Jim Lee

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Comic Book News Marvel

Marvel Celebrating Jim Lee X-Men Trading Cards With Digest-Size Collection

Marvel has announced they are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Jim Lee Uncanny X-Men trading cards with a digest-size collection of the complete 1992 set, which also includes bonus cards. “In 1992, Marvel Entertainment commissioned Jim Lee, the young superstar penciller behind X-MEN #1 (1991), the bestselling single-issue comic book of all time, to create all of the

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Movie News

The Batman: Best Look At Robert Pattinson Batsuit

Thanks to merchandise, we get our best look at the new Robert Pattinson Batsuit in The Batman. Prime 1 Studio, based out of Tokyo, Japan, which makes statues, posted a video on its YouTube of the Robert Pattinson Batsuit statue based on the DC Fandome poster by Jim Lee. Check out the pics below. “Prime

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Marvel Movie News TV News

Jim Lee Shuts Down Superman Spider-Man Feud

Leave it to Kevin Feige who attempted to steal the thunder from the premiere of Superman & Lois by teasing and revealing the official title for Spider-Man 3. Recall it was Feige who also changed Captain America 3 into “Civil War” only because DC announced Batman vs. Superman, Feige also made Spider-Man 3 into a

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Comic Book News

Review: Superman Unchained #1

Scott Snyder takes on DC’s “Big Blue Boy Scout” in an explosive and stunning read that will have longtime fans feeling rejuvenated and ecstatic!

The dynamic duo of Snyder and superstar artist, Jim Lee, combine their masterful talents to DC’s oldest superhero. But, does all the hype pay off, especially for five dollars? This skeptic must give a resounding — Yes!

From the first page, you can feel Snyder’s skillful presence in every word and realize this is a Superman story that goes deeper than just the flash bang heroics of years past. He gives us a character that genuinely feels epic. His motions are calculated and even though he my feel a twinge of panic internally, he does nothing but exude confidence and calm to those he is saving from imminent danger. He is a hero that would exhaust every possibility before showing the populace an ounce of doubt and that is the true core of Superman. So, what makes this book different than all the others?

The tale is one veiled in secrecy. There are many components at play and the underlying current that Snyder exudes is one of insecurity. Something is hiding in the world and it may become the catalyst that will eventually crack the Man of Steel. The best part is that it is none of the usual suspects, unless it is and Snyder has given us a red herring! This threat is deeper than anything else seen before, something that will strike true fear in the heart our hero, something that will shake his confidence in his own abilities.

What takes this particular series over the top besides Scott Snyder’s story? The inclusion of Jim Lee on art of course! Everything Lee touches exudes energy! What character is more iconic, explosive and impressive than Superman? None that I can think of! Lee is the perfect compliment to Snyder and even the “down time” character pieces seem more powerful with Lee on art chores!

My only issue with the book is the fold-out poster that contains part of the story within it. Fans will not want to remove it in order to read those parts and it hinders the story slightly. An outstanding, fold-out Jim Lee poster that could be removed and displayed without defacing the integrity of the book would have been a better option! 

So, Happy 75th Superman, Snyder and Lee have made me a fan all over again!

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Comic Book News

Advanced Review: Justice League #12

Everyone has been clamoring over the image of Superman and Wonder Woman in a passionate embrace that adorns the cover of Justice League #12. It has been donned here at the CBN offices as, “The kiss heard around the world!” But, is the hype regarding this image actually warranted? Does the book stand on it’s own merit, or is it just an afterthought overshadowed by the big, money grab cover?

I am pleased to say, that issue 12 has been one of the best books of this entire run! Rife with characterization, Johns and his army of artistic talent, have crafted an outstanding tale that is a solid foundation for all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it’s cover. One that finally shows, an often at odds group of heroes, meld into something they haven’t truly been before — a team! Relying on each other, seeing each other’s fears and overcoming them as a single unit, the Justice League solidifies itself just in time to see it all come crashing down. Subsequent events will forever change the dynamic of these heroes, but it is their journey together that makes this book worthwhile. 

