DC Comics

The Shrine has been getting flooded (no pun intended...maybe) with pics of merchandise showing up at Target that features Aquaman in one way or the other. Despite my complaints about him being left out of the big Justice League line, the Sea King has been appearing on some of the more arts-and-crafts-type stuff, like these "Velv-Its", which are pretty much what they look like!A bunch of people sent this in, but F.O.A.M.er Jake Johnston was first out of the gate. Thanks Jake!

As Speed Force marks its fifth birthday, we decided to take a look back at where each of the Fastest Men Alive were in the fifth year of their original titles.  Happy Fifth Anniversary, Speed Force! Join us after the jump, as we journey back to 1944, 1963 and 1992 in search of Flash history, original artwork and more! JAY GARRICK: Flash Comics #1 went on sale November 10, 1939, introducing super-speedster Jay Garrick to the world.  Five years later, Jay appeared in the first story of Flash Comics #61, the “The Magic of Ultra-Speed” by Gardner Fox and Martin Naydel. Here is a synopsis of “The Magic of Ultra-Speed” from the DC Comics Database: The Flash disguises himself as a magician to perform feats of “magic” for children in a hospital ward. While using his speed to grant the wishes of his young audience, he unwittingly stops crimes in progress perpetrated by his old nemesis, Midget Joe. Midget Joe, repeat Golden Age Flash villain and World War II icon! Jay also appeared in the one-shot Big All-American Comic Book, published around October – December 1944 (depending on where you look).  The whole comic, including the then-new Flash story “The Million Dollar Apple” by Gardner Fox and E.E. Hibbard, is reprinted in the amazing DC Comics Rarities Archives, Vol. 1.  Featuring the Three Dimwits, here’s a synopsis from Mike’s Amazing World of DC Comics: Jay Garrick prepares to meet his explorer friend Robert Cromwell, who is returning from an expedition where he discovered a million dollar emerald. Cromwell hides the emerald inside an apple to protect it from thieves. When the gang of Jocko Wolfe tries to find the gem, the Flash interrupts them. However, in the scuffle the apple is lost. While Flash and the police search for the missing apple, the crooks continue to search among Cromwell’s possessions. However, the emerald has really fallen into the hands of a fruit peddler. While attending a stage show, the peddler throws the apple at Winky, Blinky, and Noddy, whose stage performance is terrible. The dimwits find the gem, then are nearly swindled out of it by Wolfe. Flash arrives in time to recover the gem and capture Wolfe. November of 1944 was a busy month for Jay, as he also appeared in the Comic Cavalcade #9 story “The Tale of the Winged Horse,” by Gardner Fox and Jon Chester Kozlak.  Could not find a full synopsis on this one, but this page states that the plot involves the Liars Club.  All-Flash #17 came out in early December and had three more new stories by Fox! BARRY ALLEN: Not counting the Showcase issues, Barry Allen’s own series began with Flash #105 on December 23, 1958.  Five years later, Barry appeared in two stories in Flash #142, out December 9th. In the first, “Perilous Pursuit of the Trickster,” we have a classic James Jesse tale by Gardner Fox, Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella.  “Puzzle of the Phantom Plunderers” follows, this time with John Broome on script.  Both of these stories have been reprinted in the Flash Archives (volume six) and Showcase Presents: Flash (volume three). Check out the following pages of amazing original art, via Comic Art Fans: page six, page seven, page eight, page nine, page 10, page 11, page 12, page 14 and page 23. Over in Justice League of America #25, Gardner Fox handles writing duties for a change as Mike Sekowsky and Bernard Sachs deliver the classic “Outcasts of Infinity“.  Here is the original splash page, also via Comic Art Fans. WALLY WEST: Flash #1, kicking off the third volume of the series, was released on March 5, 1987 with Wally West in the wingtips.  Five years later, Flash #65 and the fourth story of Born to Run appeared, courtesy of Mark Waid, Greg LaRocque and Jose Marzan, Jr.  I wasn’t able to find any original art online, but if you find some please post in the comments!  A fitting tale for an anniversary, Flash #65 was a modern look at

With "Man of Steel" already breaking box office records and well on it's way to a phenomenal run both state side and world wide, Warner Bros. Pictures have already begun the process of fast-tracking a sequel to the Superman film-franchise reboot. In seperate interviews, director Zack Snyder and screenwriter David Goyer discuss what has to happen in the sequel and how Superman's responsibilities will certainly change.

