Blue Beetle # 7 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: John Rogers
Artist: Cully Hamner

Where did Keith Giffen go? The book felt like it was missing some humor, and now that I'm looking at the book closely, I noticed that Giffen was not there. Is he the new editor of 52 now that Steve Wacker left?

"How I survived my Infinite Crisis." Yeah, where did Jaime go for a year? Nowhere. "The scarab didn't think I could handle the Green Lanterns, so it hopped me into the space between dimensions. [...] When Brother Eye blew, the backwash shoved us farther along between dimensions. Time works differently there. That year... was just a couple of minutes for me."

WHAT? Way to kill your book! So Jaime was basically a victim of a teleportation error. Now that we know the Scarab is alien in origin, and rather have Jaime visit or be visited by the Scarab's creators in that missing year, we chalk it up to dimensional backwash. Not Cool! Other than that revelation, we get more info into what Jaime did on Brother Eye in Infinite Crisis. To me, this should have been issue 3 or 4, when Infinite Crisis was still fresh in our minds. Cully Hamner returns and continues his solid work. Hopefully he will use fewer fill-ins for this next arc. C.

Justice League of America # 2

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:
Writer: Brad Meltzer
Artists: Ed Benes & Sandra Hope.

So, my big complaint from last issue was that the team was not finalized, whether actually being formed in a first meeting, or decided upon by the Big Three. Is that rectified this issue? No. We only get two pages of more voting by the big three, and they don't even look at people who are on the cover of the book! Nightwing, didn't we cover him in the first issue? Green Arrow. Why are we talking about him, and not Arsenal? Batman. Wait, What? Vote on Batman? That’s right! Seems there is still some distrust in the league about my favorite hero. Why? I want to see the team assembled and put to work! Let's avoid all of this decompression and have four issues of team-work.

Don't get my wrong I DID enjoy this book, but I want the team assembled! There was one more minor thing that bothered me... Last issue we had Hal, Dinah, and Roy acting like they were going to be their Justice League. That is not the case in this issue, as they are going to T.O. Morrow's lab b/c of Red Tornado's body being stolen (in the last issue). Big plot hole there. If they were just helping out T.O. Morrow, then why couldn't Ollie come along? They are not "getting the band back together," they are just going on a mission. Like issue 1, we see more of Red Tornado, Black Lightning, and Vixen. I liked the spotlights in this issue, more than the last. Stuff actually happens in them! Black Lightning follows a drug trail to someone who can disable your meta-powers for a price. Vixen is attacked by the "Bomb Squad," which should really be the "Bomb Duo." Red Tornado goes heroing as a human for the first time, and is afraid. All of these vignettes contain great character moments. I like Vixen now that I understand her powers, although I think it is stupid for her to wear her special totem as a belt, where anyone can steal it. Black Lightning acts like a surrogate detective, and I can't wait to see if he and Batman team up in future issues. Where is Hawkgirl? Is she even under consideration?

I think Ed Benes turned in a better issue this time than the last. His Batman is a little wonky, his chin is HUGE, and the ears are longer than they are in any other DCU title. My only concern is that all the lines in his male faces don't make his art late! Lol. Sure they look cool from time to time, but at times they are too much. If we can keep this book on a monthly schedule, we'll all be very happy. B+

Batman # 657 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artists: Andy Kubert & Jesse Delperdang

After last month's slam-bang action issue, I expected this one to be a story issue, much like 655 was, and what a story it was! Batman has discovered he has a son, Damien, and proceeded to bring him home with him.

The issue opens with Batman taking off a blindfold, and telling Damien, "This will be your home now." Robin appears in the cave, as Damien is shown to his new room. Robin asks Batman "What about us?" Indeed! I forgot for a brief moment that Tim Drake is now Batman's adopted son. Morrison has Batman almost embracing his new son saying, "If he is my son-- even if he's not-- he deserves some love and respect." To which Robin replies, "So let him earn it, like everybody else." Morrison is showing his grasp of Batman's previous history as a jerk, and his new, friendlier approach to life. Tim runs off angrily, which is understandable. Over the years Bruce has been a nice to Tim, but also a real jerk. Sometimes he would blow him off, or yell at Tim (see before and after Bruce Wayne Fugitive). Damien is a real brat, demanding his sword back, and a laptop. Sorry Damien, but why are you asking for these things when there is a 60" Big Screen Television and XBOX 360 in your room? I would've been perfectly happy with that. Damien flares up at Batman, who up until now had been nice to Damien, and Batman yells at Damien, telling him that he has dishonored his sensei. Again, Morrison has given us an important part of Damien's character. Like Cassandra, the former Batgirl, Damien has only known violence. He was trained by the League of Assassins, and had an absentee mother. He knows not respect for his elders, unless they are his sensei. For Batman to utilize this is genius, for Damien replies compliantly, or so we think.

