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:
- Hush looks like Bruce, possibly with new scars
- Hush is not wealthy like his nemesis anymore causing more hate
- Hush now knows where the Bat-Cave is
- and the one I can’t figure out… If one of the main points in this issue is to prove that Bruce and Selina love each other and want to be together, then what caused Bruce to be with Jesibel Jet? Could Bruce and Selina raise Helena together after R.I.P. is over - just like in old Earth 2?
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.
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:
- Because Jack Purcell, who I worked on my Masters Degree with, will be inking the covers to some upcoming issues.
- 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:
- A giant space entity gives the Trinity nightmares.
- A fight against an alien creature reminiscent of Doomsday occurs.
- A tarot card reader is attacked by werewolves.
- Wonder Woman gets branded on her shoulder.
- Items found on tarot cards have been stolen from museums all over the world.
- and, There is an evil trinity forming and diligently watching the heroes.
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.
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: The Short “Long Weekend” Version
Because of the long weekend here goes a shortened holiday version of…
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
Only 3 more issues… and they wasted the last couple on that damn prison planet!
Amazing Spider-Man #560: Ok about what I said last week… I was wrong. I like the character twist having Peter being one of the paparazzi. This is definitely a character piece, and because of the emphasis on characters the “flat Stanley” emo stalker chick works. Oh, and the big reviel at the end… not so big for me… lets keep moving on with the current story… it may not be wise to bring back the read-head and bring back remembered hatred along with her.
Batman and the Outsiders #7 was horribly slow… It reminds me of a poorly written story by one of my middle school students. You know that story where there are three pages of a monster chasing the main characters through a haunted house only to end when the teenage writer gets bored and has the characters jump out of the window and run home… This issue is exactly the same but replace monster with space zombies, have Metamorpho as the main character, and instead of a haunted house it is a space station.
Catwoman #79 brings Selina back to the real world into a really good story. Since One Year Later and up until that Salvation Run crap Catwoman has been highly entertaining. Now that Catwoman is on Earth again and the story picks up it sucks that the series is rumored to be canceled.
Justice League of America #21 was a real short story but filled the whole book. Here is what happened:
- The big three have a secret room in the Hall of Justice and discuss that keeping secrets is a bad idea.
- A third rate villain is reintroduced with a great summary of his back story and hatred for costume do-gooders.
- Lastly, Libra rescues him and convinces a bunch of villains that they should try the “team-up” thing again… but this time it will work.
The best part of this issue was even though only three things happened, they were detailed enough to satisfy me as a reader.
Robin #174 was anticlimactic… Spoiler’s true identity was finally reveled and didn’t even have a “Super-Punch,” multiple Earth, or even Lazaurs Pit explanation… just a plain old “I faked my own death” that was met with a “Meh, I suspected so” by the worlds greatest detective. What a letdown.
Yeah on this Memorial Day weekend I read how Amanda Waller make a Kryptonite/Human/Doomsday hybrid out of a young solider in Superman and Batman #48. Yes, not only did the U.S.A. fund a bunker full of Kryptonite weapons to kill Superman, you know “Truth, Justice, and the American Way” dude, they also played God with their own soldier’s humanity to accomplish it… Happy Memorial Day folks!
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
BIRDS OF PREY #118
I know that if I see the “Sightings” banner at the top of a DC Comic then it relates to Final Crisis… but I did not know what to expect when I saw a “The Dark Side Culb” banner at the top of this comic.
After reading the comic, I get the reference but I don’t get why it gets its own banner. This issue revolves around a teenage Fight Club and a “big reveal” at the end, both of which do not dissapoint. The fight club and gambling ring is headed up by a large bald man with no pupils know as “Boss Dark Side.” All of the fighters in this club have been drugged and brainwashed into fighting by a large “gangsta” woman named “Granny.” In fact every worker at the Dark Side Club shares a name with characters from Apokolips.
