IN STORES: March 12, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. [Men are also welcome!] By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars. So throw caution to the wind, and mortgage your future away! Hoo hah hah!


Thin and Crispy...
JAN082137 ANNIHILATION CONQUEST #5 (OF 6) $2.99
NOV072034 ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #5 $2.99
JAN083857 ATOMIC ROBO #6 (OF 6) $2.95
JAN080155 BOOSTER GOLD #7 $2.99
JAN080141 COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 7 $2.99
DEC070188 COUNTDOWN TO MYSTERY #6 (OF 8) $3.99
JAN082194 DEAD OF NIGHT FEATURING MAN THING #2 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99
JAN082143 FANTASTIC FOUR #555 $2.99
JAN080087 GOON #22 $2.99
JAN080152 GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #6 (OF 9) $2.99
JAN080157 GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #6 $2.99
JAN080183 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #22 $2.99
JAN082164 MIGHTY AVENGERS #10 $2.99
JAN082193 PUNISHER #55 (MR) $2.99
JAN080151 SALVATION RUN #5 (OF 7) $2.99
JAN080174 SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #13 $2.99
NOV072176 THUNDERBOLTS #119 $2.99

The Deep Dish...
- JAN080089 ABE SAPIEN THE DROWNING #2 (OF 5) $2.99
- JAN080091 BPRD 1946 #3 (OF 5) $2.99
Now that there's a regular schedule of BPRD titles, I can't help but have a little cry every month. Not because they haven't been good, but because they're notoriously under ordered, and every time I go to play a little bit of a catch-up, I can never string BPRD issues together. I don't do the weekly (or monthly) comic thing, and it sucks. We need a sponsor! I want to learn more about Abe Sapien's mysterious past!

- DEC072192 IRON MAN ENTER MANDARIN #6 (OF 6) $2.99
For those who don't know, we do not feature the full shipping list. Week to week I pluck some of the titles that I like and that might interest others, and throw them up here for your one-stop convenience. For the past few months Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin has been a subject of internal debate.

This is one of a handful of early tales told by writer Joe Casey who, for the most part, is certainly competent if not remarkable. The creative team could never be a draw alone, but as has been the case quite a bit lately, I've been lured by an amazing cover! And with the Iron Man movie mere months away, it probably isn't a bad way to get yourself in the mood, without having to concern yourself with post-Civil War Tony Stark, Director of PRICK!

- JAN082155 LAST DEFENDERS #1 (OF 6) $2.99
Of course, slap a wacky collective of heroes and the Defenders brand on the cover, and suddenly Joe Casey looks a whole lot more enticing! Long time readers will have by now deduced that I'm a sucker for heroes and villains with a bit of history, and a lot of name value. This time around the Defenders include the [un]likes of Colossus, She-Hulk, and former New Invader, Blazing Skull. None of this deals with the devil/new history bull! This, friends, is what's called a ticket to ride!

- OCT072015 MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #7 $2.99
With two BPRD books and Madman, it's a pretty big week for the so-called indies!
As is almost universally the case I'm painfully behind on MAC. Actually, I only have one issue, so it's probably more accurate to say I haven't really had a chance to dive in...
Mike Allred is one of the most exciting talents around comics, and Madman is the perfect vehicle for Allred's penchant for graphically surreal adventures. If you loved X-Statix and you haven't yet had an encounter with this original creation, then do yourself a favour. If I had any money and issues of fisticuffs, you know you'd be seeing it!

- JAN082157 MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #9 $2.99
Okay, so again, there's got to be the disclaimer that I haven't yet had a chance to have a personal encounter with this title. That said, if it even remotely lives up to the solicitation of it's many guests, then Marvel Adventures: Hulk is the perfect alternative for fans of the classic rampages of the big mean green! This month Hulk plays host to his classic gamma-irradiated sparring partner, Doc Samson!
Despite traditionally being fodder for the kids, the Adventures books from both Marvel and DC really do seem to be bringing up the rear in terms of quality. For fans frustrated by the current state of the Marvel Universe, these may just be the perfect opportunity to get a taste of classic Marvel with a contemporary spin.

- JAN082163 MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #7 $3.99
MCP doesn't sound like it's doing so well, and given the history of anthology series in this volatile market, it probably isn't long for this world. The current version of Marvel Comics Presents does everything fans of the original would expect, and like the original, is destined to be a hidden gem long after it's been cancelled. Personally I think the comic's well worth it on it's own merits, but for enthusiasts of the Marvel Universe or particular characters, [like; USAgent, Hellcat, or Taskmaster], it's a rare opportunity to see your low-tier favourites spotlighted! Definitely a book I want to catch up on!

- JAN080171 SUPERMAN #674 $2.99
Superman gets another new creative team, and the prospects don't look any better.
Comics' most recognisable hero seems destined to flounder in the modern era as creative teams and fans alike struggle to grapple with the concept. Kurt Busiek and Renato Guedes will roll out a villain called Paragon, with the ability to match, and excede any opponent's powers. Frankly, like so much Superman over the past few years, it sounds a little tired -- but you never know!

Know Your Trade...
JAN082220 AVENGERS INITIATIVE TP VOL 01 BASIC TRAINING $14.99
NOV070237 JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL HC $24.99
DEC070246 LOBO PORTRAIT OF A BASTICH TP $19.99
DEC070250 ROBIN THE BIG LEAGUES TP $12.99
DEC070258 SHOWCASE PRESENTS PHANTOM STRANGER TP VOL 02 $16.99
JAN083712 SPEED RACER TP VOL 03 $19.99
JAN082217 SPIDER-MAN FAMILY TP UNTOLD TEAM UPS DIGEST $9.99

DAN HIBIKI versus KEN MASTERS
Round. 6 (UDON/Capcom/Shinseisha)
Where: Street Fighter Alpha Vol.1 When: 2007
Why: Masahiko Nakahira How: Masahiko Nakahira

The Story so far...
Since his victory against Sagat, Ryu has become a despondent warrior, fearful of his own power and nature as a fighter. Having taken a job as hired muscle on a drug running vessel; Ryu is picked up by Interpol when they intervene in his ship's course, and suffer the horrors of the uncontrollable dark hadou energies Ryu harbors within.

Despite fears that he may again succumb to the dark hadou, Ryu agrees to join a mission to infiltrate the underground fighting scene, where an international criminal organization called "Shadaloo" is recruiting street fighters into their ever growing army of assassins and criminals. Accompanying Chun-Li through the sewers, Ryu finds himself locked in an astral battle against the mysterious fortune-teller, Rose.

Having been warned that his life would be changed by the intervention of two warriors garbed in blood red; Ryu takes Chun-Li to an official fighting arena, where just such an individual is about to fight. His oldest friend and fellow practitioner of the mysterious ansatsuken fighting style of Goutetsu -- Ken Masters; American fighting champion!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Ken 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Ken 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Ken 3 (Athlete)
Stamina: Ken 4 (Athlete)
Agility: Draw 3 (Acrobat)
Fighting Ability: Ken 5 (Martial Artist)
Energy Power: Ken 3 (Explosives)


- The son of a Hong Kong martial artist; Dan Hibiki's life becomes dedicated to a quest of revenge when his father is killed in battle with his Muay Thai fighting rival, Sagat. Against all odds Dan appears to succeed in avenging his father's death by defeating Sagat, unaware that his despondent opponent allowed him to win. Blissfully ignorant; Hibiki goes on to begin promoting his saikyo-ryuu fighting style and forming new rivalries in the martial arts arena.

