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LWIC: Sounds Like A Plan

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

Action Comics #866

Finally a real Nightwing and Flamebird story. Since the two newest incarnations of the Kryptonian legends arrived, they have been stuck in the middle of the battle between Earth and New Krypton. The two characters were never defined nor had a true origin story, until now. Last Week In Comics (LWIC):

Nightwing, who is as confused as the reader, wants an explanation as to his purpose. Flamebird shares with him the Book of Rao (Krypton’s Bible), and the story of creation is told:

With the Flamebird and Nightwing currently residing within two Kryptonians hunting down General Zod’s sleeper cells on Earth, it is only fitting that their current foe just happens to be the current incarnation of Vohc-The-Breaker – the evil Kryptonian scientist Jax-Ur.

I don’t know if I love this particular issue because it adds substance to the characters of Nightwing and Flamebird, or because I love mythology. The story of Rao, like many religions current and past, is compelling and tied deep into emotions and the philosophical question of “free will.” Whatever the reason, I think this issue was the best issue of Action Comics since Superman left.

Amazing Spider-Man #620

The gathering of Spider-Man villains continue by featuring each one in an individual story, and this issue is the conclusion to Mysterio’s tale. Mysterio was hired by the mob to make it look like their leaders were never killed to prevent the incompetent “heir” to the “family” from putting the mob six-feet under. Mysterio, never satisfied with playing a supporting role, double crossed his employer and took over control of the mob. While in control Mysterio started a war with Mr. Negative’s china town gang. LWIC:

I have to admit that I never expect anything too deep from my Spider-Man comics. Usually witty dialog, proper characterization of the cast, and at least one punch to the face is all I require. So you won’t hear me complain when a great story that happens to be deeper than a witty punch in the face comes along, especially when it stands alone and yet is still part of a bigger plot.

Batman and Robin #8

This series, and all of the Batman stuff that Grant Morrison has written recently, has been deep rooted starting in Batman RIP and directly tied to Final Crisis. In this issue flashbacks from Final Crisis shed some light on the fate of Bruce Wayne and create doubt in the character’s minds about his death… if they had any time to think while Batman was fighting an enhanced clone of Batman. LWIC:

Like the recent Spider-Man run, this comic is broken up into smaller complete stories that tie into a bigger plot. These are the types of stories I love. I love continuity. I am not a stricter for continuity and won’t get mad if one little thing from the past is messed with in a current story, but I am a guy who knows that every action was molded by the past and can have repercussions in the future. The awesomeness of this series is a testament to great writing that balances continuity from the past, with the continuity of the future, and adds a perfect amount of mystery and action. Plus, I’m glad that at least one book in the DCU recognizes the fact that Final Crisis happened.

and

THE MOST FUN COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
BATGIRL #7

Fun! That is what the Batgirl comic is all about. Batman’s solo title is dark and mysterious, “Batman and Robin” is deeply rooted in a complex and deep story, “Red Robin” is just like the “Batman” comics of the 80’s, and Batgirl… its just a fun character driven teamwork comic. LWIC:

I don’t think words can express how much fun the characterization, action, and dialog in this comic was. So instead of trying to explain, I’ll let some panels from the issue show you why this was the BEST COMIC of last week.

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Posted by Fred on February 15, 2010 @ 9:09 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Pirate Talk

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

Action Comics #885

The ongoing adventures of the mythical Kryptonians Nightwing and Flamebird (a.k.a. Chris Kent, Superman’s adopted son and Thara Ak-Var, Supergirl’s best friend) continue as they hunt down General Zod’s hidden spies on Earth. Last Week In Comics (LWIC):

This story is dragging, but finding out that a rouge Kryptonian working for Zod is also working with General Lane is just interesting enough to keep me coming back each month.

