Comic Books of the Week (7/13/11)

We continue our countdown until August 31st, my final comic book buying day. Let's get to this week's books:

Batman: the Brave and the Bold #9 - this was an enjoyable, done-in-one adventure from the DC Kids line featuring Batman teaming up with Hawkman. The story mostly takes place in space, but shows good elements of both heroes (Batman being a friend, Hawkman being a devoted husband). The last page of the issue clearly was my favorite, a full page shot of what Hawkgirl was up to while her hubby was away.

Birds of Prey #14 - this was the first part of a two-part tale by a fill-in team. Gail Simone already finished her work on the run last time. This definitely feels like an inventory story to me - one that was there for release and had to be used before September's relaunch of the title with a new direction. While I enjoyed some of the art, the story really didn't excite me (between the WWII flashbacks and the return of some Nazi villains today). Yawn. I'll probably only pick up the final issue next month just for completeness sake. The series, one I once looked forward to greatly, is going out with a whimper.

Green Lantern #67 - the final chapter of the "War of the Green Lanterns" saga - another of a letdown. While I did like the nice touch of Kyle's role, the final battle with Krona seemed so arbitrary to me. Of course, the issue has a "shocker" but not really so much so. I am sure it won't be long into the new run starting in September before some things return to the status quo. As the final issue of this run, it too started out really well when Geoff Johns relaunched the book with Hal back in the Corps. Of late though things have gotten a little off - right after Blackest Night in particular. It just felt like it was spinning its wheels in a rut. Ah well.

Teen Titans #97 - the first of the bi-weekly issues so this book can hit #100 before August ends and the book is reconfigured again. I felt this story with Rankor has dragged on a bit too long, so I was glad to see it finally end. There are hints of subplots for the future in this one, but with only three issues left to go before the relaunch I am not really so excited about them. I can't get excited for a new member who won't be on the team in two months time. Ditto for a relationship between Superboy and Ravager when she'll be off the team too. Raven's mystery - I can't see that tying up in the next three issues either. At least with Superboy-Prime coming back next issue there might be some excitement before the final curtain call.

Booster Gold #46 - this book is dragging with the Flashpoint connection. So far we've seen Booster wasting too much time with Doomsday. Dan Jurgens only did half the art here and his story also seems severely shackled. I had hoped the Booster would play a key role in helping Flash solve the problem with changed history. But with only one issue left, if he does it will all be very rushed. Again, another book that I loved when it first came out, then got lost a bit with the change in creative teams, and is now going to go out with a big yawn.

Flashpoint: Citizen Cold #2 (of 3) - I loved the first issue, but this issue not so much. The issue is mostly a battle between Cold and the Rogues, but it just didn't do it for me. Perhaps it was Scott Kolins murky art or his disjointed story-telling. I know he only has three issues to get this done but any interest I was developing in the character and the setting has gone out the window.

Flashpoint: Deathstroke #2 (of 3)- did the art team change between issue 1 and this one? It certainly seems that way. Emperor Aquaman appears in this issue as Deathstroke's ship is attacked. Like with the above book, any interest I had from the first issue seems to have gone with this one - I was really bored. I'm probably going to skip the third one here.

Flashpoint: Emperor Aquaman #2 (of 3) - the art on this issue was very nice all the way around. The flashback of this Aquaman's origin was very detailed, almost too much so for a continuity that goes blip next month. But, perhaps, some of these elements might show up in the new Aquaman book come September. It is so hard to say. This book definitely has not been an Aquaman we've all known and loved for decades. This is more of an Aquman heavily influenced by Marvel's Prince Namor.

Movie Review: Green Lantern (2011)

This afternoon, my family and I hit a matinee of the latest summer super-hero spectacular - Green Lantern. As a long time fan of the hero (I first started picking up GL's comics in the mid-1970's), this was one of those characters I really looked forwarded to seeing up on the silver screen. The idea of a hero who could create energy constructs with a power ring was the perfect visual concept for a film. Thus, I had pretty high expectations for this release.

The story is of pilot Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds) who is chosen to be a successor of Abin Sur in the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic peace-keeping organization. Of course, with this great power comes great responsibility - something that Hal seems a bit reckless with. Over the course of the film, he comes to grips with his own personal faults and manages to become a true hero.

Comic Books of the Week (5/25/11)

Green Arrow #12 - okay, this issue was the actual close out the Brightest Day tie-in on the title. Loved the Prado/Reis cover and Neves art on this issue. Good stuff. The story was okay, given that GA was clearly only helping out the people while the major story ending of BD went on around him. But that is what GA is, really, a hero of the people. Looks like the book will be going back to a more urban feel now that the forest is gone. I'm looking forward to that.

