Archive for August, 2008

 Step 1: Take an existing character.

Step 2: Change the color scheme.

Step 3: Add “Anti-” to existing character’s name.

Step 4: ????

Step 5: PROFIT!

After nearly seven months of comic-fasting, I finally bought comics! Wooo! I only had enough moolah for two though, so I settled for Supes and Bats.

Superman/Batman #50:

Fifty issues of bizzare yet entertaining stories. Superman/Batman is a very underrated book; it’s either a hit or miss for fans. Some of my friends love it’s unusual plots, the rest think of it as DC’s shark-jumpers and refuses to accept their stories as canon. With their 50th issue, one would think that they really had jumped the shark.

Thomas Wayne meeting Jor-El before Bruce and Kal were born? Jor-El could have picked any other planet with a yellow sun, but he chose earth because of Thomas Wayne, who used Kryptonian technology to salvage his then dying company to a very very successful one? WUT? They’ve been pushing the ‘Supes and Bats are destined to be together’ thing for years, but this is going to far!

 

 

Still good for for a light read, even with the whole SUPES&BATS BFF thing. This isn’t a case of shark-jumping, it’s just another one of Michael Green’s lame attempts to be ‘notorious’ in the industry. Nice try.

 

Superman/Batman #51:

My reaction went from WUT to WHAT THE SHI~Oh wait, this is a Supes/Bats book. Yet another visit from an alternate universe yay! This time, from the ADORABLE UNIVERSE! When will they go back to the gender-reversal universe, huh? HUH?

Shock and horror!

Shotacon! Oh yes!

 

So we have a whole mini-me’s of the JLA in Gotham, Supes and Bats were like lolwut. D’awww moments galore. In the Adorable universe, everything is..well, adorable! Happier even!  It’s literally a G-rated version of the DCU. I just love the conversations between Supes/Bats and their mini-me counterparts. “Who are you?” “I’m Batman.” No. You’re not.” Yes, I am.” “I’m Batman.” “Please. make me laugh again.” “Excuse me?” I’m the Goshdarn batma–” ” Be quiet.” I see what you did there.

 

“MY PARENTS WERE BULLIIIEEEEED!” 

Click for high-res.

Click for high-res.

 

Lolicon! With multiple partners too!

Of course, the culprit HAD to be Myxzptlk. It was oh so very obvious. Add the fact that only Supes/Bats writers remembers him, coz they have an excuse: “It’s Superman/Batman!” He needs to wreck havok in other books too, DC!

 

 

So yeah, that’s about it. The OH GOD WHAT’S HAPPENING moments is pretty much business as usual for a Supes/Bats book, here’s hoping that they return to gender-reversal earth! I wanna see girl Darkseid!

 

In other news; just when I decided to temporarily stop buying Marvel stuff, THIS happens:

click for high-res.

Hardcore!  Now I’ll *have* to get this one tomorrow! Sorry pals, I’ll be broke by tomorrow afternoon so no expensive social events this weekend mmmkay? Or, you guys can always treat me. :D

Bishie Bruce Wayne from Batman: Gotham Knight(Field Test) VS Wolverine from the upcoming X-Men Shoujo Manga 

Who’s more KAWAII SUGOI DESU NE? 

 

Girly-boy Bruce-Kun

Gatcha-Batman

VS

Facialhair-less bishie Logan-kun

PS. They made Beast to an owl-like thingamabob.

 

PSPS. Too lazy to download the plug-in for actual polls lol, just vote by commenting.

My good bud *name withheld* makes his debut post! 

Yo all!!! This is my first entry (and hopefully not my last) made specifically for this website. Since we’re talking superheroes (in my case, more of DC mainstream) and to keep along the lines of secret identities and all that stuff, you may call me by my Nom de Guerre, Magnus Abel Arkade (or Arkade for short). Now, since the whole of my leisure life revolves around DC Comics (with an additional few others), I wanted to start out with this: a list of the current JSA roster along with powers and inherent weaknesses plus my analysis on them based on their use in the society. Sooo…. Here goes nothing…

 

The Flash – Jay Garrick
Powers/Skills - Super Speed based on both a metahuman gene and connection to the Speed Force which allows him to run at close to light speeds, vibrate is molecules to turn invisible, defy gravity through momentum, and have an increased level of natural healing.
Weaknesses/Limitations – Age and an injured knee restricts connection to the Speed Force
Analysis – a speedster is always an asset in any given situation, whether it is for crowd control, distraction, first strike, or reconnaissance. Although Jay Garrick is more limited in terms of ability in comparison to other speedsters who took the mantle of “The Flash”, Garrick compensates this with a large amount of experience he has attained. As the first Flash, he can honestly say that he has seen it all, and thus have a certain advantage in any type of conflict.

