Monitor Tapes for Tuesday, March 17^th, 2009

Tony Daniel’s Battle for the Cowl is by and far the most cracked-out vision of a bat-book far beyond anything Grant Morrison has done (thus far) in his recent run. I’ve honestly remarked that often Morrison’s Batman is downright conservative and rather straight-laced when it comes to storytelling (with the exception of Last Rights, but then again really look into Batman’s history and tell me the story was that weird).

I had some honest reservations going into reading it and thought about skipping it for quite a while. Knowing the track-record of artist-turned-writers (to his credit, he has wrote comics in the past, though I’ve not read nor am I fit to judge) especially fresh in my mind with the formation of Image with “artist’s turned writer, creator, producer, and corporation” (“fresh in my mind, it’s been like 16 years, I really think I’m dating myself now…”), I’m naturally cautious about such things.

However, I really think this is a labor of love for Daniel in all honestly. From reading his blog where he’s very enthusiastic about the fact he gets to write Batman, to the actual product it’s self, the man’s a lucky bastard, he knows it, and hell, you’d probably give your first-born, wife, and comic collection to write Batman (it’s a good thing my wife doesn’t read this column, she might actually read through the lines there).

Is it the perfect Batman comic? No, but then again ask anyone and you’ll probably have several different answers, or the five Batman fans who don’t actually read comics regularly site either “The Killing Joke” (not a Batman comic, rather “The Greatest Joker Story Ever Told”) or “The Dark Knight Returns” (an alt-take on Batman who’s crusty and grizzled and hates “the Establishment”). Batman “books” tend to be action, sci-fi, psychological, crime noir and even sometimes straight up superhero just to scratch at a few of the many.

The rundown on the story it’s self-

Gotham, as it does so often goes to hell in a handbasket due to the latest disaster, Batman not showing up to punch people so hard that they sometimes puke, making many of the cacaroch criminal types scurrying out from the shadows without an Orkin-Batman to stomp their asses. What makes the direness of it all as “The Great (Gotham) Disaster” is due to everyone going ape-shit with crime and crime-gimmics all while trying to rule the Gotham underworld via gang wars and gulags.

Black Mask returns from the dead or is possibly an entirely new “Black Mask” (maybe Jason Todd pulling double duty, not unlike his “Red Hood” disguise). Arkham’s inmates get the Suicide Squad treatment working for Black Mask after he blows up Arkham, this will not end well in his favor I guarantee because after all, He’s no Amanda Waller.

And where are the Bat-Boyz-not-in-the-Hood?

Nightwing continues to stare into the abys of Bruce’s union suit, and spars with Alfred (some might think this is a bit out of character, but I’m personally glad that he was retconned into a badass and someone remembered, he’s the Godamn Alfred!). Tim’s out with Squire (another Bat character I love) whoopin’ ass and trying to impress another girl (he’ll no doubt dump in the future). Damian continues to act like a little shit driving around picking up goth girls in his dads car. Chaos ensues, people get killed, and “mysterious” Batmen pop in and out with various gimmicks.

So about the comic it’s self, what did I think, well…

I’m frankly more of a talking heads kind of guy in comics, more writing over art when it comes right down to it. But I’ve got to admit, the art in the book is the best I’ve ever seen from Daniel, its dynamic and action oriented but clearly the man excels at what he does. Going back and looking at the issues scripted by Morrison, I regarded them as serviceable, but really Daniel is a hyper-kinetic action artist who needs to work on projects he’s got a stake in (IE-Writing) or at the very least co-writing or co-plotting. The man’s a cadged tiger on the page under what I’ve seen prior, he’s got to get out there and rip shit up at Mach 7. It’s crazy and frantic and probably what anti-Morrison people want out of Batman with it’s videogame-esque violence and perfectly set up hell scenario as a backdrop. Could I be wrong in saying that TD packs more action and characters into a single issue of BTFTC than both “Maximum Carnage” the 14 part(!) comic series and video game adaptation? I think not!

The bad about it (regarding the writing)? Questionable choices in dialogue here and there, questionable characterizations in some cases, and man I really wish Mutant-Killer Croc would go away (though that’s my personal gripe really). Really though, he’s been dropped into a grey area between Batman’s “death” and Morrison/ Quitely re-launch, so can you blame him for having fun with the whole thing. It’s not going to be as mind blowing as say “Batman: Arkham Asylum”, but then again he does reference characters from “Arkham Asylum: Living Hell” and that’s pretty cool in my book.

I’m going to be honest to all readers here, as for the dialogue writing is not fantastic and I’m probably softballing a bit. Truth be told, I don’t know the man personally, but I can’t keep him down for enthusiasm over writing Batman. Frankly had the art not been so electric and clearly joyous to behold, I’d probably been harsher on it. But the reality of it is, it’s a labor of love on his part and he’s having a blast, so I really can’t blame him for it. Extremely mixed feelings aside, if you just look at it as an action movie, it’s totally popcorn, despite the lack of emotional investment.

DC Comics for Wendsday the 18^th, 2009

DC

* AZRAEL: DEATH’S DARK KNIGHT #1 (OF 3)

* THE BATMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 7

* BATMAN: HAUNTED GOTHAM

* BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #6 (OF 6)

* THE OUTSIDERS #16

* SUPER FRIENDS #13

* SUPERGIRL #39

* TEEN TITANS SPOTLIGHT: CYBORG

* TINY TITANS #14

* TOR: A PREHISTORIC ODYSSEY

* TRINITY #42

* VIGILANTE #4

VERTIGO

* AIR #7

* AIR VOL. 1: LETTERS FROM LOST COUNTRIES

* HELLBLAZER #253

WILDSTORM

* MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #3 (OF 6)

* STORMWATCH PHD #20

* WORLD OF WARCRAFT #17

* THE X-FILES #5 (OF 7)

Thanks for reading!

Monitor Tapes for Monday, March 9th 2009

Just to be forewarned, no comic reviews/ cliff notes again this week as I’ve not only not had a chance to read my stack of stuff (of the stuff I did read, New Krypton #1 was good and you should go pick it up, unless you’re Lex Luthor or Jeff Vice) the Lj situation has sucked most of my writing time in addition to Watchmen as well. So staying DC-centric, we’ll dive into discussing a couple of the more sensitive points of Watchmen, and if a similar issue will arise in the future regarding the future film adaptation of Ex Machina. Hopefully I don’t ramble on too much….

It’s the Watchmen’s world baby, we just live in it!

Watchmen fever seems to have gripped the country recently, love it or hate it people are talking about it either way and that’s good. I’m honestly happy that the film has garnered so much attention for it’s self as it brings attention to the original work and also makes for spirited discussions. Now, I expected to hear most “comic” fans to either love it or hate it, but I had no way of speculating the way that some would react when not being familiar with the work.

As you all know, I saw Watchmen on Monday the 9^th along with several media types and Kerry and Co. from the Geek Show Podcast. Now readers probably already know that Sean Means said some things about scenes involving President John F. Kennedy and that lovable rascal known as the Comedian. Referencing the president’s assassination in the film to him seemed crass and exploitative and laid the blame upon the directors head, despite the fact it was in the book called Watchmen (of which he claims to have read, but honestly could have missed it if he skimmed or read cliff notes, but I digress.