A thoroughly unremarkable fighter, Hibiki's style is heavily derived from the ansatsuken method practiced by fighters like Ken and Ryu, with some additional inspiration from the Muay Thai fighting style of Sagat.
Dan is capable of limited ki manipulation with attacks such as his self-taught, short ranged, one-handed fireball, the Gadouken. More potent is his dankukyaku aerial attack, which features a triple hitting combination of kicks, easily blocked.

- Born to a wealthy American and his Japanese wife, Ken Masters is placed in the care of martial arts master, Gouken, at a young age. There he befriends and trains with a young Japanese fighter named Ryu, with whom Ken would have a lifelong bond and rivalry. Together the fighters hone their skills in the unnamed Ansatsuken fighting discipline, whilst mastering the energy harnessing attacks of the Hadou technique. When Gouken is murdered by Akuma, master of the dark hadou; Ken joins Ryu in the search for the man responsible, bringing the pair into conflict with the nefarious criminal organization, Shadaloo.

Ken is a supreme athlete, having won many martial arts competitions in his native America. His fighting style is much the same as Ryu's; featuring the Tatsumaki Senpuu Kyaku hurricane kick, as well as the hadouken and shoryuken energy attacks.

The Math: Ken Masters Ranking: Ken Masters (#53)

What Went Down...
Dan enters the arena to resounding antagonism from the crowd, who are retaliating to the apparent indescretions of previous fights, where Hibiki has been known to cheat to win. I'm not sure if this is really a fair depiction of a character better known for being utterly useless, but given that this is depicted as a finals confrontation, I guess those sorts of explanations are required by some... I digress...

Hibiki is somewhat taken aback by the angellic blonde who enters the ring as his opponent, drastically undermining the fighting quality that no doubt earned Ken a spot in the tournament finals. This tournament is revealed to be Ken's first official outing, leading to further taunts from the over confident Hibiki, who receives a guarantee from his opponent that he'll finish him off with a minimum of time and pain.

Ken's boastful claims appear under threat as the pink-garbed Hibiki launches into his dankukyaku flying kick the second the match starts -- or so it seems!
Ken proves more than ready for a fight, easily blocking the triple threat kick of Dan's assault!

Ken puts on a Masters-class, leaping into a rising knee that puts Dan right in a stunned ready position for Ken's own special kick attack -- the tatsumaki senpuu kyaku! The spinning kick collides for four clean strikes, knocking Dan even sillier than usual!

From the crowd, Ryu can sense an imminent victory in Ken's favour, but Hibiki's arsenal is not yet exhausted! Feeling the pressure, Dan looks to strike-out with a powerful uppercut attack modelled on Ken and Ryu's shoryuken, but before the "koryuken" can be executed, Ken counters it with a devestating fly kick!

Recognising Dan's fighting arsenal as little more than a knock-off of his own, Ken unleashes a devestating combination - the beginning of the end of his show of superiority. Looking to impress Ryu, Ken summons his ki energy for a finisher the likes of which has never been seen -- a multiple hitting shoryuken combo!

The move sends a hush through the crowd as Dan's defeated body hurls through the air, coming to a harsh and bloodied landing. Ryu in particular is left in awe, recognising the move as forbidden by their master, Gouken, for it's connection with the dark hadou.

Ken soaks in his first official tournament win as the crowd erupts into cheer.

The Hammer...
Well, after another tired day, I make the feeble gesture of giving you your expected winner: Ken Masters!

The beginning of the month has been dedicated to a lot of features revolving around boxing and competition fighting [Immortal Iron Fist #11, Daredevil: Man Without Fear #2, Phantom #927], so it seemed like a great opportunity to come back to Street Fighter, which has been a recurring feature on the Infinite Wars. In the recent past, Street Fighter's been a great hits grabber for us, in particular the now infamous Street Fighter Legends #2 review, which features Zangief's accidental groping [of Rainbow Mika]. Mmm, classy!

The significance of Street Fighter II in 1990's mainstream pop culture is undeniable.
Most of you who were alive in the middle of the decade should be familiar with a lot of the icons of the series, even by the abstraction of their commercial value. Comics fans from the era will have had specific confrontations with the Street Fighter stable when they collided with the Marvel Comics super heroes in a series of Versus games, which are still regarded to be among the very best 2D beat 'em up video games!

With Street Fighter IV on the home console horizon, some of you are going to be enjoying the repeating emergence of Street Fighter on the Infinite Wars. On the other hand, there seems to be a real divide between Japanese culture and American comics fans, who may or may not be typified by their rigid preconceptions. For the more accepting of you, I hope each time we dive deeper into the Street Fighter canon, you maybe come to see just how similar the fictional worlds of these and superhero characters can be.

Now, about those video game characters: a lot's been happening with Street Fighter IV since we last talked SF, and I kinda wish I'd jumped on that much sooner, because I've lost a little bit of the wind I had in my sails!

Top 25 Gaming Warriors
#1 Ryu (Capcom)
#2 Dhalsim (Capcom)
#3 Guile(Capcom)
#4 R. Mika (Capcom)
#5 Ken Masters (Capcom)
#6 Sagat (Capcom)
#7 Fei Long (Capcom)
#8 Raiden (Midway)
#9 Noob Saibot (Midway)
#10 Akuma (Capcom)
#11 Sakura (Capcom)
#12 T.Hawk (Capcom)
#13 Jin Kazama (Namco)
#14 Rose (Capcom)
#15 Chun-Li (Capcom)
#16 Vega (Capcom)
#17 Scorpion (Midway)
#18 Birdie (Capcom)
#19 Balrog (Capcom)
#20 Gouken (Capcom)
#21 Sodom (Capcom)
#22 Ganryu (Namco)
#23 Bruce Irvin (Namco)
#24 Dan Hibiki (Capcom)
#25 Zangief (Capcom)
Fortunately a little energizer came in the form of El Fuerte; the latest addition to the returning SFII legends.
First impressions? Well, it's nice to see Capcom following up on Abel with another character steeped in fighting styles. El Fuerte represents the lucha legion of libre wrestlers popularized by American and Asian genres of high risk, high-flying pro wrestling. In the Alpha series of games Rainbow Mika touched upon the style, but never to any thorough extent, so one might expect moves designed to take advantage of the gravity scripts inherent to 3D CG models, along the lines of trademarks from Rey Mysterio, Great Muta, Ultimo Dragon, and other well known pros.

I find myself bouncing back and forth between unbridled excitement, and bitter scepticism.
The reveal of a French mixed martial artist named Abel brought me back to joy after the bitter deviation of a new character like Crimson Viper, whose design and concept was heavily removed from the classic concept of proficient fighters from around the world.