Adventure Comic #6

I have always found it interesting that Lex Luthor had proclaimed himself the savior of all humankind… or at least he would be if not for Superman. I love the Superman vs Lex stories. I love the fact that Lex is evil only because he believes that Superman is holding humans back. With Superman there to always save the world and solve Earth’s problems, Lex thinks that the human race will never evolve further and this is why he has focused on destroying Superman. Lex truly believes that if he destroys Superman he will be better serving his people than focusing on something like curing cancer. Since Geoff Johns started writing the Teen Titans, he made it perfectly clear that Superboy is not a clone of Superman, instead he is a clone of both Superman and Lex Luthor. Lex created Superboy as a way to destroy Superman… and ever since Superboy found out that he is part Lex he has been trying to be more like Kal-El than Lex, including living in Smallvile. LWIC:

This is classic Lex vs Superman… too bad Superman is off world playing “General” on New Krypton. With the Legion of Super-Heroes again absent from this title and Johns leaving, I don’t know what to expect next month, especially since this issue has now set the bar for the series.

Amazing Spider-Man #617

As the wife and daughter of Kraven, the Hunter gathers villains from Spidey’s rouge gallery, Spider-Man keeps meeting up with each one-on-one not realizing that something bigger may be brewing. LWIC:

Most of the time I hate when one of Spidey’s villains gets replace by a new “hip and modern” version… but this time I can dig it. I like the fact that the former villain still has substance and a story, meaning that he is not pushed out of the spotlight and us readers are expected to forget about him. I hope his story (the Rhino) continues and is not tarnished as this storyline continues, because this was one of the most heartfelt comics I read in a while and I don’t want it ruined.

Batman#695

This was the most intriguing comic of last week. Since Dick Grayson took over for the deceased Bruce Wayne, he has been fighting new criminals and not doing too much other than busting heads. Upon the first read I thought that this and the last issue of Batman was just that – busting of heads. But after reading this issue again, I began to think that Tony Daniel is trying to pull his best “Jeph Loeb” and create a mystery where every possible Bat-Villain could be impersonating the Black Mask. LWIC:

This is probably a comic that would be better read in one sitting once the trade comes out.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:

Batgirl #6

Last month I praised Batgirl for being a return “to traditional take on super-hero comics.” This month’s issue continues this now “new” trend of traditional super-hero storytelling and then 1-ups the last issue by returning to the “buddy” style comic that Batman made famous back in the day. Batgirl has been taken under the wing of Oracle, similar to the relationship between Batman and Robin with a little “Birds of Prey” twist, and they have been butting heads with the dynamic duo. Robin and Batgirl’s interaction last issue was classic and the beginning of an awesome relationship that continues in this issue. Hot on the trail of the kidnappers of a Mob Boss’ son, the two Bat-families have to work together. LWIC:

The return to the “seemingly inescapable deathtrap” is a perfect example of how this comic continues to remind us what a fun super-hero comic used to be and still should be. If you haven’t read Step’s adventures as Batgirl, you need to.

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Posted by Fred on January 18, 2010 @ 11:39 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Urban Camouflage

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

Adventure Comics #5

The main story may have been a “Blackest Night” tie in, but the focus on Superboy-Prime holds more weight than the always popular zombies also featured.

Superboy-Prime was a major player during the Infinite Crisis, his role was that of a super-powered pawn of Alex Luthor to recreate the Multiverse. Since his reemergence, S-Prime has been portrayed as a spoiled brat who’s super-powered temper tantrums ended the lives of many characters of the DCU. After Infinite Crisis, S-Prime was a member of the Sinestro Corps and then led the Legion of Super-Villains before being exiled back to his proper universe Earth-Prime. Earth-Prime is our Earth where the DCU heroes exist only in comic books, the same comic books that show Superboy-Prime as a villain. Last Week In Comics (LWIC):

I enjoyed reading about Superboy-Prime trashing the DC Comic offices, but what was even better about this comic was the short story setting up the next arc – Conner Kent, the current Superboy, vs Lex Luthor.

