Today we have reviews for the last of the comics which came out in July, as well as a few older comics I managed to read before the August shipment arrived at my door this weekend. I’ll get those books ready to read so the next batch of reviews should be of August books, which is good since August is almost over.
Daredevil 87 (Marvel Comics) — So DD is out of prison now. He managed to escape while salvaging his secret identity thanks to some help from others, and he can start getting to the bottom of who’s setting him up. So really, this entire last arc didn’t really advance the overall plot at all, but damn, it was sure some good reading.
Birds of Prey 96 (DC Comics) — This title seems to be floundering somewhat since Infinite Crisis. Don’t get me wrong; Gail Simone has a great writer’s voice for these characters, but I just don’t care so much for some of the storylines, particularly this one about Black Alice. I just don’t care about her much, I guess.
Civil War: Front Line 4 (Marvel Comics) — More of the same from this title: I really enjoy the insights offered in the Embedded storyline about the reporters covering the events in the Marvel Universe, and I am loving reading about Speedball’s persecution in The Accused, but I’m not so sure about the Sleeper Cell storyline, and don’t much care for the pretensious parallel story that always ends the book. I get the similarities between the Civil War storyline and real world events such as the Patriot Act and the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, etc. I don’t need to be beat over the head with it or made to feel like these stories are more emotional than they are.
Action Comics 841 (DC Comics) — Not sure about this arc yet, but decided to give it a try since it seems to guest-star Nightwing and the Titans. Seems people outside of Metropolis are concerned about whether or not the newly-returned Superman is the real deal or just another pretender. Nice tie-in to previous events. After what happened when Superman died, I can see why people might be suspicious.
New Avengers 22 (Marvel Comics) — Another good Civil War tie-in. Last issue showed us Captain America’s views on the registration act. This issue focuses on Power Man Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and their newborn daughter. Nicely done.
Batman 655 (DC Comics) — This is the opening arc of Batman and Son, the follow-up to an earlier Batman graphic novel in which Bruce and Talia have a son, a boy whom Bruce believes was stillborn. This story has a great deal of potential for emotional conflict considering Bruce’s feelings on family responsibilities. Not too many impressions so far, although this version of Talia seems somewhat darker and colder than usual.
JLA Classified 22-25 (DC Comics) — I’ve never been a big fan of the Detroit-era Justice League, surprising in that I have always liked Aquaman, and he was in charge of that incarnation of the team. But I didn’t know the other main new characters. However, I have always been rather fond of the various incarnations of the Royal Flush Gang. I don’t know why, they always seem kind of lame, power-wise. But I’ve just always liked them. This story ties together a couple different incarnations of the Gang, retroactively adding some sense and cohesion to the two teams, while also making me care a little bit about the Detroit Leaguers. It was a fun read, and is making me look forward to the sorta sequel in JSA Classified 14-16.
Jack of Fables 1 (DC Vertigo) — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I don’t much care for Bill Willingham writing superhero comics. His run on Robin was mostly bizarre and seemed to take the character back to being a novice, ignoring about 10 years’ worth of stories in the process, not to mention current continuity. But the man can write these Fables characters. I have been hooked on the original title since it began, and decided to give this new spin-off a try. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not, but I WANT to see issue #2 right away after reading #1. That doesn’t happen very often anymore. I’ve read enough comic books that good stories leaving me wanting to read the rest and see what happens, but not really anxious about it. I’m anxious to read this book next month.
Retro-Reviews
Crisis On Infinite Earths 5-7 (DC Comics 1985) — These books comprise the heart of the series. The first four issues are a lot of set-up. Issue 5 comes along with the revelation of the Anti-Monitor as the villain. Issue 6 brings the final five remaining earths together and introduces the coming villains coup. And issue 7 gives us origin and back story details for the new characters created for this series as well as the intensely dramatic death of Supergirl. Heroes and villains have died before this point, but Supergirl’s death lets everyone know that anyone could be next. For those still not convinced, check out issue 8 for the death of ... but we’re not there yet. (Like somebody out there hasn’t read this series yet.)
DC Comics Presents 87 (DC Comics 1985) — This story is one of the better Crisis tie-ins taking place right after Supergirl’s death. Superman is mysteriously taken to Earth-Prime, the earth that is supposed to be the one we readers live on. While there, he witnesses the dawning of powers on Superboy Prime, a character who will play a role in this Crisis, as well as in the later Infinite Crisis. A good book to have if for no other reason than that.
Well, that’s it for today. See ya next time.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Monday, August 21, 2006
Here's My Mea Culpa
To those who have posted comments to my blog as far back as March, I apologize. I'm an idiot.
I just thought I didn't have any comments posted. But apparently, I had the settings adjusted so that I had to "approve" any comments offered, then received no alerts or notifications to that effect. So I had a few waiting for me when I happened to check today.
