Super Serial: Back on Track

The hubbub over at C2E2 has died down, and that's allowed me to catch up on a few things. I'm finally back on track and (hopefully) sticking to a schedule for the foreseeable future. I've got a few minor nuggets of info to throw your way though, so get ready!

• Following the cancellation of iZombie, Chris Roberson has left DC for good. If you are looking for motivation, just check his twitter. You'll find some very not nice things written about his former employers.
• Hot on the heels of AvX, DC announced its next big thing: Trinity War. Coming in 2013, this will set the stage for the new status quo of the DCnU and feature our heroes facing off against the mysterious Pandora and her cohorts.
• In addition to this, September will be the home of new #0 issues for every issue of the New 52. These will go back in the timeline to before the #1 issues, and will set up revelations for the next year of comics.
• On the movies front, we have a new villain for Iron Man 3 in Guy Pearce. He'll be playing the scientist that invents Extremis. We also have more info on The Wolverine, with filming to begin soon in Australia. And last but not least, two films that were thought to be in development hell are resurfacing: Sin City 2 and Lobo! The latter has a new director in Brad Peyton, and the former is gearing up for casting now with Mickey Rourke and Rosario Dawson confirmed to return.
• In the world of TV, a new sneak peak has popped up for next year's addition to DC Nation: Beware the Batman. Check it out below:

Moving along from news to reviews, things continue to amp up for Marvel. 'AvX' continues to be nothing more than people punching each other (like we haven't seen that before). On the flip side, the other not as big Marvel events have both been top notch; 'Omega Effect' much more than 'Ends of the Earth'. DC is doing much the same by gearing up for both 'Night of the Owls' and 'The Culling'. I'm sure you can guess which is more anticipated. Here are my Top 5 for the week:

#5 - Wolverine and the X-Men #9: The only one of the AvX tie-ins so far to be any entertaining. This features an expanded form of the scene in AvX #1 where Captain America goes to the school in Westchester to ask Wolverine for help. The writing is fun, witty, and shows that a bleak thing like the Phoenix doesn't need to be taken so seriously. The art is love it or hate it, but I'm a Bacchalo fan so I consider it a plus. The only drawback is that you won't really know what's going on if you haven't been reading AvX proper.

#4 - X-Factor #234: Peter David has created a tight-knit group of characters that you can't find anywhere else, it's a niche X-book that is sorely needed and welcomed. The tug-and-pull for power in this issue provides for wonderful drama, and the sub-plot involving Layla's reviving power is interesting as well. I'll be interested to see whether Madrox continues to lead the team or if he gives up his mantle to Havok/Polaris. If you enjoy character studies more than you do generic action scenes, then definitely pick up this book. You won't regret it.

#3 - Wonder Woman #8: This title is downright mind-blowing. Original plot combined with unique art, this run sure is a keeper. A revitalization of the character that was sorely needed, Wondie is now the ass-kicking, god-slaying, Amazon princess she always should have been. In this issue, she travels down to underworld to fight Hades and his hordes of undead, armed only with a sword and two golden pistols. Badass! If you aren't already poring over every issue of this glorious book, then rectify that mistake immediately!

#2 - The Punisher #10: The second part of 'The Omega Effect' swings into high gear, with DD and Spidey delivering a baby and Lady Punisher finally getting the skull-shirt you all knew was coming. The art continues to be beautiful (if a bit too clean) and the writing begins to play on what exactly is right and wrong with the philosophy of The Punisher. The Cole-Alves character has brought so many potential stories for The Punisher that I really hope she stays for the long haul. The characters interact wonderfully once again and the battles are edge-of-your-seat exciting. If you read 'Omega Effect' part 1, definitely get this; and if you haven't...get them both!

#1 - Batman #8: You knew this was coming. The epic line-wide event of the Bat family starts here, and boy is it grand! The first part of 'Night of the Owls' pits Bruce against a horde of undead ninjas (known as Talons) that have infiltrated the mansion AND the Bat-Cave. With Bruce backed into a corner, he reveals a new set of Bat Armor to seriously bring the pain; while Alfred sends a distress call to the rest of the Bat family to rescue key figures all over the city that are on the Talon's assassination list. I don't have much to say about the book itself, it's that good. Everything in Snyder's run has lead to this, it may be mostly action but under the surface lies an immense conspiracy that just might leave Batman on his knees. I'm beyond excited, and you should be too! If you have any interest in anything Bat-related, you NEED to buy this book. It's just common sense.

That's it for now, comics fans. Tune in next Monday where I'll be putting up another article of 'Golden Age/Silver Screen' featuring the season finale of Young Justice! And as always...stay golden!