Last Week In Comics: Hit With A Stick!
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
Yesterday afternoon my biological father passed away. This made Green Lantern #29 a little harder to read. Not many people are lucky enough to have two fathers growing up, but I was one of the lucky. After my parents divorced, my mother married my stepfather who later adopted me. My biological father, Big Fred, played a large role in my early childhood by igniting my imagination and encouraging me, like Hal’s dad, “to be whatever I wanted to be.” Big Fred and I were not as close as I would have liked to have been during my high school and college years. It was not until after college that we became close again. During this time we talked a lot, we spent hours sharing stories and learning about life through each other.
Sunday March 30th 2008 at 2:15pm my biological father passed away… and on that day part of who made me the person I am also passed away…
Green Lantern #29 was a great retelling of Hal Jordan’s origin prior to working at Ferris Aircraft in Emerald Dawn. The part of Abin Sur seemed a little off from the character I remember, but it seems to fit in with the new Green Lantern mythos that Johns has been creating.
Batman Confidential #15 continues the story about Batman’s “evil twin” the Wraith and his quest to kill Jim Gordon. It looks like I was exactly right after reading the last issue:
The best part about this issue was the exact telling of the Wraith’s (the original Wraith’s) origin from both Jim Gordon’s and the assassin’s point of view. I am looking forward to the conclusion in next issue… when DC releases this as a trade if it included the original story from Batman Special #1, I will have to pick it up.
Countdown to Final Crisis #5 was awesome! It had humanoid animals taking over the Earth… until nuclear bombs destroy everything… except one boy. I liked the two issue story of the alternate Earth’s Buddy Blank and his grandson who will become: Kamandi the Last Boy on Earth, but…
As awesome as Countdown #5 was, it did nothing for the big picture. I liked the story and how the virus that Karate Kid has been carrying through the whole series created this world for Kamandi, but again I have to ask what does all this have to do with the Final Crisis?
Legion of Super-Heroes #40 was great ride and the more I read Jim Shooter’s LOSH the more it grows on me. The characterization is dead on and I am looking forward to next months issue… Braniac was awesome and all the side quirks are great.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
Blue Beetle #25
I am sad that Johns Rogers will be leaving the Blue Beetle after this issue, but at least he went out with a mother effin champ.
Since day one Jaime Reyes has been trying to figure out the “magical” scarab that fused itself onto his spine just before Infinite Crisis. Since that quest began back in issue one, Jaime has found out that the scarab is not magical, but instead alien technology. An alien race known as the Reach has been plotting to take over the Earth, and many other planets, using the same technology fused to our hero’s spine. After 22 issues of “bonding” with the alien scarab Jaime decides to take out the Reach before they can take over the Earth. Blue Beetle #25 is the culmination of Jaime’s efforts of the last three issues. Recap can be found here.
Jaime successfully takes out the Reach’s Armada.
This newest version of the Blue Beetle would not be as awesome if not for the great and well used supporting cast, who were taking care of business back on Earth.
This sums it all up… Mr. Rogers the story, the name, and the hero will continue… hopefully following the path that you paved.
Other Comics
All Star Superman #10: WOW… This is Superman the way I remember him from my youth… Wow… if you have not read this yet – do it now!
Countdown to Adventure #8: In 52 I loved the space saga… as its own min-series… not so much. The characters in this mini have to be written a certain way to keep them from crossing over to the plain, or bleh, side. In 52 they were exciting and the story was fun, not so much in this mini. I am glad that I did not drop it before its conclusion, even if it was lackluster.
Countdown Special Eclipso: I scanned this cover expecting to read this… but with everything that has happened recently I did not get to it… sorry.
Teen Titans #57: I am a fan of Ravager. Rose Wilson has the same appeal that Casandra Cain had as Batgirl early in her solo series. Did anyone other than me wonder why there were so many “master assassins” and martial arts experts running around the DCU? I did, and I was getting tired of the cookie cutter template for characters. I used to think that without her distinct personality Ravager would just be another of these carbon copy comic characters, but in Teen Titans #57 we get a little insight on why she is so deadly… and I like the concept.
FnF: The Oldest Trick In the Book
Bahlactus Knockin Out Suckas With The
Oldest Trick In The Book!
Friday Night Fights KNOCKOUT!!! Round 12!
Detective Comics #570
Mike W. Barr – Writer
Alan Davis – Pencils
Paul Neary – Inks
Webcomic: Spammers!
