LWIC: Nipple Tingle = Bug Sense
Last Week In Comics: giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics.
Green Lantern Corps #26
At first when I read this issue I was disappointed by the ease and short length of pages that the Corps needed to take down Mongul. The last couple issues seemed to be a set up for Mongul, you know the guy who fights Superman punch-for-punch, to wield the most powerful weapon of evil in the universe - multiple Sinestro Corps rings.
With the Green Lantern ring being the ultimate weapon for good, giving the opposite ultimate evil weapon to an already feared warlord should have made for a great throwdown. Instead we were presented with a character piece where together the the Corps, along with help from Black Mercy, use teamwork highlighted by a heroic sacrifice to ultimately defeat Mongul.
After reading this once I wanted more punching and better one-liners from Guy Gardner, but upon reflection I am quite happy with the ending and the GLC is quickly becoming one of my favorite DC books each month.
Joker’s Asylum: Scarcrow #1
- Art: Similar to Batman the Animated Series
- Story: Similar to the movie Scream
- Highlight: Scarecrow’s narration
- Could have been Improved: Batman’s role
I have liked the Joker’s Asylum series it gives the Batman’s rouge gallery a place to shine. Each of Batman’s better known enemies have a deep psychotic story that usually are not paid enough attention to in a “Batman” story.
We all know the Scarecrow from the comics, cartoon, and movie. We all know how scary he is, but we usually only see it through other eyes. This issue uses Dr. Crane’s narration in relation to psychology to take an average story concept and make it highly enjoyable.
Justice League of America #23
Am I the only one who is getting tired of Amazo and the Red Tornado?
Apparently those who work on this comic are not. I love Dwayne McDuffie’s work and am glad to see his Milestone characters returning, but seriously I feel like I have been reading the same story since issue number one. Ok guys, I get it - Amazo the robot who can copy the super power of anyone he comes into contact with wants the Red Tornado’s superior robot body… can we just move on already.
That being said, the use of Zatanna was nice, and the way in which Amazo copies her powers and use them against her was classic: “Evomer S’annataz Hutom!” I also have to compliment Mr. McDuffie on the incorporation of Vixen’s power/lack of original power finally bringing some relevance those couple of backup stories recently.
I am ready for the Justice League to leave the Hall of Justice and save the world, just like I was ready for them to stop sitting around a table picking team members for two issues.
Robin #175
I was so excited to read this issue ever since I saw the cover on dccomics.com. Unfortunately the cover is a nice homage to Death in the Family cover… but it has nothing to do with the pages inside what so ever.
I understand that this is a Batman R.I.P. tie in issue, but Batman is not dead nor is he even in this issue. This issue showed Robin trying to figure out if Batman is going crazy, and what he should do about it, no Batman at all. I understand that sometimes a comic’s cover will depict an image that is not present within the pages, but usually it is related. This cover is only related to the title and the title only.
Now that I have vented on how the cover annoyed me I have to say the content inside was… just as bad. I can sum up the whole issue in one sentence: “I think Batman, the guy who has plans on taking down any other being in the DCU, has finally gone off the deep end and I, with less training and experience, will take him down.”
Superman #678
Blah.
Blah.
Blah.
There may have been a couple subplots worth noting but the boringness of the main story was too distracting for me to notice.
During his adventures with his pal Batman, didn’t we just read about the U.S. Military making Kryptonite weapons to take down Superman? So explain to me why I want to read a story about some military guy sending a confused mythological god to take down Superman?
Trinity #8
Wow story!
This is more like it. Instead of a ten page slug-fest we see plot movement, and I have to say I enjoyed this issue.
In this issue we get some explanation to the “evil trinity” and their hopes and dreams while seeing the “good trinity” do more than punch stuff.
I have read other people’s reviews of this series and many times they are not that impressed by the second story of each issue, but these have been my favorite part of this series. This week’s issue showed the importance of each of the 14 previous stories. If not for the discussion between Firestorm and John Stewart last week I would have probably not have recognized and realized the Cosmic Egg’s importance.
