Green Lantern and Flash Gordon

 

 

We are half way through the Lanterns series on HBO Max and while it has its moments, I hope it improves in the final four episodes.  There just isn't enough action, a character will just zip off and zip back and then just tell you that something cool you didn't see just happened.  There's maybe one or two quick moments of the ring actually being used per episode, and the rest is a bunch of people in normal clothes walking around distrusting each other.  The show is very well cast, I just wish the actors were given more to do and that the budget allowed for a little more actual Green Lantern style action.

Regular visitors may remember that Hawkgirl and Red Sonja previously participated in The Neverwar... who will be the next heroes to join?  Future covers will tell...

Green Lantern Corps Vs. The Wrecking Crew

 

The new Lanterns trailer was a lot better than the teaser but I still have my reservations about the show. It still feels a bit like it's embarrassed to be a Green Lantern show, and I don't like some of the rumors I've read regarding the fates of some of the characters.  Still, it's an HBO series and they are usually well written, and I do like the cast.  A lot is riding on this series, so I hope it is received well.  

The Spirit, The Flash and Sonic The Hedgehog

 

Previously on this blog, The Flash has crossed paths with both Sonic (STF #518) and the Spirit (STF #1672).  Bob Greenwade, frequent commenter and Patron of this Blog, suggested that all three share a cover, given their connection to Central City.  It might not be as action packed as you hoped for, Bob, but here you go!

X-Men and The Justice League of America in "Crisis on Battleworld!"

 

Now we found out where the missing heroes from yesterday's cover have been.  This marks the third clash between these two teams.  They first met in STF #700, and then again in STF #2259...

Here's a larger look at today's individual stories: 

The Atom and Nick Fury

 

There has been a lot of discussion about how Jack Kirby redefined the language of comics with his action packed angles and layouts.  I'd argue that Jim Steranko belongs in that conversation as well.  His innovative page layouts were constantly pushing boundaries and presented action and movement incredibly effectively.

Iceman and Kid Flash

I always got a kick out of the team up trope in which heroes swapped villains.  Acts of Vengeance was one of my favorite Marvel storylines for that reason back in the day.  I saw that the recent DC KO event had some interesting match ups - Did anyone read that and is it or any of its spin offs worth checking out?

Zatanna and The Son of Satan

 

I featured this pairing as a back up story recently in STF #5115, and I felt they were worthy of their own full issue.  There has been rumors that Fallout's  Ella Purnell has been in auditions to join the DCU.  Original Speculation was for Maxima, but what if she's actually in the running to play Zatanna?  I think she'd be a fit for the role.

Iron Man Vs. Peacemaker

 

Peacemaker Season 2 was a mixed bag for me.  While it had some great action, comedy and heart, like the first season, it also has some huge missteps.  The pacing was all over the place, and the series kind of ended on a whimper with all of the big moments in the penultimate episode.  Plus, having the first DCU follow up to the family friendly Superman feature an X-rated orgy scene was a head-scratchingly bad decision in my opinion.  The cliffhanger that the show was left on was interesting, but who knows when it will be resolved?

Spy Smasher and Black Widow in: "Recruiting Romanoff!"

 

This serves as a direct continuation of the events presented in the first meeting between these two, from STF #4637.  Now that they've joined forces, the Foreground Gun Guys won't know what hit them!

Black Goliath and Robin

 

Alas, there was no mention of  Bill Foster when The Ghost returned in Thunderbolts.  I haven't heard that Laurence Fishburne is in the cast for Avengers: Doomsday.  Is there a chance he will appear in Avengers Secret Wars?  Or will we have to wait for the inevitable MCU reboot where perhaps a younger actor will take over the role?

Bloodstone Vs. Swamp Thing

 

I haven't read much of Bloodstone, but I know he would track down all kinds of creatures.  I can see him setting his sights on a transformed Alec Holland.

The Flash and Ghost Rider in: "Rest in Peace - Or Race in Purgatory!"

 

The Flash first met Ghost Rider way back in STF #243... when he was recruited for a mission in Hell.  I suppose a race in purgatory is a step up from that, at least!

Power Man and The Creeper

 

I think it might be fun to see these two working side by side on a case.  The clash in personalities would make for an interesting back and forth between the two.

Metamorpho and The Falcon in: "Showdown With The Secret Empire!"

 

It's pretty cool that Metamorpho is now a much more recognized character to the general public, thanks to his inclusion in Superman.  I hope we get to see him onscreen again soon, and I wonder which lesser known DC character might show up next.  Bring on The Creeper, Space Cabbie and Skyrocket!

The Falcon and Metamorpho fought the Trojan Horde in STF #3054... and they first met in STF #2641...

Deathlok and Lothar

 

Looks like we will be seeing Lex Luthor on the big screen again sooner than we thought, with Man of Tomorrow scheduled to hit theaters in just two years.  Supposedly Lex and Superman will have to join forces against a larger threat - it has to be Brainiac, right? I have a suspicion that we may see Lex even before that though - I don't think an appearance on Peacemaker season 2 is out of the question.

Daredevil and Grendel

 

I feel like these two would go well in a story together. They seem to run in the same circles.  There's definitely a great film noir type story to be told.

Liberty Belle and Union Jack

 

I always liked reading about these two wartime heroes, even if they never quite hit the A-list. They look great too - Union Jack's has a vary cool outfit and Libby Lawrence wears her jodhpurs well. 

Brainiac Vs. Thanos

 

I think that this would make for an epic match up.  I can see them trying to out maneuver each other with some dramatic results.  Who do you think would win this war?

Thor and The All-Star Squadron

 

It will be interesting to see what kind of role Thor will play in the next Avengers movies, seeing as he is the last remaining of the founding members (I'm not counting The Hulk, who is just green Mark Ruffalo now).  The real question is, will the God of Thunder survive the experience?

Captain Marvel and Captain Action

 

Thank goodness that when a giant monster emerges on Earth-STF, there will always be a random pair of heroes to combat it.  Let's hope that these two are up to the task.