The novelty of the Dark Side Club was not the only reason that this was the best comic of last week. The characters of Misfit and Black Alice make a great love/hate relationship which works well in this series… espeicaly since I was wondering why Misfit was ever introduced into BOP… but needless to say the dynamic gets even better with the big reveal at the end making this THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK.
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/Super-Punch Necessary!
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 = Filler!
“–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
A little bit of funny, and…
… 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!
Last Week In Comics: Earth’s New Inconvenient Truth
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
Bizzaro is a backwards Superman vs Non who’s name is Non backwards.
Action Comics Annual #11 is the conclusion to the Last Son arc that originally started in 2006. When the arc started I was enjoying the new take on the Zod, the Kryptonian criminals from the Phantom Zone, and even the young Chris Kent.
Seeing Lex Luthor share with Superman all the ways that the evil genius had concocted to kill the Kryptonian so that together they could put Zod and his army back into the Phantom Zone was classic. The only part, other than waiting so long, that I have questions about from this issue is where is Chris?
In the stories that take place after the first parts of this story line in the monthly series we see Chris living as Lois and Clark’s adopted son, yet he goes missing at the end of this annual… so how did he come back? Wikipedia has an interesting take on this story and the fact that Chris has been featured in recent Superman comics: “Interestingly, due to the pronounced scheduling problems with the arc, a line of dialogue was incorporated into Action Comics Annual #11 (”I even got to meet Robin.”) that insinuates that the invasion of Zod’s army took place after Chris received his wristwatch, which would place the events of Superman #664, 668, and 673 chronologically before those of Action Comics #846 (despite the fact that the latter was released earlier).”
If not for the dialog and story that is all the Atom would do
“shrink and punch stuff really hard.”
All New Atom #23 continues the saga of the monster from Ryan’s blood. Last issue Ryan enlarged a monster from in his blood that was making him ill. The monster then rampaged through Ivy Town attacking people. In this issue we see that the monster did not eat/kill it’s victims, but instead sent them to a microscopic savage lane. I still don’t get the whole “monster in the blood” aspect and that makes this “savage land” story weird.
I liked this concept better when it was (and still is - read below) called The War That Time Forgot.
I know that Spidey has always been slightly Emo, but drugs?
Amazing Spider-Man #558 features both new villains from Brand New Day: Menace and Freak…both of which I hate. Menace may be a good villain after the connection, or no connection, to Osborne and the Green Goblin is made but this is dragging on too long. And don’t get me started on the mutated stem cell drug addict… Bring back the Mayan Snow Ninjas, they made Spidey the best comic of that week.
Three words: Childs Play - Chucky
When I started to get back into comic in the ’80s one of the first Batman arcs I purchased was the Grant and Breyfogle Scarface origin. Detective Comics #844 gives the origin of the new, and possibly now deceased, Ventriloquist and Scarface. Even though the action was limited in this issue I enjoyed the detail and intricate nature of the origin. The only gripe I have is where is Jezebel Jet, the woman that is rumored to make Bruce give up the Bat, instead we get the continued flirtation with Zantana.
Iron Man: Manowar - A Valiant/Marvel Crossover and Game - Part 2
Invincible Iron Man #1 had a cover that made me think of big Joe’s work at Valiant Comics yet the inside featured a story that most people could just pick up and enjoy. This was not my favorite issue of Iron Man, but with the success of the movie this comic is a great starting point for new readers.
In the words of Indiana Jones and Silent Bob: “No ticket!”
Nightwing #144 featured some of most fluid action shots of a hero who was a circus acrobat prior to being a vigilante. Not only has Nightwing been confident, smart, and high on action the story has also been engaging. It may be developing slowly but I like the character moments - this was a great read.
Veterans from every war fighting a T-Rex - SWEET!
