DC Comics Showcase Summer Swimsuit Specials!

Merciful Minerva! DC Comics, that bodacious bastion of superlative superheroics, has (literally!) unveiled it’s pantheon of costume clad crimefighters, and villains, in an upcoming comic cover event that sees their finest heroes and enemies peel off their spandex and show some skin in a sassy, sinewy summer swimsuit showcase special!

That’s right, fellow fans of fantastic flirty fiction, some of DC’s most popular characters will be donning their saucy speedos and bodacious bikinis in a new variant cover series releasing this August. Yep, even the notorious curmudgeonly creature of the night known as The Batman will don his bat-trunks to kick sand in the face of The Joker! alongside another nine naughty but nice heroes and villains including Nightwing, Nubia, Supergirl and Deathstroke.

These vivacious variants are brought to you by some of the very best artists working in the wonderful world of comics today including – Nicola Scott (Nightwing #95 variant), Derek Chew (Nubia #3) Mikel Janin (Batman #126), Emanuela Lupacchino (Black Adam #3) and many more.

So why not brush the sand from between your toes, pull on your flip flops and make your way down to your local comic-book emporium this August to bask in the radiant rays of these captivating covers!

Comic Cover Of The Week: Supergirl – Woman Of Tomorrow #4

Welcome back, oh fellow fans of fantastic fiction, to another cool and compelling compendium of comic cover collectables as we highlight this weeks outstanding offering from the bedazzling and bodacious – Bilquis Evely!

Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow has been a delirious delight from its very first issue onward, the Tom King penned opus has been a resounding success for fan and critic alike, but that was never really in any doubt when you have the superstar scribe behind such classics as Mister Miracle and Strange Adventures. But for this particular fan of the Woman of Steel it has been the absolutely vivacious visuals of Bilquis Evely that sold me on the series, they are stunning to behold, beautiful in-depth line work and detail, which in turn are ascended to even greater heights by the bold and gorgeous colours of Matheus Lopes… this magnificent mini-series is the absolute definition of high art!

This impeccable issue finds Supergirl setting her sights on The Brigands, a group of iniquitous nomads hell-bent on slaughtering all they come across. Now Kara must follow in their path of destruction to find the fugitive they’ve been concealing, whom initially set her on this on this intergalactic odyssey in the first place. Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow #4 is another sublime chapter in the stunning series by King and Evely, and if you haven’t already taken the plunge on this breathtaking book, then why not don your red cape and boots and super-speed over to your local comic-book emporium and ask, nay demand, that the proprietor hand over a copy tout-suite!

Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow Is Available From Your Local Comic-Book Emporium Right Now!

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another exciting episode of – The Week In Geek – where we love to share our favourite Comic-Book, Video-Game, and Cult Movie News for your perusal and pleasure. And so, once more unto the geek, dear agents, once more…

HBO Max Green Lantern TV Series To Start Filming April 2021

I have to admit, I’m one of the very few people that actually really liked the 2011 Ryan Reynolds starring live action Green Lantern movie (especially Mark Strong’s perfect performance as Sinestro) that said, I can acknowledge its faults, and because of its relative box office failure, Green Lantern fans have since been starved of Brightest Days and Blackest Nights… until now. HBO have announced that an initial ten episode series will start filming in April this year, and will include emerald avengers such as – Alan Scott, Jessica Cruz, Guy Gardener (yay!) Simon Baz, and Hal Jordan’s eternal enemy, Sinestro.

No news as of yet whether Hal Jordan himself will be featured, but it’s fantastic to see the original GL – Alan Scott being included in the line up alongside my personal fave Lantern, Guy Gardener.

Sasha Calle Is Our New DCU Supergirl…

Emmy nominee actress – Sasha Calle has been cast as the DC Cinematic Universe’s Girl of Steel, for Andy Muschietti’s highly anticipated Flash movie. The more I hear of Scarlet Speedster – The Flash’s new cinematic endeavour the more excited I’m becoming. Not only will Ezra Miller return to the role of the world’s fastest man, but the film has also cast the dynamic duo of Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton as the Batman (time travelling shenanigans and dimension meddling allow for various versions of characters to be displayed!) and now director Muschietti has confirmed that Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El will also be joining the burgeoning cast portrayed by The Young and the Restless actor – Sasha. 

Muschietti apparently had over 400 actresses audition for the Supergirl role, but was “blown away by Sasha’s strength but also vulnerability” which eventually secured her the part. Up, up and away! we look forward to seeing Sasha jump tall buildings in a single bound when the movie releases in November 2022.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League Releases Final Trailer, And It’s Amazing!

