Rank and File: Justice League of America, Roll Call!

Redartz:  Hi gang! Most of the time here at BitBA we seem to discuss Marvel Comics and their phenomenal cast of characters. So this time around, we'll give a chance to DC. Specifically, the Justice League. 

 The JLA has had as many lineup changes as the Avengers, and perhaps more. Of course, the League had a couple years head start. A wide range of characters have filled the membership logs of the JLA, including DC's biggest stars, and many of their lesser lights. From Superman to Blue Beetle, from Wonder Woman to Gypsy, much of DC's lineup have occupied the pages of DC's premier team book. 

There was the classic original lineup, with the likes of Green Lantern, Flash, Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman (and frequently Superman and Batman). In the 70's there was the "Satellite Era", with a grand array of members, adding such names as Firestorm, Black Lightning, Elongated Man, Red Tornado, Black Canary and Green Arrow. In the 80's, a new era for the JLA gave us the lineup with Gypsy, Vibe, Steel, Vixen and John J'onzz. A few years later, after the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the "Bwa Ha Ha" league, with Batman, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Dr. Fate, Blue Beetle, Booster Gold, Mr. Miracle, John J'onzz and Guy Gardner kept us entertained. 

Which lineup was the best? Which heroes had the biggest impact? What characters did you enjoy seeing in the book, and which ones could have stayed home? Give us your opinions, and I won't tell Batman about how you missed the membership meeting...

 

The Brave Or The Bold: Comic Book Archers!

Martinex1: Today let's discuss comic book archers!  Who is your favorite; what are the greatest story lines; who has the most engaging characteristics; who is the best?

Hawkeye started out as a villain but became an Avenger, a West Coast Avenger, and even a Great Lakes Avenger and a Thunderbolt!  Clint Barton has been a carnival trick artist, an enemy of Iron Man, and a friend, follower and thorn-in-the-side of Captain America.  He and Mockingbird were married. He is sarcastic, bold, cunning and charismatic.

Green Arrow has been a mainstay of the DC Universe for decades.  He has been a member of the Justice League of America and partnered in a memorable series with Green Lantern.  Oliver Queen was a rich industrialist and a voice of the people.  He has had a long running relationship with Black Canary. He is outgoing, charming, brash, and sarcastic.

And there are others that can be considered as well.  There is Kate Bishop, the new Hawkeye!  And Connor Hawke, the replacement Green Arrow!  There is  Roy Harper, Speedy, or as he is known now - Arsenal!  There is Wyatt McDonald, the Squadron Supreme archer, who started as the other world's Hawkeye and eventually changed names to the Golden Archer (ugh!) and the Black Archer.  And also Archer from Valiant's Archer & Armstrong series!  I am sure there are others as well.

Who is the best archer! Let's compare and contrast, and share your thoughts today about the bow-and-arrow comic book crowd!

Rank and File: Best Buddies in Comics...

Redartz:  Greetings, friends! Or should I say 'buddies'?  Perhaps so, because today we are considering the best pals in comicdom. I've chosen three pairs, one from each of three companies (yes, I'm a bit obsessive/compulsive). But that leaves you all free to come up with other famous four-color friendships...

Representing Marvel: who else but Spider-Man and the Human Torch?  Almost from his first appearance, Spidey had a love/hate relationship with Johnny Storm. And of course, Johnny was responsible for helping devise the Spider-Mobile. A friend, indeed...

 












From DC: Green Lantern and Green Arrow, aka the 'Hal and Ollie' show. Speaking of love/hate relationships, Hal and Ollie seem to bicker over the years perhaps more than they pal around. Personality conficts, I guess...

And from Archie: Obviously, Archie and Jughead! Definitely more in tune with each other than Hal Jordan and Oliver Queen, Archie Andrews and Forsyte Jones have personified friendship for many decades...

 















Those are the first that came to my mind. How many more can you come up with?

Chew the Fat: The Bronze Age on Current TV

Crisis on Earth X- Now that's a lineup...

Redartz:  Greetings, everyone! From time to time here at BitBA, we've discussed some of the current trends in Marvel/DC films. Last week we touched a bit on the tv aspect, prompted by the phenomenal four hour crossover on the CW. So today, let's 'chew the fat' about those and other shows. Many of the characters and story elements these shows are using originate from our fondly-remembered Bronze age. For instance, the protagonists of Iron Fist and Luke Cage both were created during the 70's, and their heyday as a team was found in comics from that decade and the next. Likewise, the Defenders (albeit with a  notably different lineup) was born in the BA. 

On the DC side: Gotham has made use of many, many characters from every Batman era. Harvey Bullock is a prime character, who first appeared in the Bronze. Then there is Professor Hugo Strange, who (although created decades earlier) figured prominently in the series; he was 'resurrected' from obscurity by Englehart and Rogers. 

"Legends" features Firestorm, Vixen, Vibe, and others alongside such veterans as Rip Hunter, Atom and Captain Cold. Supergirl has really dipped into comics history; lately (spoiler alert!) hinting at appearances of the Legion of Super-Heroes. Flash also is known for extensive use of comic themes and 'Easter Eggs'. 

Personally, I've enjoyed all of these shows; Marvel and DC. Some more than others; for various reasons. But Flash, Supergirl and Legends are 'must see' shows at our house. And last week's "Crisis on Earth X" was the most amazing comics entertainment I've seen on the small screen in memory. It turned me into a ten-year old all over again, geeking out over all the characters, all the humor, and all the melodrama. All the best of everything good comic tales have to offer. If you haven't seen it, do your self a big favor and catch it.  

As for more specifics, let's hear from you. Do you like any of these, or other current comics-based programs? If not, why? Are there any specific arcs, or characters, or 'hidden references' that struck you? Do  you feel these shows have been faithful to their Silver and Bronze age origins? And would you like to see more such crossovers? Let your inner tv critic loose.