Kerry became very passionate about the comments providing his own comments to the incident (in the bathroom of all places), of which you can listen to/ download here-

http://www.thegeekshowpodcast.com

Kerry has in fact apologized for his outburst and he and Sean are cool, having made up. The purpose of this article is not in fact to bash Sean as though I think his review and opinion are valid because he’s a human being with his own life, thoughts, and feelings. But I in no way support his review or comments as I wholeheartedly disagree with him.

Even though I fully back Kerry’s comments, I know it can be a touchy subject for some and debates have gone back and forth regarding it even though I think a more constructive use of energy would be solving the worlds many problems (like Ozymandias, ZING!). I admit to finding this fragment of the film receiving this much attention than any other part in the films opening (such as the “Last Supper” image) or the entire film it’s self (other “historical” figures are assassinated in part of the film). I myself didn’t think much of the scene other than I enjoyed it and understood it’s significance in the film and in an “alternate” history (I swore to myself I wouldn’t use that phrase, dammit!) context as well. Unfortunately though, I think no matter how such a thing is referenced, it’s going to ruffle feathers whether it be regarding the assassination of JFK or even the more recent 9/11 incident still fresh in our minds. Then again if Kennedy somehow survived and went undercover with Abe Lincoln and traveled through time, fighting Nazis and saving the world, maybe it would have been more palatable to those who disagree with the scene.

Just for a counter point to it all I guess, I was on a plane the morning of 9/11 in Connecticut when the shit went down. Now clearly I’m still alive, the plane was evacuated suddenly and without reason, military rushed in and tried to lock-down the airport while removing citizens. Before the evacuation happened, there was rumor and speculation about what happened, but most were saying a plane flew into the towers, of which I thought they were mistaken, maybe a prop plane or single engine smacked into one of the buildings on accident, but there’s no way an large airline passenger plane would.

As it turned out, I war wrong. Not only that, the plain had clearance to take off and almost did. The whole event was pretty surreal, I was jumped by reporters as I left asking my thoughts on the situation (I responded that I had no idea what was going on) as solders yelled at me while trying to retrieve my bags, they eventually stopped when I yelled back (remarkably I didn’t get shot for being slightly off white in skin color I guess) about needing my clothes. I managed to find a ride back to Northampton, MA and later in the evening saw what had happened with the planes (the interview people from earlier had given me a brief on what they knew) as the footage repeated it’s self. It was also slightly eerie walking around Northampton during the day as not many had heard what happened and went about their lives. Now I didn’t know anyone personally on any of those flights that went down so honestly I’ll never know what they went through exactly, but even though it’s a modern tragedy still fresh in our collective conscientiousness we can’t sweep it under the rug and forget due to the pain it caused.

When the movie version of Ex Machina comes out five years from now and includes the 9/11 segment crucial to the story, some people will in fact see it as crass exploitation even though it’s a part of the story. Some people don’t understand that fiction, while it may in fact be simply entertainment for consumption, fiction does in fact carry a greater burden. Fiction (especially Science Fiction) is a filter through where we examine ourselves, whether it be something completely fictional in construct, or tied into historical events giving people a point of reference in their minds to which relate. We’re a people (on the entire planet) that has a history both loaded with grimy ugliness and brilliant beauty, to not take the smooth with the rough is to deny ourselves of truth of our history, our cultures, and ultimately ourselves.

It’s not as if Watchmen has a laugh track going when the Comedian shot Kennedy, the fact remains historical events will forever fall into our fiction simply due to the fact that it’s ours and it effects us in some way. Did I find it crass or exploitative to read Ex Machina when 9/11 was referenced? No I didn’t because I understand the context and the importance of the event in not only the books context, but the real and historical significance to us as a nation of Americans. I don’t think the majority of people can even comprehend acts of violence on such a scale, whether it be a historical figure propelled into historical myth, or murder on a scale of hundreds or thousands, even more so if we’re not actually connected in someway to such events (there’s a difference from viewing something from afar and actually being personally connected to a person who’s part of a tragic end). I almost wonder sometimes if the grief we expel from ourselves over such a thing is sometimes forced and overdone, due to the fact we’ve become desensitized in so many ways just to be able to function day to day on planet earth.

The squid stays in the picture!

On a completely different note, I’ve heard the arguments for the altered ending in the film, but really none for the original ending (though I may not be looking hard enough, even though I know it’s out there) other than my own. I’m OK with the ending, I can live with it and it doesn’t make or break the movie for me. I understand how it’s more palatable to a mainstream audience, but it doesn’t take away the original ending from the book.

Would I have wanted to see the squid? Yes due to how significant it is to the story and character development. Would it have been out of place in the film? No more so than the superheroes themselves or a giant genetically altered lynx wandering around a terrarium somewhere in the Arctic. I’m all for a certain amount of license in comic to film adaptations to make them more realistic and comprehensible, but in the case of the film it “changed things” (as the Joker said) creating a wholly different ending from the book. Is it better or for worse? I don’t know which do you prefer the book a Clockwork Orange or the film adaptation?

Regarding the ending it’s self, it changes elements of the story in the main body only slightly. And only when you seen the film version of the ending can you go back and see things set up for said ending, not unlike the book even though you get somewhere different at the end. With the film ending, even though Dr. Manhattan is possibly the most powerful being in the universe, the ending makes him less omnipotent and almost ineffective in a number of ways. What were inventions that changed society created by Manhattan in the book, end up being Ozymandias’ gifts to humanity as he sets himself up as the great Lex Luthor (though more David Bowie thin white duke and “possibly a homosexual”) against the “Superman” of the film. Unlike Lex though, he truly is a benevolent person in being a leader of men and having man’s best interests at heart. So in a way, though it’s different, the film still manages to maintain parts of the original message in the end, despite the radical departures. I do wonder though if we’ll ever see test footage on the DVD release of ol’ squiddy and what our reactions will be upon seeing it.

Breifly- Regarding the Livejournal situation, it occurred to me that the Lj feed “Comics Should Be Good” associated with CBR (Comic Book Resources) is in fact still posting pages, panels and covers from Marvel and DC comics without any known reprisals (that I’m aware of at least) from Lj or Marvel. Though being connected to CBR as a “legit” comic news source may somehow exclude them, this is all speculation on my part though. To make it DC-centric, still no news to be found on DC’s opinion of the situation at hand. If in fact anyone associated with DC in any way wants to chime in, I’ll gladly throw your two-cents in to next weeks Monitor Tapes.

DC Comics available on 3/11/2009

DC

* ACTION COMICS #875

* BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #27

* BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1 (OF 3)

* BOOSTER GOLD #18

* CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #35

* CATWOMAN: THE LONG ROAD HOME

* GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #18

* GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34

* JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 4

* THE LOSERS BY JACK KIRBY

* R.E.B.E.L.S. #2

* SCOOBY-DOO #142

* SHOWCASE PRESENTS: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA VOL. 4

* SIMON DARK #18

* SUPER FRIENDS: FOR JUSTICE!

