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.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #6

After some heart wrenching issues, GA/BC gets back to the worldwide action and intrigue. This issue read like a "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" sequel with Green "Brad Pitt" Arrow and Black "Angelina Jolie" Canary going undercover and blowing stuff up. Cliff Chiang's art is truly the high point of this series. He is the fulcrum on which GA/BC turns. I read a lot on the boards about Judd Winick's writing and most of it is not good. I haven't read a lot of Winick so I don't know what all the Winick story tricks are. However, I think that this read while fun and entertaining was a bit off the mark on tone. With Green Arrow going after whoever incapacitated and kidnapped his son, you would think that the grim Longbow Hunter might resurface. However, here we get the Brett Ratner version of GA - that is not a compliment. I like popcorn media just as much as the next guy, but with the grim setup over the last couple of issues, I think the light hearted tone is missplaced.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #5

Right off the bat I am a bit disappointed in this book and DC. Why can't they get artist and writers on a monthly book and keep them there? Andrew Coelho steps into artist Cliff Chiang's shoes for this issue and comes up a bit short. Chiang had established a good look for this book over the first four issues and, while Coelho's art isn't bad, it isn't up to par. I see that Chiang is back on board for at least the next few issues and I hope that he can be a professional and keep on schedule. After Winick's great last issue, this issue comes across as a bit of filler. It is almost a jumping on point for new readers as Ollie and Connor's histories are covered. I don't mind a recap issue but at issue #5 it comes across as padding for the eventual TPB. This issue begins and ends basically where we left off last issue with a little cliff hanger at the end. At least, it looks like next issue we will have Ollie and Dinah in uniform doing something.

In summary, this issue is not up to the standard set by the opening four issues both art and story wise. Although, it would be a good jumping on point for a new reader.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #4

For all the Judd Winick haters out there, read "Green Arrow and Black Canary" issue #4. Winick knocks this one out of the park. He has a complete grasp of Green Arrow, Black Canary, their relationship, the JLA members, all of it. Everything happening in this issue feels genuine and real. Winick pours on the emotions and Ollie's true nature is shown. The characterization of the JLA members is excellent - even the ones that just show up to show support. Cliff Chiang's art is outstanding, capturing all of the characters well and showing quite a range of emotion in their faces.

I've read a lot of Winick's work as he happens to work on a lot of the characters that I like. This issue may be the best issue that he has ever written. At least it is the best issue of his that I've read ever.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #3

While I'm enjoying the new "Green Arrow & Black Canary" monthly, this issue highlighted some of the problems stemming from the atrocious ending to the "Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special". While Winick attempts to tidy things up with a nice little bow, a lot of what happened and the implications are left unsaid. Tie that with the New Gods/Amazon Attacks tie-in and you are on the verge of a bad issue. However, Winick does a fine job of getting the interactions between the Green Arrow family members right. While the motivations of the bad guys are suspect, Green Arrow and family are handled nicely. Winick presents a very strong Black Canary and a fun Green Arrow. Clif Chiang's art is top notch. I really like his Black Canary. She comes across as strong, powerful, and sexy without looking slutty. His take on her costume is truly excellent. He draws a nice Green Arrow in costume as well.

So, aside from the convoluted Everyman/Granny Goodness explanation, this book has a bit of momentum going forward. With the last splash page, one of the Green Arrow family might not make it to far in the series. Here's hoping that if this character does die it is to serve a very good story and not just a sales stunt.

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.

Nightwing #138

Nightwing enters "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" story as writer Fabian Nicieza does a fine job of presenting a tough and ready lead character. I haven't read Nightwing in years, almost a decade, and only recently read Judd Winick's final run on "Outsiders" where Dick never came off very well. Nicieza gives the reader a confident Nightwing who knows his business. I like the fact that even while facing insurmountable odds we have Nightwing not wanting to kill anyone. He has a strict morale code and follows it. The same can't be said for Damian, the object of Nightwing's protection. Damian comes off as a brat and doesn't really seem worth saving. In the end Nicieza reveals Dick's true intent when he vows to protect Tim. The Ra's Al Ghul story elements are coming along nicely in this issue as the path to Nanda Parbat are beginning to come in line. Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher to a fine job on the art. Of all of the crossover titles, the art here is the best yet.

I read Shelly's review of this issue over at here blog, Shelly's Comics Bookshelf, and she mentioned that even though she liked Nightwing in this issue she wasn't going to be reading the rest of the Batman titles to keep up on this story. Well, DC has got me here. I'm hooked in and will read the entire 7-parter.

