Demon Knights #2 (December, 2011)

16th (or so) Century Europe. Little Spring, on the outskirts of Alba Sarum. Dinosaur "dragons" were set upon a bar/inn where a group of extraordinary individuals had been gathered by fate. Among the defenders was Vandal Savage: "Excellent! I haven't eaten one of these in centuries!" As he used one dinosaur's corpse to beat another, he demanded "Die, tasty rare creatures--! DIEEE!"

Al Jabr introduced himself to Madame Xanadu while using sword and sorcery against the "True dragons, not heraldic ones! They're incredibly rare, I've never seen one." Xanadu just repeatedly told him to shut up while defending herself. The Shining Knight criticized the slight armor of the amazonian Exoristos, who relied on the old saw of using her sexuality against male opponents. The Demon Etrigan sprouted wings and roasted a dinosaur from the inside. Vandal Savage made another barely in-character joke, because they're easy and go over well with fanboys.

Back at their mobile palace, Mordru and the Questing Queen got annoyed over their dragons being killed and plotted like every other evil duo in a generic fantasy setting.

The Horsewoman rode into town to warn everyone to flee the coming hoard, then rode back out again. That might have been remotely useful before the dinosaur attack. Eh, she got her first full appearance and name out of it.

The Shining Knight dropped a hint about designs on the queen. Savage revealed that he'd once worked with the hoard while eating dinosaur. Has this joke been fully digested and evacuated yet?

The Demon tried to fly away with Xanadu, but they were attacked by barbarians riding pterodactyls, making this book seem even more like Fire and Ice without the ice or very much fire.

Mechanical dragons showed up. Why not lead with mechanical dragons? No easy jokes for Vandal Savage. Al Jabr used the advanced technology eventually dubbed "telescope" to detect them. He doesn't believe in magic, seeing it only as "knowledge we don't understand." Arthur C. Clarke was a medieval scholar?

The Shining Knight said "Magic, priest!" I first misread this as "Magic Priest," and thought "he" was announcing another new character, or at least as reading soundtrack selection from the Ronnie James Dio discography. Disappointment. Then "he" hopped on the pegasus Vanguard to battle the pterodactyl riders.

Mordru created some enormous fireball deal to immolate the entire village. Exoristos said "Oh, dung."

"They Shall Not Pass" was by Paul Cornell, Diógenes Neves and Oclair Albert. It was a collection of things I hate. Smug, "hip" dialogue that dry humps tropes while posturing at being above them. A collection of corporate IPs seemingly thrown together for no greater purpose than maintaining copyrights. Unique characters mangled into archtypes to suit a team book dynamic. A plot that would be thin for a single issue stretched out over an arc. A string of action set pieces without any dramatic heft or even cheap spectacle. Pretty much the entirety of Tolkien quest fantasy as a genre. Dung indeed, getting by on nostalgia, modest charm, and reasonable Top Cow style artwork.

DCnÜ Year's Wildstormin' Eve

• Captain Atom: Armageddon #9 (August, 2006) @ Power of the Atom
• Justice League #1 (October, 2011) @ Justice League Detroit
• DC/WS DreamWar #6 (November, 2008) @ DC Bloodlines

2009 “H’ronmeer’s Flame” mixed drink recipe by Jacob Grier

For the upcoming New Year's Eve, I figured it would be appropriate to feature a Martian flavored cocktail, found at Liquidity Preference...

"I feel a “Money” drink is something you can put in front of anyone, regardless of tastes or distastes about the spirits involved. Come up with a drink or a list based on spirits about drinks that would appeal to anyone."

It breaks down as follows...

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• .75 oz Ramazzotti
• .75 oz Carpano Antica sweet vermouth

"Stir all of the above, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and flame an orange zest over the surface of the drink. (To flame an orange zest: Take a large swath of zest, toast with a lit match, and squeeze the oils through the flame.)"

Grier closes by noting "Yes, I sneaked a Martian Manhunter reference onto my cocktail menu. And yes, this makes me happier than it rightfully should." Us as well. I haven't tried this drink myself, but if anyone chooses to do so, please leave a comment to offer your opinion of the mix...

2011 Ziggy Stardust: Manhunter from Mars by Daniel Irizarri

Click To Enlarge

"Done for The Line: it is Drawn. The prompt was comic book characters meeting or crossed with famous musicians. How could I pass up the opportunity to do something Bowie-Inspired?

Thanks for the suggestion, Sean.
-Daniel"

Aside from the enormous signature, I like the design here-- like an art book cover of tour photos.

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Splitting Up

I didn't want to leave the last month of Despero coloring book adventures on such a dismal note as his being carried off bound up by Darkseid, so here's an advanced teaser taste of next year's "sequel." I believe that the Lord of Apokolips used his Boom Tube to travel to Egypt. From there, he sent Despero off on his own to China, although that's a lot of trust extended under recent circumstances. I'm sure words along the lines of "or else" were uttered...

The Others: MICA'KEL

History:
Mica'kel was among the group of six White Martians brainwashed into believing himself to be a Green Martian by Cay'an and used in a plot against the Martian Manhunter. Mica'kel was believed to be the father of Till'all. Jornell once called him, "Grumpy and proud. Always a dangerous combination."

