Wednesday, April 30, 2008

DC Universe #0

Before I even got a chance to get to my LCS and pick up "DC Universe" #0, I heard the big news. I saw it on the AP, at comic sites, and even heard it discussed on Howard Stern. So, to gauge the reaction of someone not born during "Crisis on Infinite Earths" and a big Wally & Bart fan, I had my son read it first. His reaction was interesting. He didn't get that big reveal. I had to explain it to him. His entry into DC comics happened during "Infinite Crisis" so he isn't the biggest Barry fan. He did like the art saying every page was outstanding and the fact that it the issue had a story. I thought this issue was a good way to wash the bad taste of "Countdown" away. Writers Grant Morrisson and Geoff Johns stitch together trailers for the big DC books for 2008 into a very good comic. The art by DC's best is very good - worth the 50 cents alone.

I was a bit down on the coming Final Crisis as the last year of "Countdown" hasn't wowed me. Having said that, after reading this book, I'm excited about what DC has planned. Here's hoping that DC can deliver on the promise of "DC Universe".

Friday, April 25, 2008

Countdown to Final Crisis #1 & The Death of the New Gods #8 - FINALLY!

The mess that is "Countdown to Final Crisis" and "The Death of the New Gods" is over. For those of you reading "The Death of the New Gods", after this final issue you should bounce over to "Countdown to Final Crisis" #2 to read the final chapter of that story. You would think that a title called "The Death of the New Gods" would end with...say...the death of one of the biggest New Gods.
"Countdown" reads like an epilogue wrapping up stories that I just didn't care about. In the end, this was a dismal failure - maybe not is sales but certainly in story telling.

Skip both when they come out in TPB...neither are good or required reading.

Superman/Batman #46

Quite the opposite of this month's "Justice League of America", "Superman/Batman" delivers on all levels. From the outstanding cover to the final splash page, writers Michael Green and Mike Johnson are hitting on all cylinders. Penciller Shane Davis continues to impress me. He gives the book a cinematic feel and captures the intensity of Batman and the strength of Superman. I'm glad he's on for this entire story arc. When I heard of this arc I was a bit "meh" on it. However, I have enjoyed the entire arc and I'm looking forward to the slam/bang conclusion.

Green & Johnson have really turned this title around. With them on the title, you can't go wrong in picking it up. If you dropped "Superman/Batman" it may be time to try it out again.

Justice League of America #20

Ugliest cover of the week goes to "Justice League of America" #20. If I was shopping for a new comic, this cover would not reach out to me. The story inside is a bit of a mixed bag. It is a great story for "The Flash". If this story had appeared in his regular monthly, it would have fit right in...well, compared to Mark Waid's recent run this would have been a stand out issue. As a JLA story, it didn't really hold up. "Justice League of America" is supposed to be the premiere monthly from DC. It certainly is a top seller. This story just didn't reach the level that it should have. Dwayne McDuffie has had a rocky run so far on this title. I hope that he can refocus and put out a true JLA story with the characters facing something truly daunting. Otherwise, this comes off as another filler issue. Oh, Ethan Van Sciver's flash is pretty damn good.

Hulk #3

The first three issues of "Hulk" have hit like a summer popcorn flick. If you're looking for deep thinking, look elsewhere. If you're looking for some "leave your brain at the door" action packed fighting, you've come to the right place. Writer Jeph Loeb has produced a script that really lets penciller Ed McGuinness shine. The art on this book is outstanding - not realistic, not cartoony...just fun to look at. McGuiness' Hulk is dynamic and expressive. Who is the red Hulk? I have a few ideas but it doesn't really matter. Rick as the Abobmination is pretty funny. The "A-bomb" as he calls himself comes across as a very early version of the original Hulk - split personalities on display here.

If you're looking for a fast, action packed read, this is it. If you are into more high brow reading, stay away.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Artifex Weekly Rundown

We have some cool stuff coming in this week, some Skrull stuff, a little bit of Norse God, and just for giggles 2 guys trying to rid the world of Kryptonite.

Kelly
Superman/Batman 47
by Michael Green & Mike Johnson, w/ art by Shane Davis & Matt Banning
Writers Michael Green (Heroes) and Mike Johnson, with superstar art team Shane Davis and Matt "Batt" Banning, deliver a new team of heroes to battle The Man of Steel and The Dark Knight, known only as The Last Line! They were created as a "last line" of defense against a rogue Superman, and they take
no prisoners!

Lauric
Justice League of America 20
by Dwayne McDuffie and art by Ethan Van Sciver
The Flash has not been answering his JLA signal, so now he has to answer to Wonder Woman! But first they have to survive an attack by the Queen Bee and her new drones from the H.I.V.E in a story that only superstar artist Ethan Van Sciver (Green Lantern: Rebirth) could bring to life!

Jim
Thor 8
by J. Michael Straczynski and art by Marko Djurdevic
The God of Thunder keeps sizzling off the stands! Part two of a two-part arc by writer J. Michael Straczynski (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) with sumptuous art by DAREDEVIL cover artist Marko Djurdjevic sees the mighty Thor ruling over a newly glorious Asgard and all its people! But what danger has risen on the horizon of its American heartland surroundings? And how will Thor equip himself to face it??

SKRULL WATCH ( a new segment for the Secret Invasion Series)
Ms Marvel 26
by Brian Reed and Art by Adriana Melo
Out–gunned and on the run! With S.H.I.E.L.D. convinced she's a Skrull impostor, Ms. Marvel must fight for her identity and her life against her very own Lightning Strike Force! But when the Strike Force has a Ms. Marvel of their own, even Carol can't be sure she's Carol anymore! SECRET INVASION: The Infiltration continues here from Brian Reed (Captain Marvel) and Adriana Melo (Witchblade).
and
Mighty Avengers 12
by Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev
The Eisner-award-winning team of Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev (NEW AVENGERS ILLUMINATI, HALO: UPRISING) reunite to answer the question that has been on every comic fan's mind for years...WHERE THE HELL HAS NICK FURY BEEN?? Rewinding the clock to Fury's time in SECRET WAR, follow Fury as he puts together the pieces of his life and starts finding clues to a Secret Invasion that makes him TARGET NUMBER ONE. A major Skrull reveal happens in these pages!

Monday, April 21, 2008

Countdown to Final Crisis #2 (with Salvation Run & Death of the New Gods)


As this horribly gone wrong 52-issue series hits its penultimate chapter, I have to wonder was it worth my time and money. The resounding answer is "NO!" This issue has the "death" of Darkseid. I usually don't give spoilers here but this goes right to the point of the whole "Countdown" fiasco. I have been reading both "Salvation Run" and "The Death of the New Gods". I read both "The Search for Ray Palmer" and "Countdown Arena" minis as well. Had DC decided to integrate all of those story lines into a 52 issue weekly series, I think they may have had a good series here. However, with what Dini & company presented in "Countdown" I can't say that it is worth even getting in TPB form. This issue has stilted dialogue, incomprehensible continuity, and very, very bad inking by Scott Kolins over his own pencils.

"Salvation Run" started off with a bang, focusing on the Rogues. Then came a change of writers and a sharp drop off in focus. Did DC decide do go a different direction midway through this mini? Who knows? This issue is basically more of the same. Luthor and Joker fight, yawn! Sean Chen's pencis are pretty though.

Finally, we have Jim Starlin's "The Death of the New Gods". It too has fallen off in focus moving to the later part of the series. Had this been tightly integrated into "Countdown" as one particular story line to follow, I think it might have been good. As a standalone, it just doesn't carry enough weight. DC has the New Gods popping up all over - see the current issue of "Justice Society of America" - and this series should have been the lynchpin for that.

I blame DC Editorial, specifically Dan Didio. I know bloggers and forum posters alike like to heap terrible words on Mr. Didio. I usually don't. I've enjoyed his many San Diego Comic Con panels. I've liked a lot of what he has done to bring in new readers, but the "Countdown"-era of his reign can be viewed as an utter failure. The goodness of "52" did not carry over. Where DC had it's surprise hits with "The Sinestro Corps Wars" the dismal failure of story telling that is the "Countdown" brand overshadows that success.

I will be testing "Trinity" and "Final Crisis". I have my hopes up for those series, but I will not hang on to the bloody end this time hoping for redemption. So, DC, you better hook me fast or my dollars and time are moving elsewhere.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Wonder Woman #19

I'm hooked. I have to say that. For the first time in a long time, "Wonder Woman" is a compelling read. Writer Gail Simone has taken a botched relaunch and turned it around. In just a few issues, Simone has made Wonder Woman a strong character. Who knew that it would be this enjoyable to read? This issue continues the Khund story line. Simone adds quite a bit of depth the Wonder Woman during this issue as she presents her as both strong, warrior like and peaceful all in one fight. I dig it. While Bernard Chang's art is fine, I'm looking forward to Aaron Lopresti coming on board.

If you dropped "Wonder Woman" during the poor relaunch, you should check out what Simone has done with the character.

Justice Society of America #14

The ball gets rolling this issue. While writer Geoff Johns has taken several issues to build the intrigue and amp up the suspense, he lets it all flood out this issue. For those of you wanting to see the JSA finally meet up with Gog, you get it in spades here. Johns paces this issue well with great dialogue across the board. He also presents a nice little tie in with Jim Starlin's "The Death of the New Gods" as well as presenting a threat that could trim down the over bloated JSA membership. For fans of "Kingdom Come", the last page will get you excited for things to come. Dale Eaglesham continues to provide excellent art for this series. He has a knack for crowded scenes - much like George Perez but with a Golden Age flare.

"Justice Society of America" is one of DC's best monthlies and I highly recommend jumping on for the ride.

Countdown to Final Crisis #3

After quite a few lame duck issues of "Countdown to Final Crisis" we get an action packed slugfest. Dini and company bring a fast paced issue that is actually a good read. Stuff Happens! Imagine that. In a 52 issue weekly series, we get an issue where something other than talking heads are present. While I still don't get the motivations of Mary Marvel, which is a big failure in writing, I did enjoy watching her cut loose.

As this series draws down, what really hits me is that it could have been a good series at 26 or even 12 issues. At 52 issues DC just stretched a story. It is much like "Lost" when there was no end in site. The viewer gets countless "filler" episodes. Now with a specific end date "Lost" has tightened its story telling. If you don't have enough story for 52 issues, cut the issue count down or go to another story. I'm know that if "Trinity" meanders it will not stay on my pull list. I'll drop it and then read the synopsis online.

Titans #1

To say that the Comic Adventurer's household was excited about this book would be an understatement. I came of age reading "The New Teen Titans" under Marv Wolfman and George Perez. It topped my reading list back in the day and continues to be a fun read today. I bought the hardcover volumes so that my son could appreciate the depth and complexity of the stories that Wolfman told. George Perez to this day is my standard bearer for comic art. Ian Churchill on art was a good choice, but given that he is only on for the first issue I will hold judgement on whether the art in "Titans" can match what Perez did back in the day. If Churchill had stayed on he would have been a fine artist for the series. His art here is both dynamic and detailed. Across the board, Churchill delivers in this issue. It frustrates me that DC didn't keep him on the book for at least the first arc. Writer Judd Winick has his detractors in the online community. I've stated before that I'm pretty new to his writing. The pacing of this issue is somewhat slow as Winick takes time to bring the new readers up to speed on who's who in the Titans universe. It is a fairly decent catch up and I dismissed any continuity issues (Starfire still hanging with Buddy) and just enjoyed the story. Winick also takes a couple of pages to up date the reader on the "Titans East" debacle.

My love for the Titans will keep me on for the first arch. If Winick can bring the humor and action that he has brought to "Green Arrow/Black Canary" I will probably stay on for the long haul.