Today here at FIRESTORM FAN we’re going to feature… well… Firestorm. Specifically the Firestorm characters from parallel worlds that appeared in Countdown: Arena!

Countdown: Arena was a four issue mini-series, published weekly from December 5 thru December 26, 2007. It was written by Keith Champagne, penciled by Scott McDaniel, inked by Andy Owens, and colored by Guy Major. Spinning off of Countdown, the series features Monarch (Nathaniel Adam) as he organizes battles among various characters from the 52 Earths of the Multiverse. Monarch’s secret agenda was to allow the character of Breach to escape the Arena trap, knowing he would recruit additional multiverse incarnations of Captain Atom to battle Monarch. Once this “Captain Atom Brigade” confronted Monarch, he absorbed their powers making himself even more powerful. Finally, he gathered those Arena victors he deemed worthy in preparation for a battle against the Monitors.

I bought this series as it was coming out, however, I had little enthusiasm for the series until actually reading it. I had grown weary of the Countdown saga and expected this to be just another fight-fight-fight book. While there was certainly a lot of fighting, I was pleasantly surprised to find there was a lot to like about this series! First off, Scott McDaniel pencils? Yes, please!! I fell in love with McDaniel’s work on Daredevil several years before, so it was a treat to see him here. Second, there was a decent story and some intrigue in this series. Third, we got to meet Firestorm from Earth 12 and Quantum-Storm from Earth 37!

Quantum-Storm from Earth 37

As mentioned, Monarch (a.k.a. Nathaniel Adam, a.k.a. Captain Atom) was the “big bad” of this mini-series. He gathered numerous characters from around the multiverse and locked them in an Arena to do battle with one another. Monarch carefully selected trios of characters to battle each other (i.e. Batman from Gotham By Gaslight, The Bat from JSA Liberty Files, and vampire Batman from Red Rain). For Captain Atom (alternate versions of Monarch himself), he selected Breach (from the primary DC Earth), Captain Atom of the Atomic Knights (Earth 38), and Quantum-Storm (Earth 37). While these were Captain Atom analogs, Quantum-Storm is actually a hybrid of the Captain Atom concept and the Firestorm concept!

Quantum-Storm was the fusion of Ronnie Raymond and Nathaniel Adam. Adam operated as the on-board adviser, much like Professor Stein did in the original Firestorm. The costume was nearly identical to the original Firestorm outfit, except yellow had been replaced with the same silvery-blue worn by the post-Crisis Captain Atom. We didn’t learn much about Quantum-Storm, but he appeared in all four issues and died heroically trying to defeat Monarch.

Firestorm from Earth 12

Over on Earth 12, we catch a brief glimpse of this world’s Firestorm. He’s hanging out with a young Green Lantern moments before GL is abducted for the Arena event. On this Earth, Green Lantern is the grandson of Green Lantern Hal Jordan. That implies these are the next generation of heroes. Looking at Firestorm’s costume design and flaming wings, perhaps he is the child (or grandchild) of Jason Rusch and Lorraine Reilly. That’s pure speculation, but I can’t help wondering. Below you’ll find his only appearance. Click to enlarge.

Not a lot of Firestorm content, but seeing any parallel version of our favorite Nuclear Man is awesome! If you haven’t read it, pick up Countdown: Arena. It’s well worth your time and money!

Super-Blog Team-Up Links

As mentioned, several different blogs have teamed-up today to cover Parallel Worlds and Alternate Realities! While I’m featuring Firestorm here on my site, you should visit these other comic blogs to see how they spotlight their own favorite characters and niches today. Visit them now, visit them later, and visit them often!