Of the "Green Martians" subjected to torture in a secret government lab, Mica'kel was the most vindictive and militaristic. Although he relished the opportunity to slaughter the enemy, Mica'kel was also among the most protective of and concerned for his fellow Martians. It was Mica'kel's idea to channel the group's combined strength into the body of the most recent captive, Roh'Kar, in hopes he could liberate himself and seek help. While Roh'Kar did not long survive, he did manage to reach the lone Martian the project dare not even attempt to capture, J'Onn J'Onzz. The Martian Manhunter rescued the prisoners, but during their escape from the lab, Mica'kel insisted on searching for any other captives. When confronted by soldiers defending the experiment, Mica'kel took control of their motor functions and forced them to kill one another, earning him a reprimand from J'Onn J'Onzz.

Mica'kel continued to work under the direction of J'Onzz, even when it cost the life of a fellow "Green Martian," including helping him to defeat a Justice League team. Regardless of this, J'Onzz never truly gained Mica'kel's respect or trust. When Mica'kel finally reverted back to his natural White Martian form, he proved J'Onn J'Onzz's most ferocious and adamant enemy amongst the group. Mica'kel continued the brutal assault of J'Onn J'Onzz across miles and deep into the tunnels of a coal mine, bloodthirsty beyond any concern for his own well being. This proved Mica'kel's undoing, when he caused a gas explosion which seemed to consume him.



First Appearance: Martian Manhunter #2 (November, 2006)

Group Affiliation: The Others

Known Relatives: Till'all (son)

Powers:
Mica'kel displayed superhuman strength, speed, and durability, as well as the power of flight, telepathic assumption of multiple humans' motor control, limited shape-shifting, and psionic pulses of devastating force emitted from his palms. Whether Mica'kel possessed other Martian abilities is unknown.

Weaknesses:
Mica'kel was vulnerable to fire, ordinance from a modified AR-8 sniper rifle, and the brainwashing techniques of Cay'an.

Distinguishing Features: Mica'kel was a large, surly Martian with visible scars throughout his face, and appeared to be missing his left eye. How a shapeshifter could find themselves with such a rough visage without it being a front is questionable. Mica'kel wore a gray uniform with brown leather accessories and a cross over the chest. During his brief stints in human guise, Mica'kel preferred the appearance of a brown haired Caucasian yuppie.

Quote:"Your time on this planet has made you pathetic. You should be ashamed to call yourself a manhunter! You watch over these humans as if they were of your own flesh. It's made you weak. It's made you foolish. And you'll die because of it."

Created by A.J. Lieberman & Al Barrionuevo

2006 "Justice League - Dare" fan video by ArachKid

As you read this, I'm working double shifts over the holiday weekend, so I'm going to be brief. Last week, Jay Boaz of Does Whatever a Comics Blog Can sent me an email with kind words about the blog. He's a huge fan of the Alien Atlas, "especially the Ostrander series," and edited the above to the tune "Dare" by Stan Bush. It put a smile on my face, so I wanted to share...

Teen Titans Christmas 2010 by Bill Walko

Click To Enlarge


"Here's a sequel to last year's Teen Titans Christmas party with the new roster (plus a few visiting friends). From left to right: Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Robin (Tim Drake), Ravager, Superboy, Beast Boy, Robin (Damien Wayne), Miss Martian, new Titan Solstice, Zachary Zatara and Raven. I wish Beast Boy a lot of luck trying to get Ravager and Damien in the Christmas mood...."

The artist's deviantART gallery, and you might also check out his latest Xmas work for The Aquaman Shrine. I swear, I scheduled this posts months ago. Ain't synchronicity weird?

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Carry-On Despero

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Hogtied

"Who has the Ultimate Weapon? Starting with the Total Justice team, follow the maze through the jungle to find where the Ultimate Weapon really is. But don't tell Darkseid or Despero!" A clue to be unscrambled: "SUPERGIRL HID IT IN A TREE!"

2010-2011 The Justice League of America 100 Project charity art by Agnes Garbowska

Click To Expand & Enlarge


Happy Hanukkah everybody! Actually, I misread my calender, and thought it began at nightfall on the 21st instead of the 20th. It already got a really late start this year, close to that pagan holiday Yuletide everyone seems to go crazy over. Consider this an Advent-y post also, since you'll have to click on the picture to open the entire adorable scene!

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (Formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.


ALL 104 JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 ORIGINALS…NOW ON DISPLAY!

Please enjoy this gallery of ALL 104 original Justice League of America #50 Hero Initiative covers!

Hardcover and softcover versions of a book collecting all the covers will be available in December, 2011. AND all the originals will be auctioned off according to the following schedule:

• December 3, 2011, Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, CA: Display of all 104 covers and auction of first one-third
• Jan. 20-22, 2012, Tate's Comics, Lauderhill, FL (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area): Display of remaining covers and auction of second one-third.
• Feb. 17-19, 2012: Orlando MegaCon, Orlando, FL: Display and auction of final one-third.

All covers will be sold via LIVE AUCTION on-site at the venues above. If you cannot attend but wish to bid, proxy bidding is available.
Contact Joe Davidson at: yensid4disney@gmail.com
Deadlines for each grouping are below, and each cover carries a minimum bid of $100.

Special thanks to Firestorm Fan for the notice!