The War That Time Forgot #1 was exactly what I expected - soldiers fighting in Jurassic Park. I never read the original title and I am not sure if the original featured soldiers from all different wars stuck in this savage land. I loved this book until the end… I am looking forward to the next issue hoping to explain and make sense of this issue’s last page.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
Rann-Thangar Holy War #1
I thought former Vice President Al Gore was worried about humans ruining the Earth.
I love good Science Fiction, hence the site’s name: SpaceBooger. You know a comic is automaticaly the best comic of the week when imediately after reading it you pull out the Adam Strange, Rann-Thangar War, Mysteries in Space, and 52 to reread in preperation for the rest of the miniseries.
J. Jonah Jameson is a TV Talker
It started at the ISB, edited by RJ, showcased at BeaucoupKevin, and now it has invaded SpaceBooger:
What is JJJ yelling at the TV set?
Join in the fun by grabbing a blank image from RJ
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.
Last Week In Comics: Mayan Snow Ninjas!
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
All New Atom #22 continues to entertain us with the attack of the killer virus, or subatomic monster. No, I am not referring to the virus that was built up in Countdown to Final Crisis and wiped out a whole Earth in one issue… No this virus is from the blood of one superhero know as the Atom. The monster that was enlarged from Ryan Choi’s blood continues to ravage Ivy Town like something out of a “B Movie.” As much as I want to pull a MST3K on this issue, I can’t because it was a fun read:. Te best part of the issue is a tossup between the angry homeowner and the demise of the forced romantic interest.
Amazing Spider-Man #555 had the Webhead being all emo like, cracking jokes with Wolverine, and then fighting Mayan Snow Ninjas… Yeah… I said Mayan Snow Ninjas… At first I was disappointed by the continual whining by Peter Parker and even more annoyed by the random encounter with the Mayan Snow Ninjas… But after thinking about all of the Avengers books and this Secret Invasion crap… I decided this silliness is just what Marvel needs. Reading this issue again for the review I decided that I liked this randomness from a Marvel book… it was kind of different… it was fun.
Detective Comics #843 almost made Best Comic of Last Week. It’s dialog was superb from the interaction of Batman and the scared security guard to the flirting of Zatanna, shown above. The issue showed the return of Scarface with a new Ventriloquist, any comic with a well written Scarface is a good comic in my opinion. As I already mentioned the best part of this issue was Zatanna almost begging Bruce to “go steady” since she was the one to erase his memory.
WTF!
As much as I would be interested to see how writers would handle a Batman/Zatanna love affair I think it is quite odd that Batman would be willing to fool around with someone who could, and already had, erased his memory during Identity Crisis. If it was not for that little weirdness this comic and the inclusion of the Moose, this comic would have easily been the best of last week.
Tec 843 also has the return of the recipient of one of Batman’s best KO punches as shown in Friday Night Fights: Knockout! Round 12.
Nightwing 142 again plays the strengths of Dick Grayson well. Nightwing is a master detective like his mentor, but unlike his mentor he is a people person and a leader. All of these character traits are played out well in this team up with Robin to infiltrate the base of those responsible for reanimating dead super-villains. The interaction between Nightwing and Robin was funny it almost reminded me of a Wonder Years episode. Even though it was a sub par ending to the story arc the interaction between the original Boy Wonder and his newest replacement made this issue a fun read.
Secret Invasion #1… Crap! I should have not flipped through it before I read it because once I came to this checklist for 33 crossover issues with more to come after summer I decided not to read it. Thanks Marvel way to scare me off. I only buy Spider-Man comics and was willing to give this “big event” a chance so that maybe I would get back into the Marvel universe upon the completion of the crossover, but NO you had to scare me away with too many tie in titles.
and…
THE BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK:
Action Comics #863
Action Comics #863 was the final issue of the saga of the future Justice League and its crusade against aliens. When this story arc first began it started off slow and I still had an awkward taste from the last interaction of Superman and the Legion in “The Lightning Saga,” but as the story moved on I really began to like it more. The ending seals the deal. Now after seeing Superman being the Superman I remember and enjoy from my youth (see the above image) and stopping a war with just his presence and command, I have to admit that this is my favorite Superman arc since Infinite Crisis… yes this even surpasses the phenomenal “Up Up and Away!” story arc.
