The Next Level

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Level 24: DOUBLE FEATURE - Weeks of 05/21/11 and 05/28/11

X-Men: Prelude to Schism #2
Ultimate Spider-Man #158
Green Lantern #66
Green Lantern Corps #60
Green Lantern Corps #10

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X-Men: Prelude to Schism #2

Back during Level 22, I reviewed the first issue of this book with a simple question: What the hell is going on? Unfortunately, after reading the second issue, I have the same question. Essentially, the entire issue is a backdrop for Magneto to tell his life story to Cyclops in preparation of some disaster that is about to hit Utopia. That's as much as I could figure out. This book better pick up soon, or Schism will fail.
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Ultimate Spider-Man #158

This issue is what Spider-Man is all about: Self-Sacrifice. It begins a short time after Spider-Man is shot. He wakes up, alone, on the street bleeding to death. After trying to remember what happened to the big Ultimates vs Avengers fight (see the Ultimates vs Avengers miniseries for that), he decides he must go to a hospital, and uses his webbing to temporarily patch the bullet wound. At the same time, the Sinister Six find the Tinkerer and armour up in preparation for their assault on the Parker house. They fly over Spider-Man, and in a silent moment, Spider-Man takes off after them.

Returning to the Parker house after a double date gone awry, Iceman and the Human Torch find a note left from Aunt May warning them to leave the house immediately. They are then confronted by the Sinister Six. Sandman smothers the Human Torch to prevent him from using his flame powers, and Electro uses the water base of ice to conduct electricity back to Iceman, incapacitating him. At this moment, Vulture sees the silhouette of Spider-Man, and flies toward him angry. Spider-Man webs the Vulture and throws him to the side, and is then seen holding his gunshot wound asking, "Who's next?"

I said it before, and I'll say it again: This issue is what Spider-Man's all about. The scene where Spider-Man sees the Sinister Six fly over him is easily the most powerful scene in the book because of the lack of dialogue. He's dying and he knows it, but he doesn't even contemplate attempting to save himself before the others. If Peter Parker dies as a result of this storyline, I'll actually be okay with it, for the sole reason that this arc has captured what Spider-Man is supposed to be about: Self-Sacrifice.

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Green Lantern #66

The issue begins where the last one left off: Sinestro Corpsman Hal Jordan and Red Lanter Guy Gardner battling the Emotional Entity possessed Guardians. After a short battle, Hal decides that they should attempt to escape and free Parallax, to restore the Corps. Unfortunately, the possessed Guardians are wiping the floor with Hal and Guy, so Guy decides to activate Krona's Power Gauntlet. Once he does however, both he and Hal are struck down by Krona.

The scene then shifts to within the Book of the Black, where after a brief pseudo-flashback sequence, Sinestro awakens and realizes where he is being held captive. After ripping through the other New Guardian's origin stories, he nearly succeeds in breaking loose of the book, only to be stopped by Krona. Krona claims that his ultimate plan is to create a new set of Guardians of the Universe, beings who can feel the full range of emotion. He has selected the four human Green Lanterns to stand alongside him as Guardians.

I really enjoyed this issue. I was very glad that Hal and Guy didn't beat down the Guardians, as they should have so much more power than two rogue Green Lanterns. I was intrigued by the powering up of the Gauntlet, but understood why it could not be used yet. Finally, I was happy that we've played up the "Sinestro-is-a-badass" theme from earlier books, by showing that he was the only New Guardian able to regain himself within the Book of the Black.

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Green Lantern Corps #60

Running parallel to the above issue is the story of Blue Lantern Kyle Rayner and Indigo Lantern John Stewart. The issue begins with the two Lanterns attempting to stop the release of Green Rings from Mogo, as the Central Power Battery is still infected with Parallax. After a mildly successfully attempt at containing the rings, they break free and scatter across the universe. As a result, Kyle has the idea of using the Blue Ring's power on Mogo to bring him back to his senses, but they realize they'll need to be close to Mogo's brain to do it. They head to Mogo's core, but are attacked by Parallax-controlled Green Lanterns.