I said it before and I will say it again that I think this book will be a better read when collected in a trade and read in one sitting. That being said I am still enjoying at least one of the two stories each week.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
AMBUSH BUG: YEAR NONE #1
They say a real man is one who can admit to his mistakes and laugh at himself. So what does it mean when DC Comic’s publish a book that does both?
Ambush Bug is a character that breaks the fourth wall, knows he is a comic book character, knows that we are reading about him, and has the ability to see the DCU as the reader does.
Being able to see the DCU as we do makes for an interesting comic. Ambush Bug: Year None picks up where critics of the large amount of deaths in the DCU left off. Ambush Bug is investigating the murder of an old unknown and unused female character - Joni DC. Not only is the comic littered with dead bodies, again a reference to the incrased number of dead heroes in the DCU, it also pokes fun at the famous “Women in Refrigerators” plot device made famous in Green Lantern #54.
This, like Ambush Bug’s two previous mini series, pokes fun at everything in the DCU from stories like Identity Crisis to the change in narration and the use of thought balloons thought comic history making Ambush Bug: Year None #1 THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.
Batman and Robin vs. No Child Left Behind
Earlier today a friend sent me a link to an article that relates the version of Batman found in The Dark Knight to our current president George W. Bush.
“
There seems to me no question that the Batman film “The Dark Knight,” currently breaking every box office record in history, is at some level a paean of praise to the fortitude and moral courage that has been shown by George W. Bush in this time of terror and war. Like W, Batman is vilified and despised for confronting terrorists in the only terms they understand. Like W, Batman sometimes has to push the boundaries of civil rights to deal with an emergency, certain that he will re-establish those boundaries when the emergency is past.”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121694247343482821.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries
I didn’t really want to start a debate on politics, especially one that compares Batman to George W. Bush…
…but it made me wonder if the next movie is based off of Frank Miller’s All Star Batman and Robin and focused on Robin, would it be compared to Bush’s No Child Left Behind act?
LWIC: A Belt make a “TWACK” Sound
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
Amazing Spider-Man #561
Wow! This is not what I expected when this “Paper Doll” story first began. I was not digging the paper thin stalker as a real threat or even a true villain. The paparazzi aspect I liked from the start - it makes sense since the DB has a new owner, the paper would modernize and make quick money.
Both of these story lines ended well, especially the one I was not originally fond of. Both story lines fit well into the elaborate larger story that has been taking place since One More Day, yet both were a refreshing escape from the “woe is me” and the “I don’t even have enough money to fight crime” motifs.
Last the art; at first I did not like Marcos Martin’s art… but after reading this issue I will miss his Frank Quietly/Daryn Cook take on Marvel’s key character.
Detective Comics #845
The cover blatantly announces the return of Catwoman, yet there are only about two pages featuring her in the issue. Good thing that the book had another, better story to tell.
Dini’s “one and done” stories have been quite fun and this one is no exception. This is a hard issue to write about without spoiling the story, so I’ll just say seeing Batman peruse an amateur Detective Forum to get a fresh take on a murder mystery is quite clutch.
Nightwing #145
Having a pregnant wife and our first baby boy due in early August, the scene where the hundreds of children are being born from one mother created an odd feeling.
Aside from the weirdness of the birth, and I cant wait for related dream where my child is born that way, Nightwing is what the 1970’s and 1980’s Batman was. This issue featured high action with a bizarre mystery against a villain out to rule the world; just like the old Batman stories.
I will avoid my “Batman Lite” rant, but I do have to say Nightwing is that perfect cross between the confident ass kicking machine and witty/sarcastic hero - a perfect blend between the Big Two’s main characters; Batman and Spider-Man.
As insane as this story line may seem, the dialog and interaction between all of the characters from the Bat-family down to the two main villains make Nightwing a comic that could have easily held its own back in the day.
Rann-Thanagar Holy War #2
I am predicting that the panel to the right is foreshadowing the coming of Lobo. If I am right, I fear that all of the enjoyment I have for this mini-series may be lost. So instead of focusing on what may happen, lets talk about the entertainment from this particular issue.
