Civil War: Young Avengers and Runaways # 1 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Muuurgh

Writer: Zeb Wells
Artist: Stefano Caselli

This review is not spoiler-free.

I don’t pull Young Avengers, nor do I pull Runaways. The only real exposure I have to either group is through Civil War for YA and the Free Comic Book Day book for Runaways. Amused by the free X-Men/Runaways book, I was interested in reading this title, but not interested enough to put it on my pull list. At the end of this story, though, I feel compelled to pull both titles.

While I’m not sure if both groups of characters are normally written this way, Wells has pulled me in with being able to get a feeling for how both groups work as a unit, especially with the Runaways. Each character of that particular group has a distinguishable personality, and Wells has done well (no pun intended) in making even me, the first time reader, understand how they think and act. The Runaways act like what they are: a bunch of teenage kids with powers; and the way they are presented gave me the feeling of watching a television show through the combined efforts of both Wells and Caselli. I even feel the connection that the group had with Gert, the Runaway who died through a few short panels. This is the way I originally saw X-Men, nowadays only truly shown through Whedon’s work: distinct characters interacting with each other in real ways with real conflicts other than with super villains. In the X excluding Astonishing, we get Havok and Iceman bitching to each other about Polaris every other page, and that’s it. This book provides characterization that I want to see in any team book.

As for the story, I liked it a lot. The beginning brought the angle of how the S.H.I.E.L.D. troops act even when they themselves are saved by unregistered super-powered beings, which is good to show. While reading most all of the Civil War books, with the exception of a certain few, I get bored when they start talking about the rights and wrongs of each side because it’s very redundant and doesn’t get past skin-deep in debate about why which is right and which is wrong. I would rather have people debate more in depth if that is to be part of the story, or stories like this, where small, but inevitable, events like this happen. The Runaways save the soldiers, and then they are shot at with having no understanding as to why, which shows how much the S.H.I.E.L.D. soldiers are oppressive dicks. I can’t help but think of the last podcast in which the issue of Marvel clearly showing which group they want the readers to side with was brought up, and how much that is true, but regardless, I’m still glad that, while it is obvious that they are dicks, this was shown. Tie-ins need to bring out the details, and that’s why books like X-Factor, Thunderbolts, and Cable and Deadpool are good reads. Oh, and what they do to Victor is fucked up. I felt that.

Wiccan’s line of “Everyone is so dour… No one’s acting like themselves,” is very important. In fact, I think it’s crucial for Civil War to make sense because it’s something that we all have to keep in mind while reading these stories. While I agree that people are acting out of character, we as readers must keep in mind how much this is weighing on everybody. The registration has been law for over a week in Marvel time, I believe, and I’m sure each day makes it harder and harder for everyone, especially the Secret Avengers and Spider-Man (though I would agree that Civil War #3 Spider-Man was written terribly). Everyone that reads Straczynski’s great book, Amazing Spider-Man (which, if you’re reading Civil War, you need to be reading that title), knows what he is going through, and that he is really forcing himself to be someone that he doesn’t truly want to be, but no other book really pushes that for other characters. Keep in mind Wiccan’s words while reading the other stories.

Caselli’s art is awesome. Expressions, actions, non-actions… and he does everything from the pencils to inking I’m presuming, because credits aren’t given to anyone for these jobs, and Caselli’s title is officially “artist.” The most memorable work was done through Victor and his nonchalant-but-serious-in-action attitude (and demise), Molly’s innocence, Chase’s stress, and Flag Smasher’s goofiness (he reminds me of an Ultimate Spider-Man villain).

Finally, I am excited about reading the next issues of this title and the two that are encompassed within it. Make sure to pick this one up. A+.

Action Comics # 841 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writers: Kurt Busiek & Fabian Nicieza
Artist: Pete Woods

Damn. I loved this book! It feels like it is a direct sequel to "UP UP & AWAY." Is that because it is from the same writer and the same artist? Maybe... But damn is it on par with the quality of that storyline. Busiek and Nicieza bring up a good point in the DCU about Superman. Superman has been gone a year, and then suddenly returned, and the rest of the world is skeptical that it is really him. And they have good reason to be, as Superman has disappeared and returned before and that led to 4 imposters and the destruction of Coast City. Superman runs around like no time has passed, he's just doing his duty after all, and everyone else is a jerk to him! Superman talks to the White House, they snap at him and remind him that because he failed to renew his "clearance" he can't talk to them or help with this new threat. Superman flies off, he does not have time to dilly-dally with this bureaucratic red-tape. I love Nightwing’s reaction when Superman flies to New York.

"Nightwing. Its ME."

"Of COURSE its you. Who else would it be?"

The Teen Titans appear in San Francisco, instantly recognizing the Man of Steel, while elsewhere Firestorm mouths off to the man! Busiek not only nails Superman like he has for the past 8 issues along with Geoff Johns, but he gets Nightwing and the Teen Titans as well. Finally someone uses Ravager as a character. I've not seen her do anything heroic in Teen Titans, all she's done there is walk around naked and kissing members. Busiek actually makes her heroic, and a little bit crazy, but it is here in this title that I am shown why she is on the Teen Titans, other than being young and hot.

Pete Woods' art looks even better than it was in "Up Up & Away," and that's saying something. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite consistent artists, not the Superstar late artists (ahem Jim Lee! & Frank Quitely! ahem). Pick this book up if you liked the last storyline, or if you're wondering where the Superman books are going after OYL. A+!

Birds of Prey # 96 Review

This Review Was Submitted by The Dude

Writer: Gail Simone
Penciller: Paulo Sequeira
Inker: Adain Riggs

My belief that Gail Simone can do no wrong is just further cemented after reading this issue of Birds of Prey. Riggs and Siqueira do a good job in the artwork, yeah yeah, but the thing I like most about this issue is finally somebody acknowledging Ted Kords' death in a decent way.

What in the heck does Ted Kord (aka Blue Beetle) have to do with Birds of Prey? Well basically throughout the whole Birds of Prey series Kord was kinda the go to guy when the Oracle, Huntress, and Dinah were in a jam. Also there were other stories along the way, wherein Barbara Gordon and Ted hooked up at a Computer Convention (see cybering jokes in this issue, lol). Basically Ted was one of those characters that was good in small doses but, nevertheless always added something when he showed up in BOP. It seemed fitting that the resolution of Ted's death post-crisis was handled by Gail Simone in Birds due to past occurrences. Ted's death is handled in such a way as to not seemed forced, as they ruminate on Kords' life/death shortly after Dinah narrating things she has learned and how she is grateful for the life she leads now. The moment in front of Ted's monument also serves, I think, as a catalyst of sorts for Barbara Gordon to become.....well I won't spoil it, needless to say the ending, your left going WTF!

Is this Gail Simone's best issue EVER of anything...no. The issue is not really of one story but the resolution of the previous arc and beginning of the next, it's a midpoint if you will, and some readers may not like it as much as past issues. Still, the ending....I almost hope it is who I think it is. Yeah I could tell you what the ending in but, it's too good to spoil. So what's my rating on this book? Well normally I'd give it a B, but for actually giving props to Ted Kord the Blue freaking Beetle I give it an A-

New Avengers # 22 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Bendis
Artist: Lenil Yu

Is this issue as good as the last one? More or Less. This issue spotlights Luke Cage (obviously) as he wrestles with registering or not. This issue takes place during or after Civil War #2, so we all know that Luke Cage does not register, but his dialogue in this issue explains why. I have a question, Iron Man tells Luke Cage that if he does not register he will be a criminal again at midnight. So at midnight that night when the Registration Act passes, Luke gets a knock on the door. If he did want to register how does he do it? Shoot Iron Man an e-mail? How does one register anyway? Do you wait to be arrested to register or do you have to register before it’s a law at all? Where is the waiting period? The fight was awesome but why did they come at exactly midnight, did Iron Man shoot them that way? We get in this issue that Luke Cage is a family man first, and this issue shows it, as he sends Jessica and his baby to Toronto, Canada basically until this blows over. What she gonna live there for the next 20 years? Geez.

On some pages Yu's art was great, on others it looked really liney and scratchy. I know this is his style, but I have seen cleaner art from Yu. Also, it looks like it was not inked, but done digitally. Or was it? I can't tell it is so inconsistent in this book. B-

Wolverine # 44 Dual Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Marc Guggenheim
Artist: Humberto Ramos

To me, another enjoyable issue of Wolverine. For Omar, another issue to complain about Humberto Ramos’ art. Get over it Omar, with this issue, he proves he deserves to be on this book, cartoony or not.
The fight begins! Wham bam thank you ma'am! Wolverine is the best at what he does, and what does he do? Marc Guggenheim finally says it aloud even though we all know it. "What I do best... is killing a whole mess of people." Naked Wolverine (his clothes were burned off) kicks Nitro's child killing ass, his parts playfully hid by shadows, and also faces off with that weird surfer we saw in the last issue. Nitro tells Wolverine that he never had the power to blow up that big before (this true? anybody?) and that at the time, he was on MGH, mutant growth hormone, which was given to him. Given? There is something far bigger going on here in the Marvel U that the main Civil War book is letting on. What is that blade that Nitro is holding on the cover? All I'll tell you is that it is Atlantean in origin. Read the book. An essential part of the Civil War storyline, which is delivering every week (for me anyway), this book gets a B.

