Villains United: IC Special - SPOILERS!

[Nick Kal]

This was, like the mini series itself compared to the other Crisis tie-ins, my favorite one shot. It had a lot of great moments.

The ending with DOOMSDAY!!! is killer. So awesome. I can't wait to see how this leads into Infinite Crisis #7. So good!

Basically, Luthor's Society established a grand prison break across the globe and oracle is trying to work with a hwole bunch of heroes to stop it but she's unprepared and we get J'onn back to help her and the heroes are almost successful until Dr. Psycho brings out a massive army of the top bad guys... with Doomsaday, Sinestro, etc.

Also, Alexander Luhtor is crying with joy and it is now revealed that his new plan is to take the earth over with society since he can't recreate it.

Obviously, this takes place after IC # 6.. so Batman, Nightwing, Superman, etc. are missing...

[IPW]

Sounds...Neato!!!

[sly_kat]

anyone bite the dust?!

[UniqueFrequency]

wow this sounds great! sounds like the strongest tie-in to IC of all the specials so far

[20yrslater]

Basically, Luthor's Society established a grand prison break across the globe and oracle is trying to work with a hwole bunch of heroes to stop it but she's unprepared and we get J'onn back to help her and the heroes are almost successful until Dr. Psycho brings out a massive army of the top bad guys... with Doomsaday, Sinestro, etc.

Any explanation on where J'onn was?

[titanfan]

Any explanation on where J'onn was?

His dissappearance is explained in Infinite Crisis.

[JuggernautRM]

Yes, he was freed by Superboy and Nightwing, and layed down a small smackdown on SBP.

[20yrslater]

Yes, he was freed by Superboy and Nightwing, and layed down a small smackdown on SBP.

Duh. I totally forgot he was strapped to the tower. Oy.

[CMBMOOL]

:eek: is all I got to say!!!

Man, I can't wait for IC #7!!!! :p

[Leon Thomas]

Awesome. I particularly loved the ending in which Oracle talked about the line between hero and villain now being so clear.

[Tennoarashi]

:eek:

Wow.

[Steve Brady]

That "we are all of us the Justice League" kind of stuff gets me every time.


Manhattan Guardian! Taking on Doomsday!

Looks like Simone had a lot of fun with this one.

[LordEd1976]

anyone bite the dust?!

I have the same question. I mean here we are with a massive good vs. evil dukeout. There HAS to be some sort of body count. Let's hear the gory details Mach Snell!!!!

[Steve Brady]

Lots of minor heroes are shown getting beaten, but it's unclear who actually dies.

[stealthwise]

Holy crap, what an issue.

I think that I enjoyed this one-shot more than any issue of IC so far, and I really like IC up to this point. The dialogue, the flow, the action, it all comes together to make a great comic.

[sly_kat]

yeah wow, after reading this i will be at the front on the line to get infinite crisis #7!!!! Gail has done an amazing job and i have to say wow! WOW! WOW!!! Especially with doomsday!! WOW!! This issue alone had blown everything else away byfar! To have infinite crisis #7 to follow is gonna be amazing!! Plus since amongst the carnage, the deaths were sorta left hanging, none official... my guess is infinite crisis #7 is gonna have a whoppin huge death count!! and i mean early!! Here comes the heros to boot! :D

[Devil May Care]

Though I liked much about the ish, I found a couple of eyebrow raisers.

1) Wasn't Firefly killed during the OMAC mini? He's clearly seen in one panel.

2) Why were the "New" New Teen Titans (Wonder Girl inclusive) shown, complete with new costumes? I thought they were a OYL addition (as was shown by Cyborg's memories). This ish isn't OYL, is it?

3) What exactly happened between Black Adam and the Nazi? "Boom", and that's it? I didn't hear a "Shazam" or anything.

All in all, it was good. Doomsday looked killer, and the heroes are sorely lacking in muscle (I love a good underdog!)

[Syphre Zero]

anyone bite the dust?!These are by no means confirmed, but have the appearance of deaths:

Amos Fortune - Took a swan dive out of a helicopter after insulting Scandal.

Rafael Sandoval (El Diablo) - Squared off with a member of the Royal Flush gang and doesn't look like he's getting up.

Black Adam - Face-planted himself in an attempt to kill Captain Nazi. Doesn't look like he's getting up.

Captain Nazi - See Black Adam.

That's all I noticed, did I miss any?

[Syphre Zero]

Though I liked much about the ish, I found a couple of eyebrow raisers.I'll add one to your list: Hawk and Dove were in action, and in costume. Weren't they depowered after the Spectre killed the Lords of Order (T'Charr and Terataya)?

[Jkid099]

It's possible with the destruction of the Tower (of Power!!! I couldn't resist), that all that magic pent-up energy has been re-released into the Universe, and that the 10th Age of Magic has begun. With the 10th age, it's also feasible that new Lords of Order, etc. have come into being, thus granted Hawk & Dove their powers again. Although this would be rather quickly ... so we can just chalk it up to writer / artist / editor mistakes.

[20yrslater]

These are by no means confirmed, but have the appearance of deaths:

Black Adam - Face-planted himself in an attempt to kill Captain Nazi. Doesn't look like he's getting up.

Captain Nazi - See Black Adam.

That's all I noticed, did I miss any?

Didn't Captain Nazi die in Batman? And I suspect that Black Adam really isn't dead, since he has a new girlfriend during 52.

[Kent H]

Well, it's kinda obivous Adam's still alive, since he's a star in 52. But there was a panel with Cinnamon that I'm not sure of. She looks beaten, and the guys are talking above her and I see the word death/dead used several times, but since my understanding of Spanish is extremely limited, I don't know if they were saying she was dead or not.

[Violently Apathetic]

Didn't Captain Nazi die in Batman?

He said he's an 'idea' and ideas never die...so I guess he's like Uncle Sam that way. Or that's his excuse, anyway...

[Grazzt]

I'll add one to your list: Hawk and Dove were in action, and in costume. Weren't they depowered after the Spectre killed the Lords of Order (T'Charr and Terataya)?

They mention that even the magical superheroes whose powers were going wonky were still taking part in this, despite being ordered home.

[longshot7]

was it ever revealed who to the blue narration belonged to? I couldn't figure it out.