I love science fiction, I love space operas in the DCU, and mostly I loved Ron Lim’s art on the Silver Surfer. Add these three things together and I don’t care if the same story is redone every couple years with a new twist… heck there are countries in the Middle East who are constantly at war so why couldn’t Rann and Thangar be? Plus a couple new characters are added into this installment: the new Captain Comet and the Weird.
Robin Spoiler Special #1
This book has been getting a lot of bad press, or blogging about it on the net… but I liked it.
I am a sucker for one-shots and the Bat-family, especially a character from the Chuck Dixon run on Robin. I always liked the love triangle between Steph and Tim, it reminded me of the great Superman-Lois-Clark love triangles of the past.
The first story in this issue showed the dynamic of Steph and Tim’s relationship in both costume and street clothes. The differences between clean cut Tim and living on the edge Steph are fun to watch with Steph being the leader and more aggressive out of costume. In costume is another story, here Robin takes the leader and aggressor role. This first story and the dynamic between these two similar but different characterswas a lot of fun to read .
The second story could have easily been titled “Spoiler: Year One.” It dealt with where Steph went after faking her death and how hiding in Africa was not who she really was. The art was beautiful for this story and because of that, the story worked. I believe that Steph can be part of this “new” Bat-family… especially since she used Batman’s shtick to save the day.
Trinity #1
WOW! I have never been a fan of Mark Bagley because in my mind Erik Larson drew the best Spier-Man and Bagley followed up Larson’s run on the title.
With that being said, I have to admit his art is quite pretty and he can draw one awesome looking Batman. I loved 52 because of the story, not because of the “B” characters. On the flip side, I was disappointed by Contdown, not because of the “B” characters but because of the story. Trinity I liked, even though it didn’t feature “B” characters; it has one of the best introduction stories I have read in a long time… I can’t wait to read the next issue. Usually I am one who hates continued issues that do not feel complete, but with a weekly series, I can handle it just like I do for television shows.
The story starts out with an awesome setup of a cosmic being that looks to be more powerful than Marvel’s Mighty Galactus ending with what looks to be the beginning of a cosmic “anti” trinity. Oh and I am calling it now that the “Enigma” is the Riddler from some Earth… yes I believe it will be that obvious and thats part of the fun.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
The All New Atom #24
First off, how come nobody told me that the next issue was the last issue? I had to find out by reading the caption at the end of the issue! Why the hell do I have all of you fake internet friends on forums and whatever-spaces if you are just going to keep secrets from me? The All New Atom has been one of my favorite “must read first” comics every month and now it will be no more.
This story line, with the Ryan’s own subatomic monster wreaking havoc in both the real and subatomic world has not been one of my favorites, but the one liners and coherent story that tied all the way back to issue #1 made up for my dislike of mutant worm thing. In this issue almost all questions are finally answered, including some that were supposedly answered back in issue 20. It seems as if Ray Palmer never knew Ryan Choi and the letters and the Atom’s belt left for Ryan was all part of Chrono’s elaborate plan.
What plan am I referring too? I don’t know but next issue, the final issue, we will find out. I was worried that all of the details that were clues for future stories and the snappy dialog would be lost once Gail Simone left the title, but Rick Remender has moved the story forward towards the “big finish” seamlessly. As much as I will be sad to see the final issue, this has been the best 25 consecutive issues I have ever read and collected; making this easily the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.
Last Week In Comics: God Calls Collect
This week’s feature may be a little shorter than normal since most of my time has been dedicated to building my arcade cabinet… I don’t know if it is because I am grumpy, tired, or sick but I had a hard time liking many of last week’s comics…. anyway, lets begin:
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
and I was just wondering why God only appeared and talked to all of those ancient folks…
The above dialog was the only shining moment of Batman and the Outsiders #6. The series continues to focus on action without too much in the way of plot. I understand that it will take Chuck Dixon time to reshape a book created and originally planned by another writer to his personal vision, but six issues later and the only thing consistent about the book is the bickering between characters and stealth missions… And… where the hell did Ralph and Sue Dibny, the Ghost Detectives, that joined the team last issue go?