SPAM!
Whether referring to the processed canned meat or the unsolicited email received every five minutes – the term itself makes everyone cringe.
This week’s webcomic focuses on both the canned meat and the annoying unsolicited messages version of spam.
While researching Spam for this week’s comic I found out that the term “Spamming” may have originated from the following Monty Python sketch:
[youtube anwy2MPT5RE nolink]
“It is widely believed the term spam is derived from the 1970 Monty Python SPAM sketch, set in a cafe where nearly every item on the menu includes SPAM luncheon meat. As the waiter recites the SPAM-filled menu, a chorus of Viking patrons drowns out all conversations with a song repeating “SPAM, SPAM, SPAM, SPAM… lovely SPAM, wonderful SPAM”, hence “SPAMming” the dialogue…
…flooding Usenet newsgroups and individuals’ email with junk mail advertising messages was named spamming, recounting the repetitive and unwanted presence of Spam in the sketch.”
Check out the Webcomic here: http://www.spacebooger.com/index.php?comicID=45
Last Week In Comics: Amazing Spider-Man 554 was better the first time as the “Death of Superman”
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
In Batman and the Outsiders #5 Geo Force says enough is enough… a crisis looses meaning the third or fifth time around. I miss the Barr and Arparo Batman and the Outsiders, no matter how much I like Chuck Dixon’s work this new series doesn’t have the same appeal.
Amazing Spider-Man #554 was better than the last two issues together. This issue had it all: Spidey still hated by the public, the dumb Parker luck, and a Meth smoking super villain. Not only is he hopped-up his origin revolves around Stem Cell research.
Where have I heard this before?
Yeah, I liked this idea the first time when Doomsday killed Superman and didn’t offend any pro-life organizations.
I am resisting the urge to make the obvious “fastest man alive” joke. Instead I will say that since the death of Bart Allen the Flash is quickly running out of time on my pull list. The Flash #238 may have been the last straw. Not only is Wally’s family hampering the story the main villain takes National Enquirer headlines and makes them come true…
There is something about juvenile humor that keeps cracking me up this week. In Robin #172 we see the return of my favorite mortal who believes he is a god: Maxie Zeus. The story moves slowly with a great scene between Tim and Zoanne’s father. The issues ending threw a hint at the upcoming Robin/Spoiler one shot… but the solicit for next weeks issue said “Bizarre Love Triangle” showing images of Robin, Violet, and Spoiler… since when did Tim inherit Dick’s womanizing Robin trait? Or is it just a bad solicit? I guess we will have to wait until next week.
Superman/Batman Annual #2 was the BEST COMIC LAST WEEK!
This issue takes place in the past, a past where Alfred just learns of Superman’s secret identity and Robin goes all “fanboy” when he first meets the Man of Steel. This issue was hands down the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK, and even the best DC comic featuring the Big Two in a while. S/B Annual #2 was a stand alone issue where Superman becomes powerless and Bruce shows his human side. With Superman powerless Batman and Robin are watching the chaos erupt in Metropolis when Robin gives one of the best quotes in comic history: “Gotham needs Batman and Robin, but the WORLD needs Superman.”
Batman proceeds to train a powerless Clark Kent to fight crime again, but he does not just strengthen Clark’s body Batman focuses on Clark’s spirit. In the end the training of Clark’s spirit and Robin’s reminder of who Superman really is powers our hero up just in time to save the day.
Other Stuff I Read Last Week
Birds of Prey #116: Ready for the next story arc, but I may not buy it.
Catwoman #77: Can we get Selina back to reality? There were some good character building moments in this issue, but if I have to read about Catwoman in an virtual reality I should only have to buy it with virtual cash.Countdown 6: This was a good issue and it reminded me that there really are writers for this series. The narrative of Earth ?’s Buddy Baker was informative and entertaining. I could follow the story clearly and now know that Karate Kid released a virus that will wipe out every human on every of the 52 Earths. The best part was that the narrator was Buddy Baker – Jack Kirby’s original OMAC.
Justice League of America #19: Blah… I am really getting tired of all this Salvation Run stuff… It’s not that good of a story to be crossing over into Gotham Underground, Catwoman, and Justice League of America.
Thor- Look Out!
Since I just finished up my Masters program this afternoon what better way to celebrate than with some juvenile humor.