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Squash the Bug

"Who has the Ultimate Weapon? Starting with the Total Justice team, follow the maze through the jungle to find where the Ultimate Weapon really is. But don't tell Darkseid or Despero!

Unscramble the clue: SPRGRLIUE HDI TI NI A ERET!"

-------------------------------------------------------
I don't care much about sales on modern comics, but so many of my fellow members of the Justice League Blogosphere have been playing Chicken Little with November's sales numbers amongst the New 52, I wanted to take a look. Firestorm dropped 10K and 24 places in rank. Hawkman dumped about seven thousand readers and fell twenty spaces. Supergirl shed 17% of sales to the tune of about ten thousand copies and ten places in rank. That might seem worrisome. except that most of these books were selling in the twenty thousands before the reboot, but this month's #1 book, Justice League, hemorrhaged 22,000 copies, Batman about the same, The Flash 24K, and so on. The majority of the New 52 dropped ten thousand copies each, which can be chalked up to predictable attrition as the hoopla dies down.

As Martian Manhunter fans, our collective taste is divergent from the norm. Despite our lukewarm reception to that team book he shares with entirely too many people, STORMWATCH dropped about 17%, a respectable hold, but not far removed from other titles*. Here are the initial order numbers and ranking for each issue in the top 300 comics sold in their respective months...

STORMWATCH #1: 46,397 copies, Rank #45
STORMWATCH #2: 47,520 copies, Rank #44
STORMWATCH #3: 39,262 copies, Rank #56

*I had different numbers here at midnight, but even at 4 in the morning, my math isn't so bad that I couldn't see they were gobbledygook.

Stormwatch #3 (January, 2012)

Moscow. The media was screaming with reports of dozens of meteors headed toward Earth, causing the Projectionist pain. One had already struck in an isolated section of Colorado, which curiously attracted the attention of Jack Hawksmoor. The Martian (as Adam One referred to him) checked in on why Jack sat Indian style and checked out. "I can telepathically hear him, talking to three cities." Sure enough, anthropomorphized representations of Paris (glamorous blond,) Metropolis (basically Byrne-era Lois Lane,) and Gotham (a bat-like gargoyle) discussed how an "ancient... lost city... the greatest" had once been located in, per Jack, "Nowhere, Colorado." Gotham suggested that the city once exceeded its own madness, which Jack could potentially tap against the meteor monster. Gee, a great city madder than Gotham located in Colorado that on Earth-Prime is merely a ghost town. Curious. Of course, I'll have a great many curse words to utter if the fanfic term Apex City actually rears its head.

Adam One had Manhunter telepathically transmit the locations of the meteors into Apollo's brain from out of the Projectionist's, since all his Oliver Queeniness about helping the little guy wouldn't mean much if a giant tentacle monster ate them all. This was represented by a light show to make the Disco Dazzler envious. Apollo then flew up into space, where he could absorb even more unfiltered solar energy to power up for punching meteors. He maintained contact with Stormwatch by emitting radio waves on their "comms implants" frequency, which is exactly the sort of contrivance that makes a telepathic Martian teammate of dubious worth. Speaking to himself as "Andrew," Apollo pushed beyond previous limits to force the meteors to burn up in the sun for all the ingrates below who would surely hate him if they knew he existed. The final rock was a monolithic "planet-killer," which shattered to pieces on impact from Apollo and sent him barreling back to Earth.

On the moon, Harry Tanner gloated over tricking the Scourge of Worlds, absorbing all of its data into his brain despite resistance. The Eminence of Blades then hacked at the eye of the Scourge, presumably killing it. The Engineer located Harry as the "environment bubble" began collapsing in the Scourge's absence, and the pair shared a kiss. Jenny Quantum pulled a "no time for love" on them, so the lot made an exit while Harry grinned nefariously.

At the Eye of the Storm base in Hyperspace, Stormwatch plotted strategy against the Colorado monster. Manhunter was "telepathically making humans depart the vicinity," while Projectionist continued to manipulate the Justice League away from "blundering" onto the scene. I'm sure the imperiled locals appreciated the willful misdirection of potential help from the control freaks of the sky. The Engineer took another cheap shot at Adam One, while he proceeded to earn it by delivering Stormwatch without a definite plan to the crash site through a teleportational door. A horrified Martian exclaimed, "By all the Gods--!" Harry explained that the Scourge was planning to use enormous monsters like the one present to ready Earth for worse to come. While Jack tried to make contact with the lost city, Adam One ordered everyone else to protect him in the meantime, with fliers Manhunter and Engineer taking point. Only the Projectionist remained at HQ, to erase all media traces of the monster, "Even if it kills me."

While Jenny explained her powers to the tag-along Midnighter, the Engineer bitched about Adam not having a back-up plan, just as the primary one fell apart. The city violently rejected Jack's contact, while Midnighter tried to get everyone to retreat a.s.a.p. "Listen to me. I know how to kill anything. So I know. This isn't going to work. Nothing is going to work." As the monster broke through Stormwatch's defenses, Adam One froze as leader, earning Midnighter's scorn. "Are you listening to me?! What sort of leader are you... I'm saying you can't hold out at this range! It's absorbing everything you throw at it!" Unheeded, Midnighter watched the rest of the team get absorbed into the monster, "--leaving me to fight you all." That thing about dismissing the JLA as inept? Pot-- kettle.

