Recent Changes

Pride of Baghdad tells the story of a group of four lions who escaped Baghdad Zoo when it was hit by an American bombing run. The four lions are all very diverse in terms of personality: Zill, the alpha male, is pessimistic and instinct-driven, but very passionate for the lions under his mane. Safa, the sagest of the group, is an old female lioness with a lot of experience; her negative experiences from the wild make her contented with living in the zoo, but she remains cynical and mistrusting. Noor, a vibrant, young lioness with little experience outside of the zoo, is eager to experience the wild. She loathes being under the zookeepers and longs for freedom from the confines of the zoo. Ali, the youngest lion, is an optimistic, if immature, cub. He has a curious mind and is ardent in wanting to try out new things. His innocence and vivaciousness as a youngster show through his bright personality and hopeful attitude.
Throughout their journey, the lions meet different creatures and experience many new things, such as how life is outside the zoo and keeping up values like honor, courage, and sacrifice. As the lions go deeper and deeper into man's world, they begin learning the often differing nature of freedom, experience the harsh and cold horrors of war, the cruel realities of life, and witness the power of cooperation and teamwork.
[[image:data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABgAAAAYCAYAAADgdz34AAADsElEQVR4nK2VTW9VVRSGn33OPgWpYLARbKWhQlCHTogoSkjEkQwclEQcNJEwlfgD/AM6NBo1xjhx5LyJ0cYEDHGkJqhtBGKUpm3SFii3vb2956wPB/t+9raEgSs52fuus89613rftdcNH8/c9q9++oe/Vzb5P+3McyNcfm2CcPj9af9w6gwjTwzvethx3Bx3x8xwd1wNM8dMcTNUHTfFLPnX6nVmZpeIYwf3cWD/PhbrvlPkblAzVFurKS6GmmGqqComaS+qmBoTI0Ncu3mXuGvWnrJ+ZSxweDgnkHf8ndVTdbiT3M7cQp2Z31dRTecHAfqydp4ejhwazh6Zezfnu98E1WIQwB3crEuJ2Y45PBTAQUVR9X4At66AppoEVO1Q8sgAOKJJjw6Am6OquDmvHskZ3R87gW+vlHz98zpmiqphkkRVbQtsfPTOC30lJKFbFTgp83bWh7Zx/uX1B6w3hI3NkkZTqEpBRDBRzG2AQHcwcYwEkOGkTERREbLQ/8HxJwuW7zdYrzfZ2iopy4qqEspKaDYravVm33k1R91Q69FA1VBRzFIVvXbx5AgXT44A8MWP81yfu0utIR2aVK3vfCnGrcUNxp8a7gKYKiLCvY2SUvo/aNtnM3e49ucK9S3p0aDdaT0UAVsKi2tVi6IWwNL9JvdqTdihaz79/l+u/rHMxmaJVMLkS2OoKKLWacdeE3IsSxctc2D5Qcl6vUlVVgNt+fkPPcFFmTw1xruvT7SCd7nuVhDQvECzJH90h0azRKoKFRkAmP5lKTWAGRdefoZL554FQNUxB92WvYeA5UN4PtSqwB2phKqsqMpBgAunRhFR3j49zuU3jnX8k6fHEQKXzh1jbmGDuYU6s4t1rt6socUeLLZHhYO2AHSHmzt19ihTZ48O8Hzl/AmunD/BjTvrvPfNX3hWsNpwJCvwYm+ngug4UilSCSq6k8YPtxDwfA+WRawIWFbgscDiULcCEaWqBFOlrLazurupOSHLqGnEKJAY8TwBEHumqUirAjNm52vEPPRV4p01XXMPAQhUBjcWm9QZwijwokgAeYHlHYA06KR1cT6ZvoV56pDUJQEjw0KeaMgj1hPEY4vz2A4eW0/e1qA7KtQdsxTYAG0H3iG4xyK1Y+xm7XmEPOJZDiENzLi2WZHngeOjj2Pe+sMg4GRYyLAsx7ME4FnsyTD9pr0PEc8zPGRAwKXBkYOPEd96cZRvf11g9MDe7e3R4Z4Q+vyEnn3P4t0XzK/W+ODN5/kPfRLewAJVEQ0AAAAASUVORK5CYII%3D width="24" height="24"]]

One of the best elements of this graphic novel series is its art, which is very good, considering it was done in 1998. Characters have very well-defined expressions and physical features, like wrinkles and hair, and are easy to tell apart from one another. Shadows are drawn appropriately and good detail is given to faces and other key images in close-ups. Heroes are all colorful, and it is hard not to be wowed by the breathtaking landscapes that Brent Anderson draws of the city. The city itself is very colorful during the day, while it is filled with tones during the night. Colors are where they should be; the grasses and plants are bright green, buildings have a variety of blue, yellow, red, and gray shades, and people have well-colored and shaded skin.