Just as Abel's release was coloured by Crimson Viper, I find El Fuerte reflecting off of Abel. Measuring the characters on a cumulative scale, Abel suffers from the follow-up of an equally uninspired visual, in the surprisingly dull looking Mexican luchador.

Capcom have a history in the wrestling genre with the Slam Masters series, which featured around the same time as Street Fighter II, boasting a more outlandish cast of professional wrestling characters. With such a pedigree behind them, the bland design of El Fuerte is especially disappointing, and given game director Yoshinori Ono's history as co-creator of Fighting Evolution's, Ingrid; one can't help but wonder if the desires of fans and the strengths of the series might be lost on the current creative team.

Love or hate Crimson Viper, it's impossible to deny that there's an investment in the character both in terms of visual, and in the in-game construction of her movements and reality. That said, the character really brings back horrible memories of Street Fighter III, where the bulk of the cast was bumped for characters depicting more outlandish qualities, rather than anything familiar to a nation or established fighting art.

With Abel, upset fans were treated to something more traditional with a character who wears his nation on his sleeve (literally!), and boasts a very traditional martial arts asthetic. That said, the character manages to be a pale comparison of cartooned characters like Ken, Ryu, or Sagat, each steeped in their martial arts history, but heavily developed into individual characters.
Maybe one should be more forgiving. Maybe it would be more just to recognise the potential for evolution in characters like Abel and El Fuerte, but for such a prominent series... I guess there's an expectation for more immediately inspiring results.

Rival beat 'em up franchise, Sega's Virtua Fighter, introduced gamers to fictional lucha libre El Blaze, who comes adorned with Rey Mysterio inspired regalia in what undoubtedly made for a more immediate impact.
I don't want to sound overly negative, because I'm definitely looking forward to Street Fighter IV. At the same time, discourse should never be something frowned upon, even if I'm a little off my game and maybe not quite articulating the historical references to the extent I wish I was.

The big news over the past few days is a countdown hinting at information about the new Mortal Kombat, which, if the case, means the American market is about to be flooded with franchise beat 'em ups! The selection; ranging from Soul Calibur, to Tekken, and now the previously promised eighth Mortal Kombat; promises to give Street Fighter IV a run for it's money, at least in Western markets.

I'm not doing terribly well here, but I want to give a minute to Masahiko Nakahira's work on Street Fighter Alpha, because it somewhat resonates with some of issues regarding the creative course of the games.

Where Yoshiniro Ono might have a slightly confused passion for moving the series forward, Nakahira pays homage to the games and their history through his story which is very nearly an adaptation of the Street Fighter Alpha video game.
You really get an appreciation for Nakahira's attention to detail when you break down something like this fight between Dan and Ken. Certain concessions are made for the sake of the story. Dan's given an implied fighting credibility by his position in the tournament final, which is fairly atypical of his character, but is, as noted, explained away by a spate of cheating. Breaking down the mechanics of the fights and scenes, even away from the trademark moves, really shows an almost slavish attention to the game and it's animated sprites.

Another noted change [for the sake of story] was the development of the shoryuken, a staple of the games, as a move connected to the dark hadou.
Nakahira does well to create a cohesion with otherwise silly concepts, like evil Ryu, developing the unwritten conclusion of the first Street Fighter game, which sees Ryu scarring Sagat with the finishing punch [interpreted in Street Fighter #1], as the first awakening of the dark hadou in Ryu.

Nakahira pays a delightful respect to the first game's boss and subsequent stalwart, Sagat, recasting him as an unbeatable villain in his legendary showdown with Ryu. Unlike frustrated scenes like the SFII animated movie, Sagat dominates the Japanese fighter, defeated by the shoryuken as a last resort, rather than a finishing blow on an embarassing defeat.

Nakahira recalls this kind of strength in his Street Fighter III: Final Ryu, where Sagat's journey continues despite the character's omission from the third official installment - a fact that again points to Nakahira's fantastic understanding of the of the brand. An understanding that seems to have alluded many Capcom teams that have taken over the franchise with the dissolving of the original teams. There's probably more to be said about that, but for now, it's a wrap. Night guys!

EDIT: Once again, I failed to mention that the top twenty five is provided by cumulative rankings determined over two years of Infinite Wars. Take them with a pinch of salt, and understand they only represent a focused interpretation.

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 6.5

As always Amazon links are provided for your convenience, just incase you should decide you've found yourself so thoroughly tittilated, you feel like making an impulse purchase. By using the purchase links provided, you help sponsor future entries in the Infinite Wars, which is really very nice of you. Mwah, mwah.

TIGER'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER
versus STEEL PHOENIX
The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven: Part 4 (Marvel)
Where: Immortal Iron Fist #11 When: January 2008 Why: Matt Fraction & Ed Brubaker How: David Aja

The Story so far...
In the ancient hidden city of K'un-Lun, it's denizens prepare themselves for the undying tradition of the Tournament of the seven Heavenly Cities, held every eighty-eight years when their planes align; thus sucking Daniel Rand into a plot of intrigue and mystery centuries in the making!

At the source of Iron Fist's plight is Davos, the villain once known as the Steel Serpent. An exile of K'un-Lun, Davos is resurrected by one of the enemy cities, K'un-Zi, in an effort to destroy the long thought dead sixty-fifth inheritent to the Iron Fist mantle; a drug-addled vagabond and survivor of the First World War, Orson Randall.

Randall teams with his successor, Danny Rand, in an effort to prepare him properly for the ancient tournament. In battle, Orson Randall falls, but not before passing on the power of his chi to Danny Rand, who uses it to successfully oppose Davos who himself has consumed the spiritual energies of his benefactor's daughters, the girls of Crane Mother. Davos has also forged an alliance with Hydra, and with plans to destroy the legacy of the Iron Fist and K'un-Lun, the Steel Serpent redeclares himself the Steel Phoenix; champion of K'un-Zi!

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Steel Phoenix 4 (Steroid Abuser)
Intelligence: Draw 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Tiger's Beautiful Daughter 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Steel Phoenix 5 (Marathon)
Agility: Tiger's Beautiful Daughter 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting Ability: Steel Phoenix 6 (Warrior)
Energy Power: Tiger's Beautiful Daughter 2 (Projectile)

- Born in the mystic hidden city of K'un-Lun; Davos is the destined son of proud warrior, Lei Kung the Thunderer. As his father was before him, Davos is trained in the martial arts disciplines kept secret by the citizens of the Heavenly City for millenia, making him one of the deadliest hand-to-hand fighters in the world.
Ultimately Davos' arsenal is undermined by his jealousy for outsider rival, Daniel Rand, who becomes the preferred student of his father. This leads the warrior down a path of darkness, earning him the name of Steel Serpent, when he fails to prove himself worthy of the legendary Iron Fist.

Davos is able to escape death by the mystic intervention of the Anomoly Gem.
Resurrected in the service of Crane Mother, of K'un-Zi, Davos becomes more powerful than ever when he consumes the fighting spirit of Crane Mother's daughters. His chi mastery not only drastically increases his physical strength, but also enables him to unlock many new fighting techniques, part of his arsenal as a warrior of K'un-Zi and the rechristened, Steel Phoenix.

