Comic Books of the Week (8/3/11) part 1

Comic Books of the Week (8/3/11)

As we move into August and what is looking like my final month of collecting new comics (due to the relaunch of the line in September), my issue reviews might run a little longer. Allow me the space to wax poetically on these final issues.

Adventure Comics #529 - this issue marks the final issue of the run of a title that started out in the Golden Age of comics.

Adventure Comics was one of the first titles I picked up regularly when I started getting DC super-hero books in the 70's. Back then, Aquaman was headlining the anthology title though I remember seeing a few earlier issues that featured Black Orchid and the Spectre.

When Aquaman got his own solo title, Adventure Comics became the home once more for Superboy, then the book expanded with a number of features when it joined the Dollar Comics format. Remember when one dollar could get you 80 pages and no ads? I do. It was great!

And that's when I subscribed to the title - getting copies mailed to me flat with that brown wrapper for protection. I had a subscription to the title from the Dollar days to the Plastic Man/Starman/Aquaman run, followed by the Dial H For Hero run. Then the book moved to a digest format, mixing a healthy dose of reprints with pages of new material.

When Adventure Comics was relaunched a few years back, I was ecstatic. And old friend was back. And it went back to its roots of an anthology - with Superboy (Kon-El) in the lead and Legion backups. The Legion moved to the front and got the Atom for backups. It ended the run with the recent Legion Academy series taking over the whole issues.

I really enjoyed the Academy tales and issue #529 was a nice ending to that chapter. There was plenty of action in this issue and it felt like a full issue. The art was solid too. As expected, it managed to tie things up fairly well with the promise of the remaining Academy cast rolling into the new Legion title come September. I wish the new recruits well. With Paul Levitz writing the book in the new DCU, I am sure they'll be in good hands. This is one I will miss reading each month.

Secret Six #36 - Gail Simone managed to do something pretty rare - she wrote one of the longest running DC villain-team book and did it with a cast of lesser known characters, plenty of violence, a little perversion and a whole lot of heart.

She did what a writer is supposed to do - make you care about the characters. The fact that these were some of the vilest criminals didn't matter. As a reader, I cared. This was a book I welcomed every month. You never knew what was going to happen. You could predict the strangest circumstances and Gail would likely top it. That's how fun this book was.

Unfortunately, not enough people got it. Sales were surprisingly lower on the monthly title though the trades sold quite well. And when the book didn't make the cut for the September relaunch, DC at least gave Gail a chance to go out with a bang.

These last two issues managed to tie-up (rather quickly) the plot lines of the major cast as best she could in the space allowed. This issue felt like a proper ending. The villains, with their backs against the wall and surrounded by a plethora of heroes, went out in a blaze of glory. It spoke to these characters' natures and personalities. It did not feel like a compromise at all. They went out as any true villains should - fighting.

This is another book I am going to miss reading. I know Gail will be doing Batgirl and Fury of Firestorm come September, but those books won't be the same as this one. I don't think DC will have another great villain team book like this again. When they made Secret Six they broke the mold.

Comic Books of the Week (7/6/11)

Counting down to the end of August and the end of my picking up of new monthly comics... (sniff sniff), let's get to the reviews:

Adventure Comics #528 - Levitz and his varied art teams really deliver on this issue. As some old faces finally graduate the Academy, the Legion HQ is invaded. It is up to the only LSH members around - the instructors from the Academy - to find out what is up. Naturally, the current class follows behind, too curious for their own good. Will they survive the big battle in the final issue next month? I hope so. I'd really like this classic title to go out on a high note. More reminiscing next month.

Secret Six #35 - speaking of going out on a high note, Gail Simone and J. Calafiore are pulling out all the stops for this final arc of the team. After the revelations in Hell, Bane decides to take the team on a critical mission - to battle the Bat-heroes in Gotham! It is a shame we're only getting two issues for this story as I am sure it will be a good one. I know Gail and J. will not disappoint. Final thoughts on this series next month.

Flashpoint #3 (of 5) - another book that I really wish had more issues for it would be this one. Five is not enough to hold all the goodness. The opening pages really show why Barry Allen is the hero he is! That was amazing conviction and determination on his part. The scenes with Lois and the Resistance give a good glimpse at some elements of the post-Flashpoint DCU, which is fine. But I'm really digging the Flashpoint world and all its surprises. Speaking of: the revelation in the vaults of Project Superman was outstanding! Can't wait to see where this goes next issue.

