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	<title>Firestorm Fan &#187; Jason Rusch</title>
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	<description>The Source for DC Comics&#039; Nuclear Man – Firestorm!</description>
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		<title>Brightest Day Teaser and Solicitations</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/07/21/brightest-day-teaser-and-solicitations/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/07/21/brightest-day-teaser-and-solicitations/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:55:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VIII - Current (Ronnie/Jason)]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=2080</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[DC Comics released a Brightest Day teaser image on their blog yesterday.   Below you&#8217;ll find the Brightest Day teaser image, click to enlarge.

Such a cool shot, and so full of clues!  Below I&#8217;ve zoomed in on Ronnie and Jason so you can get a better look at what they&#8217;re doing.

JUST THE FACTS, MA&#8217;AM:
We see Ronnie [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="DC Comics Source Blog on Brightest Day" href="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/07/20/sometimes-the-light-reveals-the-darkest-secrets/" target="_blank">DC Comics released a <em>Brightest Day</em> teaser image on their blog yesterday</a>.   Below you&#8217;ll find the <em>Brightest Day</em> teaser image, click to enlarge.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_teaser.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day teaser image by Ivan Reis" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_teaser_s.jpg" alt="Brightest Day teaser image by Ivan Reis" width="600" height="455" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Such a cool shot, and so full of clues!  Below I&#8217;ve zoomed in on Ronnie and Jason so you can get a better look at what they&#8217;re doing.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day teaser featuring Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch by Ivan Reis" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_teaser_zoom.jpg" alt="Brightest Day teaser featuring Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch by Ivan Reis" width="600" height="811" /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">JUST THE FACTS, MA&#8217;AM:</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We see Ronnie and Jason working to either bury or uncover  the Black Lantern Firestorm.  Ronnie is standing on top of the rocks looking at the Black Lantern Firestorm,  while Jason is on the ground standing in the shadows looking away from the Black Lantern Firestorm.  Both Ronnie and Jason  have flames around their heels.  (There is also a shield and net near  Jason&#8217;s foot, but I think that&#8217;s a clue for another character.  I&#8217;m  gonna ignore it for now.)</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">OKAY, NOW FOR A LITTLE SPECULATION:</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What are Ronnie and Jason doing?</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Option 1: Ronnie and Jason are working together, rather than against each other, burying the Black Lantern Firestorm.  This could represent them working together to bury the  past and put the  tragedy of Gehenna behind them.</li>
<li>Option 2: Ronnie and Jason are working together, rather than against each other, to dig out the Black Lantern Firestorm.  This could represent them working together to fully explore the Firestorm matrix.</li>
<li>Option 3: Ronnie is burying the Black Lantern Firestorm, while Jason is uncovering the Black Lantern Firestorm.  If you look at the direction each character&#8217;s head is facing, an argument could be made for this interpretation.   Also, Ronnie is on top of the pile of rocks (as if he put the rocks there) and Jason is on the ground (as if he&#8217;s taking the rocks off).  This could represent Ronnie trying to bury what happened as the Black Lantern Firestorm, while Jason is trying to uncover the truth.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Why flames around their feet?</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>This could simply represent them as  Firestorm.  More likely it represents something else.   Perhaps something to do with an &#8220;Achilles heel&#8221; and fire?  I really don&#8217;t know.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Why is Ronnie on top of the pile of rocks while Jason is on the ground?</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>See Option 3 above.  Alternatively, this might represent that Ronnie is the person &#8220;on top&#8221; in the  matrix, meaning he controls the body.  Or it may mean nothing.  I don&#8217;t  think Jason in the shadows symbolizes anything.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">What do y&#8217;all think?  Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!  By the way, I first became aware of this teaser image over on <a title="Being Carter Hall  blog" href="http://beingcarterhall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Luke&#8217;s  Hawkman blog</a> &#8211;  thanks Luke!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>*UPDATE*</strong></span> &#8211; Thanks to the magic of the interwebs, I read that this teaser image is an homage to an existing painting.  <a title="The basis for this teaser image" href="http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/56682" target="_blank">Click here to see the basis of this artwork</a>.  With this knowledge it makes deducing the clues more difficult.  The fact that Ronnie and Jason were drawn to conform to the pre-set orientations of the characters in the original painting makes it all the more difficult to interpret.</em></p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">SOLICITATIONS FOR UPCOMING ISSUES OF <em>BRIGHTEST DAY</em>:</h4>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #6 &#8211; On Sale Today!<br />
Deadman discovers the truth behind the formation of the White Lantern  and what it means to the twelve returnees and the rest of the DC   Universe. <strong>Plus, Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkgirl and  Firestorm discover the price for their resurrections&#8230;and why they may  be doing more harm than good to the world</strong>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #7 (on sale Aug. 4) and <em>Brightest Day</em> #8 (on sale Aug. 18)<br />
There can be only one who wields the White Lantern&#8230;but is it truly  Deadman? And what will happen when he attempts to charge the white ring?  <strong>Meanwhile, Ronnie Raymond risks everything for Firestorm</strong>, Martian  Manhunter uncovers more clues about the bizarre string of murders  stretching across the country, Aquaman searches for the key to the  ocean&#8217;s survival and the Hawks come face-to-face with the evil that  lurks within the strange land known only as Hawkworld!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #9 (on sale Sept. 1) and <em>Brightest Day</em> #10 (on sale Sept. 15)<br />
The resurrected have discovered their purpose for being back, but where  will the knowledge lead them? Who is the new Aqualad? And what strange  event is taking place around the White Power Battery in New Mexico?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #11 (on sale Oct.   6) and <em>Brightest Day</em> #12 (on sale Oct.   20)<br />
The return of the Black Lanterns! Has time run out for our resurrected  heroes? Plus, you must not miss the stunning origin of the new Aqualad,  the battle between Aquaman and Black Manta, and<strong> the bizarre journey of  Jason Rusch and Ronnie Raymond as they delve into the inner workings of  the Firestorm matrix and uncover its secret</strong>!</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Woo Hoo!  I&#8217;m looking forward to this story unfolding!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day, Blank Slate Era, Firehawk&#8217;s lineage, and Charred Action Figures</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/06/17/nuclear-news-2/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/06/17/nuclear-news-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s Nuclear News!  Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.  I gotta say, it&#8217;s nice to see some love for the &#8220;blank slate&#8221; incarnation of Firestorm this time around!

