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. 

The Quarter Bin: The $1 Challenge of Changing Ways!

Martinex1: It is time for another round of the $1 Challenge.   This time we are taking a look at characters' fighting togs, but not their usual and most iconic examples.   These covers look at the various costume changes for our beloved heroes.   A few of these costumes lasted for a reasonable period, others just for a few issues; some of the looks were tied to power changes and others were simply a dive into the laundry hamper.  I may not share the exact issue in which the change occurred, but simply a cover where the change was clearly visible.


Here are my initial thoughts about some of examples below:  I liked that Ant-Man look and I'd like to see Hank swing a rusty nail more frequently. Did Binary have any real adventures in that guise?   Is Dazzler still dazzling without the dazzle (say what you want - but I think she needs some glitter)?  I refuse to believe Vance Astro had a mullet beneath his space suit.  It may be from the year 2000, but I don't mind Hellcat in blue.  On the other hand, back in 1993, I am not sure what that were thinking about Sue Storm.  I'm a fan of Strange with a mask.  And Clint Barton sure picked some extreme clothes over the years. 


Pick four that you like and comment on the style and substance of the change.  Did you like the design or did you lament the revamp?   Choose your favorites and share some thoughts.   I know I missed some key examples, so feel free to expose those as well.