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medusamagic · 26 days

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So you want to know more about Big Barda

As Tumblr's resident expert on all things Barda, and as Kelly Thompson's Birds of Prey run brings far more attention to the character, I figured it was high time someone stepped in and gave the tumblr world a primer on DC's biggest and boldest heroine.

The Basics:

Introduced in Mister Miracle #4 by Jack Kirby, Big Barda was once the leader of Apokolips' premier death squad, the Female Furies. Trained from birth for a life of violence by Granny Goodness, Barda spent the first 250 years of her life as a living weapon. This all changed when she met Scott Free, a gentle Parademon-in-training with a mysterious past and a knack for escapes. Eventually, she and Scott both escaped to Earth, where they fell in love with both the Earth and each other. She's a lover, she's a fighter, she's a Pokémon card expert, but most of all, SHE BIG.

Barda's signature defining attribute is her raw strength. Her raw muscle allows her to keep up with heavy hitters like Wonder Woman. This isn't to suggest that she's a simple-minded brute, however-- Barda has centuries of military experience under her belt as leader of the Female Furies. She's mastered multiple weapons, including spears, swords, and her signature Mega-Rod.

Below are some reading recommendations for anyone interested in Big Barda:

Essential Runs:

Mister Miracle Vol. 1 #4-18 by Jack Kirby (1971-1974)

This was the run that introduced the world to Big Barda, as well as the Female Furies. If you want to know the basics of Barda, there's no better place to start. This run is collected in a trade, as well as a part in The Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1.

(NOTE: Even though Barda doesn't appear until issue #4, I suggest you start with Issue #1. It'll help you get acquainted with the rest of the mythos.)

Justice League International #14-24 by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis (1988-1989)

Big Barda was on the JLI! She plays off the other characters as well as ever, and a lot of what's great about her in Jack Kirby's original run is still here! Definitely check this one out if you want to see her in another team setting. This has been collected in this omnibus.

(NOTE: Once again, I recommend you start from issue #1.)

Popular Runs:

Mister Miracle Vol. 4 #1-12 by Tom King and Mitch Gerads (2017-2018)

Yeah, I know.

Listen, Tom King is a writer with... idiosyncrasies to put it nicely. The characters in the periphery of his stories tend to act really out of character, and his dialogue can be clunky at times. That being said, The Scott/Barda dynamic in this book is excellent, and this book has some of the best art that the Fourth World has seen since the 80s. The series has been collected in a trade.

(NOTE: Did you know that the CIA has over 2003 files on Tom King? Look up "Tom King CIA 2003" for more info!)

Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles (2022)

If you're at all interested in the idea of a Young Adult reimagining of Mister Miracle and Big Barda's origin story with an all-black cast, this book was made for you. It's a bit heavy on the YA tropes, but the Scott/Barda dynamic is really solid. It was released as a standalone graphic novel.

Birds of Prey Vol. 5 #1-??? by Kelly Thompson and Leonardo Romero (2023-)

Admit it, this is the reason you're here. The Cassandra Cain & Big Barda is so instantly iconic, I'm surprised no writer has paired them up sooner. It also helps that this book has the single best Barda look since Jack Kirby's original run. Plus, she gets to throw down with Wonder Woman! What's not to love? This run is still ongoing, but the first 6 issues should be getting a trade pretty soon.

(NOTE: I started writing this before BOP #8 dropped, I had no idea about that thing that happens in the newest issue.)

Stories to Avoid:

Action Comics #592-593 by John Byrne (1987)

This is not a comic book-- it's an infohazard designed to cause pain and suffering to anyone who knows of its existence. Its premise is vile and disrespectful on the surface, and it becomes more insidious when you learn the context of its creation. This pair of issues is profoundly evil, rivaling even Avengers #200 in terms of loathsomeness.

For those who dare to investigate this, Content Warnings for rape, mind control, and human trafficking.

Anyway, let's end on something a bit lighter, shall we?

