A George Perez Fan Appreciation Journey

I’m still in shock with the news that George Perez has terminal pancreatic cancer.I’ve been a fan of his work since before I could afford to buy my own comic books. To say that George (and long-time collaborator Marv Wolfman) had an impact on my comic book journey would be an understatement. Here, I will outline just how much George’s work inspired me to read and collect a medium that has shaped the person I am today.

One of the first comic books I got to read during grade school was ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths #9’, otherwise known as the ‘Villain War’. At this point,I had little awareness of American comic books as a medium, and this was one of those first issues I read. This was a mind-blowing issue for me at the time, and I was just lent to read this by a classmate. I didn’t bother to ask where he got it. I didn’t even know the significance of this series at the time nor did I pay attention to George’s (and Marv’s) name on the cover. All I knew was that this was beautiful action storytelling from cover to cover. The cover itself already drew me to read this issue. Though this was one of the first comic books I’d read, this wouldn’t be the issue that got me into collection comic books.

‘Crisis on Infinite Earths #9’ got me through the door, but it was ‘The New Teen Titans #39’ that got me into collecting comic books. Entitled ‘Crossroads’, I bought this issue myself in a bookstore. I liked the cover. Something about it intrigued me. Little did I know that this beautiful two-page spread lay waiting for me, and my young eyes.

Little did I also know that this was the prelude to the seminal classic, and arguably the best single Titans story ever, ‘The Judas Contract’. My uncle would send me the first trade paper back of ‘The Judas Contract’ years later (I still have that plastic-covered copy with me). This Christmas gift was pretty serendipitous since I never asked for this book specifically. Yet, this is what I got. From there, I made it one of my life’s quests to hunt down every single issue of the George Perez-Marv Wolfman ‘The New Teen Titans’ run because of its influence on me growing up. I was late in finding this series. It came out way before I was in grade school. So, the hunt began, and after years of hunting (a decade I think) I was able to find every single issue of George Perez’s ‘Titans ‘run. More on these Titans later. However, it didn’t take me long to complete another one of his groundbreaking works.

As I already mentioned, I had read ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths #9’. But, I had never completed reading the maxi-series. I didn’t even know where to get copies of these books. Lo and behold, my uncle (yes the same uncle), left at a comic con when I visited him in San Francisco. This was my first comic book convention. Lots of sellers. Lots of books. So, I went searching the boxes with no particular book in mind until I ran into the cover of ‘Crisis on Infinite Earths #7’. This reminded me that I’d always wanted to collect and read this series, and so I scooped this up, and digged the other boxes at the convention for the rest. Lucky for me, I found every single issue. When the convention ended, I read this series FINALLY. Later, I’d find out that ‘Crisis’ came at around the same time that ‘The New Teen Titans’ was soaring in popularity and story. With these two comic book series, The New Teen Titans and Crisis on Infinite Earths, I would NEVER forget the name George Perez again. ‘Crisis’ strenghtened my resolve to hunt down issues of ‘The New Teen Titans’. And, every time I would see George’s work, it would be an automatic buy or read.

Years later, Marv and George would team up occassionaly for ‘The New Titans’. My childhood fictional friends had all grown up, and the story ‘A Lonely Place of Dying’ showed just how much the characters were growing. By this time, I was all caught up with American comic books, and was a certifiable comic book geek. If there’s anything you can say about George’s work through the years it is the amount of detail he puts into the characters he illustrates. By the time of ‘A Lonely Place of Dying’, George had refined his work from epic to legendary. Just looking at the amount of detail he puts into his work makes me wonder how tiring it would be for his hands to come up with such crisp visuals. This leads to the last series in this article.