• The Case Against Spider-Man Reign @ Amazing Spider-Talk Podcast
• A Tale Of Two Cities On The Edge Of Forever @ Between The Pages
• Things Are a Little Different Around Here… @ Bronze Age Babies
• The Ballad of Two Green Lanterns @ Flodo’s Page
• Martian Manhunter Multiversity @ The Idol-Head of Diabolu Podcast
• The Many Worlds of Tesla Strong @ In My Not So Humble Opinion
• Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes @ The Legion of Super-Bloggers
• X-Men #141 & 142: Days of Future Past @ Longbox Graveyard
• Epic Comics’ Doctor Zero @ The Marvel Super Heroes Podcast
• Marvel & DC’s Secret Crossover: Avengers #85–86 @ Mystery Vlog
• Marvel’s Star Comics: Licensed Reality and Parallel Properties @ Superhero Satellite
• Altered Reality: The Ultraverse Before and After Black September @ Ultraverse Network
• 5 Batmen, 1 Superman, ZERO HOUR @ The Unspoken Decade
• The Ghost in the Machine: Robocop versus Terminator @ The Unspoken Decade

Support Firestorm (and other members of the Super-Blog Team-Up)! Fan the flame!

22 different blogs have joined forces today to celebrate the eye-catching silhouettes produced by artist Steve Garcia! Below you’ll find striking images of our favorite Nuclear Man and his Frigid Foe! These would make great posters!

Finally, here is a Firestorm silhouette wallpaper!

Wow! Love this artwork so much! Now, Steve Garcia did a lot more than just Firestorm…

Justice League of Bloggers Links

As mentioned, 22 different blogs have teamed-up today to share some of Steve Garcia’s artwork! While I’m featuring Firestorm here on my site, you should visit these other character-specific blogs to see how they spotlight their own favorite heroes today. Visit them now, visit them later, and visit them often!

• Aquaman and Mera @ Aquaman Shrine!
• Black Lantern Martian Manhunter @ Idol-Head of Diabolu!
• Wonder Girl @ Diana Prince as The New Wonder Woman!
• The Atom @ Power of the Atom!
• Zatanna @ Justice League Detroit!
• Steel @ DC Bloodlines!
• Black Canary, Green Arrow, and Huntress @ Flowers & Fishnets: A Black Canary Blog!
• Supergirl, Lois Lane, and Vibe @ Supergirl: Comic Box Commentary!
• Blue Beetle & Booster Gold @ Kord Industries: A Blue Beetle Blog!
• Riddler, Batman, Robin, Alfred, Nightwing, Batgirl, Villains, & More@ Riddle Factory!
• The Flash and the Rogues @ Speed Force!
• Green Lantern @ Indigo Tribe!
• Plastic Man @ Eeyow! It’s Plastic Man!
• Red Tornado @ Red Tornado’s Path!
• Ambush Bug, Beast Boy, Metamorpho, Power Girl, & Deadman @ My Greatest Adventure 80: A Doom Patrol Blog!
• Cyborg @ S.T.A.R. Labs Detroit!
• Captain Atom @ Splitting Atoms: A Captain Atom Blog!
• Swamp Thing @ Swamp Thing: The Blog from the Bog!
• Daredevil, Hulk, and Captain America @ Dave’s Daredevil Podcast!
• Thor @ The Hammer Strikes!
• Dr. Strange & Nick Fury @ …nurgh…!

Be sure to check out these older posts from the Justice League of Bloggers featuring Steve Garcia’s artwork!

• Booster Gold @ Boosterrific!
• Martian Manhunter @ Idol-Head of Diabolu!
• Wonder Woman @ Diana Prince as The New Wonder Woman!
• Hawkgirl @ Power of the Atom!
• Captain Marvel @ DC Bloodlines!

For more of Steve Garcia’s artwork, keep up with him on Facebook, deviantART, Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram!

If you’ve enjoyed this blog crossover, then you should check out some previous comic blog crossovers we’ve done. The first major blog crossover celebrated the gorgeous George Pérez/Alex Ross painting from the Crisis on Infinite Earths 1998 hardcover. The next major blog crossover was a celebration of the Super Powers Collection’s 25th Anniversary. Some subsequent major crossovers included: DC Challenge, Read This Too, Mayfairstivus, April Fool’s Day 2011, Blackest Night to Brightest Day, Green Lantern: Circle of Fire, Animated Anthem Day, Secret Files & Origins, DragonCon 2012 Cosplay, and Ghosts Annuals from 1998!