Remember that Mister Miracle YA graphic novel I mentioned earlier? Barda is getting a graphic novel of her own this summer! It's not out at the time of writing, but the preview pages look promising!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that introduction to one of my favorite superheroes ever. Please get back to me on this, I have no one else to talk to about Fourth World stuff.

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classicmarvelera · 28 days

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The Evolution of Ghost Rider: A Journey through the Stern-DeMatteis Era

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of Marvel Comics, certain runs stand out as transformative moments for characters, reshaping their narratives and defining their identities. One such epochal period occurred within the Ghost Rider series, spanning from issue number 68 to the poignant conclusion in issue 81. What began as Roger Stern's stewardship transitioned seamlessly into J.M. DeMatteis' tenure, crafting a storyline that not only delved into the depths of Johnny Blaze's tortured soul but also elevated Mephisto to the status of his arch-nemesis. As the flames of vengeance intertwined with the intricacies of demonology, readers were treated to a saga that not only expanded the mythos of Ghost Rider but also explored the complexities of morality and redemption

The Genesis of Change: Roger Stern's Reign

Roger Stern's takeover of Ghost Rider marked a significant turning point in the character's mythology. Issue 68 served as a catalyst, introducing subtle yet profound alterations to Johnny Blaze's origin story. By retconning Satan's role and replacing it with Mephisto, Stern not only streamlined the narrative but also established a more intricate dynamic between the Spirit of Vengeance and his eternal foe. This shift laid the groundwork for future explorations into the depths of Johnny's torment and the insidious influence of Mephisto's machinations

Throughout Stern's tenure, themes of redemption and the eternal struggle between good and evil permeated each issue. Johnny Blaze's internal conflict was brought to the forefront, as he grappled with the consequences of his Faustian bargain and sought to atone for his sins through acts of heroism. Stern's masterful storytelling, coupled with the dynamic artwork of Bob Budiansky, brought a sense of gravitas to each panel, immersing readers in a world where the boundaries between light and darkness blurred

The Ascension of Mephisto: J.M. DeMatteis' Magnum Opus

As Stern's run drew to a close, J.M. DeMatteis took up the mantle, guiding Ghost Rider through his final trials and tribulations. Issue 81, aptly titled 'The End of Ghost Rider,' served as a poignant conclusion to this chapter of Johnny Blaze's journey, offering closure while paving the way for future narratives. DeMatteis' writing brought a sense of depth and introspection to the series, delving into the psyche of both hero and villain alike

One of the most significant contributions of DeMatteis' tenure was the elevation of Mephisto from mere antagonist to Johnny Blaze's ultimate nemesis. Through intricate storytelling and nuanced characterization, Mephisto emerged as a formidable adversary, a dark mirror to Johnny's tortured soul. Theirs became a battle not only of strength but of willpower and resilience, with each confrontation pushing both characters to their limits

The Redemption of Zarathos: Unraveling the Demon's Past

Central to the Stern-DeMatteis era was the exploration of Zarathos, the demonic entity bound to Johnny Blaze's fate. As the series progressed, glimpses of Zarathos' tragic past emerged, shedding light on the origins of the Spirit of Vengeance and his eternal quest for redemption. Through intricate storytelling and subtle foreshadowing, Stern and DeMatteis wove a tapestry of intrigue and mystery, unraveling the layers of Zarathos' identity while deepening the connection between host and spirit

By delving into Zarathos' backstory, the series added depth and complexity to the character, transforming him from a mere instrument of vengeance into a figure of tragic heroism. His struggles became emblematic of the eternal battle between light and darkness, as he grappled with his own nature while striving to protect those he cared for. In the end, Zarathos' journey mirrored Johnny Blaze's own quest for redemption, forging a bond that transcended the confines of flesh and blood

A Legacy of Flame and Shadow

The Stern-DeMatteis era of Ghost Rider stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling within the realm of comics. Through meticulous characterization, intricate plotting, and dynamic artwork, the series breathed new life into the mythos of Ghost Rider, reshaping the character's identity for generations to come. From the retconning of Johnny Blaze's origin to the elevation of Mephisto as his arch-nemesis, each issue served as a building block in a narrative tapestry that explored the depths of human emotion and the eternal struggle between good and evil