Brightest Day #4 came out yesterday.  This is the issue with the Black Lantern Firestorm cover.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s <strong>Nuclear News</strong>!  Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.  I gotta say, it&#8217;s nice to see some love for the &#8220;blank slate&#8221; incarnation of Firestorm this time around!</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #4 came out yesterday.  This is the issue with the Black Lantern Firestorm cover.  Be sure to stop by your local comic shop and pick up a copy!</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #4 Cover with Black Lantern Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday4.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #4 Cover with Black Lantern Firestorm" width="594" height="902" /></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>There was some hubbub amongst Firestorm fans after <em>Brightest Day</em> #3 hit the stands two weeks ago.  In the issue they portray Alvin Rusch (Jason&#8217;s father) as having two hands.  The reason for the confusion is that Alvin Rusch lost his hand in an industrial accident before <em>Firestorm </em>vol III even started.  There is lots of speculation, everything from a simple artist mistake to Jason re-growing the hand.  At this time, I don&#8217;t believe we have an official explanation.</li>
<li>Over at <a title="Firestorm Annual #5 at Primary Ignition" href="http://www.primaryignition.com/2010/06/15/hidden-gems-firestorm-the-nuclear-man-annual-5-1987/" target="_blank">Primary Ignition</a>, they&#8217;ve identified <em>Firestorm  the Nuclear Man Annual</em> #5 from 1987 as a hidden gem.  This is the  issue where the &#8220;blank slate&#8221; Firestorm was created.  <a title="Firestorm Annual #5 at Primary Ignition" href="http://www.primaryignition.com/2010/06/15/hidden-gems-firestorm-the-nuclear-man-annual-5-1987/" target="_blank">Click here to read their commentary on this great issue</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm the Nuclear Man Annual #5 1987" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestormannual5.jpg" alt="Firestorm the Nuclear Man Annual #5 1987" width="400" height="603" /></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>There is a really great column over at <a title="Column on J.J. Birch on Comic Book Resources" href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&amp;id=26691" target="_blank">Comic Book Resources</a> on <em>Firestorm </em>vol II artist J. J. Birch (a.k.a. Joe Brozowski).  J.J./Joe drew Firestorm during the &#8220;blank slate&#8221; era. This column specifically focuses on <em>Firestorm the Nuclear Man</em> vol II issues #70 &amp; 71.   <a title="Column on J.J. Birch at Comic Book Resources" href="http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&amp;id=26691" target="_blank">Click here to check out the article</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm the Nuclear Man #70" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestormv2_070.jpg" alt="Firestorm the Nuclear Man #70" width="400" height="607" /></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The folks at the <a title="Firehawk and Firebrand connection" href="http://earth-one-earth-two.blogspot.com/2010/06/firestorm-and-cyclotron.html" target="_self">DC Multiverse</a> blog pointed out something I never realized.  Firehawk (a.k.a. Lorraine Reilly) shares a last name with the second Firebrand (a.k.a. Danette Reilly).  This is interesting because they both have fire powers.  Could Lorraine Reilly be related to Danette Reilly?  Something to consider.  <a title="DC Multiverse Blog" href="http://earth-one-earth-two.blogspot.com/2010/06/firestorm-and-cyclotron.html" target="_blank">Click here to visit the DC Multiverse blog</a>.</li>
<li>If you&#8217;ve got $600 to spare, you can pick up a <a title="Charred Firestorm on ebay" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-Kenner-Super-Powers-Firestorm-AFA-20-Action-Figure-/400095762337" target="_blank">slightly charred Firestorm action figure on eBay</a>.   Yes, you read that right, $600.  Clearly this is some kind of joke, but it&#8217;s an odd one.  <a title="Charred Firestorm on eBay" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-Kenner-Super-Powers-Firestorm-AFA-20-Action-Figure-/400095762337" target="_blank">Click here to see the eBay entry</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Charred Firestorm Figure on eBay" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/charredfirestormfig.jpg" alt="Charred Firestorm Figure on eBay" width="310" height="432" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day, Odd Couple, Ed Benes sketch, Racism in comics, drink recipe, and more</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/06/08/nuclear-news/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/06/08/nuclear-news/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:30:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1876</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s Nuclear News! Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.

A few weeks back I did a post on the 2003 Ronnie Raymond Firestorm series that almost was.  I&#8217;m over-the-moon happy to report that I received very nice notes about my post from both writer Mike [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s <strong>Nuclear News</strong>! Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.</p>
<ul>
<li>A few weeks back I did a post on the <a title="Ronnie Raymond Firestorm series that almost was in 2003" href="http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/28/the-firestorm-series-that-almost-was-2003/" target="_blank">2003 Ronnie Raymond Firestorm series that almost was</a>.  I&#8217;m over-the-moon happy to report that I received very nice notes about my post from both writer <a title="Mike Carey's web site" href="http://mikeandpeter.com/" target="_blank">Mike Carey</a> and artist <a title="Lewis LaRosa at Comic Book Database" href="http://www.comicbookdb.com/creator.php?ID=347" target="_blank">Lewis LaRosa</a>.  Great guys! Be sure to support their projects!</li>
<li>Check out this amazing <a title="Ed Benes sketch of Firestorm on eBay" href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Ed-Benes-FIRESTORM-Original-DC-Licensing-Art-/200466684537" target="_blank" class="broken_link">Firestorm sketch on eBay by Ed Benes</a> (<em>Justice League of America</em>, <em>Birds of Prey, Superman</em>).  Gorgeous sketch!  It sold for $374.  Wow!</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Ed Benes sketch of Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm_benes.JPG" alt="Ed Benes sketch of Firestorm" width="544" height="800" /></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><em>Brightest Day</em> #3 came out last week and there is a good Firestorm-related scene.  Not going to spoil it for you.  Visit your local comic book shop and check it out!</li>
<li>DC Comics has created a <em>Brightest Day</em> mini-site and Firestorm has his own page.  Not much to see there yet, but <a title="Firestorm mini-site for Brightest Day " href="http://dccomics.com/sites/brightest_day/?pr=firestorm" target="_blank">check it out by clicking here</a>.  Also, you can get some <em>Brightest Day</em> desktop wallpapers and buddy icons on their <a title="Brightest Day download page" href="http://dccomics.com/sites/brightest_day/?action=downloads" target="_blank">Download page by clicking here</a>.</li>