Zack Snyder’s long awaited epic four hour long Justice League movie is tantalisingly close to release, there’s now less than a month before we can revel in the superior version of the world’s greatest superheroes, with the entire four hour variant arriving in homes across the planet on March 18. With over three and a half hours of new footage (none of Joss Whedon’s original footage is to be included… thankfully) and a return of Jared Leto’s Joker (who will finally meet up with his caped crusading nemesis) and more screen time for Joe Manganiello’s Deathstroke, Zack’s upcoming opus has us DC fanatics chomping at the proverbial bit! Indulge in the newest trailer below fellow JLA fans.

Why not join us again next time, for more Week In Geek.

Precinct1313’s Top Ten Favourite Comic-Book Covers Of All Time: No.05 – Wonder Woman #51 – Stanley Lau

Welcome once more, oh fellow fans of fantastic fiction, to the Precinct’s capacious and compelling continuous countdown of cool comic cover collectables. If you partook in our previous post, you’ll remember that we celebrated the titanic talents of the astounding Amy Reeder Hadley, and her radiant rendering of Madame Xanadu. This inspirational instalment we shall acquaint you with the sublime skills of Stanley Lau, one of the very finest artists currently working in the field of comic art, and his stellar take on the Themysciran Titan with – Wonder Woman #51.

Astonishing artistic auteur Stanley (Artgerm) Lau is a Hong Kong born illustrator and designer and co-founder of Imaginary Friends Studio, an acclaimed art studio that has produced work for the likes of DC Comics, Capcom and Marvel. Stanley is best known by his sobriquet – Artgerm, with his art faultlessly blending both eastern and western art styles, giving his wonderful work a unique and easily recognised quality almost unmatched by his peers.

As a cover artist, Artgerm has been both lauded and loathed by yours truly… lauded because every single time I see a new cover by this maestro, I just have to buy it, because it’s gorgeous! and loathed because every single time I see a new cover by the sagacious scribbler, I just have to buy it, and it’s getting really bloody expensive! The Wonder Woman #51 cover is without a doubt my absolute fave cover by Artgerm, that said it was a close tie with three other covers (pictured below), all depicting the great Kara Zor-El (better known as Supergirl) he seems to capture the carefree, insouciant charm that Kara exudes better than any other artist I’ve ever encountered, and we are honoured to induct him into the Precinct’s top ten comic-cover hall of fame!

 Why Not Join Us Again Next Time, Fellow Agents Of Precinct1313, For Our Continuing Celebratory Countdown Of Cool And Crazy Comic Cover Collectables!

DC Women Of Action

DC Comics have a long and storied history of female characters, be that hero or villain, DC have been regaling their fans with fantastic tales of inspirational women overcoming adversity and empowering their readership for decades. Though the most obvious comes to mind, that of feminist icon and groundbreaking creation that is Wonder Woman, DC have, probably, the largest roster of super-females in their progressive catalogue than any other company… most of which have been in continuous publication, within their very own monthly series, for over seventy years.

Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Catwoman, and Shea Fontana = MUST BUY!

Shea Fontana, the author behind DC Superhero Girls, Wonder Woman: Heart of the Amazon, and Batman Overdrive took to Twitter recently to announce her newest project for DC Comics – DC: Women Of Action. This hardcover, 176 page book celebrates the greatest female creations that have emerged from the Superhero publishing giant over the past eighty years. The beautifully illustrated tome profiles the most independent and popular female heroes and villains and the real life female authors and artists who have proven a fundamental and intrinsic reason behind their continued success.

The book will feature such paradigmatic characters as Wonder Woman, Catwoman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Power Girl, Black Canary, Starfire, Hawkgirl, Amanda Waller and many, many more exemplary creations that have graced us with their empowering presence over the decades, all wrapped up in a must buy volume which is available from your local comic book emporium from October 22nd. 

Well, I know I’ll be purchasing this titanic tome when it releases in October, who else is with me, fellow fans of fantastic female fiction…

Precinct1313’s End Of The Year Geekstravaganza…

Welcome fellow Agents of Precinct1313, and thanks so much for joining us in the malefic mansion of mystery’s infamous Halls of Quaffing for our regular yearly round up of geeky goodness from the space year 2018. So why not pull up a chair, grab a flagon of your favourite beverage and re-live some of our favourite nerdy necessities in comic-book form, from the past twelves months…

Precinct1313’s Favourite Comic-Book Series Of 2018…

And hoo boy has it been a stand out year for stunning storylines, in fact there have been so many amazing comic-books released this year that picking just three was almost impossible, yet we have managed to do just that with these particularly cool, compelling and consummate creations…

Mister Miracle…

Scintillating scribe – Tom King was without a doubt the finest choice for taking one of DC Comics’ most beloved Superheroes, expert escapologist Mister Miracle, not only because Tom is one of the very best writers in comics today, but also because his surname ably pairs him with Miracle’s genius and legendary creator – Jack ‘The King’ Kirby!