"The Dark Side: Part Three" was by Paul Cornell and Miguel Sepulveda. My lengthy comments and criticisms are here.

New 52's Day featuring Wildstorm

• Aquaman #3 (January, 2012) @ Justice League Detroit
• The Huntress #2 (January, 2011) @ Diana Prince is the New Wonder Woman
• Captain Atom: Armageddon #8 (July, 2006) @ Power of the Atom
• DC/Wildstorm DreamWar #1-5 (2008) @ DC Bloodlines

The Vile Menagerie: THE LIZARD MEN

Alter Egos: Bonnie Joy, Jim Swift, Inspector Anole, etc.
Occupation: Space Invaders, various
Base of Operations: Interplanetary
First Appearance: Martian Manhunter: American Secrets Book 1 (September, 1992)
Eyes: Various
Hairs: Black

History:
The Lizard Men are a space-faring reptilian race of shapeshifting would-be conquerors. They eventually landed on the planet Mars at some point after its indigenous species was wiped out by a plague. A sole survivor, the Master Gardener of Mars, used his own shape-shifting and additional powers to convince the Lizard Men that he was their long last "Father-God." The Gardener then enslaved the Lizard Men through parasitic horticulture, and employed them in a secret invasion of the neighboring world Earth.

Beginning during World War II, the Lizard Men infiltrated human society on a global scale while infecting human bodies with the same sort of horticulture introduced into their species. From a central location in Puerto Iberez, Cuba, the Lizard Men conquered the human race throughout the 1950s, stealthily quashing any potential resistance from super-heroes by corrupting them bodily. The masses were blissfully unaware of any of this, while heroes and artists struggled to subvert the Lizard Men without crossing lines that would trigger their bodies to spontaneously combust. It wasn't until the end of the decade that their plot began to unravel, after attracting the attention of the Manhunter from Mars.

The Lizard Men maintained control of the stronger willed by inserting themselves into all manner of government, police and media. When lawyer and game show contestant Bonnie Joy refused to follow orders, her head exploded and she was replaced by a lizard duplicate. Plainclothes detective Jim Swift and a detail of uniformed lizard officers attempted to arrest J'Onn J'Onzz in New York. Slimy F.B.I. agent Anole managed to corner J'Onzz in Las Vegas with the help of television personality Whitey Bright and the forcibly retired super-hero Dr. Mid-Nite.



Despite their efforts, the Martian Manhunter eventually located the Lizard Men's base in Cuba, and uncovered the true nature of their leader. Unaware that their master was a Martian, the "Father-God" was unintentionally felled by lizard flame-throwers while they were attempting to target J'Onn J'Onzz. The Martian Manhunter tricked the Lizard Men into destroying their own horticulture operation, and later tracked down the various rudderless invaders for deportation.

Powers & Weapons:
Through unknown means, the Lizard Men are able to disguise their true nature and appear as humans to most people. However, their disguise is not foolproof, and they can be recognized as different by exceptionally perceptive beings. They possess super-human strength, durability, and an invulnerability to fire. They have displayed the ability to detect the presence of an invisible Martian.

The Lizard Men utilized advanced flame throwers against the Martian Manhunter, and possessed other technology beyond Earth science during their time controlling the planet. Many of their warriors wore body armor. They often employed incredibly strong saurian "lizard-dogs," that could "see inside," likely referring to some primal instinct that allowed them to detect people unaffected by the fungus.

Distinguishing Features:
Individual Lizard Men had varied features and skin colors, but were united by the appearance of spots and stripes on their flesh; a basic consistency of form; claws, fangs, broad mouths; as well as a general lack of hair.

Quote: "Tell them all. Hunt him. Find him. And remember... fire."

Created by Gerard Jones & Eduardo Barreto

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Found

"Connect the dots to activate the Total Justice team's new Fractal Tech Gear."

----------------------------------------------------------------

I have a number of posts in the works to honor the passing of Martian Manhunter artist Eduardo Barreto, including finally giving his popular (hereabouts) villainous co-creation the Lizard Men their own biography. Since they previously were tacked on to another entry, I needed to heavily revise the original post for it to function on its own (including a much less ugly/cluttered image.) You can see the results under The Vile Menagerie: THE MASTER GARDENER.

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Lost

Oh no! Despero was left pulling his hair fin out over anxiety from this perplexing development. He then broke out into a bluegrass-tinge spiritual over his woes.

I'm gonna have to call b.s. on Despero's characterization over the course of this entire adventure, ya'll.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I started a new job this month, so I'm very grateful I already had December of Despero ready to roll out, allowing me time to get acclimated. My buddy that abandoned comics nearly a decade ago when I closed his shop has also been picking up my slack in the comics news department. He informed me of one creator's Facebook suicide threat last weekend, and then forwarded me a tweet* from Erik Larsen on Thursday...

"Holy crap--I woke up to find both Joe SImon and Eduardo Barreto passed away? Time to go back to bed. Ed was only 57--Joe was 98!"