Andy Kubert continues to do a wonderful job. Each of his faces emotes, and he is a great storyteller, showing us what is important in the scene, while adding a lot of detail. I love how Kubert is always drawing Batman and Robin's capes in motion. They feel like long, billowy fabrics, easily moved, putting what we saw in Batman Begins into the comics. An enjoyable issue for anyone, whether you've picked up the last two issues or not. B+

Ultimate Spider-man # 100 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Spider-Ben:
“The Clone Saga” part 4
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Mark Bagley
Covers: Mark Bagley and Richard Isanove

Ladies and gentlemen, please take a moment and give a round of applause for one of the freshest and most entertaining comic books to ever put their unique spin (pardon the pun) on the world famous wall crawler, Ultimate Spider-Man! Here’s commemorating 100 incredible issues and here is to the next 100 to come.

While this may be a milestone for ultimate Peter Parker, his life isn’t exactly a celebration at the moment. Peter learns that his father Richard has been alive all these years, Gwen Stacy has returned alive at his home, Aunt May wants him out of her home after he reveals to her that he is Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four have a Peter Parker clone (the scorpion) at their lab. That’s a lot for any normal person to deal with, but just think how tough it is for a sixteen year old who happens to stick to walls and face off against costumed crazies in his part time!

The story starts off with Richard telling Peter how he has been alive all this time. He begins to talk about his life’s work (the Venom Project) and Peter tells him he is familiar with the concept and origins. Richard states how Trask and the government wanted to use the work for biological weapons and what not.
Unknown to Peter, Richard and the Brock family were given a second offer to continue their work for others, yet not having complete control or gaining the results that the projected was created for. At the airport, Richard, Mary, and the Brocks were to get on a plane and fly to Chicago to talk about working for their new employers. Richard decides not to get on the plane and refuses to sign. Mary gets pissed at him, and the 3 take off on the plane. Richard later learned the plane blew up, killing all aboard.

Since Richard is technically a “ghost” now (the world believes him dead) he decides young Peter is in good hands with May and Ben to raise him. Henry Gyrich approaches Richard, deciding to make him an offer.
Richard can carry on his work with Gyrich and his people, but must remain in secret and never is seen.
He tells Richard they will support his endeavors in curing both Cancer and AIDS, but Richard must also help them prepare to help them in the upcoming genetic war the world is leaning towards. Gyrich also tells Richard Nick Fury wants to put together a team of super-soldiers to patrol the world, and Richard’s insight towards stopping this is needed. Richard realizes he must accept the offer.

Peter still wants to know how Gwen is alive, and May wants them all to leave her home. Richard has apparently helped bring Gwen back to life as he asks her how she is feeling and what her pulse is like.
Richard continues to tell Peter how he found out about the suit running amok in the city and how “Spider-Man” intervened in the onslaught caused by the creature. (See Ultimate Venom kiddies!) Richard then learns that his son is Spider-Man, and becomes more fascinated in what his son can do. He even sneaks out to watch him at school from time to time, much to the dismay of Gyrich and co.

Meanwhile, Ultimate Kaine wants to mutate MJ so she can have powers of her own and he won’t have to worry about her getting hurt ever again. This is all happening at the destroyed Oscorp laboratories (See Ultimate Spidey Volume 1. This all ties together!) Just as Kaine is about to start the mutation experiment, a six armed and black costumed clad Spider-Man stops him. Six armed clone states that this is not what they were created for and the two have a huge fight. Kaine gets the upper hand and defeats six armed clone, and starts the transformation process on MJ.