To honour the 100th anniversary since acclaimed creator (and in our humble opinion – most important figure in comics, ever!) Jack Kirby’s birth, DC Comics alongside writer Tom King and artist Mitch Gerads reunited us with one of Kirby’s most captivating and heralded heroes – super escape artist Mister Miracle, through a 12 issue series that also featured The New Gods from DC’s classic Fourth World Saga.

Miraculous is most definitely the word to describe Tom King and Mitch Gerad’s superlative take on Scott Free’s convoluted life, emotional, poignant and groundbreaking also come to mind when describing the extraordinary genius that this series has been. An unreserved masterpiece, and an emotionally charged, breathtakingly brilliant read every single issue. BUY… IT… NOW!

Doomsday Clock…

If you’ve been following Precinct1313 for awhile now, you probably realise that Watchmen is unreservedly our favourite comic book of all time. When I first encountered Alan Moore’s trailblazing series in 1986 I was blown away, it was a unique and contemporary take on the Superhero genre, a treatise on social anxiety and a complete deconstruction of Superhero conceptualisation. It was different to everything that came before it, and is almost single-handedly responsible for transforming the face of the comic-book medium for both future creators and readers… a veritable masterpiece!

Thirty two years later and writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Franks effortlessly transport us back to the wonderfully dark and grimy world set up by Moore, through DC’s 12 issue maxi-series Doomsday Clock. Stylistically the comic evokes the original material perfectly from the dialogue set through to the originals nine panel layout, both visually and tone wise this feels perfectly at home with its peerless predecessor.

If you’re a fan of Watchmen and can get past the apparent controversy that a sequel to the seminal original exists, then this is a must buy. Johns and Franks have presented an excessively well written, dark but at times amusing sequel to the originals world of masked vigilantes, chaos and deep rooted fears and anxiety, and I for one have enjoyed every moment of my stay in its fatalistic presence.

Supergirl: Being Super…

(Ok, Ok, this technically came out in 2017 – but I didn’t personally experience it until the beginning of 2018, hence its place on this list)

Origin Tales have been, let’s be honest, spectacularly overused in both the comic-book scene and their spin off movie counterparts, I mean how many times do we really need to witness Batman losing his parents to the gun barrel of Joe Chill or Spiderman being bitten by a radioactive arachnid, these characters are now so iconic that even non comic-book fans are overly familiar with their backstories.

With that said, you may feel slightly bemused by my inclusion of a series that dynamically delves into the past of Superman’s famous cousin, Kara Zor-El, but there is a genuinely good reason for that… because it’s fantastic!! In fact, it’s not only one of the greatest Supergirl comics to have ever released, but, one of the greatest comic-book series ever published… period!

Supergirl: Being Super is the Mariko Tamaki penned opus that transcends Kara’s origins by offering us a fresh take that focuses more upon her relationships, trials and tribulations of everyday life as a teenage girl growing up in a small american town. It’s a slower burn as a comic, with less super heroics but more angst, sass and quirky dialogue, as we follow Kara in an engaging and fantastically well written coming of age tale. 

If you approach the series with atypical expectations of copious amounts of explosions, super speed and heat vision, you’re going to leave disappointed, this is a tale that spotlights the person behind the iconic “S”  symbol and it’s all the better for it. Supergirl: Being Super is another stunning revelation in Superhero story telling, and my favourite iteration of the classic character thus far.

Precinct1313’s Most Popular Posts Of 2018…

Phew, what a year huh… I have to say that we haven’t output as many posts this year as we did in 2017, but, unfortunately, sometimes life just gets in the way right? That said, 2018 has been the year where the Precinct’s readership and followers have increased exponentially more than any other year thus far. By far the most viewed posts emanating from the majestic mansion of mystery have been the World’s Finest interview series, which, by the way are also my absolute faves to write! We also dipped our creative toes into the oceanic depths of YouTube unboxing videos with the Vlog1313 vids, where we endeavoured to share with you our unparalleled love for the stunningly realised physical forms of our beloved heroes and villains.

