The Batman

Originally envisioned as part of the DC Extended Universe with Ben Affleck not only reprising his version of Batman, but also him cowriting and directing, The Batman was changed to be a separate entity from the rest of the DCEU due to problems in Affleck's personal life. Matt Reeves took over directing and cowriting duties, alongside Peter Craig, while Robert Pattinson inherited the cape and cowl alongside new actors playing Gordon and Alfred. Taking cues from Year One and The Long Halloween and inspired by Hitchcock films and thrillers like SE7EN, this first entry in a new trilogy sees Pattinson's Batman, in only his second year, solve murders perpetrated by the Riddler. To catch him means solving the criminal's riddles, puzzles, and other games that exposes Gotham's corruption throughout its history. Along the way Bruce Wayne has to learn how to be more involved and use his influence to inspire people, recruits Selina Kyle to expose corrupt politicians and cops, and learns the connection between his parents and mob boss Carmine Falcone. While I would have loved to see Affleck in his own standalone film as the Caped Crusader, this reboot's fresh start feels needed due to the writing often making Ben's take hard to connect with. Pattinson, thanks to Reeves's and Craig's writing and direction, gives us a Bruce Wayne who starts out detached while relying more on the fear aspect to his superhero persona and perfectly develops into someone who becomes more open and realizing that hope is just as effective as fear. While he isn't afraid to beat criminals to a pulp, he's smart enough to not kill them knowing they'll be afraid when they see the Bat Symbol. The rest of the cast also deliver and give some of the most unique characterizations compared to previous versions of them. Jeffrey Wright's Gordon is rather laid back and at times comical due to how he talks with Batman, Andy Serkis plays an Alfred that keeps secrets from Bruce, the Selina played by Zoe Kravits perfectly balances vulnerability and badass, Paul Dano portrays one of the most disturbing Riddlers ever brought to the screen, and Colin Farrell is unrecognizable and brilliant as Penguin. As a director Reeves is perfect due to the dedication he gives towards Batman's detective skills as much as the heroics. His action and fight scenes are well shot and choreographed, while the Bat Suit is tough but shows some good wear and tear. The writing is incredible and manages to give us a fresh and unique take on the franchise despite how many times the character has appeared onscreen. Despite how serious the story takes itself, there are still some genuine funny moments that lighten up the movie and feel perfectly placed. One good note is how Bruce is still learning to be Batman, between learning to spread hope for the people of Gotham and not just fear towards criminals and some of his gadgets not always working when he needs them. Compared this to most other live action interpretations, this entry masterfully captures the detective angle that Batman is best known for in the comics. One would think that a movie telling a murder mystery at nearly three hours would feel long, but thanks to editors William Hoy and Tyler Nelson the film felt brisk and well paced. If a superhero film was ever shot by Roger Deakins it would be a powerful competition against Greig Fraser's exquisite cinematography that captures Gotham's desolate bleakness in such a way that is so beautiful. For every new version of Batman, there's always new music to go along with it and for this, and hopefully the rest of the trilogy, we have Michael Giacchino. A lot of the music, whether Giacchino's score or the songs chosen, perfectly fit this movie and often elevates the story. Giacchino's main score for Batman, in particular, has a horror vibe to it that when he appears often makes him seem like a horror villain in the vain of Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees. One issue with it however is how overplayed it gets and while great, isn't as memorable as Danny Elfman's or the Dark Knight Trilogy's. Between the story, cast, direction, and so many things, The Batman is more than just a superhero film, it's a phenomenon. Over all: 100%

2022 top list so far:

1. The Batman

2. Dog

3. Scream 2022

DC First: Flash/Superman #1

Part of a series of one-shots in the early 2000s, DC First: Flash/Superman #1 is a story that partly retells the original race from the 1960s between the two superheroes. With this comic, however, Superman races against the original Flash, Jay Garrick rather than Barry Allen, to save the current Flash, Wally West. After the futuristic magician, Abra Kadabra, escapes from prison he places a curse on the three heroes in which Superman and Jay have to race against each other to save Wally who is aging at a rapid rate. The race, caused by their powers, causes them to travel into the future wherein they manage to fix the curse and capture Abra. This one-shot's story isn't entirely unique or does anything that's truly remarkable, but Geoff Johns's writing is still well told and the dialogue is good and kept at a minimum so that the artwork can also tell the story. Speaking of the artwork, it's pretty much expected from a comic book of 2002, but with great lighting and detail. That work by Rick Burchett as well as the coloring and shading from Prints Rollins, James Sinclair, and Digital Chameleon also add to the good art. The art and writing both work together to give us a fun story that isn't afraid to tackle some of the sillier aspects of superhero stories while still having a lot of serious moments. Not every comic everyone reads needs to be expected to be something huge and important, some just need to be fun and well written as DC First: Flash/Superman #1 is. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Superman: Secret Identity #1 (of 4)

2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

3. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

4. Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1

5. Savage Avengers (2019-) #1

6. Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

7. Aliens: Dead Orbit #1

8. DC First: Flash/Superman #1

9. Aliens: Defiance #1

10. Iron Man (2020-) #1

11. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

12. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

13. DC Universe: Legacies #1

14. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

15. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

16. Champions (2020-) #1

17. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

18. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

19. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

20. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
21. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
22. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

23. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
24. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
25. Marvel Comics (1939) #1

Dog

Channing Tatum and his regular producing partner Reid Carolin have their feature directorial debut with Dog. In this, Tatum stars as Jackson Briggs, a U.S. Army Ranger suffering PTSD and whose injuries have kept him out of the battlefield. To prove himself and being accepted by his superiors, Briggs has to take Lulu, a military dog his unit worked with, to the funeral of her handler and one of his unit members. It's no easy task as Lulu also suffers from PTSD and her violent tendencies have led to the decision of euthanizing her after the funeral. Throughout the long road trip, Briggs is initially annoyed by Lulu's antics, the two get in some predicaments, start to bond from their similar issues, and as she learns to trust him Briggs sees that there's more to life than fighting in the battlefield. For first time directors, Tatum and Carolin prove that they're more than capable of giving a very moving and emotional story. Carolin's script is well thought out in giving us well written characters with a good blend of drama and comedy that doesn't feel forced when either is in play. All the while Tatum gives one of his strongest performances by giving us a man who wants to fight but isn't afraid to be vulnerable and isn't portrayed as a grunting muscle man. Briggs doesn't have to be a gun totting Rambo to be considered memorable, he just needs to show that those with PTSD are just as human as any other person. Editor Leslie Jones should be given credit for such a lush and quick process that helps keep the movie from feeling too slow or too fast. While the cinematography from Newton Thomas Sigel isn't extraordinary but how he captures the majestic landscapes and backgrounds throughout the trip is such a wonderful thing. If Tatum and Carolin made something as incredible as Dog, I for one am exited for whatever comes next from them. Over all: 100%

2022 top list so far:

1. Dog

2. Scream 2022

Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1

As with many event stories from either DC, Marvel, or any other publisher, the beginning has to be big and surprising to draw the readers in. With Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1, you get just that and more in Marvel's latest universe shattering tale. Starting simple enough, Nick Fury, now a herald of Uatu, warns the Watcher about various alien civilizations being gifted with powerful weapons from a mysterious force. As Uatu warns his people of an impending danger, his base on the moon is attacked, causing a bombardment of moon fragments to fall down on Earth. With Manhattan heavily bombarded by pieces of the moon, numerous superheroes like Spider-Man, the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four save as many people as they can while also dealing with an invasion from the Badoon. Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer is called upon by the abstract entities of the universe to aid Eternity, the living embodiment of the universe, as he has been poisoned by such large scale violence. During Earth's invasion, the Fantastic Four head towards Uatu's domain for answers but end up finding Fury. Fury figures that an unknown group known as the Reckoning is behind not only the moon's destruction but also the large scale violence across the cosmos. With a device that held the history of the Watchers, Reed learns about their history and how their early influence in the early days of the universe led to the first known war and it nearly destroyed everything. The Reckoning is what's left of the civilizations that took part in that war, wanting revenge against the Watchers for separating them from the rest of the universe and leaving them with nothing. Epic is the best way to describe this comic, and how can it not be as the moon is destroyed, various alien armies are preparing for a large scale war, we delve deep into the early years of the Watchers, and Earth is being invaded. The writing from Dan Slott does a phenomenal job at setting up what's to come in the Reckoning War, though even at 40 pages some of it does feel rushed, like some of it could have been put in later issues and other ideas better elaborated on. But most of what there is, Slott delivers with a combination of great dialogue and informative exposition that appears when needed. With an epic story like this, this issue of course has incredible artwork to go along with it that includes good use of shadows, detailed characters, and great colors. One unique aspect to the art is how different it is in the few pages that look at the early history of the Watchers, having an ethereal look to it. All this thanks to the collaborative works of Carlos Pacheco, Rafael Fonteriz, Carlos Magno, and Guru-eFX. If Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1 is just the beginning, then hopefully the rest of the storyline will be just as epic. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Superman: Secret Identity #1 (of 4)

