Monitor Tapes for Monday, January 26th, 2009
IN REVIEW, DCU BOOKS FROM 1/21/2009-
FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND #2 (OF 2)
Grant Morrison (W)/ Doug Mahnke (A)
We’re currently living in an era of Superman renaissance! It’s the greatest time to be a Superman fan, with not only a fantastic back catalogue of classic Superman stories (check out DC Comics Classics Library: Superman – Kryptonite Nevermore! Available this Wednesday) back in print in HC and SC trades, but we’ve currently got some of the most amazing talent working on the #1 Superhero in the world!
Between Geoff Johns’ Action Comics, James Robinson’s Superman, and Grant Morrison’s All Star Superman, it’s a great time in history to read the adventures of the “Last Son of Krypton”! Falling somewhere smack between the three Superman styles (Johns’ Modern Cinema-esque big adventure/ Robinson’s human and down to earth/ Morrison’s Silver-Age Super story), lands Superman Beyond! An adventure in crazy classic DC style and scope not seen for some time, while also breaking the 4th Wall to micro shards shooting through your brain at ten thousand times the speed of light!
Superman Beyond was initially planned as a single issue one-shot but ended up spilling into a second issue due to the size and scope the story took on as if it had a life of it’s own. Despite the lateness and expansion of the books, this two issue series is more than worth it in price and wait for this Superman min-epic. Superman Beyond is brilliant, exciting, and experimental, from the prose rhythm narration and dialogue, to the super-scope over the top story gussied up in 3D (not only a book gimmick, but an actual story plot point).
First off, a bit of a history lesson, for those of us who remember the semi-experimental books of the late 1990, Warren Ellis introduced the concept of the “Bleed” in Stormwatch, and expanded in the Authority, and Planetary, along with the new technique of storytelling in the “Widescreen Format”. The Bleed was the stuff between universes and manages to introduce a new sci-fi to the comics genere with the idea of shiftships that sailed the Bleed between dimensions and alternate realities. The Widescreen Format he also pioneered was an extension in a way of the ‘nineties art style of “style over substance” big art blow-out, only now in the hands of a writer with vision managed to turn the approach into big substance and storytelling tool.
Sure, both concepts are old hat now as Wildstorm is now part of the DCU (albeit an alternate earth, Earth-50 of the 52 Multiverse), but it’s rarely that the concepts gets used in such a magnificent way as in the hands of Morrison.
As we saw previously, Superman and the “Superman Squadron” (alternate-earth versions of the Man of Steel) consisting of Ultraman (Anti-Matter Universe), Overman (a Nazi Superman from Earth-10), Captain Marvel (from Earth-5, close analogue to original Earth- S), Captain Allen Atom, the “Quantum Superman” (Earth-4 Watchmen/ Charlton Comics mash up with Adam being Dr. Manhattan/ Capt. Atom). Each of them seeking their individual goals, Clark’s is that of saving his wife, Lois Lane as she was badly injured in a bombing by Clayface at the direction of Libra and his Secret Society.
Together they all pilot the Ultima Thule shiftship along with Monitor Zillo Valla, who’s revealed to have vampiric traits. After crashing the ship in Limbo (last seen way back in the end of Grant’s Animal Man run) they find the “One Book” in the Library of Limbo, a book with an infinite number of pages all occupying the same space (think Hitchhikers Guide quantified to 11). As Capt. Marvel and Superman scan the pages for info on repairing the ship and escaping Limbo, the story of the Monitors unfolds, Mandrakk the Dark Monitor awakes and rises, and Ultraman learns evil wins in the end by reading the final page.
Whew, that’s only scratching the surface of the first issue in recap to bring you up to speed for this issue, SUPERMAN BEYOND PART TWO!!!
Ultraman, now glowing in the fact that there is a god, and he hates them (him) all! Superman stands fast with Capt. Atom in the way of Ultraman’s new gospel, and Merryman (of the Inferior 5) and the lost and forgotten of Limbotown draw a line in the sand proclaiming “LIMBO SAYS NO! Meanwhile Zillo jump starts the Ultima via pumping the blood she drained from Overman directly into the ship via her heart. As Overman recovers and attempts to kill the Monitor, Billy Batson stops him (he doesn’t like Nazis telling him what to do) despite not having his magic word to transform, rather relying on his smarts as Billy. After praising him over other heroes that she could have selected- Savior (Mark Millar’s Jesus as a Superhero indy from the late 80’s, later reworked as Chosen), Majestic (Earth-50/ Wildstorm), Supremo (Supreme ala Alan Moore’s run of the Superman analogue, also a possible reference to El Supremo), Guardsman (possibly a reference to Shi’ar Imperial Guardsman Gladiator, another analogue of Superman at Marvel), Hyperious (no clue here), Icon (of the now reintroduced Milestone characters), and Principal (again, no clue). She helps Billy remember his magic word (SHAZAM!), while Limbo wars against the black shadow phantoms invading their home turf.
Ultraman attempts to skyjack(?) the Ultima to go spread the bad word, where Superman stands in his way despite the annihilation of them if the two mix it up with their matter and antimatter particles. Capt. Marvel gets between the two long enough for Superman to have Atom warn the Multiverse and also fuse both Superman and Ultraman (controlled by Superman of course) into a supermachine capable of moving outside the reality space.
As Superman wanders the Monitor’s landscape the Nil as a Thought-Robot Sentinel-Suit, Monitor Weeja Dell (lover to Nix Uotan, exiled Monitor and new type Super-Monitor as seen in Final Crisis), guides the Sentinel of Steel towards his destiny as it’s revealed the Multiverse is the prey of vampire gods, Monitors gone mad and over the edge feeding on bleed and universes. Mandrakk is revealed to not only be the first Monitor Dax Novu, but also the destroyer of everything, planning to drain the multiverse dry till only his sickened spindly carcass remains in the after void. Needless to say, Superman ‘aint having any of that! As he throws down for the fate of the universe!
Mandrakk as (cosmic) supervillains do, asks him what Superman desires upon his tombstone (and I’m pretty sure it’s not a pizza). As Superman collapses under the repeated and relentless attacks of Mandrakk, Superman is given seconds to recover as Zillo distracts the Dark Monitor informing him that a better story has been found (it involves a child from an exploding planet) and is stronger than his. Mandrakk strikes her down killing her in a fraction of a second. As the Monitors morn her loss and scorn Mandrakk, Superman gets a second wind as the two cosmic forces pummel each other to pieces and destroy the utopia and culture that was once the world of the Monitors.
There’s much, much more here before you get to the end of the story, as a lot I’ve left out (from the first issue and this issue) but rather than read my ramblings here you should just go pick up the issues and enjoy them yourselves. Superman Beyond is Superman cranked up to 11 ½ with the classic Superman who can do anything, because he has to, in order to save us all. Plus, the 3D stuff just makes it extra fun!
On the only downside I can think of, is the possible Devil Ex Machina counter that will more likely than not appear in the “Final” issue of Final Crisis (Issue #7, “guaranteed by DC to be out this Wednesday, also art by Doug Mahnke). Those not reading Beyond will probably miss out on some story beats (as in other tie-in one-shots), but then again, if you’re not already reading this as well, you’re probably missing out on a whole lot more anyway! I’ve also got to admit it’s a bit funny that the story in issues #1 and #2 are pretty self contained story wise, even though it spins out of FC proper.
In a sea of comics often breezed through in a matter of a couple minutes, this micro-series was a welcome departure as a pretty lengthy read the first time, and something new pops up with each additional reading. I can only hope to see more creators and editors take more chances with wild experimental material like this in the future.
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #21
David Hine (W)/ Doug Braithwaite, Bill Reinhold (A)
My old guilty pleasure book was Superman/ Batman (AKA Worlds Finest) during Loeb’s run. It wasn’t anything groundbreaking, mind blowing, or even earth shattering, rather a book with Superman and Batman in it having crazy adventures that sometimes didn’t make since, but like I said it was a guilty pleasure book.
With the re-launch of Brave and the Bold, Mark Waid and George Pérez brought their “A” game to the table and gave me a new guilty pleasure book with DCU team ups! Unfortunately, the title is slipping from interest due to much the same reason I lost interest in Superman/ Batman, what seem to be fill in type issues to keep the series warm.
I’ve not kept up with the series but I decided to check out the latest issue (mostly curious if the Ape-Looking girl with the big head piqued my interest in hopes it was Dorothy Spinner from Doom Patrol), unfortunately walking in I was already bringing in a baggage load of bias.
Jumping in feet first, I’ve no idea as to what’s going on (DC if you’re reading this, PLEASE give us a title page recap, DC Nation can go the way of letter colums and have a place online (as it’s already on the web) rather than in the books themselves. Usually they’re not even current as books get shuffled and ship early (rarely) or late (far too frequently). I know I’m just kinda’ bitching and moaning, but ‘cmon I’m one of your biggest cheerleaders and you’re not making it any easier for me or new fans.
Back to the issue it’s self, it features the Phantom Stranger (who’s apparently a stranger in space) and keeping with the best part of the original story-arc, name drops Morpheus, AKA Dream of the Endless, acknowledging that they’re all part of the same universe despite “Mature Readers” label of protest. After creepy girl screams and looks creepy, we see “alien” snails crawling over his face like a drunk gutter punk after a spare change malt liquor bender.