For the longest time, ‘JLA/Avengers’ would remain a myth that would never come to fruition. Somewhere and somehow, DC and Marvel came to an agreement, and made this series happen. And who else would be the best person to illustrate this series than George Perez himself? ‘JLA/Avengers was memorable to me because it came at a time that I stopped collecting comic books. Then, when I saw the solicites for this series, I was suddenly back in the game again. Who am I to say, ‘no’ to this modern classic that brought together American comic books two greatest and well-known super hero teams illustrated by George? Not only was I into this series, JLA/Avengers rekindled my love of collecting comic books. I would take a break from time-to-time, but I would never (and I haven’t yet) leave a medium that has shaped my childhood, and continues to shape my personality to this day.

Thank you, George, for the talent that you gifted to the world. I’m sure that I am not the only one who you have influenced with your art. Without you, I would never be introduced to a much larger world. Though we’ve never met, I want to send you my undying love, and appreciation, Mr. Perez. I am one of many whose life you have changed forever. You are indeed a legendary super hero of our time.

Masters of the Universe Revelation Part Two: The Return of Magic

Ask long-time fans of this property, and you will find a great number of them were shocked with some being incensed with the revelations shown in part one of this animated series. Many thought it would be a retelling. Others thought it would be nostalgically more of the same. Few expected (or even wanted) a continuation of the story of Eternia that would focus on Teela and the death of He-Man. With part two of ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’ we get to see why the series headed in that direction as it sets up a bigger universe for future stories.

Storytelling-wise, who would be stupid enough to resurrect Adam to later on kill him again? Not Kevin Smith. That would be bad storytelling basics. In fact, when I saw the possibility of Adam’s death at the end of part one, I was more intrigued than disappointed. Albeit, the intrigue was tempered with caution, and I was willing to see where this all led. With the now completed story of ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’, we can see how the magic was returned in grandiose fashion.

One aspect of the part one that was found lacking was the absence of Skeletor as voiced by Mark Hamill. Skeletor’s screen time in part two was much welcomed in sight and sound. Mark Hamill truly portrays Skeletor as the funny maniacal villain he has always been. With Skeletor’s return we also have He-Man/Adam. The constant bickering between these two rivals reminded me partly of what made this series so great in the past. These two characters have experienced their own transformations in this series that expanded on their character growth. However as already proven, ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’ doesn’t rest on its laurels. It takes this story of good vs. evil to newer and greater heights.

The decission to focus on Teela for magic’s return to Eternia is now revealed in part two’s story arc. Heir apparent to the secrets of Grayskull, she now is called upon to wear some heavy shoes (wings?). Though as is the case for ‘Masters of the Universe Revelations’, Teela finds a different way of practicing her stewardship of magic. There is a metatext in this decision that rings true for this series: why restrict when we can expand? As such, Teela grows into her birthright with the same role, but with a more expanded reach.

Aside from character development, one of part two’s strengths lies in the nature of power. Pure power can be terrifiying. It destroys anything in its path with no rhyme nor reason. However, the magic of Grayskull isn’t just about power. It’s power tempered by wisdom. Without wisdom, power only seeks to destroy and rule. With wisdom, the weilder of power is guided to better decisions, AND the willingness to share this power with others. More so, true power lies in a person willing to relinquish it with the wisdom that it will return when needed. This is shown with much detail in ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’.

With magic returned to Eternia, the series ends with a not-so subtle cliffhanger of what to expect next. Skeletor remains the great evil of Eternia, but he is not the only one in the universe. Expect future installments of ‘Masters of the Universe Revelation’ to continue on expanding the reach of its magic beyond Eternia for the honor of Grayskull (wink). ‘Masters of the Universe Revelations’ is streaming on Netflix.

Foundation Season One Sets in Motion Psychohistory

Psychohistory. The Genetic Dynasty. The Robot Wars. These are concepts long inscribed in the annals of Isaac Asimov’s written work. The Foundation series, and its related books spans millenia of intergalactic lore. Now, courtesy of our friends from Apple TV, we are able to enjoy a cerebral adaptation of this highly anticipated science fiction series. To my mind, ‘Foundation’ does the story justice for your viewing pleasure.