[Syphre Zero]

Well, it's kinda obivous Adam's still alive, since he's a star in 52.Hence my disclaimers about the "appearance" of characters dying. I've been steering clear of previews and spoilers for several months, since I prefer to preserve the element of surprise. Reading a one-line blurb on Newsarama about what will happen five issues down the road kinda takes the fun out of it. If Adam's around for 52, then I'd say he did in fact get up. That Marvel family is a bunch of tough bastards.

In all likelihood, none of the people I listed are really dead and gone, thanks to DC's long-running fascination with resurrecting characters that had apparently shuffled off their mortal coils. Somewhere down the line, a writer will want to use Amos Fortune in a story and will pen a brief flashback that shows him landing on something soft. Likewise, Rafael will probably get up and drag himself to the emergency room, where he'll get a few stitches and a nice lollipop from the good doctors before they send him home. The DC editors will say, "It's not a retcon if you didn't actually see him die!" and we, the readers, will accept it as we always do. You can hardly blame them; why close the door when you can leave it open a crack and sell books with it later?

Rather than be a thread-killer, I digress. I enjoyed the hell out of this special and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Syphre Zero]

was it ever revealed who to the blue narration belonged to? I couldn't figure it out.The blue narration was the Calculator; he made a reference to his former (and thoroughly ridiculous) costume.

[longshot7]

The blue narration was the Calculator; he made a reference to his former (and thoroughly ridiculous) costume.

you're right, I remember now. Thanks.

[Syphre Zero]

They mention that even the magical superheroes whose powers were going wonky were still taking part in this, despite being ordered home.That part made plenty of sense; in fact, I was pleased to see the Shadowpact toe the line with everyone else.

As far as Hawk and Dove are concerned, it doesn't quite fit with Nabu's parting words at the end of the Day of Vengeance special, as he refers to his own death as that of the LAST of the great Lords of Order and Chaos. As T'Charr and Terataya purportedly withdrew their powers upon their own deaths, it would seem that Holly and Dawn would have skipped straight past "wonky" to "impotent." Given that this is apparently not the case, I can accept "they got better" as an explanation. :)

[NMoline]

Can someone answer to me where Doomsday has been, and where the Society found him and how they convinced him to join? Also, does the world stand a chance with Doomsday running loose? Hell he did kill Superman and just walk through the Justice League.

[Thnikkaman]

Can someone answer to me where Doomsday has been, and where the Society found him and how they convinced him to join? Also, does the world stand a chance with Doomsday running loose? Hell he did kill Superman and just walk through the Justice League.

Doomsday's been trapped in the Earth's core, as far as I can tell, and it looks like Dr. Psycho's using his mental powers to control him.

[forthepeople]

First what an amazing issue. First time crisis gave me that feeling since wally's last issue. Last I remember doomsday was in a superman book with gog. Anyone give some details on doomsday since Darkseid had him last?

[rfahey]

It's nice to see Bane get some work again. I could swear I saw Penguin escaping from Blackgate, but isn't he a free citizen right now? Also, I can't imagine how the heroes will be able to win against Doomsday, especially without casualties. Maybe now would be a good time to send in Spectre?

[sudoku]

I enjoyed this story, but it left me with more questions than answers..

as already mentioned, where was doomsday and how did he get there? (when last we saw him, it was in action comics about a year ago - darkseid had given him intellect and he had used it to escape from apokolips. then he went to metropolis - and from there things get confusing. there is a big battle with multiple Gogs from the future, and metropolis is completely destroyed. then, another gog from even farther in the future comes back and wipes it all out of history - doomsday and the army of Gogs vanish. Exactly how much was changed is unclear (presumably, metropolis was never destroyed, but what about doomsday? was his escape from darkseid removed from history, too?)

what's up with calculator? his dialogue in this issue pretty clearly suggests that he does not know that luthor is really alex luthor. how can that be reconciled with the fact that calculator was working with both luthors simultaneously? calculator's dealings with the real luthor occur in teen titans and supergirl; most notably, calculator and the real luthor work together in the "insiders" story arc (which takes place after "countdown," and therefore, after calculator has joined the society), but there is no indication that calculator thinks the real luthor is the same guy he works with on the society - in fact, the two discuss payment; luthor has hired calculator.

and most importantly, how can Fire be present in this story while she is simultaneously fighting brother eye over in the omac special?? ;)

[Nick Kal]

what's up with calculator? his dialogue in this issue pretty clearly suggests that he does not know that luthor is really alex luthor. how can that be reconciled with the fact that calculator was working with both luthors simultaneously? calculator's dealings with the real luthor occur in teen titans and supergirl; most notably, calculator and the real luthor work together in the "insiders" story arc (which takes place after "countdown," and therefore, after calculator has joined the society), but there is no indication that calculator thinks the real luthor is the same guy he works with on the society - in fact, the two discuss payment; luthor has hired calculator.

and most importantly, how can Fire be present in this story while she is simultaneously fighting brother eye over in the omac special?? ;)

Calculator knows there is more than 1 Luthor, however he doesn't know that this Luthor is Alex Luthor... just that he might be from another time/ world... I guess.

Also, I believe Black Canary and Mr. Terrific talked about how they had just beat the OMAC and went right into fighting the villains... so there!

[NMoline]

It's nice to see Bane get some work again. I could swear I saw Penguin escaping from Blackgate, but isn't he a free citizen right now? Also, I can't imagine how the heroes will be able to win against Doomsday, especially without casualties. Maybe now would be a good time to send in Spectre?
Well against Bane and Doomsday it may take the combined powers of Superman Wonder Woman and Batman to defeat. Maybe that explains their disappearance. What the hell am I talking about? Just crazy speculation that has no basis in fact :eek: !

[Michael P]

2) Why were the "New" New Teen Titans (Wonder Girl inclusive) shown, complete with new costumes? I thought they were a OYL addition (as was shown by Cyborg's memories). This ish isn't OYL, is it?

Ravager and Kid Devil were still around A Year Ago, so they probably got the call same as everyone else did.

And I too was glad to see the Manhattan Guardian.

[seaflower]

He said he's an 'idea' and ideas never die...so I guess he's like Uncle Sam that way. Or that's his excuse, anyway...

Was it just me or did anyone else think of the movie V for Vendetta, when he said that line?

I loved this issue, just honest to God, loved it. By the time I got to the ending, I almost shed a tear out of happiness, was really touch by that stand off scene and with the magic superheroes who decided to fight, despite the possiblity of their powers not working properly during the fight. Reminds me why I got into comics in the first place.