Back at the Parker home, Richard goes on to explain how he approached May awhile back. She tells him to stay away from Peter and get out of their lives. Peter still is confused about how Gwen is actually alive, when a voice is heard on the front lawn. Nick Fury wants all the Parker clan (and Gwen) to come outside and surrender or face lethal force. Fury has this massive armada of Spider-Slayer robots with him, and he isn’t kidding around here. Richard wants Peter to suit up, but Peter realizes even he can’t fight that many foes at once. Peter wants to try and talk first, and the stress gets to Gwen who turns into Carnage and leaps out the window to face the robotic foes. Aunt May seems to have a heart attack, and Peter doesn’t know what to do next. Back at the lab, MJ wakes up to hear Kaine tell her congratulations on gaining new powers and becoming a new person or being.

Thoughts/Comments:

Oh hell yeah! This issue was a blast from start to finish. Who would have ever guessed I would be excited about anything dealing with Spider-Man and clones again? Bendis continues to shock and surprise. Sure, I still think that issue 99 freaked me out a bit more than this issue, but this issue was a lot of fun. I loved how Richard was revealed to be alive all this time, and I loved how the story ties in from issue one. I have no clue where six arm black costume clone came from, and I want to know what MJ looks like now that she has been transformed. We are still in the dark about how Richard brought Gwen back to life, and how Gwen is really Carnage! (My fave cliffhanger part of the book) I really didn’t care about May having a heart attack since she has been such a bitch to Peter last issue and this one. Plus, the fight with Fury and his Spider Slayers will be great! This issue gets another A+ from me. Bagley is the man; his artwork was top of the game with this issue.

Speaking of Bagley, the extra features in the back of the book were great. We got unused Bagley covers, sketches, and pages from the series. We also get a look at the entire Ultimate Spidey saga thus far, and a cover preview to issue 101. I’ve loved this book since day one and it continues to get better and better. Here are to Bendis and Bagley, two of comics finest and most dedicated creators!

Ultimates Volume 2 # 12

Author: Mark Millar
Penciler: Bryan Hitch
Inker: Paul Neary
Color: Laura Martin

These delays are getting silly, but after all Ultimates was the book that was delayed, before it was cool to be delayed. When you have to wait three to four months between each fucking issue, your expectations get really high. I expect the art to be good and there to be so much content to keep me satisfied until the next issue. So did Ultimates 12 quench my thirst? In short: sort of!

Let's talk about the story first. The Ultimates get their counter assault we have all been waiting for. One by one they take out their counterparts; The Liberators. Cap taking out Al-Rahman was actually pretty good, but I thought the fight against Hulk and Abomination was the best thing in the book. Nothing too over the top, but gory enough. Thor makes a justified return, unlike his ridiculous return in Civil War! However, there is very minimal plot development in this issue, which is really a pain in the ass considering we have to wait until December (If we're lucky) for the finale.

The art looked really sloppy and yes I don't feel bad about saying that about someone that takes three fucking months to put out a comic (granted it was a little bigger than usual). I'm not a math major, but that means that it takes Hitch longer than a day to draw one fucking page. Those splash pages looked really cluttered and confusing. One would think that Alan Davis' old inker could clean up the art a bit. Hitch is still going for that cinematic look to the book, but I think he was more successful on his first six issues of this book. But, I may be being biased, because I have always referred to him as a poor man's Alan Davis.

Overall is not a bad story, like I said before some of the battles are a bit intense and there are some great moments like Quicksilver using his power in a lightsaber-like dual and Hawkeye making a crack about Darth Maul. But, I just wish they would give us more for our wait. Reading this all in trade I think I would enjoy it better, because I would be less aggravated. We'll see how the next issue wraps us, but this one gets a C+ from me.

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's my fucking Credit Card going over the limit again!

If you are a completist (or a sucker, depending on who you ask) like myself, you want to start saving your hard earned cash for this November 28th release of the Superman movies! This 14 Disc set will feature:

Superman Returns: Special Edition
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Superman: The Movie Four-Disc Special Edition
Superman II Two-Disc Special Edition
Superman III: Deluxe Edition
Superman IV: Deluxe Edition
You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman
Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman and Returns director Bryan Singer's video journal.

