Green Arrow 64 - 67

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #64
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Scott McDaniel

The art on this series still bugs me but I must say I really enjoyed this issue. I love the dialogue between Brick and Green Arrow. It is well written. It turns out Star City is being overrun by drugs that turn people to crazy zombie-like creatures. Like a shot that gives people rabies. Pretty cool concept, not entirely original, but oh well.


Green Arrow (Volume 3) #65
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Scott McDaniel

Another good issue. I am glad to have Speedy back. I always liked her. And I loved the part with the political talk show. I imagine if you are a conservative you might not like this book but oh well, Ollie is a liberal, always has been. Conservative readers better get used to it. I look forward to seeing what happened in the missing year next issue.

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #66
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

Okay I don't know why, but the art is terrible this issue. The faces are drawn so weird and ugly. I mean take a good look at Mia when she first appears, that is not what Mia should look like. I did not like this art. I did like the plot though, Green Arrow bringing the best of the best to train him and his "family" is totally in character and I love it. When he returns to Star City, he will be a force to reckon with. I am not sure if this jives with what is going on in 52 with Green Arrow. I will have to see if it does. It should though, considering that you would think Winick would communicate with the writers of 52.

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #67
Written by Judd Winick
Art and cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

The art gets back to normal this issue, not quite as goofy. The story continues to impress me and you gotta love the ending. That little annoying assassin guy is great villain, Winick makes sure the reader really hates him. You can sympathize with Connor's concern over that guy training Ollie. It was also good to see Mia's HIV acknowledged in a positive manner. It was nice to see that she is doing okay.

The Flash 2 - 5

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #2
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo
Art by Ken Lashley

Okay I still say the whole Bart Allen equals the new flash seems too soon. I feel like Wally had a lot more stories to tell. At the same time, maybe it was time for Wally to move on, I am not sure. This issue was better than the last though. At least I could tell what is going on in this issue. It still feels, I don't know...unnatural to have a Flash series starring Bart Allen.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #3
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo
Art by Karl Kerscl

I liked the art in this issue a lot. Too bad it is only a guest artist. I already do not like the Griffin. Which probably means that Bilson and Demeo are creating a good villain. The romantic relationship between Valerie and Bart is another thing in this book that seems forced. Plus, how long ago could Valerie have been in high school that she would have been saved by Bart as Kid Flash. Bart was kid flash a year ago and was probably only Kid Flash for the most two years. It seems like that doesn't make sense timeline wise but I guess it is not that important, maybe I am just being a continuity cop.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #4
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and Cover by Ken Lashley

I am happy to say that I actually enjoyed this issue. Valerie and Bart don't seem quite as forced anymore and it was cool to find out that the souls of Wally, Barry, and Max now live within Bart. It puts a new spin on the concept of a "legacy" character. I even dug the art. What a turn around for this series.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #5
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and cover by Ken Lashley

This series has done a complete 180. I am loving it. The issue was a perfect blend of drama and super hero action. I am surprised to even say that I am starting to like Bart as the Flash. I don't think I have read any series that has turned around so quickly. I hope Bart rescues both Jay and Valerie, but I have the feeling that they are setting it up for Jay to either die or lose his powers. While I love Jay, I understand that it is time for him to move on. I think there should only be one Flash in the DCU for now.

Important News

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Firestorm 26 - 30

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #26
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Ingle

So "The Pupil" is a villain I like. He is creepy, yet I can identify with his search for knowledge. He is an interesting little psychopath. Now my question is, is Martin Stein really dead? It seems so at the end of this issue, but this is a comic book and that means death isn't always what it seems. Good issue, I would like to see what happens next.

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #27
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Ingle

This issue ends the search for Martin Stein story arc and of course he is not dead. But it also leaves us with lots of questions. Whos is this new guys that calls himself Firestorm? Is it Ronnie? I doubt that but it is possible. I was kind of sad to see Gehenna leave. I like her a lot, she is a fun character. She has the potential to go bad though.



Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #28
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Ingle

Oh, so the fake firestorm from last issue wasn't Ronnie, but another old Firestorm, Mikahl, the russian firestorm. The only way I know about his is from reading up on firestorm history and being a continuity buff, I am glad to see him in this issue. Another good issue, but the monster Firestorm faces seems just like a big rip-off of Chemo.