[sudoku]

Calculator knows there is more than 1 Luthor, however he doesn't know that this Luthor is Alex Luthor... just that he might be from another time/ world... I guess.

In this story, he mentions that this Luthor (Alex) was president.. which suggests he thinks that Alex Luthor is the real Luthor. (it was actually the other Luthor who was President.) I'm not sure where you got the idea that Calculator knows there are two..? Maybe I missed something.

Also, I believe Black Canary and Mr. Terrific talked about how they had just beat the OMAC and went right into fighting the villains... so there!

You're right about that.. that's what places this story simultaneously with the OMAC special - Black Canary, Mr. Terrific, and the others arrive back from their battle (in space) at the beginning of the OMAC special; the rest of the special concerns the battle with Brother Eye after he crashes in the desert - and it involves Fire from beginning to end. (of course, i'm just kidding about her appearance here being a big deal; it's pretty insignificant.)

[forthepeople]

What page did bane show up on. I saw lock-up with talia and luthor.

[sudoku]

Did anyone else notice that Plastic Man is fighting Clayface at the Blackgate prison breakout, but by the end of the story, they're at Alkatraz, and Clayface is wearing one of the Alkatraz prisoner collars?

[Michael P]

DiDio mentions Bane on the "DC Nation" page, on the back, which supposedly has his notes to Geoff Johns on Infinite Crisis 7.

[EZMOHR]

What a fun issue. This is the kind of comic stories I like...balls out action. It was like the comic version of the last episode of BtVS.

[EZMOHR]

You know, I know it will not happen....but I think somehow, someway, somebody is gonna kill Dr. Light before the end of IC#7?

[rfahey]

What page did bane show up on. I saw lock-up with talia and luthor.

Bane's on the page showing the beginning of the fight between the 2 sides. If I were him, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near Doomsday - the collateral damage alone would be lethal.

[Kistler]

Did anyone else hear the ending music from Braveheart or the climatic battle music from Highlander in their heads when they saw this final rush into battle?

Maybe that's just me. :-P

[Devil May Care]

Bane's on the page showing the beginning of the fight between the 2 sides. If I were him, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near Doomsday - the collateral damage alone would be lethal.

I missed him the first time. It seems like he's drawn with Venom tubes, too. How bitterly disappointing, after the appropriate send-off he was given in the Bat books (and even in IC - Talia once mentions that Bane refused to join the Society, going so far as to send their messenger home in a box). And he kicked Venom years ago.

God, where the hell were the editors? Did they all take a mass lunch break when this book was up for review?

(Oh, and in that same panel, bottom center - damned if that doesn't look like Rorshach on his hands and knees. Who is that?)

[Andy S.]

Did anyone else hear the ending music from Braveheart or the climatic battle music from Highlander in their heads when they saw this final rush into battle?

Maybe that's just me. :-P

For me, it was the Return of the King music, where King Aragorn is rallying his troops to storm the black gate. :)

[TommyV]

Obviously, this takes place after IC # 6.. so Batman, Nightwing, Superman, etc. are missing...

I'm a little confused about this one (or I'm just not remembering correctly)...weren't Batman, Wonder Woman, Nightwing, Wonder Girl and the 2 Supermans standing around Conner's body in the tower's remains at the end of IC#6? Why are they deemed "missing?" Where did they go since then?

Also, I don't remember Calculator ever figuring out that he was serving two Luthors....can someone let me know when that happened?

This issue was AMAZING on a thousand different levels. Gail Simone is just so damned good.

[aeastwic]

I'm a little confused about this one (or I'm just not remembering correctly)...weren't Batman, Wonder Woman, Nightwing, Wonder Girl and the 2 Supermans standing around Conner's body in the tower's remains at the end of IC#6? Why are they deemed "missing?" Where did they go since then?

Also, I don't remember Calculator ever figuring out that he was serving two Luthors....can someone let me know when that happened?

This issue was AMAZING on a thousand different levels. Gail Simone is just so damned good.

Yeah, MM was up at the North Pole with everyone else, so why should anyone think that they are missing...of course it adds to the dramatic tension to have them missing, but...


Calculator dealt with both Luthors throughout several different books, but never in the same book. He dealt with Society Lex for the most part, but in a couple of books like Supergirl, it was clearly Battlesuit Lex (Mockingbird). No one knows how much he knows about the two Luthors, and when he knew it. He seems to think that Society Lex is the real Lex and that the other one is an imposter.

Yup. Simone is great. One of DC's best.

[TommyV]

Yeah, MM was up at the North Pole with everyone else, so why should anyone think that they are missing...of course it adds to the dramatic tension to have them missing, but...


Calculator dealt with both Luthors throughout several different books, but never in the same book. He dealt with Society Lex for the most part, but in a couple of books like Supergirl, it was clearly Battlesuit Lex (Mockingbird). No one knows how much he knows about the two Luthors, and when he knew it. He seems to think that Society Lex is the real Lex and that the other one is an imposter.

Yup. Simone is great. One of DC's best.

Thanks, aeastwic.

I'm assuming there'll be something in IC#7 that will explain why those guys are considered "missing." I thought it truly odd that J'onn was up there where they're all at, and he wasn't lumped in with the missing heroes (who should be standing right near him, unless something funny is going on).

[rfahey]

One of the IC #7 covers does show Batman and WW fighting the Society in Metropolis, so I guess that's how the Society gets taken down. It's strange, though, that they would leave the Green Lantern Corps. to take down SBP (assuming the covers are accurate).

[Sean Walsh]

One of the IC #7 covers does show Batman and WW fighting the Society in Metropolis, so I guess that's how the Society gets taken down. It's strange, though, that they would leave the Green Lantern Corps. to take down SBP (assuming the covers are accurate).

Uh, look at a few of the OYL titles (BoP, BATTLE FOR BLUDHAVEN). The Society is still around after IC.

I'm getting the impression, though (from Didio's comments in his last-page DC article from this week) that there's QUITE a body count in the opening pages of IC#7.......so perhaps the Society's ranks are thinned a bit...

[BoosterBronze]

I LOVED this book.
The DCU is so much more interesting now than it was a year ago (even if it does have a lame new Blue Beetle... sorry, couldn't help myself, I just miss Kord).