Evilomar's take on it:

I'm not sure what it is about this book but I'm really digging it. I'm not even minding the Ramos over-the-top artwork. The story is solid; of course letting some things slide such as the very clichéd dialogue at the beginning inspired by old Claremont no less. Now I am totally ignoring what occurred last issue, because this issue was just too fun to prejudge. Overall I'm with Knightwingbk and giving this issue a B. Unlike some of the Civil War tie-ins this one is not to be missed! Thank you Mr. Guggenheim for a good Wolverine story, I'm not sure whose idea it was to keep you for only 6 issues. Don't get me wrong, I love Jeph Loeb (mainly at DC), but I don't really want to read Wolverine: Adamantium (the story of lost friendships between Sabretooth and Wolverine!) Okay I made the name up, but we all know Loeb loves to have those flashback issues.
Click here to read the review with spoilers.

Nightwing # 122 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Bruce Jones
Artist: Paco Diaz

Skip this issue. It sucks. Do not pick it up, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Why does this issue stink? Jason Todd turns into a monster, the same monster that swallowed him last issue with no explanation as to why or how. The issue ends and we do not get any explanation as to why Jason Todd was parading as Nightwing or what he’s been up too. Jason sends a telegram on the last page to Dick to explain himself, “just wanted to see if we could be family again.” Right. Whatever Judd Winick did over 13 issues to make Jason Todd and interesting and motivated character has been totally ignored by Bruce Jones. Did he even read Under the Hood? I guess Bruce Jones caught wind of all the mud that some people were flinging at him and decided to do something about it. He basically shit on us, the fans, Jason Todd, and Judd Winick. Thanks DC. I appreciate how you let crappy story ideas develop without even wrapping them up. Bravo!

The art is okay, I’d like to see Paco Diaz on another book, with a better writer, because he can draw. To bad for him that he got paired up with Bruce Jones. This issue gets a Big Fat F!

Batman # 655 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Andy Kubert

So, Grant Morrison comes to Batman and... he skips the big story! We come in at the end of a climatic battle, with Batman shooting the Joker? What? Weird. Later on we're told that Batman has went on a Crime Blitz, put away all of his villains in the city, save for Two-Face. Why didn’t we see this? That would have been a Batman story! After that Bruce Wayne decides to go on vacation to London and be more Bruce Wayne, enjoying his life. Alfred practically tells him to bang some chicks for him! We always complain that we never see Bruce Wayne being a playboy in the books, but here's why, it’s kind of boring. This issue is all setup for the next few issues to come, and it looks to be an interesting story but there is nothing here in this issue that grabs you and makes you want to read the next issue.

Andy Kubert. Meh. The first couple of pages of his art look washed out, mainly because of the colors. That and the art sometimes looks sloppy. The art gets better once we go into the Batcave and London, but there are no big outstanding panels here. The last page is good, but this issue does not leave me with the impression that Andy Kubert should be as hyped up as he was. His brother? Absolutely. Andy? Not so much. Not Yet anyway. C-

She-Ra: Princess of Power DVD Set Review

This Review Was Submitted by Spider-Ben

Writers: Larry Ditillio, Bob Forward, J. Michael Strackzynski, etc.
Voice Talent: John Erwin, Melendy Britt, Alan Oppenheimer, George Dzunda, Erika Scheimer, etc.

Disc One: He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword

It was a time before I got into Spider-Man. It was a time when I didn’t know anything about the X-Men, or how important Batman and Superman were. Heck, it was a time before I even went around yelling “cowabunga”
while watching the ninja turtles. It was 1985, the year when He-Man’s sister was revealed. He-Man was my first super-hero, and he still holds a warm spot in my heart. But Filmation studios decided to up the ante and create a spin off series featuring the adventures of He-Man’s twin sister, Adora. To this end, She-Ra:
Princess of Power was born.

Filmation decided to hit the ground running with this series by having the pilot be a five-part adventure.
During production, Filmation realized that if they trimmed the five episodes down to 90 minutes they could introduce She-Ra into theaters as a movie. Thus, He-Man and She-Ra: The Secret of the Sword was born.
Secret of the Sword is the story of Prince Adam and his faithful companion Cringer venturing to the distant world of Etheria. The Sorceress of Greyskull gives Adam a sword that looks exactly like his own power sword, except that there is a jewel in the center of this new sword. He must now find someone very special to wield its powers. On Etheria, Adam befriends the great Rebellion in their struggle against the forces of the evil Horde, led by the maniacal Hordak. During an attack, the rebels are quickly overwhelmed by the Horde. Adam sneaks off and screams “I have the power!” and He-Man arrives, ready to kick Horde butt! Truly this moment gives me Goosebumps every single time I watch it. It’s just that damn powerful and good!

To speed things along, He-Man is captured by Adora who is a force captain for the Horde. He-Man realizes Adora is the one he seeks to claim the powers of the Sword. The rebels save He-Man, but he ventures off once more to the fright zone to find Adora. After getting captured, He-Man’s life force is fading due to Hordak’s new machine. The Sorceress contacts Adora through her sword and tells her of her destiny: she is the daughter of King Randor and Queen Marlena, and she is He-Man’s sister. Adora realizes she is good, and lifts her power sword into the air screaming “For the Honor of Greyskull!” She-Ra is born, and quickly frees He-Man and the two destroy Hordak’s new machine.

Later, He-Man and She-Ra realize the truth. When they were babies, the Horde attacked Eternia. Hordak managed to capture Adora and force her to work for evil, unaware of her true origin. Now the two return to Eternia for a reunion, but Hordak follows. Hordak meets up with his old student, the deadly Skeletor.
The gruesome twosome decided to join forces and capture Adora. At the palace, Randor and Marlena are thrilled to have their baby girl back. As they feast, Skeletor makes his move. He and Hordak capture Adora and return to snake mountain. One of the best lines of the movie happens here. Cringer runs off screaming for help, and Skeletor states “Blast! That mangy cat will bring the palace guards!” It’s very funny stuff in a very intense moment.

He-Man and Man-At-Arms go to Snake Mountain to save Adora and meanwhile Skeletor tricks Hordak and sends him back to Etheria. Adora pretends to faint, and quickly gets her sword and transforms. She-Ra proceeds to kick Skeletor’s butt, and He-Man introduces his friends to She-Ra. Skeletor replies this is the worst day of his life, being defeated by a female He-Man!
Great moment!

Adora tells her parents she must return to Etheria to help the rebels save their world. Adam takes her back to Greyskull to return home. As Adora and Spirit, her horse, walk off, Adam and Cringer have followed them wanting to help give the rebellion an extra hand. The two quickly transform when Horde forces attack. The rebels fight to reclaim the kingdom of Bright Moon, and with He-Man and She-Ra they are victorious. With the rebellion having an advantage, He-Man returns home to Eternia but tells his sister if she ever needs his help, just call.

Disc Two: The Best Five Episodes of She-Ra

Disc two contains the top five fan episodes of She-Ra. “Of Shadows and Skulls” which guest stars Skeletor is number five. Number four is “Sweet Bee’s Home” which guest stars He-Man and is a great episode.
Number three is “Horde Prime takes a holiday” which was thought of by JMS, and features He-Man and Skeletor. Number two is “The Stone in the Sword” and features Adora fighting to regain her powers after the crystal in her sword is broken. Finally, number one is “The Price of Freedom” and guest stars He-Man and Orko. This episode shows how evil the Horde really is, and how Etheria is a planet conquered by evil.

Bonus features include a documentary on the making of She-Ra and scripts to the episodes. The scripts can only be accessed on a DVD-Rom though. On the Secret of the Sword disc, there is commentary on the movie, “I have the Power” music video, and trailers to the movie.

Thoughts/Comments:

I love this set! Secret of the Sword is a wonderful movie; I forgot how good it really is. Plus, the theme song to the movie “I have the Power” is a beautiful and moving song. Really fits the theme to the movie about a brother and sister being reunited. I always had this huge crush on She-Ra, and re-watching her adventures I realize I still love her as much today as I did back then. Of course, my thoughts were cleaner about her when I was a kid opposed to those of a 23 year old guy! This is touching stuff for an animated feature. The five episodes on the second disc were pretty good as well, but there is one character I hate. It’s a character called Loo-Kee I think. It’s some damn rainbow raccoon or something, and he hides in every episode and does the moral at the end of the show. He’s annoying and a pain in the ass, but that’s my only complaint. So go check this set out if you love action and good solid storytelling. This gets a huge A+ from me!

