January is better than half over, and I’ve yet to post a single tidbit about the December releases. Let’s rectify that just a little bit right now.
52 Weeks 30 and 31 (DC Comics) — Not sure I enjoyed the glimpse of Batman’s activities as much as I expected. This issue almost seems as if Dick and Tim are abandoning Bruce to his demons. We also get some glimpses into the beginnings of plots from the Mystery in Space and the Omega Men miniseries. We also learn that while Supernova is not a reincarnated Superboy (no surprise there), he is someone we are familiar with under an assumed name. Right now I’m figuring the safe guess is Booster Gold trying to start over.
Captain America 24 (Marvel Comics) — I was a little disappointed in this issue, the last of the Civil War tie-ins for this title. This comic read more like a fill-in issue to me. There was the big reveal of Arnim Zola at the end, but I’m not that familiar with this WWII villain, so that wasn’t an emotional moment for me, really.
Green Lantern 15 (DC Comics) — This book was also a little disappointing. This Wanted: Hal Jordan story arc was supposed to include guest appearance by Green Arrow, Batman and others who have yet to make an appearance.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis 46 (DC Comics) — This issue, on the other hand, was a nice surprise. I don’t dislike Kurt Busiek’s run as writer on this title or his “new” Aquaman, but I like the classic hero better. This is the first of a two-part tale featuring the classic Artie, which is A-OK with me.
Powers 21 (Marvel Icon) — I read the image issues of this series in trade paperback form, reading complete story arcs in one sitting. It’s a bit of a change reading these single issues as they come out. I still like the story lines Bendis and Oeming are creating, but things seem to drag a lot more by comparison. It’s also sad how the only remaining letter column in comics today has so many inarticulate idiots who give fans a really bad name.
Teen Titans 41 (DC Comics) — I like Geoff Johns’ writing. I like the Titans and the legacy the team has. So why don’t I like this title so much of late? Maybe Bombshell hit it with her taunts to the newly revived Joseph Wilson, “The glory days are over, Jericho. The Teen Titans will never be the family they once were. ... No one trusts anyone. Hell, they don’t even like each other.” Hopefully, now that this arc is winding down, that will change.
Batman 659 (DC Comics) — Grotesk from John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake begins, and it gets off to a good start. Classic Batman comics here.
new universal 1 (DC Comics) — I have never read any of the original New Universe comics in the concept’s first go ’round, so I’m coming into this series with no knowledge of how things were done before, no insight about in-jokes and special tribute moments. But I also have no preconceived biases about the series. After this first issue, it looks promising.
Agents of Atlas 5 (Marvel Comics) — This series surprised me. I fell for the teaser of a double agent last issue pointing to Venus. That is what I was supposed to think so I’d be surprised when the double agent was revealed to actually be M-11, sort of.
Detective Comics 826 (DC Comics) — Dini is having a wonderful run on this book; this one is another done-in-one great.
Outsiders 43 (DC Comics) — I’m not quite sure what it is, but this story arc that ends with this issue just feels like a final story line of a title. Maybe just because I’m losing interest, although I am curious about the flashback story beginning next time.
Manhunter 26 (DC Comics) — Excellent return to a great comic. Glad to have Manhunter, Andreyko and Pina back.
Nightwing 127 (DC Comics) — This issue was a little confusing and jarring, not quite as good as Wolfman’s first two. I like Nightwing’s focus as he struggles to free himself from the deathtrap, but some of the recap/backtracking took a couple reads to figure out.
Welcome To tranquility 1 (Wildstorm) — Another promising start to a new series, but this one is almost a little too cartoony. I’m not ruling it out yet, but I’m hoping for great things from Gail Simone.
Special Bonus Review
Sandman Mystery Theatre Book 1: The Tarantula (DC Comics) — This trade collects the first four issues of the 1993 series by Matt Wagner and Guy Davis re-imagining Wesley Dodds’ Sandman character from the WWII era. While these stories are set in the late 1930s, they include a darker, more modern storytelling style which makes these books not for the faint of heart. But the book is well worth a read if you like noirish, gritty crime drama.
