Between Panels - Issue One: Comics 101

In case it's not already obvious, I'm trying to be a lot more active in the comic community. In the long run, I'm hoping to join a league of already amazing creators whether that be in the shape of writer, editor or even as a publicist, but for now, this means being vocal, and directly giving back to those who also want to be a part of that community but might feel overwhelmed. To be honest, this is the exact reason I created ThatComicGirl in the first place. ThatComicGirl is a safe space where I could not only share my love of comics with the world, but it could also be a place where both new and old, casual and dedicated fans alike could communicate with me, get recommendations and even insight into the growing world of comics. After all, comics are for everyone. 

 So when my lovely local 2nd and Charles offered to become a host of a series of monthly comic panels, where I could ramble, educate and get people fired up about comics, I jumped at the opportunity.  It would be a chance to directly connect with people, get them excited, and be able to guide them exactly where to start or what they could potentially fall in love with without them feeling like the entire massive world of comics was crashing down on them. I could connect with people over movies and television directly inspired by comics, we could talk about comic con, what it takes to make a career out of comics, the possibilities are limitless. Comics are a huge invasive world and it's easy to get consumed and lost. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who will take a look at comics, decide that it's just too much for them to handle because they're not willing or don't have the time to put forth the effort to do the research and walk away from it. And I don't blame anyone for feeling like that, because at one point I was there too, but I never want anyone to feel like that, ever.

Last weekend, was my first panel, and what better way to start than with Comics 101. I talked everything you need to know to get started, where to purchase your comics, both physical and digital comics, the importance of creating a pull and preordering, utilizing resources like your local library, and of course what to start reading. The simple answer to that is independent comics like Image, Vault, and Aftershock, along with several others, will always be your friend.

I had as great of a turnout as I could have ever expected for my first panel, a solo hosted panel none the less. It was fun and interactive, the audience asked questions, and interacted with each other, and while I don't like to speak for anyone, I don't think a single person walked away from the experience not being excited about reading comics. I even took a page from the Jimmy Palmiotti book of panels and did a cute little giveaway at the end. There was also free comics available for everyone in attendance so what's not to love.  I can't even begin to express how wonderful it felt to get people a closer look into the wonderful world that is comics. Seeing so many diverse faces in the crowd really did solidify the motif that comics are truly for everyone.

While it's not the best, upon request a lot of people asked if I could record my panel, which I did but again the quality is not the best, and I'm pretty sure I cut it off prematurely in the end. But now that I've hosted a Comics 101 I definitely intend to do a similar written post in the future that people can refer back to along with helpful tools and links to get them started.  You guys can check out on the full audio recording on Youtube!

As always thank you for taking this incredible journey with me!

New Series Roundup

Looking forward into 2019 there's so many wonderful new comic series in the works.  From fantastical teenage witches to an apocalypse built only by the children who were left in it's remains, it feels like the new comics debuting in 2019 have a little something for everyone. With only three months into the new year, there's already so many new series on the shelves and I just needed to share them with you guys so that you can get your hands on some of these wonderful stories yourself.

High Level - Rob Sheridan, Barnaby Bagenda - Y'all know I'm a sucker for post-apocalyptic stories. It's my go-to genre for every form of media. If you haven't checked it out I even have a guide for all my favorite end of the world stories. High Level is such a futuristic, apocalyptic delight. Coming off of a binge of Netflix's new series, Love, Death & Robots (ya'll need to go watch it btw) made me love and appreciate this series so much more. In the wake of an apocalypse, humanity has been forced to rebuild. However, just out of reach lies sanctuary in High Level. There's a really nice contrast between our badass heroine main character and every other character in the series because while it seems like everyone is pining for the chance at this fabled refuge, Thirteen would have nothing to do with it.  Which makes things all the more interesting when she's forced to travel to High Level herself. There are such rich characters and world building across every single page that just left me wanting more. Thirteen, a young smart-mouthed scavenger is just a character I found myself falling in love with. She's that badass witty "mercenary" type that I could see myself creating. Each panel from Barnaby Bagenda is just stylistically beautiful and with color work from Romulo Fajardo Jr, it really brings that cool electric vibrance that sets the series apart from all others in such an oversaturated genre.  I had a feeling I was going to enjoy High Level but I didn't realized how much I was going to fall in love with it. [Comixology]