Amazing Spider-Man #614

Recently Electro returned to NYC broke, grumpy, middle aged, with uncontrollable powers. Ticked off that he lost all of his investments from the money he stole in the past, he created a couple of viral Youtube videos encouraging the people that were hit by the recession to stand up against the large companies and their government bailouts. Targeting the DB (formerly the Daily Bugle) and Dexter Bennett specifically, Electro makes a deal with the publisher that he will back off if he pays. Using the “blood money” from Bennett, Electro pays the Mad Thinker to cure him of his now uncontrollable powers. Instead of removing them, the process did the opposite – Electro became supercharged. LWIC:

Before the DB (formerly the Daily Bugle) was destroyed, Bennett gave the property and business back to the original owner – J. Jonah Jamison. With Jamison back in control of the Bugle, even though there is no physical building, and the formation of a team of super-villains this comic was a great read for the setup of the next storyline alone.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
BATGIRL #5

There was a time before “cross-company” mandated crossovers when Super-Heroes “use(d) their powers to police day-to-day crime while also combating threats against humanity by supervillains, who as their name implies are criminals of ‘unprecedented powers’ in the same way that superheroes are crime fighters with ‘unprecedented powers.’” (source Wikipedia) Batgirl, while tied into continuity, steers away from the “company-wide” take on storytelling and returns to traditional take on super-hero comics. LWIC:

This book was easily the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK because, unlike the other Batbooks, the legacy of Batgirl isn’t being continued by Stephanie Brown, its being reinvented. This comic is just a true coming of age story for a new type of hero; a type of hero who existed before and was recently forgotten.

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Posted by Fred on December 14, 2009 @ 10:00 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Death, Violence, Zombies, and One Fun Comic!

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

Action Comics #833

The last time we saw Flamebird and Nightwing they defeated Reactron after being framed for the murder of Mon-El. Now all of that seems to be behind them and they are free to roam the Earth. LWIC (Last Week In Comics):

I wish I knew what happened between the capture of Reactron and the revile to the world that he and General Lane framed the Kryptonian heroes, but instead I get to see the heroes back on their original mission. Even with the confusion, its nice to see the original mission continue. Like in Red Robin (reviewed later in this post) this comic is set in the main character’s world, including subplots featuring the supporting cast, yet creates its own identity by traveling the world on mission instead of protecting one major city.

Batman #693

First of all since Dick Grayson took over the mantle of the Bat he modified the costume to meet the needs of his crime fighting style. Now Tony Daniel returns and draws the new Batman exactly like the old one – forgetting all of the costume changes except the belt… seriously. All nitpicking aside there is a lot going on in Gotham with Tommy Elliot (Hush) posing as Bruce Wayne trying to destroy everything Wayne has accomplished to a possible “new” Black Mask organizing all of Gotham’s costumed crazies into his own personal army. Oh, and speaking of Hush (Tommy Elliot,) it was nice to see and question Mr. Edward Nigma’s new “Reformed Riddler” identity again. LWIC:

After reading this issue its safe to say that there was a lot happening but nothing happened. There was a lot of possible set-up but Daniel’s writing and art was slightly confusing, so I am just going to pretend that I am right and the Riddler returns to his evil ways and teams up with Hush again because that sounds fun to me.

Batman and Robin #6

Jason Todd returns again as the Red Hood with a new sidekick – Scarlett. Scarlett and the Red Hood think that they are just like Batman and Robin except they will make the “Punishment fit the Crime” – meaning they kill criminals that kill people. This extreme vigilante style has brought in criminals that can be considered “extreme” versions of the normal costume crazies in Gotham. LWIC:

I was not that impressed with this whole return of the Red Hood story, so I am ready to see what Morrison has planned for the next couple of issues.

Red Robin #6

Tim Drake was traveling the world looking for proof that Bruce Wayne never died and that he is still alive. During his travels Tim worked with Ras Al Gul and now Ras has Tim working for him to hunt down the assassins who are assassinating the League of Assassins. LWIC:

With Red Robin leading the raid of assassins against assassins and hoping that there will be no killing is funny, so funny in fact that I enjoyed the comic. The comic was simple, fast paced, fun, and full of ninja assassins – what more could you want from a comic book.