- Tiger's Beautiful Daughter is one of the immortal warriors chosen to represent one of the Seven Heavenly Cities in the ancient tournament held to determine the rotation of each secret city's presence on Earth. She is anything but modest, content to fight with her face guarded, while much of her body remains exposed.
Her weapons of choice are tiě shān, or, steel fighting fans.

The Math: Steel Phoenix Ranking: Draw (NR)

What Went Down...
The two fighters enter the arena with adjudicating elder, Son of Oprhans, who grants Davos opportunity to reveal his newest tattoo markings, unveiling himself as Steel Phoenix of his newly adopted city, K'un-Zi.

The bad blood inspired by Davos' treachery is immediately evident as Tiger's Beautiful Daughter shows no intimidation, mocking the consumption of the Crane Mother's harlot daughters. Though redubbed phoenix, Davos responds with a wicked tongue befitting of a serpent.

The verbal exchange is quickly replaced by the confrontation of these two martial arts warriors. Their opening blows, though impressive, fail to meet in a stalemate of acrobatics. Tiger's Beautiful Daughter fares the best, her evasive technique allowing for an agile recovery that embarasses the self-declared Phoenix.

TBD's blows punish Davos with brutal efficiency. The fighting fans slice through the exposed mid-section of the K'un-Zi fighter, before spraying his blood from an equally unprepared bicep, which could've been far better served with an offense!

Davos takes his lumps, retaliating against his opponent's physicality with an unforgiving shot to the brow. The punch fails to do any specific damage to impair the sight of the boastful warrior woman, who makes Davos pay for his missed opportunity with a toss her fan: which slices his hand off at the wrist!

Tiger's Beautiful Daughter berates Steel Phoenix for his disgraces, boiling him down to little more than a bullying child. Clutching his bloody stump, Davos swears bitter revenge, promising to make TBD pay for her transgressions.
It does not take long for the bill to arrive...

Having summoned his powerful chi, the Steel Phoenix rises from the ashes of combat, manifesting for himself a glowing replacement hand! With the energies swirling, he unleashes the devestating attack of the steel phoenix blow!

The strength of the Steel Phoenix' blow sends Tiger's Beautiful Daughter airborne across the arena grounds. Davos, burning with energy, lets out a roar of gloating as TBD struggles to yield in a pool of her own blood. Still seething with rage, the Steel Phoenix denies mercy, driving his fist into the base of his opponent's skull in an ordinarily lethal blow! Davos wins.

The Hammer...
Fullfilling the requisites of a martial arts movie villain, Steel Phoenix wins with what probably should've been a "fatality!"
As morbid as it sounds, I'm almost disappointed to report that, unless I'm mistaken, Tiger's Beautiful Daughter actually survived to appear, albeit heavily bandaged, in the following issue.

Now, if I were to attempt to incite some sort of controversy with a single turn of phrase, I'd say that yes, the Infinite Wars absolutely advocates violence against women, but that's just because we advocate violence in superhero comics in general [Discussed; Superman/Batman #15].
It just doesn't feel honest to have this character - who is already the instrument of communication for the depths of threat present - to walk away from that, even with the vagaries of "immortal" being thrown around. Speaking of immortal...

Top 25 Martial Artists
#1 Batman (DC)
#2 Wolverine (Marvel)
#3 Daredevil (Marvel)
#4 Ryu (Capcom)
#5 Catwoman (DC)
#6 Green Arrow (DC)
#7 Iron Fist (Marvel)
#8 Deadpool (Marvel)
#9 Dhalsim (Capcom)
#10 Red Robin (DC)
#11 Robin (DC)
#12 Elektra (Marvel)
#13 Kitty Pryde (Marvel)
#14 Nightwing (DC)
#15 Hellcat (Marvel)
#16 Batroc (Marvel)
#17 Guile (Capcom)
#18 R. Mika (Capcom)
#19 Ken Masters (Capcom)
#20 Sagat (Capcom)
#21 Bullseye (Marvel)
#22 Ronin (Marvel)
#23 Deathstroke (DC)
#24 Black Canary (DC)
#25 Fei Long (Capcom)As with most things that reference history, there's bound to be some common ground - some overlap. Still, it's hard to flick through the pages of The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven, and not think of Mortal Kombat. Now, before you get the wrong idea, I don't actually think of that as an insult! I mean, sure, you need only look at mine, or anyone else's reviews of MK comics to know how dreadful their efforts have been, but that's just the point: this is a Mortal Kombat comic done very well!

This is anything but outright plagiarism, with a very thick Marvel B-story running behind the shennanigans of the martial arts tournament epic. In the background, the culmination of economic espionage has seen Hydra come closer to entering K'un-Lun for destructive means. Tied up in the mission of rescue and protection are Luke Cage, and the gals from Nightwing Restoratons!

Still, for all the unmistakable trimmings of a Marvel superhero story, there's no two ways about it: When I read this comic, I'm thinking about Mortal Kombat, and everything it could be with the right creative team!

Tiger's Beautiful Daughter screams Kitana to any fan of the beat 'em up video game franchise, recalling the purple garbed ninja's trademark veiled face and steel fighting fans. The same steely determination one would expect from the Edenian princess of the video game lore also remains.
Of course, really, what Matt Fraction [and Ed Brubaker] have successfully done is return Iron Fist to his martial arts genre roots, layering in various tropes commonly associated with: classic Hong Kong cinema; flamboyant history, myth and legend; and, of course, maybe even some of the genre mish-mash that's come out of Western sources, like, Mortal Kombat.

Also lying just beyond these pages are more of those inescapable pulp keynotes, this time branching from Iron Fist's true world origins as a character sharing historical inspiration with Amazing Man; a Bill Everett character thirty years Iron Fist's senior. Those ties quickly inspire further incorpoation, with the Orson Randall character bringing in many of the cues associated with characters like The Phantom and The Shadow, who were each part of a time when the Orient was regularly glamorized for it's mystery and mythological intrigue.

All of these things help to build something exciting and expected of a contemporary take on the character, who got his start in the 1970s as part of the phenomenon of a martial arts boom, in part sponsored by the likes of Bruce Lee.

As both a superhero and martial arts fanatic, I loved this comic.
After the initial issues I had become fairly complacent with my interest in this series. As much as I love and want to see the Iron Fist character remain bouyant within the Marvel Universe, on a strapped budget, it was hard to find enthusiasm for what was shaping up to be another greytoned, stoicly competent read with Brubaker on the cover. Ironically, Brubaker himself cites his involvement on the title as gradually dwindling, perhaps explaining the joy of more recent shifts, not necessarily evident in Brubaker's other, more urban works.

Regardless of the means to the ends, I'm really pleased to see something like this coming from Marvel. Not just that, but to be hearing it's praises sung, because as much as it is a superhero comic, this is something very different for mainstream readers. It's long been my dream to produce martial arts comics, and a result like this, so legitimate, almost makes it feel like a possibility!

As already alluded, Matt Hollingsworth's presence is felt, and it's with mixed feelings. The colourist who famously contributed to the gritty tone of Daredevil during both Alex Maleev and Michael Lark's stays on the book, becomes a little familiar for my tastes. I'm frustrated because as familiar as it's all getting, much like the stagnance of some Brubaker scripts, it's undeniably suitable.