Support Firestorm (and Steve Garcia)! Fan the flame!

Ever thought up your own ideal Firestorm movie casting? Well our buddy Ryan Daly has done exactly that! You may know Ryan better as the madman called “Count Drunkula”, or as the man behind the Flowers and Fishnets: A Black Canary Blog. Either way, check out his five-part Firestorm movie fan casting!

• Part One
• Part Two
• Part Three
• Part Four
• Part Five

Support Firestorm (and Ryan Daly)! Fan the flame!

Follow us on Tumblr

Head over to the new Tumblr site for FIRESTORM FAN! Please stop by, check it out, and “Follow” the page! If you’re not on Tumblr, you can still view the page any time you’d like. In addition to announcing new posts, I’ll also share links to various Firestorm-related items that don’t merit an entire post here. Click here to visit the Tumblr site for FIRESTORM FAN!

Find Firestorm Fan Content

I believe finding the content from FIRESTORM FAN should be convenient for you. That’s why in addition to the primary site, I’m trying to make the content accessible several different ways. Even if you already have a reliable way of getting FIRESTORM FAN content, please take a look at the delivery methods below, show your support, and spread the word. Your support is always appreciated.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Google Plus
• RSS
• E-mail

I hope at least one of these ways proves to be convenient for you. Thanks again for reading!

Support Firestorm (and FIRESTORM FAN)! Fan the flame!

Let’s make some noise on the social networks and get the word out about this new issue! Spread the word through Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, Tumblr, blogs, message boards, LinkedIn, MySpace, or even smoke signals! “Fan the flame” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a call to action!

GOOGLE PLUS

Heads-up Match-heads, FIRESTORM FAN is now on Google Plus! If you are a devoted Google Plus user, please consider giving FIRESTORM FAN a +1 and adding us to your Circles. While you are there, be sure to +1 DC Comics and Hi-Fi Color, and add Yildiray Cinar to your Circles. If you want to help build some hype for Fury of Firestorm #7, share some comments in your stream about the new issue. You can even tag DC Comics, Hi-Fi Color, Yildiray Cinar, and FIRESTORM FAN in your comment. Type the “+” symbol. Pick the person/page you want to mention from the dropdown menu that appears. The person you tag is notified about the comment.

TWITTER

If you are a Twitter user, watch for Joe Harris, Hi-Fi Color, DC Comics, Yildiray Cinar, Norm Rapmund, & FIRESTORM FAN. If you want to help build some hype for Fury of Firestorm #7, tweet your excitement about the new issue. In your tweet you may want to mention the folks above. Use the “@” symbol and type their Twitter handle. The person you mention will be able to see your tweet on their “@Connect” page (or “Mentions” if they use an outside application). Tell them you are looking forward to this new direction! Also, if you use the hashtag “#dccomics”, your tweet will appear on DC Comics new Fans page under “Trending Hashtags”!

FACEBOOK

If you are a Facebook user, watch for Ethan Van Sciver, Joe Harris, Hi-Fi Color, DC Comics, Yildiray Cinar, & FIRESTORM FAN! You can generate some noise for Fury of Firestorm #7 by sharing some comments on your wall about the new issue. You can even tag anyone you are “friends” with or have “liked” (such as the folks I just mentioned).  Type the “@” symbol. Pick the friend you want to mention from the dropdown menu that appears. The person you tag should be notified about the comment.

What are you waiting for? Get out there and make some social media noise, match-heads!

Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!

You can find the seventh episode of THE FIRE AND WATER PODCAST on iTunes. While you’re there, please drop us a review on the iTunes page. Every comment helps! Alternatively, you may download the podcast by right-clicking here, choosing “Save Target/Link As”, and selecting a location on your computer to save the file (52 MB).