Manhattan Guardian!?! I have no CLUE who this guy is (I couldn't afford 7Soldiers) but he looks so cool standing there with all the 2nd Stringers and J'Ohn, who's never gotten the respect despite BEING a 1st stringer. Mr. Terriffic! I'm SO ready to see him kick ass. And they are all ready to fight (and probably die). To use pro wrestling parlance, all these heroes are now 'over' with me.

The last few pages gave me chills. CHILLS!

[Lex]

I cheered when Talia poured coffee in Dr. Light's lap and then hit him. That bastard deserves to die a gruesome death (and will probably be the only Infinite Crisis death that I won't mind), but I'll take what I can get.

[titanfan]

(of course, i'm just kidding about her appearance here being a big deal; it's pretty insignificant.)

Well she did go from the Middle East to Brazil to Metropolis. She's going to get a nasty case of jet lag when this is over.

With Doomsday--the key to beating him is to hit him with an attack that he hasn't developed an immunity to yet, right? (Or put him stasis/teleport him etc.) I think someone that no one expects is going to be the one who takes him out.

[Grazzt]

You know, I know it will not happen....but I think somehow, someway, somebody is gonna kill Dr. Light before the end of IC#7?

I think it would be kinda ironic if someone with darkness powers is the one to kill him. Either Obsidian, Nightshade (better because I think a woman should take him down after his crimes against women), or the Shade (which I would love because Shade is awesome).

Does anyone else find it funny that the good guy side seems to have a monopoly on darkness powers?

[TommyV]

Well she did go from the Middle East to Brazil to Metropolis. She's going to get a nasty case of jet lag when this is over.

With Doomsday--the key to beating him is to hit him with an attack that he hasn't developed an immunity to yet, right? (Or put him stasis/teleport him etc.) I think someone that no one expects is going to be the one who takes him out.

Captain Atom? DiDio (or somebody) said that he'd be back sooner than we think.....

[titanfan]

Maybe. Captain Atom is back as the cliffhanger for one of the comics that came out this week....

but I think somehow, someway, somebody is gonna kill Dr. Light before the end of IC#7?

He's around OYL, so the jerk probably lives.

[TommyV]

[QUOTE=titanfan]Maybe. Captain Atom is back as the cliffhanger for one of the comics that came out this week....



QUOTE]

Oh crap! Say no more - I've only read VU so far (15 more to go!)

[davros42]

Also, does the world stand a chance with Doomsday running loose? Hell he did kill Superman and just walk through the Justice League.

Well, J'onn now that he's not hiding as Bloodwynd should be able to take on Doomsday... He's got Superman level strength plus the mind powers.

..And failing that we have one Superman too many (and a rogue Superboy who seems nigh unbeatable at the moment).

Who thinks Earth-2 Superman or Superboy Prime might just die to take out Doomsday?

[Andy S.]

Question: Who is Black Alice?



Also, great book. Makes me really look forward to IC #7, as if I wasn't excited enough already. I wanna see Dr. Psycho get his ass handed to him. :evilsmile

[PatrickG]

Okay...

Austen didn't write the last two issues of ACTION COMICS in his run. Everyone thought he did because of the psuedonym but according to Austen, he took a pseudonym on WORLDWATCH as a stab at DC, who wanted him to take a pseudonym to avoid taking flack from retailers and fans who were prejudiced against his writing because of his prior work. Austen refused and took an obvious pseudonym for WORLDWATCH.

And then, according to Austen, it appears that SUPERMAN (and INFINITE CRISIS) editor Eddie Berganza stepped in to write the last two issues of Austen's run and he took a pseudonym as a friendly jab back at Austen. (I actually like Austen's work but I thought those last two issues pre-Simone were at the same time better written AND more confusing than anything Austen has written. They read almost like a Mark Waid/Joe Kelly collaboration.)

Anyway, in that story, we see three enemies fighting Superman. Doomsday, Preus and Gog.

Preus deserts the battle to return to Kandor (where he will presumably show up in SUPERGIRL if my guess is correct).

We see future versions of Doomsday and Gog who defeat the "present day" Gog. And while we see the parallel future Doomsday who has become a hero, we never see what happens to Doomsday, who is presumably hiding somewhere on earth. (Doomsday has crude intelligence and is afraid of Superman so I'm guessing he burrowed to the earth's core and hid there until the VILLAINS UNITED issue.)

[rfahey]

Black Alice was in Day of Vengeance. Her power is to temporarily absorb the powers of metahumans around her. In DOV, she temporarily absorbed all of the Spectre's powers, leaving him nothing more than a powerless ghost.

[Davmeister84]

Well, J'onn now that he's not hiding as Bloodwynd should be able to take on Doomsday... He's got Superman level strength plus the mind powers.

..And failing that we have one Superman too many (and a rogue Superboy who seems nigh unbeatable at the moment).

Who thinks Earth-2 Superman or Superboy Prime might just die to take out Doomsday?

E2 Supes seems the most likely bet, seeing as he is apparently evenly matched with the current Superman and that would make it a fair fight.

SB-P just seems WAY too powerful to have Doomsday make it even slightly close.

And J'onn will be too busy trying to break Dr. Psycho's hold on Doomsday to actually have a straight up fight. Mindless Doomsday is bad enough, but having an intelligent one is worlds worse.

[Syphre Zero]

Captain Atom? DiDio (or somebody) said that he'd be back sooner than we think.....Now that would make for an interesting solution to the Doomsday problem. Instead of trying to kill him, shrink him to the size of a subatomic particle and leave him there. A teeny tiny Doomsday poses no threat to anyone, but leaves him available for a writer to grab down the road, i.e. a rogue supervillain restores him to normal size and chaos ensues.

[Davmeister84]

Now that would make for an interesting solution to the Doomsday problem. Instead of trying to kill him, shrink him to the size of a subatomic particle and leave him there. A teeny tiny Doomsday poses no threat to anyone, but leaves him available for a writer to grab down the road, i.e. a rogue supervillain restores him to normal size and chaos ensues.

I think you're confusing Captain Atom for The Atom.

[Modi]

E2 Supes seems the most likely bet, seeing as he is apparently evenly matched with the current Superman and that would make it a fair fight.

SB-P just seems WAY too powerful to have Doomsday make it even slightly close.

And J'onn will be too busy trying to break Dr. Psycho's hold on Doomsday to actually have a straight up fight. Mindless Doomsday is bad enough, but having an intelligent one is worlds worse.