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #29
Written by Stuart Moore
Art by Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne
Cover by Brian Stelfreeze

Where do I know the name Hewitt from in this series? I can't seem to remember but I know his name was mentioned. Outside of the fact that those "dollies" are kind of boring villains, this was a good issue. I like how Moore blend's perfectly Jason's life as firestorm and his family life. Oh and it is good to see The Pionic Man again.

Firestorm: The Nuclear Man #30
Written by Stuart Moore
Cover by Brian Stelfreeze
Art by Jamal Igle, Steve Sadowski and Keith Champagne

This issue was probably the best in a while. We finally get some answers. Henry Hewitt is behind all of this, and he is now called the Human Reactor. Hewitt was the man who originally made Loraine into Firehawk. Anyways, I am glad to see Jason and Gehenna back together. I just can't get enough of her her and I hope she stays on this book for a long while to come. Also, the Pionic Man's reaction to Jason was just hilarious! Check this issue out to see what I mean.

Detective Comics 821 - 824

Detective Comics #821
Written by Paul Dini
Art by J.H. Williams III

This was a decent first issue for Paul Dini's run on 'Tec. He creates a new villain (one of his specialties) and explore the world of upper class Gotham City, something we rarely get a glimpse of. Good Issue, the only problem I have is the cover. Batman just looks odd.


Detective Comics #822
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Don Kramer

This single issue story just blew me away. Dini certainly knows how to write two things: mystery and Batman Villains. Seeing the Riddler in his classic get up made my smile with glee. I like the Riddler has (sort of) gone to the side of good and is working as a fame seeking detective, even though I know eventually he will be a villain again. The ending of this story is great, it proves once again that Batman is a better detective than anyone in Gotham, including the Riddler. Highly reccomended.

Detecive Comics #823
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Joe Benitez and Victor Llama
Cover by Simone Bianchi

Paul Dini is an amazing Batman writer. I hope DC keeps him on Detective forever, I don't think he will ever run out of stories to tell. I mean he wrote so many for Batman: The Animated Series and now this; he will never stop. This issue focuses on Poison Ivy and a sick obsession she has with feeding live people to carnivorous plants. It is just creepy, especially for someone like myself who owns a venus flytrap. Apparently while doing this, she fused the souls of these people with plant matter and created a new being called Harvest. While souls and such is kinda out there for a Batman story, I think I will let it slide because Dini is such a great storyteller. The art was just weird at points, not sure if I liked it or not.

Detective Comics #824
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher
Cover by Simone Bianchi

Dini keeps hitting them out of the park for me and is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers. His stories are intriguing and fun. The art her is great, as always when a comic is done by Don Kramer. Just like the Riddler, the Penguin says he is going straight and is reopening the Iceberg Lounge, although Batman does not trust him. I loved Bruce Wayne's date, it made me laugh, she reminded me of Paris Hilton or someone like that. Oh and seeing Lois Lane is always a plus. Another great issue!

Checkmate 3 - 7

Checkmate (Volume 2) #3
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Cliff Richards

This series continues to impress me. Rucka shows us that while in real life, international politics is crazy and dangerous, if you apply it to a world with superheroes and villains, things get a whole lor crazier. I love how politically different all the members of checkmate are. This is certainly not a team of best friends. I look forward to seeing what happens next and if China is really trying to hide the fact that Kobra stole their secrets on metahuman creation.

Checkmate (Volume 2) #4 Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Jesus Saiz

This storyline ends on a sad note. It looks like Alan Scott is being kicked out of Checkmate, for doing the right thing! This issue really showed the difference between Checkmate and the super heroes. Alan breaks the rules in order to save lives. Checkmate never breaks thier rules. It is sad but understandable why Alan had to leave. Now, I wonder who will be the new White King?


Checkmate (Volume 2) #5 Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Jesus Saiz

This is a stand alone story about some checkmate members competing to be the new bishop of the black queen. I did not pay much attention to that part of the story. That bored me. I did like the other parts of this issue. Fire is being blackmailed by the white queen for something. I wonder what this is? It looks like Mr. Terrific is going to be the new white king. That would be great, I think, It will make sure that someone in power will keep Checkmate from being too favorable to the US. Alan knew that Checkmate was a world organization and not an American one and Mr. Terrific shares that view. Unlike Amanda Waller...the big fat bitch.