The most popular and perused of our World’s Finest posts this year was the Death interview, starring Morpheus’ soul guiding sister – Didi. Which I’m sure you are all dying to relive right here: World’s Finest: An Exclusive Interview With Death

My personal favourite to write was the Circe interview, an amazing and in my opinion underutilised Wonder Woman foe with a marvellous mythologically rich backstory and a power set that easily rivals her titular foe. Delight in her damnation of our hapless interviewer right here: World’s Finest: An Exclusive Interview With Circe

The most viewed of our V-Log1313 videos also has my favourite statue I have yet procured for my collection, the remarkable recreation of Amanda Conner’s stunning Starfire #1 cover from the fantastic 2015 12-issue maxi series. You can view my amateurish first steps to video authoring right here: V-Log1313: Amanda Conner Starfire Statue Unboxing

And with that, all that’s really left to say is Happy New Year to all of the Precinct’s followers, readers and fellow bloggers, as ever it is you that makes this entire endeavour worthwhile! Oh, and as always… Make Mine DC!

Comic Cover Of The Week: Supergirl #19

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to another episode of  Comic Cover Of The Week, and an extra special welcome to our continuing “Women’s History Month Spectacular” a bombastic blogging event set up by the tantalisingly talented Cupcakes and Machetes.

Supergirl’s more recent adventures since her DC Rebirth renewal have been rather awe inspiring, as the creative teams have foregone a lot of what constitutes the typical cape and cowl comic book hero tropes, and have been focusing their efforts on Kara’s trials and tribulations as a teenager and alien visitor. The stories have been much more intimate and slow burn than out and out action and conflict, and with the Girl of Steel finding herself back in mainstream public consciousness thanks mainly to the amazing CW television series, Superman’s Kryptonian cousin is soaring higher than she ever has.

Diversity has been at the forefront of Kara’s comic book adventures, with DC Comics evolving along with the world around them to spotlight and champion characters from across a much broader spectrum of gender, race, and ethnic heterogeneity.

In fact Supergirl #19 steers itself away from the principal narrative of Kara Zor-El and focuses its attention on Lee Serrano, a brand new non-binary character who is struggling with their emerging identity crisis, bullying from their student peers, and an increasing anxiety about revealing their gender quandary to their parents, this topical storyline is deftly handled by writer Steve Orlando with an extremely sensitive and compassionate take. Lee is initially presented as androgynous up until the point of their coming out in two sequences, once with Supergirl and secondly to Lee’s parents. It’s an emotional and fantastically wrought piece by the book’s creators and is a heartfelt tale that sits perfectly with what we have come to expect from the ongoing Supergirl monthly comic series.

‘In his search to write a CatCo piece on the truth about Supergirl, Ben Rubel interviews a young kid named Lee Serrano, who recently became close friends with the Girl of Steel. As Lee struggles with their parents and school bullies for acceptance as non-binary, Supergirl is caught between punching her way through the problem, and standing behind Lee as a symbol of hope’

Supergirl #19 is available right now. This stunning variant cover by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau is sure to be in short supply, so why not don your cape and red boots and super speed your way over to your nearest comic book emporium, before it disappears into the phantom zone forever…

Precinct1313 Recommends: Supergirl – Being Super

Let’s be honest, origin tales have been spectacularly overused in both the comic-book scene and their spin off movie counterparts. How many times do we really need to witness Spiderman being bitten by a radioactive wall crawler, or Batman losing his parents to the gun barrel of Joe Chill… these characters are now so iconic that virtually everyone, comic book fan or not, is overtly familiar with their raison d’etre.

With all that said, you may be feeling slightly bemused that I’m recommending a series that dynamically delves into the past of Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, but there is a very good reason behind that… this series is fantastic. As a matter of fact it’s not only one of the greatest Supergirl comics to have ever been released, but one of the greatest comic-book series ever published… period!

Kara has recently found herself back in mainstream public consciousness thanks mainly to the extremely successful (and brilliant) CW television show, and with the really rather rousing Steve Orlando “Supergirl Rebirth” comic book run, Superman’s Kryptonian cousin is finally receiving the attention she deserves. 

Which brings us to Kara’s most recent triumph, the astonishingly awesome “Supergirl:Being Super” the Mariko Tamaki penned opus that transcends previous Kara Danvers origins by offering us a fresh take that focuses more upon her relationships, trials and tribulations of everyday life as a teenager growing up in a small american town. It’s definitely a slower burn as a comic book, less super heroics but more angst, sass and quirky dialogue as we follow Kara in an exceptionally engaging and fantastically well written coming of age story.

If you approach this series with atypical expectations of explosions, super speed and heat vision, you’re going to go away disappointed, this is a tale that spotlights the character behind the iconic “S” symbol and it’s all the better for it. Supergirl: Being Super is a revelation in Superhero storytelling, and probably the greatest iteration of the classic character to date. Highly recommended.