For all we know J'onn might end up killing the little bastard.

[Davmeister84]

For all we know J'onn might end up killing the little bastard.

I thought Dr. Psycho already appears OYL in Manhunter?

[EZMOHR]

I thought Dr. Psycho already appears OYL in Manhunter?


He did appear in it.

[Syphre Zero]

I think you're confusing Captain Atom for The Atom.You are 100% correct, and I have just demoted myself to j00 st00p1d n00b as punishment for not paying attention. This is what happens when I try to cruise forums and work at the same time.

I now find myself at a bit of a loss as to how Doomsday could be defeated this time around. A Doomsday/E2 Superman showdown would be symbolic and appropriate, but Doomsday has evolved past the ability to be killed by a simple beatdown. I rather like the idea of the magical community getting the win, but the how could be a problem.

[EZMOHR]

You know, I don't know what will happen in IC #7, but I hope Black Adam gets off his butt from the Captain Nazi fight.....and dishes out a little towards Doomsday and Alex Luthor for strapping him to the machine.

[rfahey]

Black Alice was in Day of Vengeance. Her power is to temporarily absorb the powers of other metahumans. The DOV crew thought they could use her to defeat the Spectre by rendering him powerless and then taking him down, but he simply became an intangible ghost until his powers came back.

[TommyV]

You are 100% correct, and I have just demoted myself to j00 st00p1d n00b as punishment for not paying attention. This is what happens when I try to cruise forums and work at the same time.

I now find myself at a bit of a loss as to how Doomsday could be defeated this time around. A Doomsday/E2 Superman showdown would be symbolic and appropriate, but Doomsday has evolved past the ability to be killed by a simple beatdown. I rather like the idea of the magical community getting the win, but the how could be a problem.

You know, your confusing Atom for Captain Atom actually leads to a much better scenario -I think your idea is fantastic, and it would be a dramatic return for Ray Palmer.

[Kara Zor El]

It would be great for Superboy Prime to whup Doomsday. Doomsday is beaten by someone who can not be beaten sort of thing. Beaten by someone who shouldn't actually exist. Doomsday would see a boy in the familliar costume and smirk to himself, and think - "Boy, you're warm up!" and then bish-bosh-bash, bits of Doomsday everywhere.
I'm still holding out for Lex to turn up and do something special. Shame we didn't see him in VUS.
The whole issue was great, once it started to come together.

I wonder why the villians are marching on Metropolis though. Why not Washington?

[Michael P]

I wonder why the villians are marching on Metropolis though. Why not Washington?
Washington's the capitol of one country. Metropolis is the home base of the world's greatest hero. You do the math.

[Sheldon]

This was so bloody awesome. Great buildup, tension and a great finish. I hope J'onn gets some licks in on ol'doomsy.

[ShaggyB]

E2 Supes seems the most likely bet, seeing as he is apparently evenly matched with the current Superman and that would make it a fair fight.

SB-P just seems WAY too powerful to have Doomsday make it even slightly close.

And J'onn will be too busy trying to break Dr. Psycho's hold on Doomsday to actually have a straight up fight. Mindless Doomsday is bad enough, but having an intelligent one is worlds worse.

Id pay to see Doomsday vs SBP. Itd be a 20 second fight but it would be awesome. Prime lets DDay hit him then the retaliation punch happens, down goes DDay. itd be one of those "oh @#$%" moments for the heroes. "Did I just see him pwn that noob?"

sadly prime has his hands full with the lanterns.

question though, if jonn is at the doomsday fight why is he on the cover of lanterns vs superboyprime?

[4DGlasses]

While I enjoyed Dr. Light getting his pee-pee burned with a hot beverage, the dialogue was sub-par at best.

C -, but hoping fanboys froth over it so i can make some money off of selling it.

[Devil May Care]

While I enjoyed Dr. Light getting his pee-pee burned with a hot beverage, the dialogue was sub-par at best.

C -, but hoping fanboys froth over it so i can make some money off of selling it.

I'd give it a C- just for all the sloppy editing.

[Xero]

El Diablo isn't dead, he was about to die and was saved by the warden shooting that Royal Flush Gang banger.

[Davmeister84]

Entirely possible that after Doomsday is taken out, SB-P shows up to take out the remaining heroes after the Society scatters from their loss.

Hmm... here's my guess:

E2-Supes shows up and takes on Doomsday 1 vs. 1, beating him. Also possible is that E2-Supes doesn't easily handle Doomsday, just to show that current Superman didn't just die like a punk bitch but actually had to fight hard against Doomsday. To prevent the loss, Ray Palmer shows up and takes him out via the sub-atomic shrink. -Then- SB-P shows up to try and finish off the rest of the heroes and the only conceivable threat to him, the other pre-Crisis Kryptonian.

Once they're into that fight, the GL Corps shows up to turn the tide against him.

[stealthwise]

While I enjoyed Dr. Light getting his pee-pee burned with a hot beverage, the dialogue was sub-par at best.

C -, but hoping fanboys froth over it so i can make some money off of selling it.

Wtf?

The dialogue was my favourite part.

- Fortune's lament before his landing...

- "Riddle me this, Nigma. What's got a bad moustache and doesn't breathe?"
"Me, if I move?"
"You, if you move"

- Everything Ragdoll said

- Dr. Psycho and Warp's discussion of the French

- "Oh dear. 'About Bloody Time.' I've gone and made a pun."

- "I'd damn well like to see them try."

[Sean Walsh]

El Diablo isn't dead, he was about to die and was saved by the warden shooting that Royal Flush Gang banger.

You're right. When I first read it, I thought I saw a puddle of blood underneath him.

[mdg1]

Black Alice doesn't absorb metahuman powers... only magic-based powers. And they don't have to be nearby.

[SuperManny]

I'm assuming there'll be something in IC#7 that will explain why those guys are considered "missing." I thought it truly odd that J'onn was up there where they're all at, and he wasn't lumped in with the missing heroes (who should be standing right near him, unless something funny is going on).

The reason why they're considered "missing" is because Oracle simply doesn't know where they are. First of all, communications are haywire, as noted by the issues of Infinite Crisis, so it's not too hard to picture Nightwing and Oracle not exactly texting each other. Also, Superman E-2, Superman and Wonder Woman were all hanging out on Earth 2 before reaching the Tower. No one knew where they went. Finally, only Nightwing and Superboy knew the location of the Tower before the big fight, so it's not surprising since they couldn't get anyone else to go with them, that they had 'disappeared'.

