Love at First Fight!...LOL

Supergirl (Volume 5) #13
Written by Joe Kelly
Art by Ian Churchill and Norm Rapmund

Supergirl goes on a first date with Power Boy this issue. The cover blurb, Love at First Fight, made me laugh out loud it was so lame. But the issue itself wasn't lame. The villains were lame, at least artisitically, but we do not know much about them or where they came from. They seem to know a lot about Supergirl though. Supergirl screaming out that she loves Kal-El made me smile, it made me like her a little more and made her seem less of bitch with too much teen angst. She stays away from Superma not because she hates him, but because she loves him. If she stays around him, she is afraid her father's "programming" might kick in and she will kill him. The Power Boy and Supergirl relationship looks like it will go somewhere, which is better than her relationship with Boomerang which is going no where. I know Boomer is going to be jealous though. The only real problem with this issue is I was looking forward to learning Power Boy's origin and we don't really get it this issue. Hopefully it will be revealed sometimes soon.

Faked Accents

Batman #660
Written by John Ostrander
Art by Tom Mandrake

Mandrake knows how to draw Batman and how to draw him well. His art was fantastic this issue. The story is getting exciting as well. There is certainly a lot of action this issue and the mystery is pretty good. Johnny Kareoke was an interesting character and I loved how Batman figured out he was faking the accent so fast. Bruce is a smart one. Grotesk isn't that cool of a villain but I don't think he really is the story's main antagonist. The Russian Mob and the Yakuza are both the antagonists of this storyline. I wonder what is so special about this machine and why Wayne Franklin is so pissed off. I must say though that Wayne Franklin is a very confusing name in a Batman comic because Wayne just makes you think Bruce Wayne or Wayne Enterprises or something. I don't know maybe I was just tired while reading this and easily confused.

Meta-Organ Theft

JSA Classified #19
Written by Scott Beatty
Art by Rags Morales and Michael Bair

This was a pretty clever story. I never woud have though of metahuman organ theft but Beatty apparently did. It is always good to see original story ideas in comics since sometimes I think there are none. Beatty also makes good use of Dr. Midnight's powers, especially with the arm-wrestling part. Midnight knew exactly how to take the guy down because of his medical expertise. He is a true "doctor" superhero and I think I have a newfound respect for the character now that I have read this issue. Before I thought he was overused like Mr. Terrific but now I say he is underused, he had a lot of potential as a character and I hope Geoff Johns taps this in the main JSA book. I look forward to the next issue and like Dr. Midnight I did not guess that the Ultra-Humanite was behind it all.

How She Had A Kitten

Catwoman (Volume 3) #62
Written by Will Pfeifer
Art by David Lopez and Alvaro Lopez

Catwoman recounts how she ended up with the child of Sam Bradley this issue and I must say it was very heart-warming yet sad tale. I enjoyed it, even though I originally wished that Batman was really the father. I love Selina's comment when Holly says she thought Batman was the father, "Batman?Please." Selina can never get back together with Slam now, it would be completely rudiculous and really gross if she did, I mean it is her baby's grandfather. That is fine though, maybe she can focus on her relationship with a certain Bat-obsessed millionaire. Now, after this, is Holly still going to be Catwoman? I doubt it. Pfeifer has spent barely any time focusing on Holly so far and I doubt he wants to. Selina is just a much better character.

The (Modern) Debut of The Spirit

The Spirit #1
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art by Cooke

I have absolutely have no familiarity with the Character of The Spirit. I am a complete newbite and I have to say I am a fan of the character after reading this issue. My first introduction to The Spirit was on that History Channel documentary about comics from a few years back. He looked kinda interesting but nothing I would seek out. Now, I wanna read everything the character has ever been in. Cooke writes a wonderful little adventure for the Spirit and unlike most new series, he does not recap the Spirit's origin, which I don't mind at all. I suppose he will tell it eventually but it is not important right now. I think this series is supposed to slowly intergrate The Spirit into the DC Universe but I am not sure. I hope it does. The story is a lot of fun. I expected that The Spirit would be a dark and grim character like Batman but it turns out he has a sense of humor and a good one at that. His little comments to Ginger Coffee were very funny. I hope her character will make a return. Cooke manages to reintroduce The Spirit's Sidekick, Ebony White, without being racist. That is pretty incredible. The villain in this issue is pretty gross, his name is The Pill and I don't know if he is a new character or not. Great start to what looks like will be a great series, highly reccomended

