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…changed my life. I was born on a small farm in the boonies, very little television, very remote. Everyone around me was a very conservative farmer.
I can’t talk about this much right now, I just found out the news.
One day I got to go to a cousin’s house and watch a rerun of the Batman syndicated show. I’d never seen it. And I saw Yvonne Craig as Batgirl and my little girl mind was blown. It is not exaggeration to say my life was changed forever.
A girl who could kick bad guy butt, who was a librarian, who had RED HAIR, who was smart, and tough, and rode a motorcycle. I can’t even begin to explain what that meant to me. I’ve said it many times, but after seeing Yvonne Craig on television, I stood a little taller in my school, I spoke up a little louder in class, and when bullies picked on other kids, I would take a stand. Because of Batgirl, because of Yvonne Craig.
To this day, a huge chunk of the joy in my life is because I discovered Batgirl, and because Yvonne Craig played her so beautifully.
The writing I do, the travel I take, the readers I meet, it’s all because one day, a painfully shy redheaded girl with big dreams and no way to express them saw a life-changing portrayal. It may have been camp to some, it wasn’t to me.
I am not being articulate right now, I’m actually having trouble typing. But I just want to say for myself, and all the other kids of all genders who felt the same way…thank you, Yvonne.
You are still the coolest thing to ever wear the cowl.
Welcome back! This week’s character is somebody who never fails to make me, or most of the DC Universe, smile. He’s everyone’s favourite acrobat, his butt is the subject of a zabillion Gail Simone ...
Happy weekend! My favourites this week included Power Up #1, Grayson #10, and All-New Hawkeye #4.
Power Up #1
Written By: Kate Leth
Illustrated By: Matt Cummings
I wrote about Power Up earlier this week encouraging everybody to pick up a copy. Since it was one of my favourites this week, all the good things said bear repeating.
This adorable six-issue series is about four seemingly random average people who develop superpowers and must band together. The first issue introduces us to the Power Up world through Amie's eyes. the dialogue is clever, and proves taht characters can be kind as well as witty. Cummings' characters are diverse and expressive, which are two of my favourite features in a work. The cute details in the background make the issue worth an extra re-read to be sure to spot them all.
Favourite Panels:
Favourite Aspects:
Witty dialogue
Expressive characters
Diverse cast without feeling like any of them are the "token" character
Amie's concern for Silas
Grayson #10
Writer: Tim Seeley
Plot By: Tim Seeley and Tom King
Artist: Mikel Janin
Colorist: Jeromy Cox
Grayson is a great spy comic and this issue is no different. The issue picks up exactly where the last one left off - with Dick fleeing after knocking out his partner and stealing the loot. The artwork is fantastic - Dick's smile exudes charm and his stunned expression a few pages later is just as realistic.
Favourite Panels:
Favourite Aspects:
Dialogue is perfectly in character, especially Dick's wit
A great spy story that still ties in with the greater "super" DC Universe
Compelling plot
All-New Hawkeye #4
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Ramon Perez
Colors: Ian Herring
As with the last issue, the main story is juxtaposed against Clint's childhood, but this time the backstory takes centre stage. The main story is mostly silent, told in long, one-panel increments beneath the flashback. Perez's use of dreamy pastel-watercolours for the scenes set in the past contrasts the stark tones and clean lines of the present-day panels.
Lemire, as always, gives us a story that is as heartbreaking as it is entertaining. Modern-day Clint and Kate are protecting the rescued children and struggling to keep them safe. In the past, Clint and Barney are integrating into circus life, which involves more petty crime than the boys thought.
Favourite Panels:
Favourite Aspects:
The way moments in Clint's childhood are contrasted against present-day Client interacting with the rescued children
The way the art mirrors the tone of the story, itself getting darker as the story does
The way we are able to see Clint develop certain well-known character traits
Written by: Kate Leth
Illustrated by: Matt Cummings
Thank you.
That was my first thought after finishing the first issue of Power Up. It's a fantastic new series about four unlikely and entirely different people who develop superpowers, but with a unique story built around the familiar premise. The first issue focuses primarily on Amie in what starts out like a typical day. She wakes up late, gets yelled at by her boss, but still spares a smile for strangers and concern for the animals in her store. The people Amie interacts with too, with the exception of her employer, are generally kind. Leth gives them charm and wit, proving that characters who are kind and compassionate don't also have to be uninteresting or boring. Our heroes do certainly have their own personal challenges, but it is a refreshing change from the "everyone is out to get us" trope so frequently found in superhero origin stories.
The dialogue is clever, with a few laugh out loud moments. We don't get to see much of our other heroes just yet, and most of what we do is is through their interactions with Amie. Still, there is enough in those limited moments to spark an interest in their lives.
Cummings is the perfect artist for this work. His characters have a wide appeal - being simple enough to be kid-friendly while also reflecting an incredibly impressive range of emotions. The diversity in the main cast, as well as the supporting characters, is also impressive. Certain background details, like the posters on Amie's wall or the frowny-face in the cloud of sour milk, are enough to warrant a re-read to be sure you don't miss any.
My only complaint is that the run is limited to six issues and it feels like there won't be time to really get to know each character the way we got to know Amie. I am excited to see where the series goes, and am really hopeful that if successful, the run will be expanded.
Happy Friday! This week saw the end of Matt Fraction/David Aja/Annie Wu's run on Hawkeye. Other favourites were Lumberjanes #16 and Black Canary #2.
Hawkeye #22
By: Matt Fraction and David Aja
Color Art: Matt Hollingsworth
The much delayed and highly anticipated conclusion to Fraction/Aja/Wu's run on Hawkeye came out this week and was worth every minute spent waiting for its release. Clint and Kate go up against the Tracksuit Bros and the Clown one final time in a story that manages to tie up loose ends and set the stage for the next run.
Everything has been unexpected and understated and perfectly executed - from the modest premise to the panel layout. It's really sad to say goodbye to what was once one of my favourite titles, but Hawkeye #22 is a great farewell to an excellent run.
Favourite Panels:
Favourite Aspects:
The witty dialogue
The amazing art
Lucky's heroics
The intriguing scene at the end
Lumberjanes #16
Written by: Noelle Stevenson and Shannon Watters
Illustrated by: Brooke Allen
Colors by: Maarta Laiho
Abigail's backstory is revealed! In conversation with Jen while trapped, Rosie disclosures the catalyst that turned Abigail into a monster-hunter. The story links the mysterious events at the camp to the nearby Mount Glory, which doesn't want its secrets explored. The backstory gives insight into a number of characters, not just Abigail, but does so without sacrificing any of momentum.
As always, the art is excellent. Abigail's determination is obvious with just one look. The sepia tone used in the flashback scenes gave them a sense of timelessness - increasing the mysterious tone surrounding the camp's history.
Favourite Panels:
Favourite Aspects:
The colouring in the flashback scenes
Abigail's look of determination
Tons of backstory without losing any pacing
Even an issue light on the girls was highly entertaining
Black Canary #2
Writer: Brenden Fletcher
Artist: Annie Wu
Colors: Lee Loughridge
The issue begins with Dinah teaching self-defence to the band in an effort to protect Ditto from the mysterious threat that has been stalking the band. Dinah's comfort with weapons and her skill as a fighter continues to amp up the tensions within the band, leading to some uncomfortable moments.
Wu is amazing on art, as always. Black Canary is a visually stunning work with everything from action scenes to quiet emotion rendered beautifully.
The issue ended with a reveal that ties into Dinah's past in a incredibly interesting way. Issue 3 could start off with a very interesting conversation.
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