I guess part of the problem with comics going mainstream is that we now have our own celebrity death by threes (with Robin and Joker co-creator Jerry Robinson gone a week prior.) Ed Barreto was one of the key Martian Manhunter artists of the 1990s, and with online tributes like Comics Alliance's weighing in heavily on his Batman, the Shadow, and New Teen Titans work, I feel we'll have to do something special to show love here to his consistently unrecognized masterwork, American Secrets.

2010-2011 The Justice League of America 100 Project charity art by Jeff Lemerie

Click To Expand & Enlarge


I was very pleased to see the Martian Manhunter appeared on nearly half of the 100 covers for this project, especially since a good percentage of them featured him prominently. However, eighteen covers starred solo heroes, most DC Trinity related, but the Manhunter from Mars managed one in a coup. At a glance, I see no such special consideration for Green Lantern, the Flash, or Aquaman, for instance.

Then again, what other single hero could be said to represent the entire team, especially if you throw in the Justice League Satellite? The knee jerk reaction would be that the Alien Atlas never operated out of the Satellite (aside from retcons,) and that Brad Meltzer's love of the Satellite Era representing J'onn J'onzz's 13 year absence from comics saw him ejected from the team for five years and counting. However, since the Manhunter's return to active duty was preceded by a Martian invasion of Earth that destroyed the satellite, I think there's a nod to be found there.

I really disliked Jeff Lemerie's work on the Atom, and was not kind in my assessment of it. I imagine I'd better quiet up, because there's no guarantee J'Onn will remain in Stormwatch after the departure of Paul Cornell. Lemerie's elevated profile with the sleeper success of Animal Man and seeming interest in the character here and a few other places could see him writing a Manhunter from Mars mini-series or ongoing at some point. I'd want him on our good side...

Hero's JLA 100 Project Friday

• The Atom & Aquaman by Mark Buckingham @ Power of the Atom
• JLA by Alex Ross @ Diana Prince is the New Wonder Woman
• Zatanna by Chrissy Zullo @ Justice League Detroit

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (Formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.


ALL 104 JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 ORIGINALS…NOW ON DISPLAY!

Please enjoy this gallery of ALL 104 original Justice League of America #50 Hero Initiative covers!

Hardcover and softcover versions of a book collecting all the covers will be available in December, 2011. AND all the originals will be auctioned off according to the following schedule:

• December 3, 2011, Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, CA: Display of all 104 covers and auction of first one-third
• Jan. 20-22, 2012, Tate's Comics, Lauderhill, FL (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area): Display of remaining covers and auction of second one-third.
• Feb. 17-19, 2012: Orlando MegaCon, Orlando, FL: Display and auction of final one-third.

All covers will be sold via LIVE AUCTION on-site at the venues above. If you cannot attend but wish to bid, proxy bidding is available.
Contact Joe Davidson at: yensid4disney@gmail.com
Deadlines for each grouping are below, and each cover carries a minimum bid of $100.

Special thanks to Firestorm Fan for the notice!

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Magpie

While Darkseid fought for the treasure he'd had Despero dig up with his "Capture-Claw," Hawkman combined nth metal and fractal armor to snatch the component of the ultimate weapon.

I had great affection for my Super Powers Collection Darkside with the light up Omega Effect eyes, but that claw kept me from buying the Total Justice version. Unlike the other questionable accessories packaged with figures from the line, the claw was a non-removable portion of the sculpt. Even still, it wasn't too hot of a model anyway.

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Tug o' War

Martian Sightings for March, 2012

As usual, the post scheduled at 8:30 p.m. for midnight mysteriously failed to publish. Thanks again, Blogger.

STORMWATCH #7
Written by PAUL JENKINS
Art and cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
1:25 B&W Variant cover by MIGUEL SEPULVEDA
On sale MARCH 7 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.

They’ve come to steal Earth’s gravity! When a scientific experiment tears a hole in the barrier between dimensions, gravity miners from a forbidden universe invade our world! Can Stormwatch – with their ranks depleted after the cataclysmic events of last issue – find a way to repel alien excavators that shred our reality with every touch?

Not a great cover, and it needs more green. Then again, who figures it'll ever see print anyway, given the track record. This issue should be a big improvement, if only because the story only spans two issues. Plus, new more acclaimed comic writer.

GRIFTER #7
Written by NATHAN EDMONDSON
Art and cover by SCOTT CLARK and DAVE BEATY
On sale MARCH 14 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T

Guest-starring MIDNIGHTER! A voice is calling from the Himalayas; a dark secret awaits Grifter. He tracks it down, only to discover that the secret has a protector: Midnighter, who must not allow Grifter to leave the mountains alive. A massive battle on treacherous ice slopes shows Grifter that he’s in a world of heroes he cannot defeat and opens him up to new world-changing secrets as deadly as they are powerful.

I'm still using the blog to greet the Wildstorm characters into the DCU, and there may be a cameo in there.

SUPERMAN #7
Written by KEITH GIFFEN and DAN JURGENS
Art by DAN JURGENS and JESUS MERINO
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
1:25 B&W Variant cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
On sale MARCH 28 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. The variant cover will feature the standard edition cover in a wraparound format.

The start of an insanely epic arc from the new writing team of Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens! New love interests, new roommates, and a new foe: the wicked Helspont! What does this monster want with Superman, and how does it all connect to the Daemonites?