As fans look back on this seminal era, they are reminded not only of the trials and tribulations of Johnny Blaze and Mephisto but also of the enduring legacy of Ghost Rider as a character. Through flame and shadow, redemption and damnation, the Spirit of Vengeance endures, a beacon of hope in a world consumed by darkness. And though the fires may wane and the shadows may lengthen, the spirit of Ghost Rider lives on, eternal and unyielding, a testament to the power of storytelling to transcend the boundaries of time and space

Buy Marvel Masterworks: Ghost Rider Vol. 6

#ghost rider #johnny blaze #roger stern #j. m. dematteis #bob budiansky #marvel comics #bronze age comics #jim shooter

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balu8 · 7 months

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Justice League International #24: Across a Crowded Room.

by Keith Giffen/J.M.DeMatteis; Kevin Maguire ; Joe Rubinstein; Gene D'Angelo and Bob Lappan

" Please.. call me Teddy."

DC

#dc comics #justice league international #Keith Giffen #j. m. dematteis #Kevin Maguire #Joe Rubinstein #Gene D'Angelo #Bob Lappan

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celestialmega · 1 year

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Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt by J. M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck.

#comics #comic book #comic books #j. m. dematteis #mike zeck #Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt #Kraven's Last Hunt

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transistoradio · 1 year

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Selected pages from Blood: A Tale #4 (of 4) (Epic, 1987), with words by J. M. DeMatteis and pictures by Kent Williams.

#j. m. dematteis #kent williams #blood a tale #blood #comics

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apaneladay · 2 years

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J. M. DeMatteis (writer), Mike Zeck (artist) Web of Spider-Man Vol. 1 #32 (1987) Kraven’s Last Hunt, Part 4 Published by Marvel Comics

#j. m. dematteis #mike zeck #spider-man #kraven’s last hunt #marvel #comics #comic panels

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comfortfoodcontent · 1 year

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1995 Spider-Man The Lost Years Marvel Comics House Ad

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misterdtour · 2 months

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When Spidey Jumped the Shark, Pt. 7: The Roger Stern Era

An analysis of the #RogerStern Era of #SpiderMan. #WhenSpideyJumpedTheShark

The Roger Stern Era of Amazing Spider-Man had a nice little rehearsal space of sorts in the pages of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man, as touched on last time. Continue reading When Spidey Jumped the Shark, Pt. 7: The Roger Stern Era

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jrich103 · 2 years

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Mercy listens — really listens, with interest and concern — then smiles, and reaches out her hand.

― J. M. DeMatteis

#J. M. DeMatteis #soul #spirituality #mercy #heart #kind #understanding #listen #compassion #caring

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revolutionaryjackelving · 2 years

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Notes on THE SANDMAN Season 1 (2022)

Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman has finally been adapted into a Netflix Series after decades of stalling, faulty production, and studio malfeasance. Season 1 dropped at the first week of August and after bingeing all 10 episodes, I thought it right to offer my review. TL;DR. I liked the show on the whole and if you haven’t read the original series, this is a wonderful introduction to an amazing fantasy…

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sonofjeddah · 1 year

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Superheroes of Arabia Podcast: J.M.DeMatteis Interview

youtube

I grew up reading his work in the 80s and 90s. He dared to take on obscure or B-list characters and made them an instant hit at DC Comics. He took A-list characters at both DC and Marvel Comics to new heights through his unique storytelling style. True story: He brought me and John Romita Sr. to tears with one of his stories

Now, he is the creator of The DeMultiverse consisting of 4 new comics co-created by artists Tom Mandrake, Shawn McManus, Matthew Dow Smith & David Baldeón. Superhero, fantasy, Western & more! Published by Spellbound Comics

The DeMultiverse Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/spellboundcomics/surprise-four-secret-comics-by-jm-dematteis-demultiverse Spellbound Comics Website: https://spellboundcomics.com/the-demultiverse/

J. M. DeMatteis' works for DC and Marvel:

Justice League International Omnibus Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/3FO25dT