Thanks to all of you for your interest, and please drop by again. I'll try to be more attentive.
I just thought I didn't have any comments posted. But apparently, I had the settings adjusted so that I had to "approve" any comments offered, then received no alerts or notifications to that effect. So I had a few waiting for me when I happened to check today.
Thanks to all of you for your interest, and please drop by again. I'll try to be more attentive.
Short Weekend Of Solid Reading
I read some good comics over the weekend, so let’s just jump right in to today’s batch of reviews.
52 Weeks 11 and 12 (DC Comics) — The first of these books features the costumed debut of Batwoman; the issue also focuses mainly on Montoya and the Question and their investigation into Intergang’s move on Gotham with just a few side bits on Ralph Dibny’s investigation of the Cult of Conner. The second issue continues this narrow focus on just a few characters, leaving other storylines unadvanced for entire weeks. If anything, I think that is this title’s biggest failing. It’s an anthology of unrelated stories taking place during a common year. This time, we spend the bulk of our time with Black Adam, witness the creation of the new Isis, see that Captain Marvel is not fairing too well, and see Ralph finally catch up to Wonder Girl. But when was the last time we checked in on the trio of heroes lost in space or the unfolding time weirdness with Booster Gold. I know it’s been at least three weeks since we saw anything with Steel and Luthor. Are we to believe absolutely nothing happened with these characters in this time? But hey, I love the glimpses we are getting.
Flash, The Fastest Man Alive 2 (DC Comics) — I’m just not feeling it with this series. I understand the writers, Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo were involved in the Flash TV series. It was OK, but I’m just left not caring much about this suddenly-adult Impulse. Look for these first issues to show up on my Web site in the coming weeks.
Checkmate 4 (DC Comics) — I like this book a little more with each issue, although I’m still not sure if I like it overall. Is Alan Scott really leaving? Will that take away why I like the title? I don’t know, but I’m still along for more of the ride.
Aquaman 43 (DC Comics) — I’m torn by this book. I like Kurt Busiek. I’ve never cared that much for Butch Guice. I love Aquaman and I love this young Arthur Curry currently dominating the book, but I miss getting to read about the Aquaman I know. I also wonder with the introduction of this new, younger “Aquaman,” how much of this storyline was motivated by the Aquaman TV pilot. (I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve heard it is available on YouTube.) But think about it: If the pilot had been picked up, the comic would more closely mirror the series. Hmmmmm
Manhunter 24 (DC Comics) — Since the announced cancelation and reprieve on this book, the quality seems to have dropped just a bit. I dunno if they had to rush to get the next few issues done once the reprieve was announced or what, but I hope it returns to it’s accustomed level soon.
Civil War 3 (Marvel Comics) — Wow! Is this book going to make it all the way to the final issue before everyone in the Marvel Universe is forced to kill everyone else? I didn’t expect a major clash of the big guns like this so soon. And for the record, I can see Iron Man’s belief in registration, but some of the other characters who have sided with him baffle me. Thing, She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel seem more naturally to fit with Cap’s rebels, the correct side in this war of liberties versus security.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes 20 (DC Comics) — I said this book was suffering from the addition of Supergirl. I’d now like to amend that statement. The first few issues after Supergirl’s arrival spent a lot of time focusing on her. Now she’s just another one of the characters in this team book, and she seems to fit somewhat better. So it wasn’t her presence that threw things off, but the imbalance of her role. That seems to be corrected now.
Crisis Aftermath: The Battle of Bludhaven 1-6 and Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters 1 (DC Comics) — I haven’t much cared for Battle at all. The Titans seem out of character and out of continuity in this title. All of the other characters in this rambling, disjointed tale are modern re-inventions of old characters, and they’re done poorly. Every team’s origins and motivations are kept cryptic in hopes of later revelations in their own titles, but without any kind of payoff in this title, who cares about hanging around long enough to find out. I am curious about the new Doll Man and the new Phantom Lady a bit. That’s why I signed on for Uncle Sam. But where’s the payoff?
Justice League of America (2006) 0 (DC Comics) — This book is just the opposite; it’s all payoff. If you follow DC Comics at all, you already know what is presented in this book. All of the history will be well-known to you, the present-day stuff is just the big three agreeing to reform the League (no surprise since the title is relaunching) and the future teasers may never come to pass because of the impossibility of predicting exactly what will become of these characters through the infinity of publishing history. But damn, this was fun to read.
And that makes a perfect place to bring this post to an end.
