The Flash Can't Seem To Find It's Footing

I like the character The Flash. I'm a big fan of Geoff Johns time writing the character, and one of the storylines he wrote being Flashpoint, the book this film is based on. I was also a fan of The Flash TV series, which, like a lot of TV shows, continued way longer than it should of.  Flashpoint was a way for DC Comics to do one of their patented reboots of their universe, and with the upcoming regime change at DC Studios, I expected this film to kind of do the same for the DC film universe. This movie was originally supposed to be released in 2018.  It was announced during the first season of The Flash and now being released after a nine-season run of The CW series has ended.  This film went through several writers, several directors, and a lot of personal trouble from the film's star, Ezra Miller. Some thought The Flash was never going to be released.  But now that it has, was the marathon it took to get to this finish line worth it?

The last time we saw Ezra Miller on the big screen as Flash was 2017's Justice league.  Miller was the comic relief in a film that had it's own production drama. I didn't mind Miller's character in the film, but I thought he in no way represented who Barry Allen is. Grant Gustin plays it a little closer to Barry's personality on The CW show, however, Miller's Flash entertained me, and that's the most important thing. In The Flash, Barry is supposed to have been the Flash for over two years now, and still acts like a newbie. Granted, he knows how to do a few things, but his attitude as a hero is ridiculous. Which comes to a head when he talked to Bruce about going back in time and changing reality, warning him of the consequences. In the original storyline, Barry goes back in time to save his mother in a moment of weakness, out of nowhere, but Batman just told Barry not to do it, and then five minutes later he does it. 

So Barry puts a can of tomatoes in a shopping cart, and causes a ripple effect in time that evidently made Ben Affleck turn into Michael Keaton. In the original Flashpoint story, Barry's actions cause time ripples like Kal-El's ship not landing in Kansas, or Bruce Wayne dying instead of his parents in that alley. But I'm not sure how a person gets a completely different look. I knew Keaton was put in the film just as a nostalgia cash-grab, but he just logically seems out of place. Had they knew they needed a Batman, and found Keaton's from another reality, I would have accepted that better than, "well we wanted Michael Keaton back as Batman. So we just did it."

Sasha Calle plays Kara Zor-El in this film, aka Supergirl.  Though, her look is more like Lara Lane-Kent, the multiversal daughter of Clark Kent and Lois Lane. To me, Supergirl was the standout in this film with little actual screen time. In the original Flashpoint, Kal-El's ship landed in Metropolis instead of Smallville. It killed thousands of people, and he spent his entire life as a lab rat, and never became Superman. Kara Zor-El left Krypton as a teenager, allegedly charged to look after baby Kal when they both got to Earth. In this film, Kal was intercepted by Zod, who killed him, and Kara was captured by Russians and tortured for 30 years.  So why is she still a teenager?  Also, wasn't Zod supposed to be trapped in the Phantom Zone when their ships left Krypton?  I know you can say "multiverse" as your plot hole, but at least tell us if Canon is different. Kara is also allegedly in possession of the Codex, the thing Zod was looking for in Man of Steel. The McGuffin of the entire first DCEU film, that has stll led to nothing after 10 years of stories.  

The conclusion of this film is finding out this new reality's Barry is the bad guy, or Savitar.  And basically, that is what this film comes down to for me.  This film has had a long road with multiple creatives working on it for years, and it just feels like a blend of all these ideas that never meshed. The film was at constant war with its plots and characters.  I've not only seen Flashpoint in the comics, but also I've seen it on TV and in an animated movie. This was the worst version. I've seen Barry Allen in live-action for years.  I've even seen future Barry try to fight past Barry as Savitar. And I know, a lot of general audiences didn't watch The Flash TV series, and don't have these comparisons, but I can't watch the Ben Affleck Daredevil film because the Charlie Cox version is so superior. I can't watch Val Kilmer or George Clooney as Batman because I feel they are inferior to other versions. That's the life we live as fans of properties that have been around for generations.

And as I just said above, this film just seems inferior to what it could have been. They made CGI pictures of past DC film characters, when just images from those films and series I think would have been better. Actually, put CGI characters of possible future films and let audiences see that. A Michael B. Jordan Superman project has been rumored. Show a fake version of that and let people go nuts wondering if it will ever come to fruition.  This film looked back when it should have looked forward.  The Clooney cameo was a fun, cheeky, laugh.  It was a waste of scene between Bruce and Barry where Barry tells him about all the possible multiverses out there, one of which could be describing the forthcoming DCU cinematic universe. The post credit scene with Jason Momoa could have got people excited for the upcoming Aquaman sequel, a film that needs all the good buzz it can muster, but instead it was a pointless scene that made Arthur Curry look like a drunken idiot rather than King of the Seven Seas. 

I always believe you should judge a film on what it is, and not what you want it to be.  But within this film I saw the sections where they could have done something different and chose what they chose, and thus made it a lesser film. And maybe that's because I've seen other versions and have seen what is possible with the Flash and Flashpoint. When I boil it down this film is another good idea that wasn't executed properly.  And so, it never gets a chance to reach its top speed. 

  

DC Studios Plans For "A Better Tomorrow"

It's 2013. Henry Cavill is about to make is debut as the newest actor to play Superman. Zack Snyder is about to start his idea for a multi-film storyline that will tell an epic tale. And Warner Bros Studios is about to start counting their money thinking they have a cinematic universe that will rival Marvel Studios at the box office. It's ten years later, and things didn't go as everyone hoped. Henry Cavill isn't playing Superman, Zack Snyder got fired before he could finish his plan, and Warner Bros has fumbled the DC characters to where, now, it's a brand that regular moviegoers no longer trust.

Enter film maker James Gunn and producer Peter Safran. They are the heads of the newly created DC Studios, a division of Warner Bros Studios, created by WB studio head, David Zaslav, in hopes of turning the DC Comic brand into something consumers will think positively of.  Tuesday, James Gunn announced the beginning stages of their plan in regard to the DC Universe moving forward.  A plan that will include theatrical films, HBO Max series, and animated projects.  

This comes as a disappointment to some fans that still believe in the film universe Zack Snyder started, and still campaign for WB to "Restore the Snyderverse" even though I believe Zack Snyder's vision is the reason the DC characters are now held in such low esteem. Anyway, Gunn announced five films and five series that is just a sneak peak in what he has in store for the DCU, which includes some heavy hitters like Superman, Batman, and Green Lantern, but also leaves room for more fringe characters like Creature Commandos, The Authority, and Swamp Thing.  

I liked Henry Cavill as Superman, even though I wasn't as warm on the films he played Superman in.  As my favorite superhero, I didn't agree with some of the story plots. I mean, you're doing the biggest event in comic book history, The Death of Superman, in your second film? In the words of Red Foreman, "Dumbass!"  Just the description of these first few projects makes it seem like Superman could be the lynchpin to the whole universe. Superman could be the beacon of light in a cynical world that has lost its hope, and that is what Superman should be, and what makes me believe that's what we're going to get. 

One of the lesser-known titles announced, The Authority, is like a group we might compare to The Boys super team, The Seven. They are powerful, and get the job done, but they aren't nice about it. Their leaders, Apollo and Midnight, are comparable to Superman and Batman, but as I said, they aren't as nice, and they are lovers. I know The Authority, but not very well. I can very much see them being the catalyst of this universe, and its hopeless tone. But then Superman arrives, decides things need to change, and perhaps he starts to gather his own "super friends" to rival this gang of anti-heroes. 

Included in the films set to release is a Swamp Thing film, and a Supergirl film based on a recent miniseries, Woman of Tomorrow, that I started to read and never finished. The miniseries has a less happy Kara Danvers than we are used too, which again feeds into the overall theme of this universe. But why not? This teenager saw all her friends and family die when Krypton exploded. That'd be a buzzkill to anyone. As for Swamp Thing, I've never been a big fan of the character, but I hope we get some cameos from other would-be Justice League Dark members to set-up that team. 

And no, I did not forget about Batman. The final film planned is The Brave and the Bold, another storyline in this line-up based on the works of Grant Morrison. This film will see the first live-action appearance of Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne's blood son, who was raised by The League of Assassins. So, as you can imagine, his morals may be a bit looser than his father's. Gunn promises something we've never seen in a Batman film to date, the appearance of the Bat Family, which hopefully includes appearances by Nightwing, Batgirl, Huntress, Batwoman, and many more.

Over on the TV side, we have the thing I'm least excited for, a Wonder Woman prequel, Paradise Lost, and also Creature Commandos, a titled I've heard of but never read. However, this seems right up James Gunn's alley as it even features a character he's put in one of his films, Weasel. A team full of monsters I believe can also be a tie-in with Swamp Thing. 