* SUPERMAN/BATMAN #56

* TITANS #11

* TRINITY #41

* WONDER WOMAN: THE ENDS OF THE EARTH

VERTIGO

* DMZ #40

* FABLES #82

* NORTHLANDERS #15

* SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATRE VOL. 7: THE MIST AND PHANTOM OF THE FAIR

* SCALPED #26

* TRANSMETROPOLITAN VOL. 1: BACK ON THE STREET

* YOUNG LIARS #13

WILDSTORM

* EX MACHINA SPECIAL #4

* GEN 13 #28 Preview Available

* RESIDENT EVIL #1 (OF 6)

* TOP 10 SEASON TWO #4

As always, thanks for reading!

The Monitor Tapes for Thursday, March 3^rd, 2009

Truth be told, I’ve been left in a kind of post-Final Crisis-blagh kind of malaise since the end of the series (true, there are issues of FC: Legion of Three Worlds to still look forward to) but everything just seems a bit quieter and not as magnificent after the hyper-epic thrill-ride Final Crisis was. Not that this weeks crop is not good (far from it, Green Lantern is always stand out as this last weeks JSA was fantastic as well), but it can get a bit boring to only write about what I’m reading week to week.so I thought I’d change things up a bit.

There’s plenty to look forward to (or dread depending on your outlook) coming this year from DC, from summer events (though “Blackest Night is really a story spinning out of / extension of stories going on in Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps respectively), to mini-series, new on-goings and one-shots.

This weeks books were fine, but rather than a round of reviews, lets look at what DCU is delivering this year-

Superman: Secret Origin

The “third” post-CoIE origin redux written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank. Rather than focus on Kal El’s origins starting on Krypton (Johns already has that covered in spades in his recent Action Comics issues), it’s a definitive story from Clark Kents’ perspective, reintroducing previously retconned parts of his life (Legion of Superheroes/ traveling to the future, his friendship with Lex, and moving to Metropolis and starting his “new” life). True, in Mark Waid’s birthright mini-series he reintroduced some “Silver Age” elements (like young Luthor), but originally the mini was planned as an non-official story that was later used to retcon and replace the John Byrne “neutered” 80’s Superman re-launch, as the character in the stories was not only dated but also unrecognizably confusing to most people familiar with Superman’s “origin”.

Blackest Night

Written by Geoff Johns (again with this guy!) and penciled by Ivan Reis. The dead shall rise! After the scarring at the hands of the resurrected Anti-Monitor serving in the Sinestro Corps (Yellow Lanterns), the Oan Guardian now known as Scar has gone a bit off the deep end and is obsessed with the “unmentionable” passage in the Guardians “Big Book” regarding the “Blackest Night”. The Anti-Monitor, destroyed again during the Sinestro Corps War has been repurposed as an anti-matter “Black” lantern capable of sending out black rings that resurrect and power the dead. The GL villain known as the Black Hand is apparently in the clutches of the sinister goings on and is the herald for the coming event. Expect lots of dead DCU characters (Namely Earth 2 Superman and Martian Manhunter, with all the deaths in the DCU the last five years, expect plenty fan favorites returning, though you may wish you hadn’t) returning as DC zombies with a penchant for dressing like they shop at Hot Topic circa 1995.

Battle for the Cowl

Tony Daniel pulls double duty on the three issue mini where everyone wants to be the next Batman (I smell reality show GOLD!). In whats described as a kinetic kung-fu battle royal fight extravaganza, suitors to the cowl line up all shouting “DIBBS” while trying to fill the cape (in my opinion, none are worthy, but I digress).

Also BftC will be spinning into the following–

Batman and Robin (relaunch? from #1)– Featuring Grant Morrison and rumored (all but “officially” confirmed) artist Frank Quitely and two additional rotating artists.

Batman (also relaunched from #1)- Rumored to be Written by Judd Winnick and art by Tony Daniel, of whom was previously to be rumored to “write” said title depending on hoe BftC does).

Detective Comics featuring Batwoman– by Greg Rucka and JH Williams, 12 issues, awesome judging from the preview.

Superman: World of New Krypton

Written by Andrew Kreisberg Art by Pete Woods starting this week! Superman travels to New Krypton to learn about his people, teach them valuable lessons about humanity, keep an eye on Zod, and possibly shout “Poppa spank” as he re-shrinks the Kryptonians of Kandor and re-bottles their pretentious asses!

Flash: Rebirth

Geoff John’s a& Ethan Van Sciver return the “greatest” Flash to the Modern DCU, funny too considering how ahead of his time Barry was. Expect greatness from the team and character, as you get to know Barry again. And regarding the Rouges, “Please Barry, don’t hurt ‘em!” (well, hurt ‘em too bad that is).

Power Girl- written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and drawn by Amanda Conner. Do you need anything else? OK, Kara Zor-L reenters the workforce (don’t she know there’s a recession on, them Kryptonians are takin’ our JOBS!) as she resurrects her secret ID of Karen Starr. Expect hy-jinx and hilarity to ensue!

PLUS!

DC Comics Classics Library: Roots Of The Swamp Thing HC- Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing back in print and color. Good for those of you who may not have read it before!

And much more I’ve not listed. Is this something of interest to BSR readers, let me know as DC’s got a slew of books and projects coming up and I’ll try and provide news as it’s available. Speak up! Comment! Let me know what I can do for you!

Now, on to Wednesday’s comics!

DC COMICS AVAILABLE ON 3/4/2009

DC

BATMAN: CACOPHONY #3 (OF 3)

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #5 (OF 6)

DC COMICS CLASSICS LIBRARY: THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES – THE LIFE AND DEATH OF FERRO LAD

GOTHAM GAZETTE: BATMAN DEAD?

JONAH HEX #41

JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1

THE MIGHTY #2

SECRET SIX #7

SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL

SOLOMON GRUNDY #1 (OF 7)

STRANGE ADVENTURES #1 (OF 8)

SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #1 (OF 12)

TERROR TITANS #6 (OF 6)

TRINITY #40

THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT VOL. 1

JOHNNY DC

LOONEY TUNES #172

SUPER FRIENDS #13

SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #4

VERTIGO

BANG! TANGO #2 (OF 6) (MAR-04)

HAUNTED TANK #4 (OF 5) (MAR-04)

HOUSE OF MYSTERY #11 (MAR-04)

WILDSTORM

THE AUTHORITY #8

FRINGE #3 (OF 6) (Based on the TV show)

MIRROR’S EDGE #5 (OF 6) (Based on the video game)

Thanks for reading!

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #30

Writer- Dwayne McDuffie/ Artist- Ed Benes

JLA in the hands of Dwayne McDuffie is good. It’s not going to be the most talked about run, it’s not going to make you more attractive to the opposite sex, and it’s not going to make you rich. It will however tell a good JLA story and in this case finish the arc where he’s reintroduced the Milestone Universe characters into the DCU proper.

For those of you who don’t know McDuffie not only was one of the creators and architects of Milestone (including his baby Static, you may be familiar with the animated version Static Shock!), but also worked on Justice League Unlimited writing some great episodes of said series. The only negative effect of the latter is that experiencing the animated JLA tends to make one think of the series and long for it. Plus, he finds himself at a bit of an disadvantage with the frequent crossovers and events of the past year or so, working around them and working with them when he can. If anything, he’s proven to be resourceful and versatile in his stories. Even when he swings and misses, he is at the very least writing JLA as opposed to juggling a handful of characters and working against them.

Issue 30 is the close of the first chapter involving the return of Starbreaker, the sun vampire who’s more a world devourer than a traditional “Dracula”. The JLA and Shadow Cabinet face off against an amped-up Shadow Thief and a shadow army of JLA “Shadows”, as Shadow Thief tries to use the moon’s “shadow-mass” slamming it into the Earth. Icon and Superman drop their charade as Superman tries to stop the shadow moon. It’s mostly an issue filled with dust-up’s, but there is a few nice character moments with Superman and Icon, as well as others.

In several weeks (or months) of books rife with controversy, it’s nice to just kick back and read something fun like this once in a while.

MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #2 (OF 6) (WILDSTORM)

Writer- Jeff Parker/ Artist- Tom Fowler

Mysterius is a counter-culture Doctor Who, fixing supernatural “problems” for a hefty fee (as he puts it, “I hate when poor people have a paranormal problem”). Where John Constantine frequently runs afoul of the supernatural leaving a bodycount in his wake along with heaping trauma to himself, Mysterius walks tall and carries an investigative proactive stance making things right, so long as the check clears. Plus, former “companions” seem to do all right in the end (as far as we know so far). There are some who do end up in bad situations indirectly (though not necessarily by his fault), but then again we wouldn’t really have much of a story without people getting into trouble!

Issue two puts Mysterius and his newly acquired companion or “Delfi” (you’ll have to read the book to understand) on the case for auctioneer Gerald Ormond, of whom has a penchant for the ladies as much as priceless (or “pricy”) antiques. Unfortunately, he’s crossed a witch (a real one, not like those eyeliner clad earthy-crunchy hippie Wiccan types) regarding an auction transaction and happens to be married. So the current curse affliction where he’s broken out in a rash of names of the “other women” has become a bit problematic, so far as he’s had to take to dressing in suits and even full pajamas when bedding down. And that’s just one of the poor unfortunates wandering around the story.

After some field work, Mysterius, Delfi, and thir client perform a little breaking and entry into Tina Van Hurrs (said witch, probably not even her real name) to get more info. Via a mystic lamp, they manage to find not only a practicing pentagram set up, but also a look into the recent past seeing the previous “ceremony” featuring Van Hurrs and her fellow witches, all completely nude of course.

Also, we get a glimpse into Mysterius’ “mysterious” (sorry, couldn’t help it) past in the form of a flashback to the 60’ featuring Jem, the Delfi of the time and San Franciscan satanic cult leader Vinton Dulac (an obvious riff on Anton LaVey). “M” (I tire of typing his full name) was contracted by millionaire Roland Horscht to retrieve his niece Maddie and “destroy the cult” for double the fee (if possible)! All of this of course leads into a much larger story, as events and people begin to connect via yet another series of “unfortunate events”.

Really, to tell you any more, I’d be cheating you out of a great story. Do yourself a favor and pick up this new gem of a series by Parker and Fowler.

For a preview of Wildstorm Preview: Mysterius The Unfathomable #1, click “here” and select “Download Preview” !

DC COMICS FOR 2/25/2009

DC

BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #10 (OF 12)

BLUE BEETLE #36

GREEN LANTERN #38

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24

REIGN IN HELL #8

SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION #4 (OF 6)

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL. 3

THE STARMAN OMNIBUS VOL. 2

SUPERMAN #685

SUPERMAN: CAMELOT FALLS VOL. 2

TALES OF THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL. 1

TEEN TITANS #68

TRINITY #39

THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #10 (OF 12)

WONDER WOMAN #29

JOHNNY DC

BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #2

CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #54

VERTIGO

JACK OF FABLES #31

MADAME XANADU #8

UNKNOWN SOLDIER #5

WILDSTORM

PUSH #6 (OF 6)

RESISTANCE #3 (OF 6)

WILDCATS #8

WORLD OF WARCRAFT: ASHBRINGER #4 (OF 4)

DC DIRECT

WATCHMEN MOVIE: ACTION FIGURE: ASSORTMENT 2, featuring–

CLASSIC NITE OWL (HOLLIS MASON)

CLASSIC SILK SPECTRE (SALLY JUPITER)

DR. MANHATTAN

THE COMEDIAN

As I’ve added to the weekly list of DC comics, I’d like to know if anyone would like me to branch out into not only reviewing other non-DCU books (as with Mysterius: the Unfathomable), but possibly DC Direct figures (I buy enough of them, I’d review DC Direct replicas or anything else for that matter, if DC would like to provide me with any materials for review as my budget is limited in today’s unfortunate recession “WINK” “HINT, HINT”). Is this all too much? Like it? Hate it? Lemme know!

As always, thanks for reading!

BATMAN #686

The comic cool backlash is one of utter stupidity and ultimately self defeating. Once we would hold these “Crazy” “Cool” unknown artists as a welcome breath of fresh air and revel in the nuance presented by such radical artists. Unfortunately, we’ve become a hyper aware society that criticizes everything and scrutinized the minute details presented in fiction, even when we would normally praise such works. It’s like your old fave band that’s now raking in piles of cash and therefore becomes deemed unworthy of attention due to their success. As did Grant Morrison’s recent bat-run in addition to Final Crisis, the unwashed masses of degenerates and pop-stars have decided to chime in their two cents upon once beloved creators, either praising them for no wrong, or rending their artistry to shreds (both I’m personally guilty of).

Batman #686, part one of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” will not in fact cure your herpes, make the blind see, help you win the lottery, or make you more attractive to the opposite sex. What it will do is tell a fun, clever, and “bit of the old Superman wink” self aware without pretension story (or rather stories) about Batman. Gaiman pulls out a narrative style reminiscent of both his stories from Sandman “The Wake” and “The Worlds End”. Realistically, you cannot kill the Batman, you can however tell stories about his “Greatly Exaggerated Death” in an Baron Münchhausen- esque style respecting the myth, the character, and the pop culture legacy the character has endured.

As I said, it’s a fun read, from the Robin Hood-esque tale as told by a Selena Kyle, to the “Butler Did It” antics as told by a Alfred Pennyworth, Batman’s “funeral” is a narrative goldmine when throwing the rules out the window. Batman’s “stories” are all valid and have a number of inconsistencies, stylistic options, film and television, and 70 years and several thousand comics worth of history. With that what you end up with here is a lush dreamscape of story and reference to all Batman’s permutations, versions, and how he effected those around him, friend or foe.

The effect? One questionable to the masses as either “brilliant and satisfactory” or “utter crap”. Both answers are however wrong despite the truths that may linger beneath the surface of such comments. As for the fan who expects “Batman” to simply be placed in a pine box minus shenanigans more likely than not sites Frank Miller the architect of the modern Batman (He isn’t, Denny O’Neil is) that is ultimately “deadly” serious. To the fan who expects a “modern classic” on par with “Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?” will be disappointed due to the fact that Neil Gaiman isn’t Alan Moore, but then again Alan Moore isn’t Wil Eisner either.

What does this all mean? We as the “Fans” or whatever you want to call yourselves feel some sort of obligation to our cult fetish, the reading, storing and praising or bitching of said fetish items. Despite mainstream acceptance of our “heroes” upon gigantic screens, those people are not buying comics. Sure, there’s a sales spike in Batman, Iron Man, or even Captain Clownshoes when a movie rolls out, but it’s not bringing in a new audience. Ultimately, what does is comics not skewed at an audience, rather “art for art’s sake” of which is a dangerous proposition regarding corporate icons like Batman (at the end of the day you simply have to accept Batman is liken to Mickey Mouse and parent Co. WB and in house management are trying to make money off of T-Shirts and chachkies). It’s really rather surprising that creators like Morrison and Gaiman are even allowed to play with the Batman “toys” (Despite Arkham Asylum being one of the “greatest” Graphic Novels) considering these British kids took our jobs and turned third and forth tier characters into successful and praised series.

So, really if you chose to read “Whatever Happened to the Capped Crusader?”, remember going in “it’s only a story” (as most have, pushing it into an “out of continuity” mush place in their brain so they may enjoy it) and realistically it doesn’t ruin “Dark Knight Returns”, “Batman Begins” or even the recent “RIP” (though you can fit the story in very easily if you’ve been paying attention). It sets out to do one thing, take a look at a the life of a guy dressed like a bat entertaining us for 70 years, and give him a fun send off.

DC comics for 2/18/2009

DC

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS: THE SNARE

BIRDS OF PREY #127

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #4 (OF 6)

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #22

DIANA PRINCE: WONDER WOMAN VOL. 4

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #30

THE OUTSIDERS #15

ROBIN #183

SCOOBY-DOO #141

SUPERGIRL #38

SUPERMAN CHRONICLES VOL. 6

SUPERMAN/BATMAN #55

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #12 (OF 12)

TINY TITANS #13

TRINITY #38

VIGILANTE #3

VERTIGO

HELLBLAZER #252 (FEB-18)

MADAME XANADU #8 (FEB-18)

WILDSTORM

LOST BOYS: REIGN OF FROGS TPB

MYSTERIUS: THE UNFATHOMABLE #2 (OF 6)

STORMWATCH PHD #19

WORLD OF WARCRAFT #16

THE X-FILES #4 (OF 7)

The Monitor Tapes for Monday, February 9^th, 2009

ADVENTURE COMICS #0

Ah, the smell of nostalgia, it never gets old! Or does it?

With the recent retcons and redux of old stories, it is a bit curious to see that DC would reprint Adventure Comics #247 (the first meeting of Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes). Perhaps it’s due to the importance of the title, Adventure Comics as it would become the home to the LoSH as the book continued on with new popularity of the 30^st Century heroes (retconned to 31^st in current continuity, as the LoSH hail from 1,000 years from now).

The reprint story it’s self wastes no time introducing the three main characters from LoSH, Lightening Boy, Cosmic Boy, and Saturn Girl. As they screw with Superman (or in this case Superboy) in the typical fashion of the time (I’m sure you’ve familiarized yourself with Superdickery.com, if not check it out to see what I’m talking about) they take Superboy into the future (their present) to show Clark what a huge impact he’ll have on the future. In that future, over the space of a couple pages, you see a retro future that remains clever in the predictions of the world of tomorrow even if it seems stale and yesteryear. The best part is that the school teacher teaching “Superboy” history dosent even blink or think anything out of the ordinary when the real Superboy pops in to replace the Superboy android when it breaks down. I’d imagine with how the DCU operates now, no one really thinks anything is that unusual with the multiple Crisis’ and disasters over the years.

Back to the story it’s self, the LoSH basically sets young Clark on a series of trials against the three Legionnaires. Superboy fails as each time another crisis pops up and he speeds of to correct them, losing the individual tasks. As the ending reveals however, the tasks Superboy completed were in fact the tasks he was being tested on as the LoSH clearly picked up Clark’s Superdickery as well, revealing the initiation as a bit of a hazing initiation (the Silver Age was chock full of these type of shenanigans). Clark also ends up showing up the new turks by mimicking their abilities to avert another disaster and winning the highest award possible from them (the final panel showing Clark’s dad not blinking at the medal is priceless, as I’m sure his dad has seen all sorts of weird things at this point).

The remaining six pages are devoted to an installment of the “Origins and Omens” back up feature running through DC’s comics this month. Lex Luthor and Brainiac are spotlighted as the Oan now known as Scar narrates events read from “the Black Book”, a new entry in the Green Lantern saga. Lex as of recently has been under thumb of General Lane, Lois’ father formerly dead, now with a mad on bent to destroy all Kryptonians. He’s been given the locked down Brainiac for study in the pursuit of taking his tech and reengineering it for his own purposes.

As Lex waxes poetic on his rise and fall, he uses Braniac as a wepon to escape the confines of the military lab. Unfortunately, Luthor soon learns he’s actually the puppet of Braniac and reveals they won’t be leaving and why they’ll be working together (the Great Brainiac Luthor team-up). The final page reveals to be that Luthor’s “Son” (Kon- El/ Connor Kent/ Superboy) will be under the dominion of the Black Lanterns as the prophetic line “The dead will save you, Lex Luthor. From Brainiac. From Superman. And from yourself.” is uttered by the one names Scar. Finally, the remaining solicitation for Adventure Comics #1 reveals these stories to continue in the solicitation image below.

Who are the blacked out figures, only DC comics knows!

News! Since I was on vacation over the weekend, it seems there was a lot of news via the New York Comic Con. From the Con and the Livejournal community scans_daily (originally scanned from the Con Programs), I present you with two previews of upcoming DC books this year.

Dectetive Comics #854

Greg Rucka (W) JH Williams III (A)

(Click images for larger versions)

Acording to Greg Rucka himself via his Livejournal Account- http://ruckawriter.livejournal.com/

“Which means finally – finally! – I can openly admit that yes, JH Williams III and I have been working on a Batwoman title for nearly two years.”

I can only hope that means they’ve got a good stockpile of material on hand. From the looks of it, the art seems to harken back to Rucka’s previous run on the title, something I loved from his time on it. Plus, I can only hope that Dini will in fact return to the Batman universe writing Bruce in one of the two new announced titles, either Batman (I’ve heard starting with a new #1) or Batman and Robin (if I had to take a guess, I’d bet on Batman and Robin featuring Morrison, and Dini on the self titled).

Flash: Rebirth #1

Geoff Johns (W) Ethan Van Shiver (A)

DC comics in stores 2/11/2009

ACTION COMICS #874

ALL-STAR SUPERMAN VOL. 2

BATMAN #686

BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS SPECIAL

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #26

BATMAN: R.I.P. THE DELUXE EDITION

BOOSTER GOLD #17

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #17

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33

NIGHTWING #153

R.E.B.E.L.S. #1

ROBIN #183

SHOWCASE PRESENTS: AQUAMAN VOL. 3

SIMON DARK #17

SUPERMAN #685

TITANS #10

TRINITY #37

VIGILANTE: CITY LIGHTS, PRAIRIE JUSTICE

VIXEN: RETURN OF THE LION #5 (OF 5)

WONDER WOMAN: WHO IS WONDER WOMAN?

As always,thanks for reading!