Green Lantern #66 - part 7 of the big "War of the Green Lanterns" arc. I really like how Johns juggles all the players while moving the story along. Krona's true plan is revealed.

Green Lantern Corps #60 - part 8 - John and Kyle's mission to save Mogo goes terribly, tragically wrong. Bedard and Kirkham delivered the goods on this issue - no complaints at all. Nice.

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10 - part 9 (loved how we got three parts this week - that really helped keep the attention to the story high) - the purging of the Central Battery occurs with some great character bits all around. So glad I decided to pick up the parts in the titles like this one that I don't normally read.

Justice Society of America #51 - Dr. Fate and company venture to save the soul of Lightning, while Jay Garrick fights a different sort of battle (city bureaucracy). While I thought it was a good issue, I am getting a little turned off by this title. I'll hold out a little longer, until the "big changes" come in the Fall. I hear Jerry Ordway might be coming on to do the art (that will help, I think).

Comic Books of the Week (5/11/11) part 1

Another big haul this week so I'm breaking it up. Let's go "green" first:

Green Arrow #11 - this one came out two weeks ago but my shop got shorted. Got it finally yesterday. This is the final GA issue in the Brightest Day arc. The art by Neves and Cifuentes was very nice - this is a really good looking book. I am glad J.T. Krul kept the story mostly focused on Green Arrow (it is his book after all). But I felt it was all sort of cut short as it had to feed into the final issue of Brightest Day. I am interested to see where the book goes next issue.

Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #9 - also from two weeks ago, also delayed to our shop. Part six of the "War of the Green Lanterns" arc. I liked this issue a lot. Tomasi is moving the story along well. I liked how the rings seem to be effecting the guys a bit. The art by Pasarin was nice mostly through out. I like the double-page spread on 2 and 3. Enjoying this arc a lot as it has room to move (ten parts across three monthly titles).

Batman: the Brave and the Bold #7 - an early adventure of Batman teams him up with the golden-age Green Lantern (Alan Scott). Rich Burchett and Dan Davis really captured the feel just right. Always enjoy their work. Sholly Fisch penned a nice tale too - it fit well with the continuity of the cartoon. I also liked the return of the "upfront" mission (of sorts). I miss that aspect in the book. It is part of the show, it should be part of the book.

Comic Books of the Week (4/20/11) part 1

Breaking last week's books down into multiple posts. Let's get started.

Green Lantern Corps #58 - this was actually in issue from last month. It features part two of the "War of the Green Lanterns". I decided to grab this one even though I don't read GLC regularly. It was nice catching up with Kyle, John and Ganthlet as they find themselves facing controlled Corps members. It helped move the overall story along.

Green Lantern #65 - part four of the "War of the Green Lanterns". So, in the skipped part (couldn't find the issue in the shop), Hal and Guy battle and eventually get their rings off. They get to Oa, hook up with John and Kyle and then take up a game plan that, hopefully, they won't regret in the end. I definitely think there will be fall out.

Green Lantern Corps #59 - part five of the story arc. First, love the alternate cover by George Perez. I am a big fan. Inside, the four Earth-born GL's start to see the flaw in their plans. Will they get it together before Krona's Corps flattens them?

Comic Books of the Week (3/23/11)

Green Lantern #64 - the "War of the Green Lanterns" arc kicks in with this issue and I have to say I'm impressed with this opening chapter. Everything about it worked for me. Is that enough to get me to follow the story into the other two GL titles? Probably not. Still, this should prove to be epic which is what I've come to expect from Geoff Johns on this title.

Justice League of America #55 - the "Reign of Doomsday" arc crosses into this book for an issue, taking away time from the Eclipso arc. Booo! I could have done without the Doomsday stuff. I have no plans to follow the story in the other titles I don't get. It was a distraction for me. Still the art by Booth and Rapmund was very nice. Also glad to see what has been happening over in JSA is being acknowledged here.

Justice League: Generation Lost #22 (of 24) - and the crossing over continues. Now we get stuff from Wonder Woman's title. Yawn. Two more issues and this mini will be over. I for one am glad. While it has its moments, I found that for the most part it has been pretty uneven. And I was always a fan of the JLI. Oh well. Lesson learned.

Legion of Super-Heroes #11 - this book is on fire (and I'm not talking about Sun Emperor here)! Levitz and his art team are reminding me why I loved the Legion so much in the 70's and 80's. This book is back to its former glory and fans should be checking it out if they are not. Turst me, you won't be disappointed. This issues focus on Timber Wolf was nice.

