliest villain-villain romances in comics.  

Paula had a notable one on one fight with Helena Wayne: Golden Age-Huntress vs Silver/Bronze Age-Huntress!

Post-Crisis, Roy Thomas retconned Paula’s past and had her be the heroic Tigress, a member of the Young All-Stars, before she later turned to a life of crime. Paula idolized Paul Kirk and had him sponsor her admittance into the All-Star Squadron. Paula’s reasons for turning “evil” were never explained – possibly she fell in love with Sportsmaster and fell from grace as a result? It was long rumored/theorized that Paula had a fling with Wildcat (Ted Grant) and a child resulted from that union. A child that he remained unaware of.  Wildcat’s long-lost children rumor was later brought into the JSA series – unfortunately, Paula wasn’t the mother of either boy.

Artemis grew up in her parent’s footsteps.  She used her real name, “Artemis” as her criminal alias. She joined “Injustice Unlimited”, a group consisting of the children of the Injustice Society, and battled Infinity Inc.

Artemis began a relationship with the latest Icicle.  Side-note: Geoff Johns made Icicle a very sympathetic character who came very close to turning into a “hero”.

Artemis would later marry Icicle and give birth to their son.

In another “like mother, like daughter” moment, Artemis would later change her alias to “Tigress” due to another character with the same name becoming more popular than the original.  The writers changed Paula from the Huntress to the Tigress due to the creation of Helena Wayne/Bertinelli.  Artemis would become Tigress due to the debut of Artemis in the Wonder Woman series.

Artemis and her mother are changed to half-Asian and Asian in the Young Justice universe due to an addition to the family that is not cannon in the main DC universe.  But we’ll talk about Cheshire later.

Back to the issue…

We establish the length of Paula’s prison sentence when she states dinner is better “than I’ve had in the last six years.”

Artemis is around 15/16 years old in the first season. Paula’s imprisonment occurred when Artemis was 9/10 years old. We know Cheshire split soon after Paula’s imprisonment and Sportsmaster is running around as an operative for the Light…10 years old is a very young age to essentially raise yourself.

We see Artemis’s bedroom that she clearly shared with Cheshire.  It’s pretty bare bones but there are two posters on the wall – an Alice In Wonderland one and another that has a dragon/martial artist combo.

“This is my life. Preparing for a battle that never comes. What I wouldn’t give for a rabbit hole to tumble into.”

Artemis’ ruminations are interrupted by Sportsmaster’s return.  Lawrence calls out “Daddy’s home” and then realizes Paula is in the house.

“Oh, yeah…Paula. Forgot you were coming home.”

“Overjoyed to see you too, lover.”

Yep, the bloom is definitely off this romance.

“I meant to visit.”

“Even a postcard would have been nice.  Artemis wrote once a week.”

“She did? You’re kiddin’.”

“Stop rolling your eye. It’s all that got me through.”

“Look, the way the game played out.  It could have been either of us.”

“But it wasn’t.  I took the falls.  Both falls.  I did the time.  But I’m back now.  And Artemis is my priority.”

The conversation establishes Paula’s injury and paralysis occurred in their final heist.  I wish we had more details – did it happen while battling a hero or the cops?  Was the injury caused by a fall, a bullet?

Paula kept quiet about Sportsmaster’s involvement – was it due to love for her husband or the desperate desire for the girls to have one free parent while she was imprisoned?

Paula continues “I lost one daughter while I was gone.  I won’t lose the other.  I need to set some ground rules, Lawrence.”

“Six years you’re away and now you’re taking over? While you were gone, I raised her, trained her, toughened her up!”

Did Paula participate in the girls training before she was imprisoned?  Probably not Artemis but possibly Cheshire?  Maybe not with the goal of training future criminals but in general self-defense?  Paula didn’t fall off the criminal bandwagon until her paralysis and imprisonment – did she want the girls to follow in her footsteps before that?

“I’m giving up the life. You have to give it up too.”

“Or else what?”

“Or else you’re out of here.”

“Then I guess I’m out but, Baby, you’re kiddin’ yourself if you think you can save Artemis from the life. She’s one of us.”

Lawrence is both right and wrong in that statement. Also, way to fight for your marriage and family, Lawrence!

I said the Crocks’ apartment is pretty bare bones.  Lawrence is clearly not putting money into their home.  Is Sportsmaster hiding it away to avoid suspicion?  The Light would have to pay Sportsmaster some serious money for his time. I’m assuming Lawrence is hiding the majority of the money is an anonymous bank account.  Pretty sure if he spent big money on his home and possessions any local cops, federal agents, and heroes would make inquiries on how he obtained it.

