I didn't have to read a synopsis to know that this week was going to expand the DCW television universe just a tiny bit more. "Human Target" just had to be a reference to DC Comics' own victim-for-hire, Christopher Chance, aka The Human Target. And I'm happy to say that I was right, with the character played by WIL TRAVAL (ONCE UPON A TIME, JESSICA JONES). (Fun fact: The Human Target has had two previous incarnations in television -- once in 1992 played by RICK SPRINGFIELD and again as recently as 2011 played by MARK VALLEY.)

Warner Brothers has released the official trailer for the Patty Jenkins helmed WONDER WOMAN, and there are only two words that come to mind.

Nailed it.

The title of this episode is "Monster," but where it may directly apply is something that is up in the air throughout most of the show. Certainly it could be most aptly refer to the 3-story kaiju that's mysteriously appearing and disappearing in the streets of Central City. But as the episode progresses, there are a few more opportunities where the title could merit application -- or narrowly miss it.

First potential monster: H.R. Wells (TOM CAVANAGH)

Just in time for the release of Marvel's latest superhero epic, DOCTOR STRANGE, comes this DK tome dedicated to THE MYSTERIOUS WORLDS OF DOCTOR STRANGE.

As with nearly every DK book I've ever read, this collection by Billy Wrecks and Danny Graydon (with a foreword by comics writing icon, Roger Stern) succeeds in being exhaustive yet condensed, providing the reader with access to just about everything that has touched Doctor Stephen Strange's life since he became the Master of the Mystic Arts. Hardcover with gilt-edged pages (a nice touch!), this oversized book takes readers on an encyclopedic tour of Strange's origins, his allies, his associates, his enemies, and the notable turning points in his life.

As often as we comic fans like to say that Batman is supposed to be a benevolent fascist, and battle whether our favorite is Nolan's "Dark Knight" or Miller's "Dark Knight" or one of the post-60s comic book incarnations, there will always be a special place inside each of us that regards Adam West as the Batman. Alas, as the Caped Crusader is well into his Golden Age, it's unlikely we'll ever see him play the role again.

But wait! What's this!

Could it be?

A new Adam West Batman?

The resurgence of the Boy Wonder?

Catwoman triumphant?

Halloween 2016 is officially in our rearview mirror, but that doesn't mean that dressing up is out of vogue -- not for us, anyway! And that's something we can all be thankful for -- apropos, as November is the month we officially give thanks!

Our November Bombshell, Jamie Krakover, hails from the Midwest, and draws upon film and television for her cosplay inspirations. Whether she's battling the forces of a galactic empire or fighting crime in the streets (that's her Speedy to the left -- an archer at the Gateway Arch!), Jamie combines imagination and intellect to call forth positive female role models in her cosplay.

Welcome back to Critical Blast’s weekly look at what new comics you should check out each week.   Just a warning, I make these picks pretty much a week BEFORE I actually get to read any of these comics, so if something is a stinker, I take no blame on that.  Let's get to it!

Comics shipping this week

Happy Halloween! In the spirit of the spookiest time of the year I was pushed by many people to finish Sister Location and I'm happy to say I have finished the game and if you have been waiting to see the ending then sit back, relax and prepare to get some good jumps and spooks because I know I did.

Since her introduction in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn's popularity has continued to skyrocket into cult status. What happens when that popularity spills over into the minds of young girls?

Known as the bubbly and villainous sidekick to the Joker, Harley Quinn was a seemingly harmless character back in the 90's when Bruce Timm's Batman: The Animated Series was on every television after school. But back then it was clear she was a villain so it was easier to cope with. Nobody would want their child to aspire to be a villain. Eventually her likeness made the jump from cartoon to comic book.

Which is where DC began fleshing out her background and her popularity began to grow.

The latest Star Trek film in the rebooted franchise bears the curious title STAR TREK BEYOND. Science fiction fans may have looked at this and thought it might be a peer into the far future of the Federation, akin to BATMAN BEYOND. Others might have expected the Federation to bo beyond...well, something. The galactic rim, perhaps.

Some may say what the world needs now is love, not another Frank Zappa Greatest Hits compilation. And some may say, well, why not both?

ZAPPAtite from Ume (Universal Music Enterprises) is the latest in a long line of “greatest hits” albums of one of rock’s most eclectic and off-the- beaten-path musicians ever to come down the pike.

I’m not going to take time here to talk about who Frank Zappa is/was, and what he has accomplished. It would take too long. If, by chance, you have been living under a rock for the last 50 years or so, or were brought up in some sort of sheltered sterile world where originality was not embraced and so you might not have not heard of him, then I would urge you to do some Google searches and sit back for a couple of days to read, read, and read more, then listen, listen, and listen more. While I can’t help you out on the reading part, the CD here can help you out on the listening part.

If you have a polarizing figure with a history of controversy and thrust him to the forefront of a Presidential campaign, it should be pretty hard to screw up a documentary about him -- but Director Jim Gufferson, Screenwriter BC Furtney and Producer Jason Winn 'J.B. Destiny' Bareford managed to do just that.