Other comics worth mentioning… but maybe not worth buying:
Countdown #4: Ok, we apparently are back to the Jason, Kyle, Dona, Mary, and Ray Palmer story… well after a couple issues of non related content to their cause I completely lost interest. There is only three issues to go so I will finish the series, but I have to admit that the writing and pacing of this weekly series will make me think twice before picking up the next weekly series.
Supergirl #28: MMM DROP!
Last Week In Comics: Amazing Spider-Man 554 was better the first time as the “Death of Superman”
SpaceBooger’s weekly review of last weeks comics is back giving a fresh take on 5-day-old comics:
In Batman and the Outsiders #5 Geo Force says enough is enough… a crisis looses meaning the third or fifth time around. I miss the Barr and Arparo Batman and the Outsiders, no matter how much I like Chuck Dixon’s work this new series doesn’t have the same appeal.
Amazing Spider-Man #554 was better than the last two issues together. This issue had it all: Spidey still hated by the public, the dumb Parker luck, and a Meth smoking super villain. Not only is he hopped-up his origin revolves around Stem Cell research.
Where have I heard this before?
Yeah, I liked this idea the first time when Doomsday killed Superman and didn’t offend any pro-life organizations.
I am resisting the urge to make the obvious “fastest man alive” joke. Instead I will say that since the death of Bart Allen the Flash is quickly running out of time on my pull list. The Flash #238 may have been the last straw. Not only is Wally’s family hampering the story the main villain takes National Enquirer headlines and makes them come true…
There is something about juvenile humor that keeps cracking me up this week. In Robin #172 we see the return of my favorite mortal who believes he is a god: Maxie Zeus. The story moves slowly with a great scene between Tim and Zoanne’s father. The issues ending threw a hint at the upcoming Robin/Spoiler one shot… but the solicit for next weeks issue said “Bizarre Love Triangle” showing images of Robin, Violet, and Spoiler… since when did Tim inherit Dick’s womanizing Robin trait? Or is it just a bad solicit? I guess we will have to wait until next week.
Superman/Batman Annual #2 was the BEST COMIC LAST WEEK!
This issue takes place in the past, a past where Alfred just learns of Superman’s secret identity and Robin goes all “fanboy” when he first meets the Man of Steel. This issue was hands down the BEST COMIC OF LAST WEEK, and even the best DC comic featuring the Big Two in a while. S/B Annual #2 was a stand alone issue where Superman becomes powerless and Bruce shows his human side. With Superman powerless Batman and Robin are watching the chaos erupt in Metropolis when Robin gives one of the best quotes in comic history: “Gotham needs Batman and Robin, but the WORLD needs Superman.”
Batman proceeds to train a powerless Clark Kent to fight crime again, but he does not just strengthen Clark’s body Batman focuses on Clark’s spirit. In the end the training of Clark’s spirit and Robin’s reminder of who Superman really is powers our hero up just in time to save the day.
Other Stuff I Read Last Week
Birds of Prey #116: Ready for the next story arc, but I may not buy it.
Catwoman #77: Can we get Selina back to reality? There were some good character building moments in this issue, but if I have to read about Catwoman in an virtual reality I should only have to buy it with virtual cash.Countdown 6: This was a good issue and it reminded me that there really are writers for this series. The narrative of Earth ?’s Buddy Baker was informative and entertaining. I could follow the story clearly and now know that Karate Kid released a virus that will wipe out every human on every of the 52 Earths. The best part was that the narrator was Buddy Baker - Jack Kirby’s original OMAC.
Justice League of America #19: Blah… I am really getting tired of all this Salvation Run stuff… It’s not that good of a story to be crossing over into Gotham Underground, Catwoman, and Justice League of America.
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