Countdown to Adventure #5 of 8

I'm a little worried about Buddy after this issue. More to the point, I'm worried about his marriage. I know in TV shows, soap operas, and comic books people aren't supposed to be happily married because no one is right?....wrong. One of Buddy's strengths as a character is his devotion to his family. It is on display in this issue, but writer Adam Beechen shows us the pain in Buddy's wife. She's not happy with Buddy with regards to Kory and I can't say that I blame here. Stuff like this, though, can make a marriage stronger. I'm hoping Buddy realizes that he's being very insensitive to his wife, Ellen, and this gets all sorted out. Beechen has the story moving along at a good clip as all of the heroes now beginning to realize the circumstances of the "disease". The art team of Allan Goldman and Julio Ferreira does an decent job of putting the visuals to Beechen's story.

The only complaint I have about this book is that the page count for the primary story is not enough. I wish they would have made this a six issue series and just had one story because the backup "Forerunner" story is a snoozer. I've lost interest. I could not care less what is going on in those waisted 16 pages. DC could have also reduced the page count, left it at eight issues, and saved me a buck an issue.

Buy this book for the Animal Man, Starfire, & Adam Strange story.

Marvel Zombies 2 #3

First off, I had to use the cover for "Tales of Suspense" #39 because that is the what is "zombified" for this cover and Marvel had the wrong one posted. The cover does harken to what happens inside the book, which is a change of pace. I'm really enjoying this miniseries. Writer Robert Kirkman has done an excellent job of giving each character a reason for being there. No one is there just to be slaughtered. Artist Sean Phillips brings his A-game this issue and does some nice layouts. All-in-all, I'm satisfied with this series. Kirkman has provided a plausible reason for the sequel to the great first series (other than to make Marvel more money) and doesn't tread old ground.

Batman and the Outsiders #3

I'm sold on "Batman and the Outsiders". Writer Chuck Dixon is still building his sandbox but he his already having fun playing with what he has. The interaction between the Outsiders and the JLA team members in this issue is done well. However, don't let the cover fool you Black Canary and Martian Manhunter are no where to be scene in this issue. Penciller Juilian Lopez provides some nice panels here - my favorite being the one with Geo-Force, Metamorpho, Katana, and Black Lightening, the original Outsiders on hand. The interlude with Grace, Thunder, and Batgirl, while nicely drawn, left me wondering what it was doing in this book. It seemed to be there to give the reader a little T&A and not much else.

This book is off to a fine start. The art is good and Dixon's writing captures the team dynamics well. "Batman & the Outsiders" is climbing to the top of my must reads from my pull list.

Superman/Batman #44

The first page of "Superman/Batman" #44 had me asking what in the hell was writer Michael Green and penciller Shane Davis smoking. The bad posing and dialogue was almost too much. Turning the page and my questions where answered. I had to laugh at myself for taking this comic book stuff so seriously. This issue is all setup for "The Search for Kryptonite" story line. Green does a good job of capturing the main character's and guest star's personalities. Davis' art is good. I really like how he captured the guest star and would like to see him work on that character's monthly.

While this issue is the setup for the follow on story, I found it to be an entertaining read. I have always liked the interaction between Superman and Batman and the give and take as written by Green is done well. It has me looking forward to the rest of the story.

Metamorpho: Year One #6 of 6

Issue #6 gives the reader a look at Metamorpho's first meeting with the JLA. Here writer Dan Jurgen's reaches into his Silver Age bag of tricks and does a fun job of making the introductions. I remember reading similar stories as a kid in the 70s and totally buying into the actions of the JLA here. As an adult, I can appreciate what Jurgens was shooting for and chuckle at it.

"Metamorph: Year One" was not a ground breaking minseries. It was a bread and butter consolidated retelling of Metamorpho's origin. I believe Jurgens was just looking to tell a good story without making any drastic changes to Metamorpho. He succeeded. However, what is presented here is so in line with canon that you really don't have to read the story. There are no shocking moments where you think, "I didn't know that" or "that was cool". You just get the nuts and bolts here.

Detective Comics #839

The final chapter of "The Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul" comes to a close here and my reaction was "is that it?" Writer Paul Dini keeps the action moving in this issue with the Batman Family coming together at Nanda Parabat. The art team lead by penciller Ryan Benjamin and inker Saleem Crawford does a fine job of translating Dini's story to the page. The action is laid out nicely and never gets confusing. Although, at times, both the art team and Dini are channeling Frank Miller's "All-Star Batman & Robin" Batman in this issue.

The question I have to ask is after 7 issues plus two prologues did this story really go anywhere. I'm not too sure it did. It just wasn't a very grand tale and didn't capture my interest. I'm not sure I would recommend the TPB when it comes out in 2008. The bigger question is did this make me want to get the Batman Family of books. Well, I'll have to talk this out with my son, but I just wasn't impressed enough to add them to my pull list.