Speaking of local heroes…it’s pretty ballsy of Lawrence to have the family located in Gotham City. Batman’s pretty snoopy, “World’s Greatest Detective” etc.  Batman isn’t like most heroes – he can and will track down all of their known hideouts and locations.  Lawrence has to have a supreme confidence in himself to live in Gotham City. Particularly as he is one of the main operatives for the Light.

Batman has to be aware of the Crocks – he is one of the main sponsors for Artemis’s admission into Young Justice and the Gotham Academy.  Yet Bruce doesn’t appear to have any knowledge of Sportsmaster’s connection to the Light.

Artemis, having overheard her parents’ conversation, decides “This is my life.  I’m not waiting anymore.”

Artemis throws on her costume and heads out into the night to fight crime. She spends the nights of July 31st to August 2nd stopping a variety of crimes.

The fifth episode of Young Justice, “Schooled”, opens in Metropolis on August 3rd.  A bridge suffers a physical defect causing multiple crashes and cars heading over the side.

Bruce, watching from a nearby building, presumably in Metropolis and not Gotham City, hits a switch to reveal the Batman suit.  

The location of Metropolis varies from continuity to continuity or the media.  Sometimes it’s in Delaware, sometimes it’s across the bay from Gotham City, other times it’s near Smallville – which is located in Kansas.

To sum up:

Gotham City – New Jersey

Young Justice HQ – Happy Harbor, Rhode Island

Metropolis – Wherever the writers want it to be.

I don’t like the “bay” approach as it puts Metropolis too close to New York City in the DC universe. One of my main enjoyments of the DC universe is the heroes are spread out across the United States as opposed to the 95% are located in New York City, 4% percent in Los Angeles, and 1% elsewhere route of Marvel Comics.

The near Kansas approach is ridiculous as I can recall that took place around ocean docks.  Kansas – and the Midwest in general – has a notable lack of oceans.

Delaware is the best location for Metropolis.  It has ocean access and enough geographical distance between other heroes’ bases of operations.  Look, Batman may tell other heroes to “stay out of his city” but there is no way he wouldn’t be interfering in Superman’s business if they were essentially neighbors. Yes, it’s hypocritical, and no, Batman doesn’t care.

Back to Metropolis where Bruce is witnessing the impending destruction from a Wayne Enterprises building – let’s assume he’s in town on business.

Bruce is about to change when he sees Superman head for the bridge.  Superman is better equipped to handle the bridge repair.  Clark braces the bridge and begins welding repairs with his heat vision.

Superboy leaps onto the bridge and hauls listing cars back onto the bridge.  Bruce witnesses the situation from the Wayne Enterprises building.  He decides to sit the crisis out as the Supers have it handled.

Superboy is not happy with Superman interfering with his rescue of the bus.

“I had that.”

“I didn’t want to take the chance.  As it is, your landing could have destabilized the entire bridge.”

“It didn’t.”  

“But it could have. We don’t yet know the limits of your powers.”

“Well, maybe you could, you know, help me figure that out.”

“Batman’s got that covered.”

“Yeah.  I know, but…”

Beep-beep.

“Superman.  Wait, Arrow.  Slow down. What’s attacking?  No, I’m definitely available.  Coordinates? Acknowledged.  On my way.  Sorry, Super…boy.  Duty calls.”

Beep-beep.

“Already got the alert, Bruce.”

“I know, Clark, but we need to talk.”

The scene is both heartbreaking and frustrating.  Conner is so desperate for a connection with Clark.  Metropolis is not Conner’s home base.  So why was he in Metropolis? Was he visiting the Guardian and company at Cadmus? Or was he strolling the streets hoping to chance upon Superman?  

Dick would be the only member of Young Justice to be aware of Superman’s secret identity but I doubt he would tell Conner. Cadmus is completely unaware of Superman’s real name so hoping for a chance encounter would be Conner’s only option for contact.

Conner is quickly switching from heartbreak to anger as indicated by his expressions.  Conner’s anger is justified – he hasn’t done anything wrong and surely didn’t ask to be created/made into a weapon.  Conner’s situation is similar to an adopted child attempting to make contact with their birth parents.

Clark…it’s time to put on your big boy pants and deal with Conner.  I cut you some slack in the immediate aftermath – it was a shocking revelation and violation of genentic material but a man who can halt alien invasions, handle erupting volcanos, and go one-on-one with Darkseid can deal with a confused child.

I’m curious on how the scene would have continued without Green Arrow’s interruption.  Clark was hedging (“Batman’s got that covered) but he didn’t immediately flee out of terror like he did in the second episode.

Finally, Bat-dad is watching and he is not happy.  You’re in trouble, Superman.  Bruce knows all about children conceived without your consent – his experience involved a drugged sexual violation – and he accepted Damian.  So, no, Bruce isn’t going to accept any excuses.

I’m going to break this post into two parts as I’ve typed up six pages and we still have over 20 minutes of the episode to go along with a few pages of the issue.