Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Random Access Memory

    Random Access Memory: Five Years – February 2017 (Earth Was Really Dying)

    Rand BellaviaBy Rand BellaviaFebruary 23, 20226 Mins Read

    Rand Bellavia takes a look at his growing longbox, and reflects on comics released in February 2017.

    Batman 16: I am Bane Part One

    writer: Tom King
    pencils and inks: David Finch
    colors: Jordie Bellaire
    letters: John Workman

    The early issues of Tom King’s Batman are pretty grim.  That the previous story was called “I Am Suicide” should give some indication, and “I Am Bane” has its share of darkness as well.  This issue opens with a short scene providing some much-needed — and appreciated — merriment.

    Note that the Ivy Salad does not contain poison.  The entire background of that panel is worth your time — the menu is clear enough but don’t miss the soda fountain.

    The idea that Gotham’s very own urban legend would inspire a fast food franchise is funny enough, but having Batman’s “sons” chilling in a side booth is gold.  Clockwise from the left, that’s Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, and Damian Wayne — who, as you might imagine, is the star attraction.

    That’s Duke Thomas with Bruce in the penultimate panel above.  Bruce takes his seat, and closes the scene by pulling a George Costanza.

    “That’s the way these society types eat their candy bars.”

    This Pomeranian apparently got so upset with his new ...

    The Flintstones 8: the Leisure Class

    writer: Mark Russell
    artist: Steve Pugh
    colorist: Chris Chuckry
    letterer: Dave Sharpe

    This issue’s look at ourselves through the lens of a modern stone-age family opens with a scene from Wilma’s childhood, where she and the other women of her tribe gather vegetation while the men hunt.  (Spoiler alert: the women provide a lot more food then the men do.)

    We learn that Wilma’s parents left their tribe to raise Wilma on a farm, and Wilma then ran away from home after her father tried to trade her for some farm animals.  (Sure, he used words like “arranged marriage” and “dowry,” but that’s not how Wilma experienced it.)

    Back in the present, the children of Bedrock learn about economics:

    Note that Bedrock Middle School’s mascot (“The Fighting Tree People”) are the tribe that Bedrock recently went to war against.  On a completely unrelated matter, it turns out that things aren’t going well for Bedrock economically, so the new mayor (Clod the Destroyer) gets a celebrity spokesperson to make an ad in support of a new war, against the Lizard People.

    Back at BMS, the economist is quickly dismissed as dangerous and asked to leave the classroom, but keeps sneaking back in to finish his lecture on the leisure class.  His points are highlighted by Wilma’s lived experience and the developing war with the Lizard People.

    No matter how many times he’s shooed away, our friend the economist refuses to stop talking:

    Wilma, an artist who grew up farming, has no patience for Clod the Destroyer’s plans.  And that’s before he announces that the money set aside for a children’s hospital will be used to fund the war effort.

    The previous war taught Fred to question authority, and that things are rarely how they seem.  One of the more pleasing aspects of this series is how frequently Fred Flintstone is used as the voice of reason.  At a pitch level I’m not sure I would have thought that this wouldn’t work, but in execution it absolutely does.

    Champions 5

    writer: Mark Waid
    penciler: Humerto Ramos
    inker: Victor Olazaba
    colorist: Edgar Delgado
    letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

    This issue features a guest appearance by Gwenpool.  She’s a mashup of Gwen Stacy and Deadpool, and her thing is that she’s from our world, and knows she’s in a comic book, and is aware of all the tropes associated with Marvel Comics.  Basically, she’s Jamie Kennedy’s character Randy from Scream, but with a better costume.

    Mark Waid uses Gwenpool to illustrate just how different the Champion’ approach to fighting crime is from other super-hero teams.  It’s surprisingly fun to see the Champions (who exist in the morally simple Marvel Universe) arguing that these problems are systemic and you can’t just punch your way to justice, while Gwenpool (who supposedly comes from our world of moral complexity) arguing that people being racist must mean that the Hate Monger is on the loose again.

    And while there might not be a super-villain making people behave badly, there is someone who is using his influence to stoke the fires of hatred.  His name is Sheriff Studdard (and he absolutely positively is not based on anyone from our world).  The Champions uncover evidence against him, but receive a hard dose of reality (or cynicism, depending on your point of view).

    Month in and month out this comic does a remarkable job of being a great deal of fun while also addressing genuine issues without providing easy answers.  And despite all of the silliness brought in by Gwenpool, we don’t get the pat resolution we are used to getting in these sorts of stories.