Showing posts with label Agents of Atlas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agents of Atlas. Show all posts
Friday, January 19, 2007
Friday, November 10, 2006
Combo Platter
OK, we’ve covered several months’ worth of all the regular titles I have from 1986. Today we’re gonna look at a few “odds ‘n’ ends” books I have mixed in here, such as ...
Batman annual 10 (DC Comics, 1986) — This story is a classic Hugo Strange tale, at least for me. The evil genius sets about not so much defeating Batman nor Bruce Wayne, but almost erasing them from existence as he slowly takes everything away from the Wayne Foundation to the manor to freezing all bank accounts and assets, making Batman realize how much he depends on the wealth of Bruce Wayne to function. Then things get even more personal when Strange takes away Alfred and Jason.
Aquaman 1-4 (DC Comics, 1986) — Now this story is a little bit different. I was a little disappointed with this miniseries when it first came out in 1986. At that time, I liked Aquaman, but wasn’t as familiar with the character. I didn’t know about his fiery temper as that wasn’t how he was depicted on the Superfriends or in the issues of Justice League of America which I’d read. And I didn’t much care for the new blue camouflage costume. And I didn’t know who these other underwater races were. I didn’t even know who Ocean Master was at that time. So, I just didn’t care for this series much initially. In fact, I even committed the horrible sin of parting with my original copies of this series at some point, only to have to hunt down the back issues when I decided to give the series another try a few years later.
Series writer Neal Pozner takes some factual information about Atlantis, combines it with supposition and various other fictional depictions of Atlantis and combines them all into the back story that forms the basis for this series. Then he uses that tapestry of information and previous story-telling to completly destroy Aquaman’s current status quo. New Venice is destroyed. Aquaman is despised in Poseidonis. And his half-brother, Orm, is collecting mystical artifacts in an effort to finally best Arthur. In trying to hunt down Ocean Master, Aquaman comes across some savage underwater races, some mystical ones, and even learns some new things himself along the way. How could I do any less? This still isn’t my favorite Aquaman story, but it is an important part of the history of both Atlantis and the King of the Seven Seas.
And that brings us to the fall of 1986 with our retro-reviews, but in case you haven’t noticed, in the real world, we’re almost halfway through the month of November. Most recent batch of new comics has arrived, and I have started digging into those, although not as far as I’d like to be. So, here’s a few quick thoughts on some more timely books:
52 Week Twenty-Two (DC Comics) — OK, I just gotta ask: Who the hell is Super-Chief? I remember an Apache Chief from the Super Friends show, but no Super-Chief or any other American Indian super characters, not in DC’s stable, anyway. The evil versions of the Metal Men were kinda interesting. Has that been done before? All the evil genius robotics experts, seems like someone would’ve thought of it before ...
Jalila 5 (AK Comics) — Overall, I was a little disappointed in the AK Comics this month after giving them some hype last time around. The writing seemed slightly more disjointed in this title compared to last month.
Rakan 5 (AK Comics) — This title still holds a little promise. This was the first of a two-part story where the lone warrior joins a gang of thieves. It isn’t explicitly stated, but I assume he infiltrated them to break the ring up.
Zein 5 (AK Comics) — The writing in this title also suffered somewhat, which makes sense since the writer of this title and Jalila are the same. But Zein is even worse than Jalila was. Early in the book, a villain previously captured escapes. Zein is there in his secret identity, but spends almost 4 1/2 pages doing little other than talking to himself. Part way through the fight, he makes the decision to not change to Zein but let the villain escape and follow him. Two panels later, he thinks to himself, “If I could just change into Zein, I’d stop him!” So, why can’t he change, other than his own decision not to. I hear that this line of books is going to graphic novel form in a few months. Maybe bigger will be better, but this month was not a good showing for AK.
Mystery In Space 2 (DC Comics) — Or maybe I’m just being overly critical, because the first issue of this series was good, but this one just left me feeling ... I don’t know what, but not much of it.