Amazon Legality

Manhunter #26
Written by Mark Andreyko
Art by Javier Pina and Robin Riggs

I really hope this series makes it after Issue 30. Andreyko clearly has a love for the DCU and it shows in his writing. If Manhunter does end with Issue 30, DC should at least have Andreyko write another series, he is a wonderful writer who I could see on lots of other books. After reading this, I think he should take over as Wonder Woman writer after Jodi Picult's upcoming run. He knows how to write female heroes. This issue is actually pretty important, Wonder Woman has come to Kate, who she knows is Manhunter, for legal defense against the US government who are charging her for the murder of Maxwell Lord. I loved the moments between Manhunter and Wonder Woman and Manhunter basically being in awe of her. The only weakness is the Dylan character, I hate him. I absolutely hate him. He makes my skin crawl. I really wish he would leave this series but I don't see that happening since Andreyko created him. Anyways, I encourage everyone to pick up this issue. This series is great and it deserves to last.

The Spirit Reviews

Issues:

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6

Aquaman's First Meeting With King Shark

Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #46
Written by Kurt Busiek and Karl Kesel
Art by Phil Winslade and Butch Guice

This issue tells the tale of the Classic Aquaman's first meeting with King Shark. This issue is also a hell of a lot better than the boring last issue. While I like the new Aquaman, this issue really made me miss Orin a lot as the flashback shows how great of an Aquaman Orin was. Maybe he should be king of Atlantis again? (And yes I know Atlantis no longer exists as a nation anymore) The fight between Aquaman (the original one) and King Shark was good and well-written. The mystery is also pretty interesting. I love the girl with the jellyfish-like stinging hair. That was cool. The only problem I can see with this issue was the fact it really doesn't get us closer to the mystery of the new Aquaman or why Orin is now the Dweller of the Depths. I think Busiek should concentrate on answering those questions instead of writing flashbacks, but that is just my opinion. Definitely a good issue though.

Look Who's Talking

Superman Confidential #2
Written by Darwyn Cooke
Art and Cover by Tim Sale

This issue continues the look at Superman's first encounter with kryptonite. I have come to the conclusion that while I would not want Tim Sale on Action Comics or Superman, this is the perfect series for him to do if he had to do Superman. His art style bring that sort of retro touch that he series needs. Cooke's story, while not filled with action, is emotonally jarring as we see Superman deal with the fact that he is not completely invulnerable when he has to stop a volcanoe and almsot drowns in Lava. For some reason I always figured Superman could not survive in Lava but I guess he can now. Of course, this is only a foreshadowing of thing to come when he comes face to face with Kryptonite. The only thing I did not like about the script is the beginning where, if I am not mistaken, the kryptonite itself has a monolgue. Why is the kryptonite speaking? It is an inanimate object, is it not? That was just weird and award.

Batman Makes Everything Better

Green Arrow (Volume 3) #69
Written by Judd Winnick
Art and Cover by Scott McDaniel and Andy Owens

This was one of the more enjoyable issues of Green Arrow in a while. I guess I am biased considering I love Batman and this issue is guest starring Batman but oh well. Batman makes things better. Unlike this month's Robin, the surprise guest at the very end of this book was not ruined by a cover announcement. So already this book is better than Robin this month. Green Arrow and Speedy worked really well together this issue and they seemed like a true mentor/sidekick. It is always good to see the mentor/sidekick relationship these days because so often the sidekick or the mentor are solo. I hope Speedy stays around for a long time because she makes the perfect partner to Green Arrow. Green Arrow's statement of thank you to Batman when Speedy did not even notice he was there was great. A nice little testament to how well Green Arrow knows Batman. So yes, I really enjoyed this issue. I look forward to next month as well.

Reveal the Justice League Already!