The Monitor Tapes for Monday, February 2^nd, 2009

FINAL CRISIS #7 (OF 7)

Grant Morrison (W) Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy (A)

Evil won, but good triumphs in the end.

We open with red skies over the White House, red skies being a staple of “Crisis-centric” happenings reworked as part of the (Wildstorm) bleed, the stuff between universes. We see the president of this earth is African American and a Superman, Wonder Woman is African American in appearance as well, both resembling the Earth-D from Legends of the DC Universe: Crisis on Infinite Earths #1 one-shot.

As Wonder Woman uses—– they end up finding a shiftship sailing out of the bleed (the same ship from Superman Beyond) manned by Rene Montoya AKA the question (now a Global Peace Agent) and eight Supermen, one being the Captain Marvel also previously seen in Superman Beyond. They are recruiting the Supermen of the Multiverse to stop the tide of evil engulfing the multiverse.

Meanwhile, upon the makeshift “Watchtower” (made of parts of bases such as Superman’s fortress of solitude and the Teen Titans tower) remaining heroes stand watch as the multiverse crumbles around them. They are attempting to regroup while they lose their world and it’s treasures, including Batman of which they use a Superman rocket filled with mementos of his life. They send the ship off into the bleed as if giving Batman a Viking funeral, for their fallen warrior and friend.

Superman, still cradling the body of the fallen friend Batman, sizes up Darksied as he tries to control his rage. Darksied monologues to Superman about how he won while Superman had his back turned (Superman has been through the multiverse and limbo in Superman Beyond, and in the future with the Legion in Legion of Three Worlds). As Superman grabs Darksied, he exclaims to Superman that he can not beat him since he’s made of “People” (his body belonging to Dan Turpin and the Anti-Life slaves). Superman realizes it’s Dan’s body and begins to ask why he didn’t chose Batman (Darksied had to break a strong will to put a hold on the body) where Darksied cuts him off explaining he didn’t have enough time to break Batman.

When it looks like even Superman can not defeat Darksied, speeding out of nowhere comes the Flashes (Barry Allen and Wally West) with “Death” (the Black Racer/ Black Flash) close on their heels. As Darksied fires his “God Gun” to kill Orion in the past (see Final Crisis #1), the Flashes speed through Darksied leaving the Black Racer to collect Darksied as they continue running past. As the narration of the story begins, we learn that this is happening in the past now, how this was the time of the last superheroes.

Intercut is a snapshot of the return of Arthur of Atlantis, AKA Aquaman looking better than he has in the recent past wearing a slightly modified version of his original orange and green costume. With Darksied now gone, Superman and his surviving friends get to work on the Miracle Machine (seen previously in the future by Superman) to use it to fix the broken multiverse by calculating the Life Equation. Everyone chips in either experience or equipment, even Luthor and Sivana use their science for good as they work with the heroes.

While Darkside succumbs to the attacks on him, the Justifiers still fight with the helmets broadcasting Anti-Life directly into their minds. The OMACs (from the looks of it OMACs with human “pilots” and OMAC android “build a persons” from kits) continue fighting them to protect the remaining uninfected. Everything goes completely mad as the remaining heroes try to fight off Darksied’s influence, and the story it’s self looses a direct narrative and begins bouncing forward, backward and sometimes stopping on the present.

As I had worried previously, elements from Superman Beyond do in fact come into play and those who haven’t read it will no doubt be lost. Mandrakk the Dark Monitor appears with his herald, the now vampiric Ultraman from the Quardian mirror universe. Mandrakk has drained both the Specter and Mercy (the spirit of Mercy/ both key characters in FC- Revalations) and now plans on feeding off Superman and the remaining “Germs” of the universe. Superman activates the Miracle Machiene using the solor energy stored in his cells as the Superman army strikes, lead by Captain Marvel (of Earth-5, resembling the original Cap. Marvel and Co.). The Monitor Nix Uotan (revealed to be the son of Mandrakk) summons the DCU and frees Captain Carrot and the Zoo Crew to stop Mandrakk as he refers to them as the Forever People of the 5^th World.

Needles to say, the good guys win and the multiverse is corrected. The most overshadowing part of the ending is that of the last moments of Anthro the first boy. As he lays down for his final rest, we see the ship that was Batman’s funeral barge. As Anthro makes his last mark on a cave wall (the symbol of Metron, later to be found/ previously found in Final Crisis by Cave explorers) as Batman arrives and begins etching symbols into the walls, as seen on the alternate cover of Final Crisis #1. The series from the beginning was circular in nature and the end becomes the beginning, as many stories possibilities and plots remain to be mined by the work in the series. We’ll see how they unfold as DCU continues into the future.

DC comics available on February 4^th, 2009

ADVENTURE COMICS #0

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #3 (OF 6)

EL DIABLO #6 (OF 6)

FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #3 (OF 5)

JONAH HEX #40

LOONEY TUNES #171

THE MIGHTY #1

SECRET SIX #6

SIMON DARK VOL. 2: ASHES

SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #3

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN VOL. 1

TERROR TITANS #5 (OF 6)

TINY TITANS VOL. 1: WELCOME TO THE TREEHOUSE

TRINITY #36

Light week, check dccomics.com for previews and additional information. As usual, thanks for reading!

Monitor Tapes for Monday, January 26^th, 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 4^th 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!

Monitor Tapes for Monday, January 19^th 2009

FINAL CRISIS #6 (OF 7)

Grant Morrison- Writer

J.G. Jones and Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino- Artists

How to Murder the Earth? Kill the Batman.

Final Crisis number six is going to be completely overshadowed by the death (that isn’t death) of Bruce Wayne. Batman’s removal from the DCU is unfortunately not as shocking as it should be due to the interactions of fans and DC, as Batman’s “Final Fate” was billed to be in Final Crisis when fans were bent out of shape when Bruce disappeared in an explosion. In reality, what we’ve got is two endings for Batman, one for the folks who want the “Human Detective” ending (in RIP, in a lot of ways similar to Holmes “Death” at Reichenbach Falls) and the DCU ending as Bruce Pops a cap in Darksied’s rotted ass. The latter being the “WTF” bane of fans, as he’s not someone who uses guns. I know it was probably meant to be a shocking moment, but Batman has used guns before, usually not to kill though. For years now, the only “Life” Batman’s truly valued is human life as he’s usually protecting them from themselves. However, all things not human like robots, aliens, and in this case gods, Batman has zero regard for life, especially since said “non-humans” are planning to take out human lives. Plus, this isn’t the first time Bruce has threatened to kill Darksied, it is the first time he’s gone through with it though.

The ironic thing about his death is he’s not even dead, the Omega Sanction is “the Death that is Life”. As those of us who’ve read Seven Solders: Mister Miracle know, the Omega Sanction is designed to make the target live a rapid succession of ever increasing terrible lives designed to break the individual. Shilo Norman is the only person who has escaped the Omega Sanction and death, after seeing Batman in the previous issues of his title series, I’m pretty sure it’s only a matter of time (?) as to when and where he shows up. True we wont see him for a while (ala Battle for the Cowl/ Blackest Night or should I say Blackest Knight) as sales are a sure thing when the title character goes missing these days. Start your office betting pool on the usual suspects with the characters below (see bottom of page).