<li>Peter Tomasi gave an interview to Newsarama about <em>Brightest Day</em> in early May.  <a title="Peter Tomasi Brightest Day inteview on Newsarama" href="http://www.newsarama.com/comics/peter-tomasi-brightest-day-100505.html" target="_blank">Click here for the entire interview</a>.  Below is an excerpt that included Firestorm:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Nrama</strong></em>: Then let&#8217;s switch our attention to this new Firestorm. Ronnie Raymond is obviously still irresponsible, and Jason already despises him. Are you hoping to explore the contrast between the two characters by throwing them together as Firestorm?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Tomasi</strong></em>: Ronnie and Jason&#8217;s characters are polar opposites in the truest sense of the word, and that makes them incredibly interesting to read about. All you need to do is put them in a room together and the tempers run high – put them in each other&#8217;s head and you&#8217;ve got a battle royale. Ronnie and Jason have a pretty epic storyline in place that will test them both and bring them right to the emotional edge of who they are and what they believe in.</p>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>During the DC Nation panel at HeroesCon this past Saturday, an audience member asked about Firestorm.  <a title="DC Nation from HeroesCon" href="http://www.newsarama.com/comics/HeroesCon-DC-Nation-Panel-100606.html" target="_blank">Click here for the entire DC Nation rundown at Newsarama</a>.  Below is an excerpt that included Firestorm:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;">An audience member wanted to thank DC for using Firestorm again. [Ian] Sattler  replied that he is fascinating and has so much planned for him. Long  term stuff.</p>
</blockquote>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Back in early May, <a title="The Racial Politics of Regressiver Storytelling" href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/05/06/the-racial-politics-of-regressive-storytelling" target="_blank">Chris Sims wrote a post over at <em>Comics Alliance </em>on &#8220;The Racial Politics of Regressive Storytelling&#8221;</a>.  The editorial makes the observation that DC is replacing legacy heroes that happen to be racially-diverse (such as Jason Rusch/Firestorm and Ryan Choi/Atom) with the classic iconic versions.  It just so happens that all the classic iconic versions are white Americans, therefore DC is eliminating their racially-diverse characters.<br />
Now this editorial was written in early May.  Since then, a legacy superhero that happens to be non-white has been murdered in the pages of DC Comics (being vague on purpose so not to spoil it for anyone that doesn&#8217;t know).  Combine this editorial with the recent death and you&#8217;ve got a literal fandom firestorm on the net (no pun intended&#8230; well, maybe a little bit).  Just go to any comic message board and this topic is being argued.  I&#8217;ve also stumbled across dozens of comic news sites and blogs discussing this issue.  There are valid arguments on every side of this issue.  I&#8217;m not going to comment on the issue, but I encourage you to check out what everyone is saying.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">David Wolkin did a review of <em>Brightest Day</em> #1 on his blog <a title="Brightest Day #1 review on Wolkin's House of Chicken and Waffles (and Comics!)" href="http://wolkin.com/2010/05/542/internal-monologue-reviews-brightest-day-1/" target="_blank"><em>Wolkin&#8217;s House of Chicken and Waffles (and Comics!)</em></a>.   The review is very humorous and worth your time.  Additionally, he referred to Ronnie and Jason as &#8220;The New Odd Couple&#8221; and included a link to the following Twitpic he posted.  Friggin&#8217; hilarious!</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitpic.com/1g73fy" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch - The New Odd Couple" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/oddcouple.JPG" alt="Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch - The New Odd Couple" width="410" height="307" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Our good buddy Jon over at the Firestorm-themed blog <strong>FIZZIT</strong> has posted several really cool Firestorm-related items in recent months.  Check these out!<br />
<a title="Firestorm sketches by Nicola Scott and Francis Manapul" href="http://fizzit-fzam.blogspot.com/2010/03/armageddon-2010-round-1-fight.html" target="_blank">Firestorm sketches by Nicola Scott (<em>Secret Six, Birds of Prey</em>) and Francis Manapul (<em>Flash</em>)</a><a title="Firestorm sketches by Mike Allred and Agnes Garbowska" href="http://fizzit-fzam.blogspot.com/2010/04/brief-interlude-for-coolness.html" target="_blank"><br />
Firestorm sketches by Mike Allred (<em>Madman</em>) and Agnes Garbowska (<em>Peter Porker, Spider-Ham</em>)</a><br />
<a title="Firestorm v2 #45 original art and analysis" href="http://fizzit-fzam.blogspot.com/2010/01/so-much-work-and-nobody-even-dies.html" target="_blank">Original art for <em>Firestorm</em> v2 #45 page 12 and analysis of the editorial marks</a><br />
<a title="Brave and the Bold toys have words" href="http://fizzit-fzam.blogspot.com/2010/03/things-you-shouldnt-say-to-orion.html" target="_blank"><em>Batman: The Brave and the Bold</em> toys of Orion and Firestorm have some words</a><br />
<a title="Trial of the Shadow Thief in 30 seconds" href="http://fizzit-fzam.blogspot.com/2010/01/manhunter-in-30-seconds.html" target="_blank">Jon&#8217;s funny rendition of Shadow Thief&#8217;s trial for the murder of Firestorm from <em>Manhunter</em>.</a></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I found some more Firestorm fan fiction on the web.  If you enjoy adventures in prose of our favorite Nuclear Man by your fellow fans, check out the <a title="Firestorm fan-fiction on DC2" href="http://idlewilder.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=firestorm" target="_blank">Firestorm stories on <em>DC2: New Adventures of the DC Heroes</em></a>.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Click here for <a title="Jason Rusch Firestorm Lego Custom" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/levork/3760382453" target="_blank">a cute Jason Rusch Firestorm lego custom</a>.  Adorable!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">As always, if you are looking for some lively discussion on our favorite nuclear man, head over to the <a title="DC Comics Message Board Firestorm Forum" href="http://dcboards.warnerbros.com/web/forum.jspa?forumID=29209036&amp;start=0" target="_blank">DC Comics Message Board Firestorm forum</a>.  There is always some good Firestorm talk going on over there.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">And just for fun, <a title="Firestorm drink recipe" href="http://recipedrink.com/firestorm/" target="_blank">click here for a recipe to a drink called the Firestorm</a>.  It has nothing to do with the Nuclear Man, but what the heck.  Let&#8217;s toast Ronnie Raymond resuming the path to alcoholism!  Cheers!</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;">
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day Speculation &#8211; What&#8217;s Going on with the Nuclear Man?</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/24/brightest-day-speculation/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/24/brightest-day-speculation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 May 2010 10:34:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Al Milgrom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blackest Night]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm I - Original (Ron/Martin)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm III - Elemental I (Ron/Mikhail/clone)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm V - Ronnie solo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VI - Jason beginner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VIII - Current (Ronnie/Jason)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm comic vol. I]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm comic vol. II]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm comic vol. III]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professor Martin Stein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tom Mandrake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ethan Van Sciver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Extreme Justice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matt Haley]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuclear Man]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steve Lightle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tom Grindberg]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1906</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Warning&#8230; the following contains SPOILERS for Blackest Night and Brightest Day #0 &#8211; #2.