After escaping them, Kyle uses his Blue Ring to create a Blue Lantern construct of Bzzd, Mogo's fallen partner. The construct begins to work, but suddenly Black energy is released from Mogo's core. John realizes that when Mogo absorbed all the Black Lanterns during the Siege of Oa (see Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps for more details), the Black energy remained, and was now being released. John attempts to use the Green energy of Mogo, but is contacted by Krona, who shows how the Parallax-controlled Green Lantern army was growing in number, stating that a "wave of murder" will sweep across of the universe. With this information, John uses the Indigo ring to do what it does best: absorb and repurpose the energy of other Lanterns nearby.

SPOILER ALERT

He uses the ring to absorb the energy of the Black Lanterns, and uses the energy to create a create a rifle. Over the protests of Kyle, John fires, destroying Mogo.

END SPOILER ALERT

I refuse to comment on this issue until my next entry to avoid this spoiler from being spread.

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Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #10

The issue begins with a direct continuation of Green Lantern #66, seeing Hal and Guy strung up by Krona. However, Krona and all the possessed Guardians are incapacitated by (*SPOILER ALERT*) the immense energy discharge caused by the death of Mogo. Kyle and John argue over the destruction of Mogo, (*END SPOILERS*) but John grabs Kyle and teleports them back to Hal and Guy. Hal and Guy realize what has happened after they make their escape, and free Ganthet in order to remove Parallax from the Central Power Battery.

Ganthet tells the Four Rogue Lanterns to use all seven rings to force Parallax out of the Central Power Battery. Hal wears the Orange Ring and Guy puts on the Violet ring in order to use all of the rings. The initial burst works, but Parallax remained in the battery. Ganthet tells Guy Gardner that since he wears both of the extreme rings, he holds the key to releasing Parallax. With a heartfelt cry of "I love the Corps", Guy forces Parallax from the Central Power Battery. The Four Rogue Lanterns reclaim their Green Lantern rings, and join with the newly freed Green Lanterns who then turn to face Krona, the Entity-possessed Guardians, and Parallax in the final conflict of the war.

Despite the Spoiler that I'm avoiding discussing, this issue was very well done. The war is turning out a LOT better than I was expected after the midway point, and now I'm eagerly anticipating the finale.
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Thoughts? Questions? Feedback is always welcome. Leave a comment or email nextlevelstaff@gmail.com

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Level 23 - Week of 05/14/11

The Flash #12

This issue begins with Zoom threatening Patty Spivot and Hot Pursuit attempting to send Kid Flash back to the future. However, with Zoom's reemergence, Hot Pursuit's Cosmic Nightstick reacts to the energies of the Negative Speed Force, and he realizes that Kid Flash is not the threat. He takes off, with Flash and Kid Flash following closely behind, and encounter Professor Zoom. Flash saves Patty, while Hot Pursuit attacks Zoom. However, during the battle, Hot Pursuit's helmet is destroyed. When Zoom realizes that Hot Pursuit is an alternate Barry Allen, he uses the red lightning to kill him and absorb some sort of his powers. He then proclaims that he will use the Negative Speed Force to change the world and then escapes.

Barry talks with Patty, who makes it abundantly clear that she still has feelings for him, but Barry remains loyal to his wife. Barry and Iris then go out for lunch, when she tells him that he needs to open back up to her. Shortly after, Barry is seen standing over his mother's grave with lighting striking in the back ground. The lightning starts coming from the opposite direction, and the final page of the book shows a large lightning bolt being struck by the red lightning.

This book was good, but felt a bit rushed. Everything was wrapped up a bit too quickly, but I was happy that this book came out on the same day as Flashpoint, because despite being marketed as a lead-in for Flashpoint, very very little information regarding that story was contained within these pages.