Thanks again to my co-host Rob Kelly, Sea King of THE AQUAMAN SHRINE, for doing all the post-production on these episodes! Additionally, special thanks to Daniel Adams and his band The Bad Mamma Jammas for our super-cool outro theme!

Thanks for listening! Send your feedback to: firewaterpodcast@comcast.net

Support Firestorm and Aquaman! Fan the Flame and Ride the Wave!

Like us on Facebook

Heads-up Facebook users, I’ve launched a Facebook page for FIRESTORM FAN!  Please stop by, check it out, and “Like” the page!  In addition to announcing new posts, I’ll also share links to various Firestorm-related items that don’t merit an entire post here.  Click here to visit the Facebook page for FIRESTORM FAN!

I believe finding the content from FIRESTORM FAN should be convenient for you.  That’s why in addition to the primary site I’m trying to make the content accessible across several social media platforms.  Even if you already have a reliable way of getting FIRESTORM FAN content, please take a look at the delivery methods below, show your support, and spread the word. Your support is always appreciated.

Follow on Twitter

If you’re on Twitter, please “follow” @firestormfan.  There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Nuclear Men right now and Twitter is an easy way to cover the excitement.  Like Facebook, I’ll also tweet links to various Firestorm-related items that don’t merit an entire post here.

RSS

As always, you can subscribe directly to the RSS feed.  This option provides you with the most flexibility as there are numerous ways to get RSS feeds.  Click here for the FIRESTORM FAN RSS feed.

Subscribe via E-mail

By choosing to subscribe via e-mail, new FIRESTORM FAN posts will be delivered right to your inbox!  How convenient is that?!?!  Click here to subscribe to FIRESTORM FAN via e-mail.

Identify yourself as a “Follower” on the site

It’s easy to show your support by choosing to “Follow” with Google Friend Connect.  You may use a pre-existing account from Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, or OpenID to “Follow”.  By choosing to “Follow”, it will list you amongst the followers of FIRESTORM FAN.  It will also allow you to read FIRESTORM FAN content in Blogger under “Blogs I’m Following”.  Click here or look on FIRESTORM FAN in the right-hand sidebar towards the bottom and you’ll see an option to “Follow” with Google Friend Connect.

I recommend the “Follow” feature to anyone wishing to show their support of the site, or to anyone who keeps up with blogs through Blogger (a really handy way to keep up with several different blogs).

LiveJournal

If you’re a LiveJournal user, you can keep up with FIRESTORM FAN there.  All posts to the blog are cross-posted to the ONCE UPON A GEEK LiveJournal page.

.

I hope at least one of these ways proves to be convenient for you.  Thanks again for reading!  It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Firestorm!

Support Firestorm (and FIRESTORM FAN)! Fan the flame!

I want to make it convenient for you to keep up with FIRESTORM FAN.  That’s one of the reasons I recently launched a Twitter account specifically tracking Firestorm.  Even if you already have a reliable way of getting FIRESTORM FAN content, by choosing to “Follow” the blog it helps show your support and spread the word. Your support is always appreciated.

Follow on Twitter

If you’re on Twitter, please “follow” @firestormfan.  A few days ago I started this new Twitter account with the express purpose of keeping up with Firestorm.  There’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Nuclear Man right now and Twitter is an easy way to cover the excitement.  In addition to announcing new posts, I’ll also tweet links to various Firestorm-related items that don’t merit an entire post here.

Identify yourself as a “Follower” on the site

It’s easy to show your support by choosing to “Follow” with Google Friend Connect.  You may use a pre-existing account from Google, Twitter, Yahoo, AIM, or OpenID to “Follow”.  By choosing to “Follow”, it will list you amongst the followers of FIRESTORM FAN.  It will also allow you to read FIRESTORM FAN content in Blogger under “Blogs I’m Following”.  Click here or look on FIRESTORM FAN in the right-hand sidebar towards the bottom and you’ll see an option to “Follow” with Google Friend Connect.

