Robotech Prelude To The Shadow Chronicles Review

Story: Tommy Yune
Script: Jason & John Waltrip
Art: Omar Dogan & Udon Studios

Some comics bring out the kid in me. Some remind me of the person I'm supposed to be. Some comics are just like going back home for a visit with old friends. I watched Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles a couple of years ago and I never got a chance to read the prelude comics that were released in 2005. Thank goodness Wildstorm decided to release the book this year and more are coming soon.

This book serves as a bridge in the gap between the ending of Robotech: The New Generation and Sentinels series (that never went past the pilot) with the Shadow Chronicles movie. So the story starts out with a blam; a gunshot Blam! Enter military police, Rick Hunter and Jean Grant when they kick down a door into an empty office with the goal of arresting General T.R. Edwards. Edwards has been discovered to be a traitor to the REF. What they find is the body of Lynn-Kyle, Minmei's cousin, dressed in the uniform of Edwards's own Ghost Squadron. It must mean that Minmei must be nearby or maybe Edwards must have kidnapped her. Rick alerts Admiral Lisa Hunter, in command of the SDF-3, of the development, and Lisa attempts to prevent Edwards from leaving, but the SDF-3 is unable to get a lock on his ship or his Ghost Squadron fighters. As Edwards escapes the Invid Regent's Supercarrier defolds nearby fires on the SDF-3 where Lisa in injured and it causes her to have a miscarriage. It takes a year for the REF to rebuild.

As Doctor Emil Lang and Janice, his android assistant investigate the shadow technology; Vince Grant leads a new heavy cruiser called the Tokugawa in an effort to take down Edwards and the Regent. Eventually Edwards turns on the Regent and destroys them along with Breetai in one shot from his ship. Eventually Rick Hunter takes a team in and rescues Minmei. When Janice pretending to be Minmei pushes Edwards into the Genesis pit, where he is mutated into a huge creature. Janice uses herself as a beacon for the newly built SDF-3 and when it fires Edwards is destroyed and Janice's new body can't contain all her old memories. Rick appoints Max and Miriya's daughter Maia as his Skull Squadron leader. It is here at Space Station Liberty where we meet Marcus Rush, Alex Romero, and Daryl Taylor. As new characters are introduced we also get some cameos by old characters before the missile test at the end goes wrong and we have to watch the Shadow Chronicles movie to find out what happens!

Right off the bat, these guys did something so right. It had most Robotech fans happy. They killed Lynn Kyle!!! I don't know how many times I wanted to strangle that douchebag in the original series. I don't even think they give an explanation as to why they did it, but really who cares? The three or four Kyle fans? Unfortunately, that is not the only question that gets unanswered. Why did Edwards kidnap Minmei? Why did he turn traitor to begin with? Why couldn't we focus more on the characters we loved and show what they have been doing since the end of the Macross Saga? Which I think was my main problem with the series. The series is a prequel and for someone who has never seen Robotech, it is really confusing. Hell, I've seen Robotech read most of the novels and watched Shadow Chronicles and I still find it a bit confusing. But it's not all bad. The story was a fun read and seeing old faces really made up for the unanswered questions.

One thing I always enjoyed about Robotech was the artwork and character designs by Haruhiko Mikimoto, Yoshitaka Amano or Tomori Kogawa. Unfortunately Dogan really doesn't live up to those names. I know, that is being completely unfair to the guy, but it's Robotech I expect some quality of artwork when reading about these characters. While, his artwork is fine for the most part like taking old character designs from Sentinels and giving them a modern look; I think the action sequences are complete lacklusters. There is just nothing exciting in the artwork. The sequential art while clean is very boring because of the layouts. I can't say anything bad about the colors though. They really make his artwork stand out. Sure it's a mixture of good and bad, but come on its Robotech! You know if you are fan-boy like me you are going to love every chance to see your favorite characters from the show no matter how crappy the stories or artwork gets. It's just in your blood! C+

As I opened the book for the first time my jaw literally dropped when I read dedicated to the memory of Carl Macek. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of his death. Sure there is so much controversy on Carl and what he did for the anime world in America, hell in Latin America too. But, it's not about that. The man saw something beautiful he wanted to show other people and it's because of him I became an anime fan. Robotech and Streamline were some of the first vhs tapes I bought with my own money. Thank you Carl. For introducing me to great stories with beautiful artwork and for making me a fan for life. To The Stars Carl!!!