52 Weeks 11 and 12 (DC Comics) — The first of these books features the costumed debut of Batwoman; the issue also focuses mainly on Montoya and the Question and their investigation into Intergang’s move on Gotham with just a few side bits on Ralph Dibny’s investigation of the Cult of Conner. The second issue continues this narrow focus on just a few characters, leaving other storylines unadvanced for entire weeks. If anything, I think that is this title’s biggest failing. It’s an anthology of unrelated stories taking place during a common year. This time, we spend the bulk of our time with Black Adam, witness the creation of the new Isis, see that Captain Marvel is not fairing too well, and see Ralph finally catch up to Wonder Girl. But when was the last time we checked in on the trio of heroes lost in space or the unfolding time weirdness with Booster Gold. I know it’s been at least three weeks since we saw anything with Steel and Luthor. Are we to believe absolutely nothing happened with these characters in this time? But hey, I love the glimpses we are getting.
Flash, The Fastest Man Alive 2 (DC Comics) — I’m just not feeling it with this series. I understand the writers, Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo were involved in the Flash TV series. It was OK, but I’m just left not caring much about this suddenly-adult Impulse. Look for these first issues to show up on my Web site in the coming weeks.
Checkmate 4 (DC Comics) — I like this book a little more with each issue, although I’m still not sure if I like it overall. Is Alan Scott really leaving? Will that take away why I like the title? I don’t know, but I’m still along for more of the ride.
Aquaman 43 (DC Comics) — I’m torn by this book. I like Kurt Busiek. I’ve never cared that much for Butch Guice. I love Aquaman and I love this young Arthur Curry currently dominating the book, but I miss getting to read about the Aquaman I know. I also wonder with the introduction of this new, younger “Aquaman,” how much of this storyline was motivated by the Aquaman TV pilot. (I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve heard it is available on YouTube.) But think about it: If the pilot had been picked up, the comic would more closely mirror the series. Hmmmmm
Manhunter 24 (DC Comics) — Since the announced cancelation and reprieve on this book, the quality seems to have dropped just a bit. I dunno if they had to rush to get the next few issues done once the reprieve was announced or what, but I hope it returns to it’s accustomed level soon.
Civil War 3 (Marvel Comics) — Wow! Is this book going to make it all the way to the final issue before everyone in the Marvel Universe is forced to kill everyone else? I didn’t expect a major clash of the big guns like this so soon. And for the record, I can see Iron Man’s belief in registration, but some of the other characters who have sided with him baffle me. Thing, She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel seem more naturally to fit with Cap’s rebels, the correct side in this war of liberties versus security.
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes 20 (DC Comics) — I said this book was suffering from the addition of Supergirl. I’d now like to amend that statement. The first few issues after Supergirl’s arrival spent a lot of time focusing on her. Now she’s just another one of the characters in this team book, and she seems to fit somewhat better. So it wasn’t her presence that threw things off, but the imbalance of her role. That seems to be corrected now.
Crisis Aftermath: The Battle of Bludhaven 1-6 and Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters 1 (DC Comics) — I haven’t much cared for Battle at all. The Titans seem out of character and out of continuity in this title. All of the other characters in this rambling, disjointed tale are modern re-inventions of old characters, and they’re done poorly. Every team’s origins and motivations are kept cryptic in hopes of later revelations in their own titles, but without any kind of payoff in this title, who cares about hanging around long enough to find out. I am curious about the new Doll Man and the new Phantom Lady a bit. That’s why I signed on for Uncle Sam. But where’s the payoff?
Justice League of America (2006) 0 (DC Comics) — This book is just the opposite; it’s all payoff. If you follow DC Comics at all, you already know what is presented in this book. All of the history will be well-known to you, the present-day stuff is just the big three agreeing to reform the League (no surprise since the title is relaunching) and the future teasers may never come to pass because of the impossibility of predicting exactly what will become of these characters through the infinity of publishing history. But damn, this was fun to read.
And that makes a perfect place to bring this post to an end.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Posting While The Posting Is Good
Despite some complications both at work and at home already this week, I’ve managed to do a little bit of reading and I have a little time with the computer, so here’s some more reviews of recent comics:
Superman 654 (DC Comics) — This was a fun stand-alone issue. It continues to show just as much of the life of Clark Kent as it does Superman, which is nice. And the Daily Planet newsroom is a little more like what I expect from real newsrooms. The anniversary Clark and Lois are trying to celebrate is a nice one. And the ending is a nice little gift from Lois to her husband that rings true of her character and of the partnership these two share in modern comics. I was afraid some of the storyline quality would suffer after the initial arc. I like Superman as part of the group, but tend to get bored with him solo. This issue gives me hope for the Man of Steel’s future.
Squadron Supreme (2006) 5 (Marvel Comics) — This book is a guilty pleasure. It is much darker than the original 1986 series, playing as it does off real world prejudices and events, but Straczynski and Frank do a wonderful job making these characters real and consistent, both in action and appearance.