2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

3. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

4. Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha #1

5. Savage Avengers (2019-) #1

6. Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

7. Aliens: Dead Orbit #1

8. Aliens: Defiance #1

9. Iron Man (2020-) #1

10. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

11. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

12. DC Universe: Legacies #1

13. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

14. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

15. Champions (2020-) #1

16. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

17. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

18. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

19. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
20. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
21. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

22. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
23. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
24. Marvel Comics (1939) #1

Scream 2022

With the fifth installment of the franchise, Scream 2022 continues the tradition of the series homaging, referencing, and mocking tropes common to the horror slasher genre, in this case reboot sequels like Halloween 2018. This entry's Ghostface killers go after people related to the events of the first film while trying to reenact moments from both the original 1996 film and the fictional movie series it inspired. All the while, Sidney, Dewey, and Gale reluctantly come back to Woodsboro to help defeat the new assailants. Sadly, this is the first film in the series to not be directed by Wes Craven as he died in 2015, though Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett do a phenomenal job with more unique camera angles and intense shots then the previous entries. Although it's the second time that creator Kevin Williamson doesn't come back to write, the script from James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick still packs the wit and genius that the past films are known for. You get well written characters, genius explanations for what the rules are for a reboot sequel, finely executed jabs towards entitled fandoms, and good mixture of drama, terror, and comedy. One aspect that is a bit mixed is how one of the newer characters, revealed to be the child of original killer Billy Loomis, has visions of him who often helps her. I understand the message it's trying to go for towards people with mental health issues, but some of the execution is confusing. With new cast members like Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, and Jack Quaid alongside the recurring ones of Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and David Arquette, every single actor gives strong performances that never miss. Cinematographer Brett Jutkiewicz and editor Michel Aller both add a new level to the franchise through their more unique and brisk look and slower and methodical pacing. Scream 2022 proves why this horror franchise is one of the most unique that there has ever been thanks to its self referential humor and memorable characters. Over all: 99%

2022 top list so far:

1. Scream 2022

Aliens: Dead Orbit #1

Aliens: Dead Orbit #1 is the first issue of a four-part limited series in Dark Horse's version of the Alien universe. While the beginning and end of this debut comic focuses on an engineering officer trying to survive after an encounter with the Xenomorphs, the middle of it flashes back to much earlier. In the earlier timeline, the officer named Wascylweski and other people who work at a fuel depot investigate an unknown vessel that's drifting by them. When the staff see that the vessel is disheveled and the remaining crew are in stasis, their attempts to wake them cause the crew to be horribly burned before taking them out of the pods. James Stokoe proves what a formidable artist he is by not only writing, but also doing all aspects of the artwork, coloring, and lettering. The writing is nothing new to this franchise, but unique in its use of flashbacks rather than straightforward storytelling. With just the first issue, and knowing it's only four parts, Stokoe does an amazing job at introducing us to this story through small but detailed exposition. The characters, especially Wascylweski, may not have a lot of personality at the start, but you do get a lot of interaction between his coworkers that add towards getting some feelings for them. All the while his artwork is really detailed while a tad grimy, but in a way that fits this franchise and can seem like it's taken from an animated show. The issue excels at a mixture of sequential artwork and use of shadows that makes you think twice at what you're looking at. Not to mention the subtlety in showing Wascylweski's fears in the later timelines when he thinks he sees an alien due to how he perceives the shadows. Even how the lettering is done is genius due to how minimal they are and not getting in the way of the artwork. Sometimes a new story in a franchise doesn't need to be so new, but what Aliens: Dead Orbit #1 does is show you just need to tell a story in a more unique way than before. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Superman: Secret Identity #1 (of 4)

