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LWICK: Rub Some Dirt On It!

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

The Amazing Spider-Man #577

I have recently been loving the rencet Spider-Man stories, yet this one left me feeling flat.

One of the main reasons that I have been praising Spider-Man since the reboot was the fact that every small storyline connected to a bigger picture. Every issue until this one. Every other issue felt as if they were all part of a larger world with people other than one ones featured in that particular issue.

This issue was disappointing. As much as I like reading a Spidey and Punisher team-up – this one lacked the continuity I expect from the title.

This would have been a good one-shot.

Batman Cacophony #1

I made the mistake of reading other people’s reviews of this issue before reading it myself.

As I progressed through the Joker’s escape I keep thinking that people are taking this comic too serious and they all need to lighten up… until I read the Joker offer himself sexually to another dude for money.

Look I love Mallrats, Dogma, Clerks, and especially Clerks the Animated Series but Kevin Smith’s crude humor in a Batman comic does not work. Not only does it not work, it seems forced. The Joker wanting to sexually defile a deceased Batman may have been funny if not for the other four odd sex jokes.

The sad thing is that I will probably continue to purchase this mini just to see Onomatopoeia and where exactly Smith is going with this… unfortunately by purchasing this mini it could encourage DC to put more books like this on the shelf in the future.

Batman Confidential #23

I don’t know if the disappointment for the odd characterization of the Joker in Cacophony effected my opinion of this book, but I have to say this comic featured the Joker I want to read about.

This issue continues the tale of the Joker’s first meeting with the “normal” folks of Gotham City. Last issue Batman brought the Joker into police custody for the first time. During the span of one night the Joker killed numerous people including the investigating detective’s finance all while in jail.

The Joker continues to terrorize the GPD and city workers bringing his body count up by three at the end of this issue.

This issue was fun… slightly unrealistic but fun.

Booster Gold #14

One word can sum this issue up:

F
I
L
L
E
R
!

The foreshadowing for future issues/stories was the only redeeming quality of what used to be one of the best DC books every month.

Detective Comics #850

I have had beef with this comic since the second part of the “Heart of Hush.” The comic is advertised as a Batman R.I.P. title, yet Batman is not crazy and is running around with Tim and Dick instead of missing. I did find out that this story takes place before the main R.I.P. storyline and that makes sense on why he is running around, but I still can’t figure out how it ties in other than to boost sales.

Paul Dini is a great writer and he turns in one helluva story. Dini took what many of us comic bloggers thought was a “throw away” character along the lines of Doomsday and Bane and made Hush a real/relevant threat to Batman. A couple of years ago Hush showed up as the ultimate bad dude yet had no real back story or proper motivation to take down Bats. Dini did a great job giving him an origin story worthy of wanting to take down Bruce Wayne which means training to take down his alter ego too.

Most other titles that have the Batman R.I.P. banner are related only because they acknowledge that Batman is missing and everyone is worried. This story takes place in the recent past and somehow is tied into the story. I personally feel that the R.I.P. banner is only to boost sales, but just in case I am wrong, here is what could play a role in the R.I.P. storyline:

As annoyed as I was for the unnecessary tie into R.I.P. this was a great stand alone story arc that gives one of the supposed “baddest of the bad” guys some new found credibility.

Nightwing #150

I know that at the end of Batman R.I.P. Bruce Wayne will no longer be Batman forcing someone else to take over. From reading Robin and the future solicits, Tim was my initial guess as to who would take over the Bat-Mantle. After reading this issue of Nightwing and the solicits for future issues I recant my earlier prediction. Based on this issue, I now think Dick Grayson will take over as Batman.

While reading this issue of Nightwing I felt as if I was reading a true solo title of some hero similar to Batman in a world where Batman did not exist. Yeah that probably made no sense… so let me try to explain. Imagine there was no Batman, like in the Marvel Universe or DC Earth 53, and there was a character pulling off super heroics like the Batman. Now imagine that the character was named Nightwing and dressed in all black with a blue stripe on each arm meeting in a “V” on his chest. Got that, now imagine this character saves New York City from having ten or more blimps cover the city in acid. Not only does he save the city, he does this by crashing through the cockpit of the lead blimp and then throws down with the main bad guy thwarting him and his plan. Does this make more sense now?

In the past people have called Nightwing “Batman Lite” and he has always seemed to be in the shadow of the Bat. I have almost every Nightwing issue and can say that he is one of my favorite comic characters, but even I am constantly comparing him to Batman. This issue felt different. In this issue Nightwing felt like his own character, a real hero, and someone who could exist without Batman – and that is an awesome thing.

and

THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK
ACTION COMICS #871

The word “epic” is often used when describing movies, comics, and other stories. Sometimes I feel that the label is overused. Personally I consider the original Star Wars Trilogy, Watchmen, The Shield, Crisis on Infinite Earths, and a few other stories truly epic. That being said, all signs thus far are pointing to this New Krypton arc joining the select few I consider truly epic.

