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August Comics by Mike-oh
Here's a quick review of the comics I'm reading this month. Updated each week. Descriptions are pulled from Midtown Comics' web site (New York City's finest comic book shop). Editorial is what I write.

Week of August 30

52 Week #17
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Chris Batista

Editorial:
Lobo has gotten religion. It still doesn't stop him from feeling up Starfire. And Luthor's superteam looks like it's got problems, too. Not a lot of story progressing action in this issue. There have certainly been better issues of 52. But I really like where all of this is headed, or seems to be headed, so I'll keep reading.

Action Comics #842
DC
Writer: Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza
Artist: Pete Woods

Editorial:
This issue of Action has one of my favorite moments of the week. Superman and a whole bunch of other heroes and supervillains have all been kidnapped by a giant Space trader who scours the universe looking for items to auction (like the Eiffel Tower as a giant pencil sharpener). Superman and his superfriends have figured out how much time it will take to reach the device that dampens their powers. But it becomes quickly obvious that there's no way to do it before the backup system comes online. No way that is, unless Superman takes a powerless leap off a hundred stories above the core with the hopes that his friends will shut off the dampener just seconds before he falls to his doom. To be continued. Awesome. Excellent cliff hanger. I will absolutely be picking up the next issue of Action.

All-Star Superman #5
DC
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely

Editorial:
I wish Grant Morrison would write a couple of these types of stories every month. It would change the whole comic book industry. Each issue of this series has been a fun, entertaining story that stands alone but apparently all ties together into one great ride. In this issue, we get a little more of the underlying plot as Clark visits Lex in prison. Luthor reveals that he is aware of Superman's emminent doom as a result of his over-esposure to the sun. He also reveals to Clark that he could choose to leave prison at any time but instead chooses to stick around for his own execution. I particularly like how Morrison has Clark saving Luthor on more than one occassion and avoiding contact with the Parasite, using his super powers secretely all along the way without ever exposing his identity. It makes for terrific dialogue as Luthor shoots his mouth off the whole time.

Justice #7
DC
Writer: Jim Krueger, Alex Ross
Artist: Doug Braithwaite, Alex Ross

Editorial:
Superman and Captain Marvel work together to save Flash's hash. Martian Manhunter and Zatanna work togther to save Aquaman's hash. Hawkman and Hawkgirl work together to destroy a few hundred Brainiac duplicates. And even cooler moments inlcude a visit with the Doom Patrol and a massive rendezvous at Superman's Fortress of Solitude. I'm still pretty fuzzy on most of the plot details which will probably be all cleared up once I go back and re-read all the issues together. But at least this issue has several great smaller moments that keep it entertaining while I continue to try to figure this out.

Trials of Shazam! #1
DC
Writer: Judd Winick
Artist: Howard Porter

Editorial:
I'm a big Captain Marvel fan from way back. I started reading Captain Marvel stories beginning with the first DC issue of Shazam! Since that first series, DC has made several missteps in relaunching the Big Red Cheese. Along the way, I've always liked Alex Ross' treatment the best. That is until now. I'm ecstatic about this new direction. Captain Marvel and Billy Batson both have new powers and new responsibilities. And by the end of this first issue, even those changes seem like they are in jeapordy of changing again.

Elephantmen #1 & 2
Image
Writer: Richard Starking
Artist: Moritat, Flint Henry

Description:
They were genetically engineered to be supra-human weapons of mass destruction, but now they must walk amongst the people they were created to destroy. Hip Flask and Ebony Hide count amongst their number: Elephantmen. Even when befriended by a small girl, Hide is still haunted by his past and is forced to recognize that suspicion and contempt will always be his constant companions.

Editorial:
After reading Michael Vance's review of Elephantman last week, I had to go out and pick up a copy for myself. A picked up two issues as a matter of fact. And I'm glad I did. This is fresh, excciting, and sentimental, too. I love this strange world that Starking has created and I can't wait to find out what happens with these weird animalmen next. Highly recommended.

Jack Kirby's Galactic Bounty Hunters #2
Marvel
Writer: Lisa Kirby, Steve Robertson
Artist: Jack Kirby, Mike Thibodeaux

Editorial:
This is pretty corny stuff. The characters names and their dialogue are laughable. But some of the art is Jack Kirby's and that almost makes it worth it. It's a real shame though. One would think that this was being done as an homage to the King but if it was a real homage they would have gotten Steve Rude to do the art and Warren Ellis or Neil Gaiman to handle the writing. The Eternals is a great homage to Jack Kirby. This, unfortunately, looks more like profitting off of his great name.