*** SPOILER SPACE ***
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Okay, we&#8217;re three issues into Brightest Day and we&#8217;re starting to get a  picture of what&#8217;s happening with Firestorm.  I&#8217;ll [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Warning&#8230; the following contains SPOILERS for <em>Blackest Night</em> and <em>Brightest Day</em> #0 &#8211; #2.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">*** SPOILER SPACE ***</p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch in Brightest Day" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_jason-ronnie.jpg" alt="Firestorm - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch in Brightest Day" width="600" height="258" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Okay, we&#8217;re three issues into <em>Brightest Day</em> and we&#8217;re starting to get a  picture of what&#8217;s happening with Firestorm.  I&#8217;ll start with what we  know, then let&#8217;s delve into speculation on where it&#8217;s going.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">THE FACTS</h4>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Jason Rusch&#8217;s girlfriend Gehenna, formerly one-half of Firestorm, was  murdered by the Black Lantern Firestorm.  The Black Lantern Firestorm claimed to be the resurrected Ronnie  Raymond.</li>
<li>Later, Ronnie Raymond was resurrected by the light of the White Lantern with no recollection of the Black Lantern&#8217;s activities.  Ronnie quickly resumed his college partying lifestyle.</li>
<li>Jason and Ronnie don&#8217;t get along.  Ronnie is coping with the fact that he died and came back, as well as that someone else has had control of the Firestorm matrix.  Meanwhile, Jason blames Ronnie for the death of Gehenna.</li>
<li>When Ronnie and Jason touched in <em>Blackest Night</em> #0, they fused into Firestorm.  They have been unable to separate into their own individual bodies since.  They are stuck fused as Firestorm.  Ronnie currently controls the body while Jason is able to advise telepathically.</li>
<li>Ray Palmer, the Atom, shrank and entered Firestorm&#8217;s body in hopes of &#8220;disarming&#8221; the Firestorm matrix.  He commented that Firestorm&#8217;s flames are no longer just for show and that it was nearly 1,000 degrees inside his body.    When the Atom arrived at the Firestorm matrix, we saw three electrons circling the nucleus.  Two electrons were bright yellow, the third was a dark gray.</li>
<li> While waiting for the Atom to finish inside their body, Ronnie heard another voice telepathically that goaded him into an argument with Jason. Their body then suffered a very explosive reaction.</li>
<li>At the same time Ronnie and Jason are arguing, black tendrils begin to reach out from the Firestorm matrix towards the Atom.</li>
<li>The <a title="Brightest Day #4 featuring Black Lantern Firestorm" href="http://firestormfan.com/2010/03/22/firestorm-major-player-in-brightest-day-toys-and-getting-drunk-with-the-nuclear-man/">cover of <em>Brightest Day</em> #4</a> features Black Lantern Firestorm.</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">SPECULATION</h4>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>It seems a safe bet that the dark gray electron in the Firestorm matrix represents the Black Lantern Firestorm.  Somehow the Black Lantern Firestorm has survived inside the matrix.  That would explain the voice Ronnie heard which caused the argument with Jason.  That would explain the black tendrils chasing the Atom.</li>
<li>It also seems a safe bet that the Black Lantern Firestorm will take control of the body, which would explain the cover to <em>Brightest Day</em> #4.</li>
<li>What I&#8217;m left wondering is what exactly is the Black Lantern Firestorm.  Is it a dark reflection of Ronnie?  Is it now a dark reflection of Gehenna (which would be pretty clever)?  Is it simply a random malicious entity?</li>
<li>It also seems logical that the existence of the Black Lantern Firestorm will absolve Ronnie in the blame of Gehenna&#8217;s murder.  Jason may remain uncomfortable around Ronnie, he won&#8217;t be able to blame Ronnie directly for the death of his girlfriend any longer.</li>
<li>Without Nekron or the Anti-Monitor-powered black battery, where is Black Lantern Firestorm getting his power from?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Once all this business with the Black Lantern Firestorm is finished, who will be in the matrix?  I gotta believe the Ronnie/Jason combination will be Firestorm for the foreseeable future.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">With the mention that Firestorm&#8217;s flames weren&#8217;t just for show anymore, are they going to incorporate some of the Elemental Firestorm concepts into this version?</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">There was a panel in <em>Brightest Day</em> #1 featuring several incarnations of Firestorm.  Perhaps that was foreshadowing (along with the temperature comment) that the current Firestorm will be an amalgam of all previous versions.  That was Geoff Johns&#8217; move with Hawkman in JSA, so it wouldn&#8217;t surprise me if he did it here with the Nuclear Man.  See my analysis below of that panel.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="aligncenter" title="Professor Martin Stein and Ray Palmer talk Firestorm in Brightest Day" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_01_professor.jpg" alt="Professor Martin Stein and Ray Palmer talk Firestorm in Brightest Day" width="600" height="407" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The top left Firestorm was patterned after the Al Milgrom cover to <em>Firestorm</em> volume I #1.  This would represent the classic Firestorm.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm volume I #1 cover by Al Milgrom" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestormv1_1.jpg" alt="Firestorm volume I #1 cover by Al Milgrom" width="400" height="600" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The bottom left Firestorm was patterned after the Matt Haley cover to <em>Firestorm</em> volume III #8.  This would represent the early days of Jason Rusch as Firestorm.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm volume III #8 cover by Matt Haley" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestormv3_08.jpg" alt="Firestorm volume III #8 cover by Matt Haley" width="400" height="614" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The center Black Lantern Firestorm appears to be patterned after the  Ethan Van Sciver variant cover to <em>Blackest Night</em> #3.  If you look  closely at Black Lantern Firestorm&#8217;s face, you can see the  similarities.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Blackest Night #3 variant cover by Ethan Van  Sciver" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/blackestnight3_final.jpg" alt="Blackest Night #3 variant cover by Ethan Van Sciver" width="420" height="647" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The bottom right Firestorm was patterned after the Tom Grindberg cover to <em>Firestorm</em> volume II #85.  However, they used the coloring from the later Tom Mandrake issues.  This would represent the Elemental Firestorm.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm volume II #85 cover by Tom Grindberg" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestormv2_085.jpg" alt="Firestorm volume II #85 cover by Tom Grindberg" width="400" height="619" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">I believe the top right Firestorm was patterned after the Steve Lightle cover to <em>Extreme Justice</em> #8.  While the facial expression is different and the pose is reversed, the coloring on the headgear is consistent.  This is the only drawing I&#8217;ve ever seen where the classic Firestorm has yellow accents on his headgear.  If so, this drawing would represent the years Ronnie flew solo with the Firestorm matrix.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="aligncenter" title="Extreme Justice #8 cover by Steve Lightle" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/extreme_justice_08.jpg" alt="Extreme Justice #8 cover by Steve Lightle" width="400" height="612" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">This leaves the &#8220;Blank Slate&#8221; era as the only major incarnation not represented.  It&#8217;s possible the top right panel represents the &#8220;Blank Slate&#8221; era of  Firestorm, but I can&#8217;t think of a corresponding scene.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So what do you think is going to happen with Firestorm in <em>Brightest Day</em>?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Just a final note, my favorite scene in all of <em>Brightest Day</em> so far is the panel below:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Professor Martin Stein in Brightest Day" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday2_professor.jpg" alt="Professor Martin Stein in Brightest Day" width="600" height="590" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">&#8220;Just take care of these boys.