 

Comic Cover Of The Week: Supergirl (Vol 1): The Girl Of Steel

(DC Comics, 2016)

Welcome my comic collecting cohorts, to another instalment of “Comic Cover Of The Week.” This week our spotlight of the superb falls upon – ‘Supergirl (volume 1): The Girl Of Steel’ technically a trade paperback (or Graphic Novel, if you prefer) rather than a single issue comic, but the highlight falls upon this particular tome because of its stunning Michael Turner cover illustration

I have always loved Michael Turner’s artwork, having first discovered his outstanding talent on Top Cow’s Witchblade series. From this early work, he went on to create his own series for Top Cow, the amazing “Fathom” which initially ran from 1998 to 2002, when the series was suspended after Michael Turner was regrettably diagnosed with cancer.

Magnificent Michael Turner Artwork From “Superman/Batman: Supergirl”

Michael left Top Cow shortly after his diagnosis in 2002 to found his own comic book publishing company – Aspen. It was 2004 that Michael started producing cover art for DC Comics, mostly for The Flash and the seven issue mini-series Identity Crisis. His greatest work for me though was his illustrating of the entire six issue Supergirl arc in the monthly Superman/Batman series. His unique style really brought to life some of my very favourite Superheroes, especially his versions of Wonder Woman, Batman, and of course the titular Girl of Steel herself.

Michael unfortunately passed away on June 27, 2008 from the pre-diagnosed cancer, leaving the world of comic book creators a much poorer place. This instalment of Comic Cover Of The Week is dedicated to his fantastic talent.

Supergirl (vol-1): Girl Of Steel, is available right now at your local comic book emporium. This terrific tome comprises 144 pages and brings together writer Jeph Loeb’s classic run from Supergirl #0-10 and #12. With artist contributions from Amanda Conner, Ian Churchill, Ed Benes, Norm Rapmund, and the aforementioned captivating cover from Michael Turner.

Precinct1313’s End Of The Year Geekstravaganza!

The space year of 2015 comes to a close, fellow agents of Precinct1313, and with its inevitable demise comes our 13 favourite moments from across the comic-book, movie and videogame spectrum.

No.13: The Dark Knight Returns!

‘Dark and brooding’… but enough about me, let’s talk Batman!

After a 14 year hiatus, veteran comic book creator Frank Miller returned to his genre bending masterpiece Dark Knight saga with a third instalment, titled DKIII: The Master Race. This final (maybe) chapter takes place chronologically three years after 2001 mini-series “The Dark Knight Strikes Again,”  and continues to chronicle an ageing Caped Crusader and his allies in an increasingly violent and turbulent Gotham.

Thematically this series picks up from the ‘Strikes Again’, but this time Miller has brought along some fellow superstar creators for the intense and dark ride, as he is joined by, writer Brian Azzarello and artists, Andy Kubert, Jim Lee, and original collaborator Klaus Janson. Like its previous instalments, DKIII concentrates on the Batman as a symbol, an almost mythological character of inspiration and a catalyst for the weak and oppressed of Gotham.

No.12: Resident Evil Games Are… Good Again!!

“It’s not the zombies that scare me Claire, it’s the idea of playing through Resident Evil 6 again!”

2015 is the year that survival-horror veteran Resident Evil became great once more, as Capcom released not one, but two terrifyingly awesome instalments in the long running zombie franchise. After the awfulness of Resident Evil 6, even die-hard fans weren’t necessarily looking forward to whatever would come next in the once predominant horror gaming series. The sixth game in the franchise took a downward spiral into bland third person action/shooter territory, leaving behind most of what made the earlier games so much fun to play, namely the tension, spookiness and survival aspects.

Then in early 2015, an HD remake of the original game digitally graced home consoles, with the same intense and creepy vibe of the original, but with much improved visuals, soundtrack and most definitely improved in the acting department (though Jill still, humorously remained – “The Master Of Unlocking” .) And less than a month later Resident Evil Revelations 2 was released episodically across all formats, initially digitally only, though later on disc. This 4 part series was a hark back to classic Resi , tense and horrific with much more limited supplies and the difficulty switched up a notch from the mediocrity that was Resi 6. Capcom redeemed themselves in my eyes after the Resi 6 debacle, and I look forward to their next game with bated breath, the much touted remake of most fans favourite in the series, Resident Evil 2… can’t wait.

