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Batman the Killing Joke
Batman the Killing Joke
Brian Bolland, Alan Moore | 2008 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.4 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
So, [b:The Killing Joke|96358|Batman The Killing Joke|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346331835s/96358.jpg|551787].

Commonly cited as one the best Batman stories (after [b:The Dark Knight Returns|59960|Batman The Dark Knight Returns|Frank Miller|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327892039s/59960.jpg|1104159]), The Killing Joke is, in reality, an origin story.

However, rather than being the origin story of a Superhero, this takes the somewhat unusual idea of being that of a villain instead: in this case, how did the most Notorious (and deadly) of Batman's foes - The Joker - come to be how he is?

This also draws parallels between The Joker and Batman himself, depicting them each as, if you will, two sides of the same coin - both have had a very bad day, but each have reacted to it differently (or have they?).

Personally, I feel that the origins of The Joker would have been better left to mystery rather than detailed as in this story; however, that's not denying that this is a good (if short) read in its own right.
  
The Tomorrow War (2021)
The Tomorrow War (2021)
2021 | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
10
7.3 (20 Ratings)
Movie Rating
All the feels (0 more)
Mix of everything
Has every emotion felt throughout. Tells the story really well and for once a movie that actually tells the origin of the war and not just cut it out at the end. A realistic fantasy war thriller that I couldn't look away from and had the right amount of action to drama. It even had it funny parts which had me rolling.
  
Cruella (2021)
Cruella (2021)
2021 | Comedy, Crime
10
8.0 (24 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Amazing origin story!
I loved this film. Emma Stone plays an amazing evil genius and I love that Cruella has always been into fashion. Explains her obsession with it in the original animation. I also like the subtle nods to the original like Anita and Pongo and Perdita! Adding the extra twist of Lost family and death makes it so much better! Really amazing and would definitely watch again!
  
Teen Titans: Raven
Teen Titans: Raven
Kami Garcia | 2019 | Comics & Graphic Novels
7
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
graphic novel introducing Raven's origin story
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Teen Titans: Raven (Teen Titans #1) by Kami Garcia is a graphic novel with a story written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. Fans of YA may recognize Kami Garcia as a coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures series. Teen Titans: Raven is Garcia's first graphic novel.

Growing up I was a DC Comic fan but, after the introduction of the Marvel Avengers movies, especially Iron Man, I switched teams. However, you do not need to be a fan of Teen Titans, Raven, or DC Comics to appreciate the way in which Garcia and Picolo present Raven's origin story.

I thought the story was interesting and enjoyed the illustrations. Many reviews mention Raven's snarky attitude is missing from the story. I had not watched or read the Teen Titans and my niece was too young to understand attitude so I do not have a reference in which to compare Raven's story. Although enough reviews mention the lack of snarkiness I felt the need to mention it.

The 2nd book in the series, Teen Titans: Beast Boy (Teen Titans #2) will also be written by Kami Garcia and illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. It is scheduled to be released in 2020.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 10/10/19.
  
The Boys Volume 6: Self Preservation Society
The Boys Volume 6: Self Preservation Society
Garth Ennis | 2010 | Comics & Graphic Novels
9
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Some action and some character backstory at long last
Again, this volume is split in two - we have the story of when Payback (one of the corporate machine's top money-makers) are sent to give The Boys a message, and end up getting their bottoms handed to them. This story is good fun, with some thrilling action, more ridiculous superheroes being walloped.
The second half gives us some well-deserved backstory for some of The Boys - MM, Frenchie and The Female all get their origin story. These are at time sobering (MM), and at other times just flat out hilarious (Frenchie), but all serve to put some meat on the bones of these unusual characters.
  
Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man (2008)
2008 | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
Robert Downey jr. (0 more)
Not a lot (0 more)
Where it all began
Where the MCU began and it all just exploded from here. Great origin story and Downey jr. set the tone for the next 10 years with his performance. Good action and the design and set up of the suit is brilliant. Oh and dont forget the little extra scenes that became the norm for all MCU movies during and after the end credits
  
Before Watchmen:  The Comedian
Before Watchmen: The Comedian
Brian Azzarello | 2013 | Comics & Graphic Novels
7
5.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Some interesting historical links
The Comedian's part of the pre-Watchmen series continues the link to actual historical events and people. Edward Blake, the Comedian, is a good friend of the Kennedy brothers and regularly helps them out in various ways. Blake is then sent to Vietnam, initially as a boost to morale for the US troops, but he soon embarks on a trademark campaign of terror across the jungle.
The overall story wasn't to my tastes, but some excellent artwork and nice historical links. Plus something of an origin story for his trademark smiley face logo.