Justice League of America #4
Written by Brad Meltzer
Art by Art by Ed Benes and Sandra Hope

Okay this issue was doomed just from the cover, Michael Turner's cover is horendous, probably one of the worst covers I have ever seen. J.G Jones's variant cover is much better and that is why it is displayed here. The inside of this comic book was no better. The plot is barley moved forward from what it was 4 issues ago. This must be the slowest moving comic. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are still in the cave! Also, why do they refer to eachother by their names all the time! I mean when they are alone its fine but not when they are in combat. And why does Green Lantern have trouble saying Roy Harper's codename like its his first day out as a superhero or something. The heroes call eachother by their codenames! I don't know, I really want to like this series but this issue was a big dissapointment. Reveal the Justice League already!

Very Very Boring

Robin #157
Written by Adam Beechen
Art by Frazer Irving

This issue was just boring. I mean, I really enjoy Beechen's writing on this title (besides the whole Cassandra Cain bullshit) but this was just blah. Nothing really happens in this issue. Robin makes a date with a girl and finds a cat who get attacked by a monster. I could see where something like that could work, but it doesn't work here. It is just boring, I finished the issue thinking what the heck happened here...it did not seem like anything occured in the entire issue. Lame effort by Adam Beechen and definitely decompressed. The cover announced Klarion is in the issue, but he doesn't appear till the final page! If DC really wanted to make it exciting, they shouldn't have announced it on the cover.The art, while not bad, is a little dissapointing compared to Freddie Williams's art on this title.

The Old Guys Are Back, And Better Than Ever

Justice Society of America #1
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Dale Eaglesham and Art Thibert

Yes, this series is as good as everyone has been saying. In fact, it was better than I expected. Geoff Johns knows how to write teams books. Especailly considering this and Teen Titans are the best teams books on the market right now...and he writes both. He manages to incorporate into the first issue of this new JSA series while at the same time leaving it accessable to new readers. That is what Geoff Johns does best, continuity without confusion. I ate up every moment of it. Cyclone and Starman are two new characters and I love them both already. Having a mentally unstable supehero like Starman on the team is great and the fact that he looks nothing like he acts makes it so much better. The old JSA series was great and this one looks like it will end up bring just as great if not better. Oh and the art is fantastic as well. Highly Reccomended.

Batman Begins, Oops I Mean Confidential

Batman Confidential #1
Written by Andy Diggle
Art and Cover by Whilce Portacio and Richard Friend

This is the start of a new series that will focus on the early days of Batman's career....and like many before me, all I have to say is.....haven't we seen this a million times? Isn't this what Legends of the Dark Knight is supposed to be about? Aren't like half the mini-series focued around Batman about his early days? I suppose you can make the arguement that Batman's early days have been changed a bit since Infinite Crisis but I mean...come on. Now ignoring all that, Andy Diggle's story is not bad. It wouldn't be the type of first I would choose to start off the book but it isn't a bad choice. This is the story of the first meeting between Bruce Wayne and Lex Luthor. I have always wondered about Wayne Enterprises and LexCorp and if they have any competition between eachother and this story shows that they do. This story bars plenty of Batman Begins which isn't necessarily bad but you don't want to make it seem like it is copying it, which Diggle kind of is. Lucious Fox is in the tech department here much like he was in Batman Begins and Bruce's banter with Fox is very similar to the film. But I guess since it was a great movie, there is no reason why elements of it shouldn't be brought to the comics. The art wasn't my cup of tea, they draw Bruce really weird in this. He looks deformed or something.

Loving the New Roster

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #41
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Paco Diaz and Ryan Benjamin

Teen Titans never fails to excite me. Every panel is just filled with comic goodness and this issue is no exception. I love the new line-up of the team (which is spotlighted by Tony Daniel's great cover). Wonder Girl and Robin...These two have to be on the Titans and for good reason. Cyborg....he is the heart and soul. Raven....Love the character. Miss Martian...Probably the best new character of this year. The Ravager.....I am really starting to like her. Kid Devil...Ditto. Jericho...Much better costume than his old one. The only thing wrong with this issue is I wish Tony Daniel would drawn it. But the guest artists were pretty good. I can't wait to see the new roster when they get more settled and become more of a team than they are now. Highly Reccomended.

Yay! Plastic Man!