Little Bird -  Darcy Van Poelgeest & Ian Bertram - I'll admit while I was excited about Little Bird, I was also hesitant about the mini-series. I was just super worried it was going to be a really dense and heavy read. Not that there's anything bad with those types of books, its just not my stye, and I find myself struggling and not being able to truly enjoy those kinds of books.  This new title is strange, to say the least, but that's what makes it really fantastic. Little Bird screams Hannah meets Brian K Vaughn's We Stand on Guard, and once again it's a regressed and almost primal Canada fighting back against the superpowered United States of America. There's some strikingly religious overtones that really help fuel the book's plot and premise and it makes me excited to see more as their twisted into the story's ongoing conflict. This book is brutally beautiful and not for the faint of heart. Things have already gotten a little rough in issue one and I can tell it's only gonna get more cruel as we go on. It has a surprising post-apocalyptic element which I always love, with character designs that are rough and otherworldly. While I'm not overly familiar with Ian Bertram's art, the hyper detail of each panel, really reminded of work from Morbius.  If you're thinking about checking out Little Bird, you're going to have to start grabbing the single issues, according to author Darcy Van Poelgeest there are no immediate plans for the mini-series to be collected into trade form like other comics. [Comixology]

Female Furies -  Cecil Castellucci & Adriana Melo -  I LOVE the Female Furies. I would die for each and every one of those god damn girls, and one day I hope I have the opportunity to write them. There isn't nearly enough representation of them in the world of DC Comics so when it was announced that Big Barda and the rest of the Female Furies would be getting their OWN miniseries, I could literally feel my heart burst from chest. Female Furies was definitely my most anticipated book of all of 2019. Which only make it hurt that much more with it being my biggest disappointment. The first issue is a cry for feminism, and not in a good way. Feminism along with diversity should come naturally in stories, however, with FF it's a cry for equality across every single page and panel. Women are constantly being harassed and talked down, and it feels like the plot's sole purpose is to remind the reader that the female warriors on Apokilips will never compare to their male counterparts. There's even an out of place, and extremely cringy fashion show montage for the Furies. I hate this with every fiber of my being. I've spent a lot of time with the Female Furies, Big Barda, and Apoklips, I just can't ever imagine Darkseid disavowing highly skilled warriors merely for the fact of their gender. Again, I understand completely the feminist perspective that's trying to be bought to the book, and I wouldn't have a book involving the Female Furies any other way, but this forceful approach isn't the way to do it. I'm so upset with this book that I can't even bring myself to buy the upcoming issues. At least we got that gorgeous cover from Mitch Gerards. [Comixology]

Blossoms 666 - Cullen Bunn & Laura Braga - I stand by the fact that the Archie Horrorverse is one of the best things to ever happen to comics. With titles like Afterlife with Archie, Vampironica, Jughead the Hunger and even Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the AH feel like the cornerstone of horror comics, a genre severely underrepresented btw.  Each title so far has been unique in it's own way, taking generationally recognized characters and adding ominous horror and gothic fantasy elements. While other titles in the terror-filled universe lend themselves to ghastly zombies, hungering werewolves and gorgeous vampires, Blossoms 666 is inspired by another gothic element, age old demon-fueled cults.  I don't have a ton of experience with the Archie characters outside of the AH, but the Blossom Twins were always my favorites. They had this strange seemingly sheltered relationship where it felt like they constantly wanted to best the other and yet would simultaneously die for one another. It's a race against each other as both Cheryl and Jason try to prove themselves worthy of their Anti-Christ diety to act as a vessel that would usher darkness into the world.  Laura Braga's art is beautifully whimsical, perfect for the seemingly perfect life of Riverdale, and with Matt Herms as a colorist, he lends aid to the terror lurking just below the surface. [Comixology]

Forgotten Queen - Tini Howard & Amilcar Pinna - I've never read anything from Valiant. If I'm being honest they've never had any titles that really called to me. Then there was the announcement for Forgotten Queen and with a buff female warrior on the cover, it screamed aesthetic. As someone who is obsessed and in love with Red Sonja, it felt like this was a warrior babe that could potentially rival her, combine that with some historical elements it seemed like a match made in heaven. I hate to say it, but Forgotten Queen marks another disappointment on this list. I literally had to force myself to finish the title just to get it on this list. The plot was weirdly structured, as it would flash back and forth between the present, following the paths of a bunch of scientists, and the past, obviously following our "Forgotten Queen".  While by the end I kind of understand what it was trying to do, the concept in itself felt really disjointed. And while Vexana acted as this otherwordly witch goddess, overall she just resonated as kind of boring. I try not to judge to much from a first issue perspective, as there's only so much you can do with 30 some pages, however, compared to the other astounding first issues on this list, Forgotten Queen just fell flat. I'm sure someone will love this title, it just won't be me. Maybe when it's collected in trade form I'll give it another chance. [Comixology]