Marvel Super Heroes Featuring The Incredible Hulk #90
Harlan Ellison – Writer
Sal Buscema – Pencils
Jim Mooney – Inks
FnF: A Beating on Borrowed Time
Bahlactus Decides Who Lives On Borrowed Time!
Friday Night Fights KNOCKOUT!!! Round 11!
Challengers of the Unknown #6
(from Challengers of the Unknown Must Die! Trade)
Jeph Loeb – Writer
Tim Sale – Pencils
Webcomic: Shields!
This weeks webcomic is a continuation from last week’s attack on our favorite character’s spaceship. In the past no part of the ship has really been shown in detail other than in the Year One strips, and last week the first image of the the bridge was shown. This week’s comic shows the bridge again in more detail along with what each of the four character’s jobs are.
I used the same image of the bridge from last week for two reasons:
- Some people, including my wife, could not tell what everything was on the bridge, so by using larger pieces of that image this week the details are easier to see.
- This week I am on spring break and have been ripping all of the carpet in my house out. Today the installers will be here in less than an hour to put in new carpet. Once they are done installing I will have to move all the furniture back into the newly carpeted rooms leaving little time to draw a new comic. So using an already created image I only had to type the text to save time and prevent the comic from missing a week.
Check out the webcomic here: http://www.spacebooger.com/index.php?comicID=44
Last Week In Comics: Hot Dogs and Aikido
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
Tiny Titans #2 again makes me chuckle. For a comic intended for smaller children this comic was in the running for best of last week against grownup comics. I’m sure that this comic is entertaining and fun for younger readers, but for us old timers who are familiar with the Titans continuity there is many a laughs for us, including the above picture of Terra throwing rocks at her fellow Titans.
Batman Confidential #14 was pretty darn good and a second Spacebooger Aikido reference in five days. This is the second issue of a story continued from a 1984 Batman story. A recap of that 1984 story can be found here. For those of you that are even more behind in the reading of last weeks comics I may spoil the issue, so skip to the next image please.
The original 1984 story told the tale of two Batmen; both born by their parent’s death and both sworn to put fear into men similar to their parent’s murderers. At the end of the original story the Wraith falls to his death. In this issue we find out that once the Wraith learned that he and the Batman were exactly the same/opposite he wanted everything that the Batman had. With Nightwing, the original Robin, at Batman’s side we find out that this new Wraith is younger and about the same age as Nightwing… I can’t wait for the next issue!
Booster Gold #7 was good, but not up to par with the previous seven (remember last issue was #0). In this issue we find out that the Blue Beetle from the future, that led Booster and the other Beetles to rescue Ted Kord, is not a “Blue Beetle” but instead named the “Black Beetle” who is working with the current Supernova, who is Booster’s evil father. Confusing huh… well that is why I am not a professional comic book writer because it all makes sense in this issue. This issue is definitely a set up for something big and fun because Rip Hunter is ask Daniel Carter to don the Supernova persona again to fix the error in the future caused by Booster going back in time to save Ted… Ok, I am going to stop now… just read the issue yourself it will all make sense.
Gotham Underground #6, like Booster Gold #7, was another set up issue. Not too much happened: Batman escapes from prison, the Penguin/Whale war begins, and Nightwing gets shot. I think this issue is the calm before the storm, matter of fact I know this because I talk with the series inker Jack Purcell often and he said “I am cranking on GU#8 and its a really kick ass fight between Batman and *****!! You’ll love it!” (I edited out the name, you will have to read it yourself or wait until the week after.)
Green Arrow & Black Canary #6 was the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK!
The last couple of issues of GA&BC have been character builders with Ollie sulking over his son Connor being shot. The sulking is over and now the newlyweds are now in action trying to find out who the mysterious shooter was that put Connor in a coma. Angst is out and an accent is now in. This issue starts out with the couple undercover in a humorous situation with arms dealers inquiring about a mysterious ship with cloaking ability. An interesting motorcycle ride later and the issue ends with something that I don’t think anyone, including Black Canary, saw comming: the true identities of the shooters. Great issue, great pacing, and importantly great character building. Green Arrow & Black Canary #6 may not have been the most exciting or intriguing, but it was the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK not just because of the ending but the overall content of a solid stand alone story that makes the reader want to come back next month.
JLA Confidential #54 closes out the series as expected of a feel good group of goody goodies. In the end Titus, the self proclaimed god and ruler of everything, ends up losing to the JLA in a feel good type of way. Titus may have lost, but to beat him the JLA made him one with everything… something he always wanted. Yeah a little odd and over the top but a good ending to a series that was intended to be a “greatest hits” sort of comic.
