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LWIC: Eyeball Jelly

Last Week In Comics: giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics.

Amazing Spider-Man #566

I took a small sabbatical from Spider-Man after barely surviving the “Clone Saga” and did not return until “One More Day.” Now, I may not have been buying Spidey’s book but I did keep up on his continuing adventures by reading reviews and forum posts. I may be wrong about this, and I am too lazy to google it, but isn’t there already a “new” Kraven the Hunter and if so what happened to him?

This issue is titled Kraven’s First Hunt: Part Two and feature’s the title hero dressed up like Daredevil… talk about a confusing cover. I enjoyed last week’s First Hunt part one, but this cover has nothing to do with the title. Bad design. The inside content involving both Kraven’s first hunt and why Peter Parker is wearing Daredevil’s costume is one of much better design.

This may not be an original storyline with Peter’s roommate being accused, captured, endangered, and miss identified as Spider-Man but the characterizations and dialog of how each person (including Matt Murdock) deals with the odd situation makes this bland story entertaining.

Batgirl #1

My first introduction to Cassandra Cain was in Greg Rucka’s “No Man’s Land” novel. In that novel Rucka wrote such an interesting and compelling character that made it impossible for me to pass up her previous solo series.

The mute assassin that read body language angle was just what the sometimes too whiny characters in the Bat-Family needed - more ass kicking less brooding. Even after Barbara Gordon taught Cassandra to talk lessening her ability to K.O. an opponent from a quarter of a second to half a second was still enjoyable to read and I enjoyed watching her grow as a character.

After Infinite Crisis many were upset that Cassandra Cain came back to the DCU as a villain, as an Assassin. I was one of the minority. I was originally drawn to her as Batgirl because she was a ruthless killer first and a hero second, so her reverting back to an assassin was cool with me.

This issue brought the Cassandra Cain Batgirl I loved back. In this issue we see her contemplate murder yet thankful and mindful of her “family’s” rules - assassin first hero second. Since Cassandra’s recent back story is slightly on the confusing side this first issue spent a lot of text on making sure the readers, and Nightwing, are updated on how Cassandra is a good guy again. I look forward to the next issue when 3 pages are not dedicated to a back story and some ass-kicking then heroic, in that order, can continue.

Batman and the Outsiders #9

I really thought I was not going to buy any more of this series…

… but I am a sucker for a Looker.

Ok, that was corny… but there are two reasons I bought this issue and one of them is not because the story interests me.

I bought this issue:

  1. Because Jack Purcell, who I worked on my Masters Degree with, will be inking the covers to some upcoming issues.
  2. Because I loved the original Batman and the Outsiders and I hoped having Looker in this issue some of the magic would return.

I do have to admit that the Metamorpho escape donning the “Where’s Waldo” outfit was quite comical though.

Birds of Prey #120

After a couple slow issues the Birds of Prey have my full attention again.

Right before reading this issue I showed my wife the video preview for “Mortal Kombat VS The DC Universe” and she commented on how low cut Catwoman’s costume was in the game. This led us into a discussion on how Catwoman’s costume in the comics may be the most reasonable design in the whole DCU. She finished her rant with “Jut look at the Black Canary. Her costume makes no sense. She fights in high heels and fishnets. Do you know how easily fishnet stockings rip?” I know that I am supposed to be reviewing this particular issue, but this rant by my wife is as relevant as the Black Canary/Manhunter fight scene that took up the first couple pages.
*update: to go along with that non related to BOP #120 rant check out this link about the new Black Canary Barbie.

So three pages featured an seemingly unnecessary fight we see more behind the evil corporate companies of Silicone Flats. I find the parody of our own Silicone Valley and its corporations entertaining, but I was thinking that they were trying too hard for a pun and not hard enough on a story. This issue proved me wrong. I’m glad that the “villains” are more than parodies and seeing the Joker want in on the action, whether he understands what the action is or not, is tying everything together nicely.

Joker’s Asylum: Poison Ivy

The third book in the Joker’s Asylum series has by far been the weakest. With the previous two issues focusing on the complex working, or not working, of the villain’s psyche this issue was disappointing.

This issue make Ivy seem like an Eco-Terrorist not a psychopath.