Green Lantern – Alan Scott
Powers/Skills – Able to create Green constructs based on thought using the Starheart power in the form of a lantern shaped ring
Weaknesses/Limitations – Constructs Unable to affect wood and are limited depending on the willpower of the individual
Analysis – As most super teams, there must be a source of magic. In the JSA, that source is Alan Scott. As a team player, Scott can take on any position and can do any job. His Starheart Power allows him to create any construct suitable to the need at hand. As long as he has enough willpower to back up his magic, anything is possible.

Wildcat – Ted Grant
Powers/Skills - Unparalleled boxing skills
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – Since he’s human with no actual powers, most fans will question his use in the JSA. But I tell you, don’t underestimate this kitty. Do so, and you’ll probably find yourself on the floor, pissing your pants and crying like a little school girl. As a former World Boxing Champion and a veteran fighter, Ted Grant knows who or what to hit, where to hit, when to hit, how to hit, and most importantly, why to hit. His experience in various types of fights gave him a certain amount of insight. He knows when and how his attackers will move and he knows how to avoid or receive the blow while returning it with equal or more effectivity. As the fighting instructor of the JSA, all his students step into the ring with him as rookies, and leave the ring as hardened fighters.

Hawkman – Carter Hall
Powers/Skills - Hand-to-hand and weapons combat mastery plus Nth metal which grants him flight and increased healing.
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Anlaysis – Labeled as a powerhouse, Carter Hall remodeled the saying “Hit first, ask questions later” by removing the “ask questions later” portion. With unrivaled ferocity in battle, he doesn’t give a damn if his blows cripple, maim, or kill his opponents, as long as they get the job done and he tends to shrug off most of the damage done to him, even if it looks worse than what he claims it is. Another factor to consider are his choices in weapons. Although the most basic weapons include maces, swords, shields, axes, and other medieval type weapons, he also has some special weapons in his arsenal. One of my personal favorites is the Claw of Horus, a glove that gains the power from the earth’s gravity. As Hawkman put it, “Essentially, I just hit you with the planet”. Badass all the way, I would place him in the frontlines, where the battle is thickest.

Mr. Terrific – Michael Holt
Powers/Skills - Metahuman gene which grants him invisibility to machines plus T-Spheres and high level intellect
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – Labeled as the third smartest man in the world, Michael Holt is a master tactician. Experienced in almost every known field of expertise, he can lend a hand in any given situation and also lead the Society. His invisibility to machines (although it looks useless at first) has helped him well in many situations that involve a technology based enemy. That coupled by his mental prowess, makes him an essential part of the team.

Obsidian – Todd Rice
Powers/Skills - Weaver of the Shadow Power based on connection to the Shadowlands which allows him to move instantaneously through darkness, create constructs out of shadows, and transportation of matter into the Shadowlands.
Weaknesses/Limitations – Absence of shadows impedes usage of Shadow Power
Analysis – As the son of Alan Scott, he is an important legacy to the JSA. But he’s no pushover. As the Weaver of the Shadow Realms, Obsidian can turn shadows into constructs based on his desire. As the “Security Guard” of the JSA Building, no one can enter or leave without him knowing and without him allowing. He is no longer simply a man, but shadow itself. Scarrrryyyy….

Sandman – Sandy Hawkins
Powers/Skills - Biological build-up similar to sand which allows instantaneous movement through the earth, earth based powers and sleeping gas guns. Certain level of precognition through dreams
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – Perfect for reconnaissance, Sandy Hawkins’ ability to move through the earth allows him to be anywhere he wants as long as it is rooted to the earth. His gas guns complement this power by allowing him to render enemies and innocents asleep while doing his job. Another aspect of reconnaissance that he possesses is his dream precognition. By delving into dreams, he can somewhat see event will happen in the future, and thus give time for the JSA to prepare themselves for any upcoming situation. He also has his uses in the frontlines. Besides his gas guns, his earth-based powers allow him to create and focus earthquakes of varying degrees of intensity.