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Flashpoint #1

The issue opens up with Barry Allen being woken up at his desk. His partner asks him about a murder case that he hasn't heard of, and his boss begins to make reference to Citizen Cold, which causes Barry to question if he meant Captain Cold. When Director Singh infers that he has no idea who that is, Barry attempts to run and turn into the Flash, but realizes that his ring and speed are gone. He falls down the stairs, and lands at the feet of his Mother, who is alive in this reality. Barry questions his mother on the members of the superhero community, but she only recognizes Batman's name. In Gotham, Batman meets with Cyborg, and many other heroes who are debating their course of action now that Aquaman's armies of Atlantis and Wonder Woman's armies of Themyscira have gone to war.

Barry goes to see his wife, but finds that she is married to someone else in this world, and decides to seek assistance from the only person who can help him. Back in Gotham, the majority of the heroes agree to side with Cyborg and fight against both armies, until Batman announces that he will not participate. Once Batman leaves, everyone who pledged to aid Cyborg reneges. Shortly thereafter, Barry arrives at the Wayne Mansion, hoping to enlist Bruce's assistance to figure out what's going on, but after a quick altercation with Batman, he realizes that Batman is in fact...

S
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Seriously, Spoilers... Highlight the Area below if you really want to know.

Thomas Wayne.

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This issue was mainly universe-building. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I felt that last month's Fear Itself #1 was a better opening salvo.
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Thoughts? Questions? Feedback is always welcome. Leave a comment or email nextlevelstaff@gmail.com

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Level 22 - Week of 05/07/11

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and Welcome to The Next Level. We are your source for comic book opinions and debates. I’m your host Stefan, and I’ll be here with you discussing Comic Books, Video Games, and other items of note. Please note, for a purely gaming blog, I'd recommend Pwning Pat's Game Blog. The Next Level would also like to thank Jackie Fong for designing our logo.

This week's post will feature Moon Knight #1, X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1, and Fear Itself #2.
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Moon Knight #1

Disclaimer: I understand that many people out there aren't aware of who Moon Knight is, and as a result, I've grabbed a piece of this book to explain in as little a time as possible.

So, with that out of the way, let's get to the issue. The issue begins with a party among several television producers, cheering the success of their newest title: Legend of the Khonshu. The executive producer is, in fact, Marc Spector himself. At this point, Spector gets a call and heads to the roof. Arriving there, he finds Captain America (in the Steve Rogers uniform... I'll get to that in a minute), Spider-Man, and Wolverine. They tell him that there's been chatter in the supervillain community. Seems that they've finally gotten it through their heads that most superheroes live on the East Coast, and have tried to take over the West Coast. They task Moon Knight to find out what he can.

Moon Knight dons his costume and heads to the docks, where he finds two very scared low-tier criminals discussing their rotten luck for drawing this particular assignment. He attempts to listen in, but the criminals are interrupted by the arrival of their contact: Mr. Hyde. Hyde demands his payment, but the two criminals have no idea what he's talking about. Less than impressed, Hyde quickly dispatches both of them, but is interrupted by Moon Knight. The fight goes poorly for Moon Knight, but he makes a valiant comeback, and discovers the cargo that Hyde was attempting to sell: a dead Ultron. Moon Knight grabs Ultron's head, before the barge he is on is cast into the sea. From his vantage point, he sees Hyde arguing with his client over the undue attention he has drawn, before he is seemingly killed. With this knowledge, and the head of an Ultron, Moon Knight reports back that there is already a Kingpin of LA...and he has powers. When the other superheroes ask Moon Knight what he feels the correct course of action should be, the reader sees that Moon Knight has in fact... been talking to an empty room.