&#8221;  Instead, Martin may as well have said, &#8220;Just take care of <em>my</em> boys.&#8221;  After all Ronnie and Jason are like sons to him.  Some people may not realize that in comic book time, Jason spent a year working with Professor Stein as Firestorm.  This was during the <em>One Year Later</em> timeframe.  Love this panel!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day #2 Six-Page Preview</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/19/brightest-day-2-six-page-preview/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/19/brightest-day-2-six-page-preview/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 May 2010 10:30:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professor Martin Stein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Atom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Geoff Johns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuclear Man]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ray Palmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[superheroes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1872</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As many of you know, Brightest Day #2 will arrive in your local comic book shop today.  However, if you just can&#8217;t wait that long, check out this six-page sneak peek of Brightest Day #2 over at Newsarama.  The focus of these six pages just happens to be Firestorm!  My thanks to FIRESTORM FAN reader [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">As many of you know, <em>Brightest Day</em> #2 will arrive in your local comic book shop today.  However, if you just can&#8217;t wait that long, check out this <a title="Brightest Day #2 Sneak Peek" href="http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album_view.php?gid=2020&amp;page=1" target="_blank">six-page sneak peek of <em>Brightest Day</em> #2 over at Newsarama</a>.  The focus of these six pages just happens to be Firestorm!  My thanks to FIRESTORM FAN reader K9Rod for the heads-up about this sneak peek.  I can&#8217;t wait for this issue!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #2 Variant by Ivan Reis" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday2_variant.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #2 Variant by Ivan Reis" width="596" height="900" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm!  Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Firestorm in DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/17/firestorm-in-dc-comics-super-heroes-and-villains-fandex/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/05/17/firestorm-in-dc-comics-super-heroes-and-villains-fandex/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 May 2010 10:30:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VII - Jason post-Infinite Crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professor Martin Stein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Who's Who]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuclear Man]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[superheroes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1867</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our favorite match-head recently made an appearance in the DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex! If you like Who&#8217;s Who type products, then this is for you.
So what’s a Fandex you ask?  A Fandex is actually called “Fandex Family  Field Guide”. It is an approximately 10″ long stack of full-color, heavy  stock, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Our favorite match-head recently made an appearance in the <em>DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex</em>! If you like <em>Who&#8217;s Who</em> type products, then this is for you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">So what’s a Fandex you ask?  A Fandex is actually called “Fandex Family  Field Guide”. It is an approximately 10″ long stack of full-color, heavy  stock, double-sided, die-cut cards.  They resemble bookmarks to some  extent. This stack of cards is fastened together with a plastic bolt  which serves as a pivot point.  This allows the cards to be fanned out  so you can see the pictures at the top of each card and pick the one you  would like to look at.  The top of each Fandex card has a large picture  of the featured subject, and the card is cut around that particular  shape. The cards state interesting information on each subject on both  sides of the card.  Typically Fandex focuses on historical or factual  subject matter (like famous painters or North American birds).  This  particular one focuses on the heroes and villains of DC Comics.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here is a close-up of the Firestorm entry.  I tried to get the image large enough so that you could read it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm in DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/fandex1.jpg" alt="Firestorm in DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex" width="600" height="1452" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm in DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/fandex2.jpg" alt="Firestorm in DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex" width="600" height="1463" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">For my complete review of the <em>DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex</em>, please <a title="DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains Fandex review" href="http://onceuponageek.com/2010/05/07/review-dc-comics-super-heroes-and-villains-fandex/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day #0 &#8211; Ronnie &amp; Jason BFF</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/15/brightest-day-0-ronnie-jason-bff/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/15/brightest-day-0-ronnie-jason-bff/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:30:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VIII - Current (Ronnie/Jason)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professor Martin Stein]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gehenna]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ray Palmer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[superheroes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1810</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brightest Day #0 came out yesterday and there were four pages of Firestorm story.  Those four pages are presented below.  I&#8217;m publishing these pages here as this is such an important point for our favorite Nuclear Man.  Going forward, I don&#8217;t believe I&#8217;ll be posting every Firestorm appearance page-by-page.  In addition to the burden of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Brightest Day</em> #0 came out yesterday and there were four pages of Firestorm story.  Those four pages are presented below.  I&#8217;m publishing these pages here as this is such an important point for our favorite Nuclear Man.  Going forward, I don&#8217;t believe I&#8217;ll be posting every Firestorm appearance page-by-page.  In addition to the burden of getting everything scanned, I doubt DC Comics would be very pleased with me if I did post all their Firestorm material.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday0_1.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" width="600" height="915" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday0_2.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" width="600" height="923" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday0_3.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" width="600" height="924" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday0_4.jpg" alt="Brightest Day #0 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch as Firestorm" width="600" height="924" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It appears that Ronnie&#8217;s rebirth has placed him at college age.  He definitely looks the college frat boy/slacker part, however, he seems to have lost some of his jock muscle tone.  Interesting as that puts Ronnie and Jason at almost the same age.  We all knew Jason&#8217;s resentment towards Ronnie was coming, so that was no surprise.  I think it was handled well and will be a compelling subplot for some time.  It seems to me that Geoff Johns wants to establish a similar dynamic to the original Firestorm, Jason being the more mature responsible character (like the Professor was), while Ronnie will be the brash action-oriented character controlling the Firestorm body.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Based upon a lot of the internet chatter I&#8217;ve seen, DC needs to eventually address the issue of Firestorm&#8217;s skin tone.  Being made up of Ronnie and Jason, the character is half-white and half-black, yet Firestorm appears as a white guy.  While I personally don&#8217;t care if Firestorm is white or black, I can see why some people feel it&#8217;s unfair for Firestorm to solely appear as a white character.  