Johns has taken every essential aspect needed to craft the perfect tale, stirred them together and created something better than the sum of their parts. He both excites and moves us, from our rudimentary need for action to our longing to be understood by another — it is pitch perfect! And the cover, which will be eclipsed by the story within (trust me!), is just icing on the cake. Nothing can overshadow the frailty Johns bestows on his godlike characters. The least human of characters that can become the epitome of humanity in one single moment! Amazing!

This is my pick for best book of the week — hands down! Not for the kiss, but for what transpires to make the kiss occur.

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Movie News

Advanced Review: Justice League #6

There is only one word that can be used to properly describe Justice League #6. It is a word that I have only used once before to review a book. It is a word that has lost it’s impact in recent years, becoming a type of catchphrase in social media, used by people that cannot see it’s true scope. By definition it means:

1. A literary or dramatic composition that resembles an extended narrative poem, celebrating the feats of a legendary or traditional hero. 2. Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size. 3. Heroic and impressive in quality.

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee have brought together the Justice League for the first time — once again! Few of us remember the original origins of the Justice League, but no one will forget it the second time around! Darkseid has conquered many planets before and now he has his sights on earth. He says he is here for “her” and will stop at nothing to obtain his goal. He would have destroyed us easily, if not for the seven strangers that have aligned themselves to stand against him. Now they will stop at nothing to send Darkseid back to where he came from!

The scope of this tale is the exact reason why I started reading comics! The adrenaline, the art, the characterization and the pure heroism that leaves you breathless; these are the things that capture the soul of the comics industry! A whispered cheer escapes your lips as Superman slams into Darkseid. Amazement glazes over your eyes as Cyborg finds that he is more than the sum of his mechanical parts. And euphoria floods every pore of your body as the Justice League stands before you, and their adoring public, for the first time. An unstable team of individuals that would die for the very world they call home. It is “super hero” comics at it’s finest hour, spinning glimpses of nostalgia into something amazing for the future. One that I hope will see Johns and Lee teaming together for a very long time!

So, to return to my original statement, the only word that can describe, not only the sum of the book but every individual page, is — EPIC!      

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Movie News

Review: Justice League #5

Destruction rains down wherever the eye can see. Creatures from another world soar through the air, causing chaos to the very fabric of the earth. All this, the pain, the suffering, is being done on the breath of a single name — Darkseid!

Johns and Lee pit our newly formed heroes against one of the greatest foes the world has ever seen! And the victor in this malevolent battle — the reader!

I must say, that between Lee and his bevy of inkers and colorists, this is the best work he has put out to date. Not only beautiful, it is explosive and fluid — creating page after page of pure excitement! If this book doesn’t get your pulse pounding — you’re dead inside!

Not to be outdone by his artistic counterpart, Geoff Johns creates a tale that is brimming with action and yet, focuses in on select characters of the team to further enhance who they are. Yes, we all know these characters, but Johns brings new niches to their iconic status. He makes them fresh and energetic for not only new fans, but for all fans of these beloved characters. I personally appreciate that Johns does not set these heroes up as the near omnipotent Justice League that they will become. Remember, this story takes place five years in the past, this team is actually forming before your eyes and Johns makes their partnership faulty at best. But, it is the lack of leadership, even teamwork, that makes this book so well done. Plus, Johns has made Green Lantern one of the cockiest S.O.B.’s around, and yet, he gets pummeled EVERY issue! Brilliant stuff! 

The alien, the amazon, the cyborg, the king, the lightning bolt, the hotshot and the human; all heroes in their own right, must finally learn to depend on others to topple this unstoppable force set before them — before it’s too late! An amazing book, full of velocity, ferocious action and whip smart tenacity; this one should sit proudly atop your pull list. Pull up a chair and watch Hal Jordan break! Too bad it wasn’t Ryan Reynolds instead!

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Comic Book News

Review: Justice League #1

I hold in my hand — the beginning. The new era at DC has emerged from the pages of Flashpoint #5, and I am torn between a feeling of loss and utter excitement. What we knew has changed with the speed of light, and what we are left with is something strangely familiar yet, curiously