Batman: the Brave and the Bold #9 - it's a team-up between the bat and the cat, men that is. It was a fun story and a chance to see other Gotham villains in this new animated style. The story certainly has to take place prior to the Catman appearance in the cartoon (when Batman and Bathound took out Catman and his jungle cat). Still, a good introduction to the character for kids.
Justice League: Cry For Justice #4 (of 7) - another solid issue from the creative team. Again, I am loving Robinson's text pieces that focus on certain characters and what they mean to him, why he uses them, etc. I like that look into the creative process a lot and it helps me better look at my own writing too. I look forward to Robinson taking over writing on the main JLA book next month.
R.E.B.E.L.S. Annual #1 - multiple creators take this issue to give us a look into the origins and minions of Starro the Conqueror. This series is showing us that everything we knew about Starro before 2009 was just the surface. I was a bit disappointed to see what happened when STC meet Despero - but this series seems to be doing quite a bit of wholesale slaughter in the DC cosmos.
Strange Adventures #8 (of 8) - hmmm, this one hit the end way too abruptly and there seems like a lot more story left to go. Of course Starlin left it with some unresolved plot threads - all the better to get another mini out of the deal. We'll see what happens on that front. In hindsight, I probably could have skipped this one and not have felt like I missed much. Ah well - you buys your ticket and takes your chances.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Comics of the Week (9/30/09)
Blackest Night: Titans #2 (of 3) - once again, another solid entension to the big blockbuster event in the DCU. The creative team of Krul, Benes and Williams should be doing a regular Titans book - they're that good and really get the characters. I think one of the smartest thing DC could do was have these focusing minis for different franchises (Batman, Superman and Titans now - Flash, Wonder Woman and JSA coming in December) while allowing the main mini to tell the core story. Each can be enjoyed on their own but together they make a greater epic piece of fiction.
Green Lantern #46 - as the cover proclaims, the uneasy alliance is formed with Hal, Sinestro and Star Sapphire. They start to learn that the Black Lantern threat really means they'll have to put aside their differences if they hope to survive.
Justice League of America 80-Page Giant #1 - DC returns a classic concept of sorts (okay, it was 70 pages of actual story - 71 with the cover) but still. For $5.99 we got a multipart tale of the JLA thrown back into time in pairs (ala Gardner Fox days) with each sub-chapter written and drawn by different teams. For the most part, the story was pretty standard with some high points and the art was certainly acceptable. With things like this, you sometimes can get some sub-par pieces. All in all, it was enjoyable for a one-shot.
Justice Society of America #31 - again, this creative team is picking up and starting to grow on me. There is a clash between approaches which I think will lead this team into splintering into two factions again. The characters seem a bit more in character now, unlike Willmingham's first issue of this arc. It has earned a temporary stay from the dropping-axe.
Teen Titans #75 - a new creative team has come on and I wasn't impressed. Beast Boy shows up and takes charge - which seemed totally out of left field. And some of his reactions seemed off - he was totally all over the place in his personality. I wasn't impressed. The Ravager back-up also seems to be stuck in the mire - I found myself getting both bored and lost. Maybe this title will be getting the axe soon from my pull-list. There are some Blackest Night crossovers coming so I'll hold off on dropping it through that - just to see if the new creative team can step up their game.
Green Lantern #46 - as the cover proclaims, the uneasy alliance is formed with Hal, Sinestro and Star Sapphire. They start to learn that the Black Lantern threat really means they'll have to put aside their differences if they hope to survive.
Justice League of America 80-Page Giant #1 - DC returns a classic concept of sorts (okay, it was 70 pages of actual story - 71 with the cover) but still. For $5.99 we got a multipart tale of the JLA thrown back into time in pairs (ala Gardner Fox days) with each sub-chapter written and drawn by different teams. For the most part, the story was pretty standard with some high points and the art was certainly acceptable. With things like this, you sometimes can get some sub-par pieces. All in all, it was enjoyable for a one-shot.
Justice Society of America #31 - again, this creative team is picking up and starting to grow on me. There is a clash between approaches which I think will lead this team into splintering into two factions again. The characters seem a bit more in character now, unlike Willmingham's first issue of this arc. It has earned a temporary stay from the dropping-axe.
Teen Titans #75 - a new creative team has come on and I wasn't impressed. Beast Boy shows up and takes charge - which seemed totally out of left field. And some of his reactions seemed off - he was totally all over the place in his personality. I wasn't impressed. The Ravager back-up also seems to be stuck in the mire - I found myself getting both bored and lost. Maybe this title will be getting the axe soon from my pull-list. There are some Blackest Night crossovers coming so I'll hold off on dropping it through that - just to see if the new creative team can step up their game.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Comics of the Week (9/23/09)
Blackest Night: Superman #2 (of 3) - this one was a fast read but there was a lot of action and a lot of big, beautiful art. Smallville has turned into a battleground as Superman and Superboy take on the resurrect Kal-L and his surprise ally (no, not resurrected Lois, but she's there too). Supergirl meanwhile has her own personal issues to deal with. A solid issue - again, I am very impressed with these tie-in minis to the main mini. Lots of good stuff - the way a huge event should be done.
Justice League of America #37 - the final part of Len Wein's tale of the League versus the Royal Flush Gang. Again, some good stuff - lots of action, lots of classic splitting of the team into pairs and solid art. So glad Len got to do this one, allowing Robinson and Bagley to get lined up as the new creative team next issue.
Justice League of America #37 - the final part of Len Wein's tale of the League versus the Royal Flush Gang. Again, some good stuff - lots of action, lots of classic splitting of the team into pairs and solid art. So glad Len got to do this one, allowing Robinson and Bagley to get lined up as the new creative team next issue.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Comics of the Week (9/16/09)
Blackest Night #3 (of 8) - It is time for Flash, Green Lantern and a few other friends to face the Undead League. I pity them. Once again, Johns and Reis do an outstanding job as this story continues to unfold. Great character moments that draw from the rich history of the League and their relationships. And, they did something amazing - they made me care a bit about the new Firestorm. Nice job. If you're not reading this one - you're missing out! Get ready to get those trades!
the Brave and the Bold #27 - the cover announces the team-up of Batman with Dial H For Hero and we learn on page 1 that means Robby Reed. But, wait - isn't Robby all grown up? What's going on? When does this take place? Who is behind the mask? Very confusing. Worse yet, the story paints Robby Reed in an unflattering light. Sad. I expected better and was very much disappointed. This might have flown in the animated B&B book, but in the mainstream title I just can't accept the flaws.
R.E.B.E.L.S. #8 - the Omega Men get ready to take on Starro, with some interesting results. Also, Bedard and Clarke mine in the rich history of the L.E.G.I.O.N. too. Unlike the previous comic, this one embraces the rich past and builds on it - it does not ignore it. I like that.
Showcase Presents: Warlord vol. 1 - I have to plug this. Mike Grell's groundbreaking adventure book for DC gets the SP treatment - giving us 29 issues from 1975 to 1979. Sweet! And Grell's art looks fantastic in the black/white format. This was one I was looking forward to, and I am glad he was willing to negotiate the royalties deal. I hope we see a second on that continues the title.
the Brave and the Bold #27 - the cover announces the team-up of Batman with Dial H For Hero and we learn on page 1 that means Robby Reed. But, wait - isn't Robby all grown up? What's going on? When does this take place? Who is behind the mask? Very confusing. Worse yet, the story paints Robby Reed in an unflattering light. Sad. I expected better and was very much disappointed. This might have flown in the animated B&B book, but in the mainstream title I just can't accept the flaws.
R.E.B.E.L.S. #8 - the Omega Men get ready to take on Starro, with some interesting results. Also, Bedard and Clarke mine in the rich history of the L.E.G.I.O.N. too. Unlike the previous comic, this one embraces the rich past and builds on it - it does not ignore it. I like that.
Showcase Presents: Warlord vol. 1 - I have to plug this. Mike Grell's groundbreaking adventure book for DC gets the SP treatment - giving us 29 issues from 1975 to 1979. Sweet! And Grell's art looks fantastic in the black/white format. This was one I was looking forward to, and I am glad he was willing to negotiate the royalties deal. I hope we see a second on that continues the title.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
DVD review - Angel season 5 episodes 21 and 22
Concluding my viewing/reviewing of Angel season 5...
SPOILERS
A5-21: Power Play (written by David Fury, airdate 5/12/04)
I was never thrilled with the Nina character, so her final appearances in this episode didn't mean much to me. Interesting play of what Angel does to enter the Circle of the Black Thorn - I like the deception, the confusion and the plan to put in one last strike. He knows they can't win the war - not really - but Angel plans to give them a helluva battle. Good to see Drogan brought back in, even if it is for some final moments before the series ended. Loved he and Illyria playing video games (and that Spike would suggest "Crash Bandicoot" for them). Good scene with the guys - when Angel reveals his plan and gets the buy-in. All do in their own way. But have they fooled Hamilton and the powers? Hmmm.... A solid set up for a series finale. One last fight.
A5-22: Not Fade Away (written by Whedon and Bell, airdate 5/19/04)
Some great stuff here - Angel willing to sign away his chance for humanity, Harmony feeling left out and wanting to help (only to end up a betrayer - which Angel planned all along!), Lindsey signing on for the fight - much to Eve's dismay - and then after helping he gets his just desserts - from Loren no less(!) (was this part of Angel's plan all along? Hard to say. Loved Loren's making this his own final curtain call as this business of fighting never suited him.). One of the best lines comes from Vail - "I crap better magic than this". That wicked one does Wes in, and we get a tear-jerker moment with Illyria and Wes before he shuffles off (with her as "Fred"). Connor back - and for once I was okay with his appearances - and he helps Angel with Hamilton. Another cool part - Angel goes for blood from Hamilton, to get a true taste of that power to use for his fight. This is enough to bring the whole law firm down.
As for the ending, well, it seems like more a season finale rather than a series one. So sad to see us not getting to see how the remainder of the gang will keep up the fight against the army of demons after them. We know they'll fight on until they can no longer. It leaves this up to the viewers' imagination.
SPOILERS
A5-21: Power Play (written by David Fury, airdate 5/12/04)
I was never thrilled with the Nina character, so her final appearances in this episode didn't mean much to me. Interesting play of what Angel does to enter the Circle of the Black Thorn - I like the deception, the confusion and the plan to put in one last strike. He knows they can't win the war - not really - but Angel plans to give them a helluva battle. Good to see Drogan brought back in, even if it is for some final moments before the series ended. Loved he and Illyria playing video games (and that Spike would suggest "Crash Bandicoot" for them). Good scene with the guys - when Angel reveals his plan and gets the buy-in. All do in their own way. But have they fooled Hamilton and the powers? Hmmm.... A solid set up for a series finale. One last fight.
A5-22: Not Fade Away (written by Whedon and Bell, airdate 5/19/04)
Some great stuff here - Angel willing to sign away his chance for humanity, Harmony feeling left out and wanting to help (only to end up a betrayer - which Angel planned all along!), Lindsey signing on for the fight - much to Eve's dismay - and then after helping he gets his just desserts - from Loren no less(!) (was this part of Angel's plan all along? Hard to say. Loved Loren's making this his own final curtain call as this business of fighting never suited him.). One of the best lines comes from Vail - "I crap better magic than this". That wicked one does Wes in, and we get a tear-jerker moment with Illyria and Wes before he shuffles off (with her as "Fred"). Connor back - and for once I was okay with his appearances - and he helps Angel with Hamilton. Another cool part - Angel goes for blood from Hamilton, to get a true taste of that power to use for his fight. This is enough to bring the whole law firm down.
As for the ending, well, it seems like more a season finale rather than a series one. So sad to see us not getting to see how the remainder of the gang will keep up the fight against the army of demons after them. We know they'll fight on until they can no longer. It leaves this up to the viewers' imagination.
DVD review - Angel season 5 episodes 19 and 20
Continuing my viewing/reviewing of Angel season 5...
SPOILERS
A5-19: Time Bomb (written by Ben Edlund, airdate 4/28/04)
Despite Illyria saving Gunn from the W&H hell (nice thinking on how to get beyond that necklace bit), Angel still doesn't trust her. He wants her gone - dead. But she's suffering from something - time jumps - and that sort of puts a weird spin to this whole episode. Folks are dead - no, they're not. Confusing conversations and what not. But in the end, she is relieved of her incredible power and Angel realizes some good advice: serve no master by your ambition. Um, Angel - haven't we been driving this message home to you for a number of episodes? Since Cordelia gave you her final parting gift? Come on, a little slow on the uptake much?
A5-20: The Girl In Question (written by DeKnight and Goddard, airdate 5/5/04)
This one really plays out like an oddball comedy - with Spike and Angel in the roles of the buddies in Rome. It works, in part, due to the flashbacks (good to see Dru and Darla again, one final time) and the full on farce of the Italians. Love how the Rome W&H branch looks exactly like the LA offices. Very fun and funny - and the guys learn the valuable lesson from, of all people, Andrew: maybe its time to grow up and change. Meanwhile, Illyria incurs the ire of Wesley when she poses as Fred to fool the Burkles. Not a smart move, blue haired one.
Two down...two to go. I'm expecting some fireworks as right now it is like we've been treading water too long.
SPOILERS
A5-19: Time Bomb (written by Ben Edlund, airdate 4/28/04)
Despite Illyria saving Gunn from the W&H hell (nice thinking on how to get beyond that necklace bit), Angel still doesn't trust her. He wants her gone - dead. But she's suffering from something - time jumps - and that sort of puts a weird spin to this whole episode. Folks are dead - no, they're not. Confusing conversations and what not. But in the end, she is relieved of her incredible power and Angel realizes some good advice: serve no master by your ambition. Um, Angel - haven't we been driving this message home to you for a number of episodes? Since Cordelia gave you her final parting gift? Come on, a little slow on the uptake much?
A5-20: The Girl In Question (written by DeKnight and Goddard, airdate 5/5/04)
This one really plays out like an oddball comedy - with Spike and Angel in the roles of the buddies in Rome. It works, in part, due to the flashbacks (good to see Dru and Darla again, one final time) and the full on farce of the Italians. Love how the Rome W&H branch looks exactly like the LA offices. Very fun and funny - and the guys learn the valuable lesson from, of all people, Andrew: maybe its time to grow up and change. Meanwhile, Illyria incurs the ire of Wesley when she poses as Fred to fool the Burkles. Not a smart move, blue haired one.
Two down...two to go. I'm expecting some fireworks as right now it is like we've been treading water too long.
Comics of the Week (9/10/09)
Adventure Comics #2 (505) - um, where's the "adventure"? Most of this issue was talk talk talk. Superboy and Wonder Girl talk for the first time since his return. Garth Ranzz talks to his brother Mekt. Um, Geoff - could we get a little bit more action in this title, please?
Blackest Night: Batman #2 (of 3) - the undead bat-foes raise some hell and the Bat-team has to try to put them down, with "try" being the key word. This issue goes to show just how much they're out of their league on this threat. I liked it a lot. Had a lot of that "night of the living dead" feel to it. Oh, and it had tons of action.
Booster Gold #24 - nice to see Booster using his head as he once more has to correct an errant time-stream. Jurgens really draws the classic New Teen Titans well. A consistenly enjoyable read for me.
Secret Six #13 - also another consistently solid read. Gail continues to show the complex personalities behind these villains. I liked it a lot. Even the gallows humor delivered so well by Ragdoll works every time.
Blackest Night: Batman #2 (of 3) - the undead bat-foes raise some hell and the Bat-team has to try to put them down, with "try" being the key word. This issue goes to show just how much they're out of their league on this threat. I liked it a lot. Had a lot of that "night of the living dead" feel to it. Oh, and it had tons of action.
Booster Gold #24 - nice to see Booster using his head as he once more has to correct an errant time-stream. Jurgens really draws the classic New Teen Titans well. A consistenly enjoyable read for me.
Secret Six #13 - also another consistently solid read. Gail continues to show the complex personalities behind these villains. I liked it a lot. Even the gallows humor delivered so well by Ragdoll works every time.
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