Superman/Batman # 28

My boy Knightwingbk is on a roll with his reviews, so with that being said:
This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Mark Verheiden
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver

This is the true start of Mark Verheiden and Ethan Van Sciver's run on Superman/Batman, and what a start it is. Martian Manhunter outright attacks Batman in the Batcave, then Titano attacks Gotham, and Dr Phosphorus and the Parasite? Where do they have time to fit in all these villains? Brilliantly. Look to the first to explain the rest. Think about it. Verheiden keeps the story moving briskly along and the pacing is only helped by Van Sciver's art, more on that later. Verheiden must have one hell of a story to tell or else DC would not put him on their biggest book. He made his first issue so action packed that I can't wait to read the next issues. I haven't been this excited to read Superman/Batman since Michael Turner was on the book with his Supergirl arc. This is good for DC, thank god Loeb and his lateness moved over to plague Marvel.

Expect the first three issues of this arc to be on time, and the rest? Who knows. I met Ethan Van Sciver today at a signing (and got a killer Batman sketch too) and he said that himself. He is on issue three of this arc right now, and said it typically takes him 2 months to draw an issue. Did I mention he inks all of his own work now? Yeah, I can wait two months for his work. Some may think his characters are ugly, but they look real. Since when was Batman ever supposed to be pretty? Van Sciver's Batman looks like he could scare criminals when he is in that mask. Another thing I like about Van Sciver's Batman is the way he draws the cape. It constantly looks like Bat-wings, and that’s cool, the fact that Batman could strike that pose at any moment excites me. His Superman looks majestic, almost god-like, you can see his power in him. To put it simply Van Sciver is a well needed injection of adrenaline into this title. Not only is Van Sciver a good artist, he's a smart artist. Look on page one and spot the Bat-silhouette in the shadows behind Bruce Wayne at a party. Bloody Brilliant. Give this book an A!

Ion # 4 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Ron Marz
Artist: Greg Tocchini

I didn't review issue three, what happened? Kyle went to the planet Mogo (who's also a Green Lantern) and went on a spirit quest and was visited by all of his old girlfriends, who basically gave him a pep talk. And Hal went looking for Kyle. A throwaway issue, but okay nonetheless.

Issue four moves things along as we finally get a taste as to why Kyle has been destroying and killing people in space, while being on earth and peaceful at the same time. "It's like I'm two people at once..." Well you are! Hal battles the other Kyle for most of the issue, while at the end, the real Kyle emerges from Mogo, ready to go. The end says "Next: Answers!" I hope so. I like this title, I like Kyle, I like Ion, but I want some damn answers! The Guardians discuss Kyle's situation yet again, and are as aloof and scared of getting involved as they always are. This scene is included just to stir up our interest in what the hell is going on with Kyle as Ion. Tocchinni's art is still artsy as hell, and takes a while to get used to. I think I'm finally warming up to it, although I still wish we had a more conventional artist on the title. What's Dale Eaglesham doing? And why isn't Tocchini doing his own covers? The one on this issue is horrendous! Note to DC: Fire Kalman Andrasofszky, he sucks. We still don't know why it says Guardian of the Universe underneath the title. Here's hoping we find out. C+

Checkmate # 4 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Jesus Saiz

From a great start in issues one and two, to an okay three, and a meh four. Damn. I was looking forward to this issue because I enjoyed the last three issues so much. China had vetoed Checkmate's existence, thus Checkmate launched a probe into China's actions. An ops team arrives in China, only to be met by the Great Ten, where we left off last issue. We get a fight with China's Great Ten, seeing them do more than we did in 52 recently. However, stupid Alan Scott decides that they can solve the conflict diplomatically instead of by spying or kicking ass. Alan Scott ruined this issue! The political side that was in play in issues one and two takes a backseat here. Nothing feels as urgent as it used to, which slows the book down.

Jesus Saiz returns as the book's artist and does his usual good job. His art is more stylized than other artists out there, because of his lack of lines on faces. He makes up for this with his angles and where he places the camera within the panel. His art feels very dynamic, whether the characters are fighting or simply talking. I hope this book picks up quick, because this issue almost made me drop it. C-

Justice League of America # 0 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Brad Metzler
Artists: Various

I am definitely confused by this issue. It’s not the writing, it’s not the art, and it’s the setting. This issue is about the relationship of DC's trinity, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. We see the relationship start, continue, and go through troubling times as the three meet once a year to discuss matters about the league, and others. These are not given by specific dates, but are loosely strung in chronological order. Interspersed with these events that we know took place, labeled simply as "Yesterday," are scenes which may take place in the future labeled as "tomorrow?" Bruce's death, Pa Kent's death, Diana's wedding, Hal Jordan's wedding, among others are tomorrow scenes that are used to show the relationship between the three. These may or may not happen, but because they are spaced in between the "yesterday" scenes it tends to make the read confusing and more complicated than it should be. Aside from these issues, I really liked this issue. However, I liked Identity Crisis, and apparently a lot of people didn't so they may be pre-disposed to not like this issue. Forget all that. It's a well written issue, and there is nothing for you haters (Omar & Dan) to hate on in this book.

This issue takes the Superman/Batman 26 route with multiple artists. Most artists do one page, others do multiple. Each artist fits the era they are illustrating and the events that take place within it. George Perez handles Donna Troy's wedding. Howard Porter re-illustrates the Tower of Babel moments, Kevin Maguire does a page in which Superman and Wonder Woman find out about Batman punching Guy Gardner back in JLI. It does not feel like the art cluster-fuck that Superman/Batman felt like at times. My one complaint is Andy Kubert's page. His brother Adam delivered a great page earlier in the book, but Andy's page leaves a lot to be desired. It leaves me wondering about his upcoming Batman work. A good issue, it makes me want to read issue one right now. B

Flash: the Fastest Man Alive # 2

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writers: Danny Bilson & Paul Demeo
Artist: Ken Lashley

Well... It’s better than number one, but not a whole lot better. The narration pages are still present, but not from ever flash that has ever been. In this issue we get four origin pages for Bart Allen's story past to present. We also get 3 pages about Bart Allen told from Wally's point of view. Where is Wally anyway? In between that we have Bart still denying his role as the Flash, he is the reluctant Flash. Bart wants a normal life but can't because of his connection with the speed force. Other than that not a whole lot happens. Bart dons the Flash costume at the end of the issue, and I'm still not thrilled about him being Flash. I simply don't care, and that is where the writing has failed. The writing should be making me care about Bart and the Flash but because they gave Bart this bad teenage - "I don't care" attitude, it has made me have the same attitude about this book. I'll give it one more issue for it to hook more for the end of the arc, after that I'm done.

The art in this issue is better than the last. We are down to two inkers, whereas last issue we had four, and gives the book a more consistent feel. Ken Lashley's art is good, but his faces in this book look really round. It’s like reading a book filled with balloon people. His Flash splash page at the end is great, but the rest of the book just fails in comparison. Lashley needs more tights in this book, rather than talking heads to really show off his strengths. I liked his 52 issue better than these two issues of Flash put together art wise. D+

Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters # 1 Review

Authors: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Daniel Acuna (can't figure out how to get the swirly on there yet!)
Colors: Javi Montes

This ain't yo daddy's Freedom Fighters....technically because most of those guys are dead. I remember the team of Quesada and Palmiotti...what happened to those two? They were as good as Byrne and Austin, Lee and Williams, and so on. Well if this is any sign of what Palmiotti can do without Quesada, sign my ass up! I did not go into this book expecting a great read, hell I wasn't even expecting a decent read, because of all the shit that The Battle for Bludhaven was.

Well, The Battle for Bludhaven is finally over and Dark forces within the government (SHADE) are out to eliminate American's freedom and the one man that represents it: Uncle Sam! We begin at a rally for Presidential candidate Knight, father of Stormy Knight (Phantom Lady). This sequence is interrupted by SHADE attacking an Intergang Drug Lord at his grandson's birthday party. Firebrand being the representative of Uncle Sam attacks Senator Knight and is later captured.

The pacing in this book is perfect: it’s not compressed, but you really don't feel like you fly by it. All the information you need to know is there, no previous knowledge of Uncle Sam or Battle for Bludhaven (Thank God!) is needed. It gives you this information and does it in a way that still keeps the book exciting. We get to know more about the characters, like the sad Dollman, Human Bomb, the Phantom Lady, and the new Ray's God like powers and to quote a friend: the fuck that is Father Time. While Uncle Sam's an appearance in this book, his presence is still felt. Uncle Sam in hiding and Father Time showing his mug around, that really is a deep political metaphor in today's times, yeah it’s that multilayered. Gray and Palmiotti are definitely putting their own political views in this book.