Going farther in, I found myself more lost, possibly due to not reading previous issue or issues. I found myself studying the art more than the story, I honestly didn’t finish reading the issue rather skimming it till the end. Perhaps I’ll give it another chance later, perhaps not. Again I feel kind of bad not fully judging it on it’s own rather carrying not only bias for previous creators, but also for future writer J. Michael Straczynski who will come on as regular writer sometime this year.
FACES OF EVIL: DEATHSTROKE
David Hine (W) Georges Jeanty (A)
Almost slipped past my radar as the one-shots have been a bit of a mixed bag of either really good or not so good. Like that, Deathstroke is one of those characters that lends to a similar usage, when he’s well written, he’s fantastic, when used a stock villain, not so much.
Despite what may or may not be said about Brad Meltzer’s JLA run, the man made Deathstroke a badass again in Identity Crisis and DCU Last will and testament. The latter presenting this issue as a follow up to the previous story as Geo-Force managed to take Slade Wilson down. Deathstroke is in Belle Reve prison being attended to by doctors and having his bionic eye removed when it triggers a nightmare flash of all his dead family and friends. He’s awakened much to the dismay of the doctors but turns out to not wan to escape and he’s shutting his body down in a suicide protest.
He requests to see his daughter, Rose Wilson AKA Ravager of formerly Teen Titians and now appearing in Terror Titans. As her life has been super screwed by daddy Deathstroke, she attempts to kill him much to Slade’s plan to escape and piss her of further. After a fight scene and monologue about Slade only killing for himself and not for others or money, he escapes to find a teen street girl looking rough. Old creepy uncle Deathstroke is back with the teen girlfriend (or it would seem per the allusions to it).
It’s an ok issue overall but not must read by any means, honestly despite many decrying the need for more “done in one” stories, this needed more pages/ issues to really let the ideas and story flourish, as the emotional moments are almost ADD inducing.
GREEN LANTERN #37
Geoff Johns (W)/ Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert (A)
As par usual, my monthly plea for you to read Green Lantern is ever present. This issue, Blue Lanterns, Red Lanterns, Yellow Lanterns and a whole bucket of awesome! I’m not a cosmic or space guy when it comes to comics, but this series is just damn good. Pick up either Rebirth or the recent Secret Origins trade and get ready for a great series!
The Blue Lanterns (powered by “Hope” and “Prophecy”) are accompanying Hal on a mission to save Sinestro are also trying to sway him to the Blue Lanterns as part of a prophecy. Hal’s in the situation of not only doing something he’s against (saving Sinestro), but also wants nothing to do with the new Lantern Corps as he’s good with “Green” and has no desire to switch teams. As Hal approaches (ditching the BL’s) Ysmault and scans for life, Hal’s ring detects only one, that of his old mentors who’s crucified on the Red Lantern’s symbol, not unlike how the remaining Inversions were by the Green Lanterns. As Hal flashes back to the days where he worked with Sinestro, Atrocitus and his Red Lantern Corps (powered by “Blood” and “Hate”) reveal themselves and attack. They also somehow manage to drain Hal’s ring taking him down and tying him up next to Sinestro. Hal is shocked by the RL Laira, formerly a GL until she brutally murdered Yellow Lantern Amon Sur (son of Abin, GL predecessor to Hal) after his surrender. She is now consumed by the blood and hate of the Red Lantern ring, almost mindless in her rage.
As Atrocitus taunts and tortures Hal and Sinestro in addition to his mind tainting “Prophecies”, a faction of Yellow Lanterns attacks in an attempt to rescue their leader. To add to the already chaotic scene the BL’s arrive charging Hal’s ring and attempting to stop the brawl breaking out with the Yellows and the Reds. Sinestro manages to recover his ring while Hal tries to break through Laria’s rage and “rescue” her. Just as he breaks through to her, Sinestro decides the only good Red Lantern is a dead one by blowing her chest out with his ring. Chaos and rage overcome the continuing mess leading to a shocking final page that leaves everyone in a very, very, bad place.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #29
Len Wien (W) Chris Cross (A)
Surprising as the solicitations said Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes, current JLA writer and artist respectively, not a bad surprise as I like the guest team and they write a pretty awesome issue. Dusting off an old adversary with a great design in both visual and character, Len returns to Justice League of America and shows he’s still got it!
Starbreaker narrates the story going over himself in a way that drips with ego and hubris while also giving us a recap on his character (something often lacking in modern comic storytelling). Starbreaker is a cosmic vampire who feeds on energy, his favorite being that discharged when you drop a populated planet into a sun! If only it weren’t for those screwy Justice Leaguers and they’re do gooding natures, Starbreaker would be eating toasted earth.
Like I said, this is old school JLAwesome while giving us the backstory of his previous encounters. We know he’s the big bad of the current JLA arc and this does a great job setting story up for the storyarc it’s self. Those of you wanting a DCU comic for the kids, this is probably a good one to start them with!
