Links for 2-03: The Puppy Bowl, free DC books and some film reviews

It's officially happening: DC announced their Watchmen prequel on Wednesday and the comicsphere's been on fire. It's a huge risk for the creators involved, and I think risks should be rewarded, but I won't be picking it up and I doubt it'll be drawing in any new readers.

DC's giving away a bunch of their books on goodreads.com. I started an account a few months back, connected to my facebook account, so I didn't have to remember an extra password. Books in the giveaway include Scott Snyder's Gates of Gotham, Batman Versus Bane, American Vampire Vol. 3 and I Zombie Vol. 3.

Marvel's put up a 17-second sneak peek of their Avengers TV spot for the Super Bowl. Go to Youtube to check it out.

Are you watching the Super Bowl this Sunday? No? Consider the Puppy Bowl instead.

Lastly, I posted a bunch of reviews of last summer's comic films on my sister blog, airhikec001.livejournal.com. I've decided to post-date them onto this blog, unaltered so you could easily access my opinions.

Review of Thor (2011): starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman

It isn't overburdened by the cg, and there's a great balance between Asgard scenes and Midgard scenes. Humor comes off great, and there's plenty of explosions. If you're looking for a popcorn flick, look no further.

 Review of Green Lantern (2011), starring Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

What makes it unique is the special effects. When Hal Jordan receives the ring, he's coated in a green sheen, as are all the corps on Oa, the planet that houses the Green Lanterns of every sector of the universe.

Review of X-Men: First Class (2011), starring Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy

I really think that First Class is a Magneto origins story. Sure, there are other people, but he is the main story. The story begins with his conflict and ends with the resolution of his conflict. Sure, Xavier is crippled and gets that wheelchair, but it's trivial compared to the emotional journey that Erik undergoes.

Review of Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), starring Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson

The film follows Steve Rogers from a puny Brooklyn kid with moxy, to the Sentinel of Liberty, Captain America. The first half is a charming period piece, showing off sturdy Model T's and anti-Axis propaganda. The second half shifts to the theme of war, and doesn't quite succeed.