But the story is not the only good thing about this book. The art by Daniel Acuna is amazing; his blend of photo-realism and pop is perfect and works in this book. The character designs, the angles, and the facial expressions are all perfect. The colors are not to be overlooked either, Montes brings this book's art and makes it shine, although at times a little too much. Sometimes it feels like there are just too many white spots on the pages. This book is great, I am confused at times, you can't really tell who the good guys or who the bad guys are, I loves it!
I never gave a shit about these characters in the past (well for some, their previous incarnations), but I'll be damned if I am going to miss the second issue. A

The Hood: Blood From Stones TPB Review

This Review was Submitted by The Dude:

Writer: Brian K Vaughan
Illustrated by Kyle Hotz

With Great Power Comes Great Opportunity..? You read this on the back of this trade paperback and you know your in for something different. This is no kids book by any means, published under Marvel's "MAX" line this trade doesn't hold back. The story focuses on a low-life of sorts by the name of Parker Robbins, a hood who well... becomes "The Hood" when he ends up shooting the crap out of a monster about to attack him & his cousin. Parker not wanting to leave the whole situation empty-handed swipes the dead monster's cloak and boots only to find out later they are....you guessed it, supernatural. Parkers' life in general is crappy from the start and basically just keeps getting worse after he becomes The Hood, in the end the trade ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, making you hungry for more.

Brian K Vaughan, what can I say about this guy, everything I have read by him, has been great, this being no exception. Vaughans' greatest ability in his writing is continually turning traditional comic formula on its head; Y, The Last Man, Runaways, The Escapists are all prime examples of this writing style. The Hood - Blood From Stones, though not seeming to have the normal polish of Vaughans' writing, still nevertheless turns out an original concept. A common thug with everyday problems becomes a man with supernatural abilities, does he save the world....NO.....does he use his cloak of invisibility to sneak into a women's shower room...YES.

Kyle Hotz illustrations throughout this book are good. Really when I look at Hotz's stuff it reminds me of a lot of different styles. In some panels the facial expressions remind me of Pepoy & his crew's work on Freshmen at other times I catch a glimpse of some Ramos' from Revelations. The overall bodies and the way they are drawn even remind me of Guy Davis's stuff in BPRD. Again though I could be seeing things. I will say the illustrations of the Hood character are bad ass, and for some reason Hotz's drawing of Shocker I really liked.

Ok ok so my rating, A+. Seriously go out and read this book.

Comic Book Classic Vault: The Return of Superman Review

This Review was Submitted by knightwingbk:
Writers: Various
Artists: Various

21 comics. The Return of Superman took 21 comics to complete. The trade for this story looks massive, enormous, and daunting, it reflects the story inside of it. It took me a long time to read this, not because it wasn't good, but because I did not have enough time to read it in 2-3 sittings. Some times I read a couple issues at a time, other times one issue at a time, but each time I wanted to read more. I wanted to get to the part where Superman came back. And I did, and he came back (as if you didn't know).

The story picks up where World Without a Superman left off. Four men appear in Metropolis at roughly the same time, all more or less claiming they are Superman. We see the first appearances of these men, and then get an issue exploring them after that. Each Superman title takes one of the four Supermen and follows them. At some points it feels like an old movie serial, where you have to wait to follow the adventures of your favorite imposter. Most of these Supermen are developed well, and it takes about 3 comics each before the larger story comes into focus. The least developed of these 4 is the Cyborg Superman, but only because he takes such a large role at the end as the main villain. After this slow build, things kick up about half-way in the book, as Mongul appears and Coast City is destroyed.

Superman comes back, powerless, and takes Steel with him to Coast City to stop the Cyborg imposter. Somehow, they do and everything is a-ok. Go read the book if you want spoilers. I thought this was a good read. Not only is it more bang for you buck (only $20) but it is also a lot of fun. I liked reading the Steel and Superboy issues the most. Steel has the heart of Superman, his spirit, and his story focused on bringing weapons he helped design off the streets. Superboy's story is fun because he is young and naive and we get to laugh as we see all of these media moguls try and take advantage of him. The Last Son of Krypton (Visor-man) is kind of a cold, violent Superman, but his story is interesting because he learns to be more compassionate, and more like Superman through his encounters with Lois, Guy Gardner, and the victims he saves. He comes through in the end for Superman, acting like the real Superman, and thus his arc is satisfyingly complete.

This read a lot better than The Death of Superman or World Without a Superman, mainly because it was four stories in one larger one. There are some slower bits, but they are forgivable because most of these 21 issues are grand comics. Even without Clark Kent, Superman has never been more interesting here, than with how do heroes honor his legacy, which is a major theme in the book. It is not necessary to read the other two books before this one, you will still enjoy it just as much, but they do add some layers to Lois' character, that you wouldn't get with reading this book by itself. A great story, A.

Ultimate Fantastic Four # 31 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Spider-ben

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Greg Land and Matt Ryan
Cover: Greg Land
Variant Cover: Arthur Suydam

This is the moment fans have been waiting for: the Zombie Fantastic Four escape and begin to cause chaos for the Ultimate world. To make matters worse, Johnny is still sick and infected with a parasitic creature from the Nihilus universe, and the rest of the team is off in Latveria consulting with Dr. Doom about curing Johnny’s condition.
In Latveria, the team tells Doom what has happened.

Doom realizes that the creature only seeks to infect a person with unlimited and great powers to use as a host. This is really cool because it shows that Johnny really has some great power that he hasn’t mastered yet, setting us some cool stuff he can do in future story arcs. Back to Doom—he states that he can recite a spell to extract the creature from Johnny and send it back to it’s dimension, but he has no desire to.

Ben and Sue are furious, and Reed tells Doom he will do whatever he wants in order to help Johnny. Sue gets another shock when she realizes her mother is working with the good (or is that bad?) doctor. Sue is furious, but her mom explains that Doom financed her research and helped her gain all the information about Atlantis. If not for Doom’s money and help, her project never would have happened. I love Sue’s response to her mom “he tried to kill me with poison gas? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” Sue’s mom is as cold and dark as Doom himself. Reed and Victor go to his quarters and Doom proposes a way to save Johnny. If Reed agrees to switch minds with Doom, he will extract the creature within Johnny. Reed also finds out that Doom himself used a spell to put the creature in Johnny. Johnny did not bring the creature back from his adventure in Nihilis’ dimension.

Reed is furious but sees no other option. They switch minds and “Reed” and his team return home, leaving a sobbing “Victor” in his lab. To make things worse, the Zombie FF have created a new device to bring their companions from the Zombie World to the Ultimate Universe.

Thoughts/Comments:
Ever since they took over the book, Millar and Land have made Ultimate FF one of my must read books. This current arc is incredible! We have Zombies, Johnny dying, Sue’s mom working with Doom, Doom’s dilemma he forces upon reed, and more! I love this arc! Greg Land is the man. His pencils are so lifelike and beautiful; he is one of my favorite artists. Anyways, I love the story, I love the art, I give this issue a solid A.

Ghost Rider # 1 Review

Author: Daniel Way
Art: Mark Texeira and Javier Saltares
Colors: Dan Brown
Covers: Mark Texeira and Mark Silvestri

I have to admit, I really didn't get into Ghost Rider until the early 90's revamp. The only reason I really did buy my first issue of Ghost Rider was the art. Mark Texeira had a Bill Sienkiewicz look to his art that had been missing from comics at those times. I never understood why this comic even existed; it was one of those 70's stuntmen icons that faded out by the mid eighties. So bringing it back in the 90's was really taking a big chance. But it worked; the art and the characters sucked me in. Before we start this review, I want to just say, that for the first time (and I hope the only time) I’m glad they did away with some of the continuity in GR. Let me explain why:

The name GR was originally used by a Western Comic character, but the 70s incarnation of that name was different. Motorcycle Stunt driver Johnny Blaze made a deal with the demon Zarathos in order to save the life of his friend. Both entities eventually started fighting for control of the body. In the end Blaze managed to reject the Zarathos demon out of his body and just became Johnny Blaze: Bad-ass of the 90's with a trench coat and the Hellfire shotgun!

By the 90's there was a different GR around, the one that I got to know, Danny Ketch, but those stories, to be honest, were real confusing at times. Mainly because of different creative teams taking over the book. Some said that Danny and Johnny Blaze (the original Ghost Rider) were long lost brothers and other writers said they were just strangers. Ketch eventually died, well sort of, because his spirit rebonded with the Noble Kale Ghost Rider. By the 2001 miniseries Johnny Blaze was back to being Ghost Rider for some unknown reason, but this time around the Ghost Rider killed humans, so Zarathos was still a part of him. To complicate things the Garth Ennis six issue mini-series shows that Zarathos is nowhere around. Now Blaze is in complete control of his actions as the Ghost Rider. Let's get on with the review

When last we saw Johnny Blaze, he made a deal with the devil. Now finding himself trapped in Hell (which looks empty for a dimension of eternal torture, but hey that just leaves GR enough room to burn rubber), Johnny just may have found a way out. But what more will he have to sacrifice in order to escape eternal hellfire? Now that we have established that, let’s move on to the story.....oh wait, that's it. Ghost Rider gets help from a demon named Greexix to bust out of hell. By the end we see the next issue takes place in where you would picture a dark figure like Ghost Rider fighting zombies: The fucking Caribbean! I am open minded in comics, but come on.