There is also a cheaper 8 disc Christopher Reeve Superman Collection that you can see preorder through amazon

The set you see in the picture is this one and its a bit more expensive.

Checkmate # 6 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Greg Rucka, Nunzio DeFilippis, & Christina Weir
Artists: Cliff Richards & Dan Green

So, since when does Greg Rucka need guest writers on his baby bundle at DC? Let alone two? This issue is not a Checkmate issue, it is a Suicide Squad issue under a banner of Checkmate. The first 5 pages are standard Checkmate political maneuvering, but the rest of the book follows Mirror Master and Icicle as they plan a mission to get back at Amanda Waller. Two words. Who cares? What happened to Alan Scott quitting Checkmate? The selection of a new White Queen? The Black Queen's Knight that was selected last issue? What happened to all of these plotlines? Thrown away. Maybe in another four issues. I was going to drop this book, but I gave it another shot with this issue. I want my three bucks back because this is not the Checkmate I was raving about 4-5 issues ago. If Greg Rucka wants to keep this series alive, he needs to keep his audience around by giving them a book that is interesting. Checkmate was interesting, until it decided to quit being Checkmate and bring in Suicide Squad. Teen Titans tried to rejuvenate Doom Patrol in its first arc OYL, and it did that okay because it tied characters you cared about to the team. That does not happen here. Suicide Squad is all villains, and the only one I'd ever read was Mirror Master, everyone else I had never heard of. So how do I, as a Checkmate reader gravitate to characters who want to get even to a character that I already do not like? Amanda Waller is the villain in the Checkmate book, so to try to make us feel bad for her is ridiculous.

Oh, the art. Oh the art. Remember that New Avengers arc with Xorn? Badly drawn by Mike Deodato Jr? This issue of Checkmate is a bad imitation of bad Mike Deodato Jr. It's even colored the same. Badly. If you were to put this book next to the other previous issues of Checkmate, it would not match it visually. The character's faces lack detail, and sometimes their entire bodies are in shadow, like the artist was too lazy to draw them. Some may argue that "regular penciller" Jesus Saiz's faces and art is not that detailed, but at least his art has a certain pizzazz, it jumps off the page at you. Speaking of Jesus Saiz, where is he? He has done 4 issues of Checkmate total. Four out of 6, he's behind Cully Hamner on Blue Beetle for most issues with a guest penciller on a new series. The two biggest ongoing series to come out of IC, Checkmate and Blue Beetle (excluding Wonder Woman & Flash) can't keep a regular artist. C'mon DC! If you are going to launch a series, can we please get an artist to do 15 issues to get the series going? That is 3 full story arcs to get the book on its feet, then you change artists, but not on the second arc. I'm tired of artists getting on a book for only six issues! It seems like Marc Bagley and John Romita Jr are the only artists who can do more than 6 issues on a title nowadays, but that is another subject for another day... This issue of Checkmate, D.

Superman # 656 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artists: Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino

Wow, Batman and Superman are on the same numbering. A month apart anyway. The issue promises a knockdown drag out fight, and we get one. And no, he's not pink, that’s a weird internet coloring mistake. Besides a fight, we get some more back-story into Clark's past before he got to be Superman. Caroline Llewellyn (worst last name ever) and Clark were on a dig together in Australia and encountered a giant trilobite? Anyway, Kurt Busiek gives the monster a long back-story similar to Superman but raised in different circumstances, and then takes it all away! Remember that naked man in the past that was looking at Superman 2 issues ago? He comes back and effectively makes "Subjeckt 17" worthless. This felt like an issue of filler to get to the naked man. So why tell this story at all if there is no emotional payoff at the end?

Moving on, Carlos Pacheco is continuing to do a great job on this book, and keep it monthly, which rarely happens now. Superman looks heroic, royal, and tough, and that is all to Pacheco's art. His other characters look good as well, and I had no problems following the action in this issue. There is a great Alien and H.R. Geiger reference in one panel, and his backgrounds look and feel like real places. All in all, the story is a bust, the art is great, but the art can't save it enough. D.