Blackest Night Comics

Ok, time to copy and paste:

Back in the day when Abin Sur passed away and his Green Lantern ring and responsibilities were passed to Hal Jordan, he did so because of his findings about the prophecy of the “Blackest Night.” In the present, many different colors of Lantern Corps have formed or have been found in the universe. Each color of Lantern Corps receives it’s power from emotion and each emotion is represented by a different color. The prophecy of the “Blackest Night” predicts the removal of all life and emotion from the universe by a corps of lifeless lanterns – the Black Lanterns. To remove the emotion and life from the universe, the Black Lantern Corps’ members are all formerly deceased creatures/heroes throughout the universe that prey on those they were close to. By raising the emotions of their prey the Black Lanerns energize, or recharge, their Power Battery in preparation for the rising of their leader and the destruction of life. The only hope for the universe is all of different lantern corps to work together using each color of the emotional spectrum to create the only thing that can destroy the Black Lanterns – pure white light. LWIC:

Booster Gold #26

Green Lantern Corps #42

It was sad to see Kyle pass away. It seems that since his conception in the 90’s no writer has been able to do anything with Kyle to solidify him as a mainstay of the DCU.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
BATGIRL #4

This comic was FUN!

In a universe full of death, violence, and zombies sometimes a fun comic can overshadow them all.

I love the fact that Steph Brown does not want to be Batgirl to be part of the Batfamily, she does it because its fun to her and she likes doing good. Its refreshing to see a hero who is doing so not because she is an orphan or learned the hard way that “With great power comes great responsiblity.”

*note: neither my wife or I proofed this article… she was too busy dealing with a crying baby, and I was to busy crying while watching the Browns on Monday Night Football.

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Posted by Fred on November 16, 2009 @ 10:47 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Batman Runs Away

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

Action Comics #882

For what feels like forever coming, the buildup of Earth (General Lane) vs New Krypton (General Zod) may finally be bearing fruit… even though I know the real conclusion of the overall story won’t come until next year’s big “blockbuster” event. First thousands of Kryptonians were freed from the bottled city of Kandor in the arctic, then they were attacked by Doomsday, finally New Krypton was created. Once New Krypton was formed General Lane has been working behind the scenes to set up the Superman family and create anti-Kryptonian sentiment all over Earth. LWIC the final stages of his planning looks to be complete with:

With the capture of the three Kryponians, it seems as if something big may happen next week – either an escape or a death, either one warrants some much needed plot moving action. For the first time in a while I am looking forward to the next installment.

Batgirl #3

I was cool with Batman R.I.P. Heck, I was excited to see one of my favorite characters take over as Batman, but I am getting tired of the movement of characters, which I will talk about in the other two former Robin’s reviews later. I loved Cassandra Cain as Batgirl. I loved the concept of the character. I loved the fact that she was the opposite of Batman – instead of a hero who trained in deadly arts, she was a master of the deadly arts who learned to be a hero. To see Cassandra written off and out of the picture in just over a decade it’s fair to say I’m disappointed to see someone else as Batgirl… BUT this issue sold me on Steph Brown being Batgirl. LWIC:

The current Robin, Damian Wayne, was just thrown into the role of Robin – no training or mentoring going on there… and it doesn’t feel like the Batman and Robin I grew up with, but Babs training Steph – there is my monthly fix of the “traditional” Batman and Robin relationship.

Batman #691

As mentioned in the previous review – the shuffle of “Bat-Characters” was fun at first but I’m ready for Batman to be Batman. LWIC:

Ok, is it me or did this issue just ruin the previous two? When this story line began Dick was worried that he couldn’t be the Batman that Bruce created, so he and Alfred decided that it was an act and that Dick should play the part his own way. Yet in this issue Dick spends almost every page defeating Two-Face by acting like Bruce… Ok DC, just move on – Dick is Batman now, lets just have stories about Batman not Dick pretending to be Batman.

Blackest Night: Batman #3

Umm, yeah.

I thought this series was going to be good because all of the main characters in the Bat-Family have dead family members. With the Black Lanterns feeding off of emotion and the different spectrum of emotional light along with the fact that no matter what Batman conquers all this tie-in mini-series would be a home run… I was wrong. Here is what happened in this series:

Sounds like a winner huh? Check out what happened LWIC:

Batman is satisfied that he hid from the enemy and they ran away… what kind of crap is that? So I’m guessing that Batman will not play a larger role in saving the universe at the end of the Blackest Night, unless everyone just plans on hiding from the Black Lanterns hoping they run away.

Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps #41

After the debacle that was “Blackest Night: Batman,” I needed a reminder of how threatening the Black Lantern Corps, or Zombie Corps (pun intended,) and GLC #41 satisfied me. In the previously reviewed Blackest Night tie in above the heroes were satisfied on letting the zombies flee from Earth, yet in space the Green Lantern Corps are fighting hundreds of fallen teammates and family members that are now Black Lanterns. LWIC there was reminder on just how nasty the Black Lanterns are:

Adding children into the mix is sick, twisted, and works great in showing the magnitude of the Black Lantern Corps. The only thing is that unless I missed something, I still don’t know why they are attacking and killing every living thing. The only reason I can think of would be to return the universe to darkness hence the Blackest Night. I may not know why they are attacking, but I do know that they are some fierce mickey fickies.

Red Robin #5

I think Tim Drake is the only character that changed identities after Bruce Wayne went missing that is totally defined as a character. Tim using his detective skills has tracked down evidence that proves that Bruce Wayne may be alive. While tracking down more evidence and following clues he has teamed up with Ra’s al Ghul and his league of assassins. While Ra’s assassins are assisting Red Robin uncover evidence they are attacked by another set of assassins. The other assassins are not the only thing that is slowing Tim’s quest down; it seems that Luscious Fox noticed that Tim Drake-Wayne (Tim was adopted by Bruce right before he “died”) was arrested in Paris, so he sends his daughter to bring the wayward Wane home. LWIC:

Tim has carved out an identity for Red Robin – he is a darker version of Batman, more of a non-killing assassin who works with killing type assassin. Tim helping Ra’s will be nice to see play out, especially since he plans on taking down Ra’s League of Assasins after they help him out.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
ADVENTURE COMICS #3

Seeing Superboy having a personality that’s deeper and more likable than in the 90’s is nice, but that’s not why it’s the best of last week. Adventure Comics #3 is the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK because of Krypto the Super-Dog:

Posted by Fred on October 19, 2009 @ 10:36 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Oliver Arrives

Last Wednesday was “new comic book day,” as well as the night my wife went into labor with our second son. At about 10pm Wednesday evening we started to prepare for the birth of our son and left for the hospital shortly after midnight. In the early morning hours Oliver was born on September 17th. Since then we have been real busy with two kids under two, and reading comics had to be pushed down the priority list. I finally got some time to read through some of last week’s comics and here are some quick bullet points about each.

Action Comics #881

Batgirl #2

Batman: Streets of Gotham #4

If I were awarding the title of “Best Comic of Last Week” this issue would have received it.

The creepiness of Mister Zsasz is well written by Paul Dini showing that Zsasz is not only a serial killer, but a sick and twisted one who gets more than just pleasure from killing.

The details, as sick as they are, in this issue make it special. For example Mister Zsasz wanting an old slaughter house as his new base of operations… heck seeing the behind the scenes stuff on how all of Gotham’s criminals get their properly “themed” hideouts was cool.

Did I mention Mister Zsasz is really creeping me out. This issue shows him filling his new hideout full of caged kids…

Batman and Robin #4

Blackest Night #3

Posted by Fred on September 22, 2009 @ 11:00 AM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: Robin Causes Anarky!

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

 

Amazing Spider-Man #581

I have been loving me some Spider-Man since all three titles became the almost weekly Amazing Spider-Man. The main draw, or best thing, this title has going is its ability to tell one or two issue stories that all tie into a larger story, leaving the reader satisfied with every smaller arc while still feening to find out what happens to the big picture.

This issue starts out by teasing us readers with more info on the Spider-Tracer Killer that is dumping dead bodies all over New York with Spidey’s homing devices planted on the bodies. This mystery has been going on since the first “Brand New Day” arc. Seeing Spidey get blamed for another murder and witnessing the Bookie taking in the scene makes one believe that he has something to do with the murders.

Then the story jumps to Harry Osborn and reminds us of the Menace/Hollister mayoral race highjinks. After being teased with the possible reveal of the Spider-Tracer Killer we are then tempted with another hint to a previous story arc – there is a hint that Carlie, Pete and his roommate’s new crush, would do anything to protect and ensure that Mr. Hollister wins the mayoral race… hmm… Menace maybe?