Flashpoint: Abin Sur #2 (of 3) - this issue picks up from Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1 and spins the story in an unexpected way. Loved it! What was even more shocking was the appearance of Sinestro and the revelation of why he decided to come to Earth. Could this be a key to the end of the event? I think it will be a factor with how things end up come September.

Flashpoint: Secret Seven #2 (of 3) - I was a little disappointed when I opened the book to find George Perez only did the cover this time out. I had hoped he would the pencils for the entire mini. Still, I loved what Milligan, Blanco and Koblish did with this one. Lots of characters, lots of intrigue, loved this version of Abra Kadabra (now that he didn't have a Flash to vex). I am sure some of the characters and elements of this book will also survive come September. Three issues aren't enough for this one either.

World of Flashpoint #2 (of 3) - Traci 13 is really trying to save the planet, but a teen can't do it on her own. I loved her little tour of the globe, looking for allies. Even though we only got glimpses, it was interesting to see how the characters we know and love were totally reinterpretted. Some great surprises here. I'm not sure how all this will end. Given the other books and the shortness of the main Flashpoint mini, I am thinking all the elements will come together in the final issue for some major re-triggering effect, out of which will spin the new relaunched DCU for September. More thoughts on all of this next month.

Comic Books of the Week (6/1/11) part 1

With Flashpoint kicking in this week for the summer, I'm going to break my weekly reviews between those in the regular line and those in that alternate reality. On to the regular stuff:

Adventure Comics #527 - this issue spotlights Comet Queen with her telling her origin story. Paul Levitz does a brilliant job on this issue, adding layers to a classic character. I love that she's got a thing for Bouncing Boy, I love her "irrational" thought process, I love that she has a heart, and I love how it is explained why she's back at the Legion Academy. The art by Geraldo Borges and Marlo Alquiza is solid too. A great companion to the regular Legion book. I will miss this one when the series ends its run.

Secret Six #34 - another fantastic issue from Gail Simone and J. Calafiore. I love how the team handles the scumbag who kidnapped Scandal's new love. I love how Bane's date played out. This creative team shows how far these dark characters will go to protect the ones they care about. I really like to see when "villainous" characters are shown to have so many facets to them. Well done indeed. I really hope this book and this creative team survives intact come September's relaunch of books. It is perfect the way it is and does not need any retooling.

Comic Books of the Week (5/4/11)

Adventure Comics #526 - sadly, Phil Jimenez is only doing the covers, but Geraldo Borges has stepped up to the art on the main feature and did a great job. Enjoyed the Legion Academy lead very much. This is a fine addition to the Legion mythos. The backup tale with Xs was alright - good to see the character back but was hoping for a bit more meat. Always good to see the Moys artwork.

JSA All-Stars #18 - man, that final issue for the series was painful. The storyline seemed very rushed as was the artwork. And the whole destruction of a 500-mile radius part of upstate NY (actually, that's most of the state if you do the math right) - yikes! What editor approved of that? It would have major ramifications on other books, but, of course, you know it won't. Poor decision and poor continuity. Sigh.

Secret Six #33 - Gail Simone and J. Calafiore are on fire, and know that was not a Hell reference. They continue to add depth to these villains. This is how to tell a great story. If you like your books with dark humor and a lot of edge, this is a comic you should be reading. Consistenly one of the best each month.

Comic Books of the Week (4/13/11) part 4

The final installment for this week's books...

Adventure Comics #525 - another great issue starring the Legion Academy. Phil Jimenez's artwork is outstanding as always. Paul Levitz continues to expand the LSH universe with these new characters. I also loved the tension between Cosmic Boy and Night Girl. This reminds me of the LSH of the 80's when Levitz was doing his first run - full of subplots and characterization that enriched the book greatly. I liked the art on the backup story; Borges and Alquiza did a great job as well. Next issue looks to be good as well.

John Byrne's Next Men #5/35 - Bethany's captor is revealed, only to lead to more questions. Antonia's time in Civil War America leads to some serious repercussions. Nathan goes from the German frying pan to an ancient Roman fire. And Jasmine's health takes a turn for the worse. This is the type of book that you have to be in for the long haul. The plotlines are complex and very detailed - not your typical "hero" book (not that this book ever was). Still, I've come to trust that Byrne will pay things off well - you just have to have patience. The cover of next issue looks very intriguing indeed!

Comic Books of the Week (3/16/11)

Adventure Comics #524 - only the second issue of the Levitz/Jimenez feature on the Legion Academy and I am 1000% sold. This is an awesome companion to the main LSH title. I love the new characters and how their stumbling upon something really big going on. This reminds me of the Levitz run on the Baxter title of the Legion back in the 80's - great cast, many subplots, lots of action. And the artwork is sheer prefection - Phil was a perfect choice for this series as his style is perfect for the 31st Century team.