Holy crap, Helspont? That's an old school WildC.A.T.s villain, the big bad of their early years, why hasn't appeared in ages. I dig it, and Superman's rogues gallery kind of sucks, so why not?

Miss Martian

YOUNG JUSTICE #14
Written by GREG WEISMAN and KEVIN HOPPS
Art and cover by CHRISTOPHER JONES
On sale MARCH 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E
Aqualad visits Atlantis with Superboy and Miss Martian. But can they stop an insidious new menace that threatens to plunge the undersea kingdom into civil war?

Miss Mermaid?

TINY TITANS #50
Written by ART BALTAZAR and FRANCO
Art and cover by ART BALTAZAR
On sale MARCH 21 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED E • FINAL ISSUE

In this awesome 50th issue, questions are answered! Mysteries are solved! The Tiny Titans may be one step closer to becoming Super Heroes! This issue may change your life! Plus, it’s highly recommended by Franco’s mom!

Signally the last month Miss Martian has three times as many ongoing series as Martian Manhunter, and possibly the last ongoing series followed by many fatigued readers.

2011 "Martian Babe" by Jeremy Sorrell

Click To Enlarge


While not explicitly a Miss Martian drawing, one gander at the artist's not-entirely-work-safe gallery makes it clear that the guy has plenty of comic book influence to draw from. Even the dialogue balloon is reminiscent of the cartoon catchphrase "Hello Megan!" Besides, it's nice to change things up a bit, right? At least there's no creepy panty shot with your Monday morning coffee today. If it is M'gann, she's been raiding Donna's closet...

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: All Mine

We've finally gotten to the bottom of this dig! Say, is that a Taco Bell on Despero's collar?

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Secret Find

"The Pyramid of the Sun, in Teotihuacán, is one of the largest in Mexico."

Yes, this is the third page of Despero digging. No, he's not even done yet.

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For a nice piece of J'Onn J'Onzz art, check out Michael Walsh's tumblr.

2010-2011 The Justice League of America 100 Project charity art by George Pérez

Click To Expand & Enlarge


Spanning the generations, side "A" stars Brightest Day Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Aquaman, Superman, the Flash (Barry Allen) and Wonder Woman (blessedly non-JMS.) The Bruce Wayne Batman is to the left, composite with the Dick Grayson one to the right. Side "B" features Donna Troy, Jade, Jesse Quick, and Supergirl. All smiles!

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (Formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.


ALL 104 JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 ORIGINALS…NOW ON DISPLAY!

Please enjoy this gallery of ALL 104 original Justice League of America #50 Hero Initiative covers!

Hardcover and softcover versions of a book collecting all the covers will be available in December, 2011. AND all the originals will be auctioned off according to the following schedule:

• December 3, 2011, Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, CA: Display of all 104 covers and auction of first one-third
• Jan. 20-22, 2012, Tate's Comics, Lauderhill, FL (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area): Display of remaining covers and auction of second one-third.
• Feb. 17-19, 2012: Orlando MegaCon, Orlando, FL: Display and auction of final one-third.

All covers will be sold via LIVE AUCTION on-site at the venues above. If you cannot attend but wish to bid, proxy bidding is available.
Contact Joe Davidson at: yensid4disney@gmail.com
Deadlines for each grouping are below, and each cover carries a minimum bid of $100.

Special thanks to Firestorm Fan for the notice!

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: For The Birds

"Supergirl, Hawkman, and the Blue Beetle saw many birds as they flew from Total Justice headquarters to Mexico. Look up, down, backwards, and diagonally to find some of the birds they saw."

The "Search-A-Bird" crossword puzzle had a bunch of fowl drawings encircling it. You had to find a Caracara, Condor, Eagle, Hawk, Hummingbird, Manakin, Owl, Quetzal, and most importantly, the Osprey and Vulture.
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The latest creative shake-up amidst the DCnÜ effects our character, as Paul Cornell tweets "I'll be staying on Demon Knights and Saucer Country, but 6 is my last issue of Stormwatch. Thanks, everyone. Good luck to Paul Jenkins." He refers to a two-part story across #7-8. I'm upset about this mostly on principle. Cornell kept trying to quiet reader unrest over unlikeable new characters and divergent histories by explaining that he was playing the long game, building to big things. For instance, Apollo finally "first" gets his trademark halo in #4, as can be seen in the Source blog preview. The wait was so that Midnighter could gently caress Apollo's cheek and blast him with a massive amount of solar radiation. Since he was already a "Superman class" being, this seems like Mario punching a brick to get a growing mushroom than a valid character moment worth the wait. Also, DC Comics has a pathological fear of shipping Stormwatch with a solicited cover and Miguel Sepulveda subscribes to an obscure religion that forbids the drawing of naked toes. Where Firestorm Fan had advance warning that a co-writer and friend of the blog would be leaving, it can take solace from a solid replacement, a two-parter drawn by Ethan Van Sciver, and an ongoing relationship with the remaining creators. Paul Cornell never did this blog any favors, and I honestly feel like he wasted my time with this busy but insubstantial arc, so I won't miss him. I'm still excited about the potential of the series, and hope whoever takes writing the book on permanently can better realize it.