Batman and the Green Lanterns were dealing with Brother Eye, another unannounced flight to space.

Chances are it will not be mentioned in Infinite Crisis #7 the nitty gritty details of them "missing", but these events should deduce the reason behind the "missing" label.

:D

[Violently Apathetic]

- "Riddle me this, Nigma. What's got a bad moustache and doesn't breathe?"
"Me, if I move?"
"You, if you move"


See, that kinda bugged me. I mean it would have been clever and all but...he doesn't have a moustache...in fact I don't think he's EVER had one. Nice try, Huntress, but it probably would have made more sense with Dr. Psycho or something...

...Wait, no it wouldn't. Huh. You fail entirely, Huntress.

[Sean Walsh]

See, that kinda bugged me. I mean it would have been clever and all but...he doesn't have a moustache...in fact I don't think he's EVER had one. Nice try, Huntress, but it probably would have made more sense with Dr. Psycho or something...

...Wait, no it wouldn't. Huh. You fail entirely, Huntress.

She's got a nice rack.

That's gotta count for something.

[Rollo_Tomasi]

This was an excellent issue. My only question is, wouldn't Black Adam be hunting down the rest of the Society instead of sitting on his throne?

[Violently Apathetic]

She's got a nice rack.

That's gotta count for something.

Fair enough, so long as I can use the fact that Jason Todd looks good in tight pants to validate his existence.

[Sean Walsh]

This was an excellent issue. My only question is, wouldn't Black Adam be hunting down the rest of the Society instead of sitting on his throne?

You'd think so, but given all the chaos around the world, perhaps he put being back in Khandaq (to defend it just in case) first on his list of priorities...

[Dr. Killtrocity]

I apologize if this was noted, but I missed it, but where are all the heroes?

[Violently Apathetic]

Most of the 'powerhouse' heroes (The Green Lanterns, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc...) are either dealing with Superboy Prime or MIA (The Flashes) and thus cannot get back to help with Doomsday and the hordes of baddies, leaving it to the less impressive on the power scale (but certainly not in resolve) heroes to deal with.

[rfahey]

Judging by one of IC #7's covers, it appears that the big guns do make it back in time for the rumble. I'm curious to see how they split responsibilities between AL, SBP, and the Society.

[Damo]

The writing? Majestic. That's the word for it.

The art? Often superb, but flawed because... dude, I'm sorry, but the DC Editors don't do anything for continuity any more, do they? There's a lot of continuity mistakes in terms of who's drawn and how they're drawn. Any time Gail gives them dialogue they feel right, but there were lots of guest appearances drawn in that were just off (Penguin in prison? Um, no.)

Loved seeing Cap Nazi again though. It was flat out idiotic to take a dude that can give Cap Marvel (and thus Superman) a beating, and have him "die" at the hands of Jason Todd. Any other year that would probably rank as the dumbest moment all year... but I'm not sure if it even makes the top 100 what with the year we've been having.

I don't think Diablo is dead. Looks like Jack was about to kill him when he got shot by the heroic but in over his head Warden.

Cinnamon is left up in the air (meaning she's alive. ^_~ ). They guys talking over her are basically going "You think she's dead?" "I think she might be dead, do you think she's dead?" "I don't care if she'd dead, I've been in prison for 8 years."

Amos Fortune might very well have gotten the best and most in character death of this whole lousy IC. I'm serious.

To the best of my knowledge we've only seen Calculator work with Lex in Supergirl. The rest of the time it's Alex. Maybe Supergirl is set before Alex puts together the Society. Maybe Supergirl is out of the loop with the rest of DC's writing.

Black Alice first appeared in BoP, as one of a series of vigilantes who had "crossed the line" that the Birds were trying to take down, in order to keep them from giving all vigilantes a bad name. Alice's problem was basically that she didn't know her own strength - she has the ability (either meta or magic) to temporarily mimic the powers of ANY of Earth's magic users. She briefly copied Dr. Fate's power, and Zatana's, and here she's seen copying Alan Scott's. Do not mess with Alice.

[d newton]

The art? Often superb, but flawed because... dude, I'm sorry, but the DC Editors don't do anything for continuity any more, do they? There's a lot of continuity mistakes in terms of who's drawn and how they're drawn. Any time Gail gives them dialogue they feel right, but there were lots of guest appearances drawn in that were just off (Penguin in prison? Um, no.)
What continuity errors are you referring to here? :confused:

[4DGlasses]

Wtf?

The dialogue was my favourite part.

- Fortune's lament before his landing...

- "Riddle me this, Nigma. What's got a bad moustache and doesn't breathe?"
"Me, if I move?"
"You, if you move"

- Everything Ragdoll said

- Dr. Psycho and Warp's discussion of the French

- "Oh dear. 'About Bloody Time.' I've gone and made a pun."

- "I'd damn well like to see them try."

That's nice that you liked it.

Every highlight you mentioned makes me groan. No sir, I didn't like it. Very cheesey.

[marshal99]

I have to say the art is a mess , the scale of the villains is really bad and drawn badly.

[MRMcDermott]

The blue narration was the Calculator; he made a reference to his former (and thoroughly ridiculous) costume.Hmm... like a sport jacket with crossword checks (or is that calculator keys) is an improvement. These second-tier villains have got to stop buying their office attire from Paul Gambi's Villainswear Outlet.

[nitake92]

I do like this issue even though it was more of a build up to the rumble that will happen in IC 7.

It's a bit wierd that we don't see most of the JSA, Outsider, Teen Titan in the hero lineup at the end but thanks to the Perez cover, I know they'll be in there.

[TommyV]

The reason why they're considered "missing" is because Oracle simply doesn't know where they are. First of all, communications are haywire, as noted by the issues of Infinite Crisis, so it's not too hard to picture Nightwing and Oracle not exactly texting each other. Also, Superman E-2, Superman and Wonder Woman were all hanging out on Earth 2 before reaching the Tower. No one knew where they went. Finally, only Nightwing and Superboy knew the location of the Tower before the big fight, so it's not surprising since they couldn't get anyone else to go with them, that they had 'disappeared'.

Batman and the Green Lanterns were dealing with Brother Eye, another unannounced flight to space.