I’ll emphasize this here: we are lucky to live in a time where we can watch both ‘Foundation’ and ‘Dune’ in the same year. I’m more of a fantasy story viewer, but science fiction is also one of those writing genres close to my heart. In the 21st Century, we have been blessed more with a lot more fantasy properties than science fiction. It puts a smile on my face that ‘Foundation’ has brought us an excellent adaptation of Asimov’s work, and shows us what can be done if science fiction writings are adapted properly.

‘Foundation’ is told through the recollections of Gaal Dornick, one of the main characters of the story. As narrator, Gaal guides us through the world of the Cleonic Empire, and the outer reaches. The story centers around the threat of the Empire crumbling as predicted by psychohiistory. The concept of psychohistory was coined by another main character in the story,, Hari Seldon.

Hari makes a bold prediction of the collapse of the current Cleonic Empire. This sets a chain of events that lead to his banishment along with Gaal and the rest of his followers to set up a foundation on the outer reach world of Terminus. Here in exile, Hari’s foundation will do its work far from the influence of the Empire, and yet just within peeking sight.

On Terminus, Salvor Hardin is born. She serves as the warden/guardian of the Foundation colony on Terminus, and has her own special gifts. The mystery behind her powers serves as an integral part of the series storytelling, and the success of the Foundation itself. Without her, the connection between past, present, and future of the Foundation would be disjointed. Though there is more mystery to her than her powers, and ‘Foundation’ reveals these in turn throughout season one.

There’s a lot to be said about the high-end math equations and interpretations found in the book series. These might tend to turn away viewers who are just not into that sort of detail. Though ‘Foundation’ is still based on the core concept of psychohistory which is based on mathematical principles, it does not carry the brunt of the storytelling. Instead, the series focuses on the effects of psychohistory, and how it affects the lives of the individuals intertwined in it. This approach makes ‘Foundation’ more palatable to a larger audience.

I can understand this approach to the storytelling. I’m a longtime role-playing game enthusiast, and I’ve been through the different editions of Dungeons and Dragons. The early editions of the classic RPG was very detailed to a fault that it had a tendency to alienate people from it except the most inanely geeky (not derogatory) player. The latest edition made the game more accessible to players with its streamlined rules. Though, its success might be also attributed in no small part to that upside down series.

In any case, the similarity in approach to the ‘Foundation’ series has made it a brilliant combination of science fiction, philosophy, and history. The math is still there, but only as relish to the overall main course that is ‘Foundation’. And, that manner of storytelling has ensured a better visual representation of the story’s psychohistory.

If you’re looking for a great science fiction series, try ‘Foundation’ out. The story is paced well, and is not bogged down by too much exptrapolation nor mindless action. Enjoy the trip through psychohistory with this masterfully plotted series.

Arcane on Netflix : A Legendary League of Its Own

To start, I do not play League of Legends. I have little background on the game other than it is one of the best MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games around. I was drawn to this series because of the animation, and it intrigued me. So, I jumped in with the knowledge that I have. That turned out to be an excellent choice.

Based on the game created by Riot Games, the story of ‘Arcane’ begins with sisters Violet and Powder. Both are part of a rag-tag group of youngsters on an unsanctioned heist in the city of Piltover. This singular action leads to a chain of events that serve as the backdop of the story of some of the well-known, and used, champions found on League of Legends. From there, the lore and world-building expands that even viewers with a cursory knowledge of the property (like myself) can dive into this epic story, and not feel left out.

In fact, one of the major strengths of ‘Arcane’ is its ability to draw the audience in, and immerse them in the world without any need of looking outside the material you have before you. Granted, having a background on the League of Legends will help you enjoy this series. However, knowledge of the game, or lack thereof, will not diminish an appreciation of this beautiful animated series.