Checkmate (Volume 2) #6 Written by Greg Rucka, Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir
Art and Cover by Jesús Saíz

This issue focuses more on the suicide squad than checkmate, and to be honest, the suicide squad is one of the few DCU teams I know very little about, other than the fact they are villains who act as heroes to get out of jail time. This time around, they are led by Mirror Master and are trying to steal Myanmar's metahuman power source. This issue was okay...nothing too excting unless you are a big suicide squad fan.

Checkmate (Volume 2) #7
Written by Greg Rucka, Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir
Art by Cliff Richards and Dan Green
Cover by Jesus Saiz

This was a little bit better than last issue, although wer still see very little of Checkmate. Rucka is really making sure that the readers hate Amanda Waller. I certainly am buying into it. I can not stand her. I felt bad for the little boy this issue, real bad. He is going to be so messed up when he grows up.

Catwoman 57 - 60

Catwoman (Volume 3) #57
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez

Ah...this is the Catwoman I know. She certainly kicks the Film Freak and Angle Man's ass this issue and the Catwoman I know wouldn't put up with the bullshit that they have put her through. As you can tell, I enjoyed this issue. The art is fantastic. The meeting between Holly and Alan Scott is classic and the cliffhanger ending is perfect because, let's face it, Zatanna does owe Selina.

Catwoman (Volume 3) #58
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez

This was a fun issue. We get to see how Zatanna does her little mind warps. I think this was a fine ending for now, but if too many comics include Zatanna altering minds of villains who find out secrets then it will get a little repetetive and cliche, but for this issue, it works. I was surprised when the cop put Black Mask's skull on the table while interrogating Holly, I have never seen a cop do that in any type of fiction. Crazy. Anyways, this was just another great Catwoman issue. No complaints here.

Catwoman (Volume 3) #59
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes

Once again Seliana is acting like the Catwoman I know and love with her plan to break into the East End Jail. If anyone could do that, it is Selina. The Film Freak is one crazy bastard, Pfeifer manages to make him both fun and scary. The cliffhanger made me smile and the art continues to impress. That blonde cop is also a real asshole and I love the mention of Commisioner Gordon and how the war against capes in Gotham are over. Great Issue.

Catwoman (Volume 3) #60
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez
Cover by Adam Hughes

Wow, I must say I am really enjoying seeing what the film freak does next. What a great character! And I actually know the last one, it's from Dr. Strangelove! I had to watch that it my film study class, it was pretty funny. And seeing Selina kick ass and get Holly out of Jail was fantastic. I feel bad for Slam though. His son has a kid with the love of his life. Selina really screwed Slam over in that respect.

Blue Beetle 5 - 7

Blue Beetle (Volume 6) #5
Written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers
Art by Ducan Rouleau

Now here is a series I just want to love. I really want to truly enjoy this, but because of the art I just can not. The art is terrible usually and then with this guest artist it even worse. It makes the story so confusing. Besides the art, the cover of this issue is misleading. The phantom stranger is in this for like two pages. Although, I do like the idea of metahuman gangsters, this issue just did not do it for me.

Blue Beetle (Volume 6) #6
Written by Keith Giffen and John Rogers
Art by Cynthia Martin and Kevin West

This issue is certainly a lot better than the last, we are getting a lot closer to finding out the mystery behind the scarab. The cover is gross but still cool. The art is a lot better this time around as well, although still not my cup of tea when it comes to art. This issue certainly makes you want to read the next issue.

Blue Beetle (Volume 6) #7
Written by John Rogers
Art by Cully Hamner

Well, this is more like it! Finally we get answers. Jaime flashbacks to what he went through with brother eye a year ago and now we understand why he was missing for a year. Apparently, the scarab was created by some alien race that feared the Green Lanterns. But then, of course, this opens up more questions. Why when Dan Garret found the scarab was it in ancient egypt? Why was it magical then? I can not wait for next issue when Jaime goes looking for those answers and some DCU history is explored. If you skip the last two issue, that would be fine, but definitely pick up this issue.

