Tuesday, January 31, 2017
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Monday, January 16, 2017
My Top 12 Geoff Johns DC Stories
Yes, I know. This is one of those rare occasions when I sit down and actually write a blog entry. I thought about doing this one via podcast, but my voice is gone so looks like I'm doing this one "old school." Last week I read a list about the best comic book story lines written by Geoff Johns. I am a big fan of Johns. I like almost anything he writes, minus his early days on JSA, and maybe a few Justice League books. But in his writing career he has rejuvenated Green Lantern, Flash, and Aquaman into hit series and characters.
Because of his success with DC Comics he has moved up the ladder to president and Chief Creative Officer of DC. The list I read last week had a lot of good story lines, some of which are my favorite, but some I felt were also left out. I started making my own list of almost two dozen Johns books I enjoy and then whittled it down to my top twelve. Let me know which ones are your favorite, or which ones you have yet to read!
12) Superboy: Boy of Steel
After returning from the dead, Connor Kent is determined to get his life back together. He revisits his best friend and (ex)girlfriend who both have fallen on dark times since his death. Connor attends Smallville High and tries to live his life like Superman did. But after a run-in with Lex Luthor's sister he faces a moral dilemma not even Superman could choose between.
11) Green Lantern: Sinestro
Hal Jordan was the greatest Green Lantern of them all; and Sinestro their #1 enemy. But after War of the Green Lanterns Hal is kicked out and Sinestro is chosen back into the Corps. But Sinestro needs help, and the only one he trusts that can help him is Hal. Sinestro grants him a temporary ring and the two show why their unique relationship is so engaging to read.
10) Aquaman: The Trench
For years, Aquaman was the laughing stock of the DC Universe. People saw him as just a fast swimmer and a person who can talk to fish. But after his resurrection in Brightest Day, Aquaman got his own solo title and showed why he is a big hitter in the DCU. He's strong, bulletproof, and can control sharks. I sure as hell wouldn't mess with him.
9) Superman: Up, Up, and Away
Being a Superman fan, I will admit, I am little biased towards John's Superman stories. It's been a year since Superman helped take down the alternate Superboy by flying him through a red sun, and de-powering them both. Clark Kent has lived a normal life and getting along pretty well, until his powers slowly start to come back as well has his rogues gallery. Clark has to get back into the swing of things before the return of his greatest foe; Lex Luthor.
8) Infinite Crisis
I will admit it, I am not a fan of the multiverse storylines. I really don't like to read Crisis on Infinite Earths or Final Crisis, but I like Infinite Crisis for it's personal moments. The Justice League has been fractured due to the discretions of key members, and the first issue ends with Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman having it out and Bruce burning Clark by saying, "The last time you inspired anyone was when you were dead." From there an alternate Superboy and Superman try to save their Earth by destroying Earth One. It all culminates in a battle through a red sun and the death of Connor Kent.
7) Superman: Last Son
Lois and Clark adopt a Kryptonian boy and have their hands full when they find out it's Zod's offspring; and daddy's home. It's an interesting story that has Clark and Lois question something they never thought they'd be; parents.
JON: Who's Wonder Woman?
LOIS: Someone you won't meet until you're 17.
JON: Who's Batman?
LOIS: Someone you won't meet until you're 18.
6) Superman: Secret Origin
I terrific retelling of Superman's origin that hits all the high points. From his awkward years discovering his powers in Smallville, to meeting The Daily Planet staff for the first time. It's not as hard-edged as Birthright, or as poetic as A Superman For All Seasons, but this one is just a fun read. At the end I always hear the John Williams score play in my head as Superman flies away.
5) Green Lantern: Secret Origin
After Johns brought Hal Jordan back into the spotlight he decided to reintroduce him to readers who may not have been around when he first appeared during the Silver Age. This is the story about a rebellious pilot who couldn't stay out of trouble after his father's death. He is chosen for the greatest honor in the universe and must learn to be responsible, while showing the Green Lantern Corps a few new tricks. So disappointed the GL movie didn't turn out like this.
4) Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps War
This tale re-establish Hal as the greatest Green Lantern of them all, and kicks off a story line that would expand the GL mythology in ways nobody ever thought. After years of wielding a yellow ring by himself, Sinestro creates his own Yellow Lantern Corps that finds those who instill fear in others. This Corps gives the GL's a run for their money as Kyle and Hal must both conquer their fears if they are to defeat Sinestro, and prepare for the Blackest Night.
3) Flashpoint
Some people think this story line is a bit weak, but I love that it not only gives an alternate look at our DC heroes, but also proves just how powerful Barry Allen is as the Flash. Barry runs back in time to save his mother and ends up wrecking reality. Clark Kent is a science experiment, Bruce Wayne is dead, and Wonder Woman and Aquaman are at war. Barry must give up his mother or leave the world in apocalyptic nightmare. Barry's goodbye to his mother at the end left me in tears.
2) Green Lantern: Rebirth
This is the story that not only put Geoff Johns on the map, but reinvigorated Green Lantern for years to come. Johns spent almost a decade writing GL and it started with giving Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps a "rebirth." I really can't explain this book except to say that if you've only seen the Green Lantern movie it is a great jump-on point for GL, followed by nine years of great stories!
1) Flash: Rebirth
While Green Lantern will no doubt be the main chapter in Johns comic book legacy my favorite book of his, say one of my favorite books of all-time, is this one. In Final Crisis, Barry Allen returns from the Speed Force to a world that as gone on without him. While all his friends and family want to celebrate his return, Barry feels he must make-up for all the good work he could have done while he was gone. Along the way, Barry runs into old enemies, new family, and the truth about the event that lead him to becoming the Flash. It's a book about slowing down, and enjoying the things that matter in life that is beautifully written.
Monday, January 9, 2017
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