Cowa-Sequential

    Last year saw the passing of acclaimed comic book writer Denny O'Neill. O'Neill had a long history with many DC Comics superheroes as a writer and editor and is best known for revitalizing the character of Batman among others starting in the 1970s. I decided to pick up a copy of one of the more famous Batman issues of this era, Joker's Five Way Revenge which was written by O'Neill and drawn by Neal Adams. The story featured in Batman # 251, was released in November, 1973. While I am gaining a better appreciation for 1990s comics, I largely avoided avidly reading 1970s issues due to their seemingly dated nature and tropes. After reading this issue, I had some thoughts on both how the character and mythos of Batman has evolved over time and a greater appreciation for a more grounded Dark Knight. In Joker's Five Way Revenge, the Joker is seeking revenge for a presumed betrayal by killing members of his former gang and Batman is striving to stop him. By the time t...

Three movies in, DC's cinematic universe was in trouble. While the box office proceeds were high (if slightly beneath expectations), public reception of Man of Steel, Batman V. Superman, and Suicide Squad was mixed at best. Warner Brothers and DC needed a hit to simply save their troubled movie line let alone compete with Disney's ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Having finally seen DC's newest film Wonder Woman , I can say that overall the film was a giant step in the right direction. My exposure to Wonder Woman as a character is primarily from my exposure to the Justice League Animated Series as I never saw Lynda Carter's live action portrayal. Outside of some television backstory, she was literally a blank slate. I was intrigued by her Greek mythical background but never followed her comics either. Compared to prior films, I went into DC's Wonder Woman just expecting a good time. Wonder Woman starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot as the title cha...

Batman is the world's most famous superhero. While Superman may be older and more iconic he does not have the billion dollar movies franchises, critically acclaimed  video games or legendary storylines that the Dark Knight possesses. My knowledge of Batman began like most people of my generation through Batman the Animated Series which debuted in 1992 and older Superfriends reruns. While the Tim Burton films were definitely an influence, (ignoring the punishing Batman& Robin) the Animated Series Batman voiced by Kevin Conroy is how I view Batman. The fact that he voiced Batman in the Arkham series along with Mark Hamil's Joker is further proof of his longevity and popularity. All in all DC animated Batman had an outstanding run from Batman Animated to Justice League Unlimited. Batman is a mass media icon whose reach is nearly infinite.  The other version of the Dark Knight comes from the pages of  Detective Comics, introduced along with Robin the Boy Wonder over seven...