Justice Society of America #15

With the explosive ending of last month's "Justice Society of America" I was looking forward to what writer Geoff Johns hand in store. Many on the web have lamented the addition of so many members new members to the roster, while I have taken a bit of a wait and see approach. Johns has worked his magic on several titles and I have faith in him. Johns had no problem making a story about a plethora of ring toting good guys and bad guys a great story over in "Green Lantern". While the added characters haven't really lit me up, they do add some depth to the team making it almost a current day "Legion of Super-Heroes".

Art Rating: 4 out of 4
Story Rating: 3.5 out of 4
Overall Rating: 4 out of 4

While Johns' writing continues to drive this book, I amazed at the effort put forth by penciller Dale Eaglesham and inker Prentis Rollins. Assisted by the outstanding colors of Alex Sinclair, the art team brings a depth to the proceedings that is missing in some of DC's other high profile books. You can feel the weight of each character on every page. Johns sends up a very good action packed story, bringing along quite a few character bits as well. The final introduction of Gog is also not to be missed. My only complaint about the issue is that the promise of the Kingdom Come looking Green Lantern really isn't met in this issue. Alan Scott and son join the fight, but by no means do the win the day. I love the KC GL design and hope to see more of it.

Month-to-month Johns puts out a good story. Even if you are not steeped in JSA lore, you can connect with this book and enjoy its variety of characters. If you haven't checked it out you should.

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".

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.

Booster Gold #7

It is good to see Blue and Gold back together in action. Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz have put it all out there showing the ramifications of Booster's save of Ted. Basically all hell breaks loose this issue with the Blue and Gold team bouncing around assessing the situation. I had a lot of fun reading this issue. From the art team of Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund to the great characterization of both the lead characters and the backup crew, "Booster Gold" hits on all cylinders. If you haven't been getting this book, you should. It is one of DC's top reads and should be shooting up the sales charts. The creative team here have established "Booster Gold" as a pivotal comic read in the DCU.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out and get this book. You won't be sorry.

Green Lantern #28

I did not have high expectations coming into this issue. The Alpha Lantern story line had left me a bit cold as I thought it was a bit of a rehash of the Manhunters. However, Geoff Johns does some very interesting things in this issue. At the end of "The Sinestro Corps Wars" Johns' showed the teaser for his "Blackest Night" story that is coming in 2009. Here, at the end of a slightly boring Alpha Lantern story, we finally start to see the seeds that Sinestro laid begin to bear fruit. There is a lot going on in this issue. The trial is quick and painless and only serves up to move the defrocked Green Lantern in the direction needed to propel the "Blackest Night" story. I love when Hal visits Sinestro. The scenes come across as a nice riff on "Silence of the Lambs" with Sinestro dolling out his knowledge and understanding to Hal. Hal is beginning to realize the bigger picture as well. I didn't know if I would care for the splintering ring societies but I like the Red Lantern - especially the "great rage" tag. Mike McKone's art is somewhat stronger in this issue. He really shines on the various alien GL's, but his Hal is still a bit week. Hal just doesn't stand out here. I think his Sinestro is very strong though.

Next issue brings the retelling of Hal's origin as a Green Lantern. I believe instead of treading well worn ground, Johns will be weaving in elements of Abin Sur's "Blackest Night" prophecy as well as continuing the discussions between Hal and Sinestro. For what I thought would be a down issue, Johns and company produce the strongest since the war ended.

Action Comics #862

My sole complaint against Gary Frank's art has been the mannequinesque look of some of the characters. Frank continues to improve and he looks to be hitting his stride this issue. While we get some Superman-bug-eye looks, he has toned it down quite a bit. Geoff Johns continues the "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" this issue and we get to see the Legion Subs in action. As my son stated, that Stone Boy has one lame power. It was cool to see this crew in action again. Johns gets the story and action moving in this issue providing a climax that looks to lead to the freeing of the trapped Legionnaires and, maybe, restoring Superman's powers.

Johns has me guessing a bit on where this is all going. In the short term I think we will see the tide turn and the Legion triumphant but I'm not sure what this all has do with the multiple Legions in the DCU. For now, I'm not worried about continuity and I'm just enjoying a good story.

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.

Booster Gold #0

This issue kicks off the "Blue & Gold" arc. I was happy to see that Blue Beetle returned last issue and it seems that Johns & Katz intend to utilize Ted much in the same vein as Booster. For all of the Jaime haters out there. Johns & Katz go out of their way to show that Jaime is a part of the long history for the Blue Beetle moniker and go so far as to have Ted give Jaime his blessing. For those of you who have refused to check out Jaime's "Blue Beetle" monthly - now is a good time to shed the chip on your shoulder and try it out.

I have to hand it to the art team of Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund. The art in "Booster Gold" is consistently out standing. The crisp clean characters really pop off of the page. The "Zero Hour" tie-in here is really just for fun and the reaction of Extant and Parallax to the team's flyby is quite funny. "The Secret Origin of Booster Gold" covered here and we get to see the pain that Booster has to deal with. Johns & Katz keep the story moving a quick pace as our heroes jump from frying pan to frying pan.

This book still sits atop my pile as one of the best monthly reads going. If you haven't jumped on board, this issue is as good a point as any.

Justice Society of America #12

The "Thy Kingdom Come" story takes a backseat this month as the Justice Society of America is looking to expand its ranks. I get what writer Geoff Johns is going for here. The JSA serves as a family to train up and coming heroes. The current roster of heroes is pretty much up-to-speed on their duties and the old crew (Green Lantern, Wildcat, Flash, and Hawkman) are looking at taking on some inexperienced heroes to train. I just hope Johns isn't bringing these guys and gals on as cannon fodder for the Kingdom Come story. The new Mr. America is on the trail of a hero killer and we see by the end that this investigation will impact the "Thy Kingdom Come" story. The art in this issue was outstanding. Dale Ealglesham can flat out draw the JSA - especially the old guys. His detailed art really makes this book shine and adds to Johns' story.

For those of you tracking the "Thy Kingdom Come" story, this issue really isn't pivotal. However, it is another example of what a great writer Johns is. He writes a great group book and allows all of the characters to breath. If you haven't jumped on JSA, this would be a good point as each character gets some time in the spotlight.

Green Lantern #27

The second part of "The Alpha Lanterns" story has writer Geoff Johns peering over the edge of ridiculous. I want to trust Johns here as he has put out some excellent books over the last few years, but having the Guardians create this quasi-Manhunter/Green Lantern hybrid almost borders on stupid. At this point I'm asking myself if the Guardians ever learn from past mistakes. I'm guessing this is what Johns is going for here with the hubris of the Guardians on full display. The book starts out quite nice with the both Hal and John being called in to trace a Sinestro Corp ring buzzing around Earth. However, once we get Hal and John back on OA the Alpha Lanterns are put into play. Kudos for Johns having John Stewart in correct voice here. If Johns is going for a sense that this is all heading into bad territory for the Corps then he nailed the tone.

Artist Mike McKone does a fine job of capturing all of the Green Lantern Corps members save one - Hal Jordan. His Hal is a little to pretty boy model - a little too thin. I think McKone would do a great job on "Green Lantern Corps" but his Hal just leaves me flat. I don't know if it was his decision to have Scarecrow in full costume in custody or Johns'. Either way I think Scarecrow would be in a jumpsuit rather than masked up, but that is just nitpicking.

This was a down issue for me. There were some great moments but the story didn't gel. Hopefully next issue will pick up.

Action Comics #861

We have reached part four of the "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" arc and the paces slows down a bit for some exposition. The pacing over the first four issues has run hot and cold with the feeling that Geoff Johns may be stretching this into six issues. As a stand alone issue, this issue provides more background and catching up than action. The cover is a bit misleading and doesn't really match what is happening inside the book. Johns really has Superman's voice down and the Legion's reaction when Superman steps into an argument is quite good. Of all of them, I like Johns' Polar Boy the best. Artist Gary Frank continues to do some good work here. The "dead eye" critique mentioned in my last review is somewhat addressed here. It is interesting that Frank's Braniac-5's eyes are full of life while his Superman sometimes get that dead/crack head stare going.

If you've been wondering what is going on with Braniac-5 and what the plan is, this issue begins to answer those questions. It looks like next issue may go into the background of the JLE with part six providing the action-packed climax.

The Pull List - January 23, 2008

Looks like a DC week with no Marvel or Image books on my pull list coming out:

ACTION COMICS #861
BATMAN #673
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #6 (OF 6)
COUNTDOWN TO ADVENTURE #6 (OF 8)
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS 13
DEATH OF THE NEW GODS #5 (OF 8)
GREEN LANTERN #27

Lots of good stuff here with "Green Lantern" and "Action Comics" topping the list. Both books written by Geoff Johns have been very good lately. I'm also looking forward to the conclusion of Peter Tomasi's Black Adam miniseries. What is the magic word? Maybe will find out this issue. Will Grant Morrison keep my attention with "Batman"? His "Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" didn't thrill me. The final three are all Countdown related. As we near the beginning of "Final Crisis" the Countdown books have been getting better. We'll see if Starlin can build some more excitement in regarding the demise of Kirby's New Gods.

I'd really like to know when Kirkman is going to get over his holiday hangover and get some of his books back out. January was a Kirkaverse dry month and I'm itching for some new "Invincible", "Brit", "Astounding Wolfman", and "The Walking Dead". The pages over on his website Kirkmania for these titles just makes me want to get them in my hands more.

Booster Gold #6

"Booster Gold" continues to be a fun read - as long as you don't ask too many questions. I like time travel stories but writers Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz are giving me a headache with their version of the time stream. As we learned last issue "solidified time" deems that the future is open but the past cannot be changed. Now if this were completely true we really wouldn't have a story here. The primary thrust of the book is Booster going through time with Rip Hunter and fixing things. So we have the three Blue Beetles of different eras show up and assist Booster in saving Ted "Blue Beetle" Kord. The story moves a long at a fast clip and is a good read. While the outcome really wasn't in doubt for me, I thought Johns and Katz did a fine job of adding little character moments as the story moved from A to B. Dan Jurgens pencils were outstanding here.

This book reads like a summer action popcorn flick. I really dig this series and I'm looking forward to next month's Zero Hour tie-in.

Geoff Johns Running with the Flash

DC's Geoff Johns has been out and about the last couple of days with a few interesting interviews. He first popped up over at CBR with a two part interview (part 1 & part 2). I found it interesting that Johns has some ideas for an Aquaman book. I think Johns on Aquaman could be very good whether he would use the traditional Aquaman or the newer, younger version. I enjoy his commitment to the DCU. I think that he has good vision and produces great stories. It was also neat to hear that he has a couple years of Iron Man stories plotted out.

The NEWSRAMA article is an exciting turn as well. Johns hinted about returning to the Flash in the CBR interview and goes into some detail here along with artist Scott Kolins. I missed Johns run on "The Flash" and have since gone back and picked up most of the TPBs to catch up on what he did with the Rogues. I like his take on these villains. The Rogues were the main reason that I bought "Salvation Run". I'm definitely up for a new Rogues miniseries by Johns and Kolins.

Green Lantern #26

While "Green Lantern" #26 is billed as a Sinestro Corps epligoue, this issue did not read like the typical epilogue. Writer Geoff Johns has a lot going on in this issue. I like the focus on both Hal Jordan and John Stewart. It will be nice to see more of John Stewart in this title as Hal's partner. Johns has made "Green Lantern" a white hot title for DC and it looks to continue as such with the Alpha Lanterns story kicked off here. Penciller Mike McKone puts in an excellent effort here. I like his Sinestro a lot. By the solicitations, it looks like McKone will be on the book for three issues and then Ivan Reis returns. DC has done a great job of keeping top art talent on this book to back up Johns' outstanding stories.

If you missed out on "The Sinestro Corps Wars", this issue might be a good jumping on point.

Action Comics #860

Part Three of the "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" story arc has writer Geoff Johns moving the plot forward at a fast pace. While last issue was a bit of a setup issue, this issue propels forward with lots of action and twists and turns. We are half way through this six part story and I am completely engrossed. This LOSH stands in stark contrast to the current monthly version and I'm hoping that Johns can clear this up.

I like Gary Frank's Superman a great deal, but there are times when his character's facial expressions border on mannequinesque. I believe it is in the eyes. There are a few panels where the characters look like they are looking directly at the "camera" and not where they should be. This gives them an almost dead/inanimate look.

Given that little nitpick, this story continues to be an very good read.

Dan Didio's End of 2007 Newsrama Interview

Newsrama has a two-part interview with DC's Dan Didio. If you have heard him do a Q&A at a convention, it is pretty much the same type of interview. Part 1 can be found here. There are a few spoilers in the interview, but I was most interested in his responses to how the company felt "Countdown" went as compared to "The Sinestro Corps Wars". I felt the latter was the direction that the company should go in - big events that cover a family of titles vice the whole line. Geoff Johns stepped in during Part 2 and reaffirmed that this would be DC's direction for the Superman Family of titles. The story has quite a bit of art to go along with the words and I grab a couple that I thought were exciting.

I really hope that DC can pull it together with "Countdown to Final Crisis". Didio states that "Final Crisis" will be seven issues ending in December 2008 with two other miniseries in support. He also said this will not be impacting the monthlies. I'm not sure how they are going to accomplish that. After "Final Crisis" I'd like to see DC move away from DCU spanning crossovers and focus on strengthening their family of books. Geoff Johns struck a perfect note this year with the Green Lantern family and I'm looking forward to see what he does with the Superman titles.

Dan mentions that he really cares about the opinions of the fans that go to the LCS every Wednesday (or once a month) and purchase their books. I'm one of those guys. I go every Thursday or Friday and pick up my pull list - mostly DC. I want DC to succeed. I want Dan Didio to succeed. Yep, I want Dan Didio to succeed - as he goes so goes the DCU.

Here's looking forward to a strong year at DC.

Green Lantern #25

Wow! Geoff Johns really knows how to deliver. The true, great crossover event for 2007, "The Sinestro Corps Wars" finale did not disappoint. Both Ivan Reis and Ethan Van Sciver provide action packed art to this high velocity story. The story doesn't slow down for a panel, giving the reader a lot of twist and turns along the way. With the conclusion of this arc and the teaser for 2009, Johns has established "Green Lantern" as one of the top tier books in the DCU. I've enjoyed "Green Lantern" more over the last year than Superman.

One quick note, I have to commend Moose on his coloring. He does a fantastic job and I enjoy his work.

The TPBs for this story are coming out in 2008. If you missed out on the monthly version, you should definitely pick up the trade for it.

The All-New Booster Gold #5

Damn! "The All-New Booster Gold" #5 has plenty of curve balls. Writers Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz provide further definition to their theory of time and time travel in an outstanding issue. Across the message board, many were asking how this book would handle the continuity issues when Booster saves Batgirl from the Joker's bullet. Well, lets just say the Booster Gold team does a fine job of handling that conundrum. We are also presented with a much darker version of Rip Hunter than has been shown anywhere else. Rip's a bit psychotic here and I like the deepening of his character. The introduction of the main time villians was nice as well. Jurgens and Rapmund continue to provide great visuals to go along with the tight story telling.

Once again, "The All-New Booster Gold" was a fun read. From the cover to the final splash page, the Booster gold team continues to impress.

Comic Adventurer 2007 Year End Review: The Outstanding

In 2007, DC rolled out two very fun titles “The All-New Booster Gold” and “The Brave and the Bold”. Geoff Johns and Jeff Katz have done a fantastic job with brining back Booster Gold into the DCU. Booster was a star of “52” and DC has capitalized on the good will from that series. From the first issue through this week’s issue #5, “The All-New Booster Gold” has been a fun read. I enjoy sitting down each month and savoring this book. Artist Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund have provided great art to back up Johns and Katz’s action packed and funny stories.

Over in “The Brave and the Bold”, writer Mark Waid really shines with this team-up series. The first six issues set up the device that Waid uses to keep this series moving forward. One of my favorite all time artist, George Perez, is back in top form with this series and delivers every month. He draws the best Supergirl out there. I highly recommend that if you haven’t read the first six issues that you go out and get the hard cover collection that just came out this week. I enjoy this read immensely.

In “The Sinestro Corps Wars” Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, and Peter J. Tomasi delivered a galaxy spanning tour de force. I believe DC was caught off guard with how good (and popular) that this story was. From “The Sinestro Corp Wars” #1 right through to the epilogue in “Green Lantern Corps” #19, this story was engrossing, action packed, and, most of all, fun to read.

Finally, one writer has jumped up high in my top ten writers of all time. Robert Kirkman, writer of “Invincible” and “The Walking Dead”, captured my imagination. I didn’t jump onto either book until this year. Well, twelve TPBs later and hitting the monthlies this last month, I have definitely become a true Kirkman fan. If you haven’t tried out either of these Image titles by Kirkman, you should grab the first TPB of each and see what they are like. I highly recommend it.