For me, there are table top roleplaying game elements that I can draw upon to relate to ‘Arcane’. The mention of Shimmer and Hextech reminds me of Juicer technology and Techno-magic in one of my favorite games, Rifts. Both Shimmer and Hextech serve as important plot elements in the story that drive these characters onwards to an as of yet undefined end. The uncetaintly is not a negative element of ‘Arcane’. It allows for future installments of the series to sprout out, and, after the success of this first set of nine episodes, I would expect more seasons to follow.

As for the animation, it is cutting edge, and definitely draws new viewers to the property into its world. The designs give an apt cyberpunk feel to the story, and adds to a charm unique to ‘Arcane’. In effect, the visuals properly complement the story that unfolds before your eyes as we delve into the lives of Violet/Vi, Powder/Jinx, and all the other League of Legends champions that appear in ‘Arcane’. Though it does not stop at the origins of each character. It continues the story beyond that, and provides viewers with more story plots to come as current ones expand while some end.

Season one of ‘Arcane’ ends in the same way it began…in explosive fashion. Though the relationship of Vi and Jinx serve as the driving force of the story, other characters such as Jayce and Caitlyn provide their own motivations to keep the story going. If the tension between characters was not enough, the building tension between Piltover and Zaun just adds more intrigue to an already eventful series. The conflict is reminiscent of H. G. Wells classic ‘Time Machine’ between the Morlocks and Eloi.

Overall, ‘Arcane’ came a bit of a surprise to me because I enjoyed it in spite of my lack of knowledge with League of Legends. This is an excellent animated series on Netflix so if you are into a great cyberpunk story with outstanding visual storytelling, you should give this series a try. ‘Arcane’ is now streaming on Netflix.

Doom Patrol Season Three Benefits from its Weirdness

One of the victims of the COVID outbreak, ‘Doom Patrol’ ended season two with a cliffhanger that promised to be a great showdown for season three. However, the showdown between Dorothy and the Candlemaker turned out to be quite anti-climactic. That encounter was more of a negotiation than actual beatdown, but it served its purpose regardless of the lack of burning conflict between Niles Caulder’s daughter, and arguably her most powerful imaginary friend. The conclusion of that story thread left our characters with a moral conundrum: what do you do with Niles Caulder’s dead body?

The death of Niles Caulder was one of the many storylines that highlighted the third season of ‘Doom Patrol’ along with resurrection, undeath, time travel, synthethic skin, the Brotherhood of Evil , and the Sisterhood of Dada. I told you this season was weird. But, that is to be expected of ‘Doom Patrol‘ which has stamped its claim to be one of the most ecclectically disturbing series these days. We also have the appearance of familiar Dead Boy Detectives who help out our heroes to recover from a short case of death (crossing my fingers for a pilot pending).

In spite of all these mishmash of thematic hooks, ‘Doom Patrol’ focuses on the personal relationships of its characters: from Cliff Steele’s grandfather issues to Jane’s issues with her other personalities. Moreover, with the void left by Niles’s demise, there is a need for someone to take the reigns of leadership which fell into the elastic shoulders of Rita Farr. Additionally, this dysfunctional group welcomed, somewhat, a new member to its ranks in the form of Madame Rouge, a former villain turned ally. Madame Rouge adds her own unique personality to the group while also providing Rita with someone she can bond with due to similar interests, and, as shown later, similar backgrounds.

Aside from that, the series is not lacking in personal angst. Far from it. The internal conflicts that characters expereinced over the past two seasons come to a head here with varying resoltuions. For some like that of Victor Stone aka Cyborg, the change can be quite glaring while for others like Larry Trainor, the change was internal. These changes were facilitated in no small part by the Sisterhood of Dada which provided a linchpin to the histories of both Rita Farr and Madame Rouge. In fact, these changes were quite cathartic for the characters to the point that they spurred the ‘Doom Patrol’ forward to unexplored territory: both personally and as a group.