Bonus: Joker’s Asylum: The Penguin

This is what an issue that has the name “Asylum” in it should be like. The first issue, which I will review a couple lines below, seemed like a tie in for a new movie that you may have heard of - The Dark Knight, where as this issue dealt with the sick mind of one Oswald Cobblepot.

This issue has it all from showing a tormented youth who takes revenge on those who laugh at him to the redemption of the grown man only to revert back to the ruthless killer of those who mock him. The scene where the Penguin is telling Batman how he has found “the one” and explaining how much he loves her and she loves him while the Dark Knight is kicking the snot out of his henchmen is great. And even better was the flashback at the end of the issue highlighting how messed up the Penguin really is. if this comic wasn’t from two weeks ago it would have easily been the Best Comic of Last Week.

Bonus: Joker’s Asylum: The Joker

I read this comic and thought it was great. I saw the Dark Knight and now as I review this comic I feel ripped off. If you enjoyed the Dark Knight you will enjoy this comic.

Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker is getting praised from every faucet of the media. Ledger pulls off the character of the Joker perfectly and the writing behind his acting skills was also perfect. The same type of “question society and see the humor in the way in which humans interact and value each others lives” Joker that was in The Dark Knight is featured in this comic book. The story is well written and the scene in the movie where the Joker pits the two ferries against each other reminded me of this comic, and I guess that is not a bad thing because almost everybody has said great things about the movie.

Trinity #7

This is the first time that Gangbuster’s costume did not look laughable. Mark Bagley’s art has not impressed me, instead it looks as if the DCU was crossing over into a Spider-Man comic but I can tell you that the man can draw. Not only can he draw, but there is one panel where Gangbuster is standing with the Justice Leage and instead of looking like a tool, he looks kinda cool.

Story wise I have no idea where this is going here is my take thus far:

Ok, if you can make sense of all that please share it with me. If not I guess I will have to wait to see the big picture. For the first time in a while I am almost tempted in waiting to read the trade, because I think it would make sense to read it all in one sitting.

and…

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
FINAL CRISIS: ROGUE’S REVENGE #1

Here is a comic that ties into a montly title that I can not get into, do not buy, and do not read: The Flash. Now I did read, and enjoy, the Flash while Bart Allen was the main character and am up to date with the premise of this comic. The fact that this comic does tie in with the death of Bart Allen or Final Crisis is not what makes this comic the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK. Instead it is the story, the stand alone story, that makes this comic a fun read.

In comics we love to see heroes overcome obstacles and as humans we love to see other humans redeme themselves from their mistakes. Look at the story of last week’s home run derby - the main story was not about the person who won it but instead about Josh Hamilton’s return to baseball after overcoming drug addiction to hit 28 home runs in the first round. There is something compelling about a redemption story and that is what this comic is - a redemption story.

In this comic the Rogues explain how they took the beating of Bart Allen too far, that it was just suposed to be a “beating” not a killing. They place the blame on Inertia, but still take responsiblity for their actions and this issue is about thier revenge on him for pushing them over the edge. Final Crisis: Rogue’s Revenge #1 should be called Final Crisis: Rogue’s Redemption #1 because that is why this comic was THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.

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Posted by Fred, on 07/21/08 7:18 PM Bookmark this post Digg Reddit Blogg-Buzz StumbleUpon

Last Week In Comics: Even God Can’t Help A Crappy Book

SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:

No Crisis Nessicary
No Crisis/Super-Punch Necessary!

Amazing Spider-Man #559
Its always funny to see a hero get hit with a weenie!

Amazing Spider-Man #559 started off horrible with Spidey being humiliated by a spandex wearing gymnast via the internet and streaming video. As horrible as the intro was, it did serve as a proper plot tool for Peter Parker’s new photographer job. Peter has had money issues in the past, like not having enough money to afford web-fluid, so it was nice to see him finally get a pay raise. Tempted with riches Peter becomes a member of the Paparazzi causing a moral dilemma within himself and between him and his best friend Harry Osborne.

I am not a fan of these new villains like Menace and the Freak, but I like the characterization of Peter and his pals and that keeps me reading every brand new issue.

Batman #676
Batman #676 Sports a new Batmobile that turns Dark Knights into Shiny Happy People.