Superman/Batman #30
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art and Cover by Ethan Van Sciver

Okay, I have no idea what is going on or why this alien thing is turning everyone bad, but because Plastic Man is in this issue, I freaking loved it! In case you do not know, Plastic Man is one of my favorite characters anytime Kyle Baker's lame ass isn't writing him. I don't get why Batman said that he doesn't trust Plas, because I thought in JLA Batman was one of Plas's biggest supporters. That would be my only complaint about this issue because Plas is in it! I can't get enough of Plastic Man! If only DC would have made the Plastic Man series without Kyler Baker's art and cartoonyness things would have been great. They should have had Joe Kelly write it or something. Anyways, I am not a big fan of the heroes go bad for this storyline thing so I wasn't excited when Superman all of a sudden went evil but you guessed it, yes, I didn't mind because it involves Plastic Man!

Nightwing: Buried Alive!

Nightwing #127
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Dan Jurgerns

First off, not sure why, but I really liked this cover and I really liked Jurgerns's art in this issue. Story-wise, the mystery behind the Raptor does not really interest nor does the Lexcorps stuff, but I do like the whole "Nightwing was supposed to die in the crisis" thing and that is the mystery I am most interested in. I suppose though that it ties into the Lexcorps stuff somehow. We'll see. Someone being buried alive and how they get out of it is fun and cool in any type of entertianment, whether it be Kill Bill or a comic book. The way that Nightwing gets out is even cooler. I loved it. Dick is a smart guy even though he seems to be losing it this issue. Although, if I was buried alive I think I might too. Decent issue.

GREAT Joker Story

Detective Comics #826
Written by Paul Dini
Art by Don Kramer and Wayne Faucher

I think I just read the best Joker story ever. It was just that good. Dini writes the Joker as the entertianing yet sick fuck that he should be. I expected this to be good because Dini wrote the Joker for Batman: The Animated Series and that is probably one of the best Jokers ever, but I did not expect this to be this good. It was a work of freaking art. I loved every moment. I loved how Robin was watchign the Joker do all these evil and horrific things and he could not do one thing about it. Now, I figure some will complain that Batman barely makes an appearence in this issue, but I don't think it really matters. Having Batman appear in this issue too much could have ruined it. I loved also how we get to read Robin's thoughts about how to get out of the situation, it really shows that Robin is a professional hero, he knows what he is doing and using the Marx Bros to trick the Joker was fan freaking tastic. The only complaint I would say is the flashback part of the story was a little jarring. It came out of nowhere and I was not sure if it was a flashback or not at first. Plus, it was hard to tell if Tim was talking to Dick Grayson or Bruce Wayne at first. Otherwise, perfect issue. If anyone wanted to read a good Joker story, I would give them this issue.

Decent Filler

Batman #659
Written by John Ostrander
Art by Tom Mandrake

This is the beginning of a little filler arc on this series while Grant Morrison takes a break. It is a decent issue that incorporates what seems like an interesting mystery but so far really nothing to write home about. In other words, it is clearly just filler. The idea of Batman fighting with a someone who kills bad guys is not a new one, not a new one at all. Neither is the idea of someone who uses fire as weapon. Both of these characteristics fit the new villain/vigilante Grotesk. Ostrander is a good writer though so I trust that he will turn this storyline into a little less cliche. The Leslie Thompkins clinic makes an appearence in this issue and it just reminds me of the horrific "War Crimes" storyline for a few years ago where the character of Leslie Thompkins was basically destroyed, in a way similar to the way DC destroyed Cassandra Cain. But even with all my complaints, this was a decent issue that won't bore or dissapoint anyone.

The Son of Zod

Action Comics #845
Written by Geoff Johns and Richard Donner
Art and Cover by Adam Kubert

I am not going to lie, I did not enjoy this on the first read. I felt like they were trying to replace Connor Kent and that is just not exceptable. But now, after reading it a few times, I realize that is not what it is about. Connor was never Clark's "son", I don't knw I guess I just changed my view on this. Kubert's art also took some getting used to and I think I really like it now, it fits this story wonderfully. Now, I am not a big Bizarro fan but it was interesting to see that he was locked up by Lex Luthor. I don't like the cover of this issue, it just doesn't grab me like a cover should. Clark and Lois naming the boy "Chris Kent" was a nice nod to Christopher Reeve that I really did not catch on the first read. The ending was surprising and I really didn't guess that Zod would be part of this.