Chances are it will not be mentioned in Infinite Crisis #7 the nitty gritty details of them "missing", but these events should deduce the reason behind the "missing" label.

:D

I guess that would make sense if the tower hadn't already been destroyed by the time this happened (J'onn is standing in its debris), and if J'onn didn't tell Oracle that there'd "been a death." If he's there, and Superboy is dead, he should know where those guys are (since they're standing over Conner's body). I loved this issue, but if you're going to take out all of the big guns for a huge battle like this, there has to be an explanation for where they are since they've shown up already. The heroes fighting OMAC are back on Earth (said in this issue), and the the others are back from Earth 2. I can understand giving them time to mourn Conner, but there's a bloody war about to begin.

[aeastwic]

You'd think so, but given all the chaos around the world, perhaps he put being back in Khandaq (to defend it just in case) first on his list of priorities...

He probably was sent back there when the Earths re-merged. It looks like destroying the tower in IC 6, collasped all Earths back into one.

-A

[Sean Walsh]

Hmm... like a sport jacket with crossword checks (or is that calculator keys) is an improvement.

Yes. It is. (http://www.comictreadmill.com/images/Calculator.bmp)

[Sean Walsh]

What continuity errors are you referring to here? :confused:

A few things even this big fan of the VU special noticed...

- Penguin in Blackgate
- Firefly apparently alive and well
- Looker back to being her original white chick self (she was killed in a later OUTSIDERS series and then had her mind transferred into another woman's body)
- Toyman being in jail, despite possibly being killed (and reformed in a way) in Rucka's AoS

[Damo]

That's nice that you liked it.

Every highlight you mentioned makes me groan. No sir, I didn't like it. Very cheesey.

And everything that made you groan, I thought was the best dialogue I've read all month.

Horses for courses.

Anyway, anyone else really happy to see Dr. Psycho leading the evil army? Wonder Woman is one of the freaking trinity, but her villains never seem to get any respect in the big crossovers.

[titanfan]

Black Alice first appeared in BoP, as one of a series of vigilantes who had "crossed the line" that the Birds were trying to take down, in order to keep them from giving all vigilantes a bad name. Alice's problem was basically that she didn't know her own strength - she has the ability (either meta or magic) to temporarily mimic the powers of ANY of Earth's magic users. She briefly copied Dr. Fate's power, and Zatana's, and here she's seen copying Alan Scott's. Do not mess with Alice.

She--she doesn't mimic their powers--she outright STEALS them. Those people temporarily lose their powers while she's borrowing them. I had to think somewhere Alan Scott was flying over the city and suddenly plummeted to his death because Alice was borrowing them. She should be taking her powers from villains like she did against the Spectre.

[Steve Brady]

As was mentioned upthread, this is a New Earth. This book takes place after the big merge. All things are true, until we're told otherwise B)

[Damo]

I figure most of the heroes went after Superboy Prime and Alex Luthor. Black Adam rushed home, because he wanted to make sure it was all right. It comes first in his mind. The real question is why J'onn isn't with the other heroes. Maybe his telepathy helped him sense something else was up and he said to the others "you go on after that whiny superboy-wannabe, I have the feeling I'm needed here".

And I'd forgotten about Alice's power stealing. I hope that comes up later. Felix Faust about to deliver a death blow suddenly finds himself powerless, or similar.

Alice stole the power of Captain Marvel once. Maybe she'll borrow Black Adam's if he can't make it back to the fight? I'd love to see Doomsday at ground zero with this girl yelling "Shazam Shazam Shazam!" ala' Kingdom Come.

[stealthwise]

See, that kinda bugged me. I mean it would have been clever and all but...he doesn't have a moustache...in fact I don't think he's EVER had one. Nice try, Huntress, but it probably would have made more sense with Dr. Psycho or something...

...Wait, no it wouldn't. Huh. You fail entirely, Huntress.

Look at the art, he's got a moustache in it. Maybe he decided to grow it out for the Asylum Talent Show, I don't know. But the line slayed me.

[Damo]

Yeah, it's not like The Riddler's ever been depicted with a mustache before, is it?

Oh, wait... http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=John%20Astin%20riddler&sa=N&tab=wi

[Violently Apathetic]

Look at the art, he's got a moustache in it. Maybe he decided to grow it out for the Asylum Talent Show, I don't know. But the line slayed me.
I'm looking at it and unless his moustache is growing out of the bridge of his nose I'm not seeing it. Anyone got a scanner so I can either prove I'm not going insane or be proven wrong and go ahead and have myself commited?

And by that logic, Damo, it would be accurate for Huntress to call the Penguin a flipper baby.

Edit: On a somewhat related not I just spent a few minutes flipping through the book comparing the lines on people's faces and was struck by how many characters have facial hair. I don't know why I thought that was worth bringing up.

[Damo]

I'm looking at it and unless his moustache is growing out of the bridge of his nose I'm not seeing it. Anyone got a scanner so I can either prove I'm not going insane or be proven wrong and go ahead and have myself commited?

I see it, but the art could definitely be clearer.

And by that logic, Damo, it would be accurate for Huntress to call the Penguin a flipper baby.

I was really just making the point that it's not a big deal to give the Riddler a mustache. Now making him a mime... that was dumb.

"It was just a couple of flipper babies!" - Kids in the Hall

[Violently Apathetic]

No, it's not a big deal to give the Riddler a mustache and it's certainly not something that ruined the issue for me or I'm going to dwell on...Hell, given my attention span if it's not brought up again I'll forget about it entirely within ten minutes, especially if distracted by something shiny. I just thought it was odd that she'd mention a mustache when I couldn't see one. Seeing it quoted in here reminded me of how it left me scratching my head when I read it.

Not a big deal, it was a well written issue which I'm going to force my sister to read when I get home, just because I can.

[SuperManny]

I guess that would make sense if the tower hadn't already been destroyed by the time this happened (J'onn is standing in its debris), and if J'onn didn't tell Oracle that there'd "been a death." If he's there, and Superboy is dead, he should know where those guys are (since they're standing over Conner's body). I loved this issue, but if you're going to take out all of the big guns for a huge battle like this, there has to be an explanation for where they are since they've shown up already. The heroes fighting OMAC are back on Earth (said in this issue), and the the others are back from Earth 2. I can understand giving them time to mourn Conner, but there's a bloody war about to begin.