Flash # 4 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writers: Danny Bilson & Paul Demeo
Artists: Ken Lashley & Sal Velluto

In a flash, Flash has found its footing. We now have a complete conflict between characters, a solid flow between inkers and colorists, and our regular artist. My main complaint is that Ken Lashley has another penciller fill in for him in the last ... 6 pages? Are you that slow? Put it of another week, and finish the 6 pages! That's what the fill-in last issue was for! If I ran DC, Ken Lashley would not be working for me with these circumstances!

Bilson and Demeo were in fact, taking their time, forging character relationships, which is what made the first issues so slow. Now, we care about Bart and Valerie. We love to hate Griff, and all that pays off in this issue. Griff saves the boat from last issue, but kills the disgruntled employee/terrorist who was behind it. We see the Grifter being the young reckless hero that the people in the Marvel Universe (on the other side of the coin) are trying to stop. Griff uses his newfound fame to cash some checks and almost have a foursome. Almost! It seems his powers have an unexpected twist. Griff starts to go nuts, and Bart must don the costume to stop him. It seems that Bilson & Demeo are planning something, and that it may payoff in the end. I'll stay with it, crossing my fingers that I'm right. C+/B-

Wolverine # 46 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artists: Humberto Ramos & Carlos Cuevas

Okay okay okay. Wolverine's neck is far too big. You got me. I admit it. His head is too small for his neck, which is too big for his body. The close up shots in this issue made me realize this. As well as finding fault with the art, I'm now finding fault with the writing. Guggenheim had a strong conspiracy set up in the first 3 issues. But this issue, it just falls flat. We got a lot of talking in the first half of the book, explaining that Damage Control got the cleanup contract for Stamford. Bigger the Boom, the more work, the more money Damage Control gets. THATS IT? I know that in the issue "there is more to it" but c'mon! What corporation wants people to die? Especially kids? That part does not click with me. We see Wolverine trying to damage Damage Control, but we just get set-up, we never see him do it so I cannot tell you exactly what he did. Destroy Buildings, steal money, and kill people? Mmmmm Maybe.... In a Wolverine book, that's like promising to a kid Santa Claus is on vacation during Christmas this year. Seeing as how there is only one issue left for this arc I'm left wondering how Guggenheim is going to finish this. One of the coolest things about the first issues of this arc was the hint that we'd see the real reasons behind Civil War, but here, that is not the case. Too bad, because that would've made a kick-ass story. D

Ion # 6 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Ron Marz
Artists: Greg Tocchini & Tom Grindberg & Jay Leistein

Out of all the comics that came out this week, I liked Ion the best. This is as much of a surprise to me as it is to you fellows. What did we get out of this issue that I liked so much? Answers, and a concrete place for Kyle Rayner in the Green Lantern Corps and the DCU.

After defeating Alex Nero, who was impersonating Kyle for the last 5 issues, Kyle goes to Oa to imprison Nero, and get some answers from the guardians. Nero explodes as someone had booby-trapped him to kill the Guardians. Kyle stops him and saves the guardians as they explain their plans for him. Kyle is their "Torch Bearer" he now has within him the power to recreate the guardians and the GL Corps, as he did before, if the Guardians or the Corps are ever destroyed. He is the safeguard against the extinction of the Green Lantern flame. Kyle inquires about if he gets a sector to patrol, does he keep Guy Gardner out of trouble, but he has a larger purpose, he is the agent of the Guardians, summoned when tasks that GL's couldn't handle arouse.

I like this new purpose for Kyle, it shows that he is not being thrown by the wayside for Hal's rebirth. Kyle kept the flame alive, re-made the guardians, and bonded with Ganthet, the only guardian left alive before he re-made them. This purpose shows that the guardians respect him for what he has done, and the loyalty he has shone. Hal Jordan may be #1 in the eyes of 40 yr old fat fanboys, but Kyle is #1 in the eyes of the Guardians, at long last Kyle is better than Hal. In my opinion he always has been. Go Kyle!

Greg Tochinni's art is growing on me. It fits the abstract aspect of Kyle's powers, that all-encompassing god-like power that Kyle now has. I'm left wondering what the other 6 issues of this mini have in store for us, now that Kyle's purpose has been revealed. Looking forward to the next issue. B+

Win a huge Mattel prize package in the About Heroes trivia contest!

About Heroes is proud to give away a gigantic Mattel DC Comics toys prize package!