I recommend the “Follow” feature to anyone wishing to show their support of the site, or to anyone who keeps up with blogs through Blogger (a really handy way to keep up with several different blogs).

Follow on Facebook using NetworkedBlogs

If you are a frequent Facebook user, you can follow FIRESTORM FAN with the NetworkedBlogs application.  By choosing to “Follow” this way, FIRESTORM FAN topics will be posted to your Facebook “Home” page as they are published.  Click here to check out the NetworkedBlogs application.

I would recommend the NetworkedBlogs feature to anyone that is a frequent Facebook user, or to anyone who has a Facebook account and wishes to show their support of the site.

LiveJournal

If you’re a LiveJournal user, you can keep up with FIRESTORM FAN there.  All posts to the blog are cross-posted to the ONCE UPON A GEEK LiveJournal page.

RSS

As always, you can subscribe directly to the RSS feed.  This option provides you with the most flexibility as there are numerous ways to get RSS feeds.  Click here for the FIRESTORM FAN RSS feed..

.

I hope at least one of these ways provides you with a convenient way to get this content.  Thanks again for reading!  It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Firestorm!

Support Firestorm (and FIRESTORM FAN)! Fan the flame!

• A few weeks back I did a post on the 2003 Ronnie Raymond Firestorm series that almost was.  I’m over-the-moon happy to report that I received very nice notes about my post from both writer Mike Carey and artist Lewis LaRosa.  Great guys! Be sure to support their projects!
• Check out this amazing Firestorm sketch on eBay by Ed Benes (Justice League of America, Birds of Prey, Superman).  Gorgeous sketch!  It sold for $374.  Wow!

• Brightest Day #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!
• DC Comics has created a Brightest Day mini-site and Firestorm has his own page.  Not much to see there yet, but check it out by clicking here.  Also, you can get some Brightest Day desktop wallpapers and buddy icons on their Download page by clicking here.
• Peter Tomasi gave an interview to Newsarama about Brightest Day in early May.  Click here for the entire interview.  Below is an excerpt that included Firestorm:

Nrama: Then let’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?

Tomasi: Ronnie and Jason’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’s head and you’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.

• During the DC Nation panel at HeroesCon this past Saturday, an audience member asked about Firestorm.  Click here for the entire DC Nation rundown at Newsarama.  Below is an excerpt that included Firestorm:

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.

• Back in early May, Chris Sims wrote a post over at Comics Alliance on “The Racial Politics of Regressive Storytelling”.  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.
  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’t know).  Combine this editorial with the recent death and you’ve got a literal fandom firestorm on the net (no pun intended… well, maybe a little bit).  Just go to any comic message board and this topic is being argued.  I’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’m not going to comment on the issue, but I encourage you to check out what everyone is saying.
• David Wolkin did a review of Brightest Day #1 on his blog Wolkin’s House of Chicken and Waffles (and Comics!).   The review is very humorous and worth your time.  Additionally, he referred to Ronnie and Jason as “The New Odd Couple” and included a link to the following Twitpic he posted.  Friggin’ hilarious!

• Our good buddy Jon over at the Firestorm-themed blog FIZZIT has posted several really cool Firestorm-related items in recent months.  Check these out!
  Firestorm sketches by Nicola Scott (Secret Six, Birds of Prey) and Francis Manapul (Flash)
  Firestorm sketches by Mike Allred (Madman) and Agnes Garbowska (Peter Porker, Spider-Ham)
  Original art for Firestorm v2 #45 page 12 and analysis of the editorial marks
  Batman: The Brave and the Bold toys of Orion and Firestorm have some words
  Jon’s funny rendition of Shadow Thief’s trial for the murder of Firestorm from Manhunter.
• 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 Firestorm stories on DC2: New Adventures of the DC Heroes.
• Click here for a cute Jason Rusch Firestorm lego custom.  Adorable!
• As always, if you are looking for some lively discussion on our favorite nuclear man, head over to the DC Comics Message Board Firestorm forum.  There is always some good Firestorm talk going on over there.
• And just for fun, click here for a recipe to a drink called the Firestorm.  It has nothing to do with the Nuclear Man, but what the heck.  Let’s toast Ronnie Raymond resuming the path to alcoholism!  Cheers!

Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!

Welcome to FIRESTORM FAN’s part of the Crisis on Earth-Blog: The DC Challenge! FIRESTORM FAN is the source for DC Comics’ Nuclear Man! You’ll find anything and everything Firestorm-related here. Things such as merchandise, comics, toys, apparel, cartoons, news, creator interviews, and commentary about the character. If this is your first time here, welcome aboard! If you’re a regular, I think you’ll enjoy this crossover event.

Today and throughout the next few weeks on comic book-themed blogs across the internet, DC Comics characters are being spotlighted in a series of challenges. In my case I’ll be representing Firestorm, my all-time favorite superhero. Your DC Challenge, if you choose to accept it, involves visiting each of these various blogs and tackling their particular challenge.

The objective of these challenges is to go from blog to blog until you reach the goal-page featuring a lush scan from an obscure George Pérez pin-up of every major character involved in this crossover event. We all hope you enjoy this online scavenger hunt, and the new comic blogs you’ll be exposed to! Many thanks go out to mastermind Frank Lee Delano (of the blogs: Idol-Head of Diabolu, Justice League Detroit, and …nurgh…) for coordinating this massive effort! Way to go, Frank!

Your FIRESTORM FAN challenge is the crossword puzzle below. I couldn’t embed the crossword puzzle itself, so you’ll have to click the image to be taken to the interactive puzzle.  Each question in the puzzle relates to either Firestorm or a character participating in this crossover. Just a heads-up, I removed any spaces or hyphens from the answers. For example “Captain Amazing” would simply be “CaptainAmazing”; or “Locust-Man” would simply be “LocastMan”. Once you’ve finished the challenge, be sure to investigate the other links beneath the puzzle. Have fun!

Hope you enjoyed the crossword puzzle! Now you’ll have to work your way through a few of the blogs below if you want to reach the goal-page featuring an obscure George Pérez pin-up of every major character in this crossover. Some of these blogs are participating in the crossover today, others will be in the coming weeks. Visit them now, visit them later, visit them often!

• The Aquaman Shrine
• The Atom: Tiny Titan
• Hawkman/Hawkwoman at Being Carter Hall
• Metal Men at Comics Make Me Happy
• Flash at Crimson Lightning
• Green Arrow at Dispatches from the Arrow Cave
• Black Lightning and Unknown Soldier at El Jacone’s Comic Book Bunker
• Firestorm Fan
• Black Canary at Girls Gone Geek and Wonder Woman at Girls Gone Geek
• I Am The Phantom Stranger
• Martian Manhunter at The Idol-Head of Diabolu
• Elongated Man and Zatanna at Justice League Detroit
• Captain Comet at …nurgh…
• Doctor Fate at Once Upon a Geek
• He-Man and Battle Cat at Pretty, Fizzy Paradise
• Mister Miracle at random picture day
• Adam Strange at Reilly2040’s Blog
• Supergirl Comic Box Commentary
• Sgt. Rock at when is evil cool?
• Batgirl at The Anti-Didio League of America
• Plastic Man at The Continuity Blog
• General support from Toyriffic

If you enjoy blog crossovers, then you may want to check out the previous comic blog crossovers we’ve done. The first major Crisis on Earth-Blog celebrated the gorgeous George Pérez/Alex Ross painting from the Crisis on Infinite Earths 1998 hardcover. The next blog crossover was a celebration of the Super Powers Collection’s 25th Anniversary.

Support Firestorm! Fan the flame!