Tag Archives: Batman

Poll Retrospective: Here’s How You Voted

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Over the past year, we’ve asked for your opinion on everything from Wonder Woman’s drawers to whether you gave a rat’s ass about the upcoming Green Lantern movie. The results were always entertaining, and frequently surprising. Without further ado, here are the results from polls past:

1. Which version of Dian’s knickers do you prefer?
Given a choice of Nicola Scott’s taut medium, Jim Lee’s warrior skirt, Ed Benes’ quasi G-string and Aaron Lopresti’s granny britches, the clear winner was …


… Nicola Scott’s version, with 44% of the vote! Jim Lee’s skirt came up a short second, at 34%. A cheeky 15% preferred the thong.

 

2. Does the Green Lantern Footage Thrill You?


Um, sorta? After seeing the first available clip from the Green Lantern flick, 60% said parts of it looked cool, but the jury was still out. Another 29% said they were all about it on opening weekend, while 11% said they’d rather watch green paint dry.

3. Who Would Win: Batman vs. Catman
Yay, shirtless heroes! This was one of our spicier polls, and emerging victorious was …

Batman, by 64%. Sorry Catman. You’re still hot to death, though.

4. Which Character should V. Cosplay?
As we contemplated cosplay for our next con, V. was torn between Black Canary and alterna-girl Aphrodite IV. By a landslide, you chose …


Black Canary, with 71% of the vote. No word yet on whether V. will rock more than one look, but we’ll keep you posted.

5. Under Straczynkski’s pen, how do you see the future of Wonder Woman?


Though we were cautiously hopeful, we wound up giving JMS the serious side-eye for that preposterous WW reboot. But before Diana donned Janet Jackson’s “Miss You Much” attire, most of you were unsure (56%), while the rest were evenly split (22% each) on whether the book’s future looked bleak or bright.

6. Huntress or Hit-Girl: Who Would Win?
Maybe it wasn’t fair to pit a 12-year-old against a Bird of Prey, but Hit-Girl is a tough gal. The winner was …

 

Huntress aka Iron Owl, with 57%. However, Hit-Girl had a respectable 43% — not bad for a kid.

Speaking of kids …

7. Sin vs. Damian: Who Would Win?



If you guys had your druthers, Sin, who took nearly 56% of the vote would kick Damian’s ass across the playground and back. My very favorite comment came from Nona Mills: “I hate the arrogant little sod and reckon Sin will have him for lunch.”  Watch your back, Damian!

 

8. To Care or Not To Care: Teen Titans
Just before their debut of the new creative team, J.T. Krul and Nicola Scott, we asked whether the announcement was enough to get you reading this beleaguered book again. The results?

Most of you, 44%, were not feeling it, saying the book was broken and in need of a wholesale reboot. Another 32% said you were wary, but willing to give it a try. 24% had already added it to their pull lists. (Listen to the 24%, because Krul and Scott’s first two issues have been mighty good!)

Thanks for voting, and more poll goodness is on the way in 2011.

Exclusive BatWondy by Celina Hernandez

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Wonder Woman and Batman by Celina Hernandez

Connecting with writers and artists we admire is something V. and I have enjoyed immensely since starting this blog. They often turn out to be as gracious as they are talented, and artist Celina Hernandez is no exception. Among other things, Celina does the delightful art for Brian Andersen’s Reignbow and Dee-Va, and So Super Duper — two comics you should definitely check out. Just for Girls Gone Geek, she illustrated this BatWondy image, which is just plain beautiful. What I love about this piece is its powerful simplicity. Bruce is practically enveloping Diana with love, and (squeal!) she’s caressing his face. I’d barely recovered from our 12 Days of BatWondy series, and this has sent me right back to Swoon Island. In any case, we’re very happy to share this lovely, romantic moment with the world. Thank you, Celina!

2010 Memorable Moment: Bruce Hugs Tim

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Bruce and Tim hug it out.

A new year is upon us, and V. and I are excited about all the comics goodness that awaits in 2011. Over the next few days, however, we’ll be taking a look back at the moments — the good and the bad — that got us talking in 2010.