For me to consider a story “epic” it must feel natural with a natural progression from start to finish. An epic story should also involve more than just the main characters, because a true epic is made by the emotion and involvement of the supporting characters. As for natural progression, the New Krypton arc started immediately after Infinite Crisis with Up Up and Away. In that arc we see Lex Luthor manning a Kryptonian war ship that he found buried deep within the Earth. Following that arc Zod and other Kryptonians escape from the Phantom Zone in Superman: Last Son. Recently Superman saved the bottled city of Kandor from Brainiac and released all of the trapped Kryptonians on Earth. Aspects and characters of every story from Up Up and Away and after, including all of the recent one-shots, seem to play a role and start to show in this issue.

Lex Luthor being “recruited” by the U.S. Army because of his scientific knowledge, especially Kryptoinian technology, tie this story into Up Up and Away and the Search for Kryptonite stories. Followers of Zod feel that humans are beneath them. They also feel that Kryptonians, namely Kal-El, should have already conquered Earth and created a new Krypton. These soldiers are loyal to Zod, who I feel will be back soon, and believe that the reason Superman has not yet claimed Earth as a new Krypton is because he is vain and likes being worshiped as a god by the humans.

The emotion of this story plays a major role in the epic feeling. The release of his Kryptoniand family on Earth happened at the same time that Superman lost his adopted father. This emotion is also present after the other Kryptonians beat Doomsday to death on the Moon. Superman seems genuinely concerned and the joy the Kryptonians showed in the death of Doomsday is slightly disturbing.

Seeing this story multiple perspectives such as the military, Lex Luthor’s, followers of Zod, Superman, humans, and Kryptonians creates an epic feel making this issue easily the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.

I just can’t help thinking to myself aren’t Kryptonians peaceful almost to a fault, yet they took so much joy in beating Doomsday to death.

Posted by Fred on November 17, 2008 @ 9:40 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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So You Think The Joker Is The Black Glove?

Is the Joker a pawn of The Black Glove, or is he The Black Glove?
Morrision said that everything is in continuity…

Begin the discussion in the comments.

Detective Comics #475
(from The Greatest Joker Stories Ever Told)
Steve Englehart – Writer
Marshall Rogers – Pencils
Terry Austin – Inks

 

Posted by Fred on November 15, 2008 @ 3:29 PM Under: Comics
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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: The Dream Team

I have had similar dreams
The All New Atom #20 wraps up the majority of the story lines of the series thus far, including the villain behind all the weirdness in Ivy Town. Not only does it revel both Ryan’s wildest dreams we also get to see Ivy Town attacked by giant Godzilla rubber-suit like monsters… Seriously, what more could you want from a comic?

 

Pinch and Inch
Amazing Spider-Man 549’s story was not as strong as the grip that Jackpot looks to have on Spidey’s rear.

 

Lame!
Sticking to the really bad one liners:
Countdown #12 was not only weak in how it handled the side stories, but it also had the weakest punch ever!

 

Call your people and tell them to read this comic!
Nightwing #141 was the BEST COMIC LAST WEEK!

I may have enjoyed Atom #20, but Nightwing 141 was everything I expect from a Comic Book, especially from a non super-powered hero. Many have said that the problem with Nightwing is that he is Batman-Lite. Because of this misconception I feel that many people have a hard time writing the character. Many writers tried to hard to do something totally different to avoid the “Batman-Lite” stigma; anyone remember Devon Grayson?

Starting last issue Peter Tomasi has began to handle Nightwing not as Batman-Lite, but as a hero who learned from and looked up to the Batman. Instead of approaching Nightwing as another Batman, Tomasi’s Nightwing is a homage to Batman – a Batman that the average person without powers and all that angst can relate too. This issue shows Nightwing studying New York so that he can patrol efficiently and even getting new gadegets, just like Batman. Also in this issue there is something that is nothing like Batman – Dick Grayson. In this issue we see Dick flirting and it seems natural and not as forced as Bruce Wayne. More importantly we see the rest of the DCU interact with Dick in a caring manner, as a person not just as a shadowy figure that they work with.

If you are in need of reading a good comic, a comic with a hero, a hero who is not full of angst, and a hero who is straight up likable then read Nightwing 141, it is the Best Comic of Last Week!

Happy!
Batman Confidential 12 gives us the finale of yet another take on the origin of the Joker that is an enjoyable ending to fun story.

Posted by Fred on February 11, 2008 @ 4:29 PM Under: Last Week In Comics
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Some Ill Links

Sorry for the lack of an update yesterday. As you may have noticed on my Twitter that I was not feeling well yesterday, and today is no different…

Instead of a post yesterday today is a Double Post Friday: Breaking Links now, and Friday Night Fights later in the evening.

Breaking Links!

FOX News.com is reporting that the Joker may have claimed his first real life victim: Heath Ledger.

The FOX News website has quotes from someone who was close to the late Heath Ledger who said that the preparation and the role of the Joker in the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight may have lead to the prescriptions that the actor accidentally overdosed on.

“He said that ever since filming ‘Batman,’ he was having massive sleeping issues,” the friend said. “He became so into that role that it really messed with his head, on top of what he had to go through in terms of the paparazzi and missing [his daughter] Matilda. He just kept saying that nothing he tried helped him sleep and it was stressing him out like crazy. But I really feel like it was ‘Batman’ that tipped him over the edge.”

Link: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,329270,00.html

Posted by Fred on February 8, 2008 @ 11:14 AM Under: Links
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