But then after being played with once, we get played with again. Pete and Harry decide to take a road trip. The rest of this issue may have been more references and fun hints to past stories, but to a new reader like me it was uninteresting. Pete questions Harry’s supposed return from death, while Harry dodges most of the questions throwing hints that his father, Norman, may have had something to do with it.

The road trip did have a purpose other than looking into Harry’s death. The trip takes the best friends to Harry’s ex-wife and son’s house to handle some business created by the death and return of Harry. Harry’s ex-stepbrother, the Molten Man, shows up and a fight breaks out leaving us readers waiting for two weeks for the conclusion.

For a comic that had nothing really going on, it grabbed my interest, reminded me of what loose ends are still dangling in the Spidey-verse, and gave me some action to entertain me leaving me wanting to read the next issue.
 

Batgirl #6

The title of this series was “Redemption Road” and this issue was all of the redemption needed.

As fun as seeing Batman and Robin on tricked out Bat-Four-Wheelers riding to Las Vegas was humorous last issue, it was completely unnecessary and unneeded for this story.

This whole mini was supposed to be Batgirl, or Cassandra Cain, getting revenge on her father, David Cain, for training her to be an assassin that could not read or speak. The revenge was not just for the actions of her father when she was a child, but also revenge for his recent actions of drugging her and making her turn against her new caring Bat-Family. This is a concept and a story I want to read… in one issue. We didn’t need to see Cassandra fight, team-up, and fight her sister multiple times over five issues. We didn’t need to see Cassandra do whatever she did that was so important I can’t seem to remember, in the last five issues, we only needed this issue.

In this issue, Batgirl confronts her father, explains how he hurt her, turned the mind games back onto him, handed him his butt, and tried to save him right before death – all the makings of a good Bat-Comic. No good Bat-Comic would be complete without a happy ending with the always grumpy Batman showing his caring side. In this issue, the caring side of Batman decides to adopt Cassandra. Isn’t that sweet of ole Bats… but wait… Batman goes crazy and is now M.I.A. or R.I.P.  Just imagine what that will do to poor Cassandra who was already having daddy issues, wait we don’t have to imagine we just have to read – Batman and the Outsiders #14.
 

Batman and the Outsiders #14

Last issue I was wondering why Batman and the Outsiders became a Batgirl solo title. This month everything is explained. See Cassandra, Batgirl, was recently adopted into the Wayne family after having issues with her biological father, only to have her new father go missing.

Hellbent on continuing her adopted father’s legacy she decides that a network of people with one of Batman’s many crime fighting traits would make a comparable replacement for the missing Dark Knight. After fighting with Nightwing she recruits him to play the role of the strategist, she recruits the Riddler to play the detective role, and we know that she will play the “badass” roll but who will fill the rest of the Batman equation?

I guess we have to wait because the art and the story fell short leaving me feeling anything but satisfied, but I will continue to read this comic because the idea intrigues me and I like it… I only hope that things pick up before I change my mind.
 

Supergirl #36

Many times big events hurt individual comic titles, but not this time. The New Krypton event that is connecting all of the Superman related titles has done the opposite, it saved the Supergirl title. Just a couple months ago the title’s featured character spent three issues trying to cure a little boy’s cancer just because she promised that she could. This whining, stupid character has grown by leaps and bound since the Krypotonians returned from the bottled city of Kandor and I can only imagine how much more she will grow after the death of her father.

Speaking of growth, it has been refreshing and scary at the same time to watch Supergirl’s mother Alura grow from a seemingly care free Kryptonian to a “we are superior to humans” and need to respond to them they way in which they have responded to the Kryptonians – with violence. Hearing, seeing, Alura blame Kal and Kara for Zor-El’s death and their lack of maintain order on Earth was scary and great foreshadowing. I can’t wait to see how Kara grows as a character from the death of her father and the turning on her adopted planet by her mother.
 

Terra #4

After reading this comic I wanted to be disappointed in it and the whole series… but I couldn’t because it was fun. The main reason I wanted to hate it was because it was somewhat unfulfilling.

By unfullfilling I mean the villain created in issue one didn’t do much but got a lot of panel time, until the end. Was there really a purpose to this diamond dude? Cause I don’t even remember his name.