Ex Machina HC vol. 2 Review

Author: Brian K. Vaughn
Pencils: Tony Harris & Chris Sprouse
Inks: Tom Feister
Colors: JD Metler

As a huge fan of Runaways, Y: The Last Man, and his run on Ultimate X-men, not to mention Lost; I'm surprised I never looked inside the pages of Ex Machina. I think it was always the fear that a political comic book has to be done a certain way or it would just turn me off. I'm not really sure why I didn't have any faith in Brian K. Vaughn, after all this is the guy that made me read about a pride of lions in Iraq! The hard cover edition covers issues 12 to 20 and the two part Life & Death specials that were done by Chris Sprouse. It includes the full script for issue 20 and a great introduction by the Wachowski brothers.

The story is of one Mitchell Hundred, who is like a mixture of Clark Kent and Green Lantern in away. He found himself able to command machines following a run-in with a glowing alien artifact. He used that power for a short while to fight crime as the world's first superhero. This gig didn't last long, because he thought the only way to change the world would be by running for Mayor of New York in 2001. But on the morning of September 11, He found himself once again playing superhero. Mitchell managed to save the second tower, which made him a superstar and helped get him into office. So yes, the story takes place in an alternate post 911 world.

This particular volume deals with an imposter of the Great Machine running around New York which was kind of lackluster compared to the previous arcs. There is a great story that helps make up for that story though, it's Mitchell serving Jury Duty. We also get to meet his mother and learn about the death of his father which sheds some new light on the background of our protagonist. However, the best part of this hardcover was definitely the second half. There is the story of Mitchell trying to support the rights of protesters of the Iraqi war while at the same time trying to keep them safe from terrorist themed attacks. The last story gives us a back story into Mitchell's nemesis. A villain that can communicate with animals like our protagonist does machines, I found that rather threatening.

While the stories in these books are about the political issues in the US and it's impact on the world, we still have to remember the main part of the story is about Mitchell and his struggles with notions of heroism and the subtle and not so subtle contradictions within any power structure. He desperately wants to be good, but he is in a position where being good is only determined by public opinion. As he tries to do what he thinks is right for the city, every action is called into question. His motives, his beliefs, his morals are all up for debate. Vaughn does such of good job playing devil's advocate that he has not only Mitchell wondering if he is doing right, but me as well. He also does a great job of playing with the balance between two conflicting goals: political freedom and physical security. While the story can be hard to follow at times it is still the most unique exploration of the concepts of hero and politician that I have read in years.

I always wondered how Tony Harris was going to top himself after his amazing run on Starman. But, he has really proven to be a big of a creative mind behind this book as Vaughn. His art is wonderful and very realistic, which vibes well with the story. It is very expressive, flowing, and dynamic. He really gets into the details of his characters and by this volume he is completely comfortable with all of them. Sprouse's art in away mimics Harris' style, but you can tell the differences with the way the characters sit around and the different panel angels he uses. This is not Y: The Last Man or Runaways, so if that's what you are looking for, you are going to be highly disappointed. However, if you are tired of the repetitiveness of comics and superheroes, then this will be a nice outlet for you. It's a great mix of Watchmen, Metropolis, Superman, Green Lantern, Iron Man, Dark Knight Returns, and Sleeper. Like I mentioned before, it does have a slow start and at times can drag a little, but when it picks up, it really picks up
B+

Green Lantern Corps #43 Review

Writer: Peter J. Tomasi
Penciller: Patrick Gleason
Inkers: Rebecca Buchman, Tom Nguyen & Gleason
Colors: Randy Mayor

The shit just got real! I'm not really sure why they decided to spoil such a twist in the plot with the cover, but maybe its so people that are buying Blackest Night can see what they are missing by not picking up Green Lantern Corps. Either way, it did soften the impact in the book when Guy became a Red Lantern.