Morning in America - Mags Visaggio & Claudia Aguirre  - Ever since the debut of Stranger Things it feels like there's been an abundance of teen adventures across all forms of media. As kids are disappearing in a small Ohio town, four young girls are faced with the start of the apocalypse. While not a lot happens in the first issue, of Morning in America it really gives some great personality to four really rad girls and I know by the end of this series I'm gonna be in love with each and every one of them. Their banter, both which each other and the other characters around them is quick, witty and uses exactly the same colorful language I did at that age. The art from Claudia Aguirre is absolutely gorgous and to die for. The colors and style are bright, and fun, which helps with the tone of the story at hand. There's also an extremely queer undertone going on here, which ya'll know is my vice, and there's totally a character that looks just like Sailor Uranus  This series really gives you that Paper Girls/4 Kids Walk Into a Bank vibe that I really love. It's the female Outsiders movie/book I always dreamed of.  It seems like Mags Visaggio has every kind of book imaginable across every comic publisher out there, and while I've read quite a few, this is the first series from her that's really stuck and connected with me. [Comixology]

How do you feel about the comics on this list? What have you been reading in 2019? Let me know either in the comments below, over on my Instagram or even on Twitter!

Heads Will Roll - Clankillers #1 [Early] Review

  I've been on a warrior woman kick lately. I mean I'm always on a kick with warrior women, but lately, I've spent a lot of time with series like Vault's Heathen, Dark Horse's Sword Daughter, and Dynamite's Red Sonja. So seeing as Clankillers #1 was being advertised as another young warrior girl on the run and out for revenge I knew I had to put the first issue on my reading list. Of course I have to give out a huge thanks to Sean Lewis and the Aftershock team for sending ya girl an early review copy. You guys are seriously the best!

Clankillers tells the tale of teenage rebellion, set amidst the harsh landscape of historical Ireland. Blaming the death of her mother, and the descent of father's madness on the Goddess Balor, Princess Finola decides that she alone will take down the holy deity. But in order to come face to face with the goddess herself, Finola will have to kill the Four Clans of Ireland, including the one belonging to her own kin.

There's a lot of potential in this first issue. Lewis and Fuso have really laid out the groundwork, setting up both the characters and story quite nicely. Why is Finola seemedly her father's favorite daughter, what was the king like before insanity took over, and of course why did the Goddess Balor need to kill the Queen? These are all questions I NEED answered and why I'll be continuing to read this series.  It gives readers enough to be invested without blowing it all away with the first issue. We've also got some really great characters on our hands. Of course I love Finola, she's got the spirit and strength to conquer through anything taking the impossible feat of claiming a goddess' head, head on. (Pun totally intended) But who I'm really enjoying is King Padraig the Grotesque, As his name states, he's a man of pure evil. Padraig is the comic book equivalent of Tywin Lannister and its shown throughout the issue through his own actions and dialogue why he's so hated by his daughter and feared by those around him. He's a tortured scumbag and those are my favorite kind of characters.

Now Antonio Fuso's art is rough, but given the mood and style of Clankiller's, that's not a bad thing. In fact, it's what really helps to bring the story together. The colors are dark and murky, really helping to set the brutal tone of feudal Ireland. The world is shit, and while dialogue can take that feeling so far, Fuso's art brings us that much farther, truly showcasing the hardships in which these people are forced to face.

Series from Aftershock comics seem to be hit or miss. Animosity and Insexts both from Marguerite Bennett are among my favorites from Aftershock but I think that Clankillers makes a great new addition to the publisher. I'm really excited to see where this series will go as Finola cuts her way through the four clans to her goal. Given that we've already seen talk of Goddess' and some magic I'm hoping that the creative team will pull even further from Irish mythology. Give me all the banshees, kelpies and changelings, please!

Clankillers #1 hits the shelves of your local comic shop this Wednesday, July 18th, as well as digitally over on Comixolgy.

For fans of Sword Daughter & Head Lopper.

2018 Annual Mid Year New Comic Wrap Up !

 We're only halfway through the year, but 2018 is shaping up to be one of the best years for new comic book series that we've had in recent times. It's only July but there are so many great new titles that you should be reading. I thought I'd take a moment to highlight some of my favorites right now. If you don't see your favorite title on here now make sure to come back later in the year, as I'll check back in around October/November to highlight some more titles. So as much as I would like to feature books like Submerged and Catwoman, if a book is only on it's first issue, more then likely it's not going to make the list. At the moment most of these titles are still ongoing, most with only about four issues on shelves, so make sure to check them out at your local comic shop or digitally through Comixology to catch up!