Justice League International Omnibus Vol. 2: https://amzn.to/3NDLBXD

Doctor Fate: https://amzn.to/3E4NXvs

Superman Speeding Bullets: https://amzn.to/3t0ptxl

Defenders Epic Collection: Ashes, Ashes...: https://amzn.to/3fxSm0R

Captain America Epic Collection: Monsters And Men: https://amzn.to/3DENsa8

Spider-Man - Kraven's Last Hunt: https://amzn.to/3DJiQUW

Spider-Man - Best of Enemies: https://amzn.to/3DDhtqN

Spider-Man and Batman - Disordered Minds: https://amzn.to/3fBnSLc

The Amazing Spider-Man no. 400 (Death of Aunt May): https://amzn.to/3E49RPy

#Superheroes of Arabia podcast #j. m. dematteis #DC Comics #Marvel Comics #Spellbound Comics #DeMultiverse

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classicmarvelera · 1 month

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Captain America: Making of a War Hero into a Symbol of Hope

We all know that Captain America debuted in a title named after him by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1941. He was seen punching Hitler right in the face but many may not know that this was done well before the US had decided to enter World War 2. In fact, at the time, the US was more concerned about its Pacific theater than the Atlantic. Nevertheless, Timely publishes the issue and Captain America gets established as a war hero from the start, who alongside his sidekick Bucky, is fighting fascism in continental Europe which is falling to the Reich like a house of cards

Cap at the time is the symbol of Freedom, anti-fascism, or as he would later be called the Sentinel of Liberty but there was one thing missing at Marvel. The House of Ideas lacked an inspiring figure like Superman among its flagship characters. The Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Invincible Iron Man, and even the Avengers had issues with themselves as well as with each other but a figure whom readers can look up to was something not present. Cap remained a 'man out of time' when he gets discovered by the Avengers but it takes a decade for writers to get him accustomed to the realities of America that were haunting the country from the streets to the Oval Office (Thank You, Jack Kirby and Steve Englehart)

Well into the bronze age era of comics, and under Jim Shooter's reign of the bullpen, a young J.M. DeMatteis shows his potential for storytelling with his first assignment of Captain America no. 261 which would introduce Nomad to the readers for the first time. This issue was supposed to be a collaboration with the real-life Captain America TV movie starring Reb Brown but Jim had other ideas. Issues 261-263 would find Steve Rogers going to California to meet Galactic Films for the upcoming movie about him (in Earth-616) but his real mission was to investigate Nomad's activities on the streets of LA which would turn out to be a deep conspiracy by one of his oldest arch nemesis

After becoming a regular writer on the Captain America series, DeMatteis, Mick Zeck, and John Beatty wrote a story that was way ahead of its time. Today's resurgence of the far left in the world and in the US and the reactionary rise of the far right was being seen by comic book writers like DeMatteis way before many had thought of it. Surprisingly it was a feeble populist villain by the name of Everyman doing the talk, not the Red Skull

In the story, the disenfranchised youth who looked up to Everyman realize their mistake of choosing 'despair over hope' but what causes them to see this is the humility Cap showed despite being spit at multiple times (literally). His eagerness to listen to the young, to the future of the country and their grievances with America, the American Dream leads to a change of heart

This single-issue story would showcase Cap in a different light. Steve Englehart had given Cap a rude awakening that patriotism can't come at the expense of truth and justice in Secret Empire. He showed Cap's disillusionment with the powers that be in America. DeMatteis took the opposite route to show Cap what's corrupting the country's future, and giving rise to the 'enemy within' who can cause anarchy. It wouldn't be wrong to say that Christopher Nolan's Bane (Dark Knight Rises) reminds us of Everyman but what's important to remember is that it was J.M. DeMatteis who warned us before anyone else did

This story is just the tip of the iceberg. The entire run by DeMatteis is one of the most underrated as it gets overshadowed by the works of Jack Kirby, Steve Englehart, and Mark Gruenwald. Like his works for Spider-Man and Doctor Strange, his work for Cap remains one of the best runs ever

#j. m. dematteis #captain america #marvel comics #bronze age comics

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balu8 · 6 months

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Justice League Quarterly #4: Cracked Ice,

by J. M. DeMatteis; Darick Robertson; John Beatty; Gene D'Angelo and Bob Pinaha

#dc comics #Justice League Quarterly #Gene D'Angelo #Bob Pinaha #John Beatty #Darick Robertson #J. M. DeMatteis #comic book

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celestialmega · 1 year

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Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt by J. M. DeMatteis and Mike Zeck.