Following up right after last month's issue; this issue shows Guy and Natu's reaction to Kyle's death. Natu attempts to bring him back and tries to keep his ring from flying back to Mogo while keeping the Black Lantern rings from taking over him. Guy completely looses it and let's his rage overtake him which leads him to become a red lantern. And Guy goes ape shit on every Black Lantern! Meanwhile Miri and Kryb find the children are now part of the Black Lanterns. Guy burst in and rips Kryb’s arm off and shoves it down her throat. Miri fuses Natu's love and Kyle's will to bring him back from the dead. Now all Kyle has to do is go get his friend back from the Red Lantern Corps!

Gleason's work is a little unbalanced and ranged between dull to stunning. Particularly the scene when Guy becomes a Red Lantern and when he tells Kryb to choke on it!! Those were so badass, but it seems like the rest of the issue seemed really rushed. Of course that could be the fact that there were three different inkers working on the book. I dug the shit out of this book. Sure, compare to Blackest Night it's an okay story, but for a book doing its own thing while featuring aspects of a huge crossover, it really has created an identity of it's own. Hell, I even enjoyed the cheesy resurrection, I bought it. It really worked in the book. B+

Batman: Cacophony # 1 Review

Author: Kevin Smith
Penciller: Walt Flanagan
Inker: Sandra Hope
Colors: Guy Major
Cover: Adam Kubert

Finally it's the return of one of the most of interesting characters from Green Arrow's list of villains. Ohh yeah and it's also the return of Kevin Smith to comics. Let's hope these three issues are already in the bag and ready to print. At first glance, I thought it was Kelly Jones that drew that cover, so I was a little surprised to see Adam Kubert's name attached to it. I say Onomatopoeia should have been on the cover of that first issue.

That's right! It's the return of Onomatopoeia and the very much demanded return of Maxie Zeus. Hellz yeah! Those three Maxie Zeus fans are going to shit their pants when they find out that guy is back! Deadshot is hired to kill the Joker for the murder of a kid, even though it turns out that Maxie Zeus was the one selling the "chuckles", but is stopped by Onomatopoeia, who helps the Joker escape and even hooks him up with some money. Batman has a confrontation with Zsasz and Onomatopoeia seems to want to start a gang war.

Not sure how I feel about this whole project. It seems that Kevin Smith can change his mind and come back and write comics any time he wants. He can also bring his friends who are a little artistically inclined along for the ride. I enjoyed the hell out of Green Arrow and Daredevil, but those Black Cat/Spiderman and Bullseye stories really showed that Smith could write some bad comics. This is somewhere in the middle. While I find the character of Ono really interesting, I'm with the Joker and that fucker gets to be annoying after a while. We really don't know what drives this character and what his purpose is. I know Smith created the character and no one has done anything with him since his appearance in GA, so I'm hoping we get some glimpses of his past.

It's really hard to swallow the idea of Arkham Asylum letting their front gate guards go because no one would want to break in. His Joker and Batman seem a bit off. Joker doesn't act as threatening as other interpretations of him, but the whole butt sex joke, just seemed out of place, even for the Joker. Batman's inner monologue just seems like a mix of several different people's take on the character. The Deadshot faking his death was pretty tight though. Hell, the whole confrontation between Joker and Deadshot was on point. The idea of the "Chuckles" drug is damn solid. Just when I thought Smith found his groove, something would pop back up to remind me not to get too used to it.

So, along for this comic book of a ride we get the Fanboy from the View Askew universe; Walter Flanagan as an artist. Who I do think is only doing this because his friend is writing it. I'm not saying that Flanagan is a bad artist; I just don't think he is the man for this project. Even though Sandra Hope's inks really clean up his artwork his artwork still seems too cartoony for a story like this. Particularly the scene where Zsasz kills that couple and tries to do the same with their kids. It just doesn't seem like his art is meant for a dark setting. Believe it or not after all those bad points I brought up, I can see fans of the Bat-Family really enjoying this book. As for me, I'll stick around for all three issues and hope to get some light on some things.
C+

Justice Society of America Kingdom Come Special Superman Review

Written & Illustrated: Alex Ross
Colors: Alex Sinclair
Letters: Rob Leigh
Alternate cover: Dale Eaglesham

That has to be one of the longest freaking titles for a book that I have ever reviewed. Sure I could have shortened it to JSA, but it's just so much better to say the full name. This is it folks the semi sequel to Kingdom Come running in the JSA pages finally gets its art duties by Alex Ross. I have to say that the covers might throw you off a little bit, because you won't find Kingdom Come Superman fighting Earth 1 Superman or Magog. What you will find is one damn fine story that really surprised me. Keep in mind this story takes place after the events in JSA 20.