Well, Martian Manhunter has shown up, but nowhere in the issue he mentions it was Conner. Maybe he hasn't had time to say anything? Also, this issue seems to take place during Infinite Crisis #7, so that should clarify the matter. They're just too busy to keep track who's where.

:D

[ShaggyB]

Well, Martian Manhunter has shown up, but nowhere in the issue he mentions it was Conner. Maybe he hasn't had time to say anything? Also, this issue seems to take place during Infinite Crisis #7, so that should clarify the matter. They're just too busy to keep track who's where.

:D

perhaps a bit but.... why is jonn on the cover fighting prime and in vu:special at ruffly the same time. or does vu's ending happen after the sbp fight and if so why dont supes bats ww, and the gl corp come help?

major explenation needed

[Damo]

Well, like I said, I'm not sure where most of the big guns are gone, but probably after Alex and S-Prime. Except Dick. I'm betting Nightwing's already left to sleep with Cheyenne. *Nods.*

[Primalicon]

wait.. so Alex Luthor's idea of an Ideal Earth is now to have it overrun with Supervillans?

[Sean Walsh]

wait.. so Alex Luthor's idea of an Ideal Earth is now to have it overrun with Supervillans?

Sounds like Mr. Luthor..........has gone a bit bonkers.

[AceOfSpades]

I thought the issue was really well done.. (though I didn't see Riddlers moustache either)

I love the Secret Six, especially with Knockout, she's so cool. :p

[Damo]

Sounds like Mr. Luthor..........has gone a bit bonkers.

He's a Luthor. You know how his plan (if it works) ends with the villains taking over the world for him, and then him pressing a little button that kills everyone he doesn't like.

*Sighs.* I miss the days when I could't say "he's a Luthor" without thinking "oh, but I guess Alex proves that Luthors can be heroes too."

[Devil May Care]

A few things even this big fan of the VU special noticed...

- Penguin in Blackgate
- Firefly apparently alive and well
- Looker back to being her original white chick self (she was killed in a later OUTSIDERS series and then had her mind transferred into another woman's body)
- Toyman being in jail, despite possibly being killed (and reformed in a way) in Rucka's AoS

- The OYL Teen Titans
- Bane 1) Being a villain, 2) joining the Society, 3) drawn Knightfall style

[Xero]

There's a huge dropoff in the quality of Alex Luthor's plans. His first plan is to rewrite the universe in his own image, big grandiose and cosmic. But his backup plan is to use the villains to take over planet earth?

He's a super genius I was kinda expecting Habib Marwan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habib_Marwan) level of planning not Elmer Fudd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elmer_Fudd).

[d newton]

- Firefly apparently alive and well.
Hey, if it worked for Jason Todd (see Batman Annual 25) - why not Firefly? ;)

- Bane 2) joining the Society
Taila told Society Lex in VU 4 that Bane turned down his offer to join them!

[Sean Walsh]

He's a Luthor. You know how his plan (if it works) ends with the villains taking over the world for him, and then him pressing a little button that kills everyone he doesn't like.

I'd throw "let them tire each other out and weed out the losers and maybe a few big shots" in there after "villains taking over the world for him."

That's devious like a Luthor!

[Sean Walsh]

- Bane 1) Being a villain, 2) joining the Society, 3) drawn Knightfall style

Wow, I must've really fallen behind on my following of Bane's comic career.

When did he stop being a villain and change his look?

EDIT: Never mind, I just read your post in the "Bane Theory" thread.

Random thought: could it possibly another Bane? Toyman proves The Society possesses Venom, and they are (according to Gail's BoP) franchising masked villains now...

[UniqueFrequency]

nice issue. I really liked the way Oracle handled the breakouts, though she seems a LITTLE too frantic. Great final battle at the end, can't wait for IC #7!

[Devil May Care]

nice issue. I really liked the way Oracle handled the breakouts, though she seems a LITTLE too frantic. Great final battle at the end, can't wait for IC #7!

I liked the fact that she was on the verge of panic. Babs is usually a pillar of composure, able to competently and confidently handle whatever is thrown at her. The fact that she was on the verge of losing it in this issue just added weight to how severe the pending crisis is.

[jadegiant77]

I LOVE The Six! I can't wait for the mini to drop(ugh--why can't it be an ongoing????). When is that coming out, BTW? Catman is so awesome...who knew? Remember that old Detective cover with him on top of a cat robot? You've come a long way, baby. Didn't he used to be Catwoman's brother Pre-Crisis, or was that just my imagination?

It was sweet seeing Black Alice again(um..she looks kinda white to me..:p ). I hope she shows up in that...um...magickal team book. What the hell is it called? The one with Blue Devil?? Ah, you lot know what I'm talkin' about.

[LordEd1976]

It was sweet seeing Black Alice again(um..she looks kinda white to me..:p ). I hope she shows up in that...um...magickal team book. What the hell is it called? The one with Blue Devil?? Ah, you lot know what I'm talkin' about.

the group your thinking of is called the Shadowpact.

[Pseudodragon]

I cheered when Talia poured coffee in Dr. Light's lap and then hit him. That bastard deserves to die a gruesome death (and will probably be the only Infinite Crisis death that I won't mind), but I'll take what I can get.
Talia with a knife in the back as the baddies start to celebrate would be cool :)

Anyways, I think it's cool that a book called Villains United would be the one that gets to the heart of being a superhero better than anything else...

[Gail Simone]

Hee hee hee.

Wait'll you see what's comin'.

Oh, man.

Gail

[Chip Whitley]

Hee hee hee.

Wait'll you see what's comin'.

Oh, man.

Gail
You're such a tease!

But you're also a heck of a writer, so I can live with it. :D

[Sharcque]

Ok, I'm relatively new to the DCU --- about 3 years as an avid reader.

When reading this issue, I had no idea who anyone was. Can anyone help? I know asking page by page of the c&d listers is asking a lot, but anyone you can identify for me, with page numbers and panels for refs, would be greatly appreciated.

1 in particular that I really want to know: page 16, 1st panel --- who's the guy behind Vixen holding the guy over his head?

And this is probably really old, but how great was it that Talia spills hot coffee on Dr Light's nads, showing him that rape is not ok?

[Sean Walsh]

Hee hee hee.

Wait'll you see what's comin'.

Oh, man.

MORE coffee on Dr. Light's crotch?

SOLD!