VAMPIRONICA - Greg Smallwood & Meg Smallwood -  I love the Archie reboot. I think it's one of the best things to happen to comics in awhile. If you haven't had the chance to read the main Archie title, Jughead, Vixens or any of the other amazing titles you should catch up on that. On top of the Archie reboot, I'm head over heels in love with the Archie horror verse. With titles like Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (which is getting a Netflix show btw), and Jughead the Hunger, Vampironica is the perfect addition to this sinister alternate universe. As the title states it follows Veronica Lodge and her run-in with, you guessed it, a Vampire. After being bitten, the story continues to follow Ronnie as she adapts to her new condition. Greg Smallwood's art is absolutely stunning, given its unique style, every single panel featuring the characters is animatic and super expressive only making the pages more enjoyable. The only problem I have with this book is that like all titles in the Archie Horrorverse, there seems to be a delay in the releases and there are long lapses between every new issue. That being said it's still worth your read, but if you're waiting for the collected trade you might be waiting longer then usual. [Comixology]

THE WILDS -  Vita Ayala & Emily Pearson - The Wilds was my most anticipated book of 2018, and with the first three issues on shelves it hasn't disappointed. I featured this book back on my Post-Apocalyptic recommended reading list a few months ago and will continue to push this wonderful series every chance I get. This is a post-apocalyptic book unlike anything on the market, it's "blooming dead" both hauntingly beautiful and eerily creepy always keeping the characters and readers on edge. Did I mention this one is queer as hell because that's always a reason to read a book. While I'm sad that Wilds is only a five issue series it also makes it the perfect jumping on book for both veterans and newcomers to comics. It's a well-done story that doesn't feel overwhelming because it's only five issues.  That being said the world that's been created leaves something to be desired. Personally, I'm hoping to eventually see more stories inside this universe. It's amazing to see how over the course of three issues thus far, we've seen the progression of Vita and Emily as writer and artist respectively. Their wonderful dynamic and love for the series pour across each page and it's clear in each new issue. With three out of five issues available now and the collected trade on its way, there's no logical reason why you shouldn't be reading The Wilds. [Comixology]

DEATH OR GLORY - Rick Remender & Bengal - I'm not sure what to make of Death or Glory. Three issues deep I can say I'm enjoying it even if there are some points I'm not understanding. Glory doesn't live a conventional life. She grew up in a trucking convoy with her father figure Red being at the head of them. But Red is sick and is in need of expensive dire medical treatment. Given the unconventional life, the two have lived Glory is forced to steal the money from her ex-husband, who has found himself involved with some illegal drug runners. I will say issue three is what really hooked me into the series and the deciding factor that's making me keep it on my pull. The first couple pages sequence a backstory for the main character Glory, which really helped me connect with the character and the story. Glory is a great character, by the way, she gives off the typical badass, strong female character trope, but later on in issues we see her vulnerability and hesitation to some of the situations, she's put in. Bengal's art alone is enough to make you pick up this book and is the reason I started reading it in the first place. It's surely a Western story but a lot of the art has an Eastern style. A lot of Bengal's action sequences in Death or Glory are fast paced and his characters are expressive, reminiscent of the flow and fashion of Cowboy Bebop. [Comixology]

ISOLA - Brenden Fletcher & Karl Kershel - Isola is the Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki spiritual successor we've been waiting for and deserve. It's also a book I recommend for fans of the Last Airbender and Legend of Korra. Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschel and company have been knocking it out of the park month to month, and it's one of the books that I'm always anxiously anticipating. Each new issue has only expanded the beautiful world of Isola, as well as it's rich story, constantly leaving that feeling of wanting more. (Really hopeful that maybe one day we can see an artbook or an illustrated encyclopedia) Isola is a queer love story of a loyal knight and her dedicated queen, on a quest to break a curse that has put both the Queen and her kingdom in danger. There are a million reasons why you should be reading Isola and if you're curious I dedicated an entire blog post to my love for Isola, so check it out. There's so much to Isola that you just have to see for yourself. Don't believe me? Well, good thing you can read the prologue for free to get a taste of what you're in for. After that make sure you pick up the issues. We're up to issue four so and the creative team has at least two more arcs planned after the first one so let's make sure they get there! [Comixology]

SWORD DAUGHTER - Brian Wood & Mack Chater - I considered not adding Sword Daughter to this list. It's still a fairly new title with the second issue being released just last week, but it's one of those books I keep thinking about constantly. Sword Daughter is about a young girl named Elsbeth and her reconnected relationship with her father after he's spent the past ten years in a coma. Together the two struggle to repair and rekindle the relationship between father and daughter that they never knew as the two set out to take on the group of thugs that burned their village. Like I said I'm really enjoying this one, it has that Norse vibe that I never realized I loved. Ashamedly there are no Vikings in this one (at least not yet). I'm enthusiastic to see the relationship grow and strengthen between Elsbeth and her father, while also preparing for imminent heartbreak. Now the pacing in this one is a little weird, but I'm sure it will all tie together somehow. That being said it doesn't take away from the story at hand. Maybe I find this series so favorable because it plays upon one of my favorite tropes of estranged fathers and their children/daughters, but I'd still recommend giving it a shot. Now I'll admit this series isn't for everyone but you might be surprised.  [Comixology]

Didn't see your favorite new series on this list? Well let me know, so I know what I'm missing out and should be catching up on! Make sure you check in in the next few months as I'm sure I'll feature all of my favorite new titles for the second half of 2018! As always HAPPY READING!