Superman is reminded of Norman McCay, the man in his world that came to him with the revelation that Superman's world would end. With the help of Mr. Terrific and Cyclone he finds this world's version of Reverend McCay (who is mysteriously as old as his KC version). After a brief meeting with him he has a long overdue talk with this world's Lois Lane and explains to her in detail what happened to his Lois and eventually to his world. We find out that along with the death of his Lois, he also put the identity of Clark Kent in the ground.

The story may not seem that much, but I will tell you that it was an emotional reunion between old Superman and Lois Lane. The flashback of his Lois dying in his arms was some of the most touching panels I have read in comics. Just in one issue Ross explores KC Superman's doubts, fears, and great concern as he tries to prevent this world from sharing the same fate as his. It is a powerful story of loss and the search for one's purpose in a world he doesn't belong to.

What can I say about Ross' artwork that hasn't been said in every review you have ever read? It is drop dead gorgeous. I can't get over how beautiful these pages are. So much work and craftsmanship go to each panel. His pencils are just as powerful as his painted work and I would love to see him do more interior work than just covers. There are things that are still left unanswered, such as the age of McCay and how exactly did Superman's world end if we have already read the ending to Kingdom Come? Is it all being rewritten? Who knows, but I sure as hell hope to find out. A fantastic issue that leaves you craving for more and has you rooting that the KC Man of Steel is here for the long haul (even after the events that are to come in JSA 22) A

Superman New Krypton Special # 1 Review

Authors: Geoff Johns, James Robinson, Sterling Gates
Art: Gary Frank, Renato Guedes, Pete Woods
Inkers: Jon Sibal, Renato Magalhaes
Colors: Hi-Fi

I always hate when people say: If you aren't reading this book, you are missing out on a great story; If you aren't reading this book you are out of your fucking mind; If you aren't reading this book you are a fucking moron! So Instead of saying something similar I will just say if you aren't reading Superman comics you must be too busy reading a bunch of other shit that you should put down to make room in your hands for fucking Superman!

In the aftermath of the Brainiac story Superman faces two big changes in his life. One is the death of his father Jonathan Kent and the other is the fact that he no longer the last son of Krypton, but rather one of 100,000 plus Kryptonians living on Earth. Superman has choices to make in this first issue of a 9 part story. How will he deal with the fact that his father is dead and the man partially responsible is still alive? How is going to let over 100,000 Kryptonians run around on Earth (just in the few moments they've been here one of them killed an endangered whale)? Will he show more of his Kryptonian roots or the roots planted by his adopted father? Of course these Kryptonians are learning they too are gaining power because of the sun. Some of them are even calling this planet New Krypton. And how the hell is Lois going to react when she finds out her father is still alive and cooperating with Luthor.

The emotions that Superman goes through during and after his father's funeral was only magnified by the wonder that is Gary Frank. He's art makes this Superman come to life and while I know he didn't draw the whole issue he really stole the spotlight with those opening sequences. So much mixed emotion of rage and sadness is shown in these panels it's hard not to feel for Clark. Pete Woods and Renato Guedes do a fantastic job of telling their part of their tale and I can't wait to see what they do in their perspective series.

Damn, one of my new favorite writers and one of my all time favorite writers collaborating on a series that has brought new light to the character. Just when I thought they had told every Superman story possible Johns and Robinson show up to save the day. While we've had stories about Superman vs. the government, the way they come around it now seems really fresh. Like I mentioned before, they really make you feel for Clark and his loss in this issue; it even overshadows the reunion between Supergirl and her parents. You really don't have to be reading Action Comics or Superman to enjoy this story and this could be a good jumping on points for new readers. I wait for part two with a satisfied grin on my face. A

DC Universe: Last Will and Testament One Shot review

Author: Brad Meltzer
Penciler: Adam Kubert
Inkers: Joe Kubert & John Dell
Colors: Alex Sinclair

As many of you know, I really haven't been a fan of Meltzer's comics. While I think he is a great fan, unlike Johns that doesn't automatically make him a great comic writer as well. Sure I like my share of emotional focus on the characters and padded storylines, but it got repetitive every time I read a comic he wrote. If you've ever wondered what his next 12 issues of Justice League of America would have been like....well here you go!