The Astounding Wolf-Man #1, 2, 4

If you have read my blog, you will know that I discovered Robert Kirkman this year and have been reading my way through his catalogue. I didn't know about "The Astounding Wolf-Man" until I saw an add for it in "Invincible". I spend way too much money on comics as it is and wasn't looking to add another monthly, but when my LCS had the "Director's Cut" of issue #1 and issues #2 and #4, I decided to take the plunge. While I wasn't totally impressed with issue #1, issue #2 started to build on the Wolf-Man's mythos. All of the usual Kirkman goodness is on display here. First and foremost, it is a fun read. Even in the few issues that I read, it had quite a few twists and turns and shocking reveals. The end of issue #4 being the best of the bunch.

The art by Jason Howard is very clean and not over wrought with too much detail. His character designs and page layouts are very good. Howard has a ways to go to be a top tier artist but all the elements are there. Given time, I believe he will grow into a fine artist on the level of those operating at the big companies.

"The Astounding Wolf-Man" starts off with a bit of an "Invincible" retread in issue #1 but veers into new territory in the follow-on issues. The TPB for the first few issues is coming out in January and this may be a good time to jump on board what looks to be another good series from Kirkman.

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.

Countdown Arena #3 of 4

Saving the best for last, my "Countdown" reading continues with "Countdown Arena". As compared to what is going on in "Justice League of America" issue #16 from this month, I'm not sure where "Countdown Arena" fits into the timeline. I say this because Tangent Flash shows up here and in "Justice League of America". If she's in the arena, then how is she over with the JLA. Once again, I'm not a continuity nut but stuff like this on an editorial driven story drives me nuts. The first two issues I would have the Wiki list of the 52 Earths up and cross reference who's who. I have given up hope of keeping track of all of the Earths and I just go with the story presented. Keith Champagne is presenting and interesting story and imbues each varying hereo with a unique personality. Although, the back and forth between the two Supermen gets a bit tedious. I do like the Zen-version of Superman, though. The fights are almost an afterthought as plot points are put into motion that should culminate in a wham bang finish to the miniseries. Scott McDaniel's art falls off a bit more this issue as it looks like he's rushing to get the issues completed.

With the exception of the continuity error and the rushed art, this was a decent read that provided some fun moments and a decent setup for the final chapter.

Justice League of America #16

Taking a break from torturing myself with the "Countdown" weekly releases, I decided to dive into something good, namely, "Justice League of America". I thought the cover was interesting showing the Tangent Universe heroes with Tangent Flash leading the way. I found the issue pretty pedestrian in its pacing. McDuffie does a decent job with Red Arrow in this issue and I like that he is giving him more to do than just pose in the background. We finally get to see Black Canary as a mission leader and people actually listening to her. I liked the team mix presented but McDuffie leaves most of the action off panel. Joe Benitez' art looks like he is channeling old school Todd McFarlane with the curling hair, long faces, and jutting jaws. I like his art, but he needs to tone down the big chins. Tangent Flash looks a bit too much like Supergirl for my taste.

I was disappointed in this issue as a whole. I've looked forward to the next few month's solicitations and it looks like this plot line won't be picked up in those issues. This issue was all setup and the payoff looks not to happen for quite some time.

Countdown to Final Crisis #19

Continuing on with dredging through the "Countdown" books this week, "Countdown to Final Crisis" #19 actually manages to move a couple of stories along. Too bad I find both the Jimmy Olsen and Holly Robinson stories boring. My son has given up on this series and relies on me for a synopsis each week. This issue bounces between Jimmy, Holly, and Piper stories. Even in death Piper and Trickster continue with the gay banter - not funny. While it is nice to see the new information given in the other two plot lines, it almost comes across as too little too late.

Paul Dini and crew are "cramming" 12 issues worth of story into 52 issues of comics - drawing out every subplot to its breaking point along the way. They need to pick the pace up and fast.

Countdown Presents: The Search for Ray Palmer: Superwoman/Batwoman

So I got my stack of comics this week and decided to jump into "Countdown" first just to get it over with. For "The Search for Ray Palmer" series, the synopsis remains the same. I don't think it is any spoiler to note that the didn't find Ray here. Artistically this issue is a mess with a hodge podge of pencillers and inkers. I liked the cover and wished that that artist had done the interiors. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palimiotti's story pokes fun at DC's failed "Amazons Attack" story line with Wonderman and the male Amazons attacking the rest of the world. The Challengers are given even less to do in this issue as they sit around as spectators to what's going on.

No real information is given out in this issue about Ray Palmer. Just another symbol left behind that he was there and no direction as to where he was going and what he was up to. Over in "Countdown" Bob seems to have an idea where Ray is but that hasn't flowed over to these books. If the editors are going to dictate these story lines then they need to ensure continuity across the titles.

Tales of the Sinestro Corps Presents: ION

This one-shot is an epilogue to the excellent "The Sinestro Corps War" and pretty much is up to the standard of most epilogues. The biggest drawback of this issue is Michel Lacombe's art. I'm not sure what he was using as a reference for John Stewart, but he completely missed the mark. His characters come across lanky, non-athletic looking very awkward. Ron Marz's story is okay with Kyle, the previous ION, meeting up with Sodam Yat, the new ION. There is a decent epilogue story here but the art really detracted from my enjoyment.