No.11: Starfire Goes Solo…

“My own series you say, by Conner and Palmiotti you say? I think I feel a little faint”

Everyone’s favourite flame haired, orange skinned alien princess finally flies solo in her own, rather marvellous, monthly series. Tamaranean native Koriand’r most recently starred alongside one time Robin, Jason Todd now known as violent masked vigilante The Red Hood, and former Green Arrow sidekick Roy Harper, aka Arsenal, in the highly recommended series “Red Hood and the Outlaws.” With the shake-up of DC recently with “DC You” Koriand’r was finally deemed a character strong enough to hold her own monthly series, and the creative reins were handed to the married, dynamic duo of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, to great effect.

The series has been a joy to read so far, we are huge fans of Starfire here in the Precinct and could think of no better team than Conner and Palmiotti to be given control of the series, but what has really drawn us into the series the most are the sublime visuals rendered by Emanuela Lupacchino, each panel is a masterpiece and the book is worth reading for just this alone. This has been standout my favourite comic series so far in 2015, and I’ll just say it’s been a great year of comics, which makes Kori’s solo debut even more impressive.

No.10: Jared Leto Cast As The Joker…

Well dye my hair green, bleach my skin and call me “puddin” if this isn’t just a superlative casting choice, Jared Leto as the Clown Prince Of Crime!?… oh hell yes! The term “Method Actor” could of been created for Mr Leto, as he is one of the most dedicated character actors you could ever come across, his casting in the upcoming Suicide Squad movie as the Joker, has me very excited indeed.

No.09: Mad Max – Fury Road…

Now then, I know that this is going to appear on a lot of end of the year lists, but if you had told me a year ago it would be on mine, I’d have thought you were the mad one himself! You see, as much as I like the director George Miller, and the acting duo of Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, not to mention, I adore the original Mad Max trilogy, what I don’t like are lazy remakes of classic films from my youth, and for a long time that’s what I thought this was, I was sooooo wrong.

The film is a marvel to behold, an almost perfect blend of real time practical effects, mixed with limited but extremely well implemented CGI. Tom Hardy gives a good performance as the antipodean crazy ex-cop, Charlize Theron is fantastic as Furiosa, but it really is the crazy action and fantastic directing style of George Miller that are the stars here. Shiny and Chrome indeed!

No.08: New X-Files Series Begins Filming…

I love the X-Files, I have been a super fan since it first began way back in 1993, my interest in the unknown and supernatural initially drew me into the show but it was the performances by the leads, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson and the increasingly emotional and complex relationship of their characters – Mulder and Scully that kept me coming back to the show time and time again.

Of course the writing was top notch, the episodes were always extremely well made and directed, but ultimately it was that relationship between the main players that drove the series to the cult and beyond status that it now has. Let’s hope the magic is still there over 13 years later, when the much anticipated tenth season finally appears in January 2016.

No.07: Supergirl Soars Once More…

Kara Zor-El is awesome, one of the most iconic female Superheroes of all time, Superman‘s cousin has been with us now since her initial introduction in 1959, created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. Originally hailing from Argo city, a fragment of the planet Krypton that had managed to survive destruction.

She is one of the few female comic book characters who has appeared on the big and small screen several times in the past few decades (only Catwoman has had more live action appearances.) Played by Helen Slater in the 1984 movie, by actress Laura Vandervoort in TV series Smallville (strangely enough, Laura was born the same year the original movie was released) And now as of 2015, we have a new girl of steel, Melissa Benoist has taken up the cape and red boots of the seminal character in what has become a fantastic and fun interpretation, another quality Superhero show that stands tall amongst its peers.

No.06: Margot Robbie Brings Harley Quinn To Life…

Mistress of Mayhem, Harley Quinn is one of those characters that everyone loves, but have always believed would be almost impossible to bring to live action successfully. There have been attempts, the short lived Birds Of Prey series had a version of the character played by Mia Sara, who, while okay in the role, didn’t really capture Harley’s perfect blend of crazy cool and sociopathic tendency. 

Then we got a glimpse at actress Margot Robbie in the Suicide Squad trailers, everything about her portrayal seems to scream Harley, she looks perfect and I have high hopes for the character, she is definitely the most anticipated of all the Suicide Squad members so her portrayal will be of paramount importance to the film itself (along with her ‘puddin’, the Joker of course.)

No.05: Twin Peaks Season 3 Announced…

The coffee is great, let’s hope season 3 is also…

I’ll admit, I am both elated and worried at the idea of Twin Peaks returning for a third series, I love Twin Peaks, it is without a shadow of a doubt my favourite TV show of all time, but the perfection of the originals will be very hard to recapture I believe. Though this is David Lynch we’re talking about, a ‘mad genius’ of a director and film maker and I have adored virtually everything he has ever put out, so there is hope. Please be good… please!!

No.04: Convergence Was… Awesome!