The Bat, The Cat & The Entire Internet

It's finally here, after fifty issues, multiple tie-ins, over three dozen variant covers, and even it's own Spotify playlist, the long-awaited wedding between Batman and Catwoman is finally here. While a wedding, solidifying the relationship between bat and cat was something I had always secretly wanted it was never anything I'd ever dreamed of seeing in comics. After all according to Dan Didio; "People in Gotham can never be happy." So when it was announced that the iconic couple would finally be tieing the knot, I was skeptical but keenly excited.

Tom King has been masterfully crafting this from issue one of his Rebirth run. From the beginning, I've stood by the opinion that Tom King is one of the best, if not the best writer for Batman. Each arc has been engaging, bringing something unique to both the main character and it's supporting cast. At the end of it all, every single issue was pinnacle leading up to this very moment.

So how did the milestone issue fair?

Tom King, Mikel Janin, and the rest of the guest artists on issue fifty pulled off a feat like no other. As usual, King is poetic with his words, as love letters to both characters are quite literally spanned across the forty-four-page issue. It's one of the most romantic stories I've read in a long time and is one that I'll find myself reading over and over again. It's one of those issues you'll discover new details with each read. We're treated to multiple splash images, from several guest artists including Greg Capullo, Amanda Conner, Becky Cloonan and many more. These splashes feature the iconic couple spanning across, costumes, timelines and decades. In fact the splash pages are the only gripe I had about this issue. Personally, I felt like they should have been arranged better, chronicling the years these two have spent together, rather than having these pages haphazardly sprinkled throughout the issue. That's a minuscule detail compared to the rest of the issue, and it doesn't even come close to hurting how the story is presented.

*****Spoilers ahead so make sure to pick up a copy of Batman #50 before continuing any further!

Despite it's ending, the love both for and between these characters cannot be denied.

As for the ending and how I feel about it, I'm shocked, astounded, floored, you name it and that's how I feel. I fully expected for an interruption in some sort of way, either from the majority of Batman's iconic rogue gallery or just the Joker himself (as most of the variants would speculate). But to discover this was planned almost from the beginning from Bane himself, I'm pleasently pleased. I almost immediately found myself going back to Batman volume 2 with Tom King's "I Am Suicide" arc in an attempt to catch any details I might have missed. We're still foggy on some details, so there's no clear consenus on what exactly went down, but I'm sure that will be explained in a future arc and is something I look forward to. Bane is one of my favorites, and other then Hush, he's the one I feel and know could truly bring Batman down forever if he wanted to.

Just because there was no wedding does not mean that the love between these characters is over. In both my opinion and theory I was banking on the failure of this union. In fact, I even went as far as to wanting to see Selina, "betray" Bruce, her love for him being merely a ruse in midst of something much greater. Now while that may be just what happened we don't know for sure yet and only time will tell. While I like the idea of Catwoman and Batman being in love, I don't like the idea of them being together, at least not from a marriage standpoint. It's great to the see the two happy together in the occasional Elseworld story, and I loved the buildup between them from Tom King in previous issues, but in the long run, seeing these two married would more then likely end up stale, even with a powerful force like Tom King behind them. The great thing about Bruce and Selina's dynamic, is in their relationship, and in it's evolution and adaption to the events going on around them. From a Catwoman stand point, her driving factor in what makes her a good character is that grey morality which acts as a perfect foil to Batman's own "white knight" purpose.

If you've been on the internet the past few days, you'll see that consenus is generally split down the middle.

It's frusterating to see people so upset over something as trivial as a wedding ceremony (or lack thereof) I've seen fans attack the creators, and even go so far as to cancel their own issues or variants because of it. I've even seen some people hope for the downfall of the new Catwoman series because of the outcome of the wedding. (Which is stupid because Catwoman #1 was amazing, is on sale now and is something you should be reading) We've been through fifty issues thus far, fifty issues celebrating the love between the Bat and the Cat, and according to Tom King, we're in for at least another fifty more. I've even seen rumors about a child between Bruce and Selina that will be revealed possibly by issue seventy-five in an attempt to bring Helena Wayne into the canon universe (which I'm totally for!). So again their relationship is far from over.