Though they’re in no particular order, I gotta say that the panel above, from Red Robin #17, is somewhere in my top three. Tenderness is not one of Bruce Wayne’s strong suits, which is precisely why Marcus To’s illustration packed such a wallop. Following the events of Final Crisis, many Red Robin stories focused on Tim’s belief that Bruce was still alive, and his resulting angst. That made the payoff extra sweet, and one gets the feeling that being lost in time has a way of making someone — even Batman – a little more appreciative of the ones they love. Simple and effective. And no, I’m not (sniffle) crying.

On the Fourth Day of BatWondy …

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… V. is still thinking about Diana and Bruce kissing. I must have been swayed by all the BatWondy tabloid propaganda. Don’t judge me!

With the tonnage of being super-heroes weighing on their respective shoulders, this moment of whimsy is adorable to the tenth power. I love how Wonder Woman demurely floats in to lock lips with her man. Bruce still has his stoic swag fully intact, aside from the cape gripping, of course. Hints of passion like that happen to be all kinds of sexy. Me thinks he likes it … maybe he even loves it.

P.S. This makes me miss the classic Wonder Woman costume SO MUCH!

Twelve Days of BatWondy!

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As part of our ongoing campaign for DC to make Wonder Woman and Batman a proper supercouple, V. and I are launching the Girls Gone Geek Twelve Days of BatWondy. We’re of the opinion that these two are perfect for one another, and after so many moments of innuendo and imagined make-out sessions, it’s time to close the deal. There is only so much teasing a fangirl can stand.

This first wordless image, by Amilcar Pinna, is one of my favorites. It conveys their personalities (Bruce stoic; Diana regal) and their heroism while implying togetherness. I can imagine Diana saying, “Sorry I’m late, dearest. Cheetah. Your plane or mine?” Gorgeous.

Bruce … Is It Really You?

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Bruce Wayne as Batman by David Finch

Bruce Wayne as Batman is by far the most iconic figure in the DCU, and certainly a mega fan-favorite. I have to admit that I am not a fan of Batman. Part of the reason is that so many marketing resources are spent on him, and him alone, when there are many other characters deserving of some attention. Also, he pissed me off when he judged Diana for killing Max Lord. For someone who wasn’t really feeling you in the first place, then you get all high and mighty on a one-time goddess? Bitch, please.

Fast forward to Final Crisis. I love Final Crisis. I know it got all smooshed and convoluted at the end, but the layers and implications of that story were fascinating to me. We all now know what happened there, and have lived an entire year without Bruce Wayne. True, I’ve had The Return of Bruce Wayne to chew on for the past six months, but it gave me sort of an odd feeling. It was Bruce, but it was him through time; Bruce doing the genius shit that he does, but not quite the same as him being in the present DCU.

Ultimately, I think the stories told in Bruce Wayne’s “absence” have been iconic in their own right, and consisted of some really high caliber writing. There is something magical about Morrison’s Batman and Robin that has sated the appetite for Bruce. Damian has been a shit ton of fun, and one of the more interesting characters of 2010. Dick makes a good Batman. It works, it is believable, and Dick deserved the upgrade. Seriously though, Dick is no Bruce.

In case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve got it bad for Morrison’s writing in general. Truthfully, I have only been reading these stories because Morrison is writing them, and because I am sniffing at continuity from Seven Soldiers and Final Crisis. They just happen to be about Batman.

Now … the Batman is back. I was monumentally surprised at just how moving Batman: The Return was. His presence is undeniable, and it feels surreal. My heart actually leapt with joy reading Bruce as Batman.

Er, really? WTH? I don’t even like Batman, but I missed Bruce?

Somewhere along the way, I started to feel a vacancy because of Bruce’s absence. Batman: The Return exemplified all the reasons why. The book was absolutely ideal. It was so authentically Bruce Wayne, and it rocked my socks off.

First of all, I was super-delighted by Morrison’s partial script included with the issue. There was jizz. In my pants.

DC could not have chosen a more perfect artist on the book. David Finch’s pencils created a profound and moving experience. It was dark and ominous, but beautiful and powerful. In a celebratory conversation about the issue, a fellow comic lover said it best: Finch’s art conveyed the gravity of Bruce’s return flawlessly.