DC Comics are the master of the epic crossover series, their “Crisis” stories have always been bombastic reads of monumental proportions. The more recent Blackest Night maxi-series was also phenomenal, but for me, it was this year’s “Convergence” that really blew my veritable bat-socks off!

Convergence was a limited series that released weekly and ran between April and May. The story span out of two earlier mini-series – “New 52 – Futures End” and “Earth 2 – World’s End.” The storyline follows Braniac as he gathers Cities and their inhabitants from across different timelines and alternate Earths.  Really there aren’t enough superlatives to sum up this fantastic mini-series, all I’ll say is buy it, read it, thank me later…

No.03: Suicide Squad Trailer…

DC Comics‘ ultimate team of anti-hero badasses finally achieve cinematic glory in 2016, courtesy of David Ayer (director of Sabotage and Fury) in what looks to be a gritty, violent adaptation of the comic book classic. Where this movie differs from all other Superhero films of recent years is the fact that it offers up a different perspective on the comic book adaptation, it focuses solely on the bad guys, the Supervillains and the crazies.

Director David Ayer is well known for his dark and gritty cop thrillers, and is the perfect choice for this live action version of the popular comic series. Peruse the trailer below and bask in the glory of seminal DC characters that include – Harley Quinn, Katana, Enchantress and Deadshot, and lest we forget, what may turn out to be the biggest draw of the film… Jared Leto’s Joker.

No.02: Wonder Woman Solo Movie Begins Production…

It may of come to your attention that we quite like Wonder Woman here in the Precinct, so we are rather excited that her long awaited silver screen appearance has finally begun production, and in the UK no less. Gal Gadot will make her first appearance as the amazing Amazon in March 2016 “Batman v Superman” movie before her 2017 solo film. Seriously it is about bloody time that the most iconic female comic book character of all time got her own movie, and with director Patty Jenkins at the helm and actress Gal looking every bit the Amazon Princess, I for one, cannot wait.

No.01: Batman v Superman Trailers Finally Released…

Well this is it, with the trailers finally released, and the epic nature revealed, you just have to prepare yourself for two things. 1. What could be, quite possibly, The Greatest Superhero Movie Of All Time and… 2. The cinematic debut of the original, and still greatest female Superhero. With these two imperatives in mind watch the trailer below, and then weep for the fact that the biggest cinematic event in DC Comics… nay, in history, is still three months away…

Happy New Year everyone…

Classic Wonder Woman: Wonder Woman (Vol 2) #174

Copyright: DC Comics

Return with us once more to the beautiful isle of Themyscira, home to the immortal Amazons and, Precinct1313‘s weekly comic-cover countdown to the 75th anniversary of Wonder Woman. This week the ancient Amazon archives reveal their secrets in the form of “Wonder Woman (volume 2) #174.” Written by: Phil Jimenez. Cover art by: Adam Hughes. Interior art by: Phil Jimenez. Released in November 2001.

This weeks titanic tale is titled “The Witch And The Warrior” and is the first of a three part storyline that eventually serves as a set up for a six part crossover series entitled “The Joker’s Last Laugh.” In order to defeat witch-goddess Circe and her allies Silver Swan and Cheetah, Wonder Woman must engage the help of several female Superheroes. This terrific tome brings together some of DC’s greatest female Super heroes of all time including, girl of steel Supergirl, her parallel universe counterpart Power Girl, mistress of magic Zatanna, winged wonder Hawkgirl and the maid of might Mary Marvel. 

Join us again next week for another classic WW cover, my astute Amazonian associates!

The Week In Geek… With Precinct1313

Welcome fellow agents of Precinct1313 to “The Week In Geek,” where we list our favourite comic book, video-game and cult movie news from the past seven days for your perusal and pleasure.

Batman v Superman – Trinity Film Posters Revealed:

DC Comics and Warner Bros have released a trinity of awesome posters for the upcoming “Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice.” The big three star in their very own character posters that superbly encapsulates the tense and gritty tone of Zack Snyder’s highly anticipated Superhero film. The posters have the characters’ respective logo embellished across the middle in striking crimson, and are, overall, bloody marvellous indeed! 

Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice is due on March 25 2016, and will be the foundation block of DC’s planned extended universe of movies, documenting the rise of the Justice League. Fellow leaguers, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash will also make their cinematic debut in Snyder’s movie.

J’onn J’onzz Debuts On Supergirl TV Series:

And while we are speaking of core Justice League members, the Martian Manhunter made his debut this week on Supergirl. If you haven’t seen the episode yet we won’t spoil the identity of the character who revealed himself to ultimately be the green skinned extra-terrestrial, but let’s just say ‘bloody hell’ we weren’t expecting that! 

