Week 38 (May 23, 2012)

The last week of the month always yields a strong crop of titles, but being that this month is a five weeker, that crop may be slightly diminished.  I do look forward to several that are coming out this week and so let’s check em out:

• Aquaman #9 was cryptic as ever.  There were quite a few revelations in this book that I am still processing.  I mentioned earlier something that Aquaman writer Geoff Johns, who also does Justice League, does wrong in the latter title is changing things that are perfect.  I also said that he should feel free to change things that few people know or care about.  This title, with Aquaman being the laughing stock of comic book dorks around the world, is in a prime position to do that.  I won’t mention what he is asserting, but I will say what he is not.  I believe that Johns has completely cut out the defining “Death of a Prince” storyline, as laid out in the 1970’s in which Black Manta murdered Aquaman’s four year old son, Arthur Jr.  It makes sense that this is the case, since this title is a near reboot of the character, though one that may still cling to some vestiges of the Brightest Day event.  Either way, I am saddened by this departure from the old canon, but accept it in the same vein as the other titles in the New DCU.  I won’t pan this arc like I have the whole of Justice League, but I am waiting for closure.  For more on the “Death of a Prince” story, please visit my review of that story’s graphic novel collection on this blog.  https://offthepanelcomicreview.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/review-aquaman-death-of-a-prince/
  
• Green Lantern: The New Guardians #9 is OUTSTANDING!!!  Following the diaspora of the New Guardians over the past two issues, this one marks an event that promises to bring them back together: the Invasion of Odym.  Odym, home of the Blue Lantern Corps, is under siege by the merciless Reach, the insectoid invaders whose scarabs enslave the wearer to do the Hive’s bidding, and whose faulty scarab powers the teenaged superhero, Blue Beetle.  This issue primarily is about the Blue Lantern Corps and especially their gentle generalissimo, Saint Walker.  Not a great deal has been done with or reveal about the Blue Lanterns and writer Tony Bedard jumps in head first to fleshing out the Corps, introducing new Corpsmen, and really exploring how awesome they can be.  Saint Walker is one of my favorite Lanterns, and seeing him fulfill his potential to be one of the greatest of Lanterns fills me with nothing short of wonderment.  Elsewhere in the plot, Fatality explores the white hole through which Invictus entered our reality, begging the question of who let him in?  I know the answer, though admittedly it is a guess.  Skip over the next sentence if you don’t want to hear my guess. The Guardians of the Universe.  Though her stint in this issue is brief, I have to say that Fatality also is climbing the charts of my favorite ringslingers.  This issue is perhaps one of the purest that has come out.  Those who read my reviews with some frequency should realize that I talk about as much smack as I do praise, so when I say this issue knocks it out of the park, I hope you all believe me.
  

  All Will Be Well . . .

• Batman: The Dark Knight #9  is a step outside the regular series.  It is guest-written by Judd Winick this month and marks the return of series artist and creator, David Finch.  This issue promised from solicitations and the cover to feature Tim Drake, aka Red Robin’s, duel with a Talon in Gotham City.  Nope.  He is only in one panel, which he shares with two of his brother Robins, Dick Grayson and Damian Wayne.  (In the case of Damian they are technically brothers.) This bothers me, as Tim is one of my favorite characters and I wanted to see his analytically contribution to the storied “Night of the Owls.”  That said, I didn’t dislike this issue at all.  Far from it.  This issue details the life of the Talon seen at the final confrontation of this month’s Batman #9.  He is insinuated to be the Talon of the 1980’s, predecessor of Dick Grayson, had Dick indeed become a Talon.  The way in which Judd Winick writes the story is very reminiscent and wistful, like a person’s life flashing before their eyes in a single moment before death.  That pretty much is what it is, and it suits the issue’s role and tone.  As ever, David Finch’s art is superb and lends an eerie, yet hard edge to the story.  I enjoyed it, and anyone who enjoyed Batman #9, regardless of whether you like Batman: The Dark Knight  should pick this one up.
• Batman Incorporated #1 reigns in the fifth of the six “Second Wave” titles.  Though this isn’t a new title in the strictest sense, its release is nonetheless very exciting.  Picking up the second half of the original series, the incomparable Grant Morrison hits it out of the park, maintaining all the key elements from the first run of Batman Inc.  At times it is funny, at times it is surreal, and others off-the-wall action packed.  However, with only sporadic glimpses of the other “Batmen”, this issue kind of felt more like an issue of Morrison’s Batman & Robin run.  Since this is the first issue of the second stage of the series, I’m confident that the Batman Incorporated agents will make appearances soon.  The elements I was most excited about were an assassin named “Goatboy” (even in spite of the fact that he’s a middle aged man), the man-bat ninjas Talia created back in 2006 in Batman #655, and the “Mutants” gang from or inspired by Frank Miller’s seminal Dark Knight Returns. Though this doesn’t figure into the larger community of Bat-books, this is one of the ones to read.
  

  All Hail Leviathan

• Flash #9 was yet again a deeply engrossing story in the life and redux world of the Flash.  This time round the Scarlet Speedster lands in Gorilla City shortly after the coronation of the sinister King Grodd (aka Gorilla Grodd), and yet revealed a key facet of the Speed Force and how it pertains to the super intelligent Gorillas of that fabled African city.  That is perhaps the greatest thing about writer/artists, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, the way in which they take the canon elements of The Flash and reinvent and innovate them.  With sumptuous art depicted in interwoven panels and truly fresh storytelling, this is one of the books I dream about the other three quarters of the month.  Next issue promises the introduction of classic villain, Weather Wizard.  Read this series, if you haven’t already.
  

  History of the Speed Force

• Superman #9 has gone back to whelming after the two issue advent of the Daemonite heretic, Lord Helspont.  There is a strange new flow to Superman’s main title and its been there since George Perez started us off on this journey with issue #1.  I’ve been trying to figure it out and put my finger on just what exactly it is.  Perhaps its very densely packed storyboarding, but the page are plotted very prolifically.  The story, therefore is very much in your face with asserting this new world of the “Daily Planet” and “Galaxy Broadcasting”  being part of a larger media conglomerate and Lois Lane moving from the reporter’s desk to the Producers chair of the aforementioned television network.  I haven’t yet acclimated to it, so thus far the lackluster plots are sort of not blowing my skirts up as I read these overly compact plotlines that rely heavily upon this not yet established status quo.  We’ll see.  Love writers Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens, but thus far not my favorite Super-book.
• Justice League Dark #9 comes back to the table different, but equally hard hitting.  Several changes have come to the title, but also a great deal has been salvaged and brought back.  Change-wise we shift paradigms from the genius of the established hand of Peter Milligan (whom Grant Morrison called the Handsomest Man in Comics) to the young turk of the eerie DC books, Jeff Lemire.  Our good friend, Shade, and our acquaintance, Mindwarp, have left with their maestro, Milligan,  and Madame Xanadu remains for the moment, albeit on the sidelines sitting this dance out.  To replace them Andrew Bennet of the I, Vampire title is doing a guest appearance and Black Orchid comes on the scene in what promises to be a more permanent role.  On the  returning side, series artist, Mikel Janin, is back and bringing with him that glorious art that epitomized the opening chapter of this title.  Lemire also has brought most of the band back together to combat a mystical threat by Felix Faust, the cryptic mystic who is making his New DCU debut.  When you find out what the “McGuffin” is at the end of the issue, those who have read the 90’s works of Neil Gaimon will be in for a treat.
• Fury of Firestorm #9 was stellar yet again.  I really enjoy this series.  As a side note, this past Friday at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Michigan I got to meet co-writer and sometime artist, Ethan Van Sciver, and tell him just how much I enjoyed it.  Though tight lipped about what was in store for the Firestorms, it was clear that he enjoyed writing this series about as much as I enjoyed reading it.  Probably more, and that is saying something.  This issue costars the Justice League International and continues the introduction of the French firestorm, Firehawk, and the British, Hurricane.  From the plot, a great deal of interesting twists lie in wait for our heroes as well as us, their readers.  The JLI, as can be expected, are impressed with the presentation of these three young firestorms, as well as the importance of their role as the new nuclear weapon of the Age.  Thus, its intimated that one of them may be invited to join the JLI ranks, and with the solicitation that yet another JLI’er’s gonna bite the dust this possibility is becoming more and more possible.  Ronnie’s forced affiliation with the veteran Russian firestorm, Pozhar, is taking him down an enigmatic and very cloak and dagger path that just begs  to be read.  One thing that Mr. Van Sciver told me, unprompted, was that he and his co-writer, Joe Harris, love Cold War storytelling.  Before meeting him I called that, as my previous reviews and their time stamps will attest.  Lastly, the series is called “Fury of Firestorm” because of the creature called Fury that comes of Jason and Ronnie combining to form it.  Query: What happens when Jason and a different firestorm combine.  Without blowing the surprise, just read this issue . . .
  

  Feel the Wrath of the Firestorms

• Teen Titans #9 brings to a close the “Culling.”  Like the Teen Titans Annual, Legion Lost #9, and Superboy #9  this issue wasn’t so much a Teen Titans story so much as a “Culling ” story.  Though it did feature the Titans prominently, it also functioned as a proto-Ravagers issue to whip up excitement for that series debut next week.  I am a little disappointed by the lack of closure on Harvest presented, but I suppose that means that the epic story of this very freaky villain will continue on in all its glory.  I feel that Scott Lobdell’s epic has yet to rear the entirety of all its awesomeness.   Series artist, Brett Booth, is MIA after penciling the oversize annual this month, so filling in as guest artist is Ig  Guara, of former Blue Beetle fame.  The difference in look was a little jarring, but other than that his lines suited the title and were really quite good.  With the “Culling” now officially concluded, I look forward to what lies in store for both the Teen Titans and Superboy.
• Voodoo #9 is getting real, real fast.  The title has now entered a stage where the juxtaposition of Priscilla to Voodoo has taken a front seat, defining the current course of the series.  I lamented above, in the Superman review, the departure of Lord Helspont.  Well, one month later, he has resurfaced in Voodoo and looks to be a new fixture to the series as well.  I am very curious to see whether Voodoo will become a good guy or be the anti-heroic centerpiece of the title, as she is not really sympathetic at all presently.
• All-Star Western #9 is technically a “Night of the Owls” tie in, but obviously disconnected as the title takes place in the 1880’s, more than a century before the advent of Batman. Finishing up the conflict with the August 7, Jonah Hex, Dr. Jeremiah Arkham, Nighthawk, and Cinnamon confront the cabal head on and track down their quarry, former Gotham Drain Commissioner, Thurston Moody.  In the meantime a Talon makes a cameo appearance all the way down in the “Big Easy.”  I am glad that this Talon made an appearance, because the Court of Owls suits this title very well and it gives the astounding series artist, Moritat, a chance to design a really sleek Talon for the Old Western style of this book.  Once back in Gotham another threat rears its head.  Even before the Bat, Gotham was a happening town.  And in the backup feature, the tale of Nighthawk and Cinnamon comes to a close that leaves the reader wanting much more.
  

  1880’s Talon

• Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris #12 continues the strange tale of the “Boora Witch.”  Taking a jaunt into the wilds of Barsoom, this arc of the series fleshes out the mystical side of Mars further.  I am still trying to hash out whether the Witch is a Thern (white Martian), a First Born (black Martian), or yellow Martian.  Her skin is a weird yellowish-grey and she is also very old which makes it hard to tell.  Its interesting also what the Witch has in store for the princess of Helium.  Those plans reach far beyond that city, threatening the whole of Red Barsoom.
• Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #3 continues the journey to self discovery of the voodoo child, Dominique Laveau.  With the Voodoo Court out to destroy her for the abomination of her birth, she must discover the truth behind how she came into this world and how she can survive with witch-hunters and werewolf assassins hot on her heels.  With notes of voodoo, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean culture this is a series that has a definite uniqueness that lures the reader onward.
• The Unwritten #37 reins in the new conflict facing our heroes, namely the “Wound.”  After the events of issue #35 with the fall of the Cabal, and issue #36 with the unraveling of the worlds of fiction, this issue picks up with a surge of Tommy Taylor cult worship and the advent of the aforementioned wound in the realms of fiction.  Though it is fiction and not reality that is imperiled, the wound generated is causing existential damage to human consciousness.  Once again, Tommy Taylor is MIA and creators Mike Carey and Peter Gross are choosing rather to show the tertiary surroundings of the world of Unwritten  to fully develop the consequences of the first half of the series.  Madame Rausch and Richie Savoy do make appearances, as does Danny Armitage from the last .5 issue of the “War of Words” story arc.  This last addition intrigues me greatly, as I feel that Gross and Carey imbued Armitage’s first appearance in #35.5 with a great deal of promise.  This new arc is shaping up to be an interesting new dilemma, continuing the quality enjoyed in the first 35 issues.

And that concludes the fourth week of May.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any of these images and give credit to those whose work they are.

Illustration Credits:

Green Lantern: The New Guardians #9: Drawn by Tyler Kirkham, Colored by Nei Ruffino & Hi-Fi, Inked by Batt

Batman Incorporated #1: Art by Chris Burnham, Colored by Nathan Fairbairn

The Flash #9: Art by Francis Manapul, Colored by Brian Buccellato

Fury of Firestorm #9: Drawn by Yidray Cinar, Colored by Hi-Fi, Inked by Marlo Alquiza & Norm Rapmund

All-Star Western #9: Art by Moritat, Colored by Gabriel Bautista

Week 30 (March 28, 2012)

• Aquaman #7 was really short this week.  Apart from the first four pages, nothing really happened.  It did however reintroduce a classic Aquaman character and sow the seeds of mystery regarding the group referred to in the the title of this new arc “The Others.”  With old ties to Aquaman, two of them make the scene, raising the question of who they are and what they want now that they have come back into Arthur’s life.  Ivan Reis continues to render of the incredible scripts of Geoff Johns with consummate mastery.  Johns himself keeps the reader on their toes with incredible storylines that seemingly come out of left field with innovative, poignant storytelling.  This is Johns and Reis at their best.
• Batman: The Dark Knight #7  seems to finish the “Toxin” storyline, but for a serious loose end at its closing.  Its more probable that the first arc of this incredible Batman series will wrap with next month’s eighth issue, before May’s “Night of the Owls” mega event.  This issue has Batman’s “Final Battle” with Bane and a representation of Batman facing his greatest fear, which they posit as his fight with Bane, the guy who snapped his spine like a twig in the early 90’s.  As ever, Batman does rally, with a little help from his friends that is, and in the mean time we are also shown a glimpse at the mystery behind the White Rabbit.  I will reassert my opinion that David Finch is a Batman artist that will go down in the annals as one of the all-time greats, and as a writer (or cowriter) he will do just as well.  I have very much enjoyed this series and its predecessor.
• Flash #7 picked up at the death defying moment on which it left off last month and didn’t disappoint for its duration.  Just a beautiful, lyric depiction of the Fastest Man Alive.  With the limitations and catastrophic consequences of his powers revealed, Flash now has a great deal of responsibility and culpability in the most minute of his actions.  This could, dare I say it, be the best Flash ever.  I may say it.  Geoff Johns may have a run for his money in what writer/artists Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato are doing with the Scarlet Speedster.  The art is seminal, the storyline and writing are quintessential.  Just capital ‘Q’ Quality in this title.  Also I have to say that I am pulling for Patty Spivot and Barry Allen.  I know Flash purists will disagree since Iris and Barry have made lives with one another for thirty some years, but I really like Patty and seeing her and Barry together is really cute and different.  This is one drastic change DC has undertaken that I can get on board with, because they are making it work and doing so in a thoughtful way.  Just watch, though.  Now that I’ve said that, they’ll pull the rug out from under the whole thing and hook him back up with Iris.  I hope not.  What can I say, I am a romantic and like to root for an underdog.  Plus she has glasses.
  

  Flash and Patty Spivot

• Green Lantern: New Guardians #7 was exceptional.  A lot occurred and was accomplished within its pages.  The archangel Invictus’ back story is fully revealed, as well as his hatred of lanterns of all colors, and of course the dark history of Larfleeze and the Vega system.  I have to say that I have always liked Larfleeze, even when he is being a complete jerk, but this issue really made me hate him.  Perhaps there is a slight skew to what Invictus said.  Most likely not.  The New Guardians make a good showing in this issue and against all odds, the mission statement of the series reaches fruition: all the disparate Lanterns from the varied corps come together and actually have cemented a bond between themselves.  Its really a poignant scene to see them battered and beaten, side by side with each other watching the back of people they are supposed to hate.  The issue was amazing and left off at an interesting decision which is posed them.
• Superman #7 inaugurated a new story arc and consequently a new creative team as well. Keith Giffen cowrites with Dan Jurgens, who provides art with the help of Jesus Merino on the finishes.  This is the Superman I have been waiting for.  It’s crisp and clean.  He’s not a jackass or a super-jerk.  Conversely, he’s not overly nemish either.  Giffen and Jurgens treat him with respect and reverence, like the Superman of old that I for one was raised on in the early 90’s.  So I am glad that that horrible experiment at the beginning of the Reboot is over and we have a valid rendition of an American icon.  Truly, treating him any other way is unpatriotic.  Also exciting is the entrance of one of my favorite villains from the W.I.L.Dcats series, Lord Helspont.  He was so amazing in the original stories, and seeing him folded seamlessly into the DCU is amazing, but especially seeing him come on the scene and Superman being the first DC character to face him is phenomenal.  Its kind of like wish fulfillment too.  Like seeing Captain Planet fighting Skeletor or Batman fighting Ernst Stavros Blofeld.  I loved this issue and I think that this new Superman arc is going to be the one that really launches the series into what is should be.
• Teen Titans #7 was, as ever, a masterpiece, working toward the reconciliation of the groups classic roster, i.e. the inclusion of Superboy.   Scott Lobdell has danced around several complex characters’ origins and tantalized his readers with slow revelations and hints as to the nature of these people.  In this issue, that is perhaps the most compelling aspect.  And for those who are in the know I have three words: DANNY THE STREET!!!  If you know what that is, you clearly share my enthusiasm.  If not, well read the issue and you will get a glimpse at the awesome that those three words embody.  This issue also harkens to the prophesied “Culling” that has been mentioned frequently in both this series, and its brother title, Superboy.  This is an issue not to be missed in a series that is equally essential to one’s list.
  

  Hark the Harvester

• Justice League Dark #7 was intriguing.  Not up to its usual standard, but that could be its linking to a ridiculous plot line spawned from a ridiculous series.  Still though, this issue did illustrate a great deal of characterization of the “Justice League Darkers” as well as the nature and weaknesses of their abilities.  Zatanna and Rac Shade the Changing Man, among the forefront of members affected by the vampiric uprising.  Peter Milligan pulls off the issue with great skill despite the lack of decent material given him.  Series artist Mikel Janin is absent this issue and replaced by Daniel Sampere, who does a good job filling in for the absent maestro, but I did still miss Janin’s lovely art.
• And we come to I, Vampire #7. Yet again, a travesty of a comic.  Horribly written and not fun to look at.  I will amend that last bit slightly, because though the artwork was tedious for most of the issue, but for a two page spread on pages six and seven that were done in a woodblock fashion to depict a flashback to ancient lore.  This was perhaps the only good thing.  I give credit to artist Andrea Sorrentino for that, if nothing else.  Joshua Hale Fialkov’s writing is atrocious.  I said before that the language used was horribly inappropriate and I repeat that objection.  Submitted here are a couple of examples of the centuries old vampire queen, Mary’s dialogue: “Hey! C’mon guys, we had a whole, like . . . plan here.” and “You guys’re all souped up and magicky and crazy.  What the hell is going on . . . ?”  Okaaaaaaay . . . So a vampire who’s been alive for over two hundred years and attained a level of empiricism over hordes of vampires is talking like a Valley Girl?  I’ll throw your own words back at you, Mr. Fialkov.  “What the HELL is going on . . . ?”  I think that is all that one needs say or ask about this terrible title.
• Legion: Secret Origin #6 concludes the miniseries, rounding out the representation of what writer Paul Levitz wants to achieve in the current series he is writing on the team.  It had a slightly anti-climatic follow through.  On the other hand the revelation of the enigmatic villain’s identity at the end may portend his appearance in the future of the main Legion of Super-Heroes title.
• Fury of Firestorm #7 is as incredible as ever.  This issue goes further into the sordid politics of the Firestorm Arms Race.   After facing Pozhar last issue Jason goes his way and Ronnie his.  Admittedly, Jason gets the better deal.  The secrets of the Firestorm Matrices represent the standing or folding of nations and the ability to wield these godlike beings drives nations to extreme measures.  The politics between the Firestorms themselves, is also an interesting diplomatic quagmire.  Ronnie really feels the brunt of these two aspects of the book, falling into the clutches of a small nation’s clutches and being exposed to unspeakable things.  This issue is drawn by series cowriter Ethan Van Sciver, and welcomes new writer, Joe Harris.   Both really bring their A-Game and write a wonderful issue.
• Voodoo #7 continues the plot through a twisted hall of mirrors.  I love it, but I am uncertain what it is leading up to.  Perhaps that is what tantalizes the reader onward.  The introduction of the real Priscilla Kitaen and the truth behind the origin of Voodoo are both very well done and fall at the heart of my uncertainty.  Josh Williamson has taken this title from veteran writer, Ron Marz, and truly made it his own.  Sami Basri continues to make the series sensuous with his lush artwork.  A good series that defines the scope of the rebooted DCU.
• All-Star Western #7 finds Jonah Hex and Doctor Arkham
  

  Nighthawk and Cinnamon

  arriving in New Orleans and meeting up with the vigilante couple Nighthawk and Cinnamon.  Coming to the Big Easy, the foursome four find themselves confronted by terror attacks leveled against the immigrant population by a group of power elite calling themselves the August 7.  The art by Moritat is killer as usual.  In the backup feature, Nighthawk and Cinnamon appear once again, and we are given the back story of the former.  I have to say that I am becoming a huge Nighthawk fan.  He is a very interesting, complex character and one that I am hoping will pop up often after this arc has wrapped.  I also hope that next issue will treat us to the back story of his beautiful partner, Cinnamon.

• Green Hornet #23 introduces a new, one shot story while showcasing the overarching plot of the dismissed mayoral adviser set on overthrowing Century City.  The story was entertaining, but not an overall must read.  Still the series has been very good throughout.
• Warriors of Mars #2 furthers the story of Union naval officer, Gullivar Jones, transported to Mars with the aid of a magic carpet. This sounds ridiculous, but writer Robert Place Napton works wonders and plays down the laughable concept, making it no more strange than the transport of any man to Barsoom (Mars).  This issue seems to end the journey Gullivar from his literary history, though I admit I have never read the Edwin Arnold novel, so I have no idea how that story concluded.  The stage however is set for Lt. Jones to make his appearance in “modern” Barsoom and come face to face with his confederate counterpart, John Carter.  The potential for this series is unbounded and I feel that it is an excellent addition to the “Warlord of Mars” line of books.
• Also written by Robert Place Napton Warlords of Mars: Dejah Thoris #11 transitions in both story arc and writer.  Though I am the biggest fan of Arvid Nelson, Napton has proven his proficiency with Barsoomian storytelling, so I have high hopes for the series from here on out.  The “Boora Witch” story arc starts out in this issue quite well and reads almost like a folktale or scare story one would read in the old pulp magazines.  This last bit truly interests me as the “Warlord of Mars” novels of Edgar Rice Burroughs started out in pulp magazines.  The mixture of the horror genre and the sci-fi genre I think is achieved well here and well worth looking into by readers of either.
• Spaceman #5  further develops the futuristic post disaster world of its setting.  Its been a strange, disjointed journey, and I still have no idea what its all about, but the relationship between the Spaceman Orson and his young charge, Tara, is gaining depth.  I think that there are some major undercurrents running through this series and I hope that since we have jumped the halfway mark in this miniseries more clarification will be on the way.  If I had a grasp on what I was reading, I think I would appreciate it all the more.
• The New Deadwardians #1 begins a series that boasts a lot of promise.  I am a sucker for masterpiece theater and New Deadwardians has a genuine feeling of the early 20th century in it. At least from what I have seen in in films and read in books.  The concept of Zombies isn’t my favorite horror genre, but neither were vampires before American Vampire.  The premise of the book is that sometime around the turn of the century there was zombie outbreak and the “Restless”, as they are called, become legion and rage across England.  To protect themselves, the upper class of England have erected large fences around zones of London, and taken what has been called “the cure.”  The cure is heavily intimated to be vampirism.  Amid this backdrop a murder mystery ensues and the main character, a police chief of the Scotland Yard looks into the first murder in a long time.  I have great expectations for the series and look forward to seeing how writer Dan Abnett fleshes it out.
• American Vampire #25 concluded the “Death Race” story and went out with two bangs.  Travis Kidd’s history is laid out and his hatred of Skinner Sweet made clear.  Also the way in which the great Skinner Sweet seemingly came back from the dead (or undead, as it were) is also hinted at.  This arc was perhaps one of my favorites.  Over the past twenty-five issues and five special issues, there has been several amazing plot points left unsolved that I can only speculate as to their resurgence and resolution.  Good issue, by creators Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque.
  

  Skinner Sweet Teaches A Valuable Moral

• The Unwritten #35.5 ends the five months of .5 issues and does so with a very interesting special story.  It follows the life of Daniel Armitage, a lost Literature student who is picked up by the Cabal and given a job in the “Grid.”   We’ve been told about what the Grid does and what it is, but through Armitage we are shown its nature.  Though the story is self contained, beginning just before the first issue of the series and terminating after the events of this month’s 35th issue, the ramifications of Daniel’s story could be important in the coming issues.  The guest art of Gabriel Hernandez Walta is quite good. At first I was uncertain about it, but within there are several panels that are quite lovely and well rendered, expressing a great deal of subtext in the soulful lines Walta lays down.   Thoroughly an enjoyable issue of a phenomenal series.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any of these images and give credit to those whose work they are.

Illustration Credits:

Aquaman  #7: Drawn by Ivan Reis, Colored by Rod Reis, Inked by Joe Prado

The Flash #7: Art by Francis Manapul, Colored by Brian Buccellato

Teen Titans #7: Drawn by Brett Booth, Colored by Andrew Dalhouse, Inked by Norm Rapmund

All-Star Western #7: Art by Moritat, Colored by Gabriel Bautista

American Vampire #25: Art by Rafael Albuquerque, Colored by Dave McCaig

Week 24 (February 15, 2012)

• Batman #6 maintains the phenomenon that the five previous issues have generated.  Batman is in the inner sanctum (could one call it the ‘Nest’?) of the Court of Owls and picking up from the shocking last panel of issue #5, things are,  needless to say, very
  

  SPOILER: This ISN'T Real . . .

  grim.  However, in classic Batman style there is a pin prick of hope as he rallies.  When reading toward the crux of this issue, and perhaps the turning point of this arc, I couldn’t help but hear Morgan Freeman from The Dark Knight movie saying, “Now that’s more like it, Mr. Wayne.”   A jaw dropping issue.  What I also think lent a great deal to the awe it generated was the dreamlike quality.  I mentioned in my review of the fifth issue that Batman has been in the underground labyrinth so long he has begun to lose touch with reality.  That continues over, but the reader never leaves his perspective, so as events unfold what is real and what is skewed through his sleep deprivation and drug induced mania is indiscernible.  That said, though the owls are revealed in this issue, its still pretty murky as to what they truly are like.  Its skillfully done by writer, Scott Snyder, giving the audience disclosure that in fact raises more questions than it answers.  I am champing at the bit to read the next installment, but take heart that in May every book that is tied to Batman in any way will be a “Night of the Owls” crossover.  Even All-Star Westerns!!!

• Catwoman #6 started off in a daze, like it was just going through the motions, and perhaps it was, but like the somnambulant Batman in the above review, rallied at the end into some very pointed storytelling.  Though it begins with Selina reaping (yet again) the fruits of her fuck-ups, and portraying her no holds barred style, the interpretation of these events at the end are quite poignant.  Batman voices the concerns of the reader as to how stupid can she really be to act in the manner she does with the low level of regard that she does, and her answers to his questions are QUITE telling.  From this issue on, all the cards are 0n the table as to who Selina is and what we can expect.
• DC Universe Presents #6 features the start of a brand new arc featuring The Challengers of the Unknown.  Admittedly, I am not an expert on this group (Give me time . . .).  From what I do know, writers Dan Didio and Jerry Ordway take the story in a very different direction from the original.  The changes, like those instituted in this arc’s predecessor Deadman’s plot, make the concept fresh, albeit bizarre.  Also linking it to Deadman is the formal introduction of Nanda Parbat, the Shangri-la based lost city of the Himalayas dedicated to the worship of Rama Kushna.  As an introductory issue, it was very slow paced, with only a few enticing scenes.  I’m going to ride it out to see what all is going on and how the differences play out, but think that this is hardly the proper way to set the hook in a reader that is not as versed in the story as I am, which admittedly isn’t very much.
• Green Lantern Corps #6 was lackluster.  In and of itself, it was just ok.  Following up the material from previous months, and considering what writer Peter Tomasi is capable of, it was a fail.   I will carry over my objections from last months review that the idea of the rogue group of Green Lanterns using Earth guns to combat the Keepers is moronic.  It does nothing but degrade the ambiance and integrity of the book.  If Tomasi wants to play with guns, he should do it Batman & Robin where that sort of thing belongs.  This wrapped up the “Keepers” arc so hopefully we can bury this turd in the yard, move on to something better, and forget that this ever happened.
  

  The Keepers Scheme Revealed

• Legion of Super-Heroes #6 starts us fresh on a new arc after last months interim issue.  Series artist, Francis Portella makes his return (Welcome back.), and consequently the issue  looks stunning.  Paul Levitz takes two teams to China of the 31st century, spotlighting Chemical Kid’s tutelage under Element Lad and Dragonwing’s homecoming.  Also dealt with in the background is the aftermath of the Dominators’ failed invasion and what comes next.  Paul Levitz has been hailed as a comic genius and one of the hallmarks is his ability to juggle plotlines in a way that is captivating and natural rather than cluttered.  In a lot of ways, when reading this new run, its hard to tell that he ever left the book in the first place.  Such is the grace of his talent.
• Nightwing #6 is coming down to the wire . . . and not just a trapeze wire.  This issue features the return of Haly’s Circus to Gotham, and of all nights on the anniversary of John and Mary Grayson’s tragic deaths and Dick Grayson’s inception into the destiny he has grown into, prompting this title.  Tensions are running high, and the villainous “Saiko” has his plan set in motion like a well placed set of dominoes.  This is the end game, and the explosive ending of this issue is rife with anticipation for the next issue.
• Red Hood and the Outlaws #6 is a prequel issue this month.  The very first issue of the series has Jason Todd and Starfire breaking Roy Harper
  

  Boy Meets Alien Girl

  out of a Quraci prison, rounding out the gang, but this issue answers the question of how Jason and Starfire first hooked up.  Not to give anything away, but I used “hooked up” on purpose for the multiple meanings it can evoke.  Focus on that however you want.  Jason has up until now been quite aloof and often less than complimentary toward Princess Koriand’r’s bubbly personality, so this issue is very interesting, and very important I’m sure to future stories.  There is actually quite a wellspring of emotion buried in their history.  Knowing Scott Lobdell, this well will be pumped in future storytelling.  Again, make what you want of the word “pump.”

• Supergirl #6 gave some good exposition of the past and defined the present pretty good, but overall my skirts weren’t blown up.  I will give the Mikes credit for really establishing Kara’s past and how that has molded her into the young woman she is now, but their current story is kind of so-so in how they have presented it.  I have hope that they can establish something good at the end of this tunnel.  This is worth giving a look, but my thumbs up lacks enthusiasm.
• Wonder Woman #6 was thoroughly entertaining this week.  Its really hard to know whether to call this the end of an arc, because one of the initial conflicts wrapped this week, but was prolonged by a newer development from last issue’s plot.   Either way, this story is very complex and heavily steeped in Greek mythology, as any good Wonder Woman series should be firmly rooted.  I won’t say this series is my favorite, but it is establishing a status quo that is very appropriate.  Also, new series artist Tony Akins’ designs are phenomenal.  Issue #5 introduced Poseidon as a phosine behemoth, and this one introduces Lord Hades in a very interesting visage.  With all these elements, it is beginning to pick up some steam.
  

  Enter Lord Hades

• Birds of Prey #6 was slightly better, but not by much.  The premise of a hidden mastermind wielding an army of sleeper agents is sound and rife with possibilities, but the characters are mismanaged I think.  Again, they really aren’t “Birds” of Prey as there are only two bird themed characters (Black Canary and Starling), and of those two one is completely laughable as a character (Starling).  The stories might level out, but again I’m waiting out the arc’s endpoint.
• Blue Beetle #6  is growing on me.  The villainous alien horde, the Reach, have seemed infallible with the deployment of their parasitic scarabs, but this issue pokes a hole through that premise and shows the strength of the human spirit against the scarabs, but especially this issue showed how incredible the character of Jaime Reyes is.  Jaime isn’t a tough guy, he’s  not a popular kid, he’s not even super smart.  He’s just a regular kid, so his trials and tribulations are that much more resonant with the demographic reading this title.  It didn’t start out the best, but I truly think that this series is going places.
• My Greatest Adventure #5 continues in the same trend that the past several have.  Matt Kindt’s “Robotman” was a trippy take on the character, much in the style of Grant Morrison’s run on The Doom Patrol in the 90’s.  Like a lot of Morrison’s less inhibited work, this one still have me pondering what I think about it.  I think I like it, but can’t be certain.  Scott Kolins does a very expert job illustrating it, and in several aspects affects a Kirby-esque style.  Aaron Lopresti’s “Garbage Man” storyline continues to be my favorite of the three.  This is surprising as the premise sounds laughable, but that is just a testament to Lopresti’s skills as a storyteller.  The series is very compelling and has me itching for the last chapter, which seems to promise resolution to the story that was started last year in the six part anthology book Weird Worlds.  Also hailing from the pages of Weird Worlds is “Tanga.”  This segment is entertaining.  I’ll say that much.  The variety of the three stories is what makes the series so interesting.
• Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris #10  finishes out the “Pirate Princess of Mars” story arc and was decent.  This book was slightly weak as its premise detracts from the grandeur of the main series.  Dejah Thoris being exposed to Black Martians before the events of the concurrent Warlord of Mars storyline, which takes place many years later after the advent of John Carter to Mars, cheapens this storyline, despite the interesting events it might depict.  Its fun when you can take it by itself, but I guess I am a purist.  As both this series and the main series are penned by Arvid Nelson, I suppose I can give him some latitude, but this still irks me a little bit.  I am interested in the little blurb that appears at the end of the issue about his next arc, entitled “The Boora Witch.”  I greatly anticipate this story and pray that it is less strewn with anachronisms.

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to any of these images and give credit to those whose work they are.

Illustration Credits:

Batman  #6: Drawned by Greg Capullo, Colored by FCO, Inked by Jonathan Glapion

Green Lantern Corps #6: Drawned by Fernando Pasarin, Colored by Gabe Eltaeb, Inked by Scott Hanna

Wonder Woman #6: Drawned by Patrick GleasonTony Akins, Colored by Matthew Wilson, Inked by Dan Green & Tony Akins

Red Hood and the Outlaws #6: Drawn by Kenneth Rocafort, Colored by Blond