The story kicks off with a monologue by Geo Force. He has finally achieved his power's height and is showing this to the reader by holding his fucking hand over a candle. This is how you show nothing can hurt a hero. After proving to his audience that he is ready to take on the man who killed his sister, he has a talk with Black Lightning. The rest of the heroes are acting like it's the last day on Earth and Black Canary is the only one with the balls to stand up and never give up. Members of the JSA and JLA are shown visiting their families or talking to friends and have just seemed to give up on fighting till the end. We finally get a fight at the end that was pretty dark for Geo Force, but he finally gets his revenge on a story that happened over 20 years ago.

I'm not sure why all the heroes seem to be depressed instead of leading a counter attack against this dark force. What exactly is going on out there anyway? Meltzer never really makes it clear why this Crisis is worse than the previous ones. Do we need Earth Superman to come in and show these cats that real heroes never give up? There is a moment in the comic where Tim seems to be jealous of the bond that Bruce and Dick have and we learn that Diana knows nothing of love. The main focus of the story is really Geo Force and his final quenching of revenge. I have to say that was a pretty intense battle with Deathstroke and it seems that Geo Force finally overcame his family's destiny and managed to take down the Terminator. I have always loved seeing those C-list characters shine like this. It's apparent that Meltzer did too and now that the story line is over, it's clear that Geo-Force would serve no purpose in the JLA if this had been the next 12 issues of Meltzer's run on the book.

It's so great seeing Adam and his dad work together. I'm sure drawing those Batman, Robin, and Nightwing pages really made them feel good they are doing what they really love. The art was great and it really intensified the fight between Geo and Deathstroke. I really wish the guy could do a monthly book, but who knows maybe projects like this is what he is made for. This actually feels like a tie-in that really does what that word means; ties in directly to the events of the main book. It's hard to tell you to buy this book, because it's not really necessary and a price point of a gallon of gas doesn't help it. C+

Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds # 1 Review

Author: Geoff Johns
Pencils: George Perez
Inks: Scott Koblish
Colors: Hi-Fi

I'll be the first to admit that Legion of Superheroes has been a comic I have avoided like an STD. Well successfully avoided, but they do make shots....errr anyway. It seems that every time the Legion had a reboot I tried it out and couldn't get into it. Because Dan and Nick told me Waid's Legion was good I tried it out and ended up enjoying it. Went back and read the Legionnaires and some of Paul Levitz' run in the 80's. I guess what I'm trying to say is; you don't really have to know squat about the Legion to enjoy this book. You don't have to know anything about Final Crisis to get your money's worth either, because I have no fucking clue what it has to do with Final Crisis. At least Libra appeared in Rogues' Revenge and Revelations. But you know what? I'm not going to turn down a good story for that reason.

This is a follow-up to the Sinestro Corp and Legion story in Action Comics. All you need to know is Superboy/man Prime = bad and there is a nice recap of the Action Comics story in the court scene. The Time Trapper yanks Superboy/man Prime out the Countdown timeline and sends him to the future to destroy the Legion. He ends up going to a Superman museum in Smallville and is disgusted to find out a statue of him was never put up next to Superman's villains. He ends up destroying everything and heads for Takron-Galtos to free the Legion of Supervillains so they can help destroy the Legion. The United Planets wants to disband the Legion and kick out Earth from the federation (it's like watching Star Trek sometimes). R.J. Brande shows up to take up for the Legion, but he is shot by his old rival Leland McCauley. When a burning S is left in the remains of Tarkron- Galtos the Legion decide to stay together. There are missing Legionnaires or some who are out of commission, so the Legion looks for help elsewhere. When I mean elsewhere, I mean through fucking time and space. They yank Superman from our time and are willing to take the post Zero hour Legion and Mark Waid's Legion as recruits against this fight that is to come.

I loved this issue and coming from someone who really doesn't know that much about the Legion of Superheroes it says alot that the writer could still make things interesting. There are some things that I was a little lost on; for example when Superman says "I've met them both. We all did." I'm not sure who the we in that sentence is supposed to be. I have to say that Superman has more believe in the good in people than I do. Superboy Prime has destroyed a fucking planet and killed a handful of superheroes, but he still thinks that the solution is to redeem Prime. I guess that is why he has inspired people all the way into the 31st century.