The visually appealing art fits well with the storyline. The emotion the characters display help the reader sympathize and empathize with them, and the mood of the story is reflected by the color scheme of that particular part of the story. The colorful heroes help you remember them well and make them easy to identify in key scenes. Of course, the good visuals also help in keeping the reader hooked to the series, aside from the great story.
[[image:data:image/png;base64,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%3D width="24" height="24"]]
Review (No major spoilers)
We've all seen many comic books about well-established superheroes, but how often have we seen graphic novels about a civilian who wants to be one? This is one comic that focuses on this topic -- an ordinary citizen with high hopes for a bright future in a good, superhero-filled city.
Overall, Astro City: Confession is very good -- featuring an engrossing story, deep, well-developed characters, poignant storytelling, and pleasing art, the novel succeeds on practically all fronts. The length of the arc is also very good overall -- not so short that it feels compressed but not so long that it drags on. In the end, it's one heck of a good novel and should please anyone who is into superheroes, even though the ones in Astro City aren't as well known as folks like Superman or Batman.
Rating: 9.5/10 - Excellent!
[[image:data:image/png;base64,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%3D width="24" height="24"]]
Plot Analysis (Spoilers)
The Hero Cycle
7 Basic Plots
I believe that the story can be considered a Quest since the main character's objective is to find out what it's like to be a true superhero. Along the way, many difficulties and obstacles are encountered, but he does have a "party" in the form of the Confessor, who helps him whenever he needs assistance. The Confessor shows Brian what it's like to be a real superhero -- that behind the good publicity, superheroism is harsh and requires a lot of the superhero. He shows, though, that good is attainable by being good, with patience, good morals, and perseverance. The characters encounter a "final ordeal" in the form of the alien invasion and the Confessor's sacrificial death. At the end of the story, Brain is able to achieve his goal -- he finds out the true meaning of being a superhero and goes out to do good.
[[image:data:image/png;base64,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%3D width="24" height="24"]]
Character Analyses (Spoilers)
The Confessor I (Jeremiah Parrish) {http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Confessor.gif.jpg} The Confessor and Altar Boy on the cover of Astro City: Confession. Art by Alex Ross.
Comparison to Brian Kinney/Altar Boy
He, like Brian, is determined to fight crime. A lot of the similarities between them end here though, as while Brian is headstrong and prideful, the Confessor, is patient, calculating, and meek. If Brian believes that he should get positive recognition for doing heroic deeds, the Confessor acknowledges that the comfort of being a hero is taken from knowing that you did good for others, not from getting credit and fame. The Confessor is able to see deep within situations while Brian normally only looks at the surface of issues and situations. The Confessor has a dark, but optimistic personality while Brian has a brighter, yet more cynical attitude. A more obvious difference is that the Confessor is a vampire while Brian is human.
