Comic Review: Teen Titans Annual #2
I am a huge fan of hyperbole. It makes everything better. So believe me when I say this is probably Scott Lobdell’s finest Teen Titans comic in the entire New 52 era. I’m not entirely sure why Teen Titans gets an Annual issue on this Fifth Wednesday with a total status quo change right around the corner, but whatever. I can go with the flow. I don’t mind reading new comics, especially when they’re this solid. I daresay, Teen Titans should have been like this all along.
Comic Rating: 7/10 – Good.
Teen Titans Annual #2 gets to be Lobdell’s finest Titans issue for a few simple reasons: there’s an extended sequence of the Titans hanging out as civilians, the super-villain actually ties into an earlier comic that I liked, and there was some legitimate characterization and development. This issue isn’t about to break the mold or convince DC to not Rebirth Teen Titans, nor is it going to make me forget the past few years of crumminess. But considering we’re just killing time until Rebirth, it’s nice that Lobdell gets another chance to go out on a high note.
Honestly, I had completely forgotten about the unresolved plot thread in this issue. The Annual picks up from the encounter with Professor Pyg way back in December in Teen Titans #15. I liked that issue, and I like this one. That’s probably the best we can hope for with the Teen Titans, for now.
Join me after the jump for the full synopsis and more review!
I Finally Know My Place in the Wizarding World
At 33-years-old, the inevitable has finally happened: I’ve been sorted into my proper Potterverse house. Like everybody else on the planet, I thought I’d be sorted into one of the four houses of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But that doesn’t make any sense. I’m not British.
Fortunately, writer J.K. Rowling introduced last year the wizarding school in America: the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And on her Pottermore website yesterday, she finally wrote in the history and origins of this mysterious, magical school in Massachusetts.
Most importantly, she introduced the houses of Ilvermorny and the Sorting Ceremony!
The full story of Ilvermorny is kind of neat, and you can read it all at that link. It involves several orphans, an evil witch and the wand of Salazar Slytherin himself! Cool stuff. And coolest of all, the founder of Ilvermorny came to America on the Mayflower with the Pilgrims, and my own ancestors came to America on the Mayflower! So I have history in my blood.
If you stick around at Pottermore, you can take the quiz to find out in which house you belong. When I first joined Pottermore, I was sorted into Gryffindor, which is fine. It’s not realistic, but it was fine. Now, however, I know the truth. I was sorted at Ilvermorny and I am…
A Horned Serpent!
Horned Serpent Pride!
I will wear this designation with pride, until the end of my days. Also, my wand is 12 1/2-inches long, made from Laurel wood and has a Dragon heartstring core. Good times all around.
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6 Superheroes I Would Pay For in Marvel’s Avengers Academy Game
Against my better judgement and all odds, I’m still playing Marvel’s Avengers Academy mobile game. I didn’t have very many nice things to say about it in my List Review, but the entire point of mobile games like this are to just stay hooked and never let go. Sadly, I must admit than the prospect of seeing this alternate Marvel Universe expand has me hanging on.
Good thing I haven’t spent one red cent on the game.
You’ll never get me, game developers!
Ostensibly, Avengers Academy would probably love to have me pay them actual money to play. They offer all manner of tantalizing doodads to buy, from event currency to special decorations to, most tempting of all: unique characters. Were I so inclined, I could buy the likes of Spider-Woman, Vision, War Machine, Captain Britain or Sif to join my Academy…but I’m not. I’m not about to spend a dime!
Unless, perhaps, Avengers Academy offers any of the following characters.
The Only Game of Thrones Trailer That Ever Need Exist
Season 6 of Game of Thrones has come and gone, and it was pretty darn sweet! We’ve finally entered Act 3, and all that comes next should be badass and awesome.
Speaking of badass and awesome, here is a fan made trailer for the whole show to the tune of ‘War Pigs’ by Black Sabbath. Warning for spoilers and some NSFW imagery and cussin’. Just be prepared.
Props and a half to Zurik 23M for making this magic happen! They’ve got a lot of fun GoT music video compilations. I loved season 6, and I think I might do a write up on it in another week or two.
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And Now My Watch Begins…
The Game of Thrones finale aired last night, but I won’t get to watch it until I get off work today. The Internet is filled with spoilers, like a dangerous trip north of the Wall. Somehow, some way, I must traverse my day without visiting any spoilery websites. I don’t know how well I’ll do…
But for now, enjoy this mash-up between Game of Thrones and How to Train Your Dragon!
Darth Blender is the excellent video editor behind this beauty. And I think it makes for a solid, enjoyable Monday.
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Henchman-4-Hire 