Well, I have a few thoughts on this issue. First, despite normally loving Maleev's art, there were definitely points in this book where it faltered. Secondly, I really liked the idea of having the villains realize that all the heroes are all clumped together, and decide to seek their fortunes elsewhere. Thirdly, I really like the "Who is the Kingpin of LA" plot. By giving him powers, you differentiate this character (new or old is not revealed yet) from Wilson Fisk, and we're establishing a villain for this run. Finally, by referencing Moon Knight's derangement in the opening paragraph, the final page reveal of the empty room felt that much better. We aren't just dealing with a crazy hero, we're dealing with a crazy hero trying to do good, and I love it.

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X-Men: Prelude to Schism #1

I cannot in good conscience review this issue properly. The ENTIRE issue revolved around the X-Men saying "I can't believe this is happening", but NEVER ONCE explain to the reader what "this" is. Here's the problem guys, I've not been reading X-Men since the end of the Five Lights story. I have no idea what's happening, and as a result I really didn't like this book. Hopefully, I'll figure it out in the days to come.

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Fear Itself #2

This issue opens up with Odin and his fellow Asgardians returning to Asgard. While there, he "explains" that Earth is already lost, and the force that has risen there will soon threaten Asgard, so they must be ready. The scene shifts the Thunderbolts training facility, where Juggernaut is training. One of the Hammers of the Worthy strikes the facility. Juggernaut picks it up and is transformed into Kuuruth, Breaker of Stone. Similarly, accross the world, the Hulk is transformed into Nul, Breaker of Worlds.

As the same fate befalls others across the planet, the Avengers split into groups to try and quell the chaos. At the same time, Skadi is readying her troops for an attack, while the Serpent gives a speech which encapsulates the overall goal of his crusade: to claim the throne of Asgard, and force all others to feel Fear. With a thunderous cheer of "Hail The Serpent! Hail The All-Father!", Skadi's troops launch an assault... on Washington D.C.

This book is exceptional. I don't know what it is, but the line-designs on the newly revamped Worthy is really eye-catching and amazing. But to be fair, in terms of plot, not much happened in this issue aside from the rise of the Worthy. But you know what? Until I re-read this issue for this review, I didn't notice at all. This is the hallmark of a good book: I'm craving for more, all the while accepting what I've been given. Cannot wait until issue 3.

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Thoughts? Questions? Feedback is always welcome. Leave a comment or email nextlevelstaff@gmail.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Level 21 - Giant Size Level!

Ultimate Spider-Man #157
Brightest Day #24
Green Lantern #65
Green Lantern Corps #59
Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #9
The Flash #10
The Flash #11
A Review of the Story Mode of Mortal Kombat

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Ultimate Spider-Man #157

This issue begins nearly immediately after the previous one ends. Spider-Man is rushing home to warn his family that Norman Osborn and other villains have escaped and are gunning for him. At the same time, Osborn and Dr. Octopus are debating whether or not they should even go after Spider-Man. Osborn wants to kill him, and Octavius is trying to tell him that he's out. In response, Osborn attacks Octavius, and they degenerate into a large scale battle across the city streets. Spider-Man arrives at home, and tells his family to leave. After they do, he receives a call from Mary Jane: On the one news channel not covering the fight between the New Ultimates and Avengers, Osborn has murdered Octavius on the street.

After successfully tracking down the office where Osborn and the other members of the Sinister Six were hiding out, Spider-Man attempts to intervene in the New Ultimates and Avengers battle, and enters the path of a sniper: The Punisher. The Punisher attempts to shoot Captain America, but the bullet strikes Spider-Man.

Wow. Really Excited to see how this one plays out, considering we now know for sure that there will be a new Ultimate Spider-Man under the suit after this storyline. Will Peter Parker die? Will he be crippled? Gotta read on to find out.

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Brightest Day #24

This issue begins with the retelling of the White Lantern reveal: Alec Holland. For the readers who were unfamiliar with Alec Holland, the Entity recaps his story, revealing that after he died in laboratory explosion, his essence was absorbed by the Parliament of Trees, releasing a protector: The Swamp Thing. However, we learn that the Dark Avatar is Swamp Thing, which now believes it is Nekron rather than Alec Holland. Captain Boomerang is then overcome with the urge to throw a dark energy boomerang at Dove. He does so, and Hawk attempts to catch it, but it slices through his hand, but does not hit Dove. We then see that Deadman took the boomerang in the chest and is killed.

