Reading We3

I can't say it's a coincidence that we're reviewing another tpb about animal bioengineering (see Elephantmen vol. 1). I will however, call it fate that it's such a wonderful story. The trade we're lookin' at today is Vertigo's

We3

by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

I borrowed this from the library, but lemme tell you this: I really want my own copy now.

We3 is about a team of 3 bioengineered animals designed for human proxy warfare: basically, they do all the assassinating that we don't want to do.

The real kicker is that after their missions, they get decomissioned -- put to sleep, but these 3 make an exception. They break free, and the dog -"1"- tries to find home and to be a gud boy. The cat- "2"- hates everything. . .

. . . and the rabbit -"3"- wants to eat.

Their personalities -- and they have more of 'em than do a lot of people you might meet out there -- shine wonderfully in their adventure to survive, protect each other and find home. The ending is so insightful on the pride of our species and the power of a little compassion. It is so touching.

If you like animals at all, or maybe excellent writing, or maybe beautiful double-page spreads, then you owe it to yourself to read this trade paperback. I'm serious.

I promise this is the last B:B&B post

I was just looking at my TV guide, and I realized that Cartoon Network also re-airs the Batman: The Brave and the Bold at 9:30AM (central) on Saturdays!

So if you missed it on Friday at 7:00PM (again, central), you can catch it at 9:30AM the next day.

I've been talking this darn cartoon up so much, I feel like I'm guilting you guys. Please don't take it that way, and I'm sorry if I came off like that. You guys have busy schedules, and why the heck should you give up a half-hour for the sake of a trivial children's cartoon after all?

That said, let's talk about the trivial premiere episode.

In bullets!

• Hm, Green Arrow's voice is pretty high in the intro scene, compared to Batman's. Makes him seem young.
• Hey, that's Jaime! It makes so much sense that he's a superhero geek. He's the perfect character for the kids to identify with. I wonder if his comic's gonna get some more notoriety after the cartoon (even though it's about to get axed, I believe)?
• I love how the episode presents all the scenes of the trailer in the first ten minutes. It gives me a feeling of earnesty.

• Okay, so Batman's mentoring Blue Beetle, except Blue Beetle's tech gets them into a wormhole into another world. Now Beetle has to save the "Gibbles" from a terrible tyrant, "Konjar Ro."
• Heh. Batman as the sidekick.
• Several fight scenes, and now we're at the end! The Gibbles learn not to constantly turn to the strength of someone else (Blue Beetle) for help, but to seek the strength in themselves. "The power within" is a phrase they like to repeat.
• Beetle subsequently gains more confidence in his abilities as a superhero as does Batman.
• I just wanna take this time to say how cartoons are so awesome. They create a modern mythology for children, and I love how there's a life lesson in every single episode. I was raised by cartoons, and it's just heartwarming to see that they're still doing the same great stuff for a different generation. Cartoons rock.

When is Frank Miller gonna get to write an episode? That'd be so rad.
Well, rad for me, but not the kids.
Frank Miller and Paul Dini too. Dini should get an episode. And Denny O'Neill should write one with Green Arrow getting indignant somehow at an obscure political thing. That'd be so rad.

I could also do the same bullet review deal-y for The Spectacular Spider-Man, but that'd be tough. I kinda started tearing up after Peter, with the guidance of Uncle Ben's spirit, defeated the Venom symbiote in the fight for Peter's psyche.

That episode was so awesome.

cue jazzy theme song

You'll probably read this on Friday, but still - who knows what the future holds?

This is just a reminder that the new Batman cartoon is premiering tomorrow (Friday)! That is. . .

Well are ya??? I'm gonna try my darndest to get to a TV, but I have to go back to Chicago around then to play with my action figures get ready for volunteer obligations.

Again, the Cartoon Network site is here, so check your local listings! If I miss it, will you dvr it in your head for me?

I hope Green Arrow appears in the first episode.

stitches, scars and whirlybats: Detective Comics #850

I had a pop quiz today in Astronomy!

This means I got out 20 minutes earlier!

This means I can get to the blog quicker!

This means are you ready to rock!

Detective Comics #850
by Paul Dini and Dustin Nguyen

The first page is a bee-yootiful commemorative watercolor of Batman lunging at us, by Nguyen. It's gorgeous in the previews, and it's even better in hand.

The issue on the whole is the climax of Batman confronting Hush, but there's a wonderful prologue of Alfred being awesome that you can read in the previews. It is so wonderful. We need more top-notch guys like Alfred.

Just wonderful.

We get to see Batman being a savior too, one of his many roles we don't see too often, and we also get to learn what made Tommy Elliot (Hush) kill his mother.

(Notice the Adam West Batmobile! Yes!)

The beautiful part of this issue is that the art tells its own story too. There are numerous instances that, if you pay attention, play some great surprise twists in the comic. The panel where Hush takes Batman's utility belt. The panel of Hush going through Batman's gallery of costumes. The panel of Batman taking off his cape as a precaution.

This is such a beautiful comic book. There is so much depth to it.

Another major aspect is Batman's "heart," 'cause the title of the arc is "Heart of Hush" after all! Hush tries to cripple Batman's heart, which is embodied in - who else?- Catwoman! and Bruce's confession to a post-surgery Selina illustrates their relationship so perfectly.
Note that Bruce uses the phrase "broke in" to describe the way she loves him. That is so sweet and so right for Selina's hobby.

Anyways, Selina gets to pioneer the conclusion of the issue, and the retribution she takes on Hush is deliciously appropriate, both in what Hush deserved and in how Selina views justice.

After the money she takes for herself and gives to her associates, she donates a total of 60 million dollars to abused women's shelters and charities! Oh, Selina, you're so awesome.

Everything is just so beautiful in this issue. So right. I loved it, and totally recommend it to you. It should read even better in trade.

I might not have sounded coherent here. Someday, I'd like to do a review that does the entire arc justice, so maybe someday. . .

I am swamped

with midterms and papers. I'm gonna have to postpone posting until I get more organized and everything. I'll probably get in a review tomorrow, and a short reminder on Thursday, but I can't foresee anything else but me stressing myself out.

I apologize for this kinda crap from me guys. You deserve better.

Like, for example, Bizarro, who will be my surrogate blogger: