REVIEWS:
MOVIES & DVDs | COMIC
BOOKS | VIDEOGAMES | WEB
SITES & MORE
June
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 June 28
52
Week #8
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
The spotlight is on John Henry Irons...Man of Steel! With Superman
gone, can he stop the never-ending schemes of Lex Luthor?
Editorial:
It's strange to see Lex Luthor hatching a scheme that seems pretty
amazing but at the same time knowing that, because of One Year Later,
his scheme is going to fail and he will be involved in yet another
failed scheme just a few months after that. I'm not sure if the
whole One Year Later concept helped or hurt. But I think Luthor
should commit suicide as a result of his frustrating failure rate.
Or at least, he should be seriously depressed, if you what I mean.
Emo Luthor.
Action
Comics #840
DC
Writer: Geoff Johns, Kurt Busiek
Artist: Pete Woods
Description:
The stunning conclusion of “Up, Up and Away!” Superman
falls from the sky, and his re-introduction to Metropolis brings
changes to Clark Kent’s life that no one could have imagined.
While putting the pieces of the city back together, Superman must
prepare to find his place in every part of his life, before he can
resume his never-ending battle against evil!
Editorial:
What did I just say about Luthor? This is exactly what I'm talking
about. I've been waffling back and forth on my like or dislike of
Pete Woods' art on this series. Now that it's over, I think I've
landed right in between with a resounding "Meh!"
DCU
Brave New World #1
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
In 2005, DC set the stage for INFINITE CRISIS with the unbelievable
$1.00 special COUNTDOWN TO INFINITE CRISIS. Now, DC presents an
equally crucial 80-page one-shot specially priced at just $1.00,
giving fans the opportunity to sample six new projects set to debut
in July and August!
BRAVE NEW WORLD includes original stories that act as a preview
for the following books:
• MARTIAN MANHUNTER by A.J. Lieberman (Harley Quinn, Gotham
Knights), with art by Al Barrionuevo & Bit (Gotham Knights)
• OMAC by Bruce Jones (Year One: Batman/Scarecrow, Nightwing,
THE Warlord) with art by Renato Guedes (Adventures of Superman)
• UNCLE SAM AND THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS by Justin Gray &
Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Hawkman) with art by Daniel Acuña
(Outsiders, JLA covers)
• THE CREEPER by Steve Niles (BATMAN: GOTHAM COUNTY LINE)
with art by Justiniano & Walden Wong (Day of Vengeance)
• THE ALL-NEW ATOM by Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Villains
United) with art by John Byrne (BLOOD OF THE DEMON) & Trevor
Scott (THE AUTHORITY)
• THE TRIALS OF SHAZAM! by Judd Winick (Batman, Green Arrow)
with art by Howard Porter (JLA).
Don’t miss the chance to get in on the ground floor of these
six exciting new series! Plus, witness the shocking return of a
character you never thought you'd see again!
Editorial:
This is like reading a big 80-page ad for several DC titles. I should
have known better. I've been reading comics for a long time. But
I thought these stories were going to be connected and then each
issue would spin off from this launch pad. If I was the editor at
DC, that's how I would have done it anyway. Instead , it's like
a medley of those preview comics that you get in the pages of Wizard,
all packed into one cheap comic book. Can't complain about the price
but I think I would have rather spent mydollar on a Kit Kat. Martian
Manhunter, Omac, the Creeper, and Shazam look good. I can't get
behind Uncle Sam or the Atom. As a matter of fact, I'm shocked at
how bad the Atom looks with someone like John Byrne doing art. And
I love Gail Simone. But not this time, baby.
Superman
Returns Prequel #4
DC
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Artist: Wellington Dias
Editorial:
I love the movie! And the prequels have been pretty cool, too. This
particular issue that features Lois Lane feels a little odd. The
second and third were terrific. The first seemed like too much of
a lift from the movie. And this one suffers from the same problem.
Here, when the dialogue between Lois and Superman from the first
movie is put into this comic book format it falls completely flat
like a bif turd dropped from a long-legged horse.
Annihilation
Ronan #3
Marvel
Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Jorge Lucas
Editorial:
I can't wait for this to be over. I should just quit buying these
issues. But I get hung up on having complete sets. This is just
bad. Please make it stop.
Daredevil
#86
Marvel
Writer: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Michael Lark
Description:
The opposing forces in Rykers finally explode, in an all-out war.
It’s the riot in Rykers, and Matt Murdock will find himself
caught between his enemies and a hard place. Will this violent take-over
prevent Matt from finding the answers he seeks about Foggy’s
murder, and about who’s been manipulating him from the outside?
And what the hell is Punisher doing here?
Editorial:
I think Ed Brubaker answered my letter.
This issue with the prison riot is awesome. The tension is so thick
you could cut it with an Ace of Spades. Brubaker is totally killing
me by holding back the Punisher. At the end of this issue, Matt
asks Frank if he would help him break out of prison and the Punisher
just replies with, "thought you'd never ask." Okay. I'm
totally on fire until the next issue comes out. It's not right to
have to live like this. But I guess it beats the alternative - comics
form the nineties.
New
Avengers #21
Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Howard Chaykin
Description:
You read that right! The Avengers Dissassemble!! The Civil War is
on and no book at Marvel will be more affected than NEW AVENGERS.
You think Marvel would never screw with their top selling book?
Wrong!! The Avengers are about to go to war over their beliefs and
the shake up will shock you.
Each stand-alone issue of this storyline will be illustrated by
a genuine comics superstar, and this issue marks the triumphant
return of one of comic’s modern masters to the hallowed halls
of Marvel Comics. Howard Chaykin, a true hero to Avengers writer
Bendis, illustrates this issue told from Captain America’s
unique point of view as he is forced to form a new band of hoeroes
who will fight on his side of the CIVIL WAR!
Editorial:
Howard Chaykin paid us a visit a few months ago here in Dallas.
I had a great chat with him at Zeus
Comics. He recommended I read the Amazing Adventures of Kavalier
and Clay, which I have been reading (it's kick-ass). And as much
as I admire Howard's past accomplishments, I just don't think he's
right for the New Avengers. Maybe Bendis doesn't know how to write
for this guy. That's prbably it. But Howard's style seems awkward
and unfinished and hardly appropriate for this big, explosive blockbuster
movie type storyline. Sorry, Howard. I think Bendis has done you
a disservice and I think Marvel should be throwing better assignments
your way. Like Warren Ellis' Nextwave for example.
Nextwave
Agents Of HATE #6
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Stuart Immonen
Editorial:
Speaking of Nextwave, I don't have any problems with Stuart Immonen's
art that Howard Chaykin should be trying to fix. I just think Howard
would make a great follow up artist to Stuart if the opportunity
ever presents itself. Frankly, Howard could probably do a great
job of writing on this title, too. But I'm in no hurry to lose this
team. Warren and Stuart have struck comic book gold. And they keep
it going in this issue. I particularly love the scene where Dirk
Anger has made a fool of himself in front of all his agents. At
the point he realizes his mistake, the art and writing come together
in perfect harmony. This gag would never work without the perfect
picture. And the picture would never work without the copy leading
us to this moment. Brilliant. Bravo!
Week
of June 21
52
Week #7
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
Booster Gold sells out! But he’s sure to see the same people
on the way down that he met on the way up!
Editorial:
It looks like Booster is up the creek. Renee's onto something. And
Adam Strange and company have bigger problems. The story is great.
The art varies from week to week. This week was not so good.
Conan
#29
Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola
Artist: Cary Nord
Description:
Hellboy creator Mike Mignola takes over writing duties on Conan
for a three-part story adapting one of Robert E. Howard’s
legendary “lost” story fragments, “The Hall of
the Dead”! Pursued by a small army, Conan heads for shelter
in the ancient ruins of a forgotten city, lured by a flimsy rumor
of treasure. Instead, he finds the fallen idols of twisted gods
and a lot of croaking creatures. Luckily, frogs are no match for
a Cimmerian...right?
Editorial:
This could easily be a Hellboy story the way Conan walks through
the plot, armed with some intel from a witchdoctor, and smack dab
into the middle of some kind of freaky frog monster's lair. I really
like it though. It makes me wonder if there isn't a little Conan
in Hellboy, too. I haven't picked up an issue of Cary Nord's Conan
since issue 6 or so. Cary's art has really refined a lot. I'm not
sure I like it better. But it's still really great.
All Star Superman #4
DC
Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Frank Quitely
Description:
Jimmy Olsen, the Daily Planet’s “Mister Action,”
is young, brilliant, and reckless! For this week’s story he
must become the director-for-a-day of P.R.O.J.E.C.T. With top agents
assigned to protect him, he’s looking forward to an easy day
of jet-setting and international liaisons all in the name of scientific
discovery. Instead, P.R.O.J.E.C.T. receives a terrifying directive
— to take down a rogue Superman!
Editorial:
In a week that included Mark Millar's Ultimates, Brian Michael Bendis'
New Avengers, Alex Ross' Justice, Mike Mignola's Conan, Joss Whedon's
Astonishing X-men and Neil Gaiman's Eternals, Grant Morrison's All
Star Superman outshines them all. It's probably just my dissatisfaction
for modern day Superman stories and the familiarity I feel with
Morrison's Superman. This issue (like the others before it) is a
simple, straightforward story that could easily be a standalone
issue. Jimmy Olsen is just as cocky as he was back in the Kirby
days. I love the sci-fi layer of the story with stuff like "the
electrokind are tungsten gas life forms with a brittle glass exoskeleton."
And I love old-school sci-fi tech like the Superman signal watch.
Clark Kent exits Perry White's office in classic fashion - "Oh
my land!" Superman gets exposed to Black Kryptonite which takes
him to the dark side of his personality. And Olsen becomes All Star
Doomsday. And all's well that ends well. Quitely's art is fantastic
too. His take on Superman is perfect. And his Olsen Doomsday is
a panic.
Flash
The Fastest Man Alive #1
DC
Writer: Paul DeMeo, Danny Bilson
Artist: Ken Lashley
Description:
The Flash is back. And in this landmark issue written by Paul DeMeo
& Danny Bilson — creators of the groundbreaking TV series
The Flash — and illustrated by Ken Lashley (LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES,
Age of Apocalypse), one of the biggest questions of 2006 is answered:
Who will wear the ring?
INFINITE CRISIS aimed a mortal blow at the legacy of the Fastest
Man Alive — but what doesn’t kill you only makes you
stronger! Be here for a historic chapter in the legacy of The Flash!
Editorial:
Run away from this comic as fast as you can. It boggles my mind
that DC would relaunch this character with such lousy art and weak
writing. The Flash is one of their iconic characters that deserves
so much better.
Justice
#6
DC
Writer: Jim Krueger, Alex Ross
Artist: Doug Braithwaite, Alex Ross
Description:
Things look bad for the Justice League! The villains-turned-benefactors
are in the ascendant, while the most powerful League members are
conveniently out of the way!
Editorial:
I'm having an impossible time following this story. I'm hoping it
will be better when I read it all the way through once all the issues
are finished. But as it stands, it seems like the story is going
nowhere. It's making less progress than the second season of Lost,
and not nearly as entertaining.
Sgt
Rock The Prophecy #6
DC
Writer: Joe Kubert
Artist: Joe Kubert
Editorial:
Joe could have done this in one issue instead of six. And the title,
"The Prophecy" is a reference to the character, David's
prophecy in this issue of the Holocaust of the Jews. The title should
have been "Sgt. Rock, Military Escort Service" because
the Prophecy had very little to do with the plot. All the same,
I love Joe Kubert's art so much, he could have Easy Company fighting
Care Bears and I'd still buy it.
Superman
Returns Prequel #3
DC
Writer: Marc Andreyko
Artist: Wellington Dias
Editorial:
Okay. Now I'm totally ready for Superman Returns. Each of these
prequels have been better than the next. This one is tied even more
into the upcoming movie than the past ones with the introduction
of the sexy prison nurse, Kitty and the rich old lady, Gertrude.
And after watching the sneak peak at I-Tunes, I can't wait for Thursday.
Annihilation
Nova #3
Marvel
Writer: Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning
Artist: Kev Walker
Description:
Escaping ahead of the overwhelming Annihilation Wave, Nova and his
companions Drax and Cammi find shelter on a colony world where the
population is engaged in a panicked evacuation effort. But can even
the power of Quasar and an alien armada keep the innocents safe
when the hostile forces roll in? Is it time for Nova to stop running
and start fighting back? Or, for the sake of the Universe, is that
the LAST thing he should try?
Editorial:
Just read Annihilation Silver Surfer. The rest of this stuff is
a waste.
Astonishing
X-Men #15
Marvel
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: John Cassaday
Description:
Move over Astonishing X-Men...there’s a new club in town and
their name is...”Hellfire.” In this issue, after secretly
lying in wait for months, they make their move!
Editorial:
It looks like it's going to be Kitty Pryde, to the rescue! And knowing
Joss Whedon's affection for the character, it won't come as a surprise.
This issue does have it's share of surprises though. Wolverine being
reduced to a child. And Beast losing his humanity. This was maybe
my favorite part of the issue, seeing Beast as a vicious, out-of-control
monster. Cassaday's art made it totally believable. And scary. I
was scared. And I was wowed by Colossus' tussle. Power overflowed
with every punch. It was awesome. This team delivers the goods in
every issue. I can't wait for the next one. But knowing these guys,
I'm going to have to. Wait. And wait. And wait.
Eternals
#1
Marvel
Writer: Neil Gaiman
Artist: John Romita Jr.
Description:
You are thousands of years old. You have amazing powers. You have
watched civilizations rise and fall--so why does no one remember
any of this? Bestselling Author Neil Gaiman (Marvel: 1602, Anansi
Boys, Sandman) is joined by superstar artist John Romita Jr. (Amazing
Spider-Man, Wolverine) to bring you the eagerly-awaited event of
2006 — ETERNALS!! Ike Harris has dreams of adventures, love
affairs and betrayals, but no one involved remembers or believes
him. And who is trying to kill him to keep him from talking about
it?
Editorial:
Did you see Olivier Coipel's cover art for this issue? Dynamite.
Too bad he's not handling the pencils on the inside. That said,
this issue redeems John Romita Jr. in my eyes. I was very disappointed
in the Grey Area and I thought he just mailed in Black Panther.
But this is very good. I think he's an excellent choice for picking
up on the Kirbyesque style needed for this series. Although I think
Steve Rude would have been a much more perfect choice for taking
on the pencils for this series. Frankly, with Neil Gaiman writing,
I probably could have done the pencils and this would still
be great. The Eternals has started off with lots of intrigue a healthy
dose of action. I'm looking forward to the next issue.
Giant-Size
Hulk #1
Marvel
Writer: "Peter David, Greg Pak"
Artist: "Juan Santa Cruz, Aaron Lopresti"
Editorial:
The Hulk vs The Champions is just a little too silly for me. It
was great to see Jarella in The Return of Bruce Banner. And this
issue has a reprint of Hulk the End. Truly awesome.
New
Avengers #20
Marvel
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mike Deodato Jr.
Description:
The Avengers are face to face with a power greater than anything
they have ever faced before...on the island of Genosha! Guest Stars
galore as the ghosts of the House of M attack!
Editorial:
I quit reading New Avengers after issue 12. I should have kept it
that way. But I was totally suckered by the cover. Which is absolutely
awesome. Mike Deodato Jr. kicks ass on this outraged Magneto with
the New Avengers appropriately reflecting their astonishment in
his helmet. The issue itself feels like it is forcing another new
heroe on us by leaving Michael with residual powers. And Xorn is
revealed as the villain and then killed within 10 pages. Very tidy.
A little too tidy.
Ultimates
2 #11
Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Bryan Hitch
Description:
The penultimate issue of volume two gives us answers to long-standing
mysteries and brings us closer to the epic conclusion to “Grand
Theft America”! With the traitor revealed and the Triskelion
in ruins, the remaining Ultimates must unite to defeat an invasion
force bent on establishing a new world order. But with the team
shattered, who will lead the charge?
Editorial:
Thor is on the cover so I was hoping he wuld be cutting loose this
issue. Not yet. I can wait. Cap tears it up. Hawkeye kicks some
butt. And then Emil Bronsky shows up ruins everyone's day. Iron
Man takes time out to go pick up his favorite suit of armor. And
Hulk shows up at the end of another totally exciting episode of
the Ultimates. Millar and Hitch are unbeatable at delivering hi-octane
action full of plot twists and unexpected cliffhangers. Bravo. And
good luck to Jeph Loeb.
Week
of June 14
52
Week #6
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
Featuring the debut of some major players, as Green Lantern discovers
the world's newest sensations: China's own super-hero team!
Editorial:
It's official. Booster Gold is a scumbag. Can someone tell me what
all the cryptic notes mean on the chalkboard in Dr. Rip Hunter's
Arizona bunker?
Nightwing
#121
DC
Writer: Bruce Jones
Artist: Paco Diaz
Description:
Nightwing’s been captured, and the only man who can save him
is...Nightwing? When Jason Todd’s life is on the line, will
Dick Grayson be ready and willing to save him? After Jason’s
actions in this issue, he may not!
Editorial:
it's official. This series sucks. I really liked that Dick Grayson
was in Manhattan. I thought that would be much cooler than having
him in Bludhaven. But the new location is being squandered. The
art is getting worse. The fight between Grayson and Cheyenne was
totally contrived. Jason Todd being rescued by Grayson seems like
a waste of that rivalry as well. But the worst part of the story
came when Cheyenne showed up in a Nightwing costume. This just went
past quirky and right into stupid.
Superman
#653
DC
Writer: Kurt Busiek, Geoff Johns
Artist: Pete Woods
Description:
Lex Luthor’s ultimate gambit becomes clear, as he uses his
Kryptonian technology in an attempt to destroy Superman once and
for all! And while the battle between Luthor’s war machine
and Superman rages on, the secret of Superman’s return may
finally be revealed!
Editorial:
Isn't this a little too close to the movie? Superman's been away
for awhile. Just as Luthor returns to cause trouble, Superman shows
up also. And Luthor is attacking Metropolis with Kryptonian crystal
technology.
Superman
Returns Prequel #2
DC
Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray
Artist: Karl Kerschl
Description:
Learn how the woman who raised the Man of Tomorrow has lived since
her son’s disappearance!
Editorial:
This issue has terrific art. And unlike the first issue, this issue
tells more of the story from the first movie than we saw o nthe
screen. All in all, this is a warm hearted warmup to Superman Returns.
Annihilation
Super Skrull #3
Marvel
Writer: Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Artist: Gregory Titus
Editorial:
I've been trying. Really I have. But I just despise the art in this
series. The story has been good. And this issue has a terrific twist
at the end. Aside from all of that, I'm still not sure that Super
Skrull's character has ever really been well-defined.
Civil
War #2
Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Steve McNiven
Description:
The super-heroes split as the CIVIL WAR heats up! Registration has
become law, household names have gone rogue and a Marvel legend
makes a decision that will change a life forever. Featuring the
NEW AVENGERS, the FANTASTIC FOUR, the YOUNG AVENGERS and pretty
much everybody else!
And,
no fooling, true believer...this issue features one of the most
shocking climaxes in Marvel Comics history. Miss THIS one and you
might just regret it for the rest of your life!
Editorial:
Mark Millar is delivering the goods. I love the pace that he sets.
He does a great job of telling the story in the middle of full throttle
action. The art is really terrific as well (check out She-Hulk's
can) with one exception - Reed Richards' leg is seriously messed
up on page 6. It's forgiveable since everythign else looks so great.
But given the high quality of the rest of the book, it seems so
unnecessary. Oh, and lest I forget. Parker comes out of the closet
for what will become one of those historical Marvel moments.
Week
of June 7
52
Week #5
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
After the INFINITE CRISIS and before One Year Later, the DCU spent
a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which
those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world
hung in the balance. Who stood up in their absence? And who sat
out?
Editorial:
The art took a definite step down this week. It looks like next
week's art is stepping right back up. And that's alright. As long
as stepping down doesn't become the norm. No sign of Ralph this
week. And it looks like the zeta beam sucked the eyes out of Adam
Strange's skull and the clothes right off of Starfire's golden bod.
Nothin' wrong with that.
BPRD
Universal Machine #3
Dark Horse
Writer: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi
Artist:Guy Davis
Description:
While searching for an arcane text that could hold the secret to
bringing Roger back to life, Dr. Kate Corrigan is trapped in a mysterious
French village where a collector of occult objects has terrible
plans for one of the B.P.R.D.'s most valuable assets. Meanwhile,
back at B.P.R.D. headquarters, Johann Kraus reveals secrets from
his past life as a medium, and a bizarre turn taken during one of
his séances.
Editorial:
Creepy. Kate is getting totally screwed over by the French. And
Johann is a bit of an astral perv. But nobody beats this combination
of Mignola and Davis for crafting riveting stories that fascinate
-- even when everyone is just sitting around.
Civil
War Front Line #1
Marvel
Writer: Paul Jenkins
Artist: Ramon Bachs
Description:
There’s a truth buried deep in the heart of every war, and
reporters Sally Floyd and Ben Urich will be there, uncovering that
truth in the midst of the biggest conflagration in the Marvel Universe!
In the wake of the Stamford Disaster, the public cries out for Super
Hero Registration. Are the costumed heroes of the Marvel Universe
protectors or ticking time bombs? Find out here when Spider-Man
has his say. And you won’t want to miss as one hero makes
public a painful secret.
Editorial:
I was just listening to the Marvel podcast interview with Paul Jenkins.
Apparently, the rest of Marvel has decided that there are more stories
to tell around the Civil War aside from Mark Millar's explosive
action on every panel version. So in their wisdom, they decided
to put all the boring stories together in one series called Front
Line. You can tell how these committees screw up good ideas by the
third story in this issue. It's based on a poem about Japanese refugees
in American concentration camps of WWII. The problem is that according
to Jenkins, these are supposed to be stories based on poems written
by those involved in the struggles of America's Civil War. I guess
they decided that one war is as good as the next. War is war, right?
I'm really not seeing the connection yet to this comic book war
and those real wars that involved real people and real suffering.
Wonder
Woman #1
DC
Writer: Allan Heinberg
Artist: Terry Dodson
Description:
One year after the execution of Maxwell Lord and the earth-shattering
events of INFINITE CRISIS, the DCU is still struggling to come to
terms with its most powerful heroine. Is she a martyr or a murderer?
A politician or a super hero?
Writer Allan Heinberg (Young Avengers, JLA, TV's The O.C. and Sex
and the City) and artists Terry & Rachel Dodson (Marvel Knights:
Spider-Man, Harley Quinn) provide surprising answers, giving Wonder
Woman a fresh, sexy look and a bold new direction!
The series begins with the multi-part “Who Is Wonder Woman?”
story arc, paying homage to the character's distinguished history
while placing her firmly in the present with an all-new supporting
cast, a brand-new mission, and a renewed sense of wonder. A treat
for longtime fans and a perfect jumping-on point for new readers,
Wonder Woman #1 features the icon you know and love as you've never
seen her before!
Editorial:
SPOILER WARNING. Sorry. I just don't want to dance around the cool
parts of this comic. I'm going to assume if you haven't read this
yet (and you should 'cause it's great) that you'll stop reading
now. And if you have read this comic, then you 'll appreciate what
follows. First of all, I was totally hooked by the reveal that this
Wonder Woman is not Diana but is instead, her sister, Donna Troy.
Donna makes a totally hot Wonder Woman. It will be interesting to
see if she can hold onto the title. She did have quite a bit of
trouble with Giganta and Cheetah. An awesome twist has the real
Wonder Woman saving her hash. And then proceeding to murder the
Cheetah just like she killed Max Lord. But wait. That's not Wonder
Woman. It's really that creepy little person, Dr. Psycho. And if
that's not enough of an Identity Crisis, "Who is Wonder Woman"
ends with a team of covert operatives being joined by the karate,
ass-kickin', white leather wearin', agent Diana Prince. Great story.
And Terry Dodson has been saving his very best art for this series.
Don't miss it.
Superman
Returns Krypton To Earth #1
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Ariel Olivetti
Editorial:
There
is nothing here that you haven't already seen in the first Superman
movie. It's an almost exact retelling of the opening scene that
has Jor-El launching son Kal-El into outerspace and the Kents finding
Superbaby on planet Earth. This retelling does have a semi-disturbing
allusion to Jor-El and Kal-El's father and son relationship being
similar to God the Father and Jesus the Son's relationship. I'm
not sure why that's necessary. Hopefully they don't expect us to
buy Superman as Lord and Savior.
Annihilation
Silver Surfer #3
Marvel
Writer: Keith Giffen
Artist: Renato Arlem
Description:
Can even the combined might of the ex-heralds of Galactus stand
against an all out assault by the Annihilation Wave? It gets worse.
Thanos, the near omnipotent mad Titan, commands the Annihilation
wave assault. It gets EVEN worse. With the heralds otherwise occupied,
a shocking character moves to strike at Galactus! You don’t
want to miss this one! No. Really. You don’t.
Editorial:
This series is head and shoulders above anything else being produced
as a part of the Annihilation story arc. A couple of humongous baddies
are looking to avenge themselves on Galactus. And he seems very
concerned. So much so that he has re-enlisted the Silver Surfer
as his herald and has granted the Surfer new powers. It's an all-new
Silver Surfer and next issue, he's going to be kickin' ass.
Week
of June 1
52
Week #4
DC
Writer: Various
Artist: Various
Description:
After the INFINITE CRISIS and before One Year Later, the DCU spent
a year without Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. A year in which
those heroes were needed more than ever as the fate of the world
hung in the balance. Who stood up in their absence? And who sat
out?
Editorial:
The pencils are awesome. I hope DC can keep this up. If so, at the
end of the ride will be one hell of a massively great comic book.
Right now, we have astronauts trying to pick up Adam Strange, Montoya
and the Question duking it out with some kind of dinosaur man, Ralph
getting dunked by monks, and another week of Booster Gold wading
through the shallow end of the pool. Montoya looks great. Even when
she's getting bounced on her ear. I can't wait to see what Ralph
sees and find out what's up with that giant Hawkgirl.
Action
Comics # 839
DC
Writer: Geoff Johns and Kurt Busiek
Artist: Renato Guedes
Description:
While Superman goes all-out to clean up the plague of villains overrunning
Metropolis, Lex Luthor finally strikes with a devastating attack
that could literally tear the city apart! And as Lex unleashes an
engine of destruction from the center of the Earth, lost secrets
of Krypton are revealed, the Daily Planet faces a huge story without
its top reporter, and three unexpected words mark a turning point
for Lois and Clark!
Editorial:
I don't know why, but I thought this was going to be a six-issue
story arc. Now that it's reached the sixth issue, I can't say that
I'm disappointed that it's not over yet. I know a couple of issue
ago, I was griping quite a bit. But I guess having Superman back,
I'm happy again. And I'm real happy that they have diminished his
powers to 1939 levels - leaping tall buildings, faster than a speeding
bullet (barely), super hearing (no other super senses), and nothing
less than an exploding shell will pierce his skin. I like Superman
to have more limited powers. I just hope they leave him that way
and don't give in to the urge to make him Ludicrously Superman again.
Superman
Batman # 26
DC
Writer: Sam Loeb, Various
Artist: Various
Description:
At the height of INFINITE CRISIS, Robin and Superboy team up for
an extra-sized story that’s not to be missed! Written by Sam
Loeb and some of the best writers in comics today, this issue was
completed by Sam's artist and writer friends — a veritable
Who's Who of modern comics, including Jim Lee, Mike Turner, Geoff
Johns, Joss Whedon, Brad Meltzer, Ed McGuinness and many more! This
issue also features a bonus SUPERMAN FOR ALL SEASONS short story
by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale! Don’t miss it!
Editorial:
This
was a real treat. Pick up this issue and enjoy the playful banter
between Superboy and Robin. It's just a lot of fun. The variety
of artists in one issue really works also. It seems to add to the
fun of the whole thing. As fun as this issue is, it makes me all
the more sad for Jeph Loeb's loss. I know there was a lot of fun
with his son's future that will never be experienced -- if this
comic book party is any indication. What an awesome wake, though.
My condolences, Jeph.
Incredible
Hulk # 95
Marvel
Writer: Greg Pak
Artist: Carlo Pagulayan
Description:
The Hulk and his Warbound gladiator allies enter their final battle
in the Great Arena — where a familiar face from the Marvel
Universe returns as an implacable enemy. Faced with betrayal, temptation,
and the most terrifying battle the Great Arena has ever seen, will
the Hulk stand with his Warbound gladiators — or seize the
honors of the Empire? The climactic end of Planet Hulk: Exile!
Editorial:
The Hulk mercilessly pounds the soup out of the Silver Surfer. It's
awesome. This is the end. Of the first part, called Exile. I didn't
know that this was going to be in parts. But I'm glad that it is.
I want it to last.
Ultimate
Extinction # 5
Marvel
Writer: Warren Ellis
Artist: Brandon Peterson
Description:
It’s the showdown the entire Earth has been waiting for: Gah
Lak Tus has arrived at the planet’s doorstep! Millions of
civilizations have fallen before its insatiable hunger. Against
impossible odds, can Earth break that curse? The cast of the entire
Ultimate line plans to see that it does! But do the combined might
of the Ultimates, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and Nick Fury stand
a chance against a swarm 100,000 planet-eaters?!
Editorial:
The art throughout this entire series has been outstanding. Brandon
Peterson's highly detailed style is just amazing to look at. He
captures light and shadow in such an amazing way with his faux etching
technique. I'm jealous. The story isn't too bad either. Although
I had higher expectations for whatever it was that Reed Richards
was planning to use as a weapon. Richards made it sound too horrifying
to imagine but in the end it was just clever. Not horrifying. Captain
Mar-vell never got enough action as far as I was concerned. And
the Ultimate Silver Surfer was just too weird. Also, I had a problem
with the green and red clones. They just seemed like so much cannon
fodder but did little to really make the story more dramatic. This
story was like a good summer action movie. It doesn't have to be
great to be entertaining. And it wasn't great. And it was entertaining.
Ultimate
Fantastic Four # 30
Marvel
Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Greg Land
Description:
The awesome return of Dr. Doom! The zombiefied F.F. escape from
their Baxter Building prison! The deadly debut of the Frightful
Four! Johnny Storm finds out he has only 28 days to live! And that’s
all just for starters...
Editorial:
The Marvel Zombies are back. And this time, Mark Millar is going
to stretch it out for three issues. It's amazing how good Greg Land
is at drawing pretty people that it's almost creepy to find out
that he's just as good at drawing rotting zombies. That is like
so weird it freaks me out. I love that Johnnie has an alien parasite
inside him. And I was blown away with how cold Crystal was. I guess
that's why the scene takes place in a blizzard. When this arc is
complete, I'll have to go back and read the entire storyline from
the beginning in Ultimate FF to Marvel Zombies to this final three
issue arc. That sounds like fun to me.
So,
what do you think? Agree? Disagree? Give
us your feedback.
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