Fables 51 (DC Vertigo) — Another great charcter-driven title. I don’t so much like what Willingham does as a writer on superhero comics. I particularly did not care for his run as Robin scribe. But his attention to detail and characterization in this title is superb. This issue focuses on superspy Cinderella providing a wonderful little solo story, nicely advancing the overall Adversary War plotline and creating some new threads for future stories, all of it in a pretty package by guest penciller Shawn McManus. If you aren’t already, read this title.
Civil War Front Line 3 (Marvel Comics) — This issue was somewhat of a letdown. I haven’t been following She-Hulk’s adventures in the Dan Slott title, so I am not exactly sure how she comes down in the whole registration debate, but she seems in support of registration and quite out of character in “The Accused” as the former Speedball is further railroaded by the government. The main “Embedded” story is still the best, but this issue left me scratching my head more than anything else.
Dorothy 6 (Illusive Arts) — This is an intriguing quarterly title. I grew up watching “The Wizard of Oz” on television even though I’ve never read Frank Baum’s original books. I'm curious whenever a book visits Oz. This independent comic updates Dorothy Gale to a modern, rebellious teen with spikes, studs and dyed hair. An attempt to run away from the restrictive home of her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em is interrupted by a tornado and Dorothy is deposited in a strange land. Rather than strictly drawn panels, however, this title uses Photoshopped photography and computer enhanced images to depict Dorothy’s adventures.
Dorothy is not the only character to get a makeover, however. Oz is a place ruled by a dark witch and full of political machinations. So far, Dorothy has been befriended by a small robotic canine ToTo unit, an unfortunate political dissident who has been mind-wiped and left an adle-brained Scarecrow, and a Tin Man with the soul of a poet and the mind of a tortured genius trapped in a mechanical body.
OK, I’m getting tired, so I think I’ll call that a post right there, and grab some Zs. Later, kiddie-cops.
Superman 654 (DC Comics) — This was a fun stand-alone issue. It continues to show just as much of the life of Clark Kent as it does Superman, which is nice. And the Daily Planet newsroom is a little more like what I expect from real newsrooms. The anniversary Clark and Lois are trying to celebrate is a nice one. And the ending is a nice little gift from Lois to her husband that rings true of her character and of the partnership these two share in modern comics. I was afraid some of the storyline quality would suffer after the initial arc. I like Superman as part of the group, but tend to get bored with him solo. This issue gives me hope for the Man of Steel’s future.
Squadron Supreme (2006) 5 (Marvel Comics) — This book is a guilty pleasure. It is much darker than the original 1986 series, playing as it does off real world prejudices and events, but Straczynski and Frank do a wonderful job making these characters real and consistent, both in action and appearance.
Fables 51 (DC Vertigo) — Another great charcter-driven title. I don’t so much like what Willingham does as a writer on superhero comics. I particularly did not care for his run as Robin scribe. But his attention to detail and characterization in this title is superb. This issue focuses on superspy Cinderella providing a wonderful little solo story, nicely advancing the overall Adversary War plotline and creating some new threads for future stories, all of it in a pretty package by guest penciller Shawn McManus. If you aren’t already, read this title.
Civil War Front Line 3 (Marvel Comics) — This issue was somewhat of a letdown. I haven’t been following She-Hulk’s adventures in the Dan Slott title, so I am not exactly sure how she comes down in the whole registration debate, but she seems in support of registration and quite out of character in “The Accused” as the former Speedball is further railroaded by the government. The main “Embedded” story is still the best, but this issue left me scratching my head more than anything else.
Dorothy 6 (Illusive Arts) — This is an intriguing quarterly title. I grew up watching “The Wizard of Oz” on television even though I’ve never read Frank Baum’s original books. I'm curious whenever a book visits Oz. This independent comic updates Dorothy Gale to a modern, rebellious teen with spikes, studs and dyed hair. An attempt to run away from the restrictive home of her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em is interrupted by a tornado and Dorothy is deposited in a strange land. Rather than strictly drawn panels, however, this title uses Photoshopped photography and computer enhanced images to depict Dorothy’s adventures.
Dorothy is not the only character to get a makeover, however. Oz is a place ruled by a dark witch and full of political machinations. So far, Dorothy has been befriended by a small robotic canine ToTo unit, an unfortunate political dissident who has been mind-wiped and left an adle-brained Scarecrow, and a Tin Man with the soul of a poet and the mind of a tortured genius trapped in a mechanical body.
OK, I’m getting tired, so I think I’ll call that a post right there, and grab some Zs. Later, kiddie-cops.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
A Week Of The Unusual
Only a few reviews again today. Haven’t had as much time to read again this week, partially because of some recent back issue purchases. I think I mentioned previously (but I’m too lazy to check) about trading for a complete run of DC Comics’ original Checkmate series from the late ’80s. I didn’t know it until they arrived, but smack in the middle of this 33-issue run is a crossover story with Suicide Squad and a couple other books. The crossover is called “The Janus Directive.” Well, I went on a hunt for the other chapters in this crossover so that when I read the arc, I can assess it based on the whole. That led to a number of other finds and impulse buys which have recently arrived.
