Fantastic Universes

“Future State: Suicide Squad” – Book Two Writers: Robbie Thompson & Jeremy Adams Artists: Javier Fernandez & Fernando Pasarin Color Artists: Alex Sinclair & Jeromy Cox Letterer: Wes Abbott Review by Max Byrne Future State – Suicide Squad #2  concludes the short, two issue  story  arc in a mostly satisfying fashion. Events are brought to a close with a bang, not a whimper, yet it still retains an intimate feel. Hats most certainly must be removed to writer Robbie Thompson for managing to cram such an involved, emotionally resonant story into two issues. Some writers have the luxury of elongated runs, within which they can tell their stories, but Thompson has managed to produce a tale that has zero fat on the bone. Only prime cuts here! In a move that’s as timely as it is welcome, Thompson and DC have chosen this run to bring Peacemaker back into the mix. Considering that the character’s appearances in recent years have been few and far between, the fact th...

Article by Adam Ray Players in my new favourite card game have just won an all-expenses paid trip to the desert sands of Shurima. The new region, and a plethora of cards all hit the digital, collectible card game on March 3rd. In the spirit of Offler and Sebek, we see our first Shurima Champion in Renekton, and a wide comment on the mechanics in the set. The 4/4 for 4 and new Ascended type are all to be expected, and Overwhelm is very welcome on this middle-curve Champion. Himself dealing 12 damage keeps his design flexible and interesting, and intending to be on the consistent offensive. The stat boost when he Challenges is interesting - perhaps a way to give him Challenger, perhaps Confront or Sonic Wave. Pairing him with Demacia for Single Combat or Targon for healing would be the most efficient way to level this beat stick. The leveled version reads like a distinctly more aggressive Shyvanna, with the combat boost to make him effectively a 4 mana 8/8. Stats alone do not win games o...

Article by Steve J. Ray Zack Snyder’s Justice League will launch globally on March 18th 2021. Today on Twitter the director shared the news that millions of fans around the world, myself included, have been waiting for. As HBO Max is currently only available in the U.S. and Canada, fans in Europe, Australasia, Africa, and Latin America have been fearful of missing out, and having the movie spoiled on social media, making this news of a global release very welcome, indeed. The two Tweets read as follows: Zack Snyder’s Justice League will be available worldwide in all markets on the same day as in the U.S. on March 18 via on-demand, digital download, linear, or streaming.  #SnyderCut  #SnydercutWorldwide  (1/2)   Platform availability will depend on each territory (with the exception of China, France, and Japan, where the release dates are TBD). Additional details for specific markets will be shared soon. (2/2) Even though we’re still none the wiser as to how the film ...

“Once Upon A Night In Gotham” – Part Two Writer: Andrew Constant Artist: Nicola Scott Color Artist: Ivan Plascencia Letterer: Wes Abbott Review by Steve J. Ray Future State: Nightwing  #2 is here, and the final phase of the DC Comics event is underway. This month we catch up with Dick Grayson, the Next Batman, and Nightwing’s band of resistance fighters of the (not too distant future). In the wake of Batman’s ( apparent ) death,  Tim Fox  has taken over the mantle of the Bat, and Dick; alongside Barbara “Oracle” Gordon, Helena “Huntress” Bertinelli, Cassandra “Batgirl” Cain, Tim “Robin” Drake, Kate “Batwoman” Kane, Kirk “Man-Bat” Langstrom, Harvey “Two Face” Dent, and Talia “Daughter of the Demon” Al Ghul; are the resistance force, fighting back against the Magistrate, and their Peacekeepers. Andrew Constant stays true to his name, by delivering another tight, action packed, yet extremely character driven story. It’s so great to see a new Batman from outside the core fami...

“The Great Train Robbery” –  Finale Writer: Ram V Artist: Otto Schmidt Letterer: Tom Napolitano Review by Adam Ray The daring efforts which hung over from  Part One  continue in  Future State: Catwoman  #2. Our hero’s in dire straits, and the truly apocalyptic vision of this future of DC only looks all the more grim. The tension is consistently high, and we really feel it for our heroes, as they struggle against the intense odds set out by this grim tomorrow. The excellent, deep blue colour scheme has continued into this issue. We’re reminded constantly that the future beyond this train is cold and unwelcoming. The concise, sharp panels keep up the feeling of it being truly claustrophobic inside the train, and we get a wonderful shot towards the end of the issue, where two key characters dominate a very open, scenic shot (technically) outside it. When you combine the cool colour scheme with the intense reds we get when Catwoman’s under stress, and the numerous e...

Now this is some great news! DC have announced that the universes created by Tim Burton and Richard Donner, and inhabited by Michael Keaton and Christopher Reeve are about to get a new lease of life in the pages of the medium that inspired the films. That’s right , dear readers, Batman ’89 and Superman ’78 are coming to comics! This is huge! As a diehard fan of both these films, and the characters whose adventures they tell, I couldn’t be more excited. Here’s what  DC Comics  have to say, and a look at some designs and cover art: The Movie Worlds of Batman ’89 and Superman ’78 Are Heading to Comics in Two All-New DC Digital First Series! The gothic mentality of Tim Burton’s Batman lurks around every corner in Batman ’89 by Screenwriter Sam Hamm and Artist Joe Quinones! You’ll believe a man can fly in Superman ’78 by Writer Rob Venditti and Artist Wilfredo Torres! Beginning in July 2021, decades after both Richard Donner’s  Superman: The Movie  and Tim Burton’s  ...

"The Next Batman", "Batgirls" & "Ladies' Night Out" Writers: John Ridley, Vita Ayala & Paula Sevenbergen Artists: Laura Braga, Aneke & Emanuela Lupacchino Colour Artists: Arif Prianto, Trish Mulvihill & John Kalisz Letterers: Clayton Cowles & Becca Carey Review by Max Byrne So we come to the end of The Next Batman . This   four issue limited series has been an integral part of the Future State mini-era, which is has seen DC put the main continuity on hold, and treat us all to a glimpse of a future that, it's fair to say, isn't so bright. No shades needed here! This has been a depiction of a world that's seen several changes, none of them for the better.  However, a Gotham City full of sweetness and light just wouldn't be right, so the grim tone and bleak status quo has worked beautifully for this title, and the surrounding books featuring the extended Bat-Family. Any fears that this run would fall down badly without...