Nothing says “drama” like an interrogation with a phone book. Catwoman #78 delivers great Will Pfeifer action, plot, dialog, and characters… too bad I am not interested in the Jail Planet anymore. I just hope Selina gets back to Earth for a couple issues before her series is canceled.
Countdown to Final Crisis #2 Was freaking awesome. We finally got to see freaking Darkseid fight his freaking son Orion. The horror of Final Crisis if finally freaking here! Plus on one panel two characters couldn’t seem come up with more than one freaking adjective… some super-heroes should play more Mad-Libs.
Gotham Underground #7 has the war between the Penguin and Tobias Whale escalate and then abruptly end. When this series first started it was a great slug fest featuring all of the Bat-family and some, and issue 7 seemed as if too much plot was squeezed into a couple pages. The art is fantastic, energetic, and reminiscent of the late 80’s and early 90’s eye candy (and I am not just saying that because I know the inker - Jack Purcell). This issue was not as good as the previous six, but with the next issue being the conclusion second to last issue, I am looking forward to seeing how this all ties together and more dynamic artwork showcasing the heroes and villains of Gotham.
I have said before that Robin is becoming the Worlds Greatest Detective that Batman was in the late ’70s, and Robin #173 is an example of that. I used to be upset when DC would bring back a dead character, but with Hal Jordan, Jason Todd, Ra’s Al Ghul, and other once dead characters running around the DCU I am not shocked with the possible return of the Spoiler. Chuck Dixon is a great writer and I have faith in his return to the book he created that the return of the Spoiler, whether it is Stephannie or not, will be handled well.
Yes Joker we get it… now lets get these villains back on Earth… I don’t know about you but I find it awkward that psychopath street wise villains, such as the Joker, are on an alien planet in Salvation Run #7. The Joker just does not strike me as a “cosmic” type of guy…
Superman #675 shows Superman “teaming up” with the enemy he was fighting when aliens choose to attack him. Superman lives up to his “ultimate boyscout” image by attempting to help the injured Daxamites who a couple pages earlier tried to destroy the Earth. The best part was the art when Mon-El was telling the history of the Golem that was released to destroy the planet.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
Amazing Spider-Man #557
No Mayan Snow Ninjas, instead it was Spidey vs a Mayan Snow God! Last week Spider-Man was the best of the week based almost solely on the “extremely unexpected supernatural storyline and classic dialog.” Again these reasons are why Wells’ and Bachalo’s take on Spider-Man is not only the Best of Last Week, it is also THE BEST SINCE BRAND NEW DAY! Because of the last three issues I am not looking forward to the return of the Freak and the Menace I will be forever wishing for more Mayan Snow Ninjas.
FnF: Week Off for Training
Bahlactus postpones:
Friday Night Fights KNOCKOUT!!! Round 10!
Postponement of the round is due to some duplicate
posts from Round 9.
Training is recommended for Round 10…
Robin #122
Bill Willingham - Writer
Rick Mays - Pencils
Last Week In Comics: Full of Bat-Stuff
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
How can I resist a Monty Python reference… or the fact that the dino is easily seen in every Bat-Cave shot.
Superman & Batman 46 was the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK!Last month we saw Aquaman stand up to both Batman and Superman laying a little “Eco-Guilt” on both heroes, mainly the Man of Steel. Apparently Aquaman’s guilt trip only lasted as long as his monthly series because Bats and Supes are once again ridding the world of Kryptonite. This month’s quest puts Superman in contact with what Red Arrow calls “Magic-K.” What is magic K you ask, well it seems to be the equivalent to marijuana to Kryptonians. Superman Batman #46 is the JLU meets Half Baked, with a little Monty Python and the Holy Grail to make it easily the best comic of last week.
Batman Confidential 13 Scooby-Doo mask wearing Batman gave me happy flashbacks of the Jim Arpo days, which is appropriate since this series takes place during the Disco Nightwing days.
I always wondered how Batman’s ears fit under those masks?
Birds of Prey 115 put me through the same trite arguments I hear from my middle schoolers everyday. The plot between Misfit and Black Alice does nothing for me and seems to be moving too slow to be going anywhere either.