Tipping the work over the scales is an exciting flashback sequence detailing the trevails of Davos' attempts to overcome the shadow of Daniel Rand, eventual sixty-sixth successor to the Iron Fist mantle. Pencilled by the ultra smooth Kano [not to be confused with the Mortal Kombat baddy!], the pages almost taken on the quality of a whole other comic, good for those who, like me, really felt like that was a bonus to the book, but not so much for those happily dwelling in the issue's grainy stoicism.

I want to come back to Iron Fist!
After dragging my heels through recent entries on the Infinite Wars, I'm reinvigorated, excited all over again largely by, of all characters, Steel Serpent!
Somewhere between the fascinations of characters like Black Adam and Batroc the Leaper; Steel Serpent is an otherwise forgettable villain from Iron Fist's past, revamped for the modern age with a wonderful surrender to the material.
I don't doubt if you haven't already, you might be finding yourself intrigued by the presence of this villain, and I hope very much to be able to bring you more of this martial arts menace's escapades, both new and old!

For now, we wrap things up, getting a good start to the week!
I can't help but notice our already humble traffic has slipped over the past few weeks, and while I do what I can to ensure more of the same great comics discussion and insight, take up this challenge: Find someone online or in person that you chat to about comics, and throw http://secretearths.blogspot.com/ down in front of them as a challenge to wax superheroes, and superhero smackdown!

EDIT: I neglected to mention that the top twenty-five martial artists included earlier in the update is representative of characters cumulative status in the Infinite Wars rankings. Though deductions can be derived, this is not a full proof information method of characters and their abilities. Links provided offer greater insight into source materials, and character histories.

The Fight: 5.5 The Issue: 6.5

"The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven" is still wrapping up, so if you don't think you can wait for the Trade Paperback, then head out to a good comics retailer where you'll find the latest back issues on the shelf! Want to know when more's coming? Keep an eye on the Infinite Wars on Wednesdays when we run down what's hot on stands from the Shipping List! Not quite convinced? What to jump into Iron Fist in a more mature format? Hey, by preordering with Amazon using the purchase links provided, you help support the Infinite Wars and future entries! Links are provided here, and in the brand new Secret Wars on Infinite Earths: Amazonian Gift Shop! Mmm, balmy!

COVER TO COVER: INFINITE WARS (ROUND 2)!
Okay, so there's the obvious things; longer character notes, more image scans, lengthier discussion pieces. A lot has cosmetically changed in two years of Infinite Wars, but on this journey of self-reflection, what have we really learnt about Secret Wars on Infinite Earths as not just a fight competition, but as a blog.

A frustration I've found from some comics communities and blogs is that they become repetitive, if not predictable. I get a little tired of the same self-conscious ironies of character based gags [not naming names *cough*Batroc*cough*], and weekly fawning over the usual suspects, whose names seem to be more important to some folks than the contents of their written work.
So what do those blanket criticism have to do with us? Well, even if occasionaly guilty of falling into that same trap, I like to think looking back on early entries in the Infinite Wars, we're anything if predictable. Though not reviewing weekly releases means we fail to capitalize on strong regular readerships, I'm content that we're doing something unique, and interesting.

I fully submit that the Infinite Wars is not without it's own faults. I sometimes wonder if better efforts could be made to engage with you, the reader, who remains mostly anonymous, despite an open comments policy. I wouldn't look that gifthorse in the mouth, mind you, given that I rarely have to rise to any specific criticms, or unfounded harassment.

Batman #612 (April 2003)
"The Battle" Loeb/Lee
Infinite Wars Fight File: #00006
It's a rivalry that's become a significant moment in comics history, and is certainly always a big deal when it comes to the Infinite Wars. This, in the scheme of our records, is the rematch after the DKR battle.

Batman and Catwoman are on the ropes as Superman, controlled by the botanical influences of Poison Ivy, pursues them with violent intentions. The Batman, as is oft the case, is forced to use his knowledge in the battle to make use of the Metropolis geography, and the inherent weaknesses that lie within Superman's home territory.

This, so much like the DKR fight, is about the brilliance of Batman, and proves that Gotham only went so far in his victory of the Man of Steel!

Marvel Comics Presents #49 (1990)
"White Messiah" Fligueroa/Wilson
Infinite Wars Fight File #00007
Daredevil joins the Infinite Wars in what was destined to be a strong outing for the character in Season 2006! This induction of the character comes from an unlikely source as we present the MCP short story White Messiah, which introduces the analogous super-villain, Scope, who has never appeared beyond this eight-page short.

As an aspiring comics writer, I've always thought of Scope as one of my holstered secret weapons, should I ever reach acclaim enough to touch Daredevil, or the criminal underworld of the Marvel Universe. Now, if that were to happen, then you've got a significant spoiler here, but I like to think this can be a fun secret between me and my pals from back in the early days of the Infinite Wars!

Marvel Zombies #1 (February 2006)
"Part 1" Kirkman/Phillips
Infinite Wars Fight File: #00008
The phenomenon that spawned an entire range of merchandise from Marvel Comics shows up early in Season 2007! Spinning out of the ground breaking storyarc in Mark Millar's Ultimate Fantastic Four, the zombies descend upon the self-sacrificing Magneto, whose efforts proved crucial in saving the Ultimate Universe from certain doom.

Unfortunately for the master of magnetism, that leaves him well and truly up the creek without a metallic paddle! Thus far the Zombies have been unstoppable, but as one of the most powerful mutant forces on the planet, could Magneto be the one to turn the tables?

... With a five issue mini-series on the line, we doubt it!

Batman #647 (January 2006)
"The Away Team" Winick/Mahnke
Infinite Wars Fight File: #00009
The Infinite Wars love affair with the work of Judd Winick and Doug Mahnke on Batman begins here! This proves the first taste of what was an unforgettable run of sorely missed versimilitude in Gotham City!

The return of Jason Todd from the grave is causing Batman much more than elevated psychiatric bills. Taking the original identity of his murderer, the Joker, Jason begins his own campaign of pain for the criminal underworld of Gotham, which has recently fallen under the control of the East End menace, Black Mask.
Todd has his own set of rules, but when Black Mask gets desperate, he may just be forced to join Batman in battle against the united Society of Villains!

Street Fighter II #1 (July 1994)
"Battle 02: Little Las Vegas" Masaomi Kanzaki
Infinite Wars Fight File: #00010
In February 2006 noone could've fully appreciated the love of Street Fighter that would eventually become evident in the last quarter of 2007. It all begins here with a preview into the world crafted by Masaomi Kanzaki, where the man-made island of Shad plays host to an entire world of street fights, and organized crime.

The wandering world warrior, Ryu, has arrived in Shad to prove his might against the other fighters of the big tournament, but before he gets there he's going to have to settle some scores with new friends. The fallen champion boxer, Balrog, has challenged Ryu to a fight for interfering in his "insurance" business, and Ryu has told his new friends to bet the house on him. Will they regret their choice?...