Week of August 23

52 Week #16
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Joe Bennett

Editorial:
Well, Black Adam and Isis done got hitched. Captain Marvel did the marryin'. The whole Marvel Family were there. But it was The Question and Renee who ended up saving the day. All in all, a pretty good story with pretty bad art.

Batman #656
DC
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Andy Kubert

Editorial:
Ninja Man-bats. That should be like freakin' kickass. But it wasn't. Thanks to some less than stellar art from Andy Kubert. Don't get me wrong. I'm a big Kubert fan. I loved the art for Ultimate X-men, Origin, and 1602. No doubt, the guy has the chops for Batman. But apparently not for ninja man-bats. There was just nothing ninja about them. Except that they had swords and ninja stars. And their faces were too comical to be considered scary. I lay part of the blame at Grant Morrison's feet. A good writer writes to the artist's strengths. And ninja man-bats is not Andy's strength.

Justice League of America #1
DC
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artist: Ed Benes

Editorial:
Red Tornado is now human but still has his android tornado powers. I'm not really buying it just because I don't really think that the physical properties of a robot's mechanics are directly transferrable to the physical properties of a human's mechanics. I suppose you could argue that this particular human body was a metahuman duplicate body so that it gives its strange powers of adaptability to its host. But if you argued with any part of this discussion that would only make you a bigger nerd than I. This whole review has just gone to hell. I have to quit writing now. Thanks for nothing, Brad. (P.S. I did like the story overall and the art was top notch).

Wonder Woman #2
DC
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Artist: Terry Dodson

Editorial:
These guys are making me a fan of Wonder Woman all over a gain. Although, if you're a new reader, this has got to be leaving you in the dust. Too bad. Wonder Woman is one of those iconic characters that should be easy to jump on board with at anytime. It's not really my problem, though, is it? I'm glad to already be on board and enjoyin' the ride.

Astonishing X-Men #16
Marvel
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday

Editorial:
Neat little trick that Kitty Pryde does when she hides in a mirror to sucker in Emma Frost and then drags Frost down into the depths of the Earth to trap the bitch. And I was completely bagged by the reveal at the end that Colossus is the mutant that will supposedly mean the doom of the planet. Cool. This is such awesome X-men goodness. The art is fantastic (and improved over last issue's slippage) and the story keeps me holding my breath for months at a time.

Daredevil #88
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: David Aja

Editorial:
This was a one off story that focuses mostly on Foggy Nelson. Nothing important was revealed here as far as I could tell. And the next story arc has DD in Europe so it looks like the Foggy thread will be left hanging for a while yet. I really liked the substitute art of David Aja. Very emotional.

Eternals #3
Marvel
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artist: John Romita Jr.

Editorial:
John Romita's art is absolutely amazing in this issue. Especially his Iron Man. As I've mistakenly said in the past, I thought Romita Jr. was washed up. His later work on Spider-Man, the Grey Area, and Black Panther all left me feeling like he was just mailing it in. It looks like he's creating a masterpiece this time out. There are so many amazing panels, I can see why the other creatives at Marvel always have such positive praise for this artist. Neil Gaiman's no slouch either.

The Ultimates Annual #2
Marvel
Writer: Charlie Huston
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr, Ryan Sook

Editorial:
I really liked the art in the flashback sequences pencilled by Ryan Sook. It had a real Hellboy feel to it that got me jazzed. Maybe it was the nazis. Anyway, I enjoyed this issue almost as much as I enjoyed the Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual. Almost.

Week of August 16

Conan #31
Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Cary Nord

Editorial:
This is the third and final issue of this arc. All along, I can't help wishing that Mike Mignola was writing and drawing this book on a regular basis. These three issues, although wonderful, are basically just a tease. This Conan story is like so many others. And classic in this regard. Conan makes his way into a mysterious and magical castle where he meets monsters and mystical creatures, grabs the gorgeous goblet (or whatever) and then barely escapes with his life. Usually he meets some interesting folk along the way. Mike does a terrific job with this format. It reminds me of a lot of Hellboy stories when you look at it like that. But I do think that if Mike was on this all the time, he would eventually feel compelled to deviate from the format and that's when the real magic would begin.

52 Week #15
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Shawn Moll

Description:
It’s the death you never expected! Plus, the origin of Metamorpho by Mark Waid & Eric Powell (The Goon)!

Editorial:
Booster Gold, good-bye and good riddance. I'm glad that's over. Great story and I must be getting used to the mediocre art because it seems to be improving. I hope this isn't one of those things where consistent sub-par work eventually causes everyone to lower their standards. That would be the worst possible outcome produced by DC's grand experiment.

Nextwave Agents Of HATE #7
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Stuart Immonen

Description:
What? You haven’t read the first six issues of NEXTWAVE: AGENTS OF H.A.T.E.? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND? Here’s a quick rundown of what you missed: SuperheroesfightingexplosionsexAvengersFinFangFoomgiantflyingsubmarine
monstrositiesformerX-ForcebabeexplosionskickingMachineManpunching
giantevilcoprobotshotEnglishchicksecretterroristorganizationsEXPLOSIONS! Whew! And that’s only six issues! But don’t worry! It’s never too late to join the party! In this issue, the Nextwave Squad faces an army of Mindless Ones!!! Yes, insanely powerful stone men without faces! You cannot miss it!

Editorial:
This issue is even better than the entire first arc. I didn't think it was possible. Reading Nextwave is like watching Dread Zeppelin in concert. With Dread Zeppelin, you have a reggae band of white guys in black face wearing fake dreadlocks covering Elvis/Led Zeppelin fusion tracks with a wild lead guitarist named Buttboy who wears nothing but a stuffed elephant g-string playing with a lead singer named Tort Elvis who is a very bad fat Elvis impersonator. These guys play music that totally rocks your socks off. At the same time, you watch these guys perform and you totally laugh your ass off. Reading Nextwave is like that. It leaves you standing there without your socks or your ass but you don't care because it was so damn entertaining.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #32
Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Greg Land

Description:
The Millar/Land run comes to an Earth-shattering conclusion as the Ultimate F.F. are locked in a battle to the death with their zombie counterparts from an alternate Earth! Tying into events from the best-selling Marvel Zombies limited series, this is the explosive climax to the amazing series of events that go back to Mark Millar’s first issue...and the ending is enough to make George Romero lose his lunch.

Editorial:
Kick ass. Mark Millar has finally done it. He has written an ending that matches the intensity of his story. This ending is also an appropriate one for wrapping up his run on Ultimate FF. I particularly appreciate the loose threads that are left hanging. Should give future story tellers something to chew on. Doom's choice comes as a big surprise but makes sense. I really loved the criss-crossing of characters and events as this came to a climax. It reminded me in some ways of Guy Ritchie's Lock Stock and Two Smokin' Barrels.

Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual #2
Marvel
Writer: Mike Carey
Artist: Stuart Immonen, Frazer Irving

Description:
Something strange has happened at Nursery Two, the Baxter Building’s Think Tank counterpart in Oregon. It’s disappeared, seemingly swallowed up by the earth itself! And if you think that heralds the return of the macabre Mole Man...go to the head of the class. Featuring an awesome exploration of a subterranean world that will simply take your breath away...if not your life!

Editorial:
Ultimate FF fans get a heapin' second helpin' this month with the Ultimate FF annual. And it's a very substantial helpin' at that. I really appreciate these single issue stories that deliver so much from cover to cover without requiring you to wait for another month just to find out what happens next. Grant Morrison has been doing this with All-Star Superman and I think it's just great. This ish of UFF is absolutely fabulous. The return of the Mole Man is a great story with adventure and action that takes place in this underworld providing a full-throttle thrill ride. Even if you don't follow this title regularly, pick up this issue. You won't be disappointed. And on a side note, I am now officially a giant fan of Stuart Immonen.

Week of August 9

52 Week #14
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Dale Eaglesham

Description:
Steel faces a turning point, and Montoya and the Question go international! Plus, the origin of Steel by Waid and Jon Bogdanove!

Editorial:
Well, I was just ignoring the art. But not this issue. Eaglesham has finally breathed some life back into the art side of this story. And the story is still great. But this particular issue has a great bonus — Eric Powell does the origin of Metamorpho. He's the perfect artist for it. Unfortunatley it is only two pages long. More Powell, please! enee Montoya and the Question arrive in Khandaq, Steel moons over his blown relationship with his daughter, and Doc Magnus brings Mercury back from the junk pile.

Superman #655
DC
Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artist: Carlos Pacheco

Description:
Halfway across the world from Metropolis lies a dark secret from another planet, one not even Superman may be able to contain. What is this threat, and why has a certain time-traveling magician taken interest?

Editorial:
I didn't think I was going to be reading more Superman, but here I go again. It was a slow week for me with not a lot of books that I was picking up so I had a little extra room in the shopping cart. But I'm not disappointed. So far, it seems like Kurt Busiek is taking great pains to create new, bad ass threats for Superman to have to deal with. In Action, it's robot alien invaders and now in this issue of Superman, it's a test tube giant monster. Very cool. Nothing wrong with Pacheco's art either. Except check out the cover. The lady looks like she was originally drawn to be a man. At least her chest is that flat. But on the inside of the book, he's given the same character a Baywatch size rack. I'm not complainin' – just noticin'.