I was also able to snag copies of the three-issue miniseries , The P.I.s: Michael Mauser and Ms. Tree, by First Comics. Trade ads for this series looked good in the mid-1980s issues of Jon Sable, Freelance. I don’t know Michael Mauser, but I’ve read some Ms. Tree before. She’s a classic, hard-boiled private investigator from the old school except she’s a dame, not a guy. I was also able to pick up the complete 24-issue run of DNAgents from Eclipse Comics at a nice price. Don’t know much about this series either, except it was supposed to be good, was written by Mark Evanier and was compared to Marv Wolfman’s New Teen Titans, which I love. And I also picked up Incredible Hulk #s 210-222 from the late ’70s. I remember reading these issues at a friend's house at the time and liking them, but that’s about it. I dunno if this is a complete arc or several arcs; I don’t remember. But I’ve checked on buying them in the last few years and always found them a little pricey. A few weeks ago, when I found them on sale, I snagged them.
It may be a while before I get a chance to read some of these finds. Back issue buys like the Checkmate series, which started in 1988, can be read and filed when I come to the appropriate dates as I go back through my collection. Older stuff, though, like DNAgents and the Hulk issues, I’ve already passed those respective dates. So they get added to a stack of out-of-continuity trades and such that I have vowed not to touch and read through until I finish the massive undertaking that is making it back through all of those chronological back issues. The stack is getting kinda big.
Enough of that. On to some quick reviews:
Outsiders 38 (DC Comics) — More questions than answers in this book. I want to like it, but it’s teetering on the edge of being dropped right now. How does the grim and brooding Nightwing in this book justify with the more laid-back personality he has in his own book now? DC online has said they will address that, but when? How do the Brain and Monsieur Mallah’s actions in this title jibe with their appearances in Teen Titans? On the fence with this one.
The All New Atom 1 (DC Comics) — This story started out slower than we were promised in Brave New World. I thought that book was the intro and that the new series would pick up from there. Apparently not. If that’s the case, since Brave New World did nothing to change my already-conceived notions aboiut these new titles, was it a waste of my money?
OMAC 1 (DC Comics) — Same thing here. The issue starts out before what we saw in Brave New World. It doesn’t even catch up to BNW by the end of the issue.
Marvel Westerns featuring Kid Colt and the Arizona Girl 1 (Marvel Comics) — I don’t remember these characters, but I like them. I just wish Gray and Palmiotti hadn’t made the villains of the piece aliens. Am I the only person who thinks cowboys and aliens just shouldn’t mix, even in the Marvel Universe? Still a fun read, though.
Fantastic Four Presents: Franklin Richards, Son of a Genius Super Summer Spectacular (Marvel Comics) — Whew, what a name! Typical cartoon fun. These books are fun for what they are, but then, after reading three of them, the humor is starting to grow a tad stale. A Calvin-espue Franklin shares misadventures with his robot nanny, H.E.R.B.I.E. (Why does that name sound familiar?)
Justice League Unlimited 23 (DC Comics) — The Royal Flush Gang is always fun, even this overly-serious grouping from the Cartoon Network series. This story also has Martian Manhunter insights to boot.
52 Week 10 (DC Comics) — Some nice character bits with Clark Kent and a whole lot of time spent with Black Adam, a truly fascinating character in the DC Universe the last couple years. I’m guessing the young lady, Adrianna Tomaz, will become the new Isis soon. But y’know, we really only spend time with Clark and Adam. Did none of the other players in this little drama do anything this week, or are we seeing some of the working of having multiple writers on this title: each one takes one story and we don’t get development on a particular storyline if that writer didn’t get his stuff done that week? Hmmmmm.
That’s it for today. See ya next time, kiddie cops.
I was also able to snag copies of the three-issue miniseries , The P.I.s: Michael Mauser and Ms. Tree, by First Comics. Trade ads for this series looked good in the mid-1980s issues of Jon Sable, Freelance. I don’t know Michael Mauser, but I’ve read some Ms. Tree before. She’s a classic, hard-boiled private investigator from the old school except she’s a dame, not a guy. I was also able to pick up the complete 24-issue run of DNAgents from Eclipse Comics at a nice price. Don’t know much about this series either, except it was supposed to be good, was written by Mark Evanier and was compared to Marv Wolfman’s New Teen Titans, which I love. And I also picked up Incredible Hulk #s 210-222 from the late ’70s. I remember reading these issues at a friend's house at the time and liking them, but that’s about it. I dunno if this is a complete arc or several arcs; I don’t remember. But I’ve checked on buying them in the last few years and always found them a little pricey. A few weeks ago, when I found them on sale, I snagged them.