I have to say with nothing really happening, this issue fares very poorly, both as an introduction to the title and as a decent Ghost Rider story. I don't really understand why they are using the devil instead of Mephisto. Marvel has a devil like creature that is freaky established why not roll with him? On a side note the plot involving Ghost Rider’s attempts to escape this hell is pretty basic, but it’s well-written and effective. I really do think Way understands the character, but so far this book did nothing for me. The best thing this book has going for it, is the lack of continuity. Way has a chance to start over from scratch and make the character interesting, but he better add more ass-whoopin and chain-throwing action in there, before he bores us to death.

So the besides the clear plate the only other thing saving this series is that stunning artwork stunning, to say the least. It hails back to some of the finest work done by Texeira and Saltaires in the 90s run of GR. The landscapes in hell and the demons are unsettling and believable. Browns colors add that warm and dark feel to the art that makes it look even more quasi-painted. It's not a great start, but it could have so much potential, let's hope this book doesn't go the Way of Venom and Wolverine: Origins. C+

Ultimate Spider-Man # 97 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Muuurgh

Writer: Brain Michael Bendis
Pencils: Mark Bagley

This review is not spoiler-free.

Oh man, how I love Ultimate Spider-Man. This is almost always the first comic I read on the week that it's out because it's a great, fun read from start to finish, and of course, Bagley's art compliments Bendis's writing quite perfectly.

Let's start from the beginning. Namely the cover. Namely the title. "Clone Saga" doesn't mean too much to me. Since I started choosing my own titles for myself in 1995 (when I was in third grade), I didn't get to be a part of the glory days, nor did I get off to a good start. But, for an eight year-old kid, Spider-Man having a CLONE of all things was pretty damn sweet. Previous to '95 I had been reading Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and some Batman and Robin titles here and there via my brother who is seven years older than me, and one day I stepped into a Waldenbooks and saw Sensational Spider-Man #1. Spider-Man had a new costume, and it looked awesome... and it so had to be mine. Soon I learned a little bit about the cloning and this Ben Reilly guy, and also enjoyed getting back issues with the Scarlet Spider.

So the Clone Saga meant coolness for a third-grader, and I refuse to go back and read those books now because with all the bantering I read about the clone saga I absolutely refuse to smash my childhood memories. If it means anything I had many spells where I'd buy the book and just not read it because it got boring. Then I'd start skimming five books deep.

Back to me loving Bendis. I think he's going to pull it off ingeniously. Maybe people have doubts, but I have been a fan of every single one of his issues from my first Ultimate Spider-Man issue... namely #3 (I got word about it a little late).

On to the actual comic!
- Okay, I'm glad about what happened in this issue involving Peter's love triangle. To let you know, I am a fan of the idea of a Kitty/Peter relationship. It's been fun thus far, and I have been waiting for it to be a little more like the MJ/Peter relationship. It hasn't gotten there. Kitty is distinctly not MJ, and I don't enjoy reading her talking to Peter as much. This may seem sort of contradictory to what I just said about LIKING Kitty/Peter, but it’s more of me just wanting to see it develop and work out a bit more… and have Peter date an X-Man. The issue confirmed my belief that Kitty’s not as, bluntly, cool as MJ. Her reaction to Peter confiding in MJ for comfort is very understandable and real, as is Peter saying that he has no friends. The last revelation by Kitty is one that is important to their relationship, and at the end of the argument the reader effectively has no idea what’s going to happen between them. Finally, during the MJ/Peter lunch, Peter confirms my feelings about the Kitty/Peter relationship: “Honestly. She doesn’t even know me.” PERFECT. I couldn’t have put it any better. The whole lunch scene reminded me why I liked MJ: she's just as quippy as Peter. Bendis seems to write lines that are the most ideal and natural when Peter and MJ talk.

- I found Aunt May and Peter’s few lines to be a little odd. It’s almost as if she didn’t know that Peter has a new girlfriend. Just how long was she at the doctor’s anyway?

- The Scorpion fight was classic work by the dynamic duo. The cops go crazy, Scorpion goes crazy, Spider-Man tells everyone they’re crazy… it’s just so much fun. Also, the battle is written so that the reader gets a feel for the confusion that engulfs every single person involved in the scene, which is very cool. The feeling that it invokes is one that makes me feel that I am a bystander in the mall.

- The end? I’m very interested in where this is leading.

If you couldn’t tell, I give this book an A+. Bring on 98.

This Review Was Submitted by Spider-ben:

The clone saga. To most spider fans, those words send fear and chills to the reader. Everyone remembers the two year long torture fest when the original clone saga was presented. One month, our Peter Parker who we had been reading about was the clone, the next month Ben Reilly was the clone, then the following month a third Peter Parker emerged call Spidercide claiming he was the true Peter Parker. Luckily, after way to long, the storyline ended to the relief of fans everywhere. But Brian Michael Bendis is not one to back away from a challenge, thus, the Ultimate Clone Saga was born and it begins with this very issue.

Our issue starts off with Kitty extremely pissed off at Peter about him talking to MJ once again. (Get it, she is X-Tremely pissed?) OK, bad pun. I couldn’t resist! Back to the story, Kitty is fed up that Peter told MJ about his experience with vampires and Morbius. Kitty is furious that he didn’t come to see her, but she was off being an X-person. (Not a very good response there Pete!) So Kitty and Peter argue, with Kitty asking the question every fan already knows “Are you in love with her?” Peter pauses, and Kitty hangs up the phone in tears.

Meanwhile, MJ and Peter talk once more. Peter tells MJ that Kitty is fed up with him, and states how Kitty “doesn’t even know him.” MJ takes Peter to the one place where he loves to go, the food court at the mall. This famous food court was seen in Ultimate Spider-Man issue one, only back then Uncle Ben was chilling with him and Flash was chucking food at him.

I’m actually surprised Flash didn’t do that this issue, seeing as how it is sprinkled with all these great little references to the Ultimate Spider-Man saga thus far! MJ and Peter talk some more and Peter meets Mark Raxton, the Molten Man. Peter jokes how he has “the worst costume ever” and MJ tells him that it is just the name of his band. Peter wants to know how close the two were, and she tells him the truth about how she only talked about Peter the entire time and Mark got kinda fed up with that.

OK, let’s get to the action. Peter’s spider-sense flares up, and a new figure begins attacking the mall.
An armored green figure arrives from the debris, the Ultimate Scorpion. Scorpion starts shouting out ridiculous phrases that make no sense and Peter suits up and tells MJ to get to safety. Peter confronts the Scorpion and tries to calm down his foe. Scorpion just acts nuttier and the two fight. After a long battle, Peter gets serious in bashing the Scorpion’s face in before he endangers more innocent lives. We turn the page and gasp (as Peter does) to see that the true identity of the Scorpion is none other than Peter Parker! Dun Dun Dun, big dramatic theme music page here! Back at MJ’s, MJ tells her mom that she is safe. She rushes upstairs to write in her journal, when a shadowy figure appears. The figure captures MJ, and MJ’s mom enters her room and wonders where her daughter is.

Thoughts/Comments:

Hell yeah, now that’s what I’m talking about! I haven’t enjoyed an issue of Ultimate Spidey this much since the “Warriors” arc a year back. First off, I’m sad that Kitty and Peter’s relationship seems about over with, but it was fun while it lasted. Plus, everyone knows that Peter and MJ belong together.

Secondly, ultimate Scorpion looked great! He was green and had a tail, which are nods to the regular marvel universe counterpart, but Bagley also put some “ultimate” touches to his new design. “Ultimate”
touches, get it? Feel like I’m striking out here! I kinda figured Scorpion would be a Peter clone since the title of the saga pretty much gives away some clues, but who took MJ at the end? The art was great as always. I can’t wait to see where Bendis and Bagley take this story next. Thanks for a great 97 issues guys, bring on the big 100! All in all, A+!

Green Lantern # 12 Review

Author: Geoff Johns
Penciler: Ivan Reis
Inker: Marc Campos
Cover: Simone Bianchi

Revenge of the Green Lanterns continues as Hal and Guy are caught face to face with some Green Lantern POWs and an old villain makes his return. The rematch of Hal Jordan's life! Well, at least for this year. He gets to fight Cyborg Superman as Hal Jordan....the man without fear! The last time I remember seeing Hank Henshaw (Cyborg Supes) was during Final Night, where Parallax pushed his sorry ass into the Source Wall. I'm sure he's made some appearances since then, but none really stand out to me.