Brightest Day #22 (of 24) - Firestorm vs. the Anti-Monitor? Oh yeah! Nice issue. I would so buy a Firestorm monthly title with Johns and company behind it. Now that this issue finally gives the hero a new direction, I so want to see him in a title soon - either his own or in JLA or something. I've been a Firestorm fan since Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom created him back in the 70's, and it finally feels like this character is back to old form now. Well done issue.

DCU Legacies #10 (of 10) - this mini ends by covering events from Identity Crisis and the beginnings of Infinite Crisis. We also see what is going on with lead narrator Paul as his story comes to an end. I must say I've been underwhelmed as a whole on this mini. Sure, the art was awesome at times but the story was kind of clunky. And now we find out why some of the continuity "gaffs" in these issues were there - maybe Paul isn't quite remembering the old facts as well as he should? I'm really glad this one is over.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #26 - with only a few more issues left before cancellation, the story kicks into overdrive - and I loved it! Lobo was in fine form, the cracks are showing in Starro's forces, and Rann is in serious trouble! I am not sure how this will get wrapped up in two more issues, but I expect it to come at a fast and furious pace. I'm going to miss this book when it is off the schedule.

Comic Books of the Week (2/9/11) part 2

Adventure Comics #523 - the title changes over from the Legion of Super-Heroes feature to the Legion Academy feature with this issue. Paul Levitz continues the writing of all things 31st Century and one of my favorite artists, Phil Jimenez, is on board for the art chores. I have to say I am loving this new feature and hope to see it for a long time. The Legion Academy is the training facility for young heroes - and the new crop of students looks very interesting. Old favorites from the LSH are around too - as instructors and such. If you are a fan of the LSH, you need to be getting this title too.

Birds of Prey #9 - "the Death of Oracle" story continues with Black Canary facing her biggest regrets (thanks to new villaness Mortis. Still, Dinah shows why she's the outstanding heroine that she is! The rest of the gals are in a tight spot too, but they can handle themselves (loving Lady Blackhawk in this series). And Hawk gets taken down a peg or two - always needed every now and again to keep that ego in check. I love what Gail Simone is doing on this title.

Flash #9 - "the Road to Flashpoint" begins here with major focus on Barry Allen, a vrey strange murder mystery and the introduction of a very interesting new biker character. All this is going to lead into the mega-event "Flashpoint" in a few months, when Professor Zoom decides to rewrite history and puts the entire DCU into a tailspin. Looking forward to that and the various crossovers that entail. Geoff Johns is doing outstanding work with this book and I have full faith in him for "Flashpoint" too.

John Byrne's Next Men #3 - where in the world is Bethany? This issue opens with that and allows Byrne to go light on the backgrounds (it does work for this environment though). We check in with the others lost in time too - Nathan in Nazi Germany, Jasmine in Victorian England, and Toni in Civil War South. There Byrne puts his artist talents to work, rendering each period well (clothes, backgrounds, etc.). The issue ends with a shocking reveal to Bethany, but we have to wait for next issue to see it. Looks like then we'll also get more on the "betrayal" her captor keeps alluding to. Good stuff.

Comics of the Week (1/5/11)

First new books of the year - plus DC Comics has this logo-characters-on-a-white-background cover event going for all January books. I really like how they looked this week.

Adventure Comics #522 - First, great cover with the Legion females. I liked it a lot. Sadly, none of them appear in the book in any kind of action. The issue is mostly a focus on the new power-ringed Mon-El. Not a bad issue, really, but I would have liked to see more of the team from the regular book. I am though fully in favor of two Legion titles a month.

Brightest Day #17 - Cool cover with Firestorm, but here too the cover character does little inside the book. Instead it has more focus on the Hawks now that they are on Zamaron, and more focus on Deadman (loved his scenes with Dawn/Dove and his grandfather). Issue seemed to go a little fast.

JSA All-Stars #14 - JSA women on this cover (great women week for teams!). Inside, I like how this issue was focus on setting up some character subplots. After the last two issues focusing just on Cyclone, this is a nice change of pace. I hope the writer continues to balance subplots with the main story-line. I want to get invested in the team characters, especially some of the newer ones in the title.

Starman/Congorilla #1 - a nice one-shot featuring two characters that have been absent in the recent JLA arc. This was an outstanding issue, focusing well on the two characters and featuring guest-stars that made perfect sense to the story. Long time JLI fans will want to pick this up for a return of an old hero (who I hope we see more of after this issue).