The reason I liked this series and couldn’t hate it was the character of Terra. She was so well written as an outsider looking in, or up, at our world. The explanation of the Astronaut God and his role in the shaping and evolution of both the surface world and Strata was neat… but I still have to wonder what the villain had to do with it all.

Like the Batgirl miniseries this story could have been told in a large one-shot, but then we might not have gotten the nice little touches like when Power Girl and Terra hit the town… I am undecided on whether to love or hate this, so I’ll use Amanda Connor’s art as the tiebreaker and give it the thumbs up.
 

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
ROBIN #181

Before I type anything else about this comic I have to say that I am feeling pretty damn proud of myself. I have spent four weeks looking back at Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong’s first appearance and his encounters with Robin. I also did the same for Anarky’s first appearance and his first encounter with Robin. It seems that all of my continuity catch-up has been worth it.

The “Search for a Hero” story has been great and one of my favorites in a while. Over the last couple of years we have watched Robin grow into his own superhero, similar to the Dick Grayson to Nightwing transformation, and this story is an appropriate ending and beginning to what Robin will be in the future.

This storyline started with Spoiler, Robin’s ex-dead girlfriend, per Batman’s orders giving Tim some extra challenges to make him a stronger hero. This process led Spoiler to Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong, the General, and he helped her orchestrate a gang war to keep Robin busy. The gangs involved in the war took the war personal and have taken it to another level. The Gotham Police Department (GCPD) has been torn in half after Robin and his “Commissioner Gordan” Jamie Harper catch a couple of crooked cops. With the gang war in full force and the GCPD protesting the arrest of their own, Robin has a lot on his plate. As Robin clears his plate, Red Robin shows up dishes up some desert…. OK, corny analogies aside… Red Robin is none other than the General in costume and goes down easy. Robin wanting to stop all of the chaos tracks down Ulysses’s’ hideout only to see the Anarchy symbol, a gold mask, and get caught in an explosion leaving the back of his head bald and burned.

Robin knowing that Anarky is now behind all of the chaos creates a chaos-theory program for the Bat-Computer. This program is supposed to predict criminal actions to prevent further chaos… or as Robin states to manipulate the chaos. Comments like the previous one mentioned give us readers the notion that Robin may have been too close to the edge by the Spoiler and Batman’s plan, and he is starting to sound like Anarky.

Speaking of Anarky, Lonnie Machin the original Anarky is in a life support/iron lung contraption working with the General who now dons the Anarky costume. The General, ur Anarky, states that everything that has happened is part of his “anarchy” process to bring Gotham to it’s knees. Meanwhile, Tim with his extremely burnt head trades his domino mask for the cape and cowl of Red Robin.

This comic, and story, has been phenomenal. Watching Robin become smart, nasty, and sneaky by letting the criminals, including Anarky, go until they manipulate the situation to Robin’s liking easily makes this the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK!

Posted by Fred on December 22, 2008 @ 9:02 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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LWIC: A Clasic Comic and a Classic Origin

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

Amazing Spider-Man #578

Classic!

Yup, classic, that’s my description of ASM 578. The art and story are both classic. Neither spectacular on its own, but together Mark Waid and Marcos Martin craft a Spider-Man story that has everything.

This issue feels as if it could be a “quiet” blockbuster movie. A quiet blockbuster in the sense that the characters, dialog, and mood create something big and mind blowing without the explosions and big budget special effects.

Every scene fit perfectly together seamlessly, both visually and plot wise. The panel where the young boy notices that Peter Parker is “squishing” when he moved definitely set the mood that Peter’s luck was changing. What started off with a soggy fortune cookie promising that this day would be his “lucky day,” proved that even on his luckiest of days the “Parker Luck” always trumps good luck.

Seeing Spidey miss his chance with another hot redheaded model, to his attempt to save the people trapped in the subway without reveling his secret identity was classic. But, the end reveal was more than classic… it was clutch.