Titans East Special #1

"Titans East Special" #1 is a very pretty book. Ian Churchill is the star of this book and really shows of his stuff on pencils. The first half of the book is flash back to the Wolfman/Perez Teen Titans and I enjoyed it very much. The last half of the book has Cyborg putting together a Teen Titans East with no help from his former team mates. The train goes off the rails here as the team, minus the horrible Powerboy, could be an interesting mix of characters. Judd Winick, under editorial direction I'm assuming, takes about five minutes to off most of the new players and we are left with a big crater and "To Be Continued in TITANS #1".

This book should have been the first 4-6 pages of "Titans #1" or a special insert in the current "Teen Titans". If you are going to buy "Titans" you really don't need to invest the time or money into "Titans East Special". While it is very pretty, beauty is really only skin deep in this book.

Batman and the Outsiders #1

Of the DC "Trinity", I don't read the solo books of Batman. Growing up I was always a Superman fan and, since the George Perez days, a Wonder Woman fan. I never really got into Batman's solo adventures. I do, however, like seeing Batman bounce off of the other residents of the DCU. That is why you see "Superman/Batman", "Justice League of America", "Brave and the Bold", and, now, "Batman and the Outsiders on my pull list. I wasn't a huge fan of the Judd Winick "Outsiders". Nightwing never came across as strong as he did during the Wolfman/Perez Titans-era and the rest of the team didn't impress me. When I heard that Batman was taking over, I decided to give the title another try.

I was a big fan of the 80s version of "Batman and the Outsiders" and enjoyed seeing Batman quit the JLA to form his own team. While the stories were goofy and the reasons for being a team were weak, the book was a fun monthly read. The new Batman and the Outsiders has Batman establishing a team to take care of business that the JLA or JSA wouldn't want to sully their hands with. The team try out books were interesting but ultimately failed to capture the driving motivation for the team.

Writer Chuck Dixon starts "Batman and the Outsiders" on their first covert op and brings depth of character to each team member. Julian Lopez's pencils along with Bit's inking brings clean lines and outstanding visuals. I especially liked Marta Martinez's coloring. The muted colors fit the tone of the book and bring an almost painted quality to the art. Dixon looks to be taking this team in the right direction. Here's hoping that the creative team can stay together and on schedule.

With an outstanding cover by Doug Braithwaite, "Batman and the Outsiders" #1 is an excellent start to what I hope will be an outstanding team monthly from DC.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #2

So, I read other comic blogs and comic forums and there is a lot of Judd Winick hate out there. It seems that most people hate his writing. Well, I've done some catching up on my Winick written comics and while he isn't the greatest writer out there, I don't see anything criminal in his writing style. I didn't care for his "Outsiders" run and the "Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special" final few pages were not that great. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed both of the first issues of the new "Green Arrow & Black Canary" monthly series. If you are looking for a strong woman superhero then look no further than Winick's Black Canary. She is intelligent, confident, and a skilled fighter.

I like Cliff Chiang's Black Canary as well. I would like Chiang to put more effort into drawing Mia, though, as I found his interpretation of her to be rather bland. I did enjoy all the various methods that Chiang used to cover up Ollie's naughty parts.

I see "Green Arrow & Black Canary" as analogous to "Superman/Batman". In "Superman/Batman" readers can see stories based on all Superman and Batman supporting characters (Supergirl, Robin, Nightwing, Powergirl, etc.) as well as the main heros. In "Green Arrow & Black Canary" I would expect to see all of the supporting characters in their "universe". This is why it is good to see Winick using Mia and Connor.

Give this book a try and you will have a good time. Action, comedy, and intrigue abound.

Green Arrow & Black Canary #1

The "Green Arrow and Black Canary Wedding Special" left a sour taste in my mouth as once again DC went to the death well by killing off Green Arrow. I wasn't happy with the situation and how it occurred either. I am a sucker though and went out and bought "Green Arrow & Black Canary" #1 to see where this was leading. I must say that I enjoyed this book. The first few page flashback was nicely done. Cliff Chiang's style in this flashback is fairly close to Darwyn Cooke's version of Green Arrow. The inking and coloring also matched Cooke's look as well. For the present day art, Chiang really captures the intensity of Black Canary. Chiang does an excellent job from page to page and really shines here.

Writer Judd Winick's story is interesting. He shows us how Black Canary grieves and that is painful for the bad guys out there. He reintroduces the Green Arrow family along with their connection to the rest of the DCU. I especially liked Green Latern's chat with Black Canary. Finally the mystery of what happened to Green Arrow is solved and we are on to the rescue next issue. Now, I really liked this issue, but how does this all fit into the marriage of the two main characters. Was the switch early? Why did they Amazons do it? Who? What? Why? How?....Questions, Questions, Questions. Here's hoping that Winick can answer these as I'm on board now.