    The Champions don’t necessarily save the day.  They don’t even convince Gwenpool to reconsider her point of view.  Importantly, they also don’t give in to cynicism.  Because not giving up easily is what it takes to be a Champion.

    Other Comics I Read from February 2017

    • All-New Wolverine 17
    • Amazing Spider-Man 24
    • Archie 17
    • Avengers 4, 4.1
    • Batman 17
    • Batwoman: Rebirth
    • Black History in Its Own Words
    • Black Road 7
    • Black Widow 11
    • Bullseye 1
    • Clean Room 16
    • Clone Conspiracy 5
    • Daredevil 17
    • Descender 19
    • Detective Comics 950, 951
    • Divinity III: Stalinverse 3
    • Doctor Strange 17
    • East of West 31
    • Faith 8
    • Fix 8
    • Foolkiller 4
    • Generation Zero 7
    • God Country 2
    • Guardians of the Galaxy 17
    • Hawkeye 3
    • Infamous Iron Man 5
    • Invincible 132, 133
    • Invincible Iron Man 4
    • Jessica Jones 5
    • Justice League/Power Rangers 2
    • Kamandi Challenge 2
    • Karnak 6
    • Kill or Be Killed 6
    • Kingpin 1
    • Midnighter and Apollo 5
    • Mighty Thor 16
    • Moon Knight 11
    • Ms. Marvel 15
    • Ninjak 24
    • Nova 3
    • Old Guard 1
    • Old Man Logan 17, 18
    • Planetoid: Praxis 1
    • Postal 18
    • Power Man and Iron Fist 13
    • Revival 47
    • Rocket Raccoon 3
    • Sex Criminals 16
    • Spider-Man 13
    • Spider-Woman 16
    • Star-Lord 3
    • Super Powers 4
    • Super Sons 1
    • Superman 16, 17
    • Thanos 4
    • They’re Not Like Us 14
    • Totally Awesome Hulk 16
    • Unworthy Thor 4
    • Walking Dead 163, 164
    • Wild Storm 1
    • Wonder Woman 16, 17
    • World of Tanks 5
    Ookla the Mok Rand Bellavia Random Access Memory Retro Review Review
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleMajor Spoilers Podcast #965: The Incal
    Next Article Geek History Lesson #403 – The Riddle with Tom King (RECAST)
    Rand Bellavia

    Rand Bellavia is half of the Filk Pop Nerd Rock band Ookla the Mok. They’ve been playing at science fiction and comic book conventions since 1994. Their clever, media-savvy lyrics, catchy melodies, and accessible power-pop sound have made them a cult-sensation with nerds everywhere. With song titles like Super Powers, Welcome to the Con, Arthur Curry, Kang the Conqueror, and Stop Talking About Comic Books or I’ll Kill You, it’s easy to see why. Rand and Ookla the Mok have won four Pegasus Awards, and the 2014 Logan Award for Outstanding Original Comedy Song. Ookla the Mok had the most requested song on Dr. Demento in 2012 (“Tantric Yoda”) and 2013 (“Mwahaha”). Rand co-wrote the theme song for the Disney cartoon Fillmore, and his vocals are the first thing you hear on Gym Class Heroes’ Top Five hit “Cupid’s Chokehold.” In his secret identity, Rand is the Director of the Montante Library at D’Youville University in Buffalo, New York. He has lectured and presented at international conferences on the subject of comics and libraries. Rand is like the Internet, except he smells nice.

    Related Posts

    Wayne’s Comics Podcast #693: Interview with Stephan Franck

    Read More

    Retro Review: Superman In The Computers That Saved Metropolis (July 1980)

    Read More

    Exquisite Corpses #1 Review

    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    7.0
    May 18, 2025

    Retro Review: Superman In The Computers That Saved Metropolis (July 1980)

    8.0
    May 17, 2025

    Exquisite Corpses #1 Review

    7.0
    May 16, 2025

    Supergirl #1 Review

    6.0
    May 15, 2025

    One World Under Doom #4 Review

    6.7
    May 13, 2025

    Absolute Green Lantern #2 Review

    Patreon Support
    Major Spoilers Store
    Recent Comments
    • Luis Dantas on Storm #8 Review
    • Michael Kenchington on PREVIEW: Giant-Size Wacky Races #1
    • derrigable on COMICS PORTAL: To (Almost) Everything, There Is a Season!
    • wiley on COMICS PORTAL: ‘Mouse Guard’ Is Back!
    • Elfo_oscuro on So You Want To Read Comics: Alternate History Edition
    Subscribe to the Major Spoilers E-Mail List
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT