Final Crisis #1 of 7

After reading "Final Crisis" #1, I skimmed around the net looking at some reviews. Over at Rokk's site he had a very detailed review of the issue and Val over at Occasional Superheroine was not impressed. I come into "Final Crisis" having read "Infinite Crisis", "52", "Countdown", "Salvation Run", and the big guns (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, JLA) books for the past few years. So, I have a pretty good understanding of current DC continuity. To my surprise, writer Grant Morrison pretty much throws a boat load of it out the window. The first casualty is the awful "Countdown". Morrison, in the hopes to inform the reader, almost completely ignores that 52 -week mess. As I guy who bought and ready every issue hoping for it to get better, I'm happy that this choice was made. Somewhere along the line DC Editorial realized that "Countdown" was a dud, even though it sold well. It was a big failure as a story. "Final Crisis" #1 begins to clean that mess up.

Art: 4 out of 4
Story: 4 out of 4
Overall: 4 out of 4

There isn't really any big "Wow!" moment like Marvel gave readers in there current crossover's first issue. Morrison gives the reader a constantly building tension filled issue. The pacing is solid and provides an excellent jumping on point for the series. I think if you skipped "Countdown" and all of its tie-ins, you will be right at home in "Final Crisis". Morrison lays down a story that starts literally at the beginning and starts the path down to what could be New Earth's destruction. The stakes are high and the players are many. J.G. Jones nails the art. He provides the mood to Morrison's excellent script. I get the feeling that these are universe shattering events going on and the stakes are high.

You don't need a scorecard to read this book. Morrison allows the characters to bring the reader up to speed. You'll know who's who as you move along and you will be sucked in. I'm looking forward to see how this series plays out. I have faith that Morrison can bring it home.

Batman #676 (R.I.P.)

I jumped back onto "Batman" at the beginning of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story and was quickly disappointed. I have never really read a lot of Grant Morrision and was told he's the best. Well, that little story did not live up to the hype. I have never been a huge Batman fan. I generally like him better when he's playing off of the other DC heroes. However, my son wanted to keep getting the Batman Family of books ("Batman", "Detective Comics", "Robin", & "Nightwing"). While the latter three books have kept my interest, I have been somewhat confused by Morrison's "Batman". Having not read the entire Morrison run, I'm probably coming into the party too late. I was hoping that with the "Batman R.I.P." story that Morrison would welcome new readers by making this issue new reader friendly.

Art Rating: 2.5 out of 4
Story Rating: 4 out of 4
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 4

I was truly impressed with this issue. From the first page through the end, Morrison kept the pace up and the plot points coming. Morrison has truly take the Joker to a dark place and it is interesting to see this insane take on the character. The reader gets to get into Bruce Wayne/Batman's head a bit in this issue and Morrison shows that he is very much a conflicted character. Tony Daniel's art is good but it just doesn't scream "Top Tier Book!". He does a fine job of putting Morrison's plot to page and his Joker looks very insane. The true star of this issue is Morrison's writing. He has me looking forward to how this story plays out.

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".

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.

Batman #673

The best part of this issue is Tony Daniel's art. He captures the different eras of Batman here. I'm really not sure what writer Grant Morrison is going for here. I jumped onto "Batman" during "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" arc and I am at a loss during the last two issues. With this issue being mostly in dream state, it didn't provide me anymore understanding of what is going on.

The one thing this issue did for me is point me to Bill Finger. Grant Morrison gave Finger a nod in the credits. I then went searching for who he was. I grew up knowing that Bob Kane created Batman and did not really know who Bill Finger was - except for his creation of the original Green Lantern. I was amazed to see how much influence Finger had on the creation of Batman. Without Finger, I don't think we would have Batman. If he really was this involved in the creation of Batman he should be named right alongside Kane as a creator - much like Siegel and Shuster for Superman.

So, the story in the issue didn't do much for me. Daniel's art and the discovery of some comic's history were the bonus.

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.

Batman #672

I wasn't very impressed with "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" and was not going to add another monthly. However, I gave into my son's wishes and picked up "Batman" this month. I dig Tony Daniel's art. I like not only his interpretation of Batman but what he brings to both Jim Gordon and Alfred. I have to say that story-wise I was a bit lost in this issue. I'm not sure who all the players are and what their back story is. I may have to go pick up some back issues to understand where all of this is coming from.

While not a good jumping on point for new readers, as seen by my confusion with who's who, my son really liked this issue and is looking forward to the next. I'll hold my judgement for a few more issues.

Comic Adventurer 2007 Year End Review: The Good

DC put a decent amount of good comics out in 2007. Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes produced some excellent “Justice League of America” issues. However, seeing Meltzer leave this book with so many plot threads not addressed left me disappointed in not seeing him complete what he started. Dwayne McDuffie came on with his Injustice League arc and while it was a fun read it wasn’t as powerful as some of the stuff that Meltzer put out.

I jumped onto Grant Morrison’s “All Star Superman” with the excellent Hardcover collection and then put it on my pull list for a monthly read. Morrison Superman world is interesting and provides a throwback (almost Silver age) look at Superman.

The Superman books - Kurt Busiek’s “Superman” and Johns’ (Action Comics) - had excellent arcs this year. The only complaint here is the timing of the issues and the many fill in issues needed. Overall both of these comics have provide good reading.

Geoff Johns’ “Justice Society of America” always sits on the top of my first read list when it shows up. The Alex Ross covers have been excellent and Johns’ characterization top notch. I like where Johns’ is taking this book.

Finally, I was impressed with “Blue Beetle”, “Suicide Squad”, and “Green Arrow & Black Canary” (shock of shocks a Winick book listed here). These have been fun reads.

2008 looks bright for all of these titles. However, the impact of Final Crisis has not been determined. I hope that Dwayne McDuffie can settle into "Justice League of America" for a long run. I never watched his animated series so most of his stuff seems either fresh or an homage to the Silver Age JLA. Geoff Johns' continues to put out great work and I hope DC keeps him happy and producing.

Batman #671

"Batman" #671 continues "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story. Part four of the seven part series, The disparate story lines come together with Batman, Ra's Al Ghul, and the Sensei meeting at Nanda Parabat. I believe my lack of knowledge of the current Batman mythos hindered my enjoyment of this comic because I've never heard of the Sensei character and didn't get a big "wow!" out of the big reveal here. I did enjoy Morrison's fight between Batman and the Sensei. Tony Daniel's captures the action well, having fun with the Sensei's fighting style.

The only gripe that I have against this story line is that it was billed as this big event and comes across as just another story. I don't have a feeling for the big stakes here - what's really on the line? Other than that the read has been fun and action filled.

Batman #670

"The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" begins in this issue. Billed as a prelude to the storyline, writer Grant Morrison gives new readers a descent jumping on point for this 7-part series. While I don't have a great depth of understanding of where Damian comes from and that Ra's Al Ghul was even dead, I enjoyed Morrison's story. Tony Daniel and Jonathan Glapion's art is pretty good capturing Batman's persona very well. Daniel provides good layouts and panels with backgrounds and detail, which has become uncommon in current comics.

Morrison has peaked my interest with this prelude to what looks to be an interesting story. If you are looking to jump onto this story and are afraid you need a PhD in all things Batman to get it, don't worry, Morrison sets a very good tone that doesn't leave you scratching your head.

All Star Superman #9

I didn't jump onboard "All Star Superman" when it first came out. I ended up waiting for the hardcover and bought it last month. I thoroughly enjoyed the hardcover and put this comic on my pull list. Issue #9 has Superman returning from his Bizarro mission to find a couple of new Kryptonians on Earth. Writer Grant Morrison does a fine job of developing these new characters and presenting Superman's reaction to them. Frank Quitely's art breathes life into Morrison's script. Quitely's take on Superman and his supporting cast is a modern interpretation of classic Superman. The only complaint that I have with this series is the time between issues. I'd love to read this book as a monthly and not constantly have the remember what last happened to enjoy the book.

If you are looking for a unique take on Superman, look no further than Morrison and Quitely's "All Star Superman".

Metal Men #4 of 8

I have been a fan of the Metal Men since I first read their adventures in the 70s. Writer and artist Duncan Rouleau has presented an interesting if uneven incarnation of this team. Based on an idea by Grant Morrison, Rouleau is using time traveling robots, friends, and family as the impetus for everything from the creation of the Metal Men to Will Magnus' rise to fame. I usually like time travel stories if done well and I'm somewhat concerned and confused by Rouleau's take on it. The bright spot for this series is the art and Rouleau's interpretation of the Metal Men. As I said, I grew up with the more classic looking Metal Men and was initially put off by Rouleau's version. However, over the first few issues of this mini, these Metal Men have grown on me. I especially like Rouleau's characterizations of each robot imbuing each with very distinct personalities while remaining true to their past incarnations.

I'm not sure this book will draw any new readers to the Metal Men. However, I'm interested to see where this is all going and will stay along for the ride.