Back to Final Crisis #6 it’s self, panel one we’re assured we’re in a Grant Morrison comic by Old Man Braniac 5’s words and assurances. Superman also helps out in putting his adventures in linear context during the Final Crisis explaining where he’s been in order (Superman Beyond/ Legion of Three Worlds). The next sequence of pages include the unlocking of an impossible arsenal, including the Miracle Machine, a literal Deux Ex Machina from Legion’s past. As Superman attempts to reach it, he’s told to simply look at it (as I’m sure Superman is able to memorize it or something equally Super), the presence of the Miracle Machine puts a crack in the universe allowing a possible triumph over “Evil”.

We then shift back to the JLA’s satellite “Watchtower”, where super hero refugees are trying to catch their breath and plan their next move. Tattooed Man gets drafted as an honorary member of the JLA by current chairman Black Canary, I mention this because I’m always rooting for the villain who gets tasked with joining the side of the angels, possibly due to the inherent complexity such characters end up with. I’ve often broken up villains into three categories, those who need money, those who want celebrity, and those who want to watch it all burn. It doesn’t mean that was their primary motivation, it’s more the career path they have open to them once they strap on a portable death-ray apparatus and decide to do something illegal. I’m hoping he sticks around as a hero for a while.

The battle between comic book “Good Girl” and “Bad Girl” continues, ending in tears and confirming suspicions. The best part of the book though is the Tigerman fight, teased last issue. I’m going to say the same thing I said aloud while reading-

Magic Tigerman with a Jetpack! MAGIC TIGERMAN WITH A JETPACK FIGHT! HOLY SHIT THAT’S AWESOME!

If that’s not a reason to read comics, I don’t know what is.

My only complaints this issue, the art being a bit inconsistent at times (due to the multiple helping hands trying to meet the deadlines), but serviceable at the least. Plus, what’s going on with Shilo Norman’s (Mister Miracle II) going vaguely Caucasian to Asian? It must be a serious Crisis if it’s turning a black man white then Asian!

Everything starts tying together and accelerating towards the conclusion. Kirby’s concepts start falling in line and tying themselves together with the rest of the DCU in an almost seamless fashion. From OMAC, a new Brother Eye, and the faceless Global Peace Agency, to the Great Disaster and the Animal Men. Luthor doesn’t let me down as Sivana plays evil uncle wingman to Luthor as they show why they are the kings of the super science set. Sivanna also has possibly the best line in the book regarding superhero comic clichés. DC if you’re reading this, please give us more of the most awesome character to come out of 2008, Most Excellent Super-Bat, provided he survives, as he truly (now) has the best power in the DCU! Barry Allen not only outrunning death, but setting up a plan with three generations of Flashes to use the Black Racer/ AKA Black Flash as a weapon. Superman coming out of the sky and strafing heat vision like a badass, there’s so much awesome in this book!

Really, this issue had so much awesome crammed in it I had to read it again! I’m almost sad that we’re so near the end.

And in brief-

NIGHTWING #152

Peter J. Tomasi- Writer

Don Kramer and Jay Liesten- Art

Phantoms of the past haunt the issue as Dick stares into the abyss inside Bruce’s suits, remembers his oath, and has a talk with Ra’s. With the confirmed “Death” (that is not death) of Batman, everyone in Bruce’s life is going to feel the weight of burden on their shoulders. Again, like the recent Nightwing two parter, this issue just feels empty (though I’m not a regular reader of Nightwing) as anything without Batman is going to feel. Then again maybe that’s what the writer intended.

ACTION COMICS #873

Geoff Johns- W

Pete Woods- A

Not good, not good for us human folk at all. Let’s just hope Superman and Luthor can work together in the near future to stop the threat of New Krypton. And who’s Superwoman? I’ve got a feeling we’ve seen her before, and is it Lex she’s protecting and not General Lane? So many questions left in the series with a myriad of possibilities for future stories.

FACES OF EVIL: PROMETHEUS

Sterling Gates- W

Federico Dalbochio- A

Much better than last weeks Faces of Evil One-Shot, Prometheus returns ultra pissed since his “Robin” has been running around pretending to be him. Needless to say, Gates makes sense (retconing) of recent stories where Prometheus became somewhat less a threat and more a incompetent villain when someone needed to punch someone in the face. Now rearmed and boasting a comical rep, Prometheus is set to put some hurt down on the JLA and anyone who gets in his way.

DC books available this Wednesday, January 21^st, 2009

BATMAN: THE STRANGE DEATHS OF BATMAN

BIRDS OF PREY #126

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #2 (OF 6)

THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #21

FACES OF EVIL: DEATHSTROKE

FINAL CRISIS: SUPERMAN BEYOND #2 (OF 2)

THE FLASH: EMERGENCY STOP

GREEN LANTERN #37

HARLEY QUINN: PRELUDES AND KNOCK-KNOCK JOKES

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #29

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: SANCTUARY

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE LIGHTNING SAGA

ROBIN #182

SHADOWPACT: THE BURNING AGE

SUPERGIRL #37

SUPERMAN/BATMAN ANNUAL #3

SUPERMAN: SHADOWS LINGER

TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #11 (OF 12)

TRINITY #34

VIGILANTE #2

Thanks for reading!

Monitor Tapes for Monday, January 12^th 2009

BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #1 (OF 6)

Jen Van Meter- Writer

Cully Hamner- Art

Black Lightning gets another chance to make things right in this Year One mini. As someone who read the original (of which seemed like a reverse play on the film Blackboard Jungle, if not a continuation with tights) first issue with the character of Jefferson Pierce, it was a little weird re-adjusting to the newly minted update.

Everything remains true to the original “origin” if not a few tweeks and adjustments along the way. Jefferson is a tough schoolteacher who’s returned to Metropolis’ Suicide Slum (renamed here Southend, and “Suicide” being the nickname given by it’s inhabitants, making much more sense) where his father died, resulting in Jefferson leaving the city behind.

The beginning of the story it’s self flash forwards to Black Lighting acting as lone vigilante sometime in the near future. After the “hook” pages, it goes back to Jefferson and family moving back into Metropolis where he plans to try and rebuild the school district of Southend with the help of a grant from the Wayne Education foundation and a haunted repressed need to make things right. Needless to say, he tries to bring the school together despite the violence of the local gang (the 100), but tragedy strikes when one of his students is killed for assisting him.

I’ve got to admit, this was a hard read for me, the art is great and the story is good, but it’s a redux of a story I’ve already read or seen in films. Plus, I don’t buy Superman not stopping crime in the Southend, I’ve never been able to really deal with the “Slums” aspect of Metropolis due to the fact Superman’s able to save people in Metropolis and around the globe almost simultaneously. In all honestly, I don’t think this is a book written for me, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. I can’t really compare it to the original series (interesting to note Black Lighting was the first black superhero with his own title at DC, despite it being short lived) because it’s not fair to and the old stories though I love, just are not going to jazz the kids like this current series.

With that said, despite my lack of enthusiasm, I think this is a great book for kids. When I say kids, I mean kids at the age before teen/ early teen. Chances are the book will have more gang violence and dark matter in it, but I can’t imagine it going to Vertigo territory or being worse than any recent films or cartoons the kids might be consuming.