The Entity explains that in order to properly raise Alec Holland, someone needed to die. Once Deadman is...dead, the White Ring flies off of his finger to Alec's and fully resurrects him. He then absorbs the power of the Elementals, and is told by the Entity that he must become the Swamp Thing. Using the power of the Elementals, Swamp Thing is able to destroy the Dark Avatar and restore all the damage done by the Dark Avatar. Upon their release, we get an epilogue for each member of the Elementals: Aquaman discovers that the Xebellian Rebels during Aquawar were being armed by members of Atlantis, Martian Manhunter saves the girl whom he injured in issue 5, Hawkman is released but Hawkgirl remains dead, and Firestorm discovers that the Firestorm Matrix is building to detonation. Finally, we see Swamp Thing kill some executives who were planning to dump toxic waste, and the cops begin to investigate the return of the Swamp Thing.

So...I enjoyed this story but I have zero intention of following the Swamp Thing into the aftermath stories. That said, I found myself getting really into the Aquaman and Firestorm stories, and will be following those characters for the foreseeable future.

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Green Lantern #65

The issue begins with Kilowog being corrupted fully by Krona, and Hal and Guy finding a safe house they'd set up in years past. The safe house contains a ship, which the two of them use to fly to Oa to find Kyle and John. As they get to Oa, their ship is destroyed by Kilowog, and Guy and Hal enter an escape pod and are found by Kyle and John.

During their planning sessions, Hal reveals that he still has all of the rings of the New Guardians, and he suggests that the best way to take on the Green Lantern Corps is to arm themselves with the rings. Hal takes the yellow ring, and Guy takes the red ring, while Kyle selects the blue ring. John initially opts for the orange ring, but is talked out of it by Hal, who gives him the Indigo ring. They slip on their rings, and prepare for battle.

This issue felt exactly like what it was: the middle of an event. But it also was a true turning point, as we've got a viable plan to take down the Green Lantern Corps. What will happen next?

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Green Lantern Corps #59

With their plan set in motion, the four Earth-based Green Lanterns move to save Ganthet. While each of them struggles to get the hang off their new rings, Ganthet is battling the possessed-Green Lantern Corps. After being ambushed by some Green Lanterns, the four Earth-based Lanterns are able to get to Ganthet, who is in shock at the fact that Four Earth Lanterns have taken on other rings.

Ganthet verbally trashes Hal, and seeks to help free the Green Lantern Corps, but at that moment, the Planet Green Lantern Mogo arrives and attacks them.

I found this a bit more interesting than the previous issue in the War for the sole purpose of Ganthet being so angry with Hal taking on the other ring. Combined with the notion of the First Green Lantern, and the prophecy revealed in Green Lantern #62, there is serious ground here to build an excellent story.

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Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #9

This issue picks up with Mogo attacking the Lanterns, and in order to escape, they head underground, being separated from Ganthet. While underground, the Lanterns discuss their options: rescuing Mogo, or removing Parallax from the Central Power Battery. The Lanterns vote 3 to 1 to remove Parallax, and thus attempt to travel to the battery underground. They discover a lost chamber containing many of the lost technologies of the Guardians: including Krona's Power Gauntlet, not connected to the Central Power Battery.

The four Lanterns are attacked by Shedd, a non-possessed Green Lantern, which allows them to capture the Gauntlet. However, they find that the Foundry is creating more Green Lantern rings and sending them to Mogo for programming. This means that Krona will have a nearly limitless supply of possessed Green Lanterns. As a result, Kyle changes his vote, and he and John move off to free Mogo, leaving Hal and Guy to try and remove Parallax before they are attacked by the Butcher.