Comics of the Week (6/2/10)

Adventure Comics #12 (#515) - Paul Levitz takes on scripting the LSH feature in this book with a tale of Superboy (young Clark Kent) making one of his trips to the 31st Century to hang with his friends. It was nice to see classic LSH members from the early years, in classic costumes. Using the feature in this book along with the new LSH title, DC seems to be doing a nice push to re-establish the norm for the future continuity. I like that.

Brightest Day #3 (of 26) - another issue giving us a little bit more story on the various cast members. Deadman is outclassed by a major villain! Ronnie and Jason face the possibility of Firestorm no more! The mystery deepens for the Martian Manhunter! Power couples Aquaman and Mera, and Hawkman and Hawkwoman find they have to rely upon their spouses! I am glad this mini is biweekly as I want to know more and more of what is going on.

Justice Society of America #39 - could this future tale of Nazi domination be over soon, please? I am so getting tired of Willingham's story here. So glad it ends next issue, then we can get on to a summer JLA/JSA crossover story.

JSA All-Stars #7 - a pretty solid issue focusing on Damage and the aftermath of Blackest Night. I actually enjoyed the lead story quite a bit. The backup with Liberty Belle and Hourman is still plodding along at a rather boring pace. I'm not thrilled with it at all and look forward to it being over with soon (I hope).

Flashback fun: this week the first volume of Star Wars: A Long Time Ago... Omnibus came out from Dark Horse. This is basically a full color reproduction of the first 26 issues of the Marvel Comics run on Star Wars back from the 70's. It starts out with the first six issues adaption of Star Wars: A New Hope. These books take me back to my junior high school days, back when Star Wars was new, fun, exciting and wonderous. I had many of these issues but sold them back in the early 90's. It is nice to have them to read again. It looks like DH will be putting new volumes out every three or so months, so it will be fun to collect the whole original run again.

Comics of the Week (5/12/10)

Adventure Comics #11 (#514) - while this issue is still a part of the "Last Stand of New Krypton" arc, it also serves as a nice connection to the new LSH series beginning next week. Here we get the final mission of Mon-El, which really is sort of another reworking of the concepts from the old Valor series from the 90's. We also get some nice interplay between Brainiac 5 and his evil ancestor.

Birds of Prey #1 - Gail Simone and Ed Benes come home again, bring on a new era of the BOP team. All the favorites are still here: Oracle, Black Canary, Lady Blackhawk and Huntress, and being thrown into the mix are (the newly resurrected) Hawk and Dove (Dawn). With Hawk's involvement, it thus justifies the "Brightest Day" banner. The creative team packs a lot into this first issue, making it a good read.

Booster Gold #32 - with Dan Jurgens off the book to work on a new Time Masters mini, the creative reigns are given to Giffen & DeMatteis. This alone concerned me. Within the first page, the book's tone has changed dramatically from the issues that come before. Sure, Booster is still time jumping for Rip Hunter but the writers go whole-hog on the bwahahaha humor. It was a startling jolt, and I am not sure how much I am digging it. I'll give them a few issues before I decide about keeping it or dropping it.

The Flash #2 - continuing the momentum of the debut issue, Barry Allen has his hands full as he faces new enemies and a bizarre murder mystery. And tying into "Brightest Day", we've got more on the recently resurrected Captain Boomerang (Digger Harkness).

Justice League: Generation Lost #1 - a new mini series by Giffen and Winick reunites the old JLI gang (Booster, Fire, Ice, Captain Atom) as they attempt to figure out what the newly resurrected Max Lord is up to. And believe me, it is something really really big. The humor isn't as heavy here which I attribute to Winick's influence. This book could actually be enjoyable. I am willing to give it a few issues to get into its flow.

R.E.B.E.L.S. #16 - last issue Starfire joined the cast. This issue, we meet two new GLs for the Vega System. The cast continues to grow on this book and I worry that it will mean we won't get as much depth and spotlight on individuals. This book is on my conditional list for the time being - with the possibilty of dropping fairly soon.

Comics of the Week (4/14/10)

Adventure Comics #10/513 - once more a disjointed issue for me because it is tying into the Last Stand of New Krypton arc in the Superman titles. I'm still going to pick the book up because, as announced this week, the Atom (Ray Palmer) will be getting a feature in this book in three issues (#516). Looking forward to that as Ray had a major role in Blackest Night.