The Top 10 Martian Manhunter Covers of the 1980s

The 1980s were a "rebuilding" decade for the Martian Manhunter after sitting out the '70s. Since he spent most of the decade as a secondary character in team books, the covers reflect that, so I chose a strong top 10 over a middling 20. This did however shut out guys like George Pérez, who drew a lot of swell covers of the Alien Atlas and thirty-two other characters, which gets crowded for a hero-specific ranking.

Honorable Mentions

• Abbott & Costello Meet the Bride of Hembeck #3 (June, 1980)
• Justice League of America #200 (March, 1982)
• The Best of DC #30 (November, 1982)
• Justice League of America Annual #2 (1984)
• Justice League of America #241 (August 1985)
• Who's Who: The Definitive Directory of the DC Universe #14 (April, 1986)
• Justice League #6 (October 1987)
• Justice League International #7 (November 1987)
• Secret Origins #32 (November 1988)
• Secret Origins #35 (Holiday, 1988)

10) Justice League Annual #1 (1987)

It became a running joke to refer to "Natural Form" Martians as looking like Gumby, which I never saw myself. I figure it actually started here, with J'Onn pulling that Mr. Bill "oh, noooo" face. You can tell the aggressors are the JLI by this expression, but it's too silly to register as threatening and the scenario could have probably used more ambiguity. Still, it's a sound concept, and that fuschia sucks on your eyeballs.


9) Justice League of America #256 (November, 1986)

There is a lot of repetition on this list, including artists and concepts. Here are two burning Martians in a row. I kind of prefer this to the next one, but it serves to break up two Luke McDonnell's in a row. Also, this is more a triumph of coloring
than concept, which when viewed in black and white just seems like a cheating of background. Still, it's a nice solo cover that emphasizes the character's chief vulnerability.


8) Martian Manhunter #1 (May, 1988)

The only cover from the '80s mini-series to make the list. While Mark Badger's artwork has its defenders, fans in general responded poorly to it, and it most likely hurt the perception of the character's commercial viability. Still, this is a potent image that gained traction in the brain thanks in part to house ads.


7) Justice League of America #248 (March, 1986)

The first of two consecutive John Jones covers. This one works so perfectly as a set-up for the entire Manhunter from Mars premise that it would have been an excellent layout for a debut issue. However, it was drawn by Luke McDonnell, whose style flattens everything and reminds the brain that this is a two-dimensional drawing. Imagine Tom Mandrake inking this instead, and it'd rank much higher.


6) Secret Origins[of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes] trade paperback (1989)

I owned this book, and love the cover much, but I wish Martian Manhunter had a more prominent placement. I especially like the slender J'onzz with a strong brow and ominous bearing. It doesn't work as well for John Jones, who could easily be mistaken for the Phantom Stranger. Still, the image perfectly conveys the concept, and the contrast between the monochrome and full cover is intense. I'd hang this on my wall.


5) Justice League of America #178 (May, 1980)

Last cover was by Bolland, Chuck Patton is up ahead, and this is Jim Starlin. Get used to that pattern. Starlin was my first favorite artist-- the first style I recognized and actively collected. This is a great play on the first JLofA cover, with a dynamic restaging that accounts for the whole team, but highlights my favorite. Starlin's even using that extra-detailed "renaissance" style from after he spent too long looking at Bernie Wrightson's Frankenstein portfolio and weeping. I'm so glad Starlin drew Despero at least once, even if it hurts my heart to find Dick Dillin inside.


4) Animal Man #9 (March, 1989)

Another Brian Bolland cover, because Bolland has made an entire career out of pretty much just doing covers, and each is a work of fine art. This is a silly set-up for a serio-comic issue that remains one of the best Martian Manhunter guest appearances. The image is hurt by Bolland opting for a more burly, almost Wayne Boring look, when he's much better at doing a leaner take.


3) Justice League of America #228 (July, 1984)

You know who doesn't get punched enough? Aquaman. People always think he's going to be nice and cool because he used to smile a lot and appear on cartoons with the seahorse and walrus. Instead, Aquaman is the Sub-Mariner of passive aggression. J'onn's all "we have so much in common as #6 and #7 in the JLA, even though Superman and Batman totally strung us along for months before finally deigning to join." Then Aquaman's all like, "Whatever, my fake hand is made of napalm. Burn. Now help me psychically violate a sentient meteor. Okay, you can go now. I'm way more famous than you." I think J'onn still had a bit of precognition from the Silver Age left, and gave him that preemptive love tap for forming the Detroit League.


2) DC Comics Presents #28 (December, 1980)

Jim Starlin simply has not drawn the Martian Manhunter enough over his career, and I must protest. Starlin's pretty much made a career out of creating characters that look like the Alien Atlas and/or Darkseid, including a virtual twin, and he does it so well. Sure, J'onn's getting jobbed on the cover, but he's rarely looked so good doing it in front of such impressive company. From the backdrop to the bold logos to that golden monkey mug of Mongul making its debut (in an issue with a Congorilla back-up, appropriately) to Superman shouting "NO!" like Mongul drove up in a van offering candy, everything here says "epic." As an added bonus, Superman's posture and anatomy look kind of ridiculous, so my eyes always travel to the better subject.