This prize package consists of the following:

• DC Superheroes Series 2 Superman
• DC Superheroes Series 3 Batman and Robin
• The Batman EXP Rogue Silencer Batman
• JLU 3-Pack of Superman, Aquaman, Dr. Light
• JLU 3-Pack of Hawkgirl, Dr. Fate, Vixen
• JLU 3-Pack of Martian Manhunter (normal, phasing and martian versions)
• JLU single packed figures: Batman, Wildcat, Copperhead, Wonder Woman, Superman, Metamorpho and The Flash

Second and third prize packages are also available!

To be eligible for the trivia contest, you must be a member of our forums. Submit your answers to the questions below and your forum name in an e-mail to contest@aboutheroes.com. You must send this e-mail from the e-mail address registered in your forums account.

The contest will run until October 16. The three winners will be picked at random from entries with the most correct answers.

Here's the quiz:

1. During the Batman: Knightfall storyline, one aspect of Batman’s uniform proved a hindrance to Jean Paul during a fight with Bane, prompting him to design a new, armored Batsuit. What was it?
2. The monstrous Doomsday was created by a scientist named Bertron through a series of experiments in forced evolution. What did Bertron eventually come to call his creation?
3. During the battles with the Hyperclan at the beginning of Grant Morrison's JLA, Flash goes back after a battle with the Martian speedster Zum to rescue a falling object. What was it?
4. In the classic story, "The Batman Nobody Knows," to whom does Batman reveal his secret identity?
5. In their first appearance, how did the Guardians of the Universe choose to communicate with Hal Jordan?
6. In the Justice League Unlimited comic book, who ultimately destroyed Dr. Sivana's creation, Mister Atom?
7. During Crisis on Infinite Earths, Harbinger and Alexander Luthor gather a group made up of one representative of each of the remaining Earths. Who was in this illustrious group?
8. In Batman: The Killing Joke, there is a sign on the Arkham Asylum receptionist's desk – what does it say?
9. In what's left of Coast City after its utter decimation, Hal Jordan is kneeling on the ground - what lies sticking out of the ground beneath him?
10. In the DCAU, which hero filled in for Martian Manhunter as coordinator for the Justice League while the Martian took a leave of absence?
11. According to Julie Schwartz, who was his first choice to write the last adventure of Earth-1 Superman, in the story that came to be known as "Whatever happened to the man of tomorrow?"
12. Infinity, Inc. was formed after four heroes crashed a JSA meeting to demand membership. Of these four, two eventually married and had a son, who became a figure in the DCU in his own right. Who is their son, and what position does he now hold?
13. The man who would become Deathstroke the Terminator began his special ops training at what military base?
14. What sculptors did Mattel contract to design the DC Superheroes Series 3 Batman figure?
15. Mattel's first Batman line was cancelled before all of the announced figures could be produced, and many of these designs were carried over to the DCSH line. But some weren't. The proposed fifth series of figures included a Joker – what was the proposed name for this figure (i.e. ______ Joker) ?
16. Based on comments in the podcasts and posts on our site, who is the person the About Heroes gang loves to poke fun at the most?
17. We close every podcast with the phrase, "Stay Geeky." Who was the first person to utter this phrase during one of our podcasts?

Answer as many of the questions as you can and send your entry in to contest@aboutheroes.com by October 16!

About Heroes Episode 31

It's another round-table discussion! This week's topic is the depiction of minorities in comic books, which you know we're going to have fun with.

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 31

Captain America # 21 Review

Author: Ed Brubaker
Artist: Steve Epting
Colors: Frank D' Armata
Cover: Steve Epting

When I was kid, I never thought I would ever be reading a Captain America comic and enjoying it. He wasn't one of my favorite characters; he was always too goody goody for me. As I got older I ended up enjoying some of his stories, particularly Mark Waid's and Ron Garney's original run on the book. Thanks to Brubaker and I'm sure getting older and pretending to get wiser, this book has become one of my must reads!

Twenty-First Century Blitz concludes the only way it could! With Captain America and Bucky taking down a giant robot (The Sleeper)! Lukin and his inner Red Skull have a great time on the Kronos tower. I'm really starting to enjoy this schizophrenic take and then he even reveals himself to the world. We get Spitfire and Union Jack, Crossbones and Sin join the Red Skull, and we find out that Bucky has been working for Fury for sometime now. This book is just one huge fight scene and a fantastic pay-off to what I thought Brubaker's weakest arc.