SUPERGIRL #37
Sterling Gates (W) Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne (A)
Who is Superwoman? That’s the question posed as well as the stories title. With New Krypton now in orbit behind the sun, the Kryptonians are attempting to start their life anew, though as the opening dialogue states “In a bottle all over again”. We get a brief on Superwoman who’s shown on New Krypton and also in flashback working for the mysteriously resurrected General Lane (father to Lois, previously dead as a result of “Our Worlds at War”) who apparently knows the identity of the brown haired Kryptonian.
Supergirl hovers in space taking a quiet moment to reflect, grieve, and take warmth to her spirit from the sun. She’s inturupted by Superwoman as they take a knowing and warm exchange.
Back on Earth, Lois meets up with Inspector Mike Henderson, of the new to Lois Metropolis Metacrimes Division (think CSI for supercrime). They’ve found the body of Agent Liberty, dead due to an unfortunate “heat vision to the brain” presented by Superwoman, as he was investigating the recent events leading to Gen. Lane’s secret operation.
Back to Supergirl and Superwoman, Kara reveals she has no idea who she is either. Superwoman states she had been looking for Kara (previously her mother sent out Kryptonians to find her) and reveals that she searched the planet for her (and she’s faster than she looks). As Kara returns and meets with her mother, she’s tasked with returning to Earth and apprehending Reactron, who murdered her father previously. When she arrives back above Metropolis, Superwoman arrives and attempts to dissuade her from her task, ending in a sock in the jaw delivered by Superwoman.
I’ve got to say, I’m really digging how New Krypton has given Kara a working backdrop to allow her character to break out, as she’s torn between her cousin Kal and Earth, and New Krypton and her mother. It will be interesting to see how tings play out with her character in the future.
SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #3
Len Wein (W) Chris Batista and Mick Gray (A)
With a well suited cover by Bernie Wrightson, Len Wein strikes again in an update to the Composite Superman character/ idea as a Frankenstein-Esque patch together creature.
First page we’ve got the modern design of Mr. Freeze (If I remember correctly designed by Kelly Jones?) and Firefly in his outfit from the often disliked by adults “The Batman” cartoon. Personally, I’m not 100% on a lot of the designs in the show, but Firefly’s outfit was just damned awesome.
I love the dialogue coming from Batman as he’s attacked from the shadows by what we only assume is Superman, crazy, kryptonite affected, magic, or under mind control. Batman delivers the lines with a deadpan and urgency to fix the problem and move on before he gets maimed or killed. Similarly, Superman is getting screwed around with by Batman, or a reasonable facsimile.
As I’ve said before, one of the things I loved about this series is it’s guilty pleasure factor, of which stems from a lot of wacky antics and not taking it’s self too seriously. The first few pages go back to just that and hooked me for a good read. All Superman and Batman needs to do for me is have fun and tell a fun story, plenty of that here. Plus in some ways it hearkens back to “The Superfriends Meet Frankenstein” episode of the Superfriends cartoon. Fun in a time when some books take themselves too seriously and sometimes that’s all you need from a comic!
AND IN BRIEF-
HARLEY QUINN: PRELUDES AND KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES SC
Karl Kesel (W) Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson (A)
If you didn’t read this series first time around or pick up the Hardcover version out last year, here’s a new chance to read an awesome series and save a couple bucks in the process. Fan favorite character from Batman the Animated Series had a good run in her title series and breaks out as a great character in her own right.
BATMAN: THE STRANGE DEATHS OF BATMAN
Didn’t have a chance to pick this up for review proper, but having read a handful of the issues collected her I can say there’s some awesome stuff in this collection. Collecting “Death of Batman” classics from Detective Comics #347, World’s Finest #184 And 269, The Brave And The Bold #115, Batman #291-294, Batman Chronicles #8 And Nightwing #52. this is the best (and cheapest) way to read some classic stuff.
UPCOMING DCU BOOKS THIS WEDNESDAY 1/28/2009
BATMAN #685
BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #9 (OF 12)
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #1 (technically not DCU, but check it out! The cartoon’s great and I’m hoping the same goes for this)
BLUE BEETLE #35
DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: SUPERMAN – KRYPTONITE NEVERMORE!
FACES OF EVIL: KOBRA
FINAL CRISIS #7 (OF 7) DC Swears it’s coming out!
FINAL CRISIS: REVELATIONS #5 (OF 5)
HUNTRESS: YEAR ONE
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #23
THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #50
REIGN IN HELL #7
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: THE HOUSE OF MYSTERY VOL. 3
SUPERMAN #684
TEEN TITANS #67
TRINITY #35
THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #9 (OF 12)
WONDER WOMAN #28
As always thanks for reading! And for those of you reading, post questions you may have below and I’ll do my best to answer you DCU inquiries. Plus check out www.dccomics.com for new comic previews, Who’s Who character origin comics and more!