DETECTIVE COMICS #852

Paul Dini- writer

Dustin Nguyen- art

Damn! I guess the old saying is true, “there are no bad characters, just bad writers!”

As someone who’s never been all that jazzed by Hush, AKA Tommy Elliot, Dini not only just recently finished a story making me love the character for the first time, he comes back with part 1 of this two part story and makes me love the character even more! When we last saw Tommy, his ass got handed to him by Batman, Robin, and Nightwing, and that’s even before Catwoman finished him off with her sweet coup de grâce hitting Tommy where it really hurts, his bank account!

Hush, now penniless, broken and stripped of will, throws himself off of the same bridge which his father drove off to his death and where his mother was to die as well (she was saved by Thomas Wayne, much to the dismay of Tommy). Unfortunately, he’s fished out of the water by a pair of dock men who recognize Tommy’s new face as that of Bruce Wayne’s. And by that sheer situation of circumstance, accident, and blind luck, Tommy suddenly has a renewed purpose, taking Wayne’s fortune.

The further adventures throughout the book are a combination of awesome, a heavy Hitchcock influence (which I think works perfectly with Hush), a bit of the Saint, a little 60’s era Bond world hopping and a helping of Tom Ripley from the novel series by Patricia Highsmith. Hush in the hands of Dini is a little shit, a brat of a monster, and a tiny man with big dreams that he’ll never really ever touch. Tommy could have had it all, but not unlike most of Batman’s rouges, he obsesses over the small details and has to placate blame unto others around him, from his parents to Bruce himself. If he did in fact manage to kill Wayne, he’d have to move on to associates of his as targets because he’ll never run out of blame or hatred and the need to murder others, no matter who he is or how much money he has.

For a book without Batman, this is the best of the rest! While other books are struggling with the absence of Batman, Dini’s story is the best usage of the current “No Batman” edict running through the titles. Thank you Paul Dini! This book made my week!

FACES OF EVIL: GRUNDY

Scott Kolins and Geoff Johns- Writers

Scott Kolins- Art

I’ll start off saying this was an impulse buy, I’ve been avoiding one shots as they usually carry a $3.99 price tag and tie into something I may or may not be reading currently or somewhere down the line (this book falls into the latter category). Seeing as it was $2.99 and a Grundy comic by (albeit partially) Geoff Johns, I figured it would all turn out OK.

Boy was I wrong.

This One Shot serves as a prequel to “Blackest Night” (2009’s summer event featuring the Green, and Blue, and Red, well all the damn Lanterns really) and the upcoming Solomon Grundy mini. Plus, it resurrects Grundy in the form of a homeless looking guy who apparently “Hulks” out into Grundy after stewing dead for several hours. Oh, and he fights Croc who’s shown as the mutant man-crocodile version I’m not fond of. Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott and the Phantom Stranger (who’s appearance in DCU and Vertigo books is awesome, but a middle finger to fans who want to see other “Vertigo” characters come home since nothing’s happening with them, Swamp Thing I’m looking at you!) to give an actual story plot to the character other than dying, hulking out, killing people for flannel (seriously, he looks like a reject from Seattle circa 1990) and eating rotted looking fish. On the only plus side I can think of, there’s reference to Grundy in James Robinson’s Starman (which really is the last word on Grundy, despite Robinson giving other writers an story device as an out)

Frankly nothing really happened in this book and I can’t think of any reason to recommend it unfortunately.

SECRET SIX #5

Gail Simone- Writer

Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood- Art

Speaking of more modern Bat-villains I’m not horribly fond of, Bane shows off how much steel he is when captured and tortured by “Junior”, crime villain gimp currently after the ‘Six and more specifically the “Get out of Hell Free” card now in their possession. Under a lesser writer, such a thing would come off as goofy or ridiculous, but here it serves as a priceless artifact the DCU villains are willing to kill each other for (I’m sure Neron planned it that way ensuring a metric-shit ton of souls coming his way at the expense of one).

With the previous issue and specifically this issue, the portrayal of Bane has gone from goofy villain of the week stunt villain (he broke Batman in a story I usually ignore, especially when the BtAS episode featuring Bane ended how it should have) to compelling character in Gail’s hands. Bane, in an issue and a half becomes a character I suddenly not only care about, but generally become concerned he might not make it out of this issue alive. Gail Simone has the knack of making villains likeable and even relatable, while also presenting some of the most vile black-hearted bastards ever seen in (superhero) comics. Secret Six is the spiritual successor to the Suicide Squad series (by John Ostrander) while also being it’s own animal, un-caged and roaming wild if you will.

The Six are currently fighting off the effects of the poison provided by Cheshire, who’s currently getting beaten, threatened and almost mutilated by Jeannette, superpowered Victorian-era fop dressing casino owner with a penchant for lolypops, and distaste for rudeness in her home. I love this character! Due to that, she’s probably going to “bite” it somehow as my fondness for the character builds (seriously, never get attached to these characters, they’ll just break you heart in the end). Once Cheshire (who I keep hoping will die horribly) gives the antidote (grudgingly) as Gail weaves in a great recap story (as the Six are a bit confused as to how they survived) and ties it up in a bow of cleavage, of which you can’t argue with!

Despite the team’s protests, Scandal Savage decides they will in fact rescue Bane from the grizzly torture by Junior (he’s throwing 508 bricks at him, one by one, counting down ever brick, while Bane’s chained up). The surprise ending isn’t shocking as savvy readers could see the reveal, but it’s still horrifyingly disgusting when “Junior” is revealed!

Overall, Gail and Paul (and their respective co-creator artists) kinda’ even made the just OK books this week look weak.

In brief-

GREEN LANTERN: WANTED – HAL JORDAN– (Collecting Green Lantern issues #14-20) If you’re not reading Green Lantern, just pick up Rebirth and the first trade, it’s one of the greatest superhero books out there! And that’s coming from someone who’s least favorite Lantern is Jordan, though the current series has me reconsidering that (John Stewart will always be my #1 though!)

SUPERMAN/SUPERGIRL: MAELSTROM #1-#5– Nothing earth shattering in this series, just a fun book with Superman and Supergirl bonding while fighting some crazy broad from Apokolips. I love Phil Noto’s art and he draws a damn fine Superman amongst everything else. Fun series!

This Wednesday’s DC books 1/14/2009

ACTION COMICS #873

BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #25

BATMAN: FALSE FACES

BOOSTER GOLD #16

CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #33

ECLIPSO: MUSIC OF THE SPHERES

FACES OF EVIL: PROMETHEUS

FINAL CRISIS #6 (OF 7)

GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #16

GREEN LANTERN CORPS #32

MANHUNTER #38

NIGHTWING #152

SIMON DARK #16

SUPER FRIENDS #11

TITANS #9

TITANS: OLD FRIENDS

TRINITY #33

I’m all over Action Comics as I’m loving the Johns Superman, Booster Gold is still good despite changing hands a couple times with writers. Final Crisis is going to be my must read out of this weeks books, as I’ll be covering that mostly next week. Prometheus one shot is in the running for pick up, mostly to see what’s new with the character.

Thanks for reading!