Yes, Cyborg Superman is back! The guy that was responsible for the destruction of Coast City and in a way the creation of Parallax. He's not alone either, he's brought his army of Manhunters with him. Trying to twist Hal's mind and make him into a Manhunter, he makes Hal relive his life as Parallax and brings the pain of those memories with it. But Hal doesn't take it and fries the cause of his problems with his ring. There is a nice fight with Henshaw and he manages to set the Green Lanterns loose, of course none remember who captured them in the first place and only remember what Hal did to them.

There is a nice comparison of Hank and Hal, how they both got their powers and both letting the demons take over them. Cyborg doesn't take any shit and sends the Highmasters after the Green Lanterns and by the end of the book there is a nice little surprise in the new Highmaster. Ohh yeah and there is a nice little re-appearance by Arisia, looking hot as ever and Boodikka looking like the Manhunters haven't been feeding her right!

Geoff Johns just knows how to make some great villains come back and respark my interest in them. This was another great issue and I really enjoyed the rematch. Although I didn't agree with the flashbacks 100%, I still enjoyed the memories Hal went through. As far as the art goes, nothing to complain about Reis delivers some solid action sequences and some great backgrounds. I really can't wait to see how this story wraps up. A-

Green Lantern Corps # 2 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Dave Gibbons
Artists: Patrick Gleason and Prentis Rollins

Last issue was great, this issue was... good? Nothing really exciting or shocking happened this issue, so it feels like regular story progression. This is weird because the Corps mini-series never had these slow issues, at least to me. The cool Rannian/Thanagarian pairing only makes half an appearance, as does Mogo, doing the same thing he did in Ion #3. Guy Gardner keeps mumbling about his shore leave, which was also done last issue. New rule for Guy Gardner, get a new joke gag every issue, because this got real old really fast this issue. Instead of OA, we get a "Green Lantern house", a satellite base/hangout for GL's based or passing through the sectors. Not as cool as the Oa scene in number one.

Most of the plot deals with some intergalactic politics, that does not really make us excited. Leave the politicking for Checkmate. In Green Lantern Corps I want to see them stopping conflicts and kicking ass, not as detectives, like they act in this issue. Patrick Gleason is still drawing strong, but a lot of the dark coloring in this issue ruins the art, I feel like I can't see what I'm reading, even under my lamp. Such a solid start, such a lackluster second issue, this gets a C-.

Superman # 654 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Kurt Busiek
Artists: Carlos Pacheco & Jesus Merino

Although this is a different storyline, this title still feels like a continuation of the 8-part crossover that just ended, and the next Action Comics will really feel like a continuation because it will be Kurt Busiek and Pete Woods! This is not a bad thing at all.

Whereas "Up Up and Away" showed Clark Kent the super-reporter from the 52 year (issue 10 shows Clark getting his butt in gear with his reporting) this issue spotlights Clark changing again. Now that he's Superman again, frankly, he can't be that good of a reporter. He has to, "reestablish Clark as erratic, prone to irregular absences," so that no one can think that Clark is Superman. I liked Clark kicking ass as a reporter, but as this issue shows, he just can't do that and be Superman at the same time. Clark uses his super-hearing and super-vision to keep tabs on his assignments as he fights as Superman. However, not even a Kryptonian has two separate brains and can do two things at once, as Clark cannot finish all the assignments by his deadline. Its kind of crushing, but these emotions are good because they establish Clark as a real person and not an "identity," keeping Clark in step with being human post-Infinite Crisis, while also being inspiring.

Superman is inspiring, he battles the baddies and then stays to make sure that people are alive, the damage is repaired, and is there as a reminder that there are people in the world who just want to help and ask nothing in return. The art really helps too. Carlos Pacheco, in Superman/Batman and the JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice had similar styles. Here in Superman, he is totally different. Superman, previously had looked a large, bulky 40-ish man. Here, Superman and Clark are a lean, mean, upper 20's-early 30's. Pacheco has changed his style dramatically, not just with Superman, but with everyone else he draws too. The other thing that makes this book is the colors. It is not the typical comic computer coloring, it looks painted, and it adds a depth of reality, because it makes the book look like it was pictures from a newspaper on newsprint. Fitting for a Superman book, since Clark is a reporter.

A sort of self-contained tale, there is no huge cliffhanger here. It is a good start for a run. I give it a super-sized B.

X-men # 188 Review

Author: Mike Carey
Penciler: Chris Bachalo
Inkers: Tim Townsend and Jaime Mendoza
Colors: Antonio Fabella

I think I figured out why this issue and Uncanny X-men 475 almost brought out the 15 year old fan boy in me. It's those damn faces on the cover; right under the Marvel logo. Man how long have they been gone? That's what it is.
Now, a couple of months ago you might have read my rant about how ridiculous it is to have Mystique and Sabretooth on an X-team. After reading this issue have I changed my mind? ehh no.

I don't think Carey has an understanding of the characters, not that Milligan did, or for that matter anybody in years. Rogue seem to act different, her little accent is gone and Cyclops wants to make her leader. I understand its a set up issue, but Scott seems to be rushing into making a new team fairly quick. I almost lost it when Rogue had a Halle Berry/Storm line in this issue: What happens when you refract two force beams like the devil's own head lights through solid diamond? ummm the same thing that happens to everything else, really cornball dialogue at some points.

We have some major action happening in this issue with a little bit of a mystery involving the new cast that is chasing Sabretooth. Its a step up from Milligan's run but that's not really saying much. The X-men get blamed for an explosion in Nogales, Mexico and everyone is still a dick to Professor X.

Now to the art. I loved Chris Bachalo on Death: the High Cost of Living and Sandman, but man his art doesn't even look the same. It doesn't even look like his Generation X days art. He is very hard to follow at times from panel to panel and his characters hardly have any facial expressions. If you are loving Humberto Ramos' Wolverine, than this is something you should look into. Aside from the missing accents and out-of-characterazations (is that even a fucking word?) it's an improvement over the last issues, but its far from epic, we'll see how the rest of the issues pull me in. C+

Paul Jenkins' Sidekick # 1 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Spider-ben

Writer: Paul Jenkins
Artist: Chris Moreno

I’m sure that we have all imagined what it would be like to be a sidekick to a legendary super-hero. What kid didn’t want to be Robin and fight alongside Batman? But for Eddie Edison, being a sidekick isn’t exactly all fun and games. Eddie is a pizza delivery boy by day, but when the forces of evil awaken, Eddie becomes the costumed adventurer Superior Boy! So who exactly does Eddie work with? It’s got to be someone great right? Maybe he works with someone with Batman’s keen intellect or Captain America’s leadership and heroism? Wrong bunky, way wrong. Eddie works with Mister Excellent, super-hero idiot. Mr. E thinks he and his sidekick are the most amazing crime fighting duo of all time, but Eddie realizes his boss is an idiot. In fact, Mr. E is such an idiot he isn’t even aware of Eddie taking the time to plow his oh so hot wife, the beautiful Beverly.

As Eddie’s adventure continues, he realizes his boss is cheating him big time. Seems that Mr. E isn’t all that excellent after all, and has authorized a merchandising campaign featuring the titanic twosome on a plethora of items. What really pisses of Eddie is when he finds action figures of him as Superior Boy, and Mr. E doesn’t cut him in on hardly any profits.

Eddie is furious, and realizes he needs someone new to work with. Eddie decides to apply as a sidekick for Batman, Err, I mean, he applies as a sidekick to the dark and mysterious Night Judge as his new recruit NJ isn’t amused at all and Eddie leaves, realizing he has another idea.

Eddie’s next stop is applying as a sidekick to Brother Commando. When BC goes into his office, he flips out! Eddie doesn’t make things any better. Let’s just say Eddie comes off as a very cliché and hilarious black sidekick. BC isn’t very amused with him at first, but the pages are fantastic. There are lots of great humor moments in this part of the story.

Eddie isn’t finished though, as I said above, he decides he wants to apply for a partnership with Wonder Wom--, I mean, Justice Princess. JP is very out there. She thinks everything is fun and beautiful and she is basically this bubble gum over the top blonde bimbo super-heroine. But Eddie is desperate and wants to work with her. He really loves his new sidekick name, Pony. Just as Eddie thinks this was a big mistake, he is shocked to find that both Justice Princess and Brother Commando have decided to accept new sidekicks. Eddie realizes he messed up, big time. Now he has to be two sidekicks as once.