Comic Books of the Week (3/2/11)

Giant-Size Atom #1 - this one-shot special finishes up the storyline from the Atom back-up feature that was running in Adventure Comics. DC cut out the back-up features on books when they went down to $2.99 leaving this tale stuck in the middle. I have to say that this was just an average conclusion to an average run. I appreciate that Lemire was trying to come up some new advesaries for the Atom, and pulling Hawkman for a guest-star in the end probably helped but it was just so-so for me. To make the Atom interesting you have to make it brilliant.

Brightest Day #21 (of 24) - full focus on the Martian Manhunter as his story arc ends and he joins the others for the final event. Gotta say that of all the arcs, the one featuring J'Onn was my least favorite. It just didn't do anything big for me. I love the character, love him in team environments. I think I just don't like him enough solo. Ah well.

Green Lantern #63 - the prologue to the "War of the Green Lanterns" arc. While I like the further fleshing out of Krona this issue seemed slow to me. I'm hoping for a big pick up soon - especially with the GL movie coming out.

Secret Six #31 - outstanding issue from Gail Simone and J. Calafiore. The Six is back after a few cross-over arcs, back to what they are doing best - in-fighting. I am so looking forward to their time in Hell - it always brings out the best and worst in characters. Is it next month yet?

John Byrne's Next Men #4/34 - so now we get a little back story of what happened between series and how the various members of the group got lost in time. This is typical Byrne to throw in the flashback as an issue, just when folks have so many questions, without any fanfare or anything else. I've gotten used to his irregular story-board flow over the years yet it sometimes throws you off for a second or two. Still, loving that this book is back.

Comic Books of the Week (2/16/11)

Due to a shortage in shipping to my local comic shop, no Legion of Super-Heroes or Doom Patrol this week. Hopefully next week. Meanwhile, on to the books that did arrive:

Brightest Day #20 (of 24) - the "Aquawar" continues here with a full issue focusing on Aquaman and his cast. The art and story worked great here, setting up clearly some plot threads for after this mini is over. Aquaman has benefitted greatly from these spotlights. I would love to see this creative team continue with the character in an ongoing series.

Booster Gold #41 - it was announced last week that Dan Jurgens is returning to do writing and art with issue 44. I can't wait! Given that, it feels like Giffen and DeMatteis are phoning it in on this final arc. The whole Dr. Nishtikeit stuff felt rushed and the whole imprisoned in the 25th century seems very contrived. Wake me up when 44 gets here.

Green Lantern #62 - not a big fan of this issue. I think it might have been Mahnke's art. The whole arc has been a bit drawn up - just to set up the "War of the Green Lanterns" arc which begins next issue. I hope it picks up a bit. GL needs to be big and exciting with the film coming out this summer. Right now, not so much for me (exciting).

Justice League of America #54 - good thing the heroes were on the cover and the first two pages, because otherwise I would have thought I picked up the wrong book. Given that, I love Eclipso and love the idea of taking an issue to give his background to those unfamiliar. But I do hope next issue we get to see the stars of this book as the vile villain puts his plan into effect (with help of his shadow warriors).

Comics of the Week (12/29/10)

The last comic book commentary for 2010 - let's get to them!

Batman: the Brave and the Bold #2 - The Caped Crusader is added by Captain Marvel as Psycho-Pirate causes Christmas chaos in Gotham City. The story was fairly straightforward but fun.

Flash #8 - the spotlight issues on villains continues with the "origin" of Professor Zoom, the Reverse Flash. I like these occasionally as Geoff Johns fleshes out the villains nicely. Interesting that despite his best efforts, Thawne could not change his fate to become a true villain.

Green Arrow #7 - the art on this issue was very nice, but the story seems to be dragging its heels. It seems as if this book has to run on a slow speed just so it can stay in tune with Brightest Day. I hope the pace picks up soon.

Green Lantern #61 - yawn. This Green Lantern issue was mostly a focus on the Red Lantern and the Spectre. Not a Green Lantern in sight. Not one I enjoyed at all.

Justice Society of America #46 - the "Supertown" story arc continues. I'm sort of on the fence on this one. It almost seems like the writer had a story in mind for a long time and the JSA just happens to be the super-heroes shoe-horned into it. This book may be a candidate for being dropped in 2011.

Teen Titans #90 - J.T. Krul has really turned this book around in a few short issues. I'm enjoying the new line-up with the addition of Robin (Damien). Now, if this storyline could pick it up a notch I would be happy.

Comics of the Week (12/22/10)

DCU Legacies #8 (of 10) - this "recap" of the DC history through the eyes of a retired Metropolis police officer continues with the days following the death of and the return of Superman, plus the fall of Hal Jordan. I loved the artwork by Dan Jurgens who did much art originally relating to these events from years back. The backup story with the New Gods was sort of odd - funny time in the series to touch on them since this stuff originally appeared in Jack Kirby's run back in the 70's. Overall, this mini has been pretty good artwise even if the story has taken some liberties with the continuity of events.