Lanterns is a series that will feature the two most famous Green Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart.  It's said to take place on Earth and be like a True Detective show. Green Lanterns are space cops, but they patrol space. To me, the GL's(like Batman) is a section of the DCU that can stand on its own because of its deep mythology and many characters. To me, Green Lantern is an epic space opera. To widdle it down to a TV series makes me sad because of the budget restraints that will be placed on this show. However, knowing it is connected to feature films gives me hope that the scope of the GL's will expand as this universe of characters does.

Booster Gold is another fan favorite character that DC scholars have been hoping to see on a larger scale. The character is from the future but goes back in time with future tech to make himself seem like a superhero and get famous.  If you want the 411 on BG I recommend the comic series 52, or the Justice League Unlimited episode, The Greatest Story Never Told.

I saved the series Waller for last because I think it raises the most questions about the overall plan. The Flash is said to change the DC films, and I believe that was always its purpose. But I believed it was going to be a hard reboot with different actors. However, with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom coming out after The Flash we still have Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Gunn also mentioned Waller including the Peacemaker cast. So, it doesn't seem like a hard reboot if we still have some of the same actors. Henry Cavill was a fan favorite. Why does he not get asked back if other actors are?  My best guess is twofold. 1) Superman is so essential to the new plan they wanted to make sure there was no comparison to the Snyderverse version of Superman to what the first film released will be. 2) We don't yet know all the pieces of this first chapter so, for now, we are left with questions that will just have to be answered later.

Overall, I like what was announced. I think there are a lot of safe choices, mixed with bold choices, to give everyone something to look forward to, and possibly make it distinguishable from Marvel. Of course, I have that fear that it could fail, but I trust James Gunn, and with the characters he has announced I can possible how they will fit into an overall story. Remember, Gunn worked very closely with Kevin Feige, and was almost handed a piece of the MCU kingdom as his own. But now he has been given his own kingdom to create.  And I wanna see what happens. 

Bruce Timm's Justice League

Before Samuel L. Jackson started assembling the Avengers, before Ben Affleck started gathering the League, and before Stephen Amell said "you have failed this city," Bruce Timm made a superhero shared universe that set the bar for all others.  Back in the 1990's, the writer/director/producer gave us probably the greatest superhero series ever with Batman: The Animated Series, and then something great in Superman: The Animated Series.  Then he brought it together with Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited.  If you add Batman Beyond to the mix you've got a crossover universe that was fantastic to watch.

I remember watching Batman: The Animated Series on Saturday mornings.  I was a bit older when Justice League came around in 2001, but through Netflix and streaming services I finished all four seasons many years ago.  I grew up reading DC Comics, but this series introduced me to all the colorful characters DC has in their bank.  I HIGHLY recommend Batman, Superman, and Justice League for anyone wanting to get a good grasp on all that DC superheroes are and can be.

With the JL heading to theaters next week for their first live-action(big screen) adaptation I thought I would share with you some of my favorite episodes of Timm's Justice Leagues series and just maybe you'll check them out to get ready for the Snyder/Whedon film.

JL: SEASON 1:  EPISODES 5 & 6:  THE ENEMY BELOW

Sure the series premiere 3-part was great as it introduced new characters not in the Batman and Superman cartoons like Hawkgirl, Wonder Woman, and Martain Manhunter, but these two episodes introduced us to Aquaman, and just how bad ass he can be.  At the end of the first episode his brother has betrayed him to lead Atlantis against the "surface dwellers" and his infant child is about to die next to him.

Aquaman cuts off his own hand to free himself to save his child, teams up with the League to stop his brother, and ends up with a spear for a hand like he had in the comics at the time.  This act of brutality was pretty raw for a show that was rated Y7 and let us know this series was not going to be all "fluff."  I wonder how long till Mamoa gets his spear-hand?

JL:  SEASON 2: EPISODES 1 & 2:  TWILIGHT

Superman: The Animated Series finale was about Darkseid brainwashing Superman to lead his armies against Earth and losing the people's trust in the man of steel.  So when Darkseid shows up at the Watchtower wanting the League's help because Brainiac is attacking Apokolips, Clark tells him to shove it.  But of course, they fly off to battle, Darkseid betrays them, and Batman has to pull Superman off of Darkseid before the walls cave in on them.  Part 2 ends with Clark in Batman's face saying "You know something, Bruce?  You're not always right."