[[image:data:image/png;base64,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%3D width="24" height="24"]]
Mayor Stevenson (Enelsian)
He is the evil alien masquerading, with his shapeshifting abilities, as Astro City's Mayor Steven. The specific name of the alien is not mentioned. Among the mayor's harsh policies were the order to capture and hunt down the city's heroes, secretly organizing the Shadow Hill murders, and coming up with false reasons to bring "extra troops" (actually additional aliens to help start their campaign to take over the planet) down to earth. He is irrational and seemingly devoid of compassion, especially for the heroes, initiating a smear campaign against the heroes and influencing everyone, with his power as mayor, to view the heroes as the true evildoers. His decisions seem rash but are often well-thought out, assisting the aliens and gaining them a strong foothold on Earth.
Comparison to Brian Kinney/Altar Boy
The Enelsian "Mayor Stevenson" views the heroes negatively and wants to get rid of them, while Brian loves the heroes to the point of wanting to be one and promotes the actions of superheroes. Mayor Stevenson and Brian meet in that they both seemingly make quick and impulsive decisions. They both like taking quick action over thinking things over, preferring to act before they think. An obvious difference is that while one fights for and is an alien, Brian Kinney is human and defends the human race. Both Mayor Stevenson and Brian seem prone to outbursts and tantrums, getting angry, rash, and irrational over matters that are sometimes simple and shallow.
[[image:data:image/png;base64,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%3D width="24" height="24"]]
Crackerjack
Another local superhero, Crackerjack fights crime in a colorful, daredevil-esque outfit with a baton he uses both as an offensive weapon and to swing around the city. He is a very boisterous and audacious superhero, not afraid to make loud comments and become the center of attention at parties, gatherings, or media coverage. He loves getting credit for what he does, occasionally to the point of lying and stealing credit that should go to other heroes, as evidenced when he took practically all the credit for the bust of his evil Enelsian impersonator, which was actually all done by Altar Boy. He doesn't seem to care too much about how other people see him, as his loud and self-centered personality seems to show. Despite being a braggart and sometimes an annoying person, he still fights for justice and good.
Comparison to Brian Kinney/Altar Boy
Crackerjack and Brian meet eye to eye in that they both like getting recognition for what they do. They're different though in that while Crackerjack is a reckless, egotistic, shameless megaphone, Brian is a little bit more reserved, quaint, and low-key. Crackerjack also is not afraid of attention while donning his costume, while Brian, like the Confessor, keeps to the shadows as Altar Boy. If Brian takes things seriously most of the time and is generally pretty quiet about things, Crackerjack injects fun, sometimes when not desired, in everything he does, with all of his joking and audacity. Finally, they're both the same in that they're both human beings.
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Symbolisms
The Confessor as Jesus Christ
When Altar Boy was saved, any of the dozens of superheroes in Astro City could have rescued him, but the ones that came were the Crossbreed, a religious group of metahumans who try to spread the word of God both on and off duty as superheroes, believing that God is the source of their power. This intervention was also very unexpected and quick; call it deus ex machina, but I think that what Kurt Busiek was trying to show was that God can come in at any time, with or without warning, to save us when we need Him most. Brian even comments that he "was saved by an angel" when the aptly named Crossbreed member, Mary, carries him away to help him recover from the wounds he received in the fighting. God and Mary -- the Father and the Mother who help us when we need help most.
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Astro City
Astro City isis an ongoing
It was first published in 1995 by Image Comics , then moved to Homage Comics . Homage Comics was acquired in 1998 by DC Comics, and Astro City is now printed as part of the Wildstorm Signature Series .
Astro City: Confession (Vol. 2 #4-9)

On September 13, 2006, it was released by DC Comics ' Vertigo imprint.