Robin 171 marks the return of the “Red Bird.” I find it awesome that Chuck Dixon is back and all of a sudden so is the Red Bird. Dixon can write a good story but the Spoiler stuff seems forced, but I like the detective work and am glad that Dixon is continuing the detective aspect of the book from before his return.
Quick Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man 551: This issue gets my “Meh” award for the week. The dialog is great as is the humor, but the story is so-so. I would highly suggest reading this issue and continuing the series because since Brand New Day began each issue ties together smoothly without the “wait for the trade” feel.
Batman and the Outsiders 4: Lets bring in a new character to the team to fight another member of the team - twice. Yeah, thats about it other than a reprogrammed “good” OMAC named “REMAC” that can shape shift in the same visual manner as Mystique from the X-Men movies.
Catwoman 76: A great read, a fun read with Selina having Superman type powers on an alternate Earth. Like I said fun, but I see no real point to the issue.
Countdown 10: This was so bad that I… purchased and read it anyway. I am so invested in this series and yet it has so let me down recently. I have been complaining for the rushed story the last couple of weeks. I feel that the rushing of the story is ruining characterizations that were formed at the beginning, now the art is joining in. The art for this issue was horrible… no witty criticisms, it was that bad.
Justice League of America 18: Slow and action packed… This story could have been done in one issue instead of being broken into three parts (the third part coming next month) instead we get what could be the middle of a great story with a better back-up. Yes the Red Tornado story is far better than the extended version of Sanctuary.
Superman Confidential 12: Yeah, this one is not doing it for me. Both Confidential books are hit or miss with me so I will not be picking up the rest of this Toy Man story. I’ll try again next arc.
Last Week In Comics: Booster and a Beetle
Countdown 15 proves that as the story gets better so does the clichés.
Snoop Dogg, Rick James, the Juggernaut, and now Donna Troy
Robin 170 may not have had the triumphant return of Chuck Dixon that I was expecting, but seeing this scene made me chuckle. I like the humor and the odd training reference, but after spending all of the holidays playing Super Mario Galaxy
Catwoman 74 is a tie into Salvation Run and transports Selina to a different Earth in the Multiverse. I am enjoying Countdown, but all the tie-ins are becoming quite annoying especially since every other Batman caries a gun.
Batman hates guns. Because he hates guns and has not used them every writer who can write an alternate Earth’s Batman wants to make him bust some caps… seriously, I’m getting tired of it.
Birds of Prey 114 not that good. The solicit at the end for issue 115 was better… need I post more.
Quick Reviews
Amazing Spider-Man 547: Jameson’s heart attack prompts Pete to don his Spider-Man uniform once again to save the Daily Bugle from bankruptcy. Only having one web-shooter after being mugged, Peter decides to get some pictures of Spidey taking down the mugger who has his lost web-shooter, killing two birds with one stone. En-route Spidey busts up some Chinese mask wearing mafia thugs… I don’t really get this part of the storyline. The Peter Parker/Daily Bugle story is what I am enjoying the most.
Booster Gold 6: Booster Gold and the Blue Beetle are the best comics that DC puts out on a monthly basis- period! In this issue Booster teams up with the past, present, and future Blue Beetle and travel back to in time to save Ted Kord. Along with an clever Beetles reference, Booster joins the Beetles and successfully saves Ted Kord. Needless to say that Rip Hunter is pissed since he did not see a “chronal disturbance” that would be fixed by saving Ted. This book is a great read, single issue stories that all tie together into one awesomely weaved complex story. The shattering of Booster’s goggles to replace dead Ted’s goggles that were sent to Batman to set of Infinite Crisis is a great example of the detail that makes this book constantly great. Best Comic from Last Week!
Justice League of America 17: Um… the backup story featuring Vixen was better than the main story, and even that was not too good. The main story of JLA 17 is that the league is finally figured out that Waller and her Suicide Squad has something to do with the missing villains. Oh, and at the same time a bunch of villains break into the Hall of Justice to seek protection from the Suicide Squad… what great timing… Yeah, you can skip this one… assuming you wait almost a week after a book is out to read my review before you purchase it.
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