These episodes helped us see a different side of the big blue boy scout and also introduces us to the New Gods.  We meet Orion, High Father, and a fantastic world that I hope we see live-action in the near future.  Also, Superman burns through Darkseid's foot when he stomps on his face.

JL:  SEASON 2:  EPISODES 11 & 12:  A BETTER WORLD

The Justice League meet an alternative version of themselves.  They come from a reality where Lex Luthor has become president and killed the Flash.  Also, Superman kills Luthor.  The team is chained up while the Justice Lords try and bring peace to a reality not their own.  This episode is very important to set-up the series from here on.

JL:  SEASON 2:  EPISODES 24, 25, & 26:  STARCROSSED

In the season(series) finale the warriors of Hawkgirl's homeworld, Thanagra, come to Earth to invade, and Hawkgirl stands by her people, betraying her friends and possible love interest; Green Lantern.  The League must free themselves if they are to save Earth.

Episodes leading up to this one begin a romantic relationship for John and Shayera, which is felt when she chooses her people over the League.  This is also when the Leaguers finally reveal all their secret identities to each other in order to survive.  And we get a kiss from another possible romance in the series; Batman and Wonder Woman.

JLU: SEASON 1: EPISODE 2: FOR THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING

On Superman's birthday, Diana and Bruce visit him at the Fortress of Solitude to find him in a hypnotic sleep where Kal-El is living out a life with his family on a Krypton that never blew up.  His friends must save Superman and defeat Mongul in the process.

Based on a famous Superman annual issue, this episode will pull at your heart strings and leave you crying.  It always does me.  Before Krypton begins to explode(in Clark's mind) he holds his son tight and says, "You are everything I ever wanted in a son.  This is everything I ever wanted in a life.......but I have to go now."  Kleenex please!

JLU: SEASON 1: EPISODE 6: FEARFUL SYMMETRY

Supergirl keeps having dreams about a life that isn't hers.  When Green Arrow and The Question help her get to the bottom of it she finds out that her friend, Professor Hamilton, cloned her while she was injured in the Superman:The Animated Series finale.  This helps set-up the best JLU episodes down the road.

JLU:  SEASON 1:  EPISODE 7:  THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD

Booster Gold is an ex-jock from the future who goes back in time (and uses future tech) to become a  hero in the present.  This is the funniest episode in the series as Booster is "crowd control" while the rest of Leaguers deal with big problems.  Think of it like Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "Zeppo" episode.  Oh and "thanks Green Lantern."

JLU:  SEASON 2; EPISODE 1:  THE CAT AND THE CANARY

Green Arrow has been flirting with Black Canary for a while now, but it's his infatuation with her that lands them both in trouble as they try to get her mentor, Wildcat, out of a MetaBrawl.

JLU:  SEASON 2: EPISODE 7: CLASH

If you're curious about WB's upcoming Shazam film then watch this episode.  We are introduced to Billy Batson and his alter-ego; Shazam.  We also find out that Shazam can go toe-to-toe with Superman as Luthor plays them against each other in a brawl that destroys lots of buildings.  This, again, sets up what is to come.

JLU: SEASON 2:  EPISODES 9-12:  QUESTION AUTHORITY, FLASHPOINT, PANIC IN THE SKY, AND DIVIDED WE FALL

This is where it all comes together!  Cadmus and Luthor begin their plan to take down the Justice League.  They blame them for a civilian attack, have their super army invade the Watchtower, and Luthor merges with Brainiac to take on the original JL members and possibly start them on the road to becoming the Justice Lords.  

Some of the best episodes of TV ever!  Superhero entertainment doesn't get better than this!  Watch all those leading up to it and enjoy the awesomeness!

JLU:  SEASON 2: EPISODE 13:  EPILOGUE

To be honest, compared to the previous four episodes the 3rd season of this series doesn't even hold a candle to it, but this season finale is a glass of cold milk after the delicious cake you just ate.  Incorporating Batman Beyond, Terry finds out his whole life was a plot by Amanda Waller to ensure there would always be a Batman, and tells him a story of how the Dark Knight is one of a kind.