Thoughts/Comments:
SWEET! This has to be one of the funniest satirical look at comic book heroes and sidekicks I have ever seen. Watching Eddie vent his frustrations of being a sidekick to an idiot was hilarious, and when he applied as sidekicks for Justice Princess and Brother Commando I laughed so hard I almost spit beer on my comic book. (Remember kids, keep your book a safe distance away when drinking a cold one and reading something funny. I’ve been there.) The artist is perfect for this story, Chris Moreno really captured the humor and satire found throughout the book. I can’t wait to see where this mini series goes from here. Jenkins really nailed the first issue, I can’t wait for the rest of the ride! All in all, A+!

Double-Shot Review: The Death of Superman & World Without a Superman

This Review Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writers: Various
Artists: Various

In preparation for Superman Returns coming out, Steel becoming a central character in 52, and the recent death of Superboy in Infinite Crisis, I wanted to read The Return of Superman. In order to do this I needed to read the 2 Volumes that came before it. The Death of Superman and World Without a Superman.

These two volumes leave me unimpressed. For being so controversial at the time these stories lack the emotional impact that Infinite Crisis or Identity Crisis had. The Death of Superman is 7 issues of fighting. Doomsday escapes, blazes a path, and runs into the current (and crappy incarnation of the Justice League at that time) and then proceeds to battle Superman for 5 more issues. In these 5 issues, Superman has to save people and get Lois out of the way, but much of these 5 battle issues are the same thing.

Superman: "Can't let that monster get to Metropolis"
Doomsday:" ARRRRGHH!"
[They Fight]
Superman: "Can't let that monster get to Metropolis"
Doomsday:" ARRRRGHH!"

We get no explanation of what Doomsday is, where he is from, or what his powers are. We get a hint that he escapes from Cadmus Labs, but that is it. We know he's unstoppable b/c no one can stop him and they all say it, "He's unstoppable! AHHHHH!!!" Boring. At the end of the last issue in the trade, Superman Dies, and Doomsday appears dead. Superman's Dead? What? He was beaten to death? Can that actually happen to Superman? How did Doomsday die? Oh, Superman beat him to death too? How Original. And the trade ends right there, with Superman's Death. We get no real reactions from anyone but Lois Lane, because she is holding him. There was a complete lack of emotional resonance in this story because it ended so abruptly. D+ for The Death of Superman.

World Without a Superman is 9 issues long and has all of the emotional resonance that the previous trade was missing. Superman is dead and here we witness the immediate reactions and media coverage in Metropolis, his funeral, and how Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Captain Marvel, and some other heroes do good deeds in Metropolis on Christmas in Superman's stead. These first 4 issues are good, but the last 5 issues feel like filler. The last 5 issues deal with plots to steal Superman's body and clone him, while Supergirl (Matrix) and Lois try to recover it. The last issue is a dream sequence for Pa Kent where he tries to keep Superman from traveling into Heaven (or hell, its never fully explained). This trade ends with Superman's body missing, and multiple reports of Superman sightings.

Instead of the stealing of Superman's body and its recovery for 5 issues, I would have rather had more reactions from the characters, and maybe a larger funeral sequence. Superman's funeral only lasts for 7 intermittent pages in one issue. This should have been a lot longer, more detailed, making the reader feel like they are at the funeral, deepening the emotional impact of the story. The theft of Superman's body feels like DC shitting on Superman's memory, that we can't even see him rest in peace for even a little while. I know DC crafted this story with the intention of bringing Superman back, but the loss of Superman never feels that substantial to the reader, so ultimately his return might not feel as substantial when that is read. C- for World Without a Superman.

The Death of Superman is 7 issues and costs $9.99. World Without a Superman is 9 issues but costs $7.50. What the heck? Less costs more, and more costs less? The prices should flip-flop, or they should package both storylines in one trade and call it something else for $15. That would make the story better. If you read the two trades back to back like I did, you still feel like you are reading two separate stories, instead of one continuous one, as it is written. Even with Superman dead, I'm still uninspired. Batman was wrong. I hope The Return of Superman is better than these two trades.

Batman: Dark Detective review

This Review Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Steve Englehart
Artists: Marshall Rogers & Terry Austin

The Batman creative team from the 70's reunites to tell another Batman story. Yeah, I had never heard of them either, but after reading the trade of this mini-series that only recently ended I wish I had. The Joker runs for Governor, and Batman must find a way to stop him, meanwhile Bruce's old flame, Silver St. Cloud returns to Gotham. Can the Batman stop the Joker while distracted by his old flame? And what role to Two-Face and the Scarecrow have in Joker's scheme?

It is not the best Batman story, but it is certainly a good one. If anyone read the Batman comics from the 70's and loved them, this book is for you. Or if you've never read any 70's Batman comics, and just want a good Batman story, this book is for you. Dark Detective is not really a detective story at all like "The Long Halloween", it does have some small detective elements to it. That is what Batman does right? The book centers around the Joker's plot, and Silver St. Cloud. I had no idea who Silver St. Cloud was, but that is not necessary to read this book. Englehart gives enough of a recap of previous Batman history at the same time writing Bruce and Silver's scenes so that thier past history is evident in the dialougue and art. I really liked Silver as a character from her appearances in this book. She seems like a strong, well-rounded woman, and not the damsel in distress that comic book women sometimes are. Englehart uses Silver to explore Batman's triple-identity (Public Bruce, Batman, and Bruce in the Batcave) and delves into Bruces' psyche. This exploration uses the Scarecrow's fear gas as a way into Bruce's mind, and we see that Bruce has overcome so much fear that he is not affected by the gas at all. The gas makes Bruce face his fears, not run from them like it is supposed too. Some of these fears have to do with women and relationships, giving reason as to why Bruce has never had a longtime love interest, and that is best part of the story.

Englehart writes a really good Joker, he portrays him as both fearsome and funny, in a way the movies have never really done. Two-Face and Scarecrow are bit-players in this drama, Englehart uses them as plot-devices rather than real obstacles. The real obstacles here are the Joker and Silver St. Cloud.

The whole feel of the book is nostalgic, from the story's themes, to the art style, to the lettering, the book makes you feel like you really are reading Batman from the 70's. There are some current cultural references in the story so it doesn't feel as dated, but it will date the story in the long run. The art is classic comic-book art. Its not the hyper-detailed, or stylized art we currently know, nor the simplistic art from the Golden Age. Its job is to move the story along, add depth, and to convey emotions, all of which it does well. This book makes me want to go back and read some 70's Batman stories by this same team. B+

The Thing #8 Review

This Review Submitted by The Dude

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Kieron Dwyer
Colors: Laura Villari
Letters: Dave Lanphear

Once in awhile I read a comic that makes me smile, laugh, and overall
puts me in a better mood, this week that honor is gonna go to The Thing #8. Now from the cover of this issue, you have your doubts. Sure the cover looks like it might be a good story but, how many times have we been fooled by the cover cough Flash #66 cough. Ok so from the start you get what you expect it's a poker game, oh yes. Now I know what your thinking. This can't be that good. Oh but, it is. The first three panels on page one has the Constrictor just getting utterly defeated by Hercules in a poker game, pretty much the hilarity continues from there. A couple of flashbacks are interspersed throughout this issue to explain how we get to this Super-Hero poker tournament and one with Squirrel Girl that, well it's cute...yes I said cute, shut up.

The Thing series has lately become a favorite of mine, this issue probably being one of the better ones. Slott's writing is witty at times and towards the end of this issue even gets a little heart in there. The artwork feels like a throwback to the old old school marvel artists and Dwyer's style definitely flows well with the story. In the end is this comic going to be the end all be all of The Thing stories...um no. If your looking for something that is dramatic with an arc... this particular issue isn't gonna cut it, but if you want something that has NOTHING to do with Civil War and is just a funny feel-good read, pick up this book, believe me you'll enjoy it.

Rating A+

Omac # 1 Review

This Review Was Submitted by The Dude

Writer: Bruce Jones
Art: Renato Guedes

WHO IS ...THE LAST OMAC? Well apparently it's some druggie. There I saved you a couple of minutes. This first issue of OMAC falls flat. Bruce Jones is writing this and given his past writing on Vigilante and what utter crap he's turned Nightwing into, I should have been on guard a little. Ok short recap: OMAC is a druggie, OMAC takes over druggie's body and goes on a rampage seeking another Brother I in existence. The dialogue in the beginning is of some Brother I type entity speaking, needless to say it is boring, and serves only as page filler. The action sequences seem at best forced and well honestly I just couldn't give a crap about them. The rest of the book doesn't get much better, and the way it ended was...well it was a surprise ending where I wasn't surprised. I get the feeling that this story is just gonna be a three part story that gets stretched out to eight issues. Lastly I just have to say, Firestorm WTF man, WTF. Bruce man, we know OMACs are bad mama jamas you don't need almost a four page fight scene with Firestorm to prove this, I think the beginning where the OMAC sliced through some humans pretty much told us what we needed to know.