Though this isn’t the first time the shape shifting Last Martian has appeared on the small screen, he appeared in Smallville played by Phil Morris, and in the long forgotten CBS pilot for a proposed (and abandoned) Justice League series, where he was played by David Ogden Stiers, though neither portrayal came anywhere near the epic cool of this new version… can’t wait to see what other classic DC heroes and villains will be introduced as this rather wonderful series continues.

Riddick Returns:

Vin Diesel will apparently be returning to the character who made him an action mega-star, the badass anti-hero, with the ability to see in the dark; Richard B. Riddick. The merc fugitive has already been the star of three great movies, and will at some point in the near future make his premiere on the small screen, after Diesel recently signed a deal with Universal TV. According to the Fast and Furious star, the series will actually act as a complement to the films, and will mainly follow the mercs and bounty hunters of Riddick’s universe… though I’m sure the shiny eyed one will eventually scowl his way onto the series at some point. 

This is fantastic news, Pitch Black and Chronicles Of Riddick were amazing movies, and the more recent “Riddick” was also rather good (but not quite as great as the previous instalments, in my humble opinion of course) More news as we hear it fellow Furyans.

Join us again next time for more “Week In Geek.”

New Comics Spotlight: DC Bombshells #1

(Copyright: DC Comics)

DC Comics’ fantastic 1940’s stylised Bombshells series became available digitally this week, with the first issue beginning in the style of a classic WW2 newsreel. Depicting Batwoman, who has been a hit (literally) on the baseball field and around the streets of Gotham where she reins in crime as the resident masked vigilante, in a time before the Batman existed. In fact, the Batman may actually never exist in this alternate timeline as Batwoman is shown taking out Joe Chill just as he is about to gun down the Wayne family in crime alley, thus negating young Bruce Wayne’s need for his vengeance motivated alter ego.

Batwoman foils gunman Joe Chill and Bruce Wayne’s need for a Batman

An entertaining first issue, with the art by Marguerite Sauvage evoking the style and mood of comics from the 1940’s, I especially love the redesigned Batwoman costume worn by Kate Kane, a red and black baseball style outfit replete with mask to hide her anonymity on and off the field. This first issue mostly follows Batwoman’s career as masked crimefighter and Gotham’s star baseball player, though there is a brilliant cliffhanger ending that introduces another major DC character to the fold. The quirky writing of Marguerite Bennett genuinely elicits a feel of the era, and makes for a fun, enjoyable first issue. Currently available in digital format, with the physical copy on sale from August 12.

Precinct1313 Rating: 4 Battling Batwomen Out Of 5

It’s The Summer Of Love For DC Comics This June…

Comic-book love that is!  We are now just 2 short weeks away from the restructuring of the DC Universe, with 24 new ongoing titles to be added to the 25 most popular current comic series produced by DC. The “New 52” branding will be removed from the top of the comics from June, to usher in a new chapter for the World’s oldest and most prestigious producer of Superhero comics.

(DC Comics, 2015)

And there’s more, fellow fans of fantastic fiction, not only do we get 24 new kick-arse titles to enjoy, we also get the return of legendary comic-book creators, Garth Ennis and Bryan Hitch to the DC Universe, who alongside new recruit and one time Marvel mainstay John Romita Jr, will help pave the way to an even more expanded, inclusive and accessible take on the World’s mightiest mortals.

So if you have been hesitant of dipping your toes in DC’s sea of titles, because of lore heavy decades of story-telling, June will be the perfect time to start your collection. Plus with the plethora of absolutely amazing television shows based on DC characters such as Arrow, The Flash, Constantine and upcoming new shows like Supergirl, not to mention next years Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad movies, it’s never been a better time to become a DC superfan. Welcome aboard everyone, next stop… Amazing Comics!

DC Comics Dropping Bombshells This August…

(DC Comics, 2015)

This August DC Comics will drop Bombshells on an unsuspecting public, with these amazing variant covers inspired by vintage World War 2 style artwork. This follows on from June 2014’s extremely popular Bombshell variant run, which saw the alternate cover comics become very scarce and highly sought after collectables, this time they are taking the design run even further, by adding character statues and an ongoing digital comic series entitled “DC Comics’ Bombshells”. 

DC Bombshells #1 will follow the adventures of Batwoman, Supergirl and Wonder Woman as they take the fight to the axis of evil on the front lines of World War II. The first issue of DC Bombshells will be available digitally on August 12, and throughout August every major DC comic release will also ship with a variant version of the cover, and judging by how successful the previous run was, these will sell out extremely fast. So why not head on down to your nearest comic book emporium and reserve yourself a Bombshell today, you won’t regret it.