The Next Level

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Next Level Relaunch

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.

The last four months have been absolutely ridiculous for us here at The Next Level. Unfortunately, I was faced with a decision regarding the status of this blog. To avoid a total shut down of this blog, we decided to take an extended hiatus.

But now, this hiatus is over, and I owe my readers a status report. The Next Level will resume reviews as of September 4th, 2011. We shall endeavour to keep our readers as informed as possible. As for our upcoming relaunch? Be prepared...

Monday, July 4, 2011

Gun...dam...

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.

Today, a departure from the norm. We won't be reviewing all of the comic books that have come out since our hiatus (as we're saving that for our big Lever 25 post this weekend), but will instead be discussing something else near and dear to the hearts of all of the staff here at The Next Level.

With one or two exceptions, every staff member is a fan of the Mobile Suit Gundam metaseries. When discussing the series with staff members and outsiders, we described a list of moments which made us love Gundam, and we've now decided to share this list with you.

Disclaimers:

This is a personal list, and as such is opinion-based. It is your right to disagree if you so choose.
Each entry will contain a screenshot, and a brief explanation of why it deserves a spot on this list.
There is no order to this list. The second item is no better or worse than the first.
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE

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Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: The Destruction of Space Fortress Barge

There is no simple way to explain the concept of Gundam Wing, but I will certainly try my best. The main characters are a team (in a loose sense of the word) of terrorists bent on freeing outer space from the tyranny of the Earth Alliance in general, and the OZ organization in particular. Now in Gundam Wing, allegiances shifted pretty much every five episodes, but OZ more or less always remained in the antagonist's role, anchored by their mobile space fortress, Barge. But this all changed in the latter 15 episodes of the series.

Another terrorist organization from space, calling itself White Fang, declared its independence from Earth immediately, and launched a military campaign with the Gundams caught in the middle. In the midst of the battle, the White Fang's ace pilot breaks through the OZ battle formations, and destroys Barge.

The key to this scene was twofold. First, the scene plays heavily on the knowledge of the viewer at how important Barge was to the OZ organization. Sure enough, once Barge fell, OZ fell. Secondly, the music being played in the background was not your standard background battle music. This was a much more energetic song, building to a crescendo when Barge is finally destroyed. This scene was shown in such a way that after watching it, you knew that a turning point had just been reached.

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Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: The Death of Four Murasame

It is a cliché in the Gundam world that the main love interest for the protagonist must die (with one or two major exceptions). But once in a while, the death angle is performed so strongly, that it chills even the most jaded viewer.

Kamille and Four had been starcrossed lovers from the beginning. There was no chance of their relationship surviving, but during a battle between the AEUG and Titans, Four begins to come around to Kamille's way of thinking. However, the Psyco Gundam which Four had been riding in was attacked by Jerid Messa, and Four was killed. However, Zeta Gundam was a dark show, and instead of having Kamille scream out in pain at his lost love, he tries in vain to resuscitate her, and even carries her corpse back to his ship. In the end, with his lost love in his arms, Kamille turns to his commanding officer and makes a demand that will shape the remainder of the series (which there is no need to mention here, as you either have ZERO idea what I'm talking about and it'll take too long to explain, OR you already know so why bother).

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Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Miriallia Snaps

Backstory: Miriallia is an NCO in the Earth Armed Forces. She's joined up to help because, through no fault of her own, she was stranded on an Earth ship, and chose to do something rather than be useless. Her boyfriend Tolle made the same choice. In the previous battle, her boyfriend was shot down, and killed. Throughout the next episode, Miriallia is barely maintaining her composure.

After beginning to lose control, she is escorted to sick bay by a fellow NCO, where she steps inside and attempts to cry, but the tears won't flow. However, her attempt wakes up a patient, a restrained enemy soldier who was being treated there. After insulting her a few times, the enemy soldier begins to realize that someone close to her had been killed, and he then started insulting her dead comrade, using a racial slur (as the war in Gundam SEED had ethnic overtones). This causes Miriallia to snap, grab a scalpel and attempt to murder the enemy soldier. Her friend NCO hears the ruckus from next door, and rushes in to keep Miriallia from completing her murderous task, and he holds her back while she screams, "Tolle is dead! How can Tolle be dead, while a piece of trash like this still lives!?!" The enemy soldier can only look on in shame for what he has done. Miriallia has lost her mind with grief, showing a very human side to this war.