Wonder Woman #18 was purchased only because Gail Simone is writing, and it was highly recommended. I am a fan of almost everything that Gail has written especially her run on The All New Atom. So expecting something Secret Six meets the out of touch warrior princess, I was not let down. The opening scenes where Wonder Woman forces her courtship upon Nemesis was classic Simone and the trend continued to the alien planet. The issue also put Wonder Woman in a different light, it showed her a warrior that is happy being herself intermingling with human not trying so hard to be a human. I have never been a regular reader of Wonder Woman’s solo series, but with Gail Simone writing I will definitely give it a chance for a while.
Some More Comics…
Amazing Spider-Man #553: This issue was better than the first outing of the 3rd rotation of the Brand New Day Spider-Man. Even though it was a better issue the same things happened: Spidey hated, Peter dwelling on the fact that everyone hates his alter ego, and another issue with web fluid. The references to the previous issues was almost the only tie to any other issue since the split up of the Parkers. At least Spidey has the big McFarlane eyes again.
Countdown #7: I have been complaining about pacing for the last couple issues, this issue I will finally shut up. By shutting up I can’t tell you that the putting together all of the characters seen throughout the series together to “save the day” feels real forced. With 45 issues invested I wont give up yet. Plus Final Crisis, as horrible as another company wide “big” crossover event sounds, with Morrison and Jones at the helm I have to admit that I am excited… if only this countdown would end now.
Salvation Run #5: I am not a big fan of the off world jail that seems ripped out of Marvel’s Civil War, but with the Joker as one of the main characters it is a must read. This must read is also a must forget. The only interesting thing is that Apokolips uses the same planet to train the Parademons. This story ties into Gotham Underground and looks as if now Salvation Run ties into Countdown and Final Crisis so I will probably continue to buy it… but that does not mean I have to enjoy it.
Superman #674: This issue has the perfect ingredients for a horible review: third rate villain, outrageous science, and an alien encounter. Instead of a being a negative these three things were the exact opposite. It seems as if there is going to be a corny story that starts out with the perfect home that Superman built for the Kents after Chris trashed the original. We also see Superman trying again to cure Mon El’s lead poisoning while listening to how Mon El escaped against his race’s will. The story continues with a third rate villain who’s power copies the powers of those around. This is definitely a loser because he once lost to the Justice League and is now seeking revenge on Superman for locking him up. Any way… Superman was about to outsmart the villain when aliens appear recharging the powers of the copycat. At first I thought this was a corny issue, but upon its completion I changed my mind. Instead of corny it was fun in a Silver Age way.
Be Careful on March 17th the Leprechauns Are Already Drunk
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
With tomorrow being St. Patrick’s Day I give you 3 reasons not to trust Leprechauns:
1. They are drunk prank playing old men.
“These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. By nature, leprechauns are said to be ill-natured and mischievous, with a mind for cunning.”
2. They are greedy little cheapskates.
“The Leprechauns are said to be very rich, having many treasure crocks buried during war-time. Therefore, Leprechauns are not only professionals but thrifty. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans whom they regard as foolish, flighty (and greedy?) creatures.”
3. They are dirty little liars.
“According to legend, if anyone keeps an eye fixed upon one, he cannot escape, but the moment the gaze is withdrawn, he vanishes. If one captures a Leprechaun he must be truthful and honest and tell you where he has hidden his treasure.”
Examples:
- “If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free…This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it.”
- “A farmer or young lad captures a leprechaun and forces him to reveal the location of his buried treasure. The leprechaun assures him that the treasure is buried in an open field beneath a particular ragwort plant. The farmer ties a red ribbon to the plant, first extracting a promise from the leprechaun not to remove the ribbon. Releasing the leprechaun, he leaves to get a shovel. Upon his return he finds that every weed in the field has been tied with an identical red ribbon, thus making it impossible to find the treasure.”
Information about Leprechauns from Wikipeida and Ireland’s Eye
Image From:
Batman: The Long Halloween #6
Jeph Loeb – Writer
Tim Sale – Pencils
FnF: You Say Potato, I Say Aikido
Potato or Aikido?
Bahlactus Calls It: Friday Night Fights KNOCKOUT!!! Round 10!
Detective Comics 594 #166
Alan Grant & John Wagner – Writers
Norm Breyfogle – Pencils
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