Titans, Titans, & more Titans

2008 is shaping up to be the year of the Titans. DC has put "Teen Titans" back on track bringing on writer Sean McKeever and he looks to be taking that book in a very good direction. It has jumped to the top of my first reads when it comes out. Writer Judd Winick is on board the forthcoming "Titans" with the classic Wofman/Perez lineup from the 80s. "Titans" can be a premiere book for DC if it is handled well. There are a lot of Winick haters out there but I'm willing to give the book a try because of my love for the characters. Writer Amy Wolfram and artist Karl Kerschl are bringing "Teen Titans: Year One" exploring the beginnings of the classic Teen Titans lineup. Finally, the "Teen Titans Lost Annual, featuring the original Teen Titans: Robin, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Speedy and Aqualad, is coming from writer Bob Haney, Jay Stephens, and Mike Allred. Let's not forgot "Tiny Titans" coming from Johnny DC as well.

All in all, the Comic Adventures' household is looking forward to all of the Titans books coming in 2008!

Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Issues

So, I'm a sucker for DC books. I bought all three of these and believe they each had varying degrees of success. I liked the "JLA Wedding Special" the most. Writer Dwayne McDuffie establishes his post-Meltzer JLA right off the bat by bringing in Firestorm, John Stewart, and the Injustice League Unlimited. I love McKone's art and hope that he can get a monthly title to work on for DC. I enjoyed Meltzer's 12-issue run, but I am looking forward to McDuffie bringing an action packed view to the Justice League of America monthly. I would recommend this to anyone looking to jump onto this monthly title.

My girls liked the "Black Canary Wedding Planner". I thought it was a bit girly for my taste and was a bit provacative in a few of the panels. The art was fair and the read was breezy. It wasn't anything to phone home about, though.

Finally the "Green Arrow and Black Canary Wedding Special" starts out great. Amanda Conner's art is spot on. I really like her style. The center spread wedding shot is very good showing all most of the heroes of the DC universe. Of course, the wedding happens, although not as planned, with fighting and mayem. This was a great read right up until the last four pages. The final "shocking" panel just left a sour taste in my mouth.

DC put a lot of effort to create a special event that celebrated joy. The tie-ins, crossovers, and one shots were all fun and funny with the right amount of action and story. However, the last four pages of this "special" were almost unforgivable. I'm not a big Green Arrow fan. However, DC has already killed him off once. With "Green Arrow: Year One" looking quite good and a new Green Arrow/Black Canary monthly coming out. I just have to wonder what the editors are thinking. Death is having a good year in the DC Universe. Whether it serves the story or not.

Titans East

TEEN TITANS EAST SPECIAL #1
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund
Titans Tower is back up and running on the East Coast as Judd Winnick, Ian Churchill & Norm Rapmund assemble an explosive new team of Titans under the leadership of Cyborg! But their first mission may be their last as powerful forces gather to destroy all Titans past and future!
On sale November 14 • 48 pg, FC, $3.99 US

Not new news, but something I wanted to chat about. The Teen Titans East Special lineup is shown on the cover. However, Judd Winick stated during a DC Nation panel that "The first team you see is not the last team." The days numbered for the lineup shown here Dove, Powerboy, Anima, Hawk, Cyborg, Vulcan, & Lagoon Boy as the one-shot will lead to a new Titans series which will star Nightwing, Cyborg, Donna Troy, Starfire, Raven and Beast Boy. Does the DC culling of heroes continue in this one-shot? Who is going to die? My bet is on Powerboy.

There are a lot of dots to connect to get this team together - Donna Troy is involved in Countdown, Starfire in Countdown to Adventure, and Beast Boy on Doom Patrol. However, Nightwing is available after leaving the Outsiders. I know fans would like to see Jericho back on the team, but he is currently stuck in Match's body with no relief from that situation on the horizon. With lots of dangling plot lines and use of the team members throughout the DC Universe it will be interesting to see how the team is brought back together again.

Although he hasn't been confirmed for the ongoing montly series, there has been a lot of chatting on the net about Winnick's poor handling of Nightwing during his "Outsiders" run. I have just picked up the last ten issues of "Outsiders" and will form my own opinion of that. For a long time Wolfman/Perez "New Teen Titans" fan, I'm excited to see the classic lineup back together. "New Teen Titans" rivaled the popularity of "X-Men" in the 80s and could acheive that again given a strong creative team. Although I love the Wolfman/Perez teaming, I'd like to see some fresh blood take over the team that they created. Perez is doing excellent work on "The Brave and the Bold" and Wolfman is set to start the ongoing "Vigilante" series next year. I'd like to see Mike McKone or Ian Churchill on the ongoing series with a writer that can handle the team dynamic.