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Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Cagalli Returns

Gundam SEED Destiny was full of missteps. This was one of the few story points that was actually well-received. After a near-coup, the Seiren family had taken control of the nation of Orb from the Attha family, exiling the eldest child Cagalli from the nation, claiming that she holds no sway over Orb politics.

About 30 episodes later, Orb is invaded, and due to the mismanagement of the Seiren Administration, the nation appears as if it will fall. However, a squadron of Mobile Suits appears to bolster the Orb line, lead by the Akatsuki, piloted by Cagalli. The Seiren's are so happy to see Cagalli defend her homeland, Cagalli tricks them into verbally confirming that she is the legitimate ruler of Orb. Once this is done, she gives her first order: Arrest the Seiren Family for treason.

There's a reason this is on my list, and it's not because it's the greatest storyline in Gundam history or anything, but it's because you finally got to see something that you'd always wanted in Gundam SEED Destiny. GSD was one screw-up after another, and the fans were beginning to fall away from the series, mainly because of an over-reliance on nonsensical plots and clip shows. With this, the series began one final course correction, by removing most of the superfluous elements and trying to bring the show back to what it was meant to be...before finally screwing it up again and falling into obscurity.

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Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Graham's GN Flag

Season 1 of Gundam 00 is heavily political, and for the most part, defiant of most Gundam clichés. One character in particular caught my interest: Graham Aker. In episode 18, Graham showed that he had what it took to be the absolute best. But he was forgotten for the rest of the season... or so we thought.

After an intense battle with the Alvarron, Setsuna in the Gundam Exia is still trying to catch his breath, as he is the last remaining soldier from his team. But at this second, his proximity alarm goes off and we see:

A GN Flag. Fulfilling his promise to his fallen comrades, Graham enters into one of the most memorable battles in recent Gundam history, and takes down Setsuna in once of the most terrific exchanges of Mobile Suit combat I've ever seen.

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Mobile Suit Gundam 00 S2: Awakening of 00

Gundam 00 has many religious overtones. Many of the Mobile Suits have names that are angelic, the organization Celestial Being is in reference to Angels, and Setsuna himself has a devotion to the Gundams that borders on religious. All of this came to a head in Season 2, Episode 2.

Setsuna's friends are getting destroyed outside, and the 00 Gundam will not start. There is something wrong with the reactor. Setsuna begins to recite, "Please awaken 00. The 0 Gundam is here. The Exia is here. And so am I!". As he screams the last piece, the reactor starts, and a very inspiring piece of orchestral music begins to play in the background, and Setsuna declares the launch of the 00.

Why is this on the list you may ask? Adherence to the theme of the show. When Setsuna announces that 00 is launching, his voice quivers like a religious man who has just witnessed a miracle (in the original Japanese audio anyway). It felt so real, that it stuck with me.

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Mobile Suit Gundam 00 S2: The Final Battle

In traditional Gundam history, the protagonist and antagonist fight the final battle in the most advanced versions of their Mobile Suits. But, Gundam 00 spits in the face of tradition, and forges a new path.

The antagonist, Ribbons, steals the 0 Gundam (the original Gundam in this timeline, and also the Gundam that Setsuna looked up to as if it were God) and uses it to try and find Setsuna. When he finds Setsuna's 00 Raiser Gundam, he sees that the cockpit is open and the reactor is missing. There is a flash of light, and you see the Gundam Exia fly into the scene, with Setsuna speaking again in his "miracle" voice that he will clear a path to the future. This is followed by the final battle itself.

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

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Still Alive..

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yes, I'm still alive. Yes, this blog is still alive. And Level 25 will be one hell of a post, but it won't come til this weekend. We've been so busy here at The Next Level dealing with real-life issues, but they seem to be clearing up shortly. Expect greatness this weekend.

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
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

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

Thomas Wayne.

S
P
O
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S

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

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