Outsiders 41 (DC Comics) — This book was a little better. We’re still moving veeeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyy slowly, but we do seem to be moving toward some resolutions to how and why the Outsiders were believed dead? how this book interacts with the rest of the DCU? just what is Grace’s secret that they keep alluding to? how and why Sivana has been manipulating the group since Day 1? just what Winick is thinking?
Agents of Atlas 3 (Marvel Comics) — And finally, we end on a high note. This comic remains fun. Maybe I’d feel differently if I was familiar with any of these characters from before, but I’m not. So I don’t care as some history is likely rewritten. I’m just enjoying the modern story of a group of one-time heroes re-uniting to save the world once again.
That’s it for today. Thanks for stopping by, and see ya next time, kiddie-cops.
Batman annual 10 (DC Comics, 1986) — This story is a classic Hugo Strange tale, at least for me. The evil genius sets about not so much defeating Batman nor Bruce Wayne, but almost erasing them from existence as he slowly takes everything away from the Wayne Foundation to the manor to freezing all bank accounts and assets, making Batman realize how much he depends on the wealth of Bruce Wayne to function. Then things get even more personal when Strange takes away Alfred and Jason.
Aquaman 1-4 (DC Comics, 1986) — Now this story is a little bit different. I was a little disappointed with this miniseries when it first came out in 1986. At that time, I liked Aquaman, but wasn’t as familiar with the character. I didn’t know about his fiery temper as that wasn’t how he was depicted on the Superfriends or in the issues of Justice League of America which I’d read. And I didn’t much care for the new blue camouflage costume. And I didn’t know who these other underwater races were. I didn’t even know who Ocean Master was at that time. So, I just didn’t care for this series much initially. In fact, I even committed the horrible sin of parting with my original copies of this series at some point, only to have to hunt down the back issues when I decided to give the series another try a few years later.
Series writer Neal Pozner takes some factual information about Atlantis, combines it with supposition and various other fictional depictions of Atlantis and combines them all into the back story that forms the basis for this series. Then he uses that tapestry of information and previous story-telling to completly destroy Aquaman’s current status quo. New Venice is destroyed. Aquaman is despised in Poseidonis. And his half-brother, Orm, is collecting mystical artifacts in an effort to finally best Arthur. In trying to hunt down Ocean Master, Aquaman comes across some savage underwater races, some mystical ones, and even learns some new things himself along the way. How could I do any less? This still isn’t my favorite Aquaman story, but it is an important part of the history of both Atlantis and the King of the Seven Seas.
And that brings us to the fall of 1986 with our retro-reviews, but in case you haven’t noticed, in the real world, we’re almost halfway through the month of November. Most recent batch of new comics has arrived, and I have started digging into those, although not as far as I’d like to be. So, here’s a few quick thoughts on some more timely books:
52 Week Twenty-Two (DC Comics) — OK, I just gotta ask: Who the hell is Super-Chief? I remember an Apache Chief from the Super Friends show, but no Super-Chief or any other American Indian super characters, not in DC’s stable, anyway. The evil versions of the Metal Men were kinda interesting. Has that been done before? All the evil genius robotics experts, seems like someone would’ve thought of it before ...
Jalila 5 (AK Comics) — Overall, I was a little disappointed in the AK Comics this month after giving them some hype last time around. The writing seemed slightly more disjointed in this title compared to last month.
Rakan 5 (AK Comics) — This title still holds a little promise. This was the first of a two-part story where the lone warrior joins a gang of thieves. It isn’t explicitly stated, but I assume he infiltrated them to break the ring up.
Zein 5 (AK Comics) — The writing in this title also suffered somewhat, which makes sense since the writer of this title and Jalila are the same. But Zein is even worse than Jalila was. Early in the book, a villain previously captured escapes. Zein is there in his secret identity, but spends almost 4 1/2 pages doing little other than talking to himself. Part way through the fight, he makes the decision to not change to Zein but let the villain escape and follow him. Two panels later, he thinks to himself, “If I could just change into Zein, I’d stop him!” So, why can’t he change, other than his own decision not to. I hear that this line of books is going to graphic novel form in a few months. Maybe bigger will be better, but this month was not a good showing for AK.