Batman #676, or Batman R.I.P. #1 was pure setup… As if Morrison’s whole run has not been setup enough. I am starting to see how all of this pieces together, yet I have no clue as to what is going on. The philosophical discussion between Tim and Alfred was nice, but the secrecy around Damien was even better. The Joker bit at the end was spot on as to how I envision the character being, and yes DC Comics should care how I envision the Joker.

My only concern with this issue, and this storyline thus far, is that Jesibel Jet seems to only be a plot device similar to the forced love interest in every superhero movie… I hope Morrison proves me wrong.

Oh, kudos to Tony Daniel on his perfect pencils… I am not one of the haters.

Batman Confidential #17
Batman Confidential #17 is an issue that will turn many of boys into men…

I swear that Batman Confidential #17’s story was lifted straight off some sick perverted fan fiction. In this issue we see recently graduated Barbra Gordon (graduated from college) chase Catwoman into a club of where the dress code is “no dress.” Seriously I do find it slightly humorous that an innocent heroine would have to chase a villain into a hedonistic society, but something about reading this made me feel dirty, and not right.

Gotham Underground #8
Yeah, I would be peeing my pants if I saw that in real life.

Gotham Underground #8 was filled with full panel, bare nuke, no holds barred action similar to those seen in the Death of Superman. The action was top notch!

J. Calafiore and Jack Purcell knocked this one out of the park in the action and art department. As for the story… nothing much happened except that everyone leaves the Penguin to fry… but don’t let the lack of story distract you from watching Batman prove how much of a bad-ass he really is.

Green Arrow Black Canary #8
I love surprise endings… this time no aliens just Eel.

Green Arrow Black Canary #8 continues the search for those who put Connor into a coma in London with their new associate (see last issue). Even with the slow pace, I always enjoy this series because there is something funny about Ollie’s voice being outnumbered by two female leads.

Green Lanern Corps #24
April Showers Bring May Flowers.

Green Lantern Corps #24 gave a nice refresher origin for Mongul and his pretty Black Mercy flowers. For that alone this comic was worth the cover price… oh that and the fact that Sinestro bit off his finger tip to draw on his jail cell door was a freaky but nice bonus.

Huntress Year 1 #1
Huntress Year One #1 was better the first time as Batman/Huntress Cry for Blood.

The caption below the cover says it all “Huntress Year One #1 was better the first time as Batman/Huntress Cry for Blood.” I will continue to buy this series and will be pretty upset if Vic Sage is a no-show.

Superman #676
Superman #676 = Filler!

Titans #2
“–THAT THE ISSUE IS THAT BAD!”

Titans #2 was so bad that God wanted nothing to do with it.

Wow… this story sucks… the art sucked… the continuity sucked…

Ok, so here we have characters that are all featured in other books, stories, and teams who are now working together to fight demons… not only does this not sit well in the DCU - Raven looks like a mid twenties professional beach volleyball player… doesn’t she have her own “emo series” where she is in High School?

God this book sucked!

and…

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
BOOSTER GOLD #9

Bwahaha!

A little bit of funny, and…

seriously

… A little bit of serious. Major seriousness!

Booster Gold #9 continues the trend of the bumbling hero exterior and universe saving hero interior. Since Booster and Rip saved the Multivers in 52, Booster has been working behind the scenes to fix any errors in the timestream caused by the Crisis. To do this they must travel back in time to fix errors, just errors since the true past is already written.

This comic, and the whole series, fits my take on time travel almost perfectly. I love the Back to the Future movies, but I aways thought traveling through time from “Point C” back to “Point A” in hopes of changing “Point B” would be impossible. It is impossible because to get to “Point C”, “Point A and B” must exist prior and this fact cant be changed.

I may have confused you but if you have been reading Booster Gold then it all makes sense, and we see the results of what happens when one hero (Booster Gold) travels back in time to stop a death that was already concreted in the past. As the Blue and Gold story continues Booster is still dealing with the massive changes caused by preventing Ted’s death… and it seems that if Ted’s death is the “Point B” from my analogy, then Lois Lane’s life is the new “Point B” in this comic.

Heavy stuff and a great read. This time traveling romp thorough the history of the DCU is easily the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK!

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Posted by Fred, on 05/19/08 7:49 PM Bookmark this post Digg Reddit Blogg-Buzz StumbleUpon