Steve Epting really outdoes himself with the art on this issue. Mainly because its action packed, because he always does those very fluidly rendered. His art is very moody and can be dark at times which suites the book and the writing style. But, D'Armata's colors are not to be forgotten, he gives the book that painted contemporary look. My only complaint is that some things seem to wrap up too quick or get left unanswered, it really didn't take me much time to read the book twice. I'm assuming this was to wrap up the issue to make way for the Civil War tie-in. Other than that, another great read. B+

Wolverine Origins # 6 Review

Author: Daniel Way
Artist: Steve Dillon
Covers: Joe Quesada and Ed Mc Guinness

The other day, I was thinking to myself: why do I keep reading a piece of crap book like Wolverine Origins? Is it because I hope that one day I read it and it turns out damn good? Is it because I hope to see one day Daniel Way and Steve Dillon taken out of the credits? Is it because I'm so faithful to the character that I have to read everything with his name on it? Fuck no, it's because I'm a fucking idiot and a glutton for punishment. Sometimes reading this book feels like slitting my wrist with a rusty razor.

The cover by McGuinness, just pretty much proves how influenced by anime he really is. But, looking at that cover by Quesada reminds me of some hentai I have seen in the past. Replace Wolvie with a high school girl and BAM! You have a better story than this issue would ever expect to find.
Wolverine is still gloom over the fact that his son hates him....so he has some really unnecessary flashbacks to make Omega Red's and Maverick's appearances justified. Wolverine goes searching for Maverick and runs into Jubilee, but only to be interrupted by those evil tentacles made out of carbanadium!!!

I thought that Chris Nord/Maverick was gone and it was Agent Zero now? Because I thought the Chris Bradley/Maverick was dead...errr anyway why is Wolverine going to go see Maverick anyway? If I had any faith in Way I would be excited about Maverick and Omega Red appearing, but I don't see them being used properly. Not that the character of Omega Red was that deep to begin with. On the only positive side, it is good to see Jubilee again.

Way really needs to pick up the pace, if he wants to stay on this book and keep it going for more than 12 issues we need to see some damn substance. I really think that the reason this book is still around is the alternate covers. Because, it sure as hell isn't the story (at least for me). Dillon does some graphic violent scenes, but again his art doesn't belong in this book at all; he is too clean and crisp. What would be the saving grace for this book? Larry Hama and Mark Texeria! D+

About Heroes Episode 30

This week, we talk with PETER DAVID about X-Factor, Spider-Man, crossovers, and of course Supergirl/Fallen Angel. Peter was great fun to talk to, and he's a damn funny guy!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 30

Pat Lee Master of illusion

Last week at All the Rage, I read that there was a rumor going around that Pat Lee wasn't even drawing Cyberforce and being credited as artist. Alex Milne was credited (sometimes) as breakdown artist or background artist, or sometimes not at all. This is one of the pages someone uploaded on an artist blog. This page is what Axel sends to Pat Lee. So what exactly does Pat Lee fucking draw?

Picture of the Week!

Joshiebear is back with another great find. Thanks Josh!

Cartoon Intros

I have come to the conclusion that the final ingredient for a kick-ass cartoon is a phenomenal, Ass-kicking, and inspirational opening. I believe that is what's wrong with cartoons these days. Don't get me wrong the Danny Elfman Batman theme was fantastic, but nothing lately has that one song that just sticks in my head for days. So if I can find the band that did the Defenders of the Earth opening Theme! I'm going to hire them to play in my wedding! Can you imagine that? That adrenaline filled song, everyone would want to kick some ass! Yes Defenders of the Earth, in my opinion, has the best fucking opening out of any cartoon. MASK, Gummi Bears, Silverhawks, and Thundercats come close. Where are these guys now? These guys were fucking geniuses! If you want to experience the opening scene and see what I'm talking about just click here Someone please find these guys and hire them to write some kick-ass music for the new Legion and Fantastic Four cartoons! I’d get these guys to play at my funeral, there wouldn’t be a teary eye in the room!

Charisma Carpenter Still Hoping to Play WW!