ONE NATION UNDER TRUMP sounds from the title like it might be a political prognostication in the vein of Dinesh D'Souza's HILLARY'S AMERICA. Could it be a dystopian view of the rise of a megalomaniacal magnate? Could it be an optimistic view of a nation united under a political outsider who castigates corruption?

Could it at least tell a story?

Oscar Wilde reportedly said that you can always judge a man by the quality of his enemies. And when it comes to that incestuous Venn Diagram intersection of politics and mass media, there are perhaps few hated more than James O'Keefe, the modern master of guerilla journalism.

This past week, if you watch the news, he's getting harder and harder to ignore, having released a spate of videos capturing operatives within the Democratic party revealing secrets that have caused the rolling of both heads and eyes, depending on where and who you happen to be. But is there more to come? We spoke with the president of Project Veritas about his current operation, and what's next.

Nate Heywood (NICK ZANO) gets to test his mettle against fourteenth century samurais in this third episode of LEGENDS OF TOMORROW's sophomore season. After having been injected with the Nazi super-serum that Ray (BRANDON ROUTH) modified to save his life, Nate finds that he can convert his body to living steel -- but he hasn't quite figured out how to force the change to happen. So training begins, which causes both Ray and Nate to be ejected through the side of the Waverider, landing them in feudal Japan.

Oh yeah, and somehow Vixen (MAISIE RICHARDSON-SELLERS) snuck on board, taking the Legends down as she comes across them because she thinks one of them is the time-traveler mentioned by a dying Hourman.

The latest announcement out of the Syracuse Comic-Con brings Adult Swim voice actor and veteran, Carey Means, to the heart of New York.

Most famously known for the voice behind AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE character, 'Frylock', Means has done a number of other projects over the years. His other work includes 'Catman' on 6 episodes of PERFECT HAIR FOREVER and on THE BRAK SHOW he was in 22 episodes as 'Thundercleese'. The announcement of his attendance comes 16 days ahead of the convention. Other notable guests include writer Ron Marz and writer/artist Mike Garland.

Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon in the latest Dan Brown adaptation to hit the big screen. As with the past two Dan Brown books-turned-movies -- THE DAVINCI CODE and ANGELS & DEMONS -- Hanks’s Langdon is teamed up with a beautiful, much younger woman. In this movie that woman is Dr. Sienna Brooks (FELICITY JONES).  

The movie jumps right into things with the introduction of Langdon and Brooks. The introduction takes place in what is thought to be a hospital room, as Langdon is under Dr. Brooks care due to head trauma. The only problem is Langdon can’t remember what happened. He sees his bloody clothes lying on a chair and knows it must be serious. During the conversation with Brooks, it’s discovered that due to the head trauma, Langdon is suffering from mild amnesia and severe sensitivity to light and sound.

On the Superman Homepage monthly podcast (Radio KAL), host Steve Younis dropped some fun cameo news.

On the most recent "Radio KAL" podcast, Younis was talking about how he attended a special screening of Superman 2, held at the Hayden Orpheum Theater in Australia. Among those in attendance were several actors from the movie: Marc McClure (Jimmy Olsen) and Sara Douglas (Ursa).

Getting the opportunity to ask questions, Younis asked if either of them were offered a role in any upcoming movies or tv shows:

"Marc McClure revealed that not only does he have a recurring role in the upcoming tv series "Powerless"...he also revealed that he will be in a film to be released at the end of 2017 hint, hint."

by Nandana Dev Sen

Well, it all started with a rather ordinary bath, and a naughty little girl called Hiya. When asked to get out of the tub and go to bed, my niece noisily turned the tap on. "Two more minutes!" she yelled over the water. "I’m just NOT clean enough yet for bed!" Then – a succession of "two more" minutes later -- when I finally handed her a hippo-headed toothbrush, out burst another loud protest. "Two more minutes, Toom-Ma!" She flashed her almond-shaped eyes at me with reproach. "My hippottamouse has a bad headache, you see – if I brush my teeth now it’ll only get WORSE! We have to wait for it to go away!"

When I read the REBIRTH: TEEN TITANS issue last month, I had some recriminations about the book. Having Damian Wayne individually take down each hero -- Beast Boy, Starfire, Kid Flash and Raven -- in relatively short order, I was seeing once again the "invincible boy wonder" with sociopathy issues. How was this going to work?

Thankfully, with the proper debut of the series, TEEN TITANS #1, Benjamin Percy and Jonboy Meyers turn the whole introduction around in a way that makes perfect sense. Damian Wayne -- Robin, son of Batman -- was, in his own way, simultaneously making a point...and asking for help.

Now that Superman has made his way back to Metropolis, how will SUPERGIRL move forward? Based on this week's episode "Welcome to Earth", it's clear that playtime is over.

***Spoilers Ahead***

This episode touted the appearance of the wonderful Linda Carter, as the President of the United States of America. Seeking equality for aliens who want refuge on Earth (particularly America), she was set to sign a bill into law that would grant them amnesty.

Hmmm...sounds like a well-timed storyline, seemlessly integrated into SUPERGIRL, for the election season.