Booster Gold #31 - Dan Jurgens puts in his last issue on the title - but it nicely done. A good done-in-one kind of thing while being an epilogue to the last arc at the same time. That's kind of sad because I have loved this book under the guiding hand of Booster's creator. The good news, also announced this week, is that Dan is going to be the guiding force behind a Time Masters mini which will include Rip Hunter, Booster and other heroes searching for the missing Batman. Nice. Meanwhile next issue Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis take over this book. Not sure how I'll like that. It might mean the beginning of the end of Booster's run. We'll see.

Brightest Day #0 - the biweekly mini kicks off with a teaser issue of sorts, and count me as very happily teased. Geoff Johns and Peter Tomasi do an outstanding job touching on all of the twelve resurrected from the end of Blackest Night. I'm very intrigued by what is going on with Deadman, and I love seeing Aquaman and Mera back together (and the same for the Hawks). The stuff with Firestorm as well as Hawk and Dove also have me wanting more. All in all, I am very pleased with who this mini will be focusing on over the coming years, and I am planning to pick up a number of other books that'll be falling under this banner. I love getting excited about a new title.

the Flash #1 - and speaking of, Barry Allen is finally back in his own title. Count me very excited for this one. Again, Geoff Johns does wonders and Francis Manapul's art fits this book nicely. It has a silver age feel with modern touches (like Barry and the CSI focus - very popular in modern TV dramas). So glad to have a good Flash book back in the pull-bag again.

Secret Six #20 - Gail Simone continues to rock this title, and J. Calafiore's art adds the creepy perfectly as always. Catman is between a rock and a hard place, and he makes a decision. Word of warning: don't cross Catman! This arc is going to get violent and messy, and this book serves that up so well. If you feel a little "unclean" and "disturbed" after reading this one (like I do), the creative team is doing their job properly. Oh, and Gail will be back doing the new Birds of Prey title - which I am so picking up. You know these books will cross over at some point, and I'll be loving that.

catching up on Comic Books

Hey, blog-readers! It has been awhile. My apologies. I thought I'd take a few minutes and give some summaries of titles I've been getting these past few months.

Blackest Night - issue 8 just came out this week, concluding this epic event. And, believe me, this has ended up pretty well. I loved how this whole mini pitted friends against friends, living against the dead (and in some cases newly dead), and made some uneasy allies among the various Corps. This series has brought some characters (like Mera) back into the forefront of the DCU, and those that have been brought back to life in this final issue will set a nice foundation for the coming year as well as the Brightest Day bi-weekly mini starting later this month. As for the tie-in minis, those focusing on Superman, the Titans, the Flash and the JSA were my favorites. I could have skipped the Batman and Wonder Woman ones and most of the one-shots and been fine. Also, tie in with that the regular Green Lantern title which ran a nice parallel to the main mini series quite nicely.

Flash: Rebirth - this one finally ended, with a little delay due to production, but the end result was well worth it. Barry Allen is back where he belongs, full throttle. This sets up very nicely for the first issue of his new series coming also this month.

Justice League: Cry For Justice - this mini ended with two big changes to the archers of the DCU - Red Arrow and Green Arrow. This changes are the primary focus of the Rise And Fall arcs that are running across the main Justice League title, an Arsenal mini series (yup, Roy is changing back to his old name) and on the Green Arrow title. This is some heavy stuff but a very cool new direction to take the characters.

Over on Justice League of America, James Robinson and Mark Bagley are taking the roster into a new direction. In the first few issues it started out being a Titans graduation party but the roster is settling it out a little bit. All of this is following on well from the "Cry For Justice" mini too.

I have not been so thrilled though with the direction the Justice Society of America main title has gone along with it's spin off JSA All-Stars. The creative teams are taking things off in weird directions that just doesn't do it for me.

Similary too, Teen Titans has lost a lot of its focus since the creative team changed a few months ago. Over on REBELS, I think the Starro story line dragged out a bit too long. I am hoping these books can pull it back in or they're close to the chopping block for me.

Meanwhile, both Booster Gold and Secret Six continue to shine in their own ways. These creative teams are perfect and that should help keep the books entertaining month after month. Gail Simone is also going back to a relaunch of Birds of Prey in May, so that's another I'll be adding to my pull list.

I'll give Adventure Comics some slack for being up and down. Loved the focus on Superboy Prime during Blackest Night and the Legion back up. Not so thrilled with the issues tying in to the Superman books but oh well. On the plus side, the Legion is getting its own title again in a few months with Paul Levitz as the writer. Very psyched for this!