Don't Fix Costumes That Aren't Broken

Outsiders (Volume 3) #43
Written by Judd Winick
Art by Ron Randall and Art Thibert

Okay my biggest complaint in this issue has to be Katana's new costume. Look at that thing, it's hideous. Why fix something that isn't broken? Katana's old costume was just fine. In fact, I rather miss it. Storywise though, this issue was full of comic goodness. O love the parts of a comic where the villain reveals his "master plan" and Sivana even calls it that in this issue. His plan makes sense but I am not sure if Winick had planned this all the way from the beginning of this series or not. He could have but it seems unlikely. The ending was cool too, I did not expect Sabbac to show up. Winick is like the kind of all thing Captain Marvel at DC lately, whether that is a good or bad thing is debatable, but I enjoyed seeing Sabbac and his reason for helping the Outsiders surprisingly made perfect sense. Next issue looks like a lot of fun, Red Hood will make an appearence in a "one year ago" flashback.

Justice Society of America Reviews

Issues:

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19

Batman Confidential Reviews

Issues:

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18
#19
#20
#21
#22

Unearthing The New Terra

Supergirl (Volume 5) #12
Written by Jimmy Palmioti and Justin Gray
Art by Amanda Connor

This was a great filler issue. Most filler issues do nothing to further the plot of a series and are completely unimportant. Palmioti and Gray manage to introduce their new character and also further along Supergirl's quest to find out her true purpose. I really felt for Supergirl in this issue. She has so much responsibility thrust upon her and she just wants to have fun. It kind of mirror the passage to adulthood that many teenagers go through. Nice stuff. Connor draws Supergirl less anorexic than her regular artists which is fantastic. Supergirl can have a good body without barfing after every meal and Amanda Connor proves that in this issue. The new character that I was talking about is the new Terra, who I actually liked a lot. She is the exact opposite of the original, this new Terra is a truly selfless hero. We rarely see that in superheros these days. I look forward to her mini-series.

Best Issue Of Series To Date

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #6
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and Cover by Ken Lashley

This series isn't as bad as everyone said it was, and this issue proves that. Wally's fate is finally acknoledged! This is the moment Flash fans have been waiting for. Was it satisfying? I guess, I mean it seemed kind of force when Wally and Jay basically give Bart their blessing but it works. It is kind of sad that Bilson and DeMeo are leaving this book so soon, at the same time I think they aren't the best writers this series could have. I am glad to see that Griffin finally defeated, but I am not all that intrested in Inertia either. Bring on the real Flash Rogues! I liked the stuff about how Keystone is so happy to have the Flash back. It add a positive touch to this book. Other than the ending, I guess it was a mediocre comic, but definitely the best issue of this series to date.

Lots of Interesting Questions

Green Lantern (Volume 4) #15
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert

Wow, this was a great issue. Sooo much stuff happening in a single issue, it was wonderful. Not to mention, the art was great as well. I am interested in a lot of thing in this issue. I am interested in finding out who the new star sapphire is going to be. I am interested in if Alan Scott has joined the Justice Leage. I am interested in what exactly the deal is with the Sinestro Corps. I am interested in finding out who the new Crimson Fox is. I am interested in finding out what is going to happen to "Cowgirl". I am interested in why the Guardians need the Cyborg-Superman and what the 52 is. So yes while this issue brought about many questions, it was fun and excting at the same time. This revitalized my belief that Geoff Johns is the greatest write of comics right now. I really enjoyed it. Although, I have to ask where is John Stewart? He should be in this book more often.

Problems with the Kobra

Checkmate (Volume 2) #8
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Jesus Siaz

I don't really know much about Kobra, maybe I should do some research on their history, but I really enjoyed the Kobra subplot of this issue. Probably even more than the Checkmate stuff. I still think Mr. Terrific should not be in this series since he is going to be in the new JSA series, and personally I feel like the character is completely overexposed lately. But i can live with it. Hmmm...what else is there to say about this issue? The art was great as usual, Siaz is definitely underrated. Anyways, this was a good issue, I look forward to seeing Checkmate infiltrate Kobra.