As I was saying in the last previous review, we're setting up a lot of groundwork for the post-war status quo, and I like it a great deal. Finally, the War is starting to heat up and I cannot wait for the conclusion.

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The Flash #10

This issue begins by revealing that Hot Pursuit is not Barry Allen from the future, but is in fact the Barry Allen from an alternate Earth. However, Kid Flash appears and attempts to point out to The Flash that he cannot take anything that Hot Pursuit says at face value. As a result, Hot Pursuit takes off, looking for fuel for his motorcycle. At the same time, Bart Allen argues with Barry that he feels that Barry has a problem with him personally.

Once the situation is dealt with, Barry returns to work, and reunites with his old lab analyst Patty (who CLEARLY has feelings for him). While explaining the Elongated Kid case to her, Barry gets a call, indicating there is another crime scene with the same modus operandi. This time, Barry notices that there are tire tracks (similar to the Hot Pursuit's motorcycle), and there is a young boy left as a witness.

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The Flash #11

The issue opens up with Barry Allen explaining to his superior why the tire tracks are significant, while at the same time revealing that the witness hasn't said a word, but is comfortable with Patty. Barry gets a call asking him to come home for "an intervention". Basically, his family believes that he's not really living his life, and is in fact just running around from case to case ignoring his family.

Bart Allen races off angrily, and Barry runs after him, but Bart is attacked by Hot Pursuit. Hot Pursuit tells Barry that Bart must be the time distortion, and must be sent back to the future, attacking him with his cosmic nightstick. At the same time, Patty (confirming her attraction to Barry to herself) discovers that there was no Gingold in the Elongated Kid's system, but instead there was a strange electrical charge. At that moment, the witness walks in, his eyes begin to glow the familiar electric red, and he restores himself to his natural age, revealing himself to be... Professor Zoom.

If there has been one problem this book has had, it's the shipping delays. However, despite the lateness of this issue, we've finally got a strong lead-in to Flashpoint, and we're extremely excited.

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Mortal Kombat

This is a first for The Next Level, as we normally let Pwning Pat focus on video games. But it was decided to supplement Pwning Pat's Review of Mortal Kombat with this post focusing on the story mode of the game.

The story is broken in two three Acts, and 16 Chapters of 4 fights each. Each Act loosely corresponds to the timeline of one of the original three Mortal Kombat games. Act 1 consists of Chapters 1 through 5. The story begins with the ending of Mortal Kombat Armageddon, showing Shao Kahn gaining all the power of Blaze and destroying all of existence. Just before Raiden is destroyed, he has the realization that "HE MUST WIN!", and sends visions of his future to his past self. His past self sees these visions, and realizes that events must change.

During the events of the first game's tournament, hosted by Shang Tsung, the Raiden from that era possesses visions of the events from the future, he notices his amulet has cracked, signaling troubling times ahead. Across the tournament's battles, Raiden comes to the conclusion that Liu Kang is to win the tournament and save Earthrealm. He urges him to fight Shang Tsung. He does so and is victorious, however, Raiden's amulet cracks further, a sign that future events remain unchanged. Disappointed with Outworld's defeat, Shao Kahn orders Shang Tsung's execution, but relents after being given the proposal of holding the second tournament in Outworld. During the events of the tournament, due to Raiden's assistance of Smoke, whom was to be subjected to cybernetic transformation as per Lin Kuei orders, Sub-Zero instead undergoes the procedure, inadvertently altering the timeline. Raiden attempts to substitute Kung Lao as the champion of the new tournament. Kung Lao, however, is killed by Shao Kahn after defeating Kintaro, leaving Liu Kang to be champion once again.