Green Lantern Special: Larfreeze's Christmas - this one-shot features that greedy orange energy wielder Larfreeze and his quest for the utilimate holiday provider - Santa Claus. This was a fun issue, something that we used to have when I was a kid growing up - something that comes out just in time for the holidays to give you that warm, fuzzy feeling. It was like a Rankin-Bass Christmas special. Enjoyed it a lot.

Justice League: Generation Lost #16 (of 24) - this biweekly mini continues to move along, a little bit at a plodding pace. Unlike its brother mini Brightest Day, this one seems to be stuck in neutral. I guess though since I've invested as much time and money in it so far that I should see it through to the end.

Justice League of America #52 - this storyline also seems to be dragging. A battle with the Crime Syndicate and Omega Man should be a big thing, but I find it taking a long time to get to a satisfying conclusion. Maybe next issue? I do love Bagley's art though. Very clean and solid.

Legion of Super-Heroes #8 - LOVE THIS BOOK! Levitz continues to capture that classic feel of his run on the book in the 80's, and the artwork is perfect. This issue features the election results and it should prove interesting after the developments of the previous issue. If you loved old-school LSH, this is a must-buy book.

Comics of the Week (5/26/10)

the Brave and the Bold #34 - I liked the idea of this issue (the original LSH members teaming with the original Doom Patrol) and I loved the cover. What fell flat though was J. Michael Straczynski's dialogue and story pacing. It just felt "off" to me. I guess I am in a minority as I don't always get this writer. I am considering dropping the book from my pull list.

Green Lantern #54 - not a great issue but I expected some down time after Blackest Night. Some of the other colored Corps are still on Earth, and this one deals with Red Lantern.

Justice League: Generation Lost #2 - this biweekly continues to lay down an interesting premise: Max Lord is back but no but the four (Booster, Fire, Ice, Captain Atom) remember him. Not sure where this one will end up, but I was a fan of the JLI era team so I am digging this mini.

Justice League: Rise of Arsenal #3 (of 4) - Ugh. I hate what DC is doing to Roy Harper with this mini. I get the loss, I get the anguish. I don't get the character becoming truly unlikeable. I am hoping for a major redemption arc in the future but I don't expect it will be very soon. Sigh.

Teen Titans #83 - Double ugh. Felicia Henderson's dialogue, pacing and overall storytelling might work for TV and "Gossip Girl" but it does not work here. These characters are so unrecognizable it is not funny. And I had anticipated the Coven Of Three back-up, but that didn't thrill me either. This book is officially dropped until a new lead writer comes on board. Enough is enough.

Comics of the Week (4/21/10)

Blackest Night: Director's Cut - this one-shot is a nice follow up to the mini series that just rocked the DCU. It features commentary by the book's creators, giving thoughts on key moments of the eight issues. Next up is a cover gallery of all the minis, including varient covers that probably never got seen in most comic shops (I wish some of the images were bigger though - still cool). Next, a neat feature - the actual script for issue 1. This really is insightful into the creative process between writer and artists on comics. A couple pages are then devoted to the figures based on the series. Last up, very cool character designs of the various Black Lanterns and such. All in all, a good special.

Brave and the Bold #33 - it is billed as a team-up of three heroines but it really is more about the women when not in costume. And though she gets third billing behind Wonder Woman and Zatnna, it is Batgirl's story mostly. Now, I didn't really like how J. Michael Straczynski basically shoe-horned this tale into continuity prior to the Killing Joke. I don't buy his premise that Zatanna knew something would happen and that she and Wonder Woman would let it. I get the emotion the writer was going for, but it just felt like it was a story trying to cash in. Not one of my favorites of his work on the book so far.

Green Lantern #53 - with Blackest Night done, it is on to Brightest Day. So, you know the GL books have to be a big part. This was a nice sequeway issue as we start "the New Guardians" story arc. It will be interesting to see how all the Corps follow-up after the last event. I am confident in Geoff Johns' writing ability to keep me entertained.

Justice League of America #44 - Robinson and Bagley deliver another solid issue. The tone of the book is definitely refreshing, and this issue sets up a JLA/JSA team-up in the grand tradition of the classic ones. And it ties into Brightest Day as one of the twelve reborn returns to Earth in a startling way. I like the use of other guest stars like the Demon and Faust as well.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #15 - she left the JLA book last month and we see where she ended up. Starfire heads back to the Vega System. This book has picked up a lot of familiar and favorite space heroes like Adam Strange and Captain Comet in recent months. My hope is that they along with Starfire are used to the best of their abilities. I do like the scenes with Despero and, as always, it is fun to figure out just what Vril Dox might do next.