It may be a while before I get a chance to read some of these finds. Back issue buys like the Checkmate series, which started in 1988, can be read and filed when I come to the appropriate dates as I go back through my collection. Older stuff, though, like DNAgents and the Hulk issues, I’ve already passed those respective dates. So they get added to a stack of out-of-continuity trades and such that I have vowed not to touch and read through until I finish the massive undertaking that is making it back through all of those chronological back issues. The stack is getting kinda big.
Enough of that. On to some quick reviews:
Outsiders 38 (DC Comics) — More questions than answers in this book. I want to like it, but it’s teetering on the edge of being dropped right now. How does the grim and brooding Nightwing in this book justify with the more laid-back personality he has in his own book now? DC online has said they will address that, but when? How do the Brain and Monsieur Mallah’s actions in this title jibe with their appearances in Teen Titans? On the fence with this one.
The All New Atom 1 (DC Comics) — This story started out slower than we were promised in Brave New World. I thought that book was the intro and that the new series would pick up from there. Apparently not. If that’s the case, since Brave New World did nothing to change my already-conceived notions aboiut these new titles, was it a waste of my money?
OMAC 1 (DC Comics) — Same thing here. The issue starts out before what we saw in Brave New World. It doesn’t even catch up to BNW by the end of the issue.
Marvel Westerns featuring Kid Colt and the Arizona Girl 1 (Marvel Comics) — I don’t remember these characters, but I like them. I just wish Gray and Palmiotti hadn’t made the villains of the piece aliens. Am I the only person who thinks cowboys and aliens just shouldn’t mix, even in the Marvel Universe? Still a fun read, though.
Fantastic Four Presents: Franklin Richards, Son of a Genius Super Summer Spectacular (Marvel Comics) — Whew, what a name! Typical cartoon fun. These books are fun for what they are, but then, after reading three of them, the humor is starting to grow a tad stale. A Calvin-espue Franklin shares misadventures with his robot nanny, H.E.R.B.I.E. (Why does that name sound familiar?)
Justice League Unlimited 23 (DC Comics) — The Royal Flush Gang is always fun, even this overly-serious grouping from the Cartoon Network series. This story also has Martian Manhunter insights to boot.
52 Week 10 (DC Comics) — Some nice character bits with Clark Kent and a whole lot of time spent with Black Adam, a truly fascinating character in the DC Universe the last couple years. I’m guessing the young lady, Adrianna Tomaz, will become the new Isis soon. But y’know, we really only spend time with Clark and Adam. Did none of the other players in this little drama do anything this week, or are we seeing some of the working of having multiple writers on this title: each one takes one story and we don’t get development on a particular storyline if that writer didn’t get his stuff done that week? Hmmmmm.
That’s it for today. See ya next time, kiddie cops.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Why I Hate Supergirl
OK, kiddie-cops, I’m back for another lightning round of comics reviews looking back over mags that I’ve recently read. And starting us off is
Supergirl (2005) 7-8 (DC Comics) — OK, I cheated a little bit here in reading order since #8 didn’t come out until almost the end of July, but I didn’t expect to like either of these books much, so I read ‘em both together. Why buy them if I didn’t expect to like them, you ask. It’s the problem with advance ordering your comics. I didn’t expect to like them after reading #6 a couple months ago, but by that time, I’d already ordered these two. I have NOT ordered #9.
I like the original Supergirl. And I’m not necessarily opposed to updating and reintroducing old characters as new ones. I like the new Supergirl, Matrix, introduced after Superman’s revamp. I just don’t like this latest ultra-teen, sorority-chick, stereotype that DC is parading around as the Maid of Steel.
I could handle her introduction in the pages of Superman/Batman. I’m not altogether certain if she truly had an evil personality to begin with or if Darkseid “created” one when he kidnapped her, but that tale was passable, and even had some memorable moments. Her next adventure, kicking off her own title, wasn’t too bad either, tying in with the events of Infinite Crisis and Luthor and such, and the use of her evil side was a nice touch. But the story was so drawn out what with all of the delayed issues, it was a little hard to follow. But now, the midriff-baring whiner moves into One Year Later, dragging Power Girl along with her, into a twisted vision of the bottle city of Kandor. Making this story, even more lame, in my opinion, is the use of Ultraman and the evil Saturn Girl from another Superman/Batman arc. I’m just not buying it, literally.