Despite Liu Kang's fatal victory over Shao Kahn, Kahn launches an invasion of Earth despite warnings by the Elder Gods that by merging Outworld and Earthrealm, he will earn their wrath. Nightwolf halts Quan Chi's ritual. However, the interference causes Shao Kahn's forces to assault the headquarters of the Earthrealm warriors, as Kabal, Stryker, Cyber Sub Zero, Jax, Smoke, and Jade are all killed and Johnny and Sonya injured by Sindel. Kitana unsuccessfully pleads her mother, who comments that she is no longer her mother, and fatally wounds Kitana. Nightwolf, in a desperate attempt kill Sindel, uses all of his remaining energy to destroy both himself and the empress. As Raiden and Liu Kang return from an unsuccessful consult with the Elder Gods was shocked of the event that took place. Liu Kang, upon seeing Kitana and all his allies dead, becomes angry, believing Raiden to be insane with his visions.

During an attempt to ally with Quan Chi in order to stop Kahn's invasion, Raiden realizes that Shao Kahn is the one meant to win by merging the realms, as it would mean that the Elder Gods would intervene, and meets with Liu Kang about this news. However, Liu Kang has already deemed Raiden insane as his efforts to change the past. They fight, with Liu Kang threatening to kill him if he insists on interfering. Raiden inadvertently kills Liu Kang instead just as Kang is about to intercept Shao Kahn. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt over the loss of his friend as well as countless others, Raiden remorsefully surrenders to Shao Kahn voluntarily. The Elder Gods intervene, and grant him the power necessary to kill Kahn, freeing Earthrealm. Raiden vows to rebuild Earthrealm and tend to the injured with Cage and Sonya.

In the end, Quan Chi is seen meeting with Shinnok. The two discuss using Earthrealm's vulnerability in making the Netherrealm the dominating force in the universe.

Why did I love this story mode:

The relationships between characters are explained and expanded upon
You get to play as, and fight, characters prior to major changes (Cyrax/Sektor before they were cyberneticized, Jax before his arms get ripped off)
Despite being a near-reboot, the story succeeds in being both new and nostalgic for all fans of Mortal Kombat.

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So that's the end of this absolutely RIDICULOUSLY long post. Thankfully, with the situations in my life having come to a close, I'll be able to return to my regular posting schedule.

Thoughts? Questions? Feedback is always welcome. Leave a comment or email nextlevelstaff@gmail.com

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Status Update

Hey everyone,

I'm sorry about the lack of updates this month, but we at The Next Level have been swamped with our real life situations. That said, later today (or maybe tomorrow), expect the biggest post we've ever done. I hope it was worth the wait.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Level 20: DOUBLE FEATURE - Weeks of 04/02/11 and 04/09/11

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and Welcome to The Next Level. We are your source for comic book opinions and debates. I’m your host Stefan, and I’ll be here with you discussing Comic Books, Video Games, and other items of note. Please note, for a purely gaming blog, I'd recommend Pwning Pat's Game Blog. The Next Level would also like to thank Jackie Fong for designing our logo.

It's time for a first here at The Next Level: A Double Feature! Today, we'll be reviewing last week's Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #8, as well as this week's Brightest Day #23 and Fear Itself #1. Each issue provided something different, yet wholly interesting, and I'm happy to review them for you.

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Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #8

This issue began with Guy, Arisia, and Kilowog recapping the events of the first arc of this book (described in Level 17), and disagreeing over the actions taken. Guy clearly states that he is the "go-to" Lantern when things get dirty. Hmm, interesting. Anyway, at this point, we get the now familiar *IMPURITY RESTORED* page, and Arisia falls under the sway of Krona. Arisia begins to fly to Oa, while Kilowog and Guy tried to stop her, until they encounter another group of cadet Lanterns who are also under Krona's sway. Kilowog rockets Guy toward a predetermined Safe House to find Hal Jordan, who may be one of the only free-minded Lanterns left.