Mystery In Space 2 (DC Comics) — Or maybe I’m just being overly critical, because the first issue of this series was good, but this one just left me feeling ... I don’t know what, but not much of it.
Outsiders 41 (DC Comics) — This book was a little better. We’re still moving veeeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyy slowly, but we do seem to be moving toward some resolutions to how and why the Outsiders were believed dead? how this book interacts with the rest of the DCU? just what is Grace’s secret that they keep alluding to? how and why Sivana has been manipulating the group since Day 1? just what Winick is thinking?
Agents of Atlas 3 (Marvel Comics) — And finally, we end on a high note. This comic remains fun. Maybe I’d feel differently if I was familiar with any of these characters from before, but I’m not. So I don’t care as some history is likely rewritten. I’m just enjoying the modern story of a group of one-time heroes re-uniting to save the world once again.
That’s it for today. Thanks for stopping by, and see ya next time, kiddie-cops.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Return With Us Now To Those Thrilling Days Of Yesteryear ...
Those words are most likely familiar to fans of the Lone Ranger radio program, as well as to those of a more recent animated incarnation of “the masked rider of the plains.” And they seemed a fitting header for today’s post which leads off with a discussion of the most recent beginning for John Reid and his “faithful Indian companion, Tonto,” the newly-launched Dynamite Entertainment comic book.
Dynamite seems to be making a name for itself with the comebacks of a number of licensed properties from Red Sonja, Xena, Battlestar Galactica, Army of Darkness and others. Now, the Lone Ranger joins those ranks.
The Lone Ranger 1 (Dynamite Entertainment) — Overall, I’d have to say that this first issue, by Brett Matthews, Sergio Carriello and Dean White, is a solid start to what I hope will be a lengthy and spectacular run. I’ve always liked the Lone Ranger and Tonto, and while this isn’t a letter-perfect depiction of the character’s beginnings, it is a solid interpretation that is well worth a look.
Let me stress that I don’t profess to be an expert on the character or his history, but I have been a fan of the Lone Ranger for many years. I’ve heard recordings of some of the original radio broadcasts, I’ve seen most of the television incarnations, and many of the film adaptations. While the character’s brother, Dan Reid, has almost always been a part of the original story, I don’t remember any other incarnation making use of the boys’ father, also a fellow ranger here. But then, other characters have come and gone from time to time, including a nephew, Dan, on the radio shows and in some comic book versions. While new to the mythos, the boys’ father is a fine addition in this incarnation as he is used to show where young John Reid learns some of the early lessons that will later shape the ethics of the Lone Ranger.
Bryant’s Gap, the canyon where the six Texas Rangers are ambushed and left for dead, is not named in this tale, but again, that is nothing new, and an omission is not necessarily a mistake. Collins, the man who leads the rangers into the ambush, is also changed somewhat in this issue, but not in a way that changes the outcome. In most other versions of the tale, Collins was a tracker or a witness to crimes and escapes who leads, offers or is hired to lead the rangers to outlaws. Here, he is a thief himself being tracked by the rangers. But the essential part of the tale, that he leads the lawmen into a trap, remains intact.
And lastly, I have heard or read a very few re-tellings of this origin tale wherein the gang of outlaws, specifically their leader, remains unnamed, but in most all renditions, the outlaw gang is named for and led by Butch Cavendish. In this tale, the man seems to be named Julius Bartholomew, aka Black Bart. I’m not sure why this change, or if maybe their is precedent for the name, but for me, both these names are merely aliases for Cavendish.
Otherwise, as far as I can tell, this first issue is a solid re-telling of the tale of six Texas Rangers led into an ambush, all slaughtered except for one man, a man with an East Coast education as well as his Texas sense of justice, who manages to survive the attack through the timely intervention of a lone Indian who nurses him back to health. It’s a good story, well worth a look.