Detective Comics 821 (DC Comics) — New writer Paul Dini is not the first scribe to return this title to one that lives up to its name, but as a creator on Batman, The Animated Series, he’s proven he gets Batman, isn’t afraid to use Bruce Wayne in a story as more than a fool, and above all, shows us why Batman is known as the World’s Greatest Detective. He doesn’t just punch his way to a resolution in this done-in-one tale, he searches out clues, follows leads and uncovers a new villain with good, old-fashioned detective work.
Teen Titans 37 (DC Comics) — I’ve been reading a lot of people bashing this title of late online. I’m starting to agree that maybe it's lost its focus a little bit with the jump One Year Later. I’m not opposed to having new characters in the group, but its almost like Johns is bored with keeping Cyborg, Robin and Wonder Girl around but feels he has to to keep his audience. Or maybe he’s stretched a little thin right now with all he’s doing. It’s the Titans; I have high hopes, so I’m not dropping it yet, but I’m disappointed in this most recent arc.
Secret Six 2 (DC Comics) — Just not quite sure about this one either. Gail Simone is such a great writer and Villains United such a great read, I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt so far. But this follow-up miniseries seems even more violent, and with somewhat less focus, so far.
The Thing (2005) 8 (Marvel Comics) — Now this is good comics, people!!!! Naturally, it’s the last issue. I don’t like everything Dan Slott writes. I just don’t get the appeal behind his latest reimagining of She-Hulk. It’s just not that funny to me. But he did right by bashful Benjy, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing. And in true style for a fun comic, Slott takes this book out on a high note. Just about evertbody who’s anybody in the Marvel Universe shows up in this blowout final issue for a rollicking Superhero Championship poker match.
Slott went out on such a high note, how can I do any less? That’s it for today. Happy collecting.
Supergirl (2005) 7-8 (DC Comics) — OK, I cheated a little bit here in reading order since #8 didn’t come out until almost the end of July, but I didn’t expect to like either of these books much, so I read ‘em both together. Why buy them if I didn’t expect to like them, you ask. It’s the problem with advance ordering your comics. I didn’t expect to like them after reading #6 a couple months ago, but by that time, I’d already ordered these two. I have NOT ordered #9.
I like the original Supergirl. And I’m not necessarily opposed to updating and reintroducing old characters as new ones. I like the new Supergirl, Matrix, introduced after Superman’s revamp. I just don’t like this latest ultra-teen, sorority-chick, stereotype that DC is parading around as the Maid of Steel.
I could handle her introduction in the pages of Superman/Batman. I’m not altogether certain if she truly had an evil personality to begin with or if Darkseid “created” one when he kidnapped her, but that tale was passable, and even had some memorable moments. Her next adventure, kicking off her own title, wasn’t too bad either, tying in with the events of Infinite Crisis and Luthor and such, and the use of her evil side was a nice touch. But the story was so drawn out what with all of the delayed issues, it was a little hard to follow. But now, the midriff-baring whiner moves into One Year Later, dragging Power Girl along with her, into a twisted vision of the bottle city of Kandor. Making this story, even more lame, in my opinion, is the use of Ultraman and the evil Saturn Girl from another Superman/Batman arc. I’m just not buying it, literally.
Detective Comics 821 (DC Comics) — New writer Paul Dini is not the first scribe to return this title to one that lives up to its name, but as a creator on Batman, The Animated Series, he’s proven he gets Batman, isn’t afraid to use Bruce Wayne in a story as more than a fool, and above all, shows us why Batman is known as the World’s Greatest Detective. He doesn’t just punch his way to a resolution in this done-in-one tale, he searches out clues, follows leads and uncovers a new villain with good, old-fashioned detective work.
Teen Titans 37 (DC Comics) — I’ve been reading a lot of people bashing this title of late online. I’m starting to agree that maybe it's lost its focus a little bit with the jump One Year Later. I’m not opposed to having new characters in the group, but its almost like Johns is bored with keeping Cyborg, Robin and Wonder Girl around but feels he has to to keep his audience. Or maybe he’s stretched a little thin right now with all he’s doing. It’s the Titans; I have high hopes, so I’m not dropping it yet, but I’m disappointed in this most recent arc.
Secret Six 2 (DC Comics) — Just not quite sure about this one either. Gail Simone is such a great writer and Villains United such a great read, I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt so far. But this follow-up miniseries seems even more violent, and with somewhat less focus, so far.
The Thing (2005) 8 (Marvel Comics) — Now this is good comics, people!!!! Naturally, it’s the last issue. I don’t like everything Dan Slott writes. I just don’t get the appeal behind his latest reimagining of She-Hulk. It’s just not that funny to me. But he did right by bashful Benjy, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing. And in true style for a fun comic, Slott takes this book out on a high note. Just about evertbody who’s anybody in the Marvel Universe shows up in this blowout final issue for a rollicking Superhero Championship poker match.