Some people have suggested that perhaps Firestorm&#8217;s race will change depending upon who is controlling the body at the time.  While that&#8217;s an interesting option, I&#8217;m afraid it will make the series about race rather than simply about a fascinating character.  I think altering his skin tone to be somewhere in-between white and black is sufficient to address this issue.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I especially liked seeing Professor Martin Stein in this issue as a supporting character.  I think he&#8217;s important to the mythos of the Firestorm character, but serves better in a supporting role nowadays.  Also, seeing Professor Stein and Ray Palmer hang out seemed perfect.  I can totally see those guys connecting as science geeks.  I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if Geoff Johns retcons that Ray Palmer and Martin Stein hung out a lot back in the Satellite -era of the JLA.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The foreshadowing tease at the end was interesting.  It featured Black Lantern Firestorm transforming the Atom into table salt (among other images of the various reborn characters).  We&#8217;ve seen Black Lantern Firestorm on the cover to <em>Brightest Day</em> #4, so we already knew the Black Lantern character would return.  Some people speculate that the Black Lantern Firestorm will actually be Gehenna.  Neat possibility.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Using the pages above as a guide, do you suppose Ronnie and Jason will need to touch in order to form Firestorm going forward?  I kind of hope it&#8217;s like the old days where they could trigger the transformation while being across town from each other.  Either way, I&#8217;m looking forward to finding out!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Brightest Day Starts Today, Sketches, Voice Actors, Customs, and more</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/14/brightest-day-starts-today-sketches-voice-actors-customs-and-more/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/14/brightest-day-starts-today-sketches-voice-actors-customs-and-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:30:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blackest Night]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[cartoon]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[elemental]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Yildiray Cinar]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1783</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s Nuclear News! Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.

The biggest Firestorm news is that Brightest Day #0 ships today!  Be sure to stop by your local comic book store and pick up yours.  Hopefully Firestorm will play a role in the issue.



If you are [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to another installment of FIRESTORM FAN’s Nuclear News! Here are some news and web findings on our favorite hothead.</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The biggest Firestorm news is that <a title="Brightest Day #0" href="http://dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=14477" target="_blank"><em>Brightest Day</em> #0</a> ships today!  Be sure to stop by your local comic book store and pick up yours.  Hopefully Firestorm will play a role in the issue.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=14477" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Blackest Night #0" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday0.jpg" alt="Blackest Night #0" width="400" height="600" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">If you are looking for some lively discussion on our favorite nuclear man, head over to the <a title="DC Comics Message Board Firestorm Forum" href="http://dcboards.warnerbros.com/web/forum.jspa?forumID=29209036&amp;start=0" target="_blank">DC Comics Message Board Firestorm forum</a>.  There is always some good Firestorm talk going on over there.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><em>Behind the Voice Actors</em> – <a title="Behind the Voice Actors - Firestorm" href="http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/voice-compare/DC-Universe/Firestorm/" target="_blank">Check out this fun side-by-side comparison of the voice-over actors who have played Firestorm with sound clips and images</a>.  Listen to each clip, then vote for your favorite in poll on the right-hand side.  For me, Mark Taylor will always be the voice of Firestorm.  <em>Super Friends</em> was my first exposure to the character, so that portrayal holds a special place in my heart.  When you’re done with that, check out the <a title="Behind the Voice Actors - Killer Frost" href="http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/voice-compare/DC-Universe/Killer-Frost/" target="_blank"><em>Behind the Voice Actors</em> for Killer Frost</a>!</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li><a title="List of folks with flaming hair" href="http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FlamingHair" target="_blank">Click here for an interesting list of folks with flaming hair</a> on the TV Tropes website.  Includes characters from comics, literature, movies, video games, and more.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Below is another custom Mugg of the Black Lantern Firestorm.  Really great job on this custom!  You can view the whole set of <em>Blackest Night</em> Muggs over at <a title="Custom Blackest Night Muggs at Fried Gold Productions" href="http://friedgoldproductions.blogspot.com/2010/03/blackest-night-collaboration-set.html" target="_blank">Fried Gold Productions</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://friedgoldproductions.blogspot.com/2010/03/blackest-night-collaboration-set.html" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Black Lantern Firestorm Mugg" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm_bn_mugg.jpg" alt="Black Lantern Firestorm Mugg" width="500" height="521" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://friedgoldproductions.blogspot.com/2010/03/blackest-night-collaboration-set.html" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>If you are looking for more classic Firestorm action and back issues aren’t satisfying your craving, you could always try some fan fiction.  The <a title="Faux DC" href="http://www.fauxdc.com/" target="_blank">Faux DC</a> site features a series of prose adventures starring Firestorm V (Ronnie Raymond while he was solo prior to his death in <em>Identity Crisis</em>).  There are 12 issues of the fan fiction <em>Firestorm </em>available.  Also, the <em>Justice League of America</em> series features Firehawk.  <a title="Faux DC Firestorm" href="http://www.fauxdc.com/Titles/main/firestorm/fstorm.htm" target="_blank">Click here to check out the <em>Firestorm</em> issues</a> and <a title="Faux DC Justice League of America" href="http://www.fauxdc.com/Titles/main/jla/index.htm" target="_blank">click here to check out the <em>Justice League of America</em> stories</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Over at <a title="Comics Alliance" href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/04/07/blackest-night-in-60-seconds/" target="_blank">Comics Alliance there is a hilarious parody entited <em>Blackest Night in 60 seconds</em></a>.  Below is the panel relevant to Firestorm.  My thanks to the <a title="Girls-Gone-Geek.com" href="http://girls-gone-geek.com/" target="_blank">Girls-Gone-Geek</a> for sending this my way.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/04/07/blackest-night-in-60-seconds/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Blackest Night in 60 Seconds - Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/blackestnight-parody.jpg" alt="Blackest Night in 60 Seconds - Firestorm" width="584" height="600" /></a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Below is a fantastic sketch of the Elemental Firestorm done by Yildiray Cinar (artist of the Ravager co-feature in <em>Teen Titans</em> and the upcoming <em>Legion of Super-heroes</em> series).  I really like his take on the Elemental Firestorm!  It’s just gorgeous!  <a title="Yildiray Cinar's Firestorm" href="http://www.yildiraycinar.net/2010/04/sketch-44-firestorm.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> or the image to visit Cinar’s website.  If you’d like to see the previous sketch, <a title="Yildiray Cinar's previous Firestorm sketch" href="http://www.yildiraycinar.net/2009/07/sketch-12-firestorm.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yildiraycinar.net/2010/04/sketch-44-firestorm.html" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm by Yildiray Cinar" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/cinarsketch44.jpg" alt="Firestorm by Yildiray Cinar" width="600" height="841" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://zombiegoon.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-H-H-158918765" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Below is a cute sketch of <a title="Huckleberry Hound as Firestorm by ~zombiegoon" href="http://zombiegoon.