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In this session we talk Flashpoint Paradox. Join Us.

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You can reach Chuck on Twitter @Romba and Curtis @86Cujo. Feel free to tweet us away, but be sure to use the hashtag #diabolical30 for all tweets about the show. Who knows, your tweet could be featured on an upcoming show!

Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

Flashpoint Paradox is an animated film adaptation of the 2011 comic book crossover “Flashpoint” by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert. It is scripted by Jim Krieg and directed by Jay Oliva. The story revolves around the Barry Allen version of the Flash character as he mysteriously awakens to a world completely different than the one he knows. Flashpoint Paradox introduces us to exciting and vastly different interpretations of the characters we have come to know and love. Presented in more of an Anime art style, the animation fits perfectly with the dark, gritty worldParadox introduces us to. If you have yet to view theJustice League: The Flashpoint Pardox and you enjoy alternate reality story arcs, or are a fan of good storytelling in general, you owe it to yourself to give this film a viewing. Trust us you won’t regret it!

Useful Links:
Flashpoint Paradox Wiki
Flashpoint Comic Series Wiki
Jay Oliva on Twitter

Black Manta

Black Manta has a rather interesting comic book origin. Though the character was first introduced in the pages of Aquaman #35 back in 1967, Black Manta didn’t get an official origin story until 1993 (Aquaman #6 from the 1993 series). The story we were given was pretty bleak as a young Black Manta is kidnapped and abused for untold hours aboard a boat off the coast of Maryland… to make matters worse, as this is taking place, Black Manta sees Aquaman out in the distance and calls out for help. Aquaman doesn’t hear the young Manta’s cries, however, and keeps on swimming by (oh Aquaman…). It was in this moment that a hatred and rivalry was born. DC must have realized how dark and twisted this origin story was as later they decided to give a new, more tame Black Manta origin in Aquaman #8 from the 2003 series. This origin story had Black Manta trace his roots back to Arkham Asylum… the center for all scum and villainy in the DC Universe.

From a pure character design standpoint, few characters can top Black Manta’s look and presence. This is definitely not an individual you want to find yourself in front off, particular in the ocean. If you’re looking to beef up your Black Manta knowledge, or you are unfamiliar with the character and want to learn more, here are a few comics you should go out of your way to read:

Aquaman Vol. I 35, 42, 51-52 (First Appearances)
Collected – AQUAMAN: DEATH OF A PRINCE
Aquaman Vol. III 1-6 (Atlantis-Oumland War)
Aquaman Vol. IV 29-30 (Devil Ray) + 58 (Watery Graves)
Aquaman Vol. V 8-12 (The Thirst/Waterbearer)
Aquaman Vol. V 32-39 (Infinite Crisis Tie-Ins)
Aquaman Vol. V 52 (Sword of Atlantis “You Can’t Fight City Hall”)
Collected – BRIGHTEST DAY

Useful Links:
Black Manta Wiki

Shaun McLaughlin

Shaun McLaughlin is the writer behind one of our favorite villain origin stories with his concise telling of how Black Manta came to hate the sea and Aquaman. Team Diabolical recently had a brief chat with Shaun and we’re happy to say that he’s a very down to earth individual and is just as much a fan of the DC Universe as we are. Make sure you give Shaun a follow on Twitter for some great insight and a lot of geeky fun. The invitation stands, Shaun; anytime you’re in our neck of the woods, the coffee is on us. Thanks for being so great and giving us wonderful stories to grow up with. Cheers!

Useful Links:
Shaun McLaughlin on Twitter
Aquaman Shrine Interview with Shaun (2008)

Diabolical Artists

Music Provided By:
Kindred: https://soundcloud.com/kindrea
20syl: https://soundcloud.com/20syl
JPB: https://www.facebook.com/jayprodbeatz

Artwork Provided By: Mendigo – Check out his amazing ART here