Power Girl – Kara Zor-L
Powers/Skills - Typical Kryptonian powers: super strength and speed. Heat, x-ray, microscopic and telescopic vision. Flight and invulnerability. All powers based on cellular level of sunlight
Weaknesses/Limitations – Kryptonian physiology allows susceptibility to kryptonite poisoning, loss of power due to red sunlight radiation exposure and inherent weakness to magic. Note: Kryptonite effect to Power Girl fluctuates
Analysis – Come on… She’s the cousin of Superman (or at least one of the Supermen). Her contribution to the JSA should be quite obvious; pure and simple powerhouse. She brings the pain and protects those in need using her natural invulnerability and speed. With her different vision powers, her use also covers reconnaissance, medical treatment, and long range attack. Also, as Chairwoman of the JSA, she is the “Leader” of sorts. This empowers her make choices for questions that usually redefine the word “pressure”.

Liberty Belle – Jesse Chambers
Powers/Skills - Super strength inherited from mother, the original Liberty Belle and Super Speed based on connection to the Speed Force inherited from father, Johnny Quick
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – Now here’s a multi-roled member. Inborn with powerhouse and speed capabilities, Jesse Chambers (or is it Jesse Tyler now?) can be useful in both the frontline and under cover. And come one, she’s a natural poster girl along with her husband Rick. 

Hourman – Rick Tyler
Powers/Skills - Super strength based on Miraclo drug and random uncontrollable precognition one hour into the future in the form of “Flash Forwards”
Weaknesses/Limitations – Miraclo Drug’s one hour limit
Anlaysis: Power House. What more can I say? Although there are better people to choose from, a team can never have too much muscle. Right?

Stargirl – Courtney Whitmore
Powers/Skills - Flight and light based powers from star staff plus throwing stars
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – I really can’t make an complete analysis on Stargirl. Her weapons are mostly those for long range support, so I would think of it like that. However, she loves going in the middle of the fight, which, in my opinion, isn’t the best for her especially if one makes a comparison between her and most baddies. Example, would you throw her against someone like Solomon Grundy? Long range maybe, but up close and personal? That’s a death wish.

Dr. Mid-Nite – Doctor Pieter Cross
Powers/Skills - Infrared, x-ray and microscopic vision based on special goggles plus extensive medical background
Weaknesses/Limitations – Inability to see spiritually based beings due to goggles (although this may no longer apply since eyesight was recently restored by Gog)
Analysis – As one of the best medical practitioners in almost any medical field, Dr. Cross is of great importance in the JSA. One has to consider that the job description of any member in the Society includes multiple types of injuries, whether it be minor or major in nature. Dr. Mid-Nite’s job is to help heal these members so they can be ready to fight another day. And in he has lived up to that role in a lot of incidents within the DC universe. The JSA is very lucky to have him on board.

Damage – Grant Emerson
Powers/Skills - Internal Atomic power inherited from father, the original Atom
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – Like Hawkman, Damage doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty on the job. After what Zoom did to him, he became a little more savage. Although its not really a good trait in most cases, it has its usefulness, especially if the JSA is taking down someone that won’t easily crack.

Cyclone – Maxine Hunkel
Powers/Skills - Wind based powers
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – This early on, I can’t really comment on her usefulness. Although I see a certain potential in her as long as her current powers are still viable for growth.

Starman – Thom Kallor
Powers/Skills - gravity and mass based powers
Weaknesses/Limitations – schizophrenic (although this was cured by Gog)
Analysis – Now here’s a great support against most aggressors, if he gets his mindset right. With his gravity based powers, he can put a level of handicap against most enemies. Although I have yet to see the full extent of his capabilities, as of now, he will be an effective support.

Wildcat – Tommy Bronson
Powers/Skills - Were-panther transformation granting him heightened senses of smell, sight, and hearing plus increased agility
Weaknesses/Limitations – unknown
Analysis – All I can say is this: He has potential, but he definitely needs a heck of a lot more training.

Citizen Steel – Nathan Heywood
Powers/Skills - Body composition similar to flexible steel including bones, muscles, veins, and skin granting him increased strength, invulnerability and stability (nothing less than an Aim-9 Sindwinder missile can knock him down)
Weaknesses/Limitations – Body makeup creates inability for touch based feeling. Fleximetal Suit, which is also needed to control strength, reduces speed and increases weight.
Analysis – He’s a perfect front liner in terms of both dishing the heat, and taking the heat. With his strength and durability, he could have been perfect. Only problem is his damnable speed and his lack of control. Well, we can always hope that he gets used to his job. Because, if I know the history of the JSA (which I do), life is gonna be a hell of a lot tougher.