COVER TO COVER: A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING!
Y'know, there's been a bit of a recurring theme in most of the entries in the Infinite Wars recently. I mean, you've got our pending series of Secret Origins features; you've got all the hooplah surrounding The New Frontier; and this week we dove into the trademarked Miller version of the Daredevil origin [Man Without Fear #2]! If this were a hallucination, it would undeniably be a mass phenomena!

I find it interesting that superhero comics continues to be a genre incapable of leaving it's history alone. Prominent creative forces; like writer/editor, Denny O'Neil; regularly refer to the histories of popular characters [such as Batman] as being 'perfected', in a state of flux, rather than interference. Batman is, of course, one of the most successful examples. Within the Bat-catalogue alone are some of comics' greatest retellings, many of which are based on adventures from the early 1940's. Coming from the past twenty years alone are stories by visionary talents like Frank Miller, Alan Moore, and Jeph Loeb.
Join us in looking back on just a few such tales, and think about what some of your favourite redressed stories might be!

Secret Origins #35 (Holiday 1988)
"Martian Manhunter" Verheiden/Steacy
This one takes us back to the grizzled days of Detective John Jones; alias for the Manhunter from Mars, J'onn J'onnz, who finds himself unwittingly transported to Earth by the aging Doctor Erdel.

With the good Doctor startled by his Martian visitor, to the point of heart attack, he leaves the alien with a final warning and well wish, making the Manhunter's first experience on Earth one of death.

Canvasing the networks of mainstream American television, the Manhunter extracts what information he can about human society. Impressed upon this blank slate is the image of the square jawed TV detective, dedicated to truth, justice, and the battle against corruption and evil in the Earth. Thus, John Jones is born, to war against crime!

Batman: The Long Halloween (February 1997)
"Christmas" Loeb/Sale
In Batman's first year he has come to regard very few men as friends. Gotham City has become corrupt, but despite this fact, and the riddled presence of crime families, Bruce Wayne believes the city is not beyond saving. Of similar mind are newly appointed Commisioner of Police, James Gordon; and Gotham District Attorney, Harvey Dent.

The pact between the trio of powers becomes fractured when Dent is implicated in a spate of murders involving various prominent figures in the Gotham Underworld. The crime families become embroiled in a war with the "freaks" of Gotham, as the mysterious Holiday hunts the criminals. The presence of this murderous force of nature draws the attentions of Gotham's premiere freak, the Joker, who decides to dedicate his own twisted intellect to solving the crime. At the top of his Christmas naughty list? Harvey Dent...

DC: The New Frontier #2 (April 2004)
"Fun City" Darwyn Cooke
Paranoia of the 1950s has pushed the heroes of the Golden Age into the shadows, as they refuse to relinquish the veil of anonymity that allowed them to protect the very people who have turned on them.

New heroes emerge to fill the void left behind. Heroes of a new age and a new frontier, each with their own strange powers and abilities. Among them, a league of personalities destined to be drawn together in the face of evil; Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Batman, Adam Strange, Green Lantern, and the Flash.

Demanding their presence are the endless fiends who would perpetrate super powered crimes. When Captain Cold attacks a society bash in Las Vegas, the Flash responds not only as a crimson beacon of heroism, but as the concerned lover of an endangered gal!

Batman: The Mad Monk #1 (October 2006)
"Dark Moon Rising" Matt Wagner
The Batman's war on crime in Gotham takes a strange turn. With the recession of the organized crime families comes new threats, more bizarre than anything he has ever faced before.
Emerging elements of a fantastical and occult nature begin to trouble the Dark Knight, while the so-called "freaks" continue to make their presence known.

Batman's sordid relationship with the costumed thief, Catwoman, continues, while he tracks the presence of a murderous cult that has strange ties to a vampiric leader called, the Mad Monk!
Batman seems off his game, and though Jim Gordon remains an ally, the lone vigilante doubts himself as he begins to suspect the involvement of the neuro-toxin created by his arch-nemesis, the Scarecrow!

X-Men: First Class #2 (December 2006)
"The Bird, the Beast, and the Lizard" Parker/Cruz
Professor Charles Xavier has become intimately familiar with the growing threat of mutation within the human species which proposes terrifying theories of extinction and genocide. He knows this subject so well because he himself is a mutant - a telepath - capable of reading and manipulating the thoughts of those around him.

Aware of the great responsibility of his power, Professor Xavier does his best to control his powers, and begins recruiting gifted youngsters such as himself, so as to share his knowledge with a new generation.

As the X-Men they become his students, while secretly donning uniforms as a paramilitary uprising against the forces of evil. Though humanity would fear and loathe them, they fight to protect them just the same.

MATT MURDOCK versus SLADE
The Man Without Fear (Marvel)
Where: Daredevil: The Man Without Fear #2
When: November 1993 Why: Frank Miller How: John Romita Jr

The Story so far...
When the boxer 'Battlin' Jack Murdock is murdered by the criminal underworld for refusing to throw a fight, he leaves behind a son, Matt, who has the grim task of identifying his father. Complicating matters further is an act of selflessness that renders Matthew Murdock blind, the result of saving a blind man from a truck carrying radioactive material. Though blind, Matt finds the accident has enhanced his other senses, resulting in a radar-sight.

Whilst undergoing training from the mysterious martial arts master, Stick; Murdock finds himself overcome by the emotion of his father's death. Despite his so-called handicaps, Murdock leaves the morgue for the streets, where he begins a one-man war on the men responsible for his father's murder.

Murdock begins at the bottom of the chain; two hitmen called McHale and Gillian. They don't stand much of a chance. When the cops find them in a pool of their own blood in an alley, all they can babble is something about a dead boxer back for revenge. They worked for The Fixer, but he'll have to wait for his turn. Slade and Little Marcello are next on Matthew Murdock's checklist.

Tale of the Tape...
Strength: Daredevil 3 (Athlete)
Intelligence: Daredevil 3 (Straight A)
Speed: Daredevil 4 (Olympian)
Stamina: Daredevil 5 (Marathon Man)
Agility: Daredevil 4 (Gymnast)
Fighting Ability: Daredevil 5 (Martial Artist)
Energy Powers: Daredevil 2 (Projectile)


- As a young man, Matthew Murdock was the innocent victim in an accident involving the illegal trafficking of chemicals through New York City. Being doused in the hazardous materials cost young Murdock his sight, but enhanced his remaining senses so intensely he could now "see" through the reverberation of sound -- a bat-like radar sense! The angry youth would find himself orphaned, and consequently dedicates himself to training his body in the martial arts under the tutelage of the mysterious master, Stick.

Murdock's speed, strength and agility would reach human optimum, his enhanced senses complimenting his physicality in battle. By day, Murdock studied to become a hotshot lawyer, but by night he sought a method of justice without rules as the guardian of Hell's Kitchen: Daredevil!

- Slade and Marcello were among the gangsters featured in Frank Miller's alternate Daredevil origin; Daredevil: The Man Without Fear. They are among the five hitmen working for The Fixer, responsible for the death of Battlin' Jack Murdock; who refused to throw a fight for the mob.