Another header considered for today’s post was “Everything Old Is New Again” as we have a number of first issue relaunches besides the Lone Ranger. So, moving along ...
Mystery In Space 1 (DC Comics) — I’ve never really followed the adventures of Captain Comet, the main star of this series. I remember seeing his cameos in the original Crisis, and he played a role in Infinite Crisis, as well, so I was curious. Still am after reading this first issue, which is what I assume Jim Starlin, Shane Davis, Matt Banning and Al Milgrom — the creators — had in mind. In the first of this eight-issue series, we see Captain Comet die and be reborn, along the way, rebooting another character, the Weird, from a previous DC event. I’m intrigued enough to stick with this series to see what is going on.
The Trials of Shazam! 1 (DC Comics) — This is another relaunch following Infinite Crisis and the Spectre’s destruction of all magic. Apparently magic still exists in the DC Universe, something we’re also learning about in the pages of 52, but the rules have changed. One such change is that Billy Batson is now the resident at the Rock of Eternity and the wizard, Shazam, is dead. I’m curious enough, and this issue was good enough to bring me back for more, but I don’t know much at all yet.
Agents of Atlas 2 (Marvel Comics) — Still liking the combination of superheroics and spy elements in this story bringing back a number of old Atlas characters by Jeff Parker, Leonard Kirk and Kris Justice. If the quality on this book keeps up, I’d like to see this as an ongoing.
Action Comics 842 (DC Comics) — Continuing the tale of intergalactic traders discovering several bit of merchandise on earth, attempting to acquire them, coming across superheroes for their trouble, and deciding to take possession of said heroes, too. Not a bad Superman tale by Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza and Pete Woods, and the addition of several other heroes only adds to the appeal.
52 Week Eighteen (DC Comics) — I mentioned this series in the Shazam blurb. In this issue, the Croatoans (who the hell are they?!?) gather, as they do every so often, apparently, and discover that one of their number has been liquified after finding the helmet of Dr. Fate. Elongated Man, one of the Croatoans, believes the helmet is speaking to him, but the others don’t hear it. Is he still not quite right in the head, or is this more magic rebooted? And if the helmet IS talking to him about the reordering of magic, is this when and why Aquaman was changed? (That sure looks like him on page 16 sprouting tentacles.) Oh, and Montoya and the Question decide to join forces with Black Adam?!?
Nightwing 124 (DC Comics) — This was an odd tale, but then this whole arc by Bruce Jones has been odd. I can’t quite make up my mind about it as there were things that I hated (so many transitions seemed disjointed and jarring) and things I liked (the inclusion of Jason Todd — the idea if not the execution). I may have to let these issues sit a while, then re-read them to decide. The best thing I can say about this issue now is, next issue starts the Marv Wolfman/Dan Jurgens run. Yay!
The All-New Atom 3 (DC Comics) — I am hemorrhaging interest in this book fast. Not sure quite why. I love Gail Simone’s work on other titles. Just not really caring about these people or this town at all.
OMAC 3 (DC Comics) — Not too sure about this title right now. It’s a limited series, so I may stick with it since I started, but I’m not sure I care anymore about this one.
Detective Comics 823 (DC Comics) — Paul Dini does it again. The animated series proved that he “gets” the character of Batman. And there are subtle similarities between his writing on this series and the show. But these books are exploring themes a little darker than even the show did. With Poison Ivy’s portrayal over the years, it is clear she cares little for or about people. This issue takes that to the next level, and goes to town with the resulting concept. Wow!
Dynamite seems to be making a name for itself with the comebacks of a number of licensed properties from Red Sonja, Xena, Battlestar Galactica, Army of Darkness and others. Now, the Lone Ranger joins those ranks.
The Lone Ranger 1 (Dynamite Entertainment) — Overall, I’d have to say that this first issue, by Brett Matthews, Sergio Carriello and Dean White, is a solid start to what I hope will be a lengthy and spectacular run. I’ve always liked the Lone Ranger and Tonto, and while this isn’t a letter-perfect depiction of the character’s beginnings, it is a solid interpretation that is well worth a look.