Actor Terence Stamp recently sat down with the New York Post to offer his views on "Man of Steel" and his opinions on how the film stacks up against "Superman: The Movie" in which he portrayed General Zod. Here's an excerpt: "I'm kind of ambivalent about it, that it's being made at all really," stated Stamp. "I think the movies that (director Richard) Donner shot... they were the benchmark for every one of those comic-book movies that were made afterwards. So, in a way, it's sad, although it's a great compliment they're being made."

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has announced a brand collaboration between DC Entertainment and Sanrio which will feature a new Hello Kitty line that sees the popular character dressed as a range of DC Comics Super Heroes including Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman. Set to debut in 2014, the dressed up Hello Kitty will appear on apparel, accessories and footwear, stationery, publishing, personal care, promotional products and food products.

In Man of Steel, director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and producer Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) have delivered a stunning new vision of Superman that is both fresh and familiar. "Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" explores the remarkable creative process behind the movie and showcases the exceptional concept art that shaped its unique visual style. From the stark alien vistas of Krypton to the down-to-earth warmth of Smallville, this book uncovers the intensive world-building process that makes Superman's universe both thrilling and believable. Also featuring in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, and candid on-set photography, "Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" is the ultimate insider's look at one of the most electrifying movies in recent memory. "Man of Steel: Inside the Legendary World of Superman" features a foreword by Christopher Nolan and an intrduction by Zack Snyder. The book hits bookshelves today and retails for $45.00 (hardcover).

Today we’re looking at the very first piece of fan mail ever received by DC Comics about Firestorm! Comics reader Mitch Senft holds the distinction of having the first published letter about the Nuclear Man. Mitch’s letter was very honest and pointed out some highlights of the book and some concerns he had with the character. Check out the letter’s page below from Firestorm vol. I #2 (Apr. 1978). As noted in the letter column, the letter was received in October 1977, more than a month before the first issue hit the stands! Also worth noting, last week we published a promotional piece from Nov. 1977 hyping the upcoming release of Firestorm #1. In that article, Professor Martin Stein is referred to as “Charles” Stein. Well, turns out Martin wasn’t the only one back then with an Identity Crisis (yes, pun intended). Throughout the letter column below Ronnie Raymond is referred to as “Robby” Raymond. I can understand the fan letter misidentifying him as “Robby”, but editor Jack C. Harris too? Makes you wonder if this was simply an error, or if the character was actually named “Robby” at some point prior to the release of the first issue (a possibility Gerry Conway recently suggested). Check out the letters page below. Click to enlarge! Not sure how the mix-up occurred with Ronnie’s name, but certainly makes for an interesting time capsule. I recently contacted the letter writer above, Mitch Senft, and asked for any additional feedback on his encounter with the first issue prior to publication. He responded with: About all I remember was being at a small convention around Ithaca where Milgrom and Nasser/Netzer appeared. Milgrom had a B&W copy of Firestorm #1, and I was intrigued, intrigued enough to send off a LoC [letter of comment] — which is something I did few enough times to count on the fingers of one hand. The book came out, you might note, during the brief time Gerry Conway was editing at DC. Can’t remember if this was immediately before or after his eight minutes as Marvel EIC [Editor-in-Chief]. In any case, part of his job, I believe, was to create a bunch of books that were Marvel-like — of which Firestorm was very clearly one. My thanks to Mitch for responding to my request and providing feedback on a letter he wrote over 35 years ago! Thanks, Mitch! Also, my thanks to fellow blogger Anj for digging up this letter and sending me a scan! You can check out Anj’s fantastic Supergirl blog by clicking here! Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!

Every so often the Shrine is lucky enough to receive an email in a bottle from F.O.A.M.er Barry Fackler, who resides in Hawaii (which is why I hate him), and sends us pics of Aquaman in the wilds.This is the Sea King coming ashore at Barry's favorite diving spot Honaunau on Hawaii's big island. Apparently underwater photography has been difficult of late, due to something called "winter surf" (which is probably when the temperature dropping to a chilly 70 degrees). But things seem to be clearing up so Barry will once be under the sea accompanied by the King himself! Thanks Barry and I still hate you!Check out more Barry's Aquaman photography here:Aquaman Under The SeaMera Under The SeaAquaman and Mera On Vacation

meinarch: Flash vs The Top by ~kevinmellon Having an unhappy day, but this cheers me up a bit :)  Love this pic.