Birds of Prey 95 - 99

Birds of Prey #95
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Joe Prado

This issue marks the conclusion to the first one year later story arc and I must say I think it ended perfectly. Some may be dissapointed that the Birds did not actually take down prometheus, but let's face it, if they did it would be completely unrealistic. He is just too powerful for them to stop. I also think Sin will be a welcome addition to the supporting cast and seeing Dinah try to be a mother should be interesting. I like this issue.


Birds of Prey #96
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Paulo Sequeira

Okay this issue started off great, we finally see a Ted Kord memorial and some funny banter between the birds. But then, Black Alice shows up and I just get all confused. Why is Black Alice mad at the Birds of Prey? When did she go into Prison? Simone should really have explained this better. And the last scene is just shocking...but it can't be for real? Can it? Is Barbara Batgirl again?

Birds of Prey #97
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Paulo Sequeira

The Black Alice storyline concludes quite nicely. Black Alice gets her mom back and everything ends up dandy for her. Yet, I am worried about this whole Barbara Batgirl thing. Personally, I still am a little angry about what DC did to Cassandra Cain and bringing Barbara back as Batgirl would be just another slap in the face to Cassie fans. We will see where this goes.

Birds of Prey #98
Written by Gail Simone
Art by James Raiz and Robin Riggs
Cover by Jerry Ordway

Okay thanks god Barbara is not this new mysterious Batgirl. Instead it is some crazed teenaged metahuman who somehow knows Barbara, Dinah, and Helenas' real names. I wonder who this nutjob is? I love the cover of this issue and how it acts as homage to the cover where Barabara first debuted as Batgirl. I just am so happy that Barbara isn't Batgirl in this issue.

Birds of Prey #99
Written by Gail Simone
Art by James Raiz and Robin Riggs
Cover by Jerry Ordway

This was a surprisingly sad issue. Barbara shows the wannabe Batgirl why it is not good to just jump into becoming a superhero (aka the spoiler's death and Barabara's own handicapp) and the Black Canary, after 99 issues, decides to leave the team. Simone write a great moment between Dianah and the others as she says goodbye. After reading this issue, I got an overwhelming feeling that the Birds of Prey was entering its next era. While it is sad, I do believe that it is time for Dinah to move on. It looks like no only is she leaving the team but she is also retiring the Black Canary mantle. I doubt for good though. This was a great issue.

Batman 655 - 657

Batman #655
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and Cover by Andy Kubert

Grant Morrison begins what will hopefully be an excellent run this issue. He starts a story that may change Batman's world forever. The idea that Batman had a son with Talia has been around since the son of the demon graphic novel from years ago. DC never stated if it was continuity or not, but now it for sure is. Talia makes sure that Batman knows of his son by sending an army of man-bats after him. Very cool. The only problem I have with the plot is why wouldn't Talia mention this to Batman before? I hope they explain that. Besides that minor problem, I love this issue. The art is great. There are so many great moments inlcuding the "There goes my vacation" line by Batman and Commisioner Gordon going all joker crazy. I would also like to see what will come of the Joker after being shot point blank in the head.


Batman #656
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and Cover by Andy Kubert

The battle with the man-bats continues this issue and in the end, Talia leaves Batman with his son. I am starting to wonder if this is a good idea or not, is this truly Bruce's son? If it is, a lot of things are going to change for Batman. The art continues to impress and I could not wait for the next issue after reading this.

Batman #657
Written by Grant Morrison
Art and Cover by Andy Kubert

We finally get to meet the son of Batman this issue, and he is...well...a real bastard. I really hate this kid. He is just a total dickwad. He murders criminals, incapacitates Robin, and most of all treats Alfred like crap. On top of that, his name is Damien; the most evil name ever. This spoiled little brat steals Jason Todd's old Robin costume and decides he is going to be the new Robin. This is ironic considering how much Damien reminds me so much of Jason...and I think this was intentional. The art is great once again and this storyline is exciting and suspenceful. Morrison make sure Damien is unlikeable as he could be. Can't wait for next issue!

Aquaman 43 and 44

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #43
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Butch Guice

I am going to have to just come out and say that this is the best revitalization of a series I have seen in a long time. This series used to be so boring...month after month of blandness. Now, month after month it continues to intrigue me as we get closer and closer into this mystery. It is basically confirmed this issue by the ghost of Vulko that Garth (Tempest) and his family are not dead. I know that many fans of the character were worried about his death but luckily Busiek saved him. I think I really like Vulko after this issue, I never knew much about him before.