Pride of Baghdad {Prideofbaghdad.jpg} Cover of Pride of Baghdad
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Summary (No spoilers at all)
Pride of Baghdad tells the story of a group of four lions who escaped Baghdad Zoo when it was hit by an American bombing run. The four lions are all very diverse in terms of personality: Zill, the alpha male, is pessimistic and instinct-driven, but very passionate for the lions under his mane. Safa, the sagest of the group, is an old female lioness with a lot of experience; her negative experiences from the wild make her contented with living in the zoo, but she remains cynical and mistrusting. Noor, a vibrant, young lioness with little experience outside of the zoo, is eager to experience the wild. She loathes being under the zookeepers and longs for freedom from the confines of the zoo. Ali, the youngest lion, is an optimistic, if immature, cub. He has a curious mind and is ardent in wanting to try out new things. His innocence and vivaciousness as a youngster show through his bright personality and hopeful attitude.

Pride of Baghdad
by Niko Henrichon.Henrichon .
On September by DC Comics'Comics ' Vertigo imprint. of Baghdad
Pride {Prideofbaghdad.jpg} Cover of Pride of Baghdad
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Summary (No spoilers at all)
Pride of Baghdad tells the story of a group of four lions who escaped Baghdad Zoo when it was hit by an American bombing run. The four lions are all very diverse in terms of personality: Zill, the alpha male, is pessimistic and instinct-driven, but very passionate for the lions under his mane. Safa, the sagest of the group, is an old female lioness with a lot of experience; her negative experiences from the wild make her contented with living in the zoo, but she remains cynical and mistrusting. Noor, a vibrant, young lioness with little experience outside of the zoo, is eager to experience the wild. She loathes being under the zookeepers and longs for freedom from the confines of the zoo. Ali, the youngest lion, is an optimistic, if immature, cub. He has a curious mind and is ardent in wanting to try out new things. His innocence and vivaciousness as a youngster show through his bright personality and hopeful attitude.
This comic book is undoubtedly a Tragedy. As they get a taste of everything outside the zoo. They go through numerous obstacles. One example is the chasing of the horses. Another is the battle against Fajer the bear. They also meet random strangers such as the turtle and the lion. Although it may seem like a quest, the characters face their death in the end when they each get shot by the American Soldier.
Character Analyses (Spoilers)
to tell.
Safa
Safa, the sagest of the group, is an old female lioness with a lot of experience; her negative experiences from the wild make her contented with living in the zoo, but she remains cynical and mistrusting.
While they go about the devastated city, they encounter a group of white horses which they clearly eye as their own food. It's as if the Iraqi society aiming for their own success after they've been completely bombarded with devastating blows. The lions were determined enough to follow the horses everywhere just to achieve pure satisfaction of their hunger. It's somewhat like every country striving to achieve their own success when it comes to economy. Although they worked hard following those horses, they lose them and come across Fajer.
Fajer is a bear who seeks to feast on the lion's meat. He's trying to put an end to their happiness. He somewhat symbolizes the corruption for Iraq. It slowly blankets over them, and their only hope was a slight batte against corruption. The battle was Zill taking down the lion. After they battle the bear, they finally find the horizon. The horizon serves as hope as it lifts up their spirits and makes them feel like they're floating. Although they get the sense of hope, the American soldiers cut short their lives with shots to almost every singe part of the body. This serves as Iraq's "death."
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The Unknown
The Unknown is is a comic series, The Flash.Flash . Illustrations are superstar Minck Oosterveer.Oosterveer . Covers are Made Flesh , , which is
The Unknown - Volume 1
As previously mentioned, the first issue of The Unknown was released last May of 2009. It talks about the first few adventures of Catherine Allingham and her apprentice, James Doyle on the quest to solve the greatest mystery of all, is there life after death?
Both of them end up enlightened by the experience, and, Catherine, satisfied by her experience, calls on James to come with her on another adventure.
Art Critique
{927298-001_super.jpg} Another cover of the 1st issue of The Unknown
This comic book series would not have the same feel if it isn't for its art. The art is a major contribution to the comic's mysterious and peculiar story. The way the artist made each panel not very colorful from the start until when Catherine and James escape is simply genius. Characters have very well-defined facial expressions and clothing, which helps in determining the characters' roles and intentions. Shadows and lighting all add to the dark and gloomy effect the artist wants to show.