The Math: Daredevil Ranking: Daredevil (#12)

What Went Down...
Coming straight from the morgue; Matthew Murdock turns his gifts of a Bat-like radar sense and martial arts training to stealthily seeking a path of revenge. With two of The Fixer's goons already taken care of, Matt's next destination is the gym, where the treacherous fighter Slade, and his suited accomplice, Marcello, are blissfully unaware of their shared fate.

The lights go out. Slades mocks Marcello for being so easily spooked, but when he staggers across the floor and reaches down to feel something wet, he knows that maybe his friend had something to fear afterall. When the lights come back on, a masked man is standing in the ring. A man without fear.

The masked Murdock tosses his ballbat aside and invites the burly boxer to meet him on his own terms, in the ring. The crooked fighter climbs into the ring and casts an intimidating figure. He knowingly looms over Murdock like a colossus, and lets out a chuckle. Matt thinks about the endless taunts of his childhood and in a single motion channels them all from mind, to hip, to leg, to boot.

Slade's knee takes the impact and bends in ways never intended.
The force of the kick explodes out the otherside of it's target. A pathetic spurt bursts from the wound that will cost the fighter quite some time in recovery.

It's a feast for heightened senses. Murdock sucks in the metallic taste of blood in the air and smells the panic and stink of the bulky man's sweat. Riding his own high, Murdock is unaffected, as he slips a roll of pennies into his right fist.
The stack of coins provides a brace that makes his already firm fist even harder. He mercileslly returns every blow that broke his father, slamming his vengeful fist into the boxer's face in a rapid succession, until the coins all spray from his hand.

Matt continues the assault, even when he senses the presence of another man, whose wafting scent of cheap aftershave and cigar smoke lingers at the door.

Murdock keeps close track of the man he knows to be the Fixer as he makes his panicked escape. Even while Slade's ribs crack and splinter beneath Matt's unrelenting boot, he keeps close track. Angelo and the Fixer: the last two needed to satisfy Matt's revenge. The last two who killed Jack Murdock.

The Hammer...
Y'know, in hindsight, it probably would've been more efficient to wrap the whole gang together as one big opponent, but we'll have to settle for Daredevil's victory over Slade and Marcello.

This was to have been an entry earlier in the week, but it sounds like I'm not the only one feeling some fatigue! For the first time in several weeks the Friday post is running on time, but Bahlactus and the gang are taking the week off! Friday's obviously the holy day on the Infinite Wars [as seen in C2C: Round 1], so it's no rest for the wicked, it seems...

Astute readers will note the emerging pattern amongst our most recent entries [DC: New Frontier #2, Phantom #972]. That's probably about all the boxing action we'll have from the squared circle, but rest assured the meeting of martial arts and boxing in Man Without Fear makes for more than age-old debate! There'll be more fighting of a competition sort in some exciting upcoming entries!

Against all odds, Frank Miller won some brownie points with contemporary readers of his Batman work with the most recent issue of All-Star Batman & Robin: The Boy Wonder.
The book, maligned by many as pseudo-psychotic mush, made good use of the latest issue to recast earlier militaristic and emotionless displays from "the goddamn" Batman as examples for impressionable youngsters, ie; Dick Grayson's Robin. Working against Miller, one might argue, has been his penchant for writing stories better suited to the single volume, which is typical of many of his best known works, but becomes an exclusive approach from the nineties onward.

Unlike his sprawling romances with the Daredevil title; Man Without Fear hones in on the subject matter of Daredevil's origins and growth before becoming a costumed hero. For the most part the origin was a non-issue during Miller's run on the on-going title, easily circumvented by what was essentially the deconstruction and rebuilding of the character, post-Born Again. Allegedly an ill-fated movie script, one can see how Man Without Fear differentiates itself not only from established Daredevil history under creator Stan Lee's pen, but also much of Miller's own characterization, particularly in the case of Elektra.

MWF no doubt benefits from knowing what becomes of the confused Matt Murdock, assuring us of a strong character borne of this tumultuous past. In this respect, the story connects well with the Daredevil mythos in the most basic of ways, but still, factors like Elektra as a slightly older woman, flirtatious and dangerous, really repel Miller's own simplicity in the original stories. Then again, much of Miller's writing, especially that on Elektra, is notorious for it's removal from conventional "continuity."

Fanboys have come to have an embarassed, self-loathing relationship with continuity. If the zeaously polite aren't insisting that cohesion and consistency are irrelevant, as they clash with their continuity obsessed peers, they're sheepishly hiding their interest in a sense of reality.

As both a writer and fan, I tend to believe the rules of reality on fiction, no matter how subliminal, are crucial to the artform. I think of unravelling, fantastical histories as the romantic strength of the comic book format, and am consistently disappointed by the flimsy attention to linear realities of life and death. Of course, with characters that bare the demands of contemporary interpretation without the luxury of age or legacy, one comes to accept the necessity of the rewrite, particularly where origin stories are concerned.

In isolation, Miller puts forward an incredibly strong superhero story.
Don't let the lack of costumes fool you, because for all the buzz of 'noir' sensibilities in Miller's writing, he revels in the superhero form. The theme of Miller's writing, which has always gone lengths to prove Daredevil is more than the horned costume, continues with strength in this new origin.

With so many comparisons already evident between Daredevil and Batman, it's refreshing when Miller pushes Matt Murdock further than anyone would expect of the Dark Knight. When this character goes on his rampage of revenge it stops being another superhero inspired by a familial death, and takes a turn toward something more akin to a seventies or eighties action movie. Which I like.

The excess of street level violence and corruption, though common to both DD and the Batman work, is taken so much farther here. If one were so inclined, you could probably read Man Without Fear, Born Again, and the last forty or so issues of Bendis and Maleev's Daredevil to get the abridged 'mental breakdown' version of the Daredevil epic. It fits. This is what makes Daredevil who he is, and in so many ways, I appreciate the over-the-top honesty of this fiction.

Though not Miller's best known work, Man Without Fear isn't without it's importance. Given the sheer prominence of Miller's influence on Brian Bendis' work, it's not hard to imagine this series might have inspired the drawn out take on Peter Parker's birth into Spider-man, as it was depicted in the redevised origin shown in Ultimate Spider-man. Likewise, given the context, the influence of Miller's art style is almost seen in JRjr's pencils, as they take on a strange hybrid of many styles, absorbing some of the harshness of Miller's depiction.

Ironically, Miller now appears to be spending his time on All-Star Batman and Robin, seemingly commentating on the very violence perpetuated in this very story. A violence (and style) perpetuated not just by Bendis, but an entire decade of influenced parties who may or may not have done this style justice.
Many have come to accuse Miller, even in the time of Man Without Fear, for writing in the style of Sin City. I mention the fact that [Man Without Fear] is a superhero story despite any "noir" predilictions, because in Miller's defense, what he's really done over his career with stories like this, and Sin City, is purvey a convention of storytelling by no means his own invention.

It's almost a contradiction because it's that gritty Miller style that makes Miller's writing so enjoyable. As a convention, it really shouldn't need to be excused, even though it's the very themes and violence explored in Man Without Fear that have curdled and turned against him. I suppose what I suggest is that, like Man Without Fear, the serialized formatting of his graphic novel work has come to undermine him, and in essence, Miller becomes a victim of his own success.