By the end of the season, this band of misfits have embraced their responsibility as heroes. Whether they will be successful with this newfound resolve remains to be seen. All things considered, the direction the ‘Doom Patrol’ has chosen to follow is a fresh change of pace from the denial of their heroic nature in the past two seasons (save for Vic). Will this discovered sense of purpose hold through moving forward? We will have to wait for the next season (which has already been confirmed) to see how this all pans out.

All in all, ‘Doom Patrol’ remains one of the most entertaining shows for streaming, and television altogether. Where else can you find a combination of interpersonal dynamics, super powers, and science/magic fiction in one series? ‘Doom Patrol’ holds through to its classic DC and Vertigo roots. It wears both on its sleeve, and benefits from its reverence greatly. If you have not seen this series, it is not too late to binge watch one of the best comic book series adaptations around.

Locke and Key Season Two: Closes Doors Unlocks New Ones

It didn’t take Netflix long to come up with a second season, and it didn’t disappoint. I must say that the season one cliffhanger was really a stinger, and the series writers really know how to keep you hanging. Dodge/Lucas is a great villain to hate, and that is more so highlighted in season two.

We ended season one with the revelation that Gabe was Dodge this entire time, and has some dastardly plans not just for the keys but for fearless Kinsey Locke. It’s a twisted Romeo and Juliet story with a demon masquerading as a prince. And, Kinsey doesn’t appreaciate it when she finds out which leads her to doubt her abilities. Also, Eden goes into full demon mode, and provides Gabe with the ally that he needs. Or does she? It’s a very shaky alliance that they have which adds an additional layer to the story. Sometimes I really get irritated that the Locke children are slow on the uptake for taking their time in figuring these two demons out. On the ohter hand, I am reminded that they ARE CHILDREN so having difficulty handling conniving demons is quite understandable. Though, It doesn’t lessen my frustration as the Locke siblings get manipulated back-and-forth by these two. Ir just makes the series that much more entertaining.

Another part of season two that I like is the introduction of new keys. In fact, the beginning of each episode identifies which key is the focus of the story with an animated key intro that basically tells you what the key does. I’ll admit though that my favorite key is the Head Key, and to my mind (see what I did there?) it is the most powerful key in the series. This too is highlighted in this season, and the Head Key is shown to have many uses. The geek in me would just LOVE to have that key to dump in several books of knowledge or other possible sources of them (including making new keys. hihi) to come up with whatever I wish. I’m not sure the Locke siblings know just how powerful that key actually is, but they use it to some advantage in season two.

We also find out in better detail how and when adults start forgetting the magic of the key which explains why poor Nina Locke is oblivious to all that is happening in Keyhouse, and why Duncan can’t remember anything from his past about the keys. However, this loss of memory with Duncan is temporary as there is (TADA) a Memory Key that allows people to remember the magic of the keys even as people grow to adulthood. Related to this, we also find out that only the Lockes have the capacity to make these keys, and requires what is called whispering iron to make. This leads to all sorts of chaos because Gabe wants to make his own key, and finds out this important bit of information.

This new key that Gabe desires, the Demon Key, becomes the center of all the problems in season two. Though it also leads indirectly to the source of Gabe’s eventual destruction. It’s sad to see a great villain go, but he does go out with a bang. In Gabe/Dodge’s defeat we see Kinsey take up the reigns of leadership as she literally soars through the sky. The victory is won at a cost however since there is no curing victims of the Demon Key, and people die left and right in a glorious climactic battle. The end result is Dodge finally slain (or is s/he?) at the hands of Tyler’s Alpha Key. With this, everything returns back to normal in Matheson, Massachusetts. Right?