At the meeting place, Hal and Guy recap the events of the first issue in the war, and correctly deduces their Parallax Resistance. However, when Hal asks how Krona could be controlling the Corps so completely with his Parallax plan, Guy reveals his earlier pact with Atrocitus and Ganthet, while also revealing that Krona had been stealing power from the Corps. Hal angrily asks why he wasn't informed, and Guy angrily states that he doesn't need to be informed of everything. They fight for a few pages, before realizing that the Parallax influence was subtly influencing their conflict. They remove their rings and stand together, wondering how to save the Corps.

Well... I don't know how to feel about this issue. I really enjoy this storyline, as it's really bringing everything from the Green Lantern universe to a head. But at the same time, I'm not getting the epic feel from it yet. Maybe it's a bit too early, but considering that the next issue of the war is supposed to be amazing, I'll reserve judgement.

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Brightest Day #23

The skies across the world have gone black. Planes have been grounded, storms are raging, and people are dying. The Dark Avatar has risen. The only place that's safe? The Star City Forest created by the White Light. Deadman stands with his ring raised at Firestorm, who explains that Firestorm, and the other people supposedly killed by the White Light were being used to defend the Earth. At this point, The Dark Avatar shows up at the forest, and begins to wreak havoc.

The ring blasts Firestorm, completely immolating him. However, clearly Firestorm is not dead. The White Ring summons the other "killed" heroes as Elementals (Firestorm = Fire, Martian Mainhunter = Earth, Hawkman and Hawkgirl = Air, Aquaman = Water). The Elementals attack the Dark Avatar, but are only able to slow it down. At this point, the main tree of the forest starts to glow with the White Light symbol, and the White Lantern is revealed.

Yes, I know, I'm not revealing who the White Lantern is. I decided that until the next issue hits, I'm going to let people pick up this issue and read it. I did enjoy this issue, despite some really corny writing, and I'll be sad when this series ends in two weeks.

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Fear Itself #1

This was the best book of the last two weeks, by FAR! The issue begins with a protest in Lower Manhattan (clearly meant to parallel the discontent over the proposed construction at Ground Zero), which devolves into a riot. Shortly thereafter, Sin enters the Fortress built in Antarctica to house the Hammer (as chronicled in The Book of the Skull). After revealing that she'd seen a vision of herself lifting the Hammer, she does so, becoming Skadi. Back in America, the Avengers announce a construction project to employ the people of Broxton to rebuild Asgard after the events of Siege.

Skadi swims to the bottom of the ocean, and uses the Hammer to kill some sort of Water Dragon (or maybe a Leviathan), and enter a prison with Asgardian Runes. The Hammer then frees an old man who claims to be the REAL All-Father. Feeling the release of the being that Odin calls the Serpent, Odin orders that all Asgardians should leave Earth. Thor disagrees, and in response, Odin attacks him, and bests him. Taking Thor prisoner, Odin and the other Asgardians use Yggdrasil to leave the Earth. Back in the Antarctic, The Serpent summons the Worthy (another group of Hammers falling to the Earth), and declares that he will make this world quake with fear before confronting his usurper.

Wow! This book was fantastic! The art was amazing, and the writing was top notch. Some really good points include a reporter, during the riot, asks Steve Rogers (who is otherwise occupied trying to stop people from killing each other) what side of the issue he falls down on, and Steve replies, "Are you kidding me?! I'm Anti-RIOT! Now go home!". I haven't been this excited for a Marvel event in a very very long time, and I cannot wait for the next issue.

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Monday, April 4, 2011

To Be Determined

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, and Welcome to The Next Level. We are your source for comic book opinions and debates. I’m your host Stefan, and I’ll be here with you discussing Comic Books, Video Games, and other items of note. Please note, for a purely gaming blog, I'd recommend Pwning Pat's Game Blog. The Next Level would also like to thank Jackie Fong for designing our logo.

I'd like to apologize for the lack of of an update this Monday, as I've had some non-blog related items to take care of. Rest assured, this week's post will come a day late. Be Ready. As a treat, this is an image of myself as a Green Lantern, as designed by Jackie Fong.