The Joker review: of popcorn and proletarians, from two corny contrarians Johann Balasuriya: I do not understand why people say this is a violent movie that promotes gun violence. I mean, I have watched Arnold Schwarzenegger comedies with more violence than The Joker. Although, it goes without saying, the Joker is less tragic than “Hercules goes Bananas” (A.K.A. Hercules in New York) or some other DC movies. The Joker is the story of Arthur Fleck, an average Joe, chilling in his life, doing the best he can to bring joy and happiness to the world. He's also dealing with a condition that makes him suddenly break out in unaccountable and uncontrollable laughter. Surrounded by mentally ill people, bullies, and manipulators, he does what he can to take care of his Mother, in a world where there is great wealth inequality. C Lue: The insidious slope canters, under his unearned trust, and faith in the everyone who Society says we should reasonably rely upon. Johann...

Written by guest Johann Balasuriya I remember Mom handing me a plastic bag with a bottle of water, 3 bottles of Soda water and a few plastic cups and Dad grabbing a bottle of whiskey, one day during first term holidays in Sri Lanka, 1983. ( In Sri Lanka the school year is divided in to 3 terms; Each term was 3 months long with a 1 month holiday between terms. First term holidays begin 1st week of April and end in the first week of May). I cannot remember the exact date but I remember my Maternal grandfather had given me a copy of "The human Fly" # 1 the day before and I had just won a fight with my brother (we were fighting over Atari time) and it was about 9 am. When Dad comes into the living room and says " Hey! Johann we are going on a trip" I'm like, "To where?" "Never mind where! Just get ready". I remember Mom demanding to know details and having one of those hush hush discussions they used to have. I get in the back seat of the car b...

Meanwhile... GUEST DC Column with Johann Balasuriya I have read a bunch of comics featuring the Martian Manhunter and I have also read a bunch of his solo comic book's. But I was never impressed by him as a character or as a hero. I often wondered why the trinity (Supe's, Bat's and Wondy) always treated him with great respect. Yes he had an amazing array of abilities. But in my opinion Hes was just a green superman with an ability to shape change and a weakness to fire. I always assumed that the most work he ever did was either escorting G'nort and Killowog around town or track down Blue beetle and Booster gold to give them a talking to. I did not think that his ability to be able to mentally connect all the members of whatever team he was in was that much of a big deal. Until ........ the white Martian story line. That moment where he looks up and says they are white martians and crashes through a bunch of buildings and takes on a few of the whites is amazing. That mom...