What can I say about George Perez that I already haven't? The man is a penciling god! There is a reason why they hire someone of his caliber to draw a book with so many characters. His facial expressions are some of the best. I really got the sense of despair when the Legion where looking elsewhere for help. A great start to what I'm sure is going to be an epic battle and I can't wait for the outcome. A

Final Crisis: Revalations # 1 Review

Author: Greg Rucka
Penciller: Philip Tan
Inkers: Jonathan Clapion & Jeff De Los Santos
Colors: Ian Hannin

About a month ago I borrowed Batman Gotham Knight from Spider-ben right before we went to see the Dark Knight. As I was watching the segment with Crispus Allen I started thinking to myself...you know I really miss those Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka Gotham Central comics and I where the hell is Crispus now? He was such a great detective; why isn't anybody using him. Ohh Wait...I totally forgot he became the new Spectre, so there went my wishful thinking about another Detective Crispus Allen story.

The Spectre is sent to take Dr. Light out for committing murders and rape (damn, the editors really loved that Identity Crisis take on poor Artie). It seems like Doc Light was about to get it on with three chicks dressed up as Donna Troy, Raven, and Starfire, hey nothing wrong with a little role-playing...well unless it's against their wills. The Spectre literally incinerates Dr. Light, but his power proves to be useless on Libra. Rene Montoya does what she does best as the Question, digging into some new mystery. A mystery that left me a little confused. As it turns out, the Spectre's next target is the new Question.

Sure it wasn't Gotham Central, but at moments it really read like an issue of that series. When Crispus goes and visits the site of the son that he was forced to take, that scene left me speechless with rage and pity. He is having a hard time quenching his thirst for justice and vengeance and the two seem to be crossing paths. Damn, when Doctor Light fries, he really fries. I guess that's what happens when Brad Meltzer makes a crappy c-list villain into a rapist and child killer. He turns into a giant candle....that really sucks balls. All this was brought to you by the talented Mr. Tan. Philip Tan has come a long way from his days on Spawn and Uncanny X-men. His pencils have really cleaned up and his sequential art really flows so much smoother now. It's really detailed and clear that makes his panels come to life. It was a great read that makes me want to know more now than ever; who is the man behind Libra's mask or is he really just the universe. A

Batman #677

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artists: Tony Daniel and Sandy Florea

Excuse me while I pick up my brain bits off the floor, as my mind was blown away with this issue.  For any that jumped on to R.I.P. with 676 and thought it was a little lackluster, go back and get this issue.  Morrison really moves things forward here, from the villains' plans to utterly cripple Batman and Bruce Wayne, Bruce's relationship with Jezebel Jet, and Batman's sanity itself.  The issue opens with Batman trying to dig up the Black Glove, going nuts on some hoods in the sewer.  We then see the Club of Villains, who are mostly new to the Bat-Universe, but have appeared in Morrison's run or have been referenced previously.  The guy in the Lucha Libre mask is from the 3 issue arc Morrison did with J.H. Williams a while back, Scorpiana was referenced in that same arc (she's in the silvery outfit).  And apparently Dr.  Hurt was in the isolation arc with the Devil Batman that Tony Daniel just wrapped up prior to this.  I need to go back and reread all those issues.   Morrison has definately been laying some plans since he came on the book, and this is not very new reader friendly, but it could be, because a lot of these villains had little to do with the previous arcs in Batman.  Meanwhile, Commisioner Gordon is arguing with the mayor (I think) about some secrets about Bruce Wayne's parents coming out in the press.  And these are damning secrets and allegations, as well as a huge one about Thomas Wayne, if it is true.  At the same time, Bruce's new love interest is questioning Bruce's sanity, and if she wants to be a part of this life.  And it all falls apart in the few pages.  Morrison is definately deconstructing Batman, on all levels. 

On the art side, I think Tony Daniel has finally arrived, with this issue.  Some of his stuff on previous issues looked a little stiff and wierd, but I think he's finally gotten into his groove with this issue. If you're not reading Batman right now, you should be, so go get 676 and this issue at the very least, you might be a little confused, but you'll enjoy the ride.  ZURR EN ARRH!  A+