Ok so what in the heck did I like about this comic? The art. Guedes style is clean and yet somehow feels open. Detail varies throughout the panels and I wasn't real impressed by some of the facial expressions but, I liked that it was gritty yet in some ways bright and open. I think overall Guedes artstyle is not a great match for this title but, that it nevertheless has promise.

Given this is the first issue of the series I am gonna give Jones and Guedes the benefit of the doubt and read at least till the next issue.

Rating D+

Detective Comics # 821 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: J.H. Williams III

With Face the Face over, people are looking to Grant Morrison's run on Batman to get their next great Batman story, when really; they should be looking at Paul Dini on Detective Comics. The writer of the Batman Animated Series, Justice League, and Batman Beyond comes to comics to tackle, what else, the Batman. Paired with artist J.H. Williams III Dini has been quoted that his run on Detective Comics will feature short 1-2 issue arcs that will get Batman back to being the world's greatest detective. If this issue is any indication, Dini is off to a good start.

This stand-alone issue features Batman investigating criminals who pose as Gotham elite in order to rob the Gotham elite. To do this successfully, Batman must investigate as Bruce Wayne, using his business ties to further his mission as the Batman. Without saying more and giving away the comic, Dini has really crafted a good detective story. He sets up our mystery in the first 4 pages, explores the leads in the next 15, and gives us our resolution in the last couple of pages. The whole time we follow along with Batman, who narrates the story and illuminates his thought process for the reader. Hell, I felt like Batman reading this book. Dini has also included and embraced the Post Infinite Crisis changes to Batman. Batman talks with Jim Gordon, Robin, and Alfred reminding us of the relationships that Bruce has with each of them. Also noticeable is that this is our new touchy-feely Bruce in that he gives reasons for his answers and actually acts like a human being. Bully good for Paul Dini.

Also Bully good is the artist J.H. Williams III. I loved his artwork, not just for his drawings themselves, but the clever way he managed to panel the pages sequentially without using the usual panel boxes. They are here in the book, but his best pages are the action scenes and the unusual ones. When Bruce returns to the Batcave for the first time in this story, we see panels as spaces through the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave. On some pages, there are no distinct panels at all. Just a character in different views walking across a background. The coloring in the book also helps the art stand out. This book looks more like a pop-deco piece of art on some pages, rather than a good, dark, Batman story. It might as well be both. Although Morrison may be crafting some zany epic, look at the other large Bat-title for a better read. Well, at least till Morrison's book comes out anyway... B+

DC Direct Superman/Batman S2 Supergirl

I love DC Direct. Action figures from DC Direct are always held to a higher standard of quality than any other action figure manufacturer. Not only can I count on a high-quality likeness, but I can safely assume that the figure will be well-made, have crisp paint applications, and will be worth the $15 I paid for it.

So who dropped the fucking ball with Supergirl?

Supergirl, from the recent Michael Turner Superman/Batman set, is the worst DC Direct figure I have ever had the displeasure of purchasing.

First, the figure looks nothing like the advertisements, nor does it even look anything like the figure featured on the back of the packaging. That figure, while still overly Turnerized, featured some wonderful subtle detailing, particularly in the smile and shading on the hair. The version that I got looks like Beppo the Super Monkey with yellow dreadlocks. There is no beauty to this figure, only hollow, sunken cheeks, an incredible protruding jaw, a Cleopatra-style eye treatment, and a horrible claylike mass that’s supposed to be hair. For that matter, the figure I have in front of me doesn’t even have a molded navel! I understand that there are going to be some sacrifices between a hand-painted prototype and the final mass produced version; however, I’m astounded that those differences go all the way through the mold.

The additional paint jobs on the figure are just sloppy. Her belt has nearly two millimeters of slopped paint on both sides in some places, as do the yellow hems on her shirt. The stamped-on S symbol doesn’t match the yellow paint color. Even the solid blue of the outfit is uneven in places!

It’s a good thing that I don’t like the way this figure looks, since it cannot be displayed anyway. Supergirl’s lower legs are made out of an extremely bendable plastic – every morning since I unpacked the figure, I have come in to find it laying flat on the desk, while the boot pegged into the base is still standing, with a horribly stretched and misshapen ankle as the culprit.

I ordered this figure based on the promotional images. Had I seen it in a store before I placed my order, I would have saved my $15.

This is an amazing shame, since the is probably the only Kara Zor-El figure we’ll see for a long time, since the Mattel Supergirl is the Linda Danvers character, and she’s not selling particularly well (based on the pegs I see). It’s even more of a shame when you compare this figure to the Corrupted Supergirl from the same series, which is vastly superior, even though it seems to use some of the same molds.

So who dropped the ball? Why was such a pathetic figure allowed out the door?

Pictures to come soon!

Uncanny X-men # 475 Review

Author: Ed Brubaker
Penciler: Billy Tan
Inker: Danny Miki
Colors: Frank D'Armata

By looking at that cover the thirteen year old inside me wanted to get excited. This book has been hyped, since X-men: Deadly Genesis 2. It was going to be a revolutionary time for the X-men...when nothing will ever be the same. Just that cover alone screams out: Epic! But does this book really live up to the hype?

Well for starters, the Shiar storylines were some of my favorite times in X-men. They have a strong history together that goes back to the days of Phoenix and Professor X, being visited by a giant bug! Although this is a direct follow-up to Deadly Genesis, you really don't have to read it to understand what is going on in this issue. It's just Professor X, recruiting a new team of X-men to go to the Shiar Empire, with the purpose of talking Vulcan (Cyclops’ and Havok's crazy ass brother) out of destroying the Shiar.

The new team consists of Havok, Polaris, Marvel Girl, Nightcrawler, Professor X, and Warpath. They all serve their purpose on this new team, even Warpath, whom I thought at first was just there for cannon fodder. Warpath questions his value to the team and Xavier pretty much states that out of all his students, no one has hated him more than Warpath. Maybe Xavier forgot that Sabretooth was once under his care. They still a ship and off they go to meet their destinies light years away from earth!

Not a bad start, but this by no means blew me away. This is definitely not as strong as his issues of Captain America, Batman, or Daredevil, but its just the first part...so I will take that into consideration. It is however, a huge improvement over the last arc. Although I love Claremont and he will forever be the definitive X-men writer to me, it was time to get him on something else. His style of writing no longer fits with the editorial control over the books. Brubaker actually works with what he has....which means he is trying to un-fuck Polaris. This character has been Magneto's daughter, bad, good, bad, good, crazy, malice, crazy, Magneto's daughter again, sane, crazy, Magneto's daughter yet again, sane, crazy, crazy, semi-crazy, Pestilence, and now okay. He's got a lot on his plate with just her.

Hell, we even get Nightcrawler using a little German in there...that's what I'm talking about. I don't know if a 12 issue arc is such a great idea, we've been here before, but they never advertised it that way. I would rather not know how long a story is going to be and just let the writer go with the flow. Billy Tan's pencils have gotten stronger and his backgrounds are starting to look really solid. He still has problems with his facial expressions, but most of this book is going to be action so I think we will be fine. Like I said a nice start, but nothing that we haven't seen before. B

Action Comics # 840 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writers: Geoff Johns & Kurt Busiek
Artist: Pete Woods

A wrap up to last issue's stunning battle between Lex Luthor and Superman. Nothing spectacular in this issue, just more of the same outstanding character work from Johns and Busiek. Superman defeats Lex Luthor (yet again) and is thanked and applauded by his city while he helps out with the repairs and Clark still manages to turn in work at the Daily Planet. This storyarc has yet again melded the "super" and the "man" in Superman. Clark Kent has never felt as such a well developed character in recent years of Superman comics. (For Tomorrow anyone?). Lois is used as a loving supportive wife, and no longer a woman in peril. Jimmy is reestablished as Superman's pal, and Superman gets his old crystal fortress of solitude back.

Whereas the One Year Later Batman storyline brought Batman back to having feelings while repairing his relationships with characters, this Superman arc brought back the old status quo in Superman comics from the 60's - 70's. It’s what non-comic readers think a Superman comic is like, when they've only been exposed to the TV shows and movies. In a way, that is what Superman should be, that is why Superman has been so loved by audiences far and wide. It almost begs the question as to why comic readers and writers have spurned the Man of Steel's classic elements and asked for newer, more exciting, cutting edge stories. Put this storyarc up with Superman classics such as For All Seasons, the Death of Superman, and... Well, make it the third recent Superman classic. A feel-good conclusion for a feel-good Superman storyline, I give this issue a high-flying, heat vision burning, X-rayed A.

Batman # 654 Review

This Review Was Submitted by Knightwingbk

Writer: James Robinson
Artists: Don Kramer & Wayne Faucher

Four months and 8 issues later, James Robinson has completely redefined Batman from his pre-Infinite Crisis self. This Face the Face story arc