Who is Watching the Watchmen?

*Spoiler Alert: If you Have Not Seen the Film, Don't Read it Yet*

I have come back from watching the Watchmen movie. It started off real well, it felt very familiar too. Like revisiting an old friend, and then the movie departures happened. Now of course I was not expecting the comic book to be completed translated to film. It was a huge story even for a 12 issue mini series.

Now I should say that at the moment I am still on the fence as to whether I liked the film over all or not. The acting was good, but the pacing was a little choppy for people not familiar with the story (although I think it will cause a massive increase in Watchmen TPBs).

The issue I think I do have is they made Rorschach a little too violent (and by violent I mean chopping someone up). Scenes that were subtle in the book got blown out of proportion. He was made to look a lot more psychotic than he was in the comics. That was disappointing, as were the fight scenes involving the Silk Specter (why was she posing after several kicks?).

I had no issue with John running around bottomless (he did that in the book so no surprise there). So i guess overall I can safely say that Watchmen for a fan would be pretty cool. Watchmen for the man on the street might be a trip down an ultra violent story this side of Sin City.

Now here are some quotes from people who saw Watchmen on Twitter:

Agent_M: Hmm. I definitely enjoyed Watchmen. Certainly didn't love it. The use of music is a major point of conversation right now.

Agent_M: I don't think I can give a fully-formed opinion of Watchmen yet. Gotta let it soak in more.

bclaymoore: Too much for Twitter. Not a movie for the masses, and ultimately pointless (the comic book was the last word). But glad I saw it. Enjoyed it.

stephenfry: Mm enjoyed Watchmen. Man in row in front fell asleep. I didn't but have to say I think it was far too long. Should read the GN now...

Pryde of the X-Men

Kitty Pryde by far one of the most developed X-Man to date. She has gone from teenage understudy to full fledged ninja and shield agent.

Her recent return to the X-Men in Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon, helped me remember why I loved the character so much. Her conflict with Emma, and her rekindled romance with Colossus all were enjoyable moments thru out the story.

It is no wonder Kotobukiya added her to the line of X-Men statues that they have been releasing. The Ogun demon mask and katana makes this bust a must for Kitty fans everywhere.

The Dark Knight Returns

Final Crisis #6

Written by Grant Morrison

*Warning: The following is an outline of the events which take place in Final Crisis #6*

The story opens with the final gambit of the heroes verses the villains. It comes out in a spectacular array of violence and pandemonium.

Mary Marvel is violently clashing with Supergirl; Black Adam reveals that it’s Dessad that has been in control of Mary. Freddy comes up with the answer on how to defeat him/her. Tawny the Tiger once again proves that he should not be under estimated when he defeats Kalibak in a grizzly dual.

Meanwhile up in the JLA satellite, Black Canary makes the Tattooed Man an honorary member of the JLA. The circuitry copied onto the Tattooed Man is blocking out the effects of the anti-life equation. An army of storm troopers raid the satellite lead by Green Arrow and Black Lightning.

The Flash gathers Jay and Wally for one last run to defeat Darkseid. A new Black Racer has been appointed and seeking Barry Allen. Barry's plan is to lead him to Darkseid.

Luthor and Sivanna team up, realizing that the end of the world really means the end of life itself. They free the Calculator and destroy Libra (yes, this is as anti-climactic as it sounds).

The Atoms (Ray and Choi) are going to navigate the bleed and move everyone left to a new dimension (is it me or does DC really like shedding dimensions like a snake). Montoya (the new Question) is asked if she will lead the law enforcement agency of this new world.

Now for the moment everyone has been waiting for since the end of Batman R.I.P. These are the last few pages of the story, Darkseid (Turpin) is on his throne and asks Batman to come out of hiding. Batman comes out of the shadow with a gun in hand. He recaps all the events that had lead up to the death of Orion. At the end of his story Batman seems to be raving, talking about his oath and guns. "In your case, I will make an exception!" he takes aim and fires
9using the bullet that killed Orion), but not before Darkseid releases his omega beams.

I will leave it there, I have highlighted some of the more revealing points of this story but I will leave you with Batman and Darkseid trapped in their dual, until you read the book. I do caution you though that there are a few more gaps to fill between Batman R.I.P. and Finial Crisis #6.

Don't get on his Darkseid

DC Comics has just announced an expansion to their Heroes of the DC Universe line. Adding a well sculpted Darkseid to the mix designed by Carlos Pacheco.

The name of the line will become Villains of the DC Universe when he debuts. The lord of Apocalypse has been in dire need of some sculpting action since his key appearances in Final Crisis and Death of the New Gods.

I am looking forward to seeing the release of this bust in July.

The Dark Knight - DC Comics Does it Again!

In the aftermath of the Dark Knight hoopla, I must admit that this movie is by far the best Batman movie to date. Now, I know that may not be saying much compared to it's movie history. However, with the showing of Batman Begins we see that bat movies can be well done.

The performance by Heath Ledger is amazing, well thought out and not (and I repeat, not) campy. He does quote a few lines from Batman (the Tim Burton one) but all in all an original interpretation. Those of you out there that feared that he was trying to be Jack Nichloson playing the Joker, can lay them to rest. Ledger's characterization and timing are well done, delivering gruesome lines with an eerie silence for punctuation.

So I will not spoil the movie for anyone out there, but I urge you to go see it and if you already have go see it again.