Slott went out on such a high note, how can I do any less? That’s it for today. Happy collecting.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Getting Back Into The Groove
Still a somewhat slower than normal week, reading-wise, but I managed to read a couple more back issues before getting the most recent month’s stash in the computer, then begin checking them out. So, let’s get right to those reviews.
Crisis On Infinite Earths 4 (DC Comics) — The cover tells it all on this issue: Death of the Monitor! Harbinger’s “betrayal” in killing her mentor while under the control of the as-yet unrevealed villain of the epic is what sets most of the rest of the action in motion for this series.
Legends of the DC Universe Special: Crisis On Infinite Earths 1 (DC Comics) — This 1999 comic came almost 15 years after the original maxiseries. Billed as “The Untold Story,” this tale by Marv Wolfman, Paul Ryan and Bob McLeod doesn’t really hinge on any major reveals. It focuses on Barry “The Flash” Allen as he learns what the Anti-Monitor and the anti-matter cloud are all about. The story loosely takes place between the events of the original series’ issues 4 and 5. What really sets this issue off, though, is Earth-D, as far as I know, a previously unvisited alternate Earth within the multiverse. Flash accidentally ends up on this earth and meets the members of the Justice Alliance of America — a Japanese-American Flash, yellow-skinned Hawks, a much nicer Batman and his son, Robin, husband and wife Superman and Supergirl, a Native American Green Arrow and husband and wife Wonder Woman and Atom. These heroes, later joined by several more familiar faces struggle — ultimately in vain, remember, we already know how this is going to turn out — to save Earth-D from the anti-matter cloud.The characters introduced in this tale show what makes our more familiar heroes great by their differences and similarities, and they passed away from the scene much too quickly. If you liked the Crisis, if you just like good alternate reality tales, or if you just love superheroes, go get this book and read it.
Powers 19 (Marvel Icon) — I like what is going on with this book right now, just not how slowly events are unfolding. Deena has powers now. Walker has gotten powers again. Calista has grown up to be the new Retro Girl. Now if they could just get the book out on a regular basis, that’d be great. And I love the letter column in this book. Especially how Bendis has to constantly remind people not to send him unsolicited work for both his and their protection. It sucks if you’re trying to break into the business, yes, but that’s the reality of things, people.
52 Week Nine (DC Comics) — OK, going by the little caption boxes, we only see two days worth of events in this issue. Not only is that not a whole week, but the story doesn’t feel like it moved forward much in those two days. I like the series, but it can get a tad slow at times.
That’s it for this time. Short and sweet, but unlike 52, it’s progress.
Crisis On Infinite Earths 4 (DC Comics) — The cover tells it all on this issue: Death of the Monitor! Harbinger’s “betrayal” in killing her mentor while under the control of the as-yet unrevealed villain of the epic is what sets most of the rest of the action in motion for this series.
Legends of the DC Universe Special: Crisis On Infinite Earths 1 (DC Comics) — This 1999 comic came almost 15 years after the original maxiseries. Billed as “The Untold Story,” this tale by Marv Wolfman, Paul Ryan and Bob McLeod doesn’t really hinge on any major reveals. It focuses on Barry “The Flash” Allen as he learns what the Anti-Monitor and the anti-matter cloud are all about. The story loosely takes place between the events of the original series’ issues 4 and 5. What really sets this issue off, though, is Earth-D, as far as I know, a previously unvisited alternate Earth within the multiverse. Flash accidentally ends up on this earth and meets the members of the Justice Alliance of America — a Japanese-American Flash, yellow-skinned Hawks, a much nicer Batman and his son, Robin, husband and wife Superman and Supergirl, a Native American Green Arrow and husband and wife Wonder Woman and Atom. These heroes, later joined by several more familiar faces struggle — ultimately in vain, remember, we already know how this is going to turn out — to save Earth-D from the anti-matter cloud.The characters introduced in this tale show what makes our more familiar heroes great by their differences and similarities, and they passed away from the scene much too quickly. If you liked the Crisis, if you just like good alternate reality tales, or if you just love superheroes, go get this book and read it.
Powers 19 (Marvel Icon) — I like what is going on with this book right now, just not how slowly events are unfolding. Deena has powers now. Walker has gotten powers again. Calista has grown up to be the new Retro Girl. Now if they could just get the book out on a regular basis, that’d be great. And I love the letter column in this book. Especially how Bendis has to constantly remind people not to send him unsolicited work for both his and their protection. It sucks if you’re trying to break into the business, yes, but that’s the reality of things, people.
52 Week Nine (DC Comics) — OK, going by the little caption boxes, we only see two days worth of events in this issue. Not only is that not a whole week, but the story doesn’t feel like it moved forward much in those two days. I like the series, but it can get a tad slow at times.
That’s it for this time. Short and sweet, but unlike 52, it’s progress.
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