I think DC has a great character in Sodam Yat with how he was portrayed in "The Sinestro Corps Wars" and I hope that he gets utilized in "The Green Lantern Corps" monthly.

Countdown Presents The Search for Ray Palmer: Red Son

So, I've got the plot down for these one-shots.

Challengers pop into Earth-##
Challengers have conflict with that Earth's Superman/Batman/whatever
Challengers don't find Ray Palmer
Challengers leave

I didn't read the original "Superman: Red Son" Elseworlds title but I got the gist from this issue. I liked this Earth's Ray Palmer and Batman, but I couldn't figure out if Batman was a Russian or was Bruce Wayne acting in guerrilla warfare mode. Other than that the issue followed the above formula.

Is this going somewhere?

Suicide Squad #4 of 8

John Ostrander has a lot of fun with Amanda Waller. She is a great character and Ostrander does a good job of keeping true to her character. Waller is just a bad ass. She's augmenting the team in this issue and it is fun to watch her go through the candidates. I won't spoil the ending but a big bomb is dropped and it has me looking forward to the next issue. The art by penciller Javier Pina and inker Robin Riggs is pretty good. A lot of it reminds me of the late 80s/early 90s stuff that DC was putting out. The team does a good job of capturing the different personalities on display and setting a good atmosphere for them to play in.

At the halfway point and Ostrander continues to impress me with his complete grasp of Waller and the characterization of the squad members - both new and old. This miniseries is a good read and is highly recommended.

Black Adam #5 of 6

"Black Adam" continues to impress me. Peter J. Tomasi captures both the world spanning scale and the personal tone of this tale. I like his take on Black Adam as it is very consistent to what was portrayed in "52". While this issue slows down on the action a bit in exchange for character building, you can feel the tension build throughout. Artist Douglas Mahnke does an excellent jog of capturing both the power of Black Adam and the strength of Teth Adam. Rob Leigh's coloring is also outstanding.

While this issue gave the reader a chance to catch their breath, the next issue looks to be an explosive conclusion to an excellent miniseries.

Wonder Woman #15

Now we're getting somewhere. I had my doubts that Gail Simone could come onto "Wonder Woman" and have a great impact to the book. I stand corrected. Simone weaves a great story here. I liked the backstory tracing the creation of Diana along with the flashes to Queen Hippolyta. Simone catches us up on post-Amazon Attacks continuity. The Dodsons continue to impress me with their art. The women come across as strong and powerful, even sexy, but not lewd as seen in other comics.

If you have stayed away from "Wonder Woman", now is the time to jump on board. I think Simone has a lot in store for the Amazon warrior and you should jump on now for what looks to be a fun and exciting ride.

Salvation Run #2 of 7

I am enjoying "Salvation Run". Bill Willingham is having fun playing with the villians of the DCU and it shows. In this issue he gets to play around with two big baddies, the Joker and Lex Luthor and he does a fine job of capturing both of these characters. I'm not up-to-speed on a lot of the bad guys and gals here but Willingham does a good job of providing introductions without slowing the story down. He puts enough twists and turns in the story to keep it moving. I'm loving Sean Chen's art as well. He knows how to capture action scenes with lots of different characters. The art has a very clean look and does not look rushed at all.

I did not have big expectations for this miniseries but it has been a good read so far. My only concern is where this all fits into DCU continuity. Other than that, I'm just enjoying Willingham's good story and Chen's great visuals.

Countdown to Final Crisis #20

It all really doesn't seem to be going anywhere. The only story line here that truly advances it the Omac/Brother Eye bit at the beginning. Although, haven't we seen all of this before. I keep thinking of "Battlestar Galactica" that all that is happening, has happened before and will happen again. It is all a bit of a retread. All of the usual "Countdown" players are here with Jimmy Olsen, the Challengers, et. al. covered. A few pages are given to each and none of the story lines move much. Jimmy's still whining, Mary Marvel's still emo, the Challengers are still lost, Brother Eye is still bad, Karate Kid is still sick, and Piper is still attached to Trickster.

DC let's kick this in gear and move the story along.

Countdown: Arena #2 of 4

It feels like writer Keith Champagne is having fun with
"Countdown: Arena" and it shows on the page. Champagne has fun with the characterization of the differing multiverse heroes and does a good job of giving each their own personality. It looks like we will be getting a few of face offs and issue with this issue covering Green Lantern, Blue Beetle, and the Ray. My favorite line of the whole issue is Champagne's tip of the hat to Frank Miller's "All Star Batman and Robin" Batman. Green "Bruce Wayne" Lantern of Earth-32 says "I'm the damn Green Lantern!"

Scott McDaniel's art is a bit of a step down from issue #1, but he does a good enough job capturing the differing styles for each of the Earths heroes. The fight scenes are easy to follow and nicely laid out.

There are only a couple of issues left and it remains to be seen where all of this is going. Some little tid bits are given out over the course of this issue but not enough to add up to much.