There's so much more involved here then just the title of husband and wife, and unfortunately, people aren't seeing that. As I said before this isn't the end of the relationship between Selina, and Bruce but rather just another obstacle they'll learn and adapt from. I guaruntee the payoff at the end of this all will be well worth its outcome. Besides, if you're really that upset over not being able to see an all-out wedding, that's exactly why the internet created fanfiction.

Now there are some that are calling this a bait and switch, with an elaborate wedding teased for months only to have the rug pulled out from under it's readers and fans. While I'll admit DC went full guns blazing with this event,  it's what to be expected with a company like this. Some call it corporate greed, but it's what to be expected when trying to generate sales and hype for something like this  Besides Marvel did almost the same thing (even if on a smaller scale) with X-Men Gold and the wedding (or lack thereof, SPOILER) between Kitty Pride and Colossus. Yet the backlash for that wasn't nearly as severe.

So no, I'm not upset or even angry that the wedding didn't happen. I don't feel played, or "baited" because, in its own way, this is exactly what I expected, and what I even wanted. I'm still happy with my variants, and the build-up towards this iconic issue, and with how it happened as a whole. It's okay if you didn't like it, and okay if you did, but I feel like a lot of people are hasty with their emotions and their thoughts on the issue. If you didn't like it I'd seriously consider giving it a second chance. Most importantly give the future of Batman and Catwoman, both in their individual series and their characters. a chance to thrive as well.

If you haven't checked out Batman #50 it's on sale now at your local comic shop or digitally at Comixology. If you have read it let me know what you think!

Opinion Matters: Is DC Comics Cancelling Series Without A Chance To Thrive

This week DC Comics solicitations finally put rumors to rest, as it was revealed that Batwoman would be canceled ending with issue #18 in August. I'm both horrified, and heartbroken. As a queer woman, Batwoman was one of the first characters I was able to identify with in regards to my sexuality. She taught me to love and accept myself, even if those around me wouldn't. It sounds cliche but it's the truth.

 Seeing once again that Batwoman is being canceled is like a knife to my gut. Between multiple cancelations on both her New 52 and Rebirth series, as well as the immediate halt on her and Maggie Sawyer's engagement during the previous run of Batwoman,  it's clear that DC's heart and motives for the characters aren't in the right place.  It's hard seeing no love for this character from DC, considering the love she has from her fans. In regards to queer characters, DC Marvel or otherwise I consider Batwoman at the forefront for queer representation in comics.

 Now I'm not trying to say Marguerite Bennett is a bad writer. In fact, with Batwoman that's not the case at all, as Bennett writes the character almost seamlessly. She came up with some really great arcs for the character including the Neo Future Kate Kate and her rise against the Batman in a Marshal Law ran Gotham. We're even starting to see the return of fan favorite Renee Montoya towards the end of the series. However, if DC noticed a decline in sales they should have made a switch in creative teams even if only temporarily. This is the only way you're going to get a possible boost of sales, as well a clear picture of what's working and what doesn't. That being said this isn't just a crusade for the cancelation of Batwoman. That's something I could go on about all day long. There's something larger at hand we should focus on.

This month also marked the final issue of Batgirl & the Birds of Prey, the series ending at just issue #22. Now Birds of Prey, in particular, is famously known for its predecessor,  a long-running series by Gail Simone, with it's it's almost constant rotating cast. During the Rebirth run, a change in characters is something we only saw a few times, for a total of two whole arcs. Both times not leaving enough lasting impression to really stick. It's a shame because I was really hoping to finally see the return of Zinda Blake. Maybe even some fan-favorite veterans like Misfit and Big Barda would make a return or casual appearance as well. The Benson sisters wrote this book for all twenty-two issues, start to finish. I'll be honest by the second arc the writing felt a little stale and was in dire need of a switch up. But it never happened, which is potentially one of the reasons the sales suffered the way they did.

August's solicitations also marked the end of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corp. While I won't consider this as a much of a victim, as Birds of Prey and Batwoman, simply due to the longevity of the series with fifty issues under its belt, it still shares a similar trait between the aforementioned two. A lack of change with the creative team.

Now while the art passes through hands, quite frequently, often time changing artists from arc to arc, the writers for both Birds of Prey and Hal Jordan Green Lantern Corp, have been the same since issue one, with Batwoman only taking a brief change in writers with issue eleven. Now I don't know about you but one issue isn't enough to get used to a new creative team, let alone see a dramatic boost in sales.