Overall, the art and graphics found in this comic book is visually appealing to the eye. The great blend and mix of dark colors adds to its mysterious look and feel. It is definitely a serious and professional piece of art, and not some child's drawing.
7 Basic Plots
Of the seven basic plots, the story of The Unknown follows more the basic plot of Voyage and Return. In the story, Catherine and James go on a journey or voyage to solve the greatest mystery of all, what happens to us when we die? Throughout the entire journey, they encounter many different experiences and situations that either helps them or hinders them from achieving their goal. After seeing things they have never seen before and after finally confirming the existence of an afterlife, they return back home, and don't speak of the incident to other people aside from themselves, as if nothing had happened. An internal change happens as both Catherine and James have a new perspective on the existence of life after death.
Character Analyses (Spoiler)(Spoilers)
James Doyle
Catherine Allingham's new sidekick and apprentice, James Doyle was once a bouncer for the club Dante's Club. He, just like Catherine, is very good in paying attention to detail. He notices and keeps track of things that ordinary people do not, such as the touching of one's wallet as a sign of an eventual attempt to steal another. He is a perfect match for Catherine and her detective work, which is why she hired him to follow her in her missions.
Since the gray man symbolizes the Angel of Death, the medicine symbolizes life support, which helps people prolong our lives suspend our inevitable death.
Whenever Catherine takes a dose of the medicine, she thinks she can prevent seeing the gray man. However, that is not the case. At first, the medicine works, but eventually, the medicine become useless and turns into M&Ms. This can be compared to the fact that nobody can escape death, just suspend it by just a little. Death is inevitable; nothing can stop it, not even artificial life support.
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Astro City
Astro City is is an ongoing and Brent Anderson.Anderson . It is artist Alex Ross.Ross .
It was by Image Comics,Comics , then moved to Homage Comics.Comics . Homage Comics Wildstorm Signature Series.Series .
Astro City: Confession (Vol. 2 #4-9)
{Astro-City_V2_#004_00.jpg} Astro City Vol. 2, #4. Art by Alex Ross.Astro City was highly acclaimed for its Confession story arc, which garnered the Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Award for Favorite Reprint Graphic Album of 1998 and 1999, the 1998 Eisner for Best Serialized Story, and the Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Award for Favorite Story for 1998.
The Crossbreed Saving Altar Boy as God's Intervention in Times of Great Need
When Altar Boy was saved, any of the dozens of superheroes in Astro City could have rescued him, but the ones that came were the Crossbreed, a religious group of metahumans who try to spread the word of God both on and off duty as superheroes, believing that God is the source of their power. This intervention was also very unexpected and quick; call it deus ex machina, but I think that what Kurt Busiek was trying to show was that God can come in at any time, with or without warning, to save us when we need Him most. Brian even comments that he "was saved by an angel" when the aptly named Crossbreed member, Mary, carries him away to help him recover from the wounds he received in the fighting. God and Mary -- the Father and the Mother who help us when we need help most.
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Astro City
The Unknown
Pride of Baghdad

JeromeRJSushiThe Unknown City of Baghdad
A Literary Wiki made by the joint effort of RJ Huang, Matthew Tan, and Jerome Lim
Astro City
Main article: Astro City
major spoilers) {Astro-City_V2_#004_00.jpg} Astro City Vol. 2, #4. Art by Alex Ross.
Brain Kinney is a young adult in a small town with big dreams. After the sadness and ingratitude he experienced at the death of his father, he decided to move to Astro City with the hopes of meeting -- and possibly even being -- a superhero.