If I were to make a Batman Beyond live-action trilogy I would start with the origin episodes, the Return of the Joker animated movie, and then this episode.  Watch them and then tell me how right I am.  

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.

15 Hottest Super-Girls On The CW

I know it is has been a really long time since I wrote an actual blog post.  Usually I just re-post my podcast onto this site.  But every once-in-a-while a subject comes along I feel is better to list rather than do an audio version of.

A few days ago I stumbled upon an article by the website The Richest.  It was about who they thought the 15 hottest women were in The CW's DC Shared Universe.  I'm not sure how old the list was, but it listed actors and characters from the JSA, which is featured on this season's Legends of Tomorrow, so it must be recent.  However, I wondered why it didn't include actresses from Supergirl.  Sure it's a "different Earth", but we all know Kara is showing up on the 4-part crossover episodes coming up, which just happens to be Arrow's 100th episode.

In any event, as I looked over The Richest list I seemed to have a different opinion on the order of the list and who was on it.  Moira McQueen and Gideon the future computer?  Come on!  As a guy who has watched this universe grow from episode 1 of Arrow I know there have been a lot more beautiful women to cross paths with Oliver and Barry than an A.I.  

So, with that in mind I came up with my own list.  Call it sexist, or that I'm way too bored, but I figure if Maxim can come up with their own Hot 100 every year, I can do one list that's full of comic book babes!

15)Audrey Marie Anderson(Lyla Michaels)

Lyla is now married John Diggle(for the 2nd time), and they have a son(former daughter) together.  She's became the director of A.R.G.U.S. after Amanda Waller was assassinated and is one of the many women on this list I would not mess with!

14)Ciara Renee(Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl)

As a waitress at Jitters she was a crush for Cisco Ramone, but after she learned of her past lives she has embraced her wings and her soul mate Carter Hall(minus marrying the Atom).  She's got a fierceness to her that seems animalistic.

13)Emily Bett Richards(Felicity Smoak/Overwatch)

While some people may have Felicity higher on their list I actually don't know think she is THAT hot.  What can I say, I like curves.  Plus, she's quite chatty, which is annoying for me.  And I can't forget that her romance with Oliver known as "Olicity" is what is mostly to blame for the downfall of Arrow in my opinion.

12) Melissa Benoist(Kara Danvers/Supergirl)

He's no Laura Vanderboot, but this Supergirl has that girl-next-door charm that makes a Midwestern boy like me turn smitten.  She has her annoying moments, but I'd still let her rescue me if I could call it a date.

11) Chyler Leigh(Alex Danvers)

Meet Supergirl's sister.  She's smart, formidable, and doesn't give a crap if your a billionaire Maxwell Lord(whatever happened to him?).  I like a little fight in my beauty and Alex has plenty of that.

10) Megalyn Echikunwoke(Mari McCabe/Vixen)

Just a city boy(girl), born and raised in south Detroit......Mari is more known for the 5th(and lesser known) DC show from the CW; Vixen.  It's animated on The CW Seed and the first season is only 30 minutes long, but the actress also guest starred on an episode of Arrow in season 4 to bring this character to live-action.  I was impressed, and it seems others were as well since she is now featured on Legends of Tomorrow.  Just by a different character and actress.

9)Katrina Law(Nyssa Al Ghul)

She's more likely the spear me than kiss me.  I like that in a woman.

8) Maise Richardson-Sellers(Amaya Jiwe/Vixen)

While she's only been in 2 episodes of Legends of Tomorrow Vixen seems quite the counterpart to Mari, and I'm interested in getting to know her better.  And so is Ray Palmer I think. 

7) Candice Patton(Iris West)

In season 1 of The Flash I felt like Iris was just as useless as Laurel was in season 1 of Arrow. But once she learned Barry's secret she became a better character and has grown ever since.  DC Comics even changed the ethnicity of Iris to match Candice, and then they changed it back.  Not sure what that is all about.

6) Danielle Panabaker(Kaitlin Snow/Killer Frost)

Redhead: CHECK  Intelligent:  CHECK.  Likes the cold:  CHECK.  As a guy who grew up in the snow and loves hockey I can get behind Caitlin Snow.  I seriously wasn't trying to make an innuendo as I wrote that I swear.  

5) Willa Holland(Thea Queen/Speedy)

Much like Laurel, I thought Thea was annoying until she learns who her father was and started her Jedi training.  She then became a strong female character I could see myself sparring with.  Honestly, I'm not trying to be gross. 

4) Katie Cassidy(Laurel Lance/Black Canary)

Let's just flash forward to season 4 when Laurel became comfortable with who she was.  I always felt like after being Oliver's love interest in season 1 the show runners had no idea what to do with her.  Maybe that's why they made her an alcoholic, swore to avenge her sister's death, and then eventually got killed off.  But before her murder, I enjoyed the woman Laurel had become.  Out of the game FMK, I'd do Thea, kill Felicity, and marry Laurel.  

3)Janina Gavankar(Detective McKenna Hall)

Shivakamini Somakandarkram!  Before I saw her become an iconic trophy on FX's The League I saw her as a young detective on Arrow.  She had a brief relationship with Oliver, but she was memorable enough to see why five guys would name a fantasy football trophy after this actress. Am I right?

  

2) Shantel VanSanten(Patty Spivots)

I had no idea this actress was on another show I used to watch; One Tree Hill.  Probably because she came on the show after it turned to crap and I stopped watching.  But I don't blame Patty.  She was Barry's season 2 rebound to get over Iris, before he eventually went back to Iris.  She was a little nerdy like he was, but could handle herself as a member of the CCPD.  I miss her.

1)Caity Lotz(Sara Lance/White Canary)  

Season 2 of Arrow is everyone's favorite of the series, and Sara Lance's return as the Black Canary we all know was a big part of it.  She and Oliver's relationship just made sense after their shared life experience.  A lot better than Oliver and Felicity.  It was a stupid mistake to kill her in season 3 just to give Laurel something to do, but I am glad she back into this universe.  She's the main reason I stick with Legends of Tomorrow.  Smart, mysterious, and can kick my ass in 3 seconds.  Done!

Mark Millar Brings Us "The Flash on Drugs" in MPH

Mark Millar has made quite a name for himself not only in the comic book industry, but now in Hollywood. This year's Kingsman: The Secret Service is based on a mini-series written by Millar, just like another one of his book-turned-film; Kick-Ass.  Mark started out writing great tales for DC and Marvel Comics like The Flash, Ultimate X-Men, and Marvel's Civil War.  But Millar has his own universe of characters he's been building for the last decade, and if you look closely, you can see Mark is drawing his inspirations from heroes already in the DC and Marvel pantheon.

MPH is about two small time criminals, Roscoe and Chevy, who work on the streets of Detroit.  Roscoe is caught by the cops selling drugs and is sent to the Big House for a fifteen year sentence. While in the Joint, Roscoe takes a pill that makes everyone move really slow, allowing him to escape and settle some old scores.  But in hindsight, Roscoe was actually moving at super speed and plans to use this miracle drug for his benefit.  He shares his super pills with Chevy, his girlfriend Rosa, and her brother; nicknamed Baseball.  The four rob from the rich who they feel caused the destruction of their city, and while making millions, also give millions back to the people of Detroit.  But the charity part of their plan doesn't sit well with Chevy and Baseball.  Neither does the fact that they've only got a week's supply of the MPH pills.  Soon the team begins to divide, and the FBI is hot on their trail, led by a mysterious man known as Mr. Springfield who knows their every move.

So basically, this story is Chronicle meets The Flash, and it's pretty entertaining.  As a guy who has read comics his who life I know that Mr. Millar has created his own universe off the backs of classic comic book characters.  Kick-Ass is about ordinary people who experience tragedy and then decide to fighting crime; which is Batman.  Superior is about a young boy who turns into a Superman-like being; which is Shazam.  And then of course there's MPH; which is Flash, or Kid Flash, depending on how you see it.  However, the modern twist is what makes these books great reads.  Millar makes the center piece of his stories nerds or thugs, and then makes a much more believable scenarios as to what these people would actually do if they were given these powers.

MPH has a good twist at the end that you should see coming a thousand miles away, and also left me really satisfied.  If you're into superheroes I recommend anything by Mark Millar because I haven't disliked any Millerverse book yet. They're a nice break from the DC and Marvel corporations, and always entertaining.  I'm excited to read Chrononauts because I've heard nothing but good things about it.  And I'm drooling to pick up the sequel to Jupiter's Legacy.

So while I admit Millar just seems to be recycling old characters and themes that are fifty to sixty years old I'm of the mind set that I don't care.  Just give me something good to read.