There were also some perfect character moments. The giant voice-activated air bag to break his fall from a building, Bruce’s mention of Talia’s probable dismay at Damian’s current lot, the mission he and Damian went on and their banter, the access he gives Oracle to “Internet 3.0,” and the avatar ode to her as Batgirl. Squee.

By far, the book’s most poignant panel is Bruce and Alfred walking side by side up the stairs in the Batcave. It includes what may very well be one of the greatest lines in DC Comics history: “We soldier on undaunted, you and I, master Bruce. And if I may say so, sir … I couldn’t beg, borrow or steal a finer way to live my life.”

The void that existed in the DCU existed in me too, and it was filled by Batman: The Return.

Batman v. Catman

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In case you hadn’t noticed, E. and I are pretty good friends; the best of friends actually. While much of our time is spent discussing comics, we, of course, talk about other things. Mrs. Peterman is a happily married gal; I on the other hand am unattached, which usually makes me the provocateur of some rather juicy conversation with my girl. During one of our customary brainstorming sessions, I mentioned that I hadn’t done a versus poll in a little while. E. suggested Batman and Catman. Given Blake’s penchant for random nudity, and Bruce’s just general sexiness, that pretty much sent me into an objectification tailspin, which I promptly incited my friend to join in on. The conversation went thusly:

Me: “Whoa. Girl. I like that idea! If the guys can have Starfire, we can have this … in boxer briefs.”

E: “It’d be like watching mud-wrestling, and it would be fantastic.”

Me: “Shirtless mud-wrestling.”

I’m thinking fictional characters and celebrities are fair game to lust after, and we are especially fond of actors dressed like super heroes. Recently topics covered include the yum sauce poured all over Chris Evans as Captain America, festive objectification of Ryan Reynolds and Nick Jones as Green Lanterns, and Dick Grayson as Nightwing is generally a revolving fantasy.

SO! In the spirit of cheesecake, HAWTNESS, and my fiery … um … inclinations! I give you Batman v. Catman … shirtless.

Comic Judgment: Bat-a-Palooza!

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My pull list was full of Bat-related comics this week, but there were also some sparkling shenanigans from the Welcome to Tranquility crew, plus an adorable Tiny Titans-Little Archies meetup. In no particular order:

Knight and Squire #1
Writer: Paul Cornell
Art: Jimmy Broxton
Covers: Yanick Paquette and Billy Tucci
Knight and Squire are British analogs of Batman and Robin, but they’re hardly carbon copies in this oh-so entertaining first issue. This book hums with humor and bubbly, candy-colored art, and despite the Yankee-confounding language in the opening pages, it’s thoroughly accessible. It’s the very British-ness of Knight and Squire that makes it such an entertaining and thought-provoking read. All the action takes place in a London pub that’s crawling with good guys, bad guys and sketchy blokes in between, and it’s a perfect introductory setting. Sure, there are some dustups, but I liked the talky aspect — the discussion of English class structure and the Americans’ more aggressive, can-do approach to heroism and villainy. The characters, including the Joker’s less ambitious counterpart, the Jester, and Double Entendre are a hoot. And since I’m such a huge Beatles fan, the references to the Fab Four and Paul McCartney’s subsequent band, Wings, were, well, fab. Verdict: Brilliant!

Tiny Titans/Little Archie #1
Writers: Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani
Art and cover: Art Baltazar
Tiny Titans obliterated the “just for kids” label almost right out of the gate, and it continues to be a joy to read. As someone who spent many a childhood afternoon with the little Archies, I think including the Riverdale gang was a stroke of utter genius. This issue is undiluted fun, revolving around a Robin-Archie mixup. Art Baltazar has this amazing ability to capture the essence of characters with deceptively simple pencil work — Betty’s wide-eyed goodness, Reggie’s smirky troublemaker thing and Jughead’s future stoner vibe. The jokes about Archie’s classic tic-tac-toe hairdo, as well as the relationship between Mrs. Grundy and Solomon Grundy, were delightful. Let’s put it this way: I read this before my children did. Verdict: Aw yeah!