1) Justice League of America #230 (September, 1984)

This may have been the first image of the Martian Manhunter I ever saw, as it was featured amidst a collage of covers in a double page spread house advertisement. It's an exceptionally well drawn, on-model, licensing friendly rendition of the Martian Manhunter in bloody combat with a major enemy created specifically for him featured in a story that impacted heavily upon continuity. Coupled with all those head shots of his teammates looking on, you'll scarcely find a more pronounced spotlight for J'onn J'onzz being the baddest Manhunter in the Martian valley. All hail Chuck Patton and Dick Giordano!

Their Top Covers of the 1980s

• The Atom @ Power of the Atom
• Doom Patrol @ DC Bloodlines
• Wonder Woman @ Diana Prince is the New Wonder Woman
• Aquaman @ Justice League Detroit
• DC75: Top Character Covers of the Dodranscentennial

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: The Pyramid

"Hawkman, Supergirl, and Blue Beetle are traveling to find the Ultimate Weapon. Connect the dots to see the shape of the country. Unscramble the letters to find out its name.

Hint: This country's culture is a mixture of many cultures, including Olmec, Mayan, Aztek, and Spanish."
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Folks may be getting bored with the Despero pictures, but you've got to admit that he looks funny as a laborer working for the Big Boss Man. I moved this one up a day ahead of schedule because I've had a busy week offline and decided to swap "New 52's Day" for a long delayed 1980s cross-blog installment of the top cover countdowns for tomorrow...

2011 Miss Martian (DCnU) New York Comic Convention sketch by Meomeo Lau

Click To Enlarge


Not a good look. I don't expect it to stick.

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Find the Fiends

The two menaces appeared to be in search of the Ultimate Weapon. "Ancient beings shattered the Ultimate Weapon and hid the pieces in different places." Readers could use a secret code "to reveal the locations of the Ultimate Weapon." They were Egypt, China, the Atlantic Ocean, Mexico, Stonehenge and Alaska. Not all of these locations appeared in the book, at least in my out-of-sequence copy. The heroes had to deduce where the villains were headed, and where the piece was at each location.

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Martian Manhunter Link of the Day:
ComicBookMovie.com offers MARTIAN MANHUNTER : Super Sleuth, a mostly Modern Age primer to potential producers of a J'Onn J'Onzz joint, including history, powers, costumes and previous live action actors cast in the role.
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1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Oracle on Darkseid and Despero

If the reader deciphered a secret code, they would learn about Darkseid. "He is from Apokolips. He is the son of Queen Heggra. Darkseid has two sons, the cruel Kalibak and the kind Orion. One of his greatest powers is the Omega Effect, the ability to shoot destructive blasts from his eyes. Darkseid wants to rule the universe. He is opposed by the New Gods, who live on New Genesis, and by the Total Justice team."

The book did not reveal anything about the tyrant Despero, and he was portrayed somewhat as a lackey to Darkseid.

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These coloring book posts are going to take a lot of time to get through, so I'll try to double up posts with J'Onn J'Onzz news and links throughout the month. For instance, Comics Should Be Good asks if you can Name That Martian Manhunter Artist! It sure ain't easy...

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2010-2011 The Justice League of America 100 Project charity art by Dean Haspiel

Click To Expand & Enlarge


DINO! The man clearly loves his Despero, and he seems down with J'J' as well. These are two great tastes that taste great together, especially when Dino enhances Despero's Vile Menagerie cred by having Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman discover a bloodied Martian Manhunter!

Hero's JLA 100 Project Friday

• Vixen & Black Canary by John McCrea @ Justice League Detroit
• JLA by Andy Smith @ Power of the Atom
• Donna Troy by Gene Ha @ Diana Prince is the New Wonder Woman

In late 2000, a consortium of comic publishers came up with the idea to create a financial safety net for comic creators, much in the same fashion that exists in almost any other trade from plumbing to pottery. By March of 2001, the federal government approved The Hero Initiative as a publicly supported not-for-profit corporation under section 501 (c) (3).

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative (Formerly known as A.C.T.O.R., A Commitment To Our Roots) has had the good fortune to grant over $400,000 to the comic book veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today.

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.


ALL 104 JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 ORIGINALS…NOW ON DISPLAY!

Please enjoy this gallery of ALL 104 original Justice League of America #50 Hero Initiative covers!

Hardcover and softcover versions of a book collecting all the covers will be available in December, 2011. AND all the originals will be auctioned off according to the following schedule:

• December 3, 2011, Meltdown Comics, Los Angeles, CA: Display of all 104 covers and auction of first one-third
• Jan. 20-22, 2012, Tate's Comics, Lauderhill, FL (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area): Display of remaining covers and auction of second one-third.
• Feb. 17-19, 2012: Orlando MegaCon, Orlando, FL: Display and auction of final one-third.

All covers will be sold via LIVE AUCTION on-site at the venues above. If you cannot attend but wish to bid, proxy bidding is available.
Contact Joe Davidson at: yensid4disney@gmail.com
Deadlines for each grouping are below, and each cover carries a minimum bid of $100.

Special thanks to Firestorm Fan for the notice!

1997 Total Justice in Total Teamwork Coloring Book: Head Gallery

The "story" of this book was told almost entirely without text and with the pages printed completely out of order. This is my best guess at a linear narrative.

Oracle was the de facto leader of the Total Justice team. She called a meeting to explain that an evil villain named Darkseid had partnered with Despero and come to Earth.