My personal choice to play Wonder Woman Charisma Carpenter still has high hopes according to an interview with TV guide

TVGuide.com: You're just too much woman for the small screen to handle?
Carpenter: Is that what it is? Ooh, I really like that line. It really works for me! But I do have an interesting audition coming up soon, so I'm hopeful.
Carpenter: I'm dying to kick butt as Wonder Woman. Itching to kick butt! In my last year of Angel, I was really pregnant and I couldn't do any butt-kicking, so I would really like this opportunity to work with Joss and take it to a new level.

Somebody just please give this beautiful talented lady the role. I dont' give a damn if the relligious right find out she was in Playboy, hell I think that makes it better since Wonder Woman does wear bondage gear. She's always been my number 1 choice since I found out Joss was writing and directing WW. Good luck Charisma!

Detective Comics # 823 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Paul Dini
Artists: Joe Benitez & Victor Llamas

Joe Benitez draws a H-O-T Poison Ivy, that's why they put him on this book. Is his Batman good? Maybe. However, his style does not fit the mood and tone of the book and that is what ruined this book for me.

After two amazing issues, Paul Dini has hit a snag. Sure Poison Ivy is a favorite of Dini's but here, she does literally nothing. In Arkham, Poison Ivy is attacked by monstrous plants, and barely escapes with her life. She goes to the Police for help, who hand her over to Batman. Where she occupies a tube in the batcave for the rest of the issue. Terribly un-exciting. Dini writes Batman and Robin like his other two issues, but they do not feel the same because of the art. Missing in this issue is the glimpse of the return of Bruce Wayne. He's nowhere to be found in this issue, and Dini has made him too good of a character on his own for him to be absent.

Joe Benitez's Batman is too stiff. Nothing happens in these panels that makes you stop and go, "WOW." I'm not complaining about his cartoony style, I like it, but not in a Batman book. Now I sound like Omar and his Humberto Ramos rant on Wolverine! Except that this is a worse case than that one. Ramos has been doing a good job on the title, whereas here I could not see Benitez carrying the book for multiple issues. His art is too McFarlane/Image-y for Dini's Batman. Nothing spectacular in this issue, C-.

Nightwing # 124 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk:

Writer: Bruce Jones
Artists: Teranshi & Craig

Quick review, I'm so anxious for this title to die, that I'll be just as anxious for this review to end.

1) The art by Greg Teranshi is still just as muddled and ugly as last issue.

2) Arsenal shows up? Really? I couldn't tell, because we never saw his face! Apparently a red blob in a Nightwing comic = Arsenal.

3) The Pierce Brothers are still written as stupid oafs.

4) Cheyanne, the one good character/thing to come from Bruce Jones' arc is given the boot, for no reason at all. I would've liked to see her stay.

Well, Bruce Jones' tenure writing Nightwing is over. THANK GOD! He managed to do less for Dick Grayson than Devin Grayson did in her much longer run. Why Jones can't write a Nightwing book escapes me. His OMAC book is okay, so why is his Nightwing so uneven? Anyway, next issue we get Marv Wolfman and Dan Jurgens on the title, hopefully for more than 6 issues. Nightwing needs a good team to bring him back up to the level Robin is at in his book. D- for this issue B+ for the outlook for next issue

BKV Running Away!

It seems that Brian K Vaughn and artist Adrian Alphona will be leaving Runaways after issue 24 as posted on his message board . Well this really made me sad, Runaways is a book I look foward to every month and I have enjoyed for the past four years. There is no word yet as to who will be taking over the book or if it will continue.

JLA Unleashed

Brad Meltzer gives away the characters he will be using on his Myspace page. If you don't want to take the time to look at his profile and pictures just
click here to see the picture.

It's interesting to see how the some of the silhouettes have changed in shape from the solicitation pictures and even the color of the bow has changed, but the again that was revealed in issue 1. I really didn't expect to see one character in particular hanging out with all those jive turkeys!

Picture of the Week!

I really hate to admit this, but he makes one fine ass lookin' woman!

About Heroes Episode 29

Time to talk about some books! We hit on Astonishing X-Men 16, Justice League of America 1, Cable Deadpool 31, and more!

Listen to About Heroes, Episode 29