Bruce Wayne, the Road Home/Red Robin One-Shot
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Art: Ramon Bachs and John Lucas
Cover: Shane Davis
File this under “Filler.” It’s not a bad issue, but it doesn’t do much to move the Bruce Wayne Returns saga forward. The story restates what readers of this title already know: Tim/Red Robin has become an even better detective and combatant since adopting his new persona, and his challenge is to balance the light with the dark. (Sounds like a “Clone Wars” episode.) Bruce seems a tad  insecure about the power shift, because as much as Tim wanted his mentor back, does he really need him? And what’s with the Robocop suit? The fact that Red Robin is sexually terrified of the bald assassin Prudence did make me giggle, though. This isn’t the first time a tough lady has more or less invited him to a handcuff/headboard party (See: Ravager). Must be the cape. Verdict: 90-percent pointless.


Bruce Wayne, the Road Home/Batman and Robin One-Shot
Writer: Fabian Nicieza
Art: Cliff Richards
Cover: Shane Davis
This one-shot fares a little better, perhaps because it delves a little more into Bruce’s thoughts about returning to the Bat-fold. His inner critic is on full display here: On the one hand, he admires Dick’s ability to ingratiate and intimidate as Batman 2.0, and he’s clearly impressed by the way he’s handled the toughest job of all: reigning Damian in. On the other hand, he seems to think Dick is a little too easygoing in the role, and it came across — perhaps intentionally — as ever-so-slight hating. But considering that the dude just willed himself back through time, let’s cut him some slack. He’s been under some stress. Overall, I like the way Nicieza lays out Bruce’s inner monologue, and the art is fine. Vicki Vale, one of my favorite comics journalists/muckrakers, is a significant supporting character. Verdict: Not bad.


Welcome to Tranquility #4
Writer: Gail Simone
Art: Horacio Domingues
Cover: Neil Googe and Rench
It is officially on and popping in Tranquility. There are villains and there are villains, but is there anything worse than having a kid who grows up to be a sadistic murderer? I’m going to go with no. But that’s what former Mayor Alex Fury and Pink Bunny are up against in this issue as their son, Derek, rumored to be dead, returns home and starts tearing stuff up. This guy isn’t just evil, but gleeful about blazing a trail of mayhem. If you’re a parent, you can’t help but imagine the shock and shame Fury and Bunny are dealing with. Meanwhile, Sheriff Lindo has to protect her town while trying to save her sister Seresa, whom Derek has gravely wounded. The best part of issue #4 is seeing Minxy Minerva prove that she’s still a hero to be reckoned with. I wish I had liked the artwork a little more, as I tend to prefer a lighter touch. But man, I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Verdict: All kinds of good.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne
Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Ryan Sook, Pere Perez and Nick Gray
Covers: Andy Kubert and Ryan Sook
The world’s greatest detective as a P.I. in a noir setting? Perfect. This crime, bullets and dames-themed chapter of Bruce’s time-traveling journey is another gripping issue from the merry mind of Grant Morrison. The words “epic event” are overused, but taken together, the five issues in this series have earned the title. We’ve seen different sides of Bruce Wayne in each era, and yet, he’s still essentially the Batman we all know — even with a wicked case of amnesia. This time, a hospitalized Bruce is recruited by a sultry actress who claims to be a friend of the recently murdered Martha Wayne. The accusations against Thomas Wayne as having led a sordid double life figure prominently in this issue. And the more I learn about the Black Glove, the more I feel the need to take a shower. It’s trippy to see Bruce questioning his own grandmother about his mother’s demise, though he’s unaware of the connection. And that ending? Whoa. Verdict: Holy must read, Batman!

When Comics Make You Say, ‘WTF?’

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Ever have those moments when you’re getting your geek on as usual, and then something so ridiculous/inexplicable appears that you can only scratch your head and say, “What the fuck?” Yep; that’s what we thought. It happens to us all the time, so in the spirit of sharing, Girls Gone Geek is launching a new feature we like to call WTF Wednesday. Yeah, we know it’s Tuesday, but V. and I had such a giggle fit over our gallery of entries that we couldn’t contain ourselves until mid-week. Continue reading →