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #44
Written by Kurt Busiek
Art and Cover by Butch Guice

The mystery deepens (no pun intended) this issue when the Dweller in the Depths shows his true face to Mera. The reader does not get to see it but Mera looks very surprised at it. Is the dweller the old Aquaman? The dweller certainly seems very confused on who or what he is. Seeing the Ocean Master face the new Aquaman is pretty cool and we can also see through this how inexperienced yet brave the new Aquaman is. The Aurati are interesting creatures. I think I would like to see more of them as time goes on.

All-New Atom 2 - 4

All-New Atom #2
Written by Gail Simone
Art by John Byrne and Trevor Scott
Cover by Ariel Olivetti

Simone continues this fantastic series by further developing the supporting characters and the environment that the new Atom will have to work in. I am still not a big fan of the art but Simone's writing certainly makes up for that. I love how she inserts these quotes into the story (Although I do not understand them all) and how everything seems so mysterious. The cliffhanger is shocking and makes me wonder why this mystery man is giving this new redheaded kid an "atom belt". Is the mystery man Ray Palmer? The only thing I do not like is that the villains speak funny and I think that makes it confusing to read.

All-New Atom #3

Written by Gail Simone
Art by John Byrne and
Trevor Scott
Cover by Ariel Olivetti

This issue bring us an even creepier Ivy Town. The idea of a war between magic and science is interesting. Ivy Town is starting to reminding me of Sunnydale on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it seems to be attracting strange occurences. The cancer god is just gross and I hope he dies before this storyline ends and I have no idea what was going on with those pilgrims/amish people worshiping him. I do hope Panda is not killed by this new villain (Is he new or is he one of Ray's old villains) Dwarfstar. I like him. Dwarftstar also interests me as a villain.

All-New Atom #4
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Eddy Barrows and Trevor Scott
Cover by Ariel Olivetti

With John Byrne no longer an artist, the art on this series gets a whole lot better this issue. Also, we get a little more information on why Ivy Town has gone completely insane. Apparently, Ray Palmer screwed with the natural physics of the town on accident. There were also some great moments in this issue, including flashbacks to Ray's life and Ryan's trip down Giganta's esophagus. This series keeps getting better and better, I hope Simone stays on it for a long time to come.

Action Comics 840 - 843

Action Comics #840
Writeen by Geoff Johns and Kurt Busiek
Art by Pete Woods

This was a great ending to this fantastic storyline. The moments between Clark and Lois, Clark and Lex, and Clark and Jimmy were just fantastic. The ending with the reconstruction of the fortress of solitude game me goosebumps. I find this storyline similarity to Superman Returns a little eerie but oh well, it was still fun.

Action Comics #841
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabien Nicieza
Art by Pete Woods

I hate to sound all fanboyish, but the plot of this story is just sooooooooo coool. The idea of alien robots stealing earth's building and artifacts just gets me excited. It sounds so lame but it Busiek and Nicieza pull it off perfectly. With the added backdrop of most of the world believing that Superman is a fake, this story is fantastic. I think I like it even better than the last storyline

Action Comics #842
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabien Nicieza
Art by Pete Woods

The cool story, "Back in Action" continues in this issue. I wouldn't say though that it is as strong as last issue. Most of this issue focuses on the bickering between captive superheroes and while that can be fun, I felt like I really wanted to learn more about this Auctioneer than them. This is only a minor complaint in what was essentially another strong issue. I have to add though that the covers for these issues are hilarious and amazing. I really love them.

Action Comics #843
Written by Kurt Busiek and Fabian Nicieza
Art by Pete Woods
Cover by Dave Gibbons

This storyline ends as great as it began. The Auctioneer is left open for another appearence while two things are left dangling for the next creative team to bring to fruitation. The first one that Superman finds out their is a third kryptonian on earth, that intrigues me the more than the other thing. This storyline was even better than Up, Up, and Away in my opinion and I must say I really enjoyed it. I hope we do get to see the Auctioneer again some day.

Back From The Dead

I have to say that I apologize that this blog has been in a coma for the last few months. I just haven't had time with work, school, and a new girlfriend. Things just got rudiculous. But now I am going to try my best to catch up with reviews and such.