#comic book #comics #comic books #mike zeck #j. m. dematteis #Fearful Symmetry: Kraven's Last Hunt #Kraven's Last Hunt

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transistoradio · 1 year

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Blood: A Tale #1-4 (of 4) (Epic, 1987) by J. M. DeMatteis and Kent Williams. Covers by Williams, of course.

#j. m. dematteis #kent williams #blood a tale #blood #comics #comics covers

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adamwatchesmovies · 2 years

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Justice League Dark (2017)

When I popped Justice League Dark into my Blu-ray player, I was greeted by the MPAA's "R" rating. It gives the wrong impression. This enjoyable story showcases a number of lesser-known heroes from the DC Universe and isn’t going to raise controversy. It could’ve easily been trimmed down to a PG-13 rating with a few creative edits. One can't help but feel like it was pushed into "adult" territory solely as a marketing ploy.

A series of bizarre incidents around the world brings Batman (voiced by Jason O’Mara) to recruit magical heroes (or would-be heroes) together. Hopefully, the Dark Knight, along with occultist John Constantine (Matt Ryan), magician Zatanna (Camilla Luddington), ghostly Deadman (Nicholas Turturro), and demon-possessed Jason Blood/Etrigan (Ray Chase) can track down the sinister entity behind it all.

I should begin by mentioning that while DC Comics favorite Swamp Thing (voiced by Roger Cross) is in the film, it’s more of a cameo. The Blu-ray cover is misleading. The character’s inclusion is somewhat puzzling, but I could see him taking on a bigger role in the next chapter, or perhaps his own DC Animated Original film (let’s hope) so I'll let it slide for now.

Justice League Dark features the same level of animation as the other recent direct-to-home video films from Warners Bros. Animation/DC Entertainment. It’s not movie quality, but it's good for a direct-to-video feature - though not as good as when this series began. That’s perfectly fine. What it does with its budget is quite impressive. There’s a big battle between the team of heroes and a familiar villain (I won’t say who) that showcases what you can do with both magical characters and a medium that is free from the limitations of stunt people and living actors. Another pro is the cast. While some characters are more developed than others, the film keeps up the excitement and tension by featuring a crew of B-listers. Since we’re not guaranteed a Justice League Dark 2 and few would call Deadman or Jason Blood a favorite, you’re never quite sure where the action scenes are headed. Sure, Batman is safe, but the other ones? They could die!

Less effective is the film’s climax and central mystery. It’s not bad, it’s just that 75 minutes isn't long enough to bury the obvious suspect beneath red herrings and other distractions. We could’ve also used more explanations/clarifications for some of the game-changing actions that take place during the last act. As has been the trend for several of these past films, Justice League Dark would've greatly benefitted from even just a few minutes more.

It’s pretty clear Batman has been included on this team solely to sell the film to the people who are not already familiar with the likes of Zatanna, Swamp Thing, and Constantine. It certainly isn’t because the story or other characters aren’t interesting enough on their own. While some behind-the-scenes aspects of Justice League Dark are puzzling and the story could be expanded further, I’d be enthusiastic to see a sequel. This one is worth checking out if you’re a fan of DC's ongoing series of animated films. (On Blu-ray, June 28, 2017)

#Justice League Dark #Movies #Films #Movie Reviews #Film Reviews #Jay Oliva #Ernie Altbacker #J. M. DeMatteis #Superhero Movies #Marr Ryan #Jason O'Mara #Camilla Luddington #Nicholas Turturro #Ray Chase #2017 movies #2017 films

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