Batman #674

I am not afraid to admit that the I have been lost over the last few issues of "Batman". I know Grant Morrison is supposed to be the comic writer extraordinaire, but coming off of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" he did not do the new readers any favors. This issue Morrison begins to correct that error by providing some explanation to what is going on. The pacing and dialogue were top notch. Morrison gives this issue a bit of a "Marathon Man" feel with Batman in a precarious position. Tony Daniels continues to impress me with the art. He does a good job taking what could be a confusing story and putting it on the page.

I wouldn't point to this issue as a good jumping on point for new readers of "Batman". However, it is the closest that you're going to get in the Morrison era. The multiple Batman arc gets some explanation and Batman once again proves he's a badass. The best read yet that I have read of Morrison's run.

Project Superpowers #1 (and #0)

Based on word-of-mouth I picked up Dynamite's "Project Superpowers". Another reason for taking a peek is that this series has Alex Ross and Jim Krueger behind it - the team behind DC's awesome "Justice" series. I picked up issue #0 a few weeks ago and waited until I got issue #1 to read them both. So, there they both sat until I worked up the urge to read them. If you come into this and read just issue #1 you may be a bit lost. Issue #0 is provides the background and launching point for the series. Issue #1 kicks in a bit more action along with the story and character development. Most of the characters in the book are reclaimed out-of-print heroes whose adventures were published in the 1940s. This doesn't mean we have a bunch of old guys running around in the present. Fighting Yank is the main protagonist of the story and he is the old dude. In what is eerily similar to Marvel's "The Twelve" many of the long lost heroes have been locked away for safe keeping since the 40s. While "The Twelve" takes the approach of reintroducing the characters to the changes over the last 60+ years, "Project Superpowers" skips that and gets cracking with the action. Krueger seems to be having fun with the characters and interior artist Carlos Paul does a fantastic job with the art. Krueger does have some clunky lines in the script but considering the genesis of these characters I'm willing to forgive that.

If you are going to jump into this series, I strongly suggest you read issue #0. I trust Ross & Krueger and will be hanging around for the entire miniseries. I dig Golden Age heroes and think this series looks fun.

Youngblood #2

I am a bit late on reviewing this title. I picked it up a couple of week's ago and had a hard time getting through it. Every time that I picked it up, I just got bored within a couple of pages. So, today, I decided to forge on through and see if it got any better...it didn't. Someone needs to edit this book. In my "Legion of Super-Heroes #39" review I said that writer Jim Shooter could get wordy. Well, writer Joe Casey not only is wordy, he name drops, and babbles. The characterization is very poor with only Shaft and Die-Hard having unique voices. Every other team member is interchangeable. It is all just one big mess. Government conspiracies are handled much better over in Robert Kirkman's "Invincible". Here, the one-dimensional government lackies are just pitiful. The premise of a reality series just falls apart here with the government openly sponsoring the bad guys. I just don't buy it. With all of the world balloons the art gets lost.

In the end, with little story, character development, or action to move things forward or grab my interest, Casey decides to kill off a character. We all know that death sells, right? It all just rang hollow. I'll give this one more issue, but across the board I'm disappointed.

Legion of Super-Heroes #39

The third issue of the Jim Shooter/Francis Manapul era takes a bit of a breather to build story and character elements. Shooter provides individual characterizations for each of the Legion members avoiding the cardboard characters present before his tenure. He is building Saturn Girl up to be quite a leader and is providing a strong female character in this book. Where Lightening Lad comes across as a bit of a goof as team leader, Saturn Girl shines on her mission. I like the direction that Shooter is taking the team. While this issue lacked the all-out action of the previous issues, I liked the character elements and story pacing. Francis Manapul continues to provide strong support with his art. Shooter's dialogue heavy script does not overshadow Manapul's great characterization, layouts, and backgrounds.

For the first time in a long while, I look forward to this monthly. If you haven't jumped on board yet, don't fear the complexities of Legion history. In each issue, Shooter provides a window into the Legion that is both accessible to new readers and remains true to old time Legion fans.

All Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #9

You have to love the Goddamn Batman. I know a lot of reviewers out there have skewered this series for Frank Miller's take on the Batman, but I have a lot of fun reading it. This series just keeps getting better and better with Batman and Robin having a little meeting with Green Lantern this issue. The humor and violence are handled well and Miller's script is razor sharp. Jim Lee continues to provide impressive art on this series. I have to give it up to colorist Alex Sinclair on this issue. The yellow scenes were flat out impressive.

My only complaint is the timeliness of the series. With such long breaks between issues, I have to either dig up the previous issue or rack my brain to figure out where we last left off. Given that quibble, I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Justice Society of America #13

One of the biggest critiques of Geoff Johns' "Justice Society of America" is that it has too many characters. Johns' actually addresses this topic in this issue with Jakeen Thunder exclaiming "...Enough is enough. This team is too damn big!" The first few pages of this issue deal with all of the new members moving into the brownstone and provided some good comic relief. The rest of the issue covers the "Thy Kingdom Come" story arc and is very good. Johns folds elements from Superman as Gog is killing off supposed false gods and the JSA is searching for answers. The poignant return of KC Superman to Metropolis is handled well - as is the meeting between Superman and KC Superman. The fight between both men of steel and Hercules is great showing off the awesome power of KC Superman. The art in this issue his handled by a fill in team of penciller Fernando Pasarin and inker Richard Friend. While I'm not a big fan of fill in artist, the team keeps the look and feel of Dale Eaglesham and Ruy Jose's art. I think they did an excellent job here.

While the "Thy Kingdom Come" story has meandered a bit in the last few issues, Johns propels the story forward here and provides a good cliffhanger for the next issue. I like how Johns and Ross are playing this story out and look forward to an interesting ending to the arc.

Thor #6

In reading the various reviews across the internet for "Thor", I thought I might like the book. I came late to it and wound up reading it as I could find issues. That meant I've missed issues 2 and 3. I've now read issues 1, 4, 5, and 6 with the last three in within one month of each other. I like what JMS is doing in "Thor". He is writing this and it reads like a novel. Slowly building and adding story elements and character development. I like this take on the Thor mythos. I'm glad that they have brought back Dr. Don Blake as I felt that was what grounded Thor in our world. The juxtaposition of small town U.S.A. and Asgard is very interesting providing some comedic elements. This issue provides more of that comparison as the towns people discuss their interactions with the Asgardians. JMS is creating something that doesn't require me to know who's invaded who, who's making deals with the devil, or who's registered and who's not. The baggage of the greater Marvel Universe is left behind and JMS just tells the tale of Thor. That is enough for me. The art by Oliver Coipel on pencils, Mark Morales on art, and Laura Martin on colors truly enhances JMS excellent story. I especially like they way Coipel illustrates the transitions between Blake and Thor.

If you are frightened by the greater Marvel Universe titles but want to try one, pick up "Thor". I've come in half way, missing some issues and I'm still enjoying it. No knowledge of Thor is required. However, if you have read classic, silver age Thor comics, you will enjoy JMS' nods to those days.

Countdown to Final Crisis #9

I didn't think Dini and company could top the Earth-51 battle, but they come close this issue. They have a lot happening here as the various groups join forces against Brother Eye, Apokolips. The growth of Red Robin continues and he is becoming a decent character. If they would just get rid of his Donna obsession then he would be so much better. Piper is here and is as confused as always. I guess Desaad used him all along because he can summon the anti-life equation with is piping skills...who knew? I thought that was out of left field, but they must have planned this from the beginning because why else has he been in the story. Ray Palmer finally stops being a whiny pussy and suits up. For some reason he's really scared about "Morticoccus" which is in Karate Kid. Now I can't bring myself to get to hyped up about a disease - I just can't seem to see this being that action filled if they have to fight the virus' spread.

As this series winds down, Dini's crew has put out some good issues. I would put this issue up there as a good read with good art by Derenick and Faucher (get these guys a monthly to work on). If you missed out on the first 2/3 of this series, you didn't miss much. From about 18 on, this has become a decent series and a fun weekly read.

Blue Beetle #24

I absolutely enjoy the "Blue Beetle" issues when writer John Rogers and artist Rafael Albuquerque are allowed to cut loose. When this team is together on this book, they really create something special. From the premiere issue through this issue, they have allowed Jaime to grow and learn along the way building an interestingly mixed cast of three dimensional characters. We pick up in this issue with Jaime in a bit of a pickle and the Reach holding all of the cards. Powerless, Jaime has to keep moving on. Here Rogers shows how Jaime has grown as a hero. This issue is all about the culmination of two years worth of issues moving Jaime to a point where he can address his issues with the Reach.

I know I say this every month, but if you were a Ted Kord fan, you really should check out "Blue Beetle". This book pays homage to the Blue Beetle name while showing a young hero learning his way.

Teen Titans #56

The "Terror Titans" arc kicks off this issue with Kid Devil coming front and center. Writer Sean McKeever attempts to demonstrate the position of Kid Devil in the Teen Titans and his feelings of desperation. Emo-Kid Devil is very depressed about the choices he's made - making a deal with Neron - and that the Teen Titans as a group are splintered. McKeever is trying to put his stamp on Kid Devil here and I'm not sure I care for the direction. He comes off as a whiner. I'm also not sure that the character is as stupid as McKeever has him in this issue. I saw the twist/reveal coming from a mile away. With all of the build up you would think that McKeever was going for a quickie team switch for Kid Devil, but, in the end, Kid Devil returns to character. Eddy Barrows art was outstanding through out the issue. One of my favorite moments was Robin in underwear, mask, and cape talking to Kid Devil on the screen. This added much needed humor to the issue.

McKeever has seemed to stumble a bit over the last couple of issues, but I think the book is headed in the right direction. This new group of villains looks interesting and is poised to take apart a disjointed Teen Titans.

Marvel Zombies 2 #5 of 5

Reaching the final chapter of "Marvel Zombies 2", I have to look back over the whole miniseries and evaluate whether this would be a good TPB to buy. Writer Robert Kirkman did an excellent job in the first half of this miniseries building the tension for the confrontation between the returning zombie heroes and the survivors on Earth. Sean Phillips' art was very good in that it captured the fun (and grossness) of the zombie heroes and the age and hard living of the Earth survivors. However as the second half of the miniseries kicked in, the fun meter started to fall as the zombie heroes lost their hunger and reflected on what they had done to their universe. Kirkman, realizing he couldn't just go on-and-on with zombies eating, turns the corner and shows that humans can be truly evil. If you read Kirkman's "The Walking Dead" this concept is not new.

I felt as the series moved on that it was loosing steam. As compared to the first miniseries, this fell flat. However, Kirkman does setup up a somewhat cliffhanger ending allowing for future editions. I am a big Kirkman fan but, in this instance, it just didn't capture the Kirkman magic.

Robin #171

So, I'm bagging all of last week's comics and came across "Robin" #171. I wondered if I had even read it and flipped through the book. I had, in fact, read the book but did not post a review. As you can tell, it was not a very memorable read. I liked Chris Batista's art. He does a good job of handling both the Robin's youth and contrasting him with the adults that he deals with. Writer Chuck Dixon seems to take a breather on the action this issue to build story and characters. While I don't mind that kind of issue, this one read more like it was stretching the story to fit the TPB mold. We don't get much closer to Spoiler here. I like the direction that Dixon is going. However, I wish he would pick up the pace a bit in getting there.

The Pull List - February 27, 2008

DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #862
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #9
BATMAN #674
BLUE BEETLE #24
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 9
CRIME BIBLE THE FIVE LESSONS OF BLOOD #5 (OF 5)
JLA CLASSIFIED #53
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #13
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #39
TEEN TITANS #56
UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS #6 (OF 8)

MARVEL COMICS
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #5 (OF 5)
THOR #6

Other
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #1 (OF 6)

Geoff Johns has two comics out this week "Action Comics" and "Justice Society of America" and I always look forward to reading his stuff. Jim Shooter continues his roll on "Legion of Super-Heroes" and I'm having a good time reading his efforts. I can get my Robert Kirkman hit this week with "Marvel Zombies 2". While Kirkman's effort here hasn't been up to the first miniseries, it is still a fun read. Going with the reviews, I'll be picking up a copy of "Project Superpowers" and see what's what.

Superman/Batman #46

"Superman/Batman" of late had lost some of its luster. I read the early TPBs and was impressed by the title, but the last year hasn't captured my attention. However, with the addition of the new creative team of writer Michael Green and artist Shane Davis, the title has returned to the light. "The Search for Kryptonite" arc has been a fun read. This title should involve stories that require both Batman and Superman to solve the problem at hand. Here we have an issue that requires both the brains and resources of Batman and the brawn of Superman. Grean, with an assist from Mike Johnson, does a fantastic job of amping up the thrills as Superman goes after every last chunk of Kryptonite on the Earth. I like the new Magic-K that is discovered in this issue and Davis'cartoon JLA is quite funny. Across the board, Davis' art is outstanding.

I see that this creative team is onboard for at least the next few issues. I hope that DC can keep them on long term as Green and Johnson on writing and Davis and Banning on art makes for a great read.

The Brave and the Bold #10

This comic continues to be a fun and entertaining read. Writer Mark Waid has threaded the "Megistus" story line through the last four issues and it the tool has worked well in getting some unusual team ups. Superman and the Silent Knight wouldn't be my first choice for a team up but it works here. Artist George Perez's Superman is a throwback to the 80s look which brings back some found memories. It was also awesome to see Perez draw the early Teen Titans as they team up with Aquaman. Seeing classic Aquaman also made me want to see this character back in the DCU proper. Waid nails the characterization of the early, young sidekicks which mirrors what is going on in the "Year One" title. The "Megistus" storyline is inched forward but the team ups are really interesting.

While Waid may have failed to capture my imagination in his "The Flash" run, he stays in top form here. I'm sad to see Perez move on, but Jerry Ordway is a fine addition to the creative team. If you haven't jumped on this title, it is consistently one of the best of the DC monthlies.

The Death of the New Gods #6 of 8

I know that the title of this book is "The Death of the New Gods" but I'm tired of death in the DCU. "Countdown to Final Crisis" has really numbed me to any deaths so much so that the big death in this issue didn't affect me that much. Writer Jim Starlin does a fine job of characterization on both Superman and Orion and I like his Metron a lot as well. The grief that Mister Miracle is dealing with is also handled well in this issue. Starlin really stepped up the art here having fun showing both Orion and Superman flexing and posing. However, the big reveal at the end had me scratching my head and shrugging. I think if the character presented as the bad guy had been developed a bit more during the series or if I had a PhD in the Fourth World I may have been shocked. As it was, I just didn't really care much.

I haven't been that big a fan of the Fourth World characters with exception of Mister Miracle during the Giffen "Justice League" days. This miniseries along with "Countdown to Final Crisis" comes across as DC cleaning house. You throw in "Salvation Run" and you have three miniseries dealing with whacking various DC characters. I hope "Final Crisis" isn't about that. I've had enough of death as a story device. It can be done well but across the board in DC it has gotten a bit gratuitous.

The Flash #237

Straight off his fun but editorially driven "Countdown Arena" writher Keith Champagne drops in for a one-shot guest job on "The Flash". This issue provides the setup for oncoming writer Tom Peyer's "Fast Money". I'm not sure what Champagne was going for with the kids scavenger hunt in Metropolis, but I did like his interpretation of Wally West. The teaming up with Superman was good. However, Superman should have been able to handle generic villian #1 that is utilized. As I said the whole issue just sets up the next arc with Wally either missing or doing poorly on job interviews. I didn't realize Wally was so forgetful, but I understand that dealing with kids will make you that way. I did like Koi Turnbull's art. His layouts were good and his facial expressions were excellent. I really liked the Flash sprinting through Africa as well.

Not a bad fill-in issue but not a must read.

Hulk #2

This is an action filled issue. With the Red Hulk rampaging, Jeph Loeb has Hulk kicking some serious ass. After the setup of last issue, the identity of the new Hulk takes a left turn and leaves me wondering who. Ed McGuinness does a fantastic job of with the art - big fight scenes, splash pages, good layouts. McGuinness really gets to play in this issue and I look forward to seeing more from him in future issues. Loeb needs to work on his dialogue a bit. "Oh. The. Humanity" stuck out like a sore thumb. I got the historical reference but I'm not sure Tony Stark would actually utter those words.

Long time readers may ditch the title after this issue due to the final page reveal. Heck, it even had me scratching my head. I thought I had it all figured out until that point. I'm not sure where Loeb is taking this story, there are some somewhat ridiculous elements here that may shock long time Marvel readers, but I'm along for the first arc.

Justice League of America #18

I have been reading "Salvation Run" and besides "Catwoman" the impact of that miniseries hasn't been shown in the DCU...until last issue of "Justice League of America". I was not too happy to see Dwayne McDuffie stepping to the back and writer Alan Burnett filling in, but I have to say that I am enjoying his story. It was especially nice to see the Batman end of Martian Manhunter's communication in "Salvation Run". Burnett has the story moving along at a nice pace and has some nice touches. Batman figuring out the stall tactic was good. Ed Benes does a fine job on the art. He has some beefcake shots but otherwise he puts in a decent effort here.

McDuffie's backup story about Red Tornado just read like filler. I like that they are attempting to get Red back into a body, but this could have all been handled in a couple of pages. McDuffie is due to come back on issue 20 and flow into "Final Crisis" with issue 21. My big concern is the rotating list of artist coming onto this title. Consistency in creative teams is important. This book is still good but it has lost some of its luster since Brad Meltzer left.

Countdown to Final Crisis #10

Finally, the action heats back up in "Countdown to Final Crisis". I thought Paul Dini may have let it all out for the battle over Earth-51 and the rest of the series would be a let down. Well, after a couple of lackluster issues we get a decent, action packed read. I apologize for the spoiler but it was good to see Mary Marvel back. This series has put the character through the wringer and I was hoping for this ending. With the body count in this series it was never a given that Mary would be back in white. The growth of Jason Todd continues as well. He may make it out of this series as a likable character. Even with all of the action, the cliffhanger ending sets the stage for another huge battle. Scot Kolins does a good job with the art as well.

While I wasn't completely satisfied - Pied Piper's arc ending so quickly - I did enjoy this read.