Not quite. For one, Tyler decides that he doesn’t want to remember the magic of the keys anymore and goes on a road trip with Uncle Dunc’s newly restored GTO. Of course his girlfriend Jackie’s possession and death has something to do with it so it’s normal for him to want to forget everything. That’s one less protector of the keys for now. Secondly, Nina Locke appears to have been propositioned by Bode to remember EVERYTHING about the keys. That can of worms will open a lot of new story threads for season three. Also, fans might mourn the death of Erin Voss, but Ellie is back (YEY!), and Lucas’s echoe is free of Dodge’s influence. I’m not sure how that works, but Ellie and Lucas’s dynamic will be something to watch out for in future stories. Finally, Dodge might be gone, but we have a new villain. From Eden’s expression, this new demonic player might even be more dangerous than Dodge. I’m not sure if he’s more cunning though. We’ll have to wait and see.

All in all, Locke and Key season two has finished some story threads, and ends on a satisfying note. It does provide some new story hooks that will keep me waiting with eager anticipation for the next season. Catch up if you haven’t. Locke and Key is one of the best shows around. Watch it on Netflix.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Continues the story of Eternia

One of the most anticipated animated series of the year, ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ with showrunner Kevin Smith brings us back to a world of magic to once again enchant its viewers with the power of Grayskull. Or does it? A lot has been rumored, and said about this latest take on He-Man and Eternia before this series even came out. Expectations are high, and the fandom, both new and seasoned, are caught in the hype. So, let me get this out of the way. This is NOT a reboot. The story doesn’t begin from the origins of He-Man and continues on familiar paths of nostalgia. ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ is a sequel of events from the 1980s series. This Netflix show takes the story of Eternia and magic forward into uncharted territory. In effect, the story adds to the mythos of a much beloved series.

If there was one aspect of ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ that jumps out to you full force, it is the animation. The treatment is beautiful, and nostalgic of the way the 1980s series looked like with an updated, but similar feel. The animation delivers a style that will draw long-time fans in while encouraging newer viewers to follow. To accompany the visual spectacle, the musical score matches the feel of the series. The music is all new, but still captures the regal nature of the animation, and compliments it with much gusto. Among the voice actors, the voices of Sarah Michelle Gellar(Teela), Lena Heady(Evil-Lyn), and Mark Hamill (Skeletor) stand out to genuinely capture the feel of the original series that add to the nostalgia. The end result is that we have a new series that pays proper homage to the original series both visually, and audibly.

That being said, the story advances the He-Man mythos in a manner that was heart-wrenching. Long-time fans might call foul with the way the narrative changes from the get-go, though the treatment of the events furthers the story ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ wishes to tell. The shock factor is real, and by the end of episode one some viewers might find themselves in denial of what actually happened. However, new elements added to the legend of Eternia fully explains the direction of this added narrative.

In ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ new alliances are formed while old ones are broken. This creates an interesting dynamic among the characters who further the story forward. The existence of magic lies at the heart of the plot of this animated series, and it is placed opposite technology as essential elements for the existence of Eternia. Nevertheless, the series focuses on the importance of magic not just to Eternia, but the continued survival of the universe. It is in this manner that we find our newly-alligned characters setting aside their differences in order to reclaim magic as the foundation of Eternia.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ highlights the character development of different characters from this animated franchise. There is a reason why ‘He-Man’ does not form part of the title for this series. You will still see He-Man and Skeletor throughout these five episodes, but other characters in the series take center-stage when the two traditional rivals,He-Man and Skeletor, take a back seat for other characters to shine.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ leaves us with an interesting cliffhanger that shows the reigns of magical power in Eternia shift for the worse. This cliffhanger fuels the flames of uncertainty for this sereis. Granted, there is an expectation that magic will be restored to its proper place in the universe. However, it is the manner by which magic will be restored that will determine the ultimate fate and success of this continuing franchise.

As it stands, ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ leaves us with more questions than answers. Hopefully, we get to see magic restored to the true Masters of the Universe.

‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ is now streaming on Netflix.