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-H-H-158918765" target="_blank">Huckleberry Hound as Firestorm by ~zombiegoon on Deviant Art</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://zombiegoon.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-H-H-158918765" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Huckleberry Hound as Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm_huckleberry.jpg" alt="Huckleberry Hound as Firestorm" width="306" height="400" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://zombiegoon.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-H-H-158918765" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Below is another cute sketch of <a title="Cute Firestorm by *jbrant047" href="http://jbrant047.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-Cutie-158898846" target="_blank">Firestorm, this time by *jbrant047 on Deviant Art</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jbrant047.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-Cutie-158898846" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm cutie by brant047" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm_brant047.jpg" alt="Firestorm cutie by brant047" width="300" height="448" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://jbrant047.deviantart.com/art/Firestorm-Cutie-158898846" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>These next few are fan reimaginings from the <a title="Superbuddies forum" href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/index.php" target="_blank">Superbuddies.net forum</a>. This first one is by cattjay12345 and represents their vision of Firestorm from the Ultimate universe.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=355408&amp;sid=401cd624d4c121a7a8149d00ba3181a1#p355408" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Ultimate Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm-ulti_cattjay12345.jpg" alt="Ultimate Firestorm" width="200" height="400" /></a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>The next one is by Jor-El and is essentially a fancy version of Firestorm’s contemporary costume.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&amp;t=12301&amp;p=307469&amp;hilit=Firestorm1#p307469" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm for the animated series" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm1_jor-el.jpg" alt="Firestorm for the animated series" width="186" height="408" /></a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>Here’s how Ronnie Raymond might look on the <em>Smallville </em>TV show, again by Jor-El.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=350914#p350914" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm on the TV show Smallville" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm-smallville_jor-el.jpg" alt="Firestorm on the TV show Smallville" width="144" height="372" /></a></p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>And now, just for fun, the Jedi version of Firestorm, also by Jor-El!</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&amp;t=13950&amp;p=355863&amp;hilit=Firestorm#p355863" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" title="Firestorm the Jedi" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm-jedi_jor-el.jpg" alt="Firestorm the Jedi" width="248" height="398" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.superbuddies.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&amp;t=13289&amp;p=355408" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Watch this space for more information on Firestorm in <em>Brightest Day</em>!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Brightest Day Advertisement by David Finch</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/05/brightest-day-advertisement-by-david-finch/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/05/brightest-day-advertisement-by-david-finch/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:30:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Advertisements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VIII - Current (Ronnie/Jason)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[advertisement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aquaman]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[DC Comics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[supeheroes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1749</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The DC Source Blog published a Brightest Day advertisement by David Finch.  Not sure if this is an upcoming cover or just an advertisement.  This one included all the resurrected characters from Blackest Night #8.  Check it out below:

Here is a close-up shot of Firestorm from that artwork.  Looks to me that the colorist made [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">The <a title="DC Source Blog" href="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/2010/04/01/blackest-night-is-overwhat-is-brightest-day/">DC Source Blog</a> published a <em>Brightest Day</em> advertisement by David Finch.  Not sure if this is an upcoming cover or just an advertisement.  This one included all the resurrected characters from <em>Blackest Night</em> #8.  Check it out below:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day cover by David Finch" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_finch1.jpg" alt="Brightest Day cover by David Finch" width="600" height="906" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here is a close-up shot of Firestorm from that artwork.  Looks to me that the colorist made a minor mistake on Firestorm&#8217;s headgear (yellow instead of red).  The shoulder pads seem to be missing as well.  I&#8217;m sure these are just oversights.  However, given how little we&#8217;ve seen of this new version of Firestorm, this might be how he&#8217;ll look going forward.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Brightest Day by David Finch with Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_finch2.jpg" alt="Brightest Day by David Finch with Firestorm" width="313" height="717" /></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The DC Source Blog also included some commentary from Geoff John&#8217;s himself.  Here it is:</p>
<blockquote style="text-align: justify;"><p>Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Firestorm, Maxwell Lord, Captain Boomerang, Jade, the Reverse-Flash, Hawk, Osiris and… Deadman?</p>
<p>Twelve heroes and villains were resurrected by the white light.  Some will call it a miracle and others a sign of the apocalypse, and though the exact reasons for their rebirths is a mystery, it won’t be for long.</p>
<p>They’re back ­ for a reason.</p>
<p>Although they all have their own journeys ahead, they are connected by something and their exact mission will unfold throughout BRIGHTEST DAY.  But while the truth behind their return and their ultimate destination lies within the BRIGHTEST DAY series itself and GREEN LANTERN, there are other books where you can follow these recently returned heroes to find out what life has in store for them and what they have in store for life.</p>
<p>In BRIGHTEST DAY, the whole cast will be seen with Aquaman, Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Firestorm and Deadman taking the lead as the truth behind their resurrections is discovered.</p></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a title="Brightest Day #0" href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=14477"><em>Brightest Day</em> #0</a> goes on sale April 17, while <a title="Brightest Day #1" href="http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=14701"><em>Brightest Day</em> #1</a> goes on sale May 5.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Blackest Night #8 &#8211; Finally!!!</title>
		<link>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/01/blackest-night-8-finally/</link>
		<comments>http://firestormfan.com/2010/04/01/blackest-night-8-finally/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 10:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blackest Night]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Comic books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm VIII - Current (Ronnie/Jason)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Rusch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ronnie Raymond]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brightest Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firestorm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Geoff Johns]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ivan Reis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nuclear Man]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firestormfan.com/?p=1737</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay folks, Blackest Night #8 shipped yesterday and we&#8217;re going to talk about the ramifications for Firestorm.  If you haven&#8217;t read it, come back once you&#8217;re done.  You&#8217;ve been warned, there be SPOILERS ahead.