2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

3. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

4. Savage Avengers (2019-) #1

5. Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

6. Aliens: Dead Orbit #1

7. Aliens: Defiance #1

8. Iron Man (2020-) #1

9. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

10. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

11. DC Universe: Legacies #1

12. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

13. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

14. Champions (2020-) #1

15. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

16. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

17. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

18. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
19. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
20. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

21. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
22. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
23. Marvel Comics (1939) #1

Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

Back in 2003, DC Comics celebrated the 65th anniversary of its first and most popular superhero, Superman. In the same year, the 800th issue of the comic book series from which he was introduced was slated to be released. Thus, we have Action Comics Vol. 1 #800 which was not only double the pages of a normal issue but saw at the early life of Clark Kent before becoming Superman and having multiple artists work on it. While the first few pages looked at the typical origin story of Superman, as the baby Kat-El landing on Earth, the book then sees another aspect of his life that's rarely or ever covered. It looks at his adopted parents contemplating over whether or not to adopt him, young Clark being bullied and witnessing his father perform a heroic act despite the danger, and as he's moving out of Smallville asks Lana Lang to go with him but she declines. Now focusing on his young adult life, Clark tries to find his place in Metropolis before moving around throughout Europe wherein he fails to stop a man from being murdered and then reuniting with Lana in Italy. He soon meets up with a reporter who takes him to Africa wherein he learns about Clark's powers and inspires him that he has them to help others as he uses his job to do the same. Going back to Metropolis, he witnesses an air show mishap and tries to stealthily save everyone but is witnessed by Lois Lane. Unsure of what to do with his life and powers, he goes back to Smallville wherein after being inspired by his parents' enthusiasm and a letter from Lana, finally makes the decision to become Superman. In the middle of this story are short snippets of either previous Superman adventures or of real life people inspired by him with quotes about his legacy shaping their lives. This is a truly wonderful love letter towards the Man of Steel, with amazing and fresh writing from Joe Kelly. Seeing how many people looked up towards Superman and were inspired by him, such a father and son who bonded through the shows to a kid going through chemotherapy finding strength from his love of the character, is exactly why the character has lasted and will continue to last since 1938. Although the artwork changes every few pages due to different artists and colorists covering them, like Dan Jurgens, Tim Sale, Scott Hanna, and Guy Major, much of their work still has some similarities so as not to feel too different. The artwork is fantastic, colorful, and vibrant, while the snippets in between are all done in unique styles ranging from watercolor to animation resembling the 1940s Fleischer cartoons. If there are any aspects of this comic to be complained over it is the art when it comes to Superman himself. While for the most part he and everyone else are drawn good, there are a few times when they make Clark way larger than everyone else or have him in a pose that's a little awkward. I get what the artists were attempting to do by making him more noticeable in large crowds or bigger than life, but it wasn't always well executed. For a comic meant to celebrate 65 years of Superman, Action Comics Vol. 1 #800 does a phenomenal job with great writing and artwork that for the most part is really good. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Superman: Secret Identity #1 (of 4)

2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

3. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

4. Savage Avengers (2019-) #1

5. Action Comics Vol. 1 #800

6. Aliens: Defiance #1

7. Iron Man (2020-) #1

8. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

9. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

10. DC Universe: Legacies #1

11. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

12. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

13. Champions (2020-) #1

14. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

15. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

16. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

17. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
18. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
19. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

20. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
21. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
22. Marvel Comics (1939) #1