We Can Be Heroes

DC are running charity adds in all their new titles, and I thought it would be worth sharing on here.

Also, possible David Bowie reference is appreciated. To donate, follow this link:
https://www.joinwecanbeheroes.org/donate/

New 52 - Robin, Robin & Robin

New 52 is becoming a fantastic insight into all our favorite DC characters, and they are paying some really special attention to my all time favorites, the ex-robins. Dick Grayson, Jason Todd and Tim Drake have all gotten their own special remake, thanks to some of the best artists and storytellers in the biz.

Nightwing

Dick Grayson is the first (and public favorite) Robin. He became Bruce Wayne's ward when his gymnast parents were killed by criminals. Introduced in 1940 to reel in a younger readership, Dick wore the Robin costume until the 80s, whereby he put aside the Robin cape for Nightwing's sleek costume and moved to Gotham's neighboring Bludhaven.

New 52 has relaunched Nightwing with a sleek new costume... although the only real difference is that the blue stripe is now a red stripe. I suppose they wanted it to look more robin-y. Even though i prefer the old costume, this series is turning out fantastic. Nightwing is locked in battle with a hitman names saiko, who is proving to be a formidable foe. It is also giving us a chance to see into Grayson's past, with the return of Haly's Circus, and a crossover with Batgirl in issue three.

Babs and Dick's relationship needs exploring, so it is really good that this is being touched upon so early. Plus the touch of slight pre-origin story and the use of Haly's circus is fantastic. This is my 'most watched' DC title at the moment - although watch out - Issue #5 gets weird.

Red Hood & The Outlaws

 Red Hood has his own series, and now his own entourage! Red Hood is the saved-from-death Jason Todd, after he was beaten to death by the joker. When saved by Talia Al Ghul, he goes back to vigilantism, but without Batman's golden rule. Everyone likes borderline heroes, right?

Red Hood is joined by Arsenal - ex sidekick to Oliver McQueen, the Green Arrow, and ex Teen Titans member, he seems to develop a lot with Red Hood. He is the 'wildcard' character, and fits into the trio perfectly. But what would be needed to round of a formidable vigilante strike force? Why a cold, emotion-deprived alien of course! 

Anything we forgot to mention? Oh, yeah. She is dressed like a total whore. Did i say dressed like? I meant she IS a total whore. By the end of the first book, she has slept with both Jason and Ray. Why? Because she is 'her own master'. Nice one, DC. Nice one. Remember that little purple clothed girl with the firey hair from Teen Titans? Dick Grayson's one time lover? Those days are gone my friend. Long gone.

Teen Titans (Red Robin)

Tim Drake is Red Robin, and now we see him with a brand new costume - that actually features wings! Tim is also looking a lot longer than he has been recently... This is a brand new origin story for the Teen Titans, with a brand new line up.

I think this is a vast improvement on his old costume. The whole concealed face thing wasn't working, and the wings really make him stand out from the others. Although he doesn't have his own title, it is clear that Tim drake is going to shine as leader of the Teen Titans, The tiny Justice League.

These are three of the titles i will be following consistently, as they have all been brilliant so far. I can't wait to see where DC take their stories - expect many crossovers, including Batman and Red Hood over the next few weeks! The court of Owls may meet their match yet...

The Internet is magic.

There are so many web comics, and most of them are absolutely wonderful. Short, frequently updated and quirky as hell, they are able to bring a little bit of light to every day. This is why you should stockpile them.

Hark! A Vagrant!


Hark, a vagrant is by history buff Kate Beaton. The History references are abundant and the wit in the writing alongside the quirky art style is a real laugh-out loud viewing experience.

http://www.harkavagrant.com 

XKCD

XKCD is by randal Monroe, and sticking with over-arching themes, Science is highly featured, with cultural references and often contain philosophical messages. But for the most part, they are hilarious. 

http://xkcd.com

Garfield minus Garfield

Garfield minus Garfield is exactly that - the classic Garfield comic with Garfield carefully removed, to show John for the depressed, deranged recluse that he is. 

www.garfieldminusgarfield.net

Or for an alternative, try Garfield as Garfield - the 20th president of the united states steps into the fat cat's shoes. 

DC Digital comics & DC: New 52 links!

Just a quick post about our pretty new affiliate links to Forbidden Planet and DC!

The first is a link is to Forbidden Planet's stock of the New 52. This includes all current, previous and reprinted issues, and the next two issues for pre-order of each series. Over the next few weeks i will do summary and preview posts about most of the New 52, and will attempt to catch up with the current titles and bring you up to date news about them.

For the New 52 comics, click the image or click here!






The second is to DC's new Digital comics that you can download and read on your PC. This includes a variety of DC titles (including the New 52, Arkham Unhinged, and many past series) and even a selection of free issues, including #1's of old series and one-shots(such as the Batman: Black and White and the short Origins: comics.

New titles are updated every Wednesday, so check back often - Click the image or click here!

Both these links can be found on the right hand column of the blog.

Happy reading!

The New 52 is here!

Well, it has been here a while, but Last Panel only opened this weekend, so this is more of a catch-up session.

The New 52 is DC Comics re-boot. This essentially means that all ongoing series have been cancelled - and 52 new first issues have been released - including Action Comics and Detective comics, that have retained their original numbering since the 1930s(Detective Comics was on #881 before the relaunch, Action Comics stopped with #904). The relaunch follows the 'Flashpoint' event within the DC universe, and means that many characters have been rejuvenated and re-clothed with brand-new costumes. Exciting changes include Barbara Gordon returning as Batgirl after recovering from the paralysis inflicted on her by the Joker. Some series have been cut. The titles brought back for the New 52 re-boot add up to... you guessed it, 52.
Below is a list of New 52 titles as they were released.

One of the biggest arguments about the relaunch is the fact that DC's female creators now take up 1% of the workforce, as apposed to 12%. Although DC have addressed this better than they have with gender and race issues in the past, Is this just a reflection of the actual numbers of female comic book artists available(especially since the female characters are a substantial force within the DC Universe), and more so a reflection of the percentage of female consumers? I for one think that the percentage drop is way too steep - even if the female artists they have in tow are some of the best around.

The New 52 is now in it's #4 - #5 issues. To see pick up Catwoman to see the title character and Batman get it awn, Red Hood & The Outlaws to see ex-Robin Jason Todd's new retinue or the triumphant return of Suicide Squad - where DC's Villains go to die. Now is a very good time to start reading comics.

More information on the New 52 is available here - http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/the-new-52/
Don't forget - If you are going to pick up some first issues, do so through our Forbidden Planet affiliates link! 10% of purchase price comes back to us!

I shall from here on in be doing title by title reviews for New 52 comics so far, so stay tuned -
Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel!