Nightwing #142

DC puts out another great read in "Nightwing" #142. In just a few issues, writer Peter J. Tomasi has propelled Nightwing to the forefront of the DCU. He has him firmly established in the Batman family and with the greater DCU as well. He's a player. Dick - I mean Richard - is finally looking like the man that I thought he would grow into while reading those "New Teen Titan" stories back in the 80s. Penciller Rags Morales does a great job of incorporating Dick's aerial acrobatic past into his Nightwing moves. He gives him a fluidity that I haven't seen in any other book. With this creative team, I have gone from not wanting to pick this title up to looking forward to it every month.

If you haven't tried Tomasi & Morales' "Nightwing", you should. These guys have this title clicking and I hope that translates to sales.

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.

Nightwing #141

The best read of the week goes to "Nightwing". The combination of writer Peter J. Tomasi's excellent script and Rags Morales outstanding art makes for a very good book. I was never much a fan of Nightwing's monthly series, but Tomasi has peaked my interest. He has taken Dick's character and given him a new location, new job, and a new outlook. Tomasi firmly establishes Nightwing's prominence in the DCU by having cameos by Superman and the Flash. Superman treats Nightwing as pretty much and equal and the Flash harkens back to the character's rich history. I have been very impressed with this book over the last two issues. I'm hooked.

The future looks bright for this title.

Nightwing #140

The first thing that struck me about "Nightwing" #140 is the art. Penciller Rags Morales and inker Michael Bair are top notch talent and really shine in this issue. With bringing on this new team, DC looks ready to push "Nightwing" to a new level in the DCU. Writer Peter Tomasi makes this issue an excellent jumping on point for new readers. He firmly establishes Nightwing in Batman's realm while giving him a distinct/separate agenda. I hope that DC can keep this crew on this title for a long time as Dick Grayson has been a favorite character of mine since the "New Teen Titan" days. Although I was never felt compelled to try the "Nightwing" monthly, the new team has me hooked for the near term.