It feels like DC isn't giving these series enough time to grow and flourish, before sending them to the chopping block. Rather they're keeping a lot of their titles stale and uninviting without making the switch.  I've almost noticed a trend with DC Rebirth in particular where creative teams either stay on since the beginning of time or only make that switch more than midway through the ongoing series.

It's a shame because now it feels that characters like Huntress, Batwoman and even some of the main Green Lantern corp are now lost between the pages, without a series to call their own. Part of me is hoping that maybe some of these characters will be spread out amongst other series or even the series as a whole will be rebranded into something new. As much as I hate to say it maybe these are even coinciding with this soft reboot DC seems to be doing this summer. I just hope we don't see many more books canceled without giving them a chance or putting forth the effort for change.

ThisKidsNotAlright - A Red Hood Recommended Reading List

Jason Todd, also known as the Red Hood is the second Robin turned vigilante after his death and inevitable resurrection. Following his return to Gotham, he found himself head to head with the Batman before eventually going his own way as he formed a team of his own all the while getting himself into a whole lot of trouble along the way. The Red Hood may follow his own morally grey agenda but he still holds enough of respect for his former mentor and father figure to try and maintain the honor of the Batman mantle and legacy from time to time. The Red Hood is a name I'm seeing pop up more and more even with some more mainstream comic fans. He seems to be appearing everywhere nowadays, from animated movies to video games, not just in our comic books.

I remember my first experience with the Red Hood character and being blatantly confused because I never even knew that there was more than one Robin, let alone that a character like Red Hood even existed.  But like all characters, those comics most essential can be a little muddled, and be lost among the multitude of stories created. So here are some fundamental reads for the Red Hood.

*Keep in mind that I'm focusing on stories involving Jason's Todd's later persona as the Red Hood versus his time as Robin*

Death In The Family - Jim Starlin & Jim Aparo - While the Red Hood persona never shows up in this title, (in fact the Red Hood persona won't show up for another twenty or so years) I consider this book essential though not necessary for the character. You could get away with reading any of the books on this list without ever having to pick this one up and still have a clear understanding. Death of the Family paves way for the birth of Red Hood later on.  While it obviously deals with the death of Jason Todd, this story also focuses on the search for Jason's birth mother.  Death In The Family isn't my favorite book on this list, as personally, it feels like a slow burn, but I can't deny that's an essential read for the character. Without the death of Jason Todd, we would never see the birth of Red Hood. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Under The Red Hood - Judd Winick & Doug Mahnke- If there's one book I consider a MUST read for a Jason Todd/Red Hood reading rec list it's this one. This is the beginning of Red Hood and his "reintroduction" to Gotham as he has come to torment his former mentor while simultaneously taking down to the crime boss known as Black Mask.  Everything you need to know about the Red Hood lies within this book. I can honestly say this is my favorite story on this list and is one of my top picks in terms of Batman stories in general. From the savage Black Mask to the badass vigilante Onyx to the Red Hood himself I love every single part of this book. There is so much emotion in this story and it really makes for a great first introduction to the character.  Not only is this book great because it's just great in general but it has an animated adaption, also titled Under The Red Hood, which I also consider being one of the best in terms of all the animated films. If you're looking for the first pick in your reading stack, this is it. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Red Hood: Lost Days - Judd Winick & Jeremy Haun - You're going to be seeing Judd Winick on this list a lot, but to be fair he did a lot for the character during his peak. He's also who I consider as the best writer for Red Hood and I would literally give every fiber of my being to have him back on a book again for Jason.  Red Hood Lost Days, while is another one of those that I just grace over, I can't deny it's importance in terms of lore. Lost Days is about Jason's first days of rebirth outside of the Lazarus Pit. Although featuring a questionable relationship with Talia Al Ghul (one that I still can't wrap my head around)  this one fills in the gaps as Jason prepares for the eventual return to Gotham and confrontation with his former mentor. This series also has one of my favorite comic covers for Jason Todd ever. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman Annual #25 - Judd Winick, Shane Davis & Mark Morales - I try not to include single issues during my recommended readings, yet I can't help but feel like Batman Annual #25 is extremely essential. After all, it answers the frequently argued question of whether or not Jason Todd was actually present during the events of Batman Hush.[I would recommend picking up Hush as it's one of my favorite Batman stories, Red Hood plays a very small part over a course of about five pages]  Picking up after the events of Red Hood: Lost Days this sets the course of Jason Todd's revenge against Batman. This oversized issue works as the perfect link between Lost Days and Under the Red Hood. [Comixology]