Another irony, given Miller's uncharacteristic commentaries on violence and the superhero iconography in All-Star Batman and Robin, which almost inadvertently cast a light of self-parody on works like Man Without Fear. That, however, is really a subject for another time!...

The Fight: 4 The Issue: 5.5

Frank Miller remains a polarizing influence on comics by any definition. You can find many of his influential works in the recommended section of the Infinite Wars Amazon Shop, or use the links provided here to checkout the Daredevil Frank Miller Omnibi! "Man Without Fear" is joined by "Love & War" as well as Miller's other later revisitations to the character in the Omnibus Companion. For the complete story, you can check out the book to which MWF is the companion piece! And remember, when you use Amazon purchase links provided, you help support future entries in the Infinite Wars! Yay future!

IN STORES: March 5, 2008
You can probably find complete shipping list updates on most major comics sites. Consider this an opportunity to either do all your info-shopping in the one place, or get a speculative perspective on what might be worth checking out. These are untested reads. Secret Wars on Infinite Earths can offer no guarantee or endorsement of quality. These are simply titles that may be of potential interest. Some items may ship late.

The Infinite Wars now has a gift shop!
Now you'll find Amazon purchase links to hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and other collections, not only on regular entries -- but also new releases at the bottom of the Shipping List, and now a whole catalogue of potential purchases via the Infinite Wars: Amazonian Gift Shop. Men also welcome! By shopping with Amazon via our purchase links, you not only find yourself a great deal, but also sponsor future entries on the Infinite Wars. So throw caution to the wind, and mortgage your future away! Hoo hah hah!


Thin and Crispy...
JAN083506 BOYS #16 (MR) $2.99
JAN082183 CABLE #1 DWS $2.99
DEC070187 COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #7 (OF 8) $3.99
JAN080140 COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 8 $2.99
DEC070228 GREEN LANTERN #28 $2.99
DEC078147 LOGAN #1 (OF 3) BLACK AND WHITE VAR (PP #803) $3.99
JAN080165 NIGHTWING #142 $2.99
NOV072173 PENANCE RELENTLESS #5 (OF 5) $2.99
JUN071919 RIDE DIE VALKYRIE #3 (OF 3) (MR) $2.99
JAN082085 SCUD THE DISPOSABLE ASSASSIN #22 $3.50
JAN082177 TWELVE #3 (OF 12) $2.99
JAN080258 VINYL UNDERGROUND #6 (MR) $2.99
JAN080243 YOUNG LIARS #1 (MR) $2.99

The Deep Dish...
- JAN080163 DETECTIVE COMICS #842 $2.99
Flicking through an issue of Superman/Batman I discovered that Dustin Nguyen really doesn't do a very good Superman. Which is a good thing, because he's back on Batman, this time with writer Peter Milligan. Looking over some previews I've come to the conclusion that this could either be what really brings me back to Batman, or something that's so beyond silly, it staggers momentum that should be building before the released of a feature film. My perspective is that the art's great and the script execution is classic, but the subject matter of an ancient suit of Bat-armor that's influencing Batman's decisions? Has the potential to go all kinds of wrong, not unlike Milligan's recent Ra's Al Ghul resurrection!

- JAN080154 JUSTICE LEAGUE THE NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL $4.99
I was a big fan of Mask of the Phantasm, to the point where I um'd and ah'd about it during the first few hundred viewings of Batman Begins that eventually convinced me it was the best Bat-film thus far. Even with that shift of opinion, I've continued to hold DC's first animated feature in great esteem, making it a true acknowledgment to suggest The New Frontier is the first significant release since the 1996 Bat-mystery.

From what I've seen I have to admit I'm a little disappointed with some of the very obvious intereferences that are typically run through these things. There are moments in the film that not only feel like they aren't all they could be, but are bitterly shown up by what was a far superior source. That said, that's a bitter criticism of what is still a fantastic creative release.
DC have been impressed enough to include the New Frontier in it's 52-Multiple Earths, and it took very little savvy to see the potential in a special to coincide with the DVD release. I only hope we get to see more of Darwyn Cooke's work under the faciliatory convenience of the Earth-21 branding.

- JAN080216 JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #43 $2.25
Continuing the theme established in previous Shipping List entries; the "kids" books continue to make good. This time around it's DC's JLU line which promises a brand new tale featuring one of comics' best known buddy-teams; Blue Beetle and Booster Gold! Not only that, but one of the men key to establishing the legacy, (and Infinite Wars top ten creator!), Keith Giffen, steps up to write the sucker! Now that's an investment in quality! Nice!

- JAN082192 LOGAN #1 (OF 3) $3.99
I really wish I knew what to think about this one, War Mongers.
Brian Vaughan is one thing, but pencil chores by Eduardo Risso just opens up a whole new scope on what might otherwise be another stagnant piece of crap in the Wolverine history. Harsh words, particularly given the goodwill BKV has racked up, but I call them as I see them, folks. Much like Pete Milligan's efforts on Batman, this one could really swing wide on the positive, or the negative. Given BKV's success with the recent Dr. Strange: The Oath mini-series, I'm going to hold out for the positive!

- NOV078017 SECRET INVASION SAGA PI $0.00
That's not a typo folks -- this one's free!
Now, considering the price tag, I see absolutely no reason to overlook this one, assuming retailers are going to have enough in stock, and aren't going to be dicks about the thing (I'm sure they won't). This one is sold with a premise, but it's essentially glorified hype material, so don't go in expecting any revelations about the identities of Skrull impostors who haven't already been revealed [those being a phony Elektra and Black Bolt].

Perhaps more interesting than the recapping contents; [Tony Stark's efforts to backtrack the Skrull presence on Earth, starting with their earliest encounters with the Fantastic Four]; has been recent dramas surrounding the title. Grant Morrison's interview quips about, Final Crisis being far cooler than the undeniably tried method of hidden invaders, was met with some broken ranks hostility from Invasion writer, Brian "Bonehead*" Bendis. Likewise, Bendis' running buddy, David Mack, has copped criticism for a particularly evident magazine swipe plastered on the cover to one of the upcoming issues. Despite the dramas, Secret Invasion will inevitably be heading for top ten sales as the Marvel Universe gears up for another line-wide crossover (ala; Civil War, which the Scot describes as the more interesting story).

Know Your Trade...
JAN082233 CABLE CLASSIC TP VOL 01 $29.99
DEC070297 FABLES 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL SC (MR) $14.99
DEC070247 HAWKGIRL HATH SET TP $17.99
DEC072052 HAZED GN (MR) $14.99
DEC072259 IRON MAN PREM HC DEMON IN A BOTTLE $24.99
DEC070254 SUPERMAN THE MAN OF STEEL TP VOL 06 $19.99
SEP071961 UNHUMAN ELEPHANTMEN ART OF LADRONN HC (MR) $29.99
JAN082232 X-MEN VS APOCALYPSE TP VOL 01 THE TWELVE $29.99



* Not an actual nickname for Bendis.