Fearsome Five: The Top Western Comic Book Series Adaptations of 2020

So we are near the end of another year, and I can’t help but write this article as it ends. Makes me wonder why I haven’t written anything like this before, but that’s water under the bridge. I present to you my top five best comic book series adaptation of 2020. As the title suggests, this is for comic books meaning WESTERN material. Otherwise, I’d have have included manga adaptations, and other material from the eastern part of the world. In making the list I did not distinguish between animated or live action features. If it’s good then it’s good. Period. Another caveat is that these include series that I was watching. So, if your favorites aren’t in here I probably dropped them or wasn’t interested in viewing them. That’s enough of my disclaimers. We begin my list with…..

At number five, we have Harley Quinn. When Harley Quinn first came out, there was a lot of uproar for making it an R-rated show. Surely, there are children who would love to watch the show, right? When you view the material, you’ll understand why this is the case, and the show is better for it. Even in the comic books, Harley had themes bordering on PG. This is not Young Justice. The rating just allows Harley and its show runners to tell its stories the best way that it can. And tell it well they did. From the saving of the world to Harley and Ivy’s budding relationship, this series captures the essence of a Harley Quinn story. Naysayers be damned. Yes, the series is not for children, but fans of the material will understand that this series provides elements of storytelling that could not have been done without the R rating. Sorry kids, this show isn’t for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great show. Speaking of R-ratings…

At number four we have Doom Patrol. Now this series was R-rated from the onset, taking its lead from the former Vertigo title from DC while incorporating elements of stories from other iterations of the comic book. In the aftermath of the group’s battle with Mr. Noboby, the Doom Patrol meets and now lives with Dorothy Spinner, The Chief’s daughter. Arguably one of the most powerful characters in the story, the second season shows us her powers, and the cost of having them. This is a weird horror science fiction dark comedy which fits well with the comic books Vertigo roots. Unfortunately, the season finale’s cliffhanger is the reason why this series is not higher in the list. Even still, the show is an excellent view to make my list.

At number three is Stargirl. Geoff Johns’ creation comes to life courtesy of well…Geoff Johns. This is not the only show Geoff Johns has executive produced, but this is one with his own original comic book character taking the titular role. What makes this show so special? It reintroduces the Justice Society of America in a way that not even the comic book does. Yes, it’s Americana at its finest. Look at Stargirl’s costume. You will also notice it in a lot of thematic elements of the show. But, it’s an excellent show with excellent storytelling. There is a lot of youthful exuberance that is balanced with discovery, and the measure of experience. Plus, those action scenes are pretty entertaining. This is a show that everyone can watch. Unlike this next one…

At number two, we have The Boys. I love Garth Ennis, and I love this adaptation. This second season is a lot better than season one. and it closes a lot of plot points left unresolved in the previous season. This satire and parody of the comic book superhero genre is bloody, graphic, foul-mouthed and all the more better for it. Unlike the other series on this list, there is no other way to tell The Boys that would be consistent to its source. Amidst the violence and graphic content, there are a lot of relationship themes and social commentaries reflective of our current real life situations. This would actually be number one on my list if not for a series from a galaxy far far away…

The Mandalorian is at the top of my list and is THE BEST comic book series of 2020. I have to be honest with you. This show was number two on my list, and I was ready to give The Boys the top spot. But, and this is a big BUT, episode 8 of season two put this show over the top. I was teary-eyed even before the end credits (and brought to tears AFTER the credits). This show has grown from a space western version of Lone Wolf and Cub to a rallying cry that unites the Star Wars fandoms, and invites everyone else to join in the fun. For a while now the fans have been divided due to recent moves by Disney on storytelling elements of the much-loved Star Wars franchise. What The Mandalorian was able to do was calm everyone down, and invite everyone back in. Hats off to Jon Favreau and Dave Filioni for masterfully showing us that you actually can create material that caters to long time fans while also opening Star Wars to a newer audience. May the Force continue to be with you both. This is the way.

Do you agree with my list? Share with me your comments.