Batgirl #5& Batman and the Outsiders #13

Batman, Robin, and Nightwing working together to find Cassandra Cain in Batgirl #5… where in continuity does this take place? I assume that this takes place before Batman R.I.P. since Batman is present. I also assume that this takes place prior to Batman and the Outsiders #13 since the only thing of relevance that happens in that issue is that Batgirl makes a new roster… But wait. Isn’t she running from Batman, Robin, and Nightwing in an attempt to save Oracle?

I am so confused. Both of these titles were less than stellar, especially Batgirl. I only started this mini because my friend Jack Purcell had some of the inking duty and I have no problem supporting him… but come on DC is there really a point to this comic? At least in Batman and the Outsiders #13 we see who may be on the next roster, why they were chosen, and what the Gotham Underground is up to.

Batman and the Outsiders was a decent read, not worth the price though. Batgirl though, was ridiculous… think about it: Why would Casandra Cain have to stop her father from assassinating the one character in the DCU who’s identity is truly secret. The writers and editors should have noticed that an assassination on Oracle while being Barbra Gordon is totally out of character.

Robin #180

I can’t say enough about this comic. Since Fabian Nicieza and Freddie Williams III came on board Robin has been everything that I expect a Batman book to be.

The fact that Robin is acting the part of the Dark Knight and protecting Gotham by himself, made me once think that Robin would replace Batman. This issue reinforces my reason, but I think Robin may be becoming something more than a “replacement.” I have to admit that I am lost on who will take the cowl once Bruce gives up the mantle of the Bat.

I am glad to see that I was right in relationship to Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong being Red Robin, and even happier to see that he didn’t “magically” grow up and become Robin’s equal. Since in his first couple appearances he was younger looking in appearance and physique. Don’t forget my first two Continuity Catch-Up articles focused on young Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong.

The re-introduction of Anarchy as a major player is a nice touch and explains why Spoiler’s plan to make Robin stronger may be backfiring. Anarchy was introduced into the Batverse about the same time Tim Drake began donning the Robin costume, so his return is appropriate to factoring in the equation to make Robin a stronger hero. (And… with the return of Anarchy it gives me an idea for next week’s Continuity Catch-Up)

Ulysses Hadrian Armstrong: Continuity Catch-Up Part one and two.

Terra #2

This is a hard comic to review for a couple of reasons:

The story is standard but the interactions and art is great. I am not as interested in who this newly arrived Terra is, but instead I love to see her interact with the people on the surface of the Earth. I am almost afraid that if she is in some way connected to Geo-Force’s sister, the Terra who betrayed the Teen Titans, I will be disappointed.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
SUPERGIRL #35

I first dropped Supergirl when she and Power Girl were running around as Flamebird and Nightwing. I picked it back up, only to drop it again when Supergirl attempted to cure a little boy of cancer. I kept trying to give the book a chance but I could only take so much “I am supposed to kill my cousin but he is stronger and I care for him, so I’ll just be a trampy teenager” shtick. The return of the number triangles on the Superman family of titles connecting them to the addictive New Krypton story caused me to put the book on my pull list once again.

I’m glad I picked up this book – not because it is tied to the New Krypton story, but because it seems as if Supergirl is moving in a new direction with a new origin. Gone is her “confused trampy” self, instead she is working with and posing as Lana Lang’s niece – Linda. Also gone her “I was sent to kill my cousin” origin and replaced with a new origin that ties nicely into the return of Kandor and her family in the Action Comic’s Braniac story.

I don’t quite know how I feel about the return of the DCU to the Silver Age with Barry Allen and others reclaiming their mantles, but this move to return Supergirl to that origin was a welcome move. It seems as if Kara’s ship that brought her to Earth was encased in kryptonite from the exploding planet. This excessive amount of kryptonite radiated through the ship and gave her kryptonite poisoning. The kryptonite poisoning is used to explain why Kara did not remember the Braniac attack and why she hallucinated orders to kill her cousin.

The revamp of Supergirl’s origin was long awaited, needed, and appreciated by me – making this comic easily THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.

Posted by Fred on November 24, 2008 @ 10:19 PM Under: Other
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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.

Posted by Fred on July 21, 2008 @ 7:18 PM Under: Comics, Last Week In Comics
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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!

Posted by Fred on May 19, 2008 @ 7:49 PM Under: Comics, Last Week In Comics
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