Batman: The Animated Series' Brilliant (And Underutilized) Villain Revamp

This week at CBR, I revisit the Riddler's Batman: The Animated Series debut...followed by another look at the excellent final volume of Batman Adventures, which used the character brilliantly.

You Say You Want an X-Men Revolution?

Okay, I'm relenting. I'm submitting to the public's demand of...2014 or so and finally delving into the rather infamous return of Chris Claremont to the X-Men in the year 2000.

Or am I?

The truth is, I've avoided looking back on these titles for a reason. I felt the comics internet of the time had already thoroughly dissected the aborted run...and wasn't eager to look into comics firmly not associated with the 1990s anyway.

As time has passed, I've noticed much of the commentary of that era has disappeared. And we're now approaching the twentieth anniversary of these comics. Also, I can't deny I've felt an increased desire to revisit this failed launch. To examine why it didn't connect, the context of the times, if there was anything of merit the cool kids overlooked...

There is a catch, though. I am an independent novelist. With a new book out. As such, I am in need of reviews for my novel, Black Hat Blues.

Amazon forbids bribing readers for reviews. Meaning, I can't promise to email you some exclusive story or blog post in exchange for leaving an Amazon review.

What I can do is predict a feeling that I'd be willing to post a review of an X-Men Revolution comic, for free for all to read, for every Amazon review of Black Hat Blues I receive, as of this date. These will be posted in appreciation -- to the universe -- sometime in May.

At the time of this writing, I'm at ten reviews. Amazon's algorithm apparently ignores books that have under 15 reviews. (Some people say you need as many as 50 reviews for Amazon to notice you.) To review the entirety of Claremont's return, that would take around thirty blog posts. So, that would mean 40 reviews on Amazon, given that I'm already at ten. But, hey, I'll throw in five freebies.

Understand you're not being obligated to purchase anything. My book is available for free to Kindle Unlimited members. Which itself offers a free trial membership. And you're not obligated to pretend you love the book if you don't.

I do think the novel is of interest to comics fans (you can read more about it here.) But everyone has different tastes and I respect that. All I can ask is for an open mind.

So...to sum up. Expect at least five X-Men Revolution reviews in May. Whether or not there are any more after that...this depends on forces beyond my control. But for everyone who's supported me in the past, you do have my appreciation.

X-Men: The Animated Series - When Xavier Went Dark (Before Phoenix)

My retrospective on the original Phoenix storyline continues at CBR. Relive Professor Xavier's evil cape, and the fill-in issue of Uncanny X-Men that inspired the episode.

Batman: the Animated Series...On Trial!

Which Batman: the Animated Series episode was pitched as a movie? And did you miss some of the strongest B:TAS stories in the canon? Find out in my latest CBR piece.

G. I. Joe: A Real American Hero - "Worlds Without End" (Part Two)

Looking back on G. I. Joe "Worlds without End Part 2," written by Marty Pasko. (Which inspired a major portion of my Joe novel series last year.) 

G. I. Joe: A Real American Hero - "Worlds Without End" (Part One)

Thought it would be fun to look back on various episodes of the Sunbow G. I. Joe series that inspired my novels. (smashwords.com/profile/view/G…) First up, "Worlds without End" written by Marty Pasko.

I might look at more of the episodes by established comics pros. Writers included Gerber, Conway, Thomas, and Wolfman. Also, Denny O'Neil, an early editor of the comics. And an established peacenik who didn't feel entirely comfortable with all of this. 

How X-Men: The Animated Series Revised the Phoenix's Origin

This week at CBR, I'm looking back on the animated adaptation of the original "Phoenix Saga." And, just for kicks, examining some of the ways Chris Claremont edited his own material in Classic X-Men.