The Escapists #2
Dark Horse
Writer: Brian K Vaughn
Artist: Jason Alexander and Steve Rolston

Description:
Max Roth and Case Weaver have finished the very first issue of their re-launch comic, featuring a revamped Luna Moth, and their promotional plans include a risky publicity stunt that puts Denny in an old Escapist costume...and in harm’s way! Also in this issue is a never-before-seen chapter from Men of Tomorrow, Gerard Jones’s wildly acclaimed book on the history of comics, in which he unearths some scandalous press on the Master of Elusion!

Editorial:
Most excellent. I was on board with the first issue. And now I'm hooked. I love these guys. It's like meeting all new best friends. I also love the cover (by James Jean) and the inside art (by Jason Alexander and Steve Rolston). I think the whole premise is genius because it feels like the story can go anywhere. And that's exciting.

Annihilation #1
Marvel
Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: Andrea Divito

Description:
One empire has fallen. Two heroes are dead. It all comes together here! Individually, the Silver Surfer, Super-Skrull, Ronan and Nova have faced down the Annihilation Wave...and lost! Now, they must unite those who remain or die by Annihilus’ hand! The Annihilation has only begun!

Editorial:
Great creative team on this book. Keith Giffen's story is tight and well tols with lots of action and drama having dispensed with the character development in the four story arcs leading up to this one. And Andrea's art is fantastic. The kind of blockbuster art that brings the imagery up to the same level as the over-the-top storyline. And by over-the-top storyline, I'm talking about a huge battle scene that ends when Nova calls in an air strike on his own position. This is followed up with Firelord taking out one of Annihilus' top queens responsible for controlling the hive mentality of a significant portion of the Annihilation Wave. This is topped off with a battle between Galactus and Silver Surfer facing off against a couple of giant beings who rival – make that, best – Galactus for power. The fight ends with the Surfer and Galactus both down for the count.

Incredible Hulk #97
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Aaron Lopresti

Description:
Leading his army of gladiators and refugees, the Hulk smashes his way towards the Steppes — and freedom. But what of the millions still enslaved by the Red King? What of the rebels and slaves dying in the streets and fields? Who is the Sakaarson, and when will he come? The answers threaten to rip the Hulk and his allies apart — and precipitate a shocking transformation that could shake Planet Hulk to the core!

Editorial:
Did you check out this cover? Awesome. The inside's great too. This story contins to be a standout series. I'm not sure the Hulk is getting enough screentime with such a big cast of characters. But's that's alright. The art is great and the story is dramatic and if you're not following this one, you're not reading comics.

Week of August 2

52 Week #13
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Todd Nauck

Description:
Black Adam finds love in the arms of mythology. Isis is here! Plus the debut of the new SECRET ORIGINS backup by Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund!

Editorial:
Ralph Dibny brings together a collection of DC's walking dead – Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Metamorpho, and Zauriel – to witness the resurrection of his wife, Sue. Halfway through the ceremony, Ralph decides it's bogus and busts it up with help from his friends. Only to discover too late that the ceremony seemed to be working. It looks like this is the straw that breaks the Elongated Man's back. Also, Black Adam appears to be smitten by Isis. Awesome story. At this point, I'm just basically ignoring the art. NOTE: Todd Nauck reminds me of a poor man's J. Scott Campbell.

Omac #2
DC
Writer: Bruce Jones
Artist: Renato Guedes

Editorial:
This is another example of these slow moving plot lines that are so common nowadays. The way to read these stories is in the collected trade paperback form. That way you don't feel like you wasted 6 months following the story if it turns out that it sucks. You can just get your disappointment over with in a couple of hours. I really appreciate how DC kicked off Rush City and All-Star Superman with solid stand alone issues that help set up the characters and establish a direction but also pack in a lot of story. I had hoped that this Omac series would be a cool new character added to the DCU but they lost me after issue 2.

BPRD Universal Machine #5
Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist:Guy Davis

Description:
As Kate’s devilish adventure in a haunted French village concludes, Roger’s fate is resolved in an otherworldly confrontation, and each member of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defenses confronts the truth of their own deaths — which each has had to face alone.

Editorial:
This issue has a surprise bonus ending with Mike Mignola providing the art for a part of the story where Johann visits Roger in the spirit realm. Roger asks to be buried so I guess that's the end of that. The story ended strong with some fingers being chopped off and gouls being eaten by demons and all that. Mike Mignola has an amazing mind and Guy Davis' art is always creepier than anything else you can imagine.

So, what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give us your feedback.