One day he meets a mysterious figure, the Confessor, who saves him from a gang assault. He is grateful, and the courage he displayed makes the Confessor offer him a position as his personal sidekick, Altar Boy. Brian, after a bit of thinking, agrees, albeit with some uncertainty. His first few days as a hero go well -- girls find him cute, and the public looks up to him. He then learns that the life of a hero is not always like what he expected -- despite getting high praise and cheer early on, as strange events begin happening in Astro City, including a string of unsolved (and ongoing) murders, the abrupt change in personality (from good to bad) of some heroes, and the mayor's sudden and unusual irrationality and irritability -- the public's view of superheroes radically changes. Heroes are hastily treated as vigilantes and outlaws, jeered and mocked by the majority of the public, and pursued -- dead or alive -- by the local government.
The Unknown
Main article: The Unknown
(Some spoilers) {927254-001_super.jpg} The cover of the 1st issue of The Unknown
Catherine Allingham is a highly respected freelance investigator who solves cases with a lighting quick mind and an uncanny knack for making accurate conclusions. Upon working on a case, she comes across James Doyle, a bouncer at the club she is investigating at. Noting his remarkable ability to observe and register subtle movements in a person and use this data to deduce key information regarding the said individual, she hires him to help her solve a case of great scientific magnitude.
The duo travels to Vienna, where they meet two brothers, Karl and Ludo Faderbauer, who recently had an item of immense value stolen from them. The case quickly strays far from reasonableness as the circumstances of the theft become stranger and stranger. Catherine then comes to the conclusion that the object, an item used to detect the presence and weight (and therefore existence) of the human soul, was purposely let go by Karl for some reason. The trail of events and clues eventually leads them to a cult-like group of individuals who supposedly guard the gates of the afterlife by preventing the detection of the human soul. Karl sold the device to the supposed guardian, Father Kerberos, for a large sum of money to be burned in a furnace and never used, thus keeping the existence of the human soul a mystery.
Pride of Baghdad
Main article: Pride of Baghdad
at all) {Prideofbaghdad.jpg} Pride of Baghdad cover
Pride of Baghdad tells the story of a group of four lions who escaped Baghdad Zoo when it was hit by an American bombing run. The four lions are all very diverse in terms of personality: Zill, the alpha male, is pessimistic and instinct-driven, but very passionate for the lions under his mane. Safa, the sagest of the group, is an old female lioness with a lot of experience; her negative experiences from the wild make her contented with living in the zoo, but she remains cynical and mistrusting. Noor, a vibrant, young lioness with little experience outside of the zoo, is eager to experience the wild. She loathes being under the zookeepers and longs for freedom from the confines of the zoo. Ali, the youngest lion, is an optimistic, if immature, cub. He has a curious mind and is ardent in wanting to try out new things. His innocence and vivaciousness as a youngster show through his bright personality and hopeful attitude.
Throughout their journey, the lions meet different creatures and experience many new things, such as how life is outside the zoo and keeping up values like honor, courage, and sacrifice. As the lions go deeper and deeper into man's world, they begin learning the often differing nature of freedom, experience the harsh and cold horrors of war, the cruel realities of life, and witness the power of cooperation and teamwork.

The Unknown
made by international superstar Minck Oosterveer. Devil Made Flesh,Flesh , which is December 2009. {927254-001_super.jpg} The cover of the 1st issue of The Unknown
The Unknown - Volume 1
As previously mentioned, the first issue of The Unknown was released last May of 2009. It talks about the first few adventures of Catherine Allingham and her apprentice, James Doyle on the quest to solve the greatest mystery of all, is there life after death?
Whenever Catherine sees or 'hallucinates' seeing the gray man, she takes a tablet of medicine from her jar. The medicine is suppose to help her with her 'hallucinations'
Since the gray man symbolizes the Angel of Death, the medicine symbolizes life support, which helps people prolong our lives suspend our inevitable death.
life support.
http://www.comicvine.com/catherine-allingham/29-61526/
http://www.comicvine.com/the-unknown-/37-157233/
http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0902/23/boommay.htm
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?id=20027&page=article
http://www.comicvine.com/the-unknown/49-7827/
http://www.comicvine.com/mark-waid/26-40724/