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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;">Okay folks, <em>Blackest Night</em> #8 shipped yesterday and we&#8217;re going to talk about the ramifications for Firestorm.  If you haven&#8217;t read it, come back once you&#8217;re done.  You&#8217;ve been warned, there be SPOILERS ahead.</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Ronnie&#8217;s back!  It&#8217;s been more than five years since Ronnie Raymond was killed by the Shadow Thief during <em>Identity Crisis</em>.  Now thanks to Geoff Johns and <em>Blackest Night</em>, Ronnie is back amongst the living!   The fans were pretty sure this was going to happen, but it was still awesome to see.  Rumor is that Ronnie&#8217;s return has been in the works since <em>Countdown</em>.  If so, it&#8217;s been a long wait. To make things even better, Jason is still around too!  Looks like for the immediate future Ronnie and Jason will merge to form Firestorm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I&#8217;ll hush up for a minute and let the images speak for themselves&#8230;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Blackest Night 8 - Firestorm Lives" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/firestorm_blackestnight8.jpg" alt="Blackest Night 8 - Firestorm Lives" width="600" height="1078" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="Blackest Night 8 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/ronnie-jason_blackestnight8.jpg" alt="Blackest Night 8 - Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch" width="600" height="950" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" title="DC Comics Brightest Day advertisement featuring Firestorm" src="http://firestormfan.com/images/brightestday_ad.jpg" alt="DC Comics Brightest Day advertisement featuring Firestorm" width="600" height="896" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Costume</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Did you notice Firestorm&#8217;s new costume?  It looks like a fair amalgam of the original Ronnie Raymond/Professor Stein suit, along with Jason Rusch&#8217;s more recent Firestorm costume.  Obviously the face is Ronnie&#8217;s, but the headgear looks like Jason&#8217;s.  We&#8217;ve got Ronnie&#8217;s chest emblem, but it glows like Jason&#8217;s.  The waistline is new, but it&#8217;s reminiscent of Jason&#8217;s (especially the lack of briefs).  The gloves and boots are entirely new. Firestorm&#8217;s hair is freakin&#8217; phenomenal!  I love all the Kirby-Dots!  I hope subsequent artists continue to draw the flames this way.  They look positively blazing!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Two things we need a better look at are the collar and the emblem on Firestorm&#8217;s left-hand side.  I can&#8217;t tell whether the collar is Ronnie&#8217;s or Jason&#8217;s at this time.  Also, it appears the left-hand side of the emblem has only two electron paths (while the right-hand side has three).  I hope that&#8217;s not the case as that drives me nuts.  I need symmetry people!  <img src='http://firestormfan.com/wordpress/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Ronnie/Jason</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned before, it appears for the time being Firestorm will be composed of Ronnie Raymond and Jason Rusch.  We&#8217;ve seen Black Lantern Firestorm on the cover of <em>Brightest Day</em> #3 or #4 which ship in June.  I&#8217;m not sure what that means for Ronnie and Jason, but clearly they&#8217;ll be involved.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some folks are speculating that primary control of the Firestorm body will swap back-and-forth between Ronnie and Jason (possibly dependent upon who instigates the fusion).  Some even speculate that the Firestorm body will look different, depending upon who is in control of the form.  I&#8217;m not sure how much this would add to the story (beyond confusing the general denizens of the DC Universe), so I hope this speculation is incorrect.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Based upon what we&#8217;ve seen so far, Ronnie has no memories after his death at the hands of Shadow Thief.  He apparently doesn&#8217;t recall his appearances in <em>Firestorm </em>volume III alongside Jason, nor does he recall the actions of Black Lantern Firestorm.  Jason remembers all of this, most importantly the death of his girlfriend Gehenna at the hands of Black Lantern Firestorm (who had a twisted version of Ronnie&#8217;s personality).  This should create some fairly dramatic scenes between Ronnie and Jason. I think adding conflict between the two beings that make up Firestorm is a good idea.  I&#8217;m looking forward to it!</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how Jason turned to Mera for comfort.  In a later panel (not shown above), you see Mera still hugging Jason in the background.  It would be nice if they continue that friendship between Mera and Jason.  I don&#8217;t imagine they will, but it would be a neat outcome from <em>Blackest Night</em>.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Going Forward</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Watch for more Firestorm appearances in <em>Brightest Day</em>!  Sounds like there is a lot planned for that 26-issue mini-series.  Hopefully the writers are able to give Firestorm the spotlight from time to time.  I hope they also find some way to include supporting characters like: Professor Martin Stein, Lorraine Reilly (Firehawk), Mikhail Arkadin (Pozhar), Ed Raymond (Ronnie&#8217;s father), and Alvin Rusch (Jason&#8217;s father).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Keep checking back here for the latest on the Nuclear Man!</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!</p>
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