Green Arrow: Road To Jericho - Judd Winick & Scott Mcdaniel -Alright so maybe I'm a little biased. But I can't stress it enough that Judd Winick wrote the best Red Hood. To this day I still think that he's the one creator who knows Jason best. If you're not looking to invest yourself in an entire volume of Green Arrow you can always just read Green Arrow #69-72 as these are the issues that feature Red Hood. In Road to Jericho, the Red Hood has turned his sights from Gotham to Star City, home of the Green Arrow. Teaming up with Brick (one of the most badass Green Arrow villains you'll ever meet!) he sets his sights on Green Arrow's sidekick, Speedy in an attempt to turn her against her mentor. This one's also a great introduction to Mia Dearden/Speedy. She's one of my favorites ever and you're bound to fall in love with her. If you decide to stick this one through to the end you'll also be treated to a worthwhile finale for the Green Arrow series. There's some really great dialogue in this book involving all parties present and is another one of my personal faves. Again this isn't because I'm biased towards Green Arrow, or Judd Winick or anything like that......[Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman: Battle For The Cowl - Tony S. Daniel - Spoiler alert Batman dies. Battle For The Cowl picks up after the death of Batman in Final Crisis as it's decided amongst Gotham's heroes and vigilantes who should pick up the legacy and mantle of the caped crusader. The obvious choice to take on the role of Batman is Dick Grayson, the original Robin, but Jason Todd believes otherwise, deciding that he would be the best choice for Batman, as his style and "okay to kill if it's justified" rule would help to bring law and order to Gotham. Fair warning this isn't my favorite portrayal of Jason Todd, as there are moments here and there where it feels out of character. I'd suggest this as an advanced recommended reading for Red Hood/Jason Todd. There's a lot of characters that show up in this one and it can get a little overwhelming if you're not as familiar with comics. That being said it makes for a fun read because there are so many characters making an appearance. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn - Grant Morrison & Frank Quietly - I'm just going to leave a disclaimer out in the open to avoid things from getting ugly. I cannot stand Grant Morrison as a comic book writer. That being said I have an extreme soft spot for his run of Batman & Robin. Not only was this the introduction of one of my favorite villains, Professor Pyg, but it was also another chance to see a darker side of Jason Todd. Don't get me wrong I love seeing him as a vigilante, but seeing as how most modern comics decide to take that path in his morality, I'm fascinated with his struggle with villainism. There are a few times where the run is a little strange, and sometimes over the top (as most work by Grant Morrison is) but overall I find it an extremely enjoyable read. Although I could do without Jason's red hair and the idea that Bruce forced him to dye it to conform to his standards????? I warned you that Grant Morrison was weird. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Arkham Knight: Genesis - Peter Tomasi & Dexter Soy - I'm a huge fan of the Arkham Knight series. HUGE! It's the main reason I bought my PS4. However the final installment in the series, Arkham Knight was a huge disappointment. While it wasn't able to fix everything, Peter Tomasi & Dexter Soy's six issue mini-series Arkham Knight: Genesis helped to patch some holes I felt were left by the game. During this mini-series, Tomasi reinvented the Arkham Knight/Red Hood/Jason Todd persona while still sticking to the basic roots we were give by previous comics. It's a lot darker, and will break your heart (as most comics written by Peter Tomasi are) but is fundamental for any reader who wants more Jason Todd. Keep in mind that this is a stand-alone series and does not require you to have any understanding of the game(s) prior to reading. I also feel like I have to mention that Dexter Soy is definitely one of my favorite artists who has worked on Jason Todd. [Comixology] [Amazon]

Red Hood & The Outlaws Rebirth: Dark Trinity - Scott Lobdell & Dexter Soy -  I'm going to need you to bear with me on this one. While I understand Scott Lobdell is a terrible writer, the proof clearly apparent with his runs on Red Hood & The Outlaws and Teen Titans during the New 52, but he knocked it out of the park with his Rebirth run. I'm not entirely sure exactly what has happened between the New 52 and Rebirth but this is Jason Todd at his best. Forming his own misfit Trinity alongside Bizarro and Artemis, the first volume brings back Red Hood's feud with the Black Mask. It's funny and exciting, with some honest to god deep and developing moments for the characters that I wasn't expecting. I'd recommend staying away from RHATO during the New 52, but RHATO Rebirth was an unexpected surprise. While I'm not up to date on Outlaws I've heard it kind of goes sour after Vol 1 but you can make that decision for yourself! [Comixology] [Amazon]

This is also my shameless plug for the Jason Todd/Red Hood fanmix I made years ago. I like to think it still holds up as a representation of the character. You can check that out on Tumblr and 8tracks. 

What are some of your favorite Red Hood stories and what recommended reading lists would you like to see me tackle next?

As always HAPPY READING!