Superman – Kal-El (Earth 22)
Powers/Skills - Typical Kryptonian powers: super strength and speed. Heat, x-ray, microscopic and telescopic vision. Flight and invulnerability. All powers based on cellular level of sunlight. Note: This version of Superman is older and stronger than the original timeline Superman.
Weaknesses/Limitations - Kryptonian physiology allows susceptibility to kryptonite poisoning, loss of power due to red sunlight radiation exposure and inherent weakness to magic. Note: Due to massive amount of sunlight within cellular structure, kryptonite weakness is no longer present
Analysis – DAMN!!! Another superman? Cool!!! I love this guy. All of the original superman’s strengths x3 and only half the weaknesses. That is a pretty package. Plus, as I view him from Kingdom Come, he’s a little more physical than diplomatic in comparison to the original superman. That, my friends, is some scary shiet….

Jakeem Thunder – Jakeem Williams
Powers/Skills - Ability to Summon a Djinn named Thunderbolt from a Pen using the words “So Cool”. Thunderbolt grants any wish provided it is through Jakeem
Weaknesses/Limitations – Thunderbolt may only grant the wish if it was made by Jakeem through spoken words.
Analysis – ah… if he only knew how much power he has… he could do anything… sadly, we are stuck with a kid who can barely think outside of the present. Wish someone will teach him what to do with Thunderbolt.

Judomaster – Sonia Sato
Powers/Skills - Innate ability allowing her never to be hit by anything aimed directly at her plus extensive martial arts skills
Weaknesses/Limitations – Anything not aimed directly at her (ex. Bombs, explosions, etc) are not affected by her innate ability
Analysis – front liner. Nuff said.

Amazing Man – Markus Clay
Powers/Skills - Ability to absorb and mimic the composition of matter through touch
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – same here…. Although I wonder what will happen if he doesn’t have anything to absorb…

Mr. America – Jeffrey Graves
Powers/Skills - Mastery of the whip plus deductive skills attained through experience in the FBI
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – uh…. Batman wannabe? Just kidding. Could be used in the crimescene and against more human opponents. Doubt he can hold his own against worse than that.

Lightning – Jennifer Pierce
Powers/Skills - Electricity based powers inherited from her father which allows her to absorb electrical current from any electricity based gadget in the immediate surrounding area through skin contact with any such gadget. This gives her an electric aura and allows her to discharge electric energy in blasts plus flight
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknown
Analysis – I have barely seen her in action so I have yet to make a proper assessment.

Lance – Lance Corporal David Reid
Powers/Skills - Plasma-like energy build-up within the body which is discharged in concussive plasma blasts through a hand-held lance-like gadget
Weaknesses/Limitations – Unknow
Analysis – Judging by his abilities alone, I am guessing he’s more of a long range support.

So, as you can see, the group is pretty solid. Still having problem with the newbies, but hopefully, when they show their stuff, I can update and reassess. Thanks you all!!! and dont hesitate to post your comments, suggestion and whatever.

Terms:
Starheart – a magical item which is made of concentrated magic gathered together by the Guardians of the Universe. This is best seen in the form of a lantern and a ring.

SpeedForce – an energy source in which most speedsters tap into for their speed based powers.

Shadow Realms – a realm completely made out of shadow, wherein one’s worst nightmares come to life.

With my return to the Phailippines(been here for 3 weeks already, but I was too lazy to post), I can now participate in Wordcamp ‘08! Yaaay!

Wordcamp will be held on September 6, 2008 at the College of St. Benilde, Taft Avenue, Manila. It is organized by Mindanao Bloggers Oliver Robillo, Maria Jose, Migs Hipolito, Winston Almendras and Andrew Dela Serna. DLSU and CSB friends! Join us!

To register, click here. A blog post about Wordcamp Philippines and some link love to our sponsors will get you an electronic ticket to the event.

Fiel registered us to a blogger’s parteh at Mall of Asia last August 8; but when we arrived at Taste Asia, we noticed that nobody was there. I just kept laughing when we found out that we went there on the 9th and had celebrated my return the day before. We decided to dine isntead and make a food review. Sorry Ate Aileen!  We’ll definitely come this time!

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