Let me stress that I don’t profess to be an expert on the character or his history, but I have been a fan of the Lone Ranger for many years. I’ve heard recordings of some of the original radio broadcasts, I’ve seen most of the television incarnations, and many of the film adaptations. While the character’s brother, Dan Reid, has almost always been a part of the original story, I don’t remember any other incarnation making use of the boys’ father, also a fellow ranger here. But then, other characters have come and gone from time to time, including a nephew, Dan, on the radio shows and in some comic book versions. While new to the mythos, the boys’ father is a fine addition in this incarnation as he is used to show where young John Reid learns some of the early lessons that will later shape the ethics of the Lone Ranger.
Bryant’s Gap, the canyon where the six Texas Rangers are ambushed and left for dead, is not named in this tale, but again, that is nothing new, and an omission is not necessarily a mistake. Collins, the man who leads the rangers into the ambush, is also changed somewhat in this issue, but not in a way that changes the outcome. In most other versions of the tale, Collins was a tracker or a witness to crimes and escapes who leads, offers or is hired to lead the rangers to outlaws. Here, he is a thief himself being tracked by the rangers. But the essential part of the tale, that he leads the lawmen into a trap, remains intact.
And lastly, I have heard or read a very few re-tellings of this origin tale wherein the gang of outlaws, specifically their leader, remains unnamed, but in most all renditions, the outlaw gang is named for and led by Butch Cavendish. In this tale, the man seems to be named Julius Bartholomew, aka Black Bart. I’m not sure why this change, or if maybe their is precedent for the name, but for me, both these names are merely aliases for Cavendish.
Otherwise, as far as I can tell, this first issue is a solid re-telling of the tale of six Texas Rangers led into an ambush, all slaughtered except for one man, a man with an East Coast education as well as his Texas sense of justice, who manages to survive the attack through the timely intervention of a lone Indian who nurses him back to health. It’s a good story, well worth a look.
Another header considered for today’s post was “Everything Old Is New Again” as we have a number of first issue relaunches besides the Lone Ranger. So, moving along ...
Mystery In Space 1 (DC Comics) — I’ve never really followed the adventures of Captain Comet, the main star of this series. I remember seeing his cameos in the original Crisis, and he played a role in Infinite Crisis, as well, so I was curious. Still am after reading this first issue, which is what I assume Jim Starlin, Shane Davis, Matt Banning and Al Milgrom — the creators — had in mind. In the first of this eight-issue series, we see Captain Comet die and be reborn, along the way, rebooting another character, the Weird, from a previous DC event. I’m intrigued enough to stick with this series to see what is going on.
The Trials of Shazam! 1 (DC Comics) — This is another relaunch following Infinite Crisis and the Spectre’s destruction of all magic. Apparently magic still exists in the DC Universe, something we’re also learning about in the pages of 52, but the rules have changed. One such change is that Billy Batson is now the resident at the Rock of Eternity and the wizard, Shazam, is dead. I’m curious enough, and this issue was good enough to bring me back for more, but I don’t know much at all yet.
Agents of Atlas 2 (Marvel Comics) — Still liking the combination of superheroics and spy elements in this story bringing back a number of old Atlas characters by Jeff Parker, Leonard Kirk and Kris Justice. If the quality on this book keeps up, I’d like to see this as an ongoing.
Action Comics 842 (DC Comics) — Continuing the tale of intergalactic traders discovering several bit of merchandise on earth, attempting to acquire them, coming across superheroes for their trouble, and deciding to take possession of said heroes, too. Not a bad Superman tale by Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza and Pete Woods, and the addition of several other heroes only adds to the appeal.
52 Week Eighteen (DC Comics) — I mentioned this series in the Shazam blurb. In this issue, the Croatoans (who the hell are they?!?) gather, as they do every so often, apparently, and discover that one of their number has been liquified after finding the helmet of Dr. Fate. Elongated Man, one of the Croatoans, believes the helmet is speaking to him, but the others don’t hear it. Is he still not quite right in the head, or is this more magic rebooted? And if the helmet IS talking to him about the reordering of magic, is this when and why Aquaman was changed? (That sure looks like him on page 16 sprouting tentacles.) Oh, and Montoya and the Question decide to join forces with Black Adam?!?
Nightwing 124 (DC Comics) — This was an odd tale, but then this whole arc by Bruce Jones has been odd. I can’t quite make up my mind about it as there were things that I hated (so many transitions seemed disjointed and jarring) and things I liked (the inclusion of Jason Todd — the idea if not the execution). I may have to let these issues sit a while, then re-read them to decide. The best thing I can say about this issue now is, next issue starts the Marv Wolfman/Dan Jurgens run. Yay!
The All-New Atom 3 (DC Comics) — I am hemorrhaging interest in this book fast. Not sure quite why. I love Gail Simone’s work on other titles. Just not really caring about these people or this town at all.
OMAC 3 (DC Comics) — Not too sure about this title right now. It’s a limited series, so I may stick with it since I started, but I’m not sure I care anymore about this one.
Detective Comics 823 (DC Comics) — Paul Dini does it again. The animated series proved that he “gets” the character of Batman. And there are subtle similarities between his writing on this series and the show. But these books are exploring themes a little darker than even the show did. With Poison Ivy’s portrayal over the years, it is clear she cares little for or about people. This issue takes that to the next level, and goes to town with the resulting concept. Wow!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Spending My Time Among Fantasy Worlds
Just reviews today. Not much time to post. So, here we go:
Detective Comics 822 (DC Comics) — This is the second issue penned by Paul Dini, one of the geniuses behind the animated DCU. As with that continuity and the first issue of his run here, this man “gets” Batman. This was a good solid read with some fun at the Riddler's expense along the way. Now it just remains to be seen if anyone else runs with the “Edward Nigma, Detective” thread started here.
Justice League Unlimited 24 (DC Comics) — This book is, of course, based on that same animated DCU. The stories are simple and easily enjoyed by youngsters, while containing depth for adults that really satisfies. In short, these are quality, fun comics to read. This taps into the Martian Manhunter’s greatest fear, something very different from his greatest weakness, fire.
Agents of Atlas 1 (Marvel Comics) — Another good read. This is exactly what you want from the first issue of any series, limited or not: A solid introduction to the main characters without giving everything away; a set-up which lets you know more is to come and leaves you wanting to know what that more is.
52 Week 14 (DC Comics) — This wasn’t a bad comic, but it WAS more of a fill-in issue than anything else. We check back in on Steel briefly and see that he is still very upset over his niece’s defection to Luthor. We learn a bit more about what Doc Magnus has been up to besides visiting his friend and mentor T.O. Morrow and see that Morrow has escaped his holding facility. And we follow Montoya and the Question to Khandaq on the trail of Intergang, where they immediately get into trouble. With the exception of the Khandaq trip, most of the action of this issue takes place off-panel and we only see the results.
Superman 655 (DC Comics) — I like the idea of Superman as a character, and I like him as part of a team dynamic, but I usually get bored with his monthly adventures pretty quickly. That’s what I expected to happen here, too, especially after the first One Year Later arc ended so weakly for me. When this issue started out with a less-than-flattering glimpse of the 1600s life of Arion, it did little to quell my fears. But I must say, after reading the entire issue, I am curious to know where this tale is going and what happens next. Keep it up, Kurt Busiek.
Green Arrow 65 (DC Comics) — Good to see Speedy back in this issue, but she is part of the problem I have with this book right now. Judd Winick weaves such intricate and interweaving storylines that it can be hard to establish continuity. And he doesn’t seem to care. The final issue of GA leading into Infinite Crisis shows Oliver stabbed twice through the chest by arrows. Now, One Year Later, we are hearing that he went away to an island for a year to recuperate and re-train. Same with Conner and Mia who were nearly killed in the explosions which leveled much of Star City. Except it’s already been said in Teen Titans that Mia was active as Speedy with the team during the missing year, and we’ve already seen Oliver up and around in the pages of 52. Normally you could write this off as poor communications between writers, but Winick is supposed to be one of the writers on 52 and involved in the whole “charting a new course” plans. That makes the discontinuity seem just plain sloppy. Hopefully future issue will prove me wrong.
Secret Six 3 (DC Comics) — This series is not quite as good as its predecessor, Villains United, in my mind. The storyline seems a bit more disjointed and meandering. Almost like a decision was made at the last minute to do a sequel because the first series was so popular, and this is what could be thrown together last minute. I don’t know any insider stuff on how this series came about, but that is my suspicion. If anyone knows more or something different, feel free to chime in.
And lastly, Fables 52 (DC Vertigo) — Sons of Empire part 1. As usual, just Wow! I love this book.
Detective Comics 822 (DC Comics) — This is the second issue penned by Paul Dini, one of the geniuses behind the animated DCU. As with that continuity and the first issue of his run here, this man “gets” Batman. This was a good solid read with some fun at the Riddler's expense along the way. Now it just remains to be seen if anyone else runs with the “Edward Nigma, Detective” thread started here.
Justice League Unlimited 24 (DC Comics) — This book is, of course, based on that same animated DCU. The stories are simple and easily enjoyed by youngsters, while containing depth for adults that really satisfies. In short, these are quality, fun comics to read. This taps into the Martian Manhunter’s greatest fear, something very different from his greatest weakness, fire.
Agents of Atlas 1 (Marvel Comics) — Another good read. This is exactly what you want from the first issue of any series, limited or not: A solid introduction to the main characters without giving everything away; a set-up which lets you know more is to come and leaves you wanting to know what that more is.
52 Week 14 (DC Comics) — This wasn’t a bad comic, but it WAS more of a fill-in issue than anything else. We check back in on Steel briefly and see that he is still very upset over his niece’s defection to Luthor. We learn a bit more about what Doc Magnus has been up to besides visiting his friend and mentor T.O. Morrow and see that Morrow has escaped his holding facility. And we follow Montoya and the Question to Khandaq on the trail of Intergang, where they immediately get into trouble. With the exception of the Khandaq trip, most of the action of this issue takes place off-panel and we only see the results.
Superman 655 (DC Comics) — I like the idea of Superman as a character, and I like him as part of a team dynamic, but I usually get bored with his monthly adventures pretty quickly. That’s what I expected to happen here, too, especially after the first One Year Later arc ended so weakly for me. When this issue started out with a less-than-flattering glimpse of the 1600s life of Arion, it did little to quell my fears. But I must say, after reading the entire issue, I am curious to know where this tale is going and what happens next. Keep it up, Kurt Busiek.
Green Arrow 65 (DC Comics) — Good to see Speedy back in this issue, but she is part of the problem I have with this book right now. Judd Winick weaves such intricate and interweaving storylines that it can be hard to establish continuity. And he doesn’t seem to care. The final issue of GA leading into Infinite Crisis shows Oliver stabbed twice through the chest by arrows. Now, One Year Later, we are hearing that he went away to an island for a year to recuperate and re-train. Same with Conner and Mia who were nearly killed in the explosions which leveled much of Star City. Except it’s already been said in Teen Titans that Mia was active as Speedy with the team during the missing year, and we’ve already seen Oliver up and around in the pages of 52. Normally you could write this off as poor communications between writers, but Winick is supposed to be one of the writers on 52 and involved in the whole “charting a new course” plans. That makes the discontinuity seem just plain sloppy. Hopefully future issue will prove me wrong.
Secret Six 3 (DC Comics) — This series is not quite as good as its predecessor, Villains United, in my mind. The storyline seems a bit more disjointed and meandering. Almost like a decision was made at the last minute to do a sequel because the first series was so popular, and this is what could be thrown together last minute. I don’t know any insider stuff on how this series came about, but that is my suspicion. If anyone knows more or something different, feel free to chime in.